The Reflector Congratulations and many Blessing to Bishop and Rev. Jessica on 40 years of marriage!

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1 The Reflector Congratulations and many Blessing to Bishop and Rev. Jessica on 40 years of marriage! Pictured Above: Bishop and Rev. Jessica at their 40th wedding Anniversary Brunch. What an amazing milestone. Bishop and Rev Jessica have been married 40 years. What a blessing it is, to have a life partner and confidant that the Lord ordained specifically for you. In a world where it seems as though godly marriages have dissipated, it s good to know that the Lord has a model for many of us in the 1st district to follow. Through the good, the bad, the ups and downs, Rev Jessica and Bishop can say that the Lord has been faithful to them. From 1977 until the current, they have endured, prayed, cried, experienced loss, and gains, and they are still in love. The 1st District WMS officers, members and friends want to take the time out to extend our congratulations, and wish you many more years of life, health and happiness. 1

2 Greetings Everyone, Words from the Episcopal Supervisor Rev Dr. Jessica Ingram The Lord has said it is time for us to "move forward" and to experience " a new place in the work of missions." I have been in prayer about the focus of our next conference year and I have heard the voice of God. Therefore, we are required to "go" and tell more missionaries to be active participants in the work of the district. I am encouraging you to share the information. We have planned a very informative and inspirational planning meeting. As a leader in the district you should attend as much as possible. There are some new and different plans we will share. Additionally, I am asking you to touch base with all of your leaders and your officers. Also there are missionaries who have never attended a district WMS meeting. I am praying and expecting a record attendance at our meeting on Friday, June 16 th at 2:30 p.m. You can make it happen. Start praying now, and getting on the phone and calling your sisters. Looking Forward To A Great Time! Be Blessed, Rev. Jessica 2

3 Bless the Lord oh my soul and all that is within me, Bless His Holy name. Psalm 103:1. I bless and thank Him because through Him I am more than a conqueror. To Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram and Rev. Jessica Kendall Ingram, and to all district, conference, local officers and members of the Women s Missionary Society; I greet you with the love and joy of Jesus. I am blessed to share another year with you as the President of the 1st District Women s Missionary Society. 1 st District WMS President Patricia Nira Smith The articles in the June 2017 Planning Meeting Edition of the Reflector shows that each Conference Branch WMS. (Bermuda, New England, Western New York, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia) is doing the ministry of Jesus Christ in their churches, communities, and throughout the world. Each Conférence WMS has created unique outreach programs to assist God s people in need. I thank each Conference Branch President for all they do. I believe God is pleased with our missionaries, because they are helping the least, lost, and left behind. Our societies continue to extend themselves beyond their local churches and community efforts through Project Possible and Partners in Missions. The work of our YPDers is also included in this edition of the Reflector. The YPD Directors, officers, and members all are amazing! I salute each of them for being mission minded as they connect with other young people across the Connection of the AME Church their communities and churches. The work of the Commissions (Christian Social Action, Missionary Education and Interpretation, and Member and Recruitment) is also a part this edition of the Reflector. Their articles show working though the commission structure is an effective way to address many of the social, and spiritual concerns is the 1st Episcopal District. Last but not least I thank the editor of the Reflector, Sister Nicole Smith for putting together this communication for each of our meetings. Nicole, you do a great job! The WMS is blessed that you are a part of us. Bishop Ingram and Rev. Jessica, I am blessed and can t thank you enough because you give me the opportunity to serve the 1st District WMS as its President. I m glad God allowed me to touch shoulders with you. Be Blessed, Pres. Pat The First Episcopal District YPD attended the Connectional YPD Executive Board and Leadership Training and Institute (LTI) in 3

