We Speak. Glover Re-Elected! Four More Years! COST: $1.00

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1 We Speak Volume 1 issue 2 July 30, 2013 Monday s News COST: $1.00 Glover Re-Elected! Four More Years! 3 3 R D B I E N N I A L S E S S I O N - S P E C I A L B I E N N I A L E D I T I O N Promises MADE Promises KEPT! Glover s Ten Point Plan to Move the Connectional Lay Organization FORWARD: 1. Accountability and Transparency 2. Teaching and Training 3. Increasing Visibility 4. Inclusive Communication 5. Preserving Legacy 6. Recruiting Young Adults 7. Self-Sustaining Global Outreach 9. Compassionate Leadership 10. Economic Empowerment

2 July 29, Catch The Fire Morning Worship Service Submitted by Cleveland Frazier, 7th Episcopal District Today was the first of three worship services. The worship leader for the Catch The Fire Morning Worship was our Connectional Chaplain - Joyce Bracey-Vaughan. This is her last biennial serving as Chaplain for the Connectional Lay Organization. Brother Eric Bruce, 3 rd District Chaplin, read the scripture taken from Psalm 100. Brother Daniel W. Johnson, II, a young man from the 6 th Episcopal District from Belvine AME Church rendered a solo. We were blessed with a Praise Dance selection from Sis. Judith Johnson and Sis. Phylicia Steward, members of Belvine AME Church in the 6 th Episcopal District. The speaker for the morning was Reverend Marcia Burns, who hails from the 12 th Episcopal District and is the Pastor of St. Andrew AME Church in Pine Bluff, AR. Her message was Feel The Fire taken from Acts 1:1-8. Some quotes from the sermon: She said the fire will bring others to Christ. The first century Christians had never felt the fire before but on the Day of Pentecost they did. Each of the apostles had reasons why they could not serve: one betrayed Jesus, one denied him, and some ran away when they should have stood. Page 2 NEWS LE TT ER TI T LE

3 33 rd Biennial Connectional Lay Organization Monday Business Session I Submitted Ethel M. Wooten, 11th Episcopal District The 33 rd Connectional Biennial Business Session I open with Connectional President Willie C. Glover, presiding. The seating of the delegates was followed with roll call of Connectional Officers and Committee members from Recording Secretary Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb. President Glover acknowledged that Young Adult Representative John Thomas sister passed. Bishop Mizer gave a prayer for the bereaved family. 1 st Vice President Tom Sutton presided over the Reports of the Committees starting with Registration of the delegates by Mr. Darwin Eldridge. The Rules Committee report was given by Brandon Livingston. President Glover stated that the rules would be governed by the Robert Rules of Order. Anita Rankin, event planner, greeted and welcomed the delegation and informed us that if we were in need of meeting rooms to let her know and she would follow protocol. 1 st Vice President Tom Sutton introduced Dr. Derek Anderson. The presentation opened with I ll Pray for You if You Pray for Me - then watch God change things, we can certainly depend on God to see you through. President Glover presented his second address to the delegation stating What a mighty God we serve, what a mighty connectional church and a mighty lay organization. As President Glover reflected on before and after his first election to the connectional office, he spoke on the changes that have occurred in our world and in our society. We need to make the paradigm shift so that others in the world can see our light shine with new dreams and inspirations as leaders, members and evangelism as the mandate for a strong God. We need to learn from all the districts to make one, to increase the emphasis on Going Green, to increase the membership to 1,000 members globally and not forget the shoulders that we stand on. His prayer is that the laity and clergy unite as one. The Lay Commission Chair, Bishop William Phillip DeVeaux, Sr., greeted the delegation and thanked us for our kindness. His prayer is that the laity and clergy will fulfill our obligations together and is excited to be a part of the Biennial. The Director of Lay Activities Edith Cartledge was introduced with the delegation singing Lord Plant My Feet on Higher Ground. She is looking to have partnership with both laity and clergy and stressed that we need to make disciples of others by being taught the word of God and the principles of Jesus Christ. The new theme was presented for next four years is LAITY FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Matthew 28:16-20 Gloria Bryd shared information on Morris Brown College and stated that Bishop Preston Warren Williams was moving forward with new plans. She then introduced her bishop who introduced the keynote speaker. The keynote speaker, the Honorable Georganna Sinkfield, delivered a jumping message for us to just Jump In especially when God calls us to do his work for those in poverty, sick and hurting, persons that cannot speak up for themselves and whatever the job is that we need to make a change.

