AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 117 TH SESSION

Transcription

1 AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 117 TH SESSION Intentional about Ministry-Generation to Generation A Social Justice and Liberating Faith Prayer, Praise, Proclamation and Prophetic Engagement Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church, Empowering His People September 27 September 30, 2016 The Rt. Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor The Reverend Hartford Lee, Presiding Elder, Daytona Beach District The Reverend Henry Postell II, Presiding Elder, North Orlando District The Reverend Valarie J. Walker, Presiding Elder, Orlando District The Reverend Nathan Mugala, Host Pastor Allen Chapel AME Church, Daytona Beach, Host Church Conference Minutes The Rev. Caroline D. Shine, M. Div, Chief Conference Secretary The Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, Conference Secretary 1

2 117 th Session of the Central Annual Conference Conference Minutes Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Devotion began at 8:25 a.m. Brother Bryan Loyd led with songs, prayer and Scripture. CONFERENCE INSTITUTE (8:36 A.M. 10:10 A.M.) PRESENTATION: IMPACT OF NEW LEGISLATION PRESENTER: Presiding Elder Vincent Mitchell, Presiding Elder of the Central District, South Conference and First Vice Chair, Revisions Committee, 50th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference. Presiding Elder Mitchell discussed the intent and rationale of the thirty-three (33) bills passed by the General Conference. All the bills are effective as of the date of passing the bill, unless so noted specifically by the bill. The official AME documents can be found at general-conference-highlights/ Click on file to open. Presiding Elder Mitchell presented Bishop Adam J. Richardson who answered questions from the floor pertaining to the bills. Bishop Richardson emphasized that the Book of the Doctrine and Discipline channels the way that we do business. READING OF THE PREVIOUS DAY S MINUTES (10:10 A.M. 10:50 A.M.) Bishop Richardson then called for the reading of the previous day s (Tuesday)minutes by the Conference Secretary. 2

3 APPROVAL THE PREVIOUS DAY S MINUTES Tuesday Morning Minutes-Organization [ portion of minutes up to 9:28 am] Moved/Seconded by Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr./Rev. Charles R. Jackson that this portion of the Opening Day s Minutes be adopted by the Conference with any necessary corrections. Having addressed all unreadiness, the motion carried. Bishop has asked that the Presiding Elders confer with each other to determine the appropriate members of the Trustee Board [corrections made to the minutes]. Tuesday Morning Minutes -PE Summaries and Stewardship Committee s Pastors Reports [portion of minutes up to 9:28 a.m. to 12:22 a.m.] Moved/Seconded by Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr./Rev. Ronald E. Williams that this portion of the Opening Day s Minutes with any necessary corrections. The motion carried. Tuesday Afternoon Board of Examiner s Report - 2:08 P.M. 3:05 P.M. Moved/Seconded by Rev. Willie N. Barnes, II/Rev. Octavius L. Smith to adopt this portion of the Opening Day s minutes with any necessary corrections. After all unreadiness had been addressed, the motion carried. Tuesday Afternoon Minutes Daytona Beach Pastoral Report[3:06 p.m. 4:23 pm] Moved/Seconded by Rev. Willie N. Barnes II/ Rev. Gloria J. Houser to adopt this portion of the Opening Day s Minutes with any necessary corrections. After all unreadiness had been addressed, the motion carried. Tuesday Evening Minutes Opening Worship (6:55 P.M. 9:37 P.M.) Moved/Seconded by Rev. John D. Williams, Sr./Rev. Arnold A. Porter to adopt this portion of the Opening Day s Minutes with any necessary corrections. The Motion carried. Bishop Richardson called for the reading to the Pastor Reports, North Orlando District Highlights (10:50 a.m. 12:04 p.m.) Church is Well, Glory to God Celebration of Virgil Hawkins, Civil Rights Leader 3

4 Food Pantry 1 st year, Strong Youth Challenge Restoration, Hosted District Conf. Prison and Work Release Ministry CDC-Affordable Homes, Daycare He s Home Good Year for the church Receives much help from the AME Churches 4

5 Supported Family Center Local community fellowships Thanks for the Support Thanks for the year, Mom is 86 years Anniversary 38 years of being cancer free Went back to work, Feed the hungry Supplied, fed those on Parramore Provided $1,000 Scholarship, Mentoring Elder Henry Postell announced that North Orlando District had a great year. The District gave three scholarships. It gave a $1,000 Y. B. Bruce Scholarship and two $500 scholarships. Three churches were provided assistance at each of its 5 th Sunday Fellowship Services. He thanked Sister Beverly Postell and the Pastors and members for their contributions and work. Bishop s Commendation to the North Orlando District Bishop Richardson asked all members of the North Orlando District to stand, and said that on behalf of entire AME Connection, we expressed our deepest gratitude for your sacrifices. We honor your fine work in making these wonderful reports. The best in Christ Jesus is yet to come. 5

6 The Rev. Terence R. Gary rose to give commendation to Presiding Elder Henry Postell and Sis. Beverly Postell for the leadership they bring to the District. He gave a passionate plea to Bishop for their return to the Orlando District. Bishop Richardson presented the Episcopal Accountant, Rev. Mark Griffin and his wife, Dr. Cynthia Griffin, Episcopal Ministers Spouse Alliance president to the Conference. Dr. Griffin is a Pharmacist and a Vice President of Florida Blue. Bishop Richardson adjourned the morning session at 12:04 p.m. to prepare for the Ecumenical Service, followed by the Ministers Spouses Alliance Luncheon. 117 th Session of the Central Annual Conference Conference Minutes Wednesday, September 28, 2016 Ecumenical Worship Service 12:17 P.M. The gathering was called to worship for the Ecumenical Worship Service by the Reverend Willie Bell Coleman-Smith at approximately 12:17 p.m. The worshipers were led in spirited selections by the Allen Chapel AMEC, Daytona Beach choir. Bishop William A. Lee of the Daytona Deliverance Church of God, Daytona Beach, Florida preached inspiring, fire-baptized sermon based on Luke 6:5-11 text entitled, Stretching for My Miracle In that sermon, he focused on the day, the damage, the distraction, and the deliverance. He noted that there are some blessings you ve got to stretch for to receive. Bishop Lee s sermon kept the congregation engaged in praise and prophetic witnessing. The spirit of the Lord was in this place. The program participants are listed in the official Conference Worship Guide. There were 300 persons in attendance at the Ecumenical Worship Experience of the 117 th Session of the Central Annual Conference. Visitors to the Ecumenical Worship Experience Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Sr. Mrs