4 St. Louis, Missouri March 31-April 2, The theme was, This Means War, We Are Rising. The weekend was filled with built up excitement for a message from God, great leadership training and games. The weekend was highlighted with several events such as Opening Worship Service, E-Board Business Session I and II, Workshops and so much more. The LTI experience was blessed and unforgettable. Friday Morning the First District travel near and far, plane, train and cars to the Fifth Episcopal District to the Connectional YPD LTI at the Marriott Hotel in St. Louis, MO. First, we checked in our rooms and then got lunch at various restaurants in the area such as Sweetie s Pies which was feature on OWN. After we came back to the hotel we rested before worship service. Next, we attended the Opening Worship Service. Praise and worship was led by our very own Marcus Beckett and the Fifth Episcopal District YPD Choir. Next, Reverend Anton Elwood from Mt. Zion AME Church in Tallahassee, FL brought the word and what a great message it was. We next went into our Executive Board Business Session which was led by our connectional YPD President Bro. Chinelo Tyler. Each district one through thirteen and sixteen gave their report. The First Episcopal District Report was led by our YPD president Bro. Sean Lewis. Finally, the first part of the Executive Board Business Session ended and everyone went back to their room. Saturday morning, first we got up and had breakfast and we started our morning with our 2017 Monique Gonzales Services, we were proud to report from the First Episcopal District that we had no deaths. Next on our agenda was the second part of our Executive Board Business Session. We finished the district reports and the connectional officer reports. Then we went into our individual workshops and they were great. started our morning with our 2017 Monique Gonzales Services, we were proud to report from the First Episcopal District that we had no deaths. Next on the agenda was the second part of our Executive Board Business Session. We finished the district reports and the connectional officer reports. Then we went into our individual workshops and they were great. They talked about leadership then we went to another workshop on bridging the gap. Following the workshop, we had lunch. During lunch, we had the opportunity to meet the committee chairs including our very 4

5 own Brother Richard Norris III, Global Social Relation he did a great job. Next First District gathered together for one of the main events the War Zone Competition Games. The First District competed against several of the other districts playing different games. Later that evening, we went to the Recognition Dinner honoring our District s MVPs, OPDers, and our 8 years Directors. This year we celebrated Bro. Shaquan Nathaniel Taylor, New York Conference YPD President as our MVP. Next the board announced the winner of our connectional games and we re proud to say we came home with the First place trophy. Finally, the last event of the night was our Pajama Jam Lip Sync Battle. The first represented very well and it was also nice to see the other districts creativity and performance. Sunday morning was the Closing Worship Service and Holy Communion as well as Celebrating our 2017 Graduates. The Closing Worship Service was led by our Connectional YPD Worship Leader and Praise Team. The preached word was by Reverend Roger Richardson, Pastor of Christ Our Redeemer AME Church in St. Louis, MO. He had a great message that really touched and met the needs of the young people. We had Holy Communion led by Bishop Clement W. Fugh. After Communion, we honored our district graduates from high school or college. From the First, we honored two high school graduates, Sis. Jazlyn Crawford McBride and Bro. Richard Norris, III. Lastly, we end the worship service with our Missionary Benediction and the prepared for departure. LTI was a great leadership experience, especially on the connectional level. We talked about personal issues that the young people are dealing with as well as issues that they see in their local churches. We talked about bridging the gap between the YPD and other ministries in our churches. We also talked about how the young adults can prepare to transition out of the YPD and our very own Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, First Episcopal District Lay President help facilitate on the panel discussion. Bishop and Supervisor Fugh and The Fifth District did a wonderful job hosting LTI. 5

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8 The Magnificent New Jersey Conference Women s Missionary Society Annual Diamond Award Luncheon The Magnificent New Jersey Conference Women s Missionary Society celebrated its second Annual Diamond Award Luncheon on Saturday, May 6, 2017 at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey. The Award s luncheon is a time when we encourage and recognize those who are making a positive difference in our community and church through their time, actions and talents. Some well-known others not so but all committed, dedicated and faithful servants. This year we were pleased to honor forty-seven such persons. Our own Sister Patricia N. Smith, First District WMS President and Sister Wilma Robinson, NJC-WMS President presented the honorees with their Diamond Award. We were grateful to have in attendance for this great celebration Sister Wanda Ringgold, International YPD Director, and Sister Connie Smith, Philadelphia WMS President. Thanks to Sister Bernadette Guyton and Sister Carolyn Wade, luncheon Co-Chairpersons for a job well done. 8

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10 March 2017, Members of the Bertha Dickerson WMS of Byrd s AMEC, Clayton DE, [a local society in the DCBWMS], sent their first shipment of food supplies to Christ Lamb Ministries in Liberia, Africa. Generously they have sent rice, beans, and other needed items. In addition to rice and beans sent to Liberia, bibles have been collected and sent to Holy Calvary Church in Busia, Uganda. They continue to solicit prayers and support, as this is an ongoing effort. Sister Mary Williams currently serves as Local President and Reverend Dawn Christopher is the Pastor. 10