4 After returning from lunch the agenda was adopted with changes for Wednesday business session-technology in the Church and Mr. J. Richardson and team for Thursday s business session. Johnny Tellis, Jr., Chair of the Credentials Committee presented the report for the election of officers. The committee reported the following for the districts seating of the delegates: The total voting strength was The Honorable Patricia Mayberry, Election Chair, informed the body that all the offices of the Connectional Lay Organization were open. After a brief demonstration of the use of keypads, the election proceeded with the new officers for The results of the election are as follows: Candidate Episcopal District Votes Calculated Voted Elected President Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell 2 nd 271 Dr. Paulette Coleman 13 th 139 Dr. Willie L. Glover 3 rd 595 First Vice President Mrs. Gloria Byrd 6 th 531 Mr. Thomas Sutton 5 th 495 Second Vice President Mr. Matikane Abednegoo Makiti 19 th Third Vice President Mrs. Starr L. Battle 2 nd 424 Mr. Alphonso Times 7 th 52 Mrs. Eileen S. Warner 11 th 546 Recording Secretary Mrs. Gloria Deveaux-Cobb 7 th 758 Mrs. Maria A. Wallace 2 nd 268 Assistant Recording Secretary Mrs. Doris Bell Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Ada Goff

5 Candidate Episcopal District Votes Calculated Voted Elected Financial Secretary Mr. Richard Bowden 9 th Treasurer Darwin K. Eldridge 13 th Chaplain Mrs. Alice Belden Director of Lay Activities Edith Bartley Cartledge 4 th Director of Public Relations Vickie E. Houston 10th 181 Walter C. Jeffers 1st 549 Amanda Johnson 13th 107 Robert T. Matthews, lll 6th 179 Historiographer Pamela F. Tilley 10 th Young Adult Representative Felecia E. Commodore The winners each gave a message of gratitude and informed the body that they are ready to go to work. The final report for the evening was our budget for given by Bert Ogden. After much discussion, the budget was approved and forwarded to the Commission on Finance. The new Lay Theme for is: LAITY FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION OF THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. Matthew 28:16-20 Page 5 W E S PEAK

6 Progressive Parliamentary Pointers By- Virginia Henderson Harris, RP Parliamentarian Connectional Lay Organization A Member in good standing must have paid his current dues. False Members in good standing are those whose rights as members of the assembly are not under suspension as a result of disciplinary actions or by operation of specific provisions in the bylaws. Thus, a member is considered to be in good standing even if their dues are in arrears. Please see RONR 11 th Edition (footnote) page 6. All books titled Robert s are okay to use. False There are a number of books that have Robert s Rules in their title. Most of these books are based on earlier editions of Robert s. The 11 th Edition of RONR was released in September 2011 and has 120 changes. Like the African Methodist Episcopal Church Discipline each new publication has been updated and reflects changes. During the 2011 release co-author Henry M. Roberts III announced, Organizations that have Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised as their Parliamentary Authority should begin using Roberts s Rules of Order 11 th Edition immediately as this is the most current Official Publication. Rulings are made by the Parliamentarian. False Questions of order and Parliamentary inquires are ruled upon by the Chair. The Parliamentarian during the meeting advises the president by offering an opinion on parliamentary procedures. Please see RONR 11 th Edition page 465 lines RONR- Robert s Rules of Order Newly Revised 11 th Edition Virginia Henderson Harris is a Registered Parliamentarian Certified by the National Association of Parliamentarians V OLU ME 1 ISS UE 2 Page 6