11 STILL STANDING... Youth of Historic Church Celebrate Platinum Pastoral Anniversary Words by Kent Olden BUFFALO, NY Founded in 1831, the historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church celebrates nearly 200 years of being a beacon of hope for those who feel they may have lost their way. Declared to be the oldest Black religious institution in the city of Buffalo, Historic Bethel prides itself on its impact on spiritually freeing the minds of the people in the community, and literally freeing the people of the community, as the church's original site was a station on the Underground Railroad. Bethel has truly shown itself to be dedicated to nurturing the nature of its congregants while never turning a blind eye to someone in need. With the arrival of a new pastor 20 years ago, the church's light certainly showed no signs of dimming. In 1997, Bethel welcomed its current pastor and first lady, Rev. Richard Allen and Sharon Stenhouse, with open arms as the church continued to live up to its humble mission of being a church without strangers. The Stenhouses maintained just that, especially when it came to uplifting the youth. "Rev. Stenhouse has always supported each and every endeavor that the Young People's Division (YPD) has brought to his attention," says Paula D. Young, Local YPD Director and longtime Bethel AME member. "They have afforded our youth the opportunity to attend conferences across the country and on the island of Bermuda, have supported them in their local, conference, district and connectional leadership positions and meetings, and so much more." What sticks out to the Bethel family, however, is the Stenhouses' dedication to the encouragement of the youths' education, which can be plainly seen by the success of local YPDers (as they are called) at such institutions as Pennsylvania State University, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Washington University, Howard University, Norfolk State University, Paul Quinn College, Morehouse College, Canisius College, and the New England Conservatory of Music. Thanks to that encouragement, these students have gone on to become doctoral candidates/recipients, physicians, nurse, accountants, engineers, journalists, state-federal officials, and Broadway performers. And now, as Bethel continues to celebrate its successes in the Buffalo community, the congregation turns the spotlight to the ones who have shown outstanding support over the last 20 years: Rev. Richard Allen and First Lady Sharon Stenhouse. On Sunday, April 30, 2017, the Young People's Division of the Historic Bethel AME Church will honor Rev. and First Lady Stenhouse as they host 20 Years & Still Standing, a celebration of platinum pastoring. "This is our thank you to Reverend and Mrs. Stenhouse," said Byron Evans, Bethel's 11 YPD President, and Brianna McIntyre, WNY Conference YPD President (also a member of Bethel). Echoing those sentiments is Immediate Past First District YPD President La'Mone Gibson: "They've done so much for us, and now it's our turn to do something for them.

12 The Missionaries and the Shine Class of the church gave out back packs full of school supplies to the area kids while free Haircuts and Hairdos were made available to help prepare the kids for their first day of school. The Missionaries also made and donated lap blankets for people who were receiving treatment at Davita Dialysis in Browns Mills. NJ. 12

13 New Jersey Conference YPD Annual Day On April 23, 2017, The New Jersey Conference held their YPD Annual Day. Setting the atmosphere for the day was our Praise & Worship team being lead by our Worship Director Mr. Jared Blackwell and the NJC YPD E-board. Worship Service began with the St. James Praise Team singing Lord You Are Good and Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, First Episcopal District Supervisor, preached the word. Her sermon title was, I Got Something to Tell You Will You Listen? Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, was able to capture the attention of the young people and bridge the gap between the young and the season saints through music and dance. We cut a few steps and sang a few songs before she went to work. Rev. Jessica mentioned two important elements in her sermon, actions speak louder than words, and adults stop driving young people away because they sin differently than you do. Rev. Jessica felt a mighty spirit in the worship service and invited all the young people in the New Jersey Conference to the altar. While singing Be Blessed, she prayed for us and the anointing of the Holy Spirt fell fresh on as and we shouted and gave thanks to all mighty God! Worship Service came to a close with the entire Conference singing the Missionary Benediction. Transitioning from Worship Service, everyone was directed to the following Action Stations and Youth Summit: God Made Me Who I Am Coloring Book, Cookless Creations, and Music in Motion (2-5), Paint-N-Chip, The Future Me, Saving Our Sons/All About The Squad, Developing Our Daughters/ Girls Power, Sign Language/I Am Who God Says I AM, and Spell Check Tournament (6-12), Social Scrub (12-17), and Meet the Future You(18-26). The business session was called to order by Conference President, Mr. Jamaal Gourdine. Highlights of the Conference work was presented by the president and Director Merritt. After the report we then moved onto elections. The following young people will serve as our Conference Officers: Ms. Nykeirah Jones, President Ms. Shae Lynn Ragin, 1st Vice President Ms. Trinity Meads, 2nd Vice President Ms. Kyra Mims, 3rd Vice. Ms. Ruth Ann Marsh, Recording Secretary Ms. Makayla Harden, Communication Secretary Mr. James Waugh, Financial Secretary Mr. Cyre Hooper, Parliamentarian Ms. Deshauna Valentine, Historiographer/Statistician Mr. Jared Blackwell, Worship Director We also want to thank other conference branches who came to support the New Jersey Conference YPD. Delaware, New York, Philadelphia, New England and Western New York Conference. A very special thank you to Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram for making our annual day unforgettable! 13

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15 Philadelphia Conference Branch Women s Missionary Society Tuesday May 30, 2017 President: Constance Smith On Saturday March 11,2017 The Philadelphia Conference Branch Women's Missionary Society under the Commission on Membership and Recruitment hosted "Bridging the Gap" Prayer Breakfast. The program featured the young adult missionaries while honoring some of the seasoned sisters in the conference for their work in missions. Recognition was also given to the young adult missionaries as well as missionaries that were in attendance for the first time. The speaker for the breakfast was the newly appointed Philadelphia Conference YPD Director Ms.Iyana Mapp; she spoke from the key scripture Psalm 133:1 " How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!" it was a message of both hope and encouragement. She reinforced the promises of God, that when we all share our gifts and talents for Jesus surely we will see His power and blessings manifest. It was a beautiful morning and the conference was especially blessed to have Mrs. Ashley Collier McBride First District WMS 3rd Vice President in attendance. Conference Branch President; Mrs. Constance Smith gave remarks at the end of the program and charged all missionaries to go higher in the work of Christian Missions. 15

16 On Saturday April 22nd, 2017, the Philadelphia Conference Branch YPD held its 20th Biennial Cotillion at First District Plaza. Close to 500 persons were in attendance. In attendance were Bishop Gregory G.M. Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District; Rev. Dr. Jessica Kendall Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor; Sis. Wanda T. Ringgold, Connectional YPD Director; Sis. Patricia Smith, District WMS President; Sis. Susan Butler, District YPD Director; Bro. Sean Lewis, District YPD President; former Connectional and District YPD officers; and former District and Conference YPD Directors and WMS Presidents. The Biennial Cotillion was created and introduced to the YPD by the late Sis. Fannie Sherrod, who had a vision to introduce young men and women into Christian society. Over the course of four months, the 2017 Cotillion participants would gather at Morris Brown A.M.E. Church for their workshops and rehearsals. Some of the workshops focused on Salvation, Etiquette, Hygiene, Self-identity, and Know your Church. The participants also were involved in a mission outreach Project at the Thurgood Marshall Elementary, where they donated school supplies and painted the school s hallways and bathrooms. On the night of the Cotillion, each Escort respective Escort and guardian accompanied their Debutante into the ballroom, while they waved goodbye to their younger selves and embraced a fresh step into Christian adult life. The Debutantes and Escorts danced together before breaking up into groups and doing their individual dances. The Rosebuds and Pages, a younger group created under the leadership of Sis. Wanda T. Ringgold, shared in a group dance. Towards the end of the evening, we saluted Sis. Fannie Sherrod, with a citation from the City Council and a video that displayed pictures and testimonies about the Cotillion. With the conference YPD celebrating the 20th biennial anniversary of the Cotillion, past participants were acknowledged and publicly recognized. In addition, to commemorate this occasion, two scholarship awards were given to high school graduates/college students who were past participants in the Cotillion. The recipients of this scholarship were Ayanah Reeder (Shrine Area) and Richard Norris III (South Area). Both recipients were awarded $ towards their academic futures. The night ended with the Debutantes and Escorts doing the Waltz with their guardians, a tradition of the Cotillion. The event was spectacular and it was great to see the young men and women of the YPD enjoy themselves, while also getting closer to God. 16

17 PHILADELPHIA CONFERENCE YPD ANNUAL DAY 2017 Submitted by Juell Britt, PCBYPD 3rd Vice President On May 27th, 2017, the Philadelphia Conference Branch Young People & Children s Division held their YPD Annual Day at Mount Tabor AME Church. The theme for this year s Annual Day was Jesus Is My based on Psalm 18: 2. This theme encouraged young people to fill in the blank as to what Jesus means to them. Approximately 250 people were in attendance. The young people received a powerful, moving message from Reverend Tawan Bailey, the pastor of Grimes A.M.E. Church. Rev. Bailey reference Revelation 3:14-18 and spoke on the topic of The Bad and Bougie Church. In this sermon, he talked about the popular Migos song, Bad and Bougie, and how those who older should not be set in their ways. Also, he mentioned that young people need to be heard, since they are dealing with severe issues in today s world. Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram, Episcopal Supervisor, then asked the District Executive Board speak to the adults about how they can help young people especially in these troubling times. After the worship service, we went into our respective workshops: Jesus Is My Creator (Arts & Craft for ages 2-6); Jesus Is My Way Maker (Career/Vision Boards for ages 7-9); and 17