7 The Keynote Address The Honorable Georganna Sinkfield, Representative, Georgia General Assembly, Retired by Amanda Johnson, 13 th Episcopal District The Keynote Address was given by The Honorable Georganna Sinkfield, who spoke from a scriptural text of Mark 16:15 and Ephesians 4:11-13, with an empowered message entitled JUMP IN. We were all challenged to repeat JUMP IN, JUMP IN, I M READY TO JUMP IN!, knowing that grace has been given as Christ apportioned. Where we worship, size of the church, age of conversion; because we are called by One Father, One God, and One Baptism. Individually and collectively we must change, JUMP IN and demonstrate courage and challenge to those who we follow. According to Sinkfield, we must speak for those who can t speak for themselves, for those who are hungry, for those who are victim of predatory lending and just ordinary people. We must focus not only on what we perceive because a little becomes much in the Master s hands. Why JUMP IN? The ultimate reward is to see Jesus, wear the crown, put on the robe and tell the story. Don t lose any opportunities because there are needs everywhere. Will you be ready to Jump In? We need recommitment because unity just doesn t happen, we have to work at it and we have to focus on the ONE who provides for us. We have overlooked the trials and tribulations and looked for the victories. Are you ready to Jump In? The AME Church for the past two hundred plus years has Jumped In. Our leaders have Jumped In and together we must pray, talk, teach, and study to help others Jump In. Fight the good fight, Jump In, Hallelujah!! Page 7 NEWS LE TT ER TI T LE

8 Health Hints by Gwendolyn B. Williams, Chairperson Health Committee Gwendolyn B. Williams, Connectional Health Commission The First Aid Station is up and operational. The C. H. C. staff is being supplemented by Health Committee Volunteers from the Community, under the leadership of Dr. Cathy Harper - Hogan, M.D., Chairperson 6 th Episcopal District Biennial Health Committee, and Mr. Harvey Martin II R.N., Co-Chairperson 6 th E.D. Biennial Health Committee. Thank you delegates for being careful and attentive, taking your medications and following your normal health routines. The Health Committee is here to assist you in Room A 708 from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Have a safe and healthy Convention. HEALTH TIPS 1. Drink lots of Water 2. Wear Comfortable Shoes 3. Eat regular meals 4. Take your medication as ordered 5. Take health breaks Watch your steps on the escalator and elevators especially if you are wearing long dresses or open toed shoes V OLU ME 1 ISS UE 2 Page 8

9 A SWEET TASTE OF GEORGIA Welcome Reception by Joetta McCLain, 8 th Episcopal District, and Amanda Johnson, 13 th Episcopal District The Sixth Episcopal District had people standing outside the Ballroom doors waiting in anticipation to receive A Sweet Taste of Georgia from the Welcome Reception Hospitality Committee on Monday, July 29, Mrs. Janice Stewart, chair, welcomed everyone and Ms. Latrellis Dent provided greetings. The Host District President, Mrs. Gloria Byrd, also greeted everyone and acknowledged all the component head present. Ms. Veda Howard, Radio Personality on Atlanta s Inspiration station PRAISE and HAHAlujah! an online comedy video feature, engaged the crowd with comedy that had them bursting with laughter. The King on Strings entertainer, Ken Ford, performed his heart out with many wonderful jazz selections from his four CDs that are topping the music charts. They are Burnt Toast, Chevelle, Right Lane and his latest release, State of Mind, which is currently #3 on the Jazz Billboard. The Host Bishop, the Right Reverend Preston Warren Williams II, greeted and welcomed everyone to the City of Atlanta. At the end of the soothing and comforting night of sweet music, the floor was opened for participation and many attendees chose to hit the dance floor with the Electric Slide for some and the Wobble for others. We were all alive with fun and fellowship. Thank You Sixth District for such a wonderful evening; it gave us an opportunity to loosen up and relax with others in a Christian atmosphere. Who doesn t need such a perfect ending to a full day???? Photos by Cleveland Frazier, 7th Episcopal District V OLU ME 1 ISS UE 2 Page 9

10 33rd Biennial Session The Jesse L. Burns Black Tie Soiree Benefit for Wilberforce University Location: Imperial Ballroom Tuesday, July 30, :00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. Contribution: $ (Please See Mrs. Doris Bell, CLO Asst. Recording Secretary for Ticket Information) 33rd Session Captured Moments The Honorable Patricia Mayberry, Chairman of the Elections Committee