18 Jesus Is My (Voicing Opinions from ages 10-12). Members of the Young People Auxiliary and Young Adults (ages 13-26) went to their workshop, Jesus Is My President, where they had a social justice discussion with Primary Candidate for Judge, Sis. Tonya Butler, of Reading, PA. After workshops, members of the Young People Auxiliary and Young Adults convened their Business Session and Elections. Each workshop tied into our theme, by allowing the YPDers to not only say what Jesus means to them; but it taught the YPDers about the wonders of Jesus Christ and what he continuously does for them. For our mission project, each area was asked to bring in a hygiene product and the YPDers packed over 100 kits to give out to the Eliza Shirley Shelter of the Salvation Army, which assists women and children. Overall, the Philadelphia Conference YPD Annual Day was a success and help emphasized how YPDers are continuing to Grow, Glow, and Go for Christ! Delaware Conference YPD Celebrating Our Annual Day March 18,

19 Worship Service Miss. Jazelyn Crawford McBride, Delaware Conference YPD President leading us into Worship Service. Workshops Mother Sunbeams Playing is hard Work: Presenter: Alison Taylor owner of Kidz Academy in Dagsboro Delaware Assistant: Mrs. Tarez Ridway: Teacher in Dover Assistants: Ms. Pamela Taylor and Mrs. Adrienne Roach: Teacher in Capitol School District (Who threw the ball when I wasn t looking?) 19

20 Allen Stars: Internet Safety Begins with you! Presenter: Mrs. LaSean Shelton: Teacher in Dover Delaware Young People s Auxiliary and Young Adult Division: Knowing (my rights) is only Half the Battle! Presenter: Ms. Tasha Stevens, Esquire. Law Firm: Fugqua, Willard, Stevens & Schab, P.A. of Georgetown, Delaware 20

21 Presentation of Mrs. Keena Spence, beloved Director from Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church Ellendale. 21

22 Honoring our Immediate Past President: Miss. Monica Johnson The Delaware Conference would like to thank all of our workshop presenters for their help on our Annual Day. A big Thank you to our Local and Area Directors for caring for the Delaware Youth; without your help I could not do this. Love and Blessing Sis Sabrena Taylor Delaware Conference YPD Director 22

23 New York Conference On March 31 - April 2, 2017, we attended the Connectional Leadership and Training Institute, also known as LTI. We had a delegation of 17 who attended this wonderful event. I'd like to share some of the comments of our first timers who attended: Reflections Connectional Leadership and Training Institute This is Nadia. My personal experience on the LTI trip was very exciting. The workshops I attended to were very informational and fun. I can't wait until the next one or any YPD function when I will be 13 and be able to do more things, and attend to more meetings etc. This trip affected my spiritually through the services, and physically through all the dancing and fun we also had at the pajama party. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for making all if it happen for all of us. Especially for all of the sites we have seen along the way such as going to Sweetie Pies, and seeing the Arch I believe that L.T.I. is something everyone should experience. I met Y.P.D.ERS from other districts, and went to workshops. This year's workshops were on not smoking and breaking down the gates of hell, while staying focused on our goal. I also got to see the Mississippi River because we were in St. Louis, Missouri. On the last night we had a pajama lip sync battle. Miles Hodnett My name is Toni McDonald of Allen Temple AME Church in Mount Vernon, New York. On March 31 through to April 1, I attended the Leadership Training Institute in St. Louis, Missouri where a unity with both the younger and older generation was formed. The experience was a different atmosphere that what I was use to, being that it was my first time going. The institute used the idea of using our voices as our weapon in declaring This Means War. This along with the workshops introduced the fact the there is always a way to solve a problem/addiction. This program is not just about the worldly problems being solved by regular people, but being resolved by the children of God. I do thank the AME Church for such opportunities like this and I hope to participate in the upcoming events, as well as meeting new faces. I loved LTI this year and really liked the workshops. The workshops this year were very relevant to what we as YPDers see in our churches. I feel that we could take the information we learned back to our local churches and it would help us as we grow and age out of the YPD. I also love meeting young people from other districts and hearing about what they are accomplishing! Nia Imani Going to LTI was a great experience. Not only did I get to meet people from different districts but I also got closer to the teens from the 1st district. It seemed 23

24 as if each district had different personalities as a whole group. Before LTI I didn t think I would have had so much fun since I m usually very shy around people, I don t really know. I am looking forward to going to LTI in Raven Matos From March 31st to April 2ND, I attended the Leadership Training Institute in St. Louis, Missouri. The experience was great as always with these YPD Retreats. As someone whom attended these for years and developed relationships with YPDers from other conferences it a great chance to reunite and break bread with them. Also, it s always a new opportunity to be able to develop new relationships since you will always meet someone new especially with YPDers from other districts. The opening and closing services were awesome with powerful preaching and the Saturday workshops were tremendous with engaging dialogue. The connectional E-Board did a great job in making the weekend fun in implementing W.A.R Games and the Pajama Jam. Lastly, thanks to Sis. Linda, we were able go to downtown St. Louis to see the Gateway Arch and the Mississippi River which is always important for us as young people to experience other cities in the country not named New York. In conclusion, the LTI is a wonderful experience and I recommend many more YPDers to join us next year! Uche Nwokelo From rainy days to sunny days, we experienced all of this at St. Louis, MO, home of the 5th district. The Leadership and Training Institute (LTI) had opened doors for any and every district whether you re from the 1st, 8th or 13th. Missouri isn t like New York but they do have some appealing places and foods such as the Sweetie Pies, the Arch and the beautiful view of the Mississippi River. Opening Service was lively and uplifting thanks to the 5th District Choir s powerful voices and songs of praise. Saturday was a day full of events, first we had the memorial service for YPDers who have passed away during the conference year. Even though I am happy to say nobody has died during this conference year, I give my condolences towards the districts who have. Later we had workshops that were based on our age groups, during that time the two speakers I had in my workshop gave us encouraging words to help us the youth move in the right direction. One workshop was by two people by Truth Initiative talking about preventing smoking for not only youth but for everyone to try and spread the word. The 2nd Workshop was from a Pastor that is very familiar from the YPD events and his topic was just about everything that is going on in the world and what can we do if we have faith in God. A few hours later we had a banquet where everyone from the 1st district came out in style! It was perfect timing because our very own YPD President Nathaniel Taylor was honored as MVP! Lastly followed by the banquet was the Pajama Party/Pajama Lip Sync Battle. At the Pajama Party, each district had many performances from old school to new school generation songs! They was even a time where a random guy from another jumped into our group and danced with us, he said We re all YPD we are a family no matter what district you re in. Whoever says YPD can t be fun they re missing out! Throughout this weekend LTI pushed me into another setting that was foreign to me but helped me Grow, 24

25 Glow, and Go for Christ even stronger. I thank everyone who helped me that weekend and I especially appreciate my 1st District Family for walking with me through this new experience. DeJuan Shattock The LTI weekend was an enlightening experience spiritually, and educationally. The words spoken to us spirituality prepared our hearts for service work. The workshop for the directors was needed in order for us to understand and discuss ways to attract and keep millennium worshippers in our churches. We were able to freely express our ideas share best practices with one another on how we can warmly invite people who were raised in the church to become part of the fellowship. Lastly, it is also an honor to expose our YPD'ers to the landmarks and popular sites of the areas we visit. We received pushback from the young people at the idea of taking a Tour of the "Arch." I explained that going to dine together at Sweetie Pies was just like visiting the Arch. Once we arrived they were amazed at the beautiful site and history. Explained to the them individually why it was important for the Conference Director, as well as all of the other directors to educated them. The YPDers enjoyed the experience as well as I did. I thank God for the opportunity to share the experience with the young people. Humbly submitted by, Darlene Jones-Hardwick, YPD Director, Bethel Freeport AME Church The Connectional YPD LTI was a wonderful experience. I was in awe of how the youth of our wonderful Twenty Districts could come together to receive learning and training, while worshipping the Lord. I especially liked the Pajama Jam with the Lip Sync Battle between the Districts. It was a weekend of fun, learning and awesome fellowship. Today Be Blessed, Be Strong, Be Beautiful, Be You... Melody Jackson, YPD Director, Macedonia AME Church My reflection of the LTI, the more I work with the Young People and Children Division, the more I am amazed at how much they continue to grow. It is truly a blessing to see how they handle themselves during the weekend and how well they work together. They take what they've learned in the workshops and put it to work immediately. Between the LTI and the YPD conference, I am proud to say that I am a part of this group of talented young people. Phil Hodnett, Beth Copiague AME Church, Parent and Associate WMS member 25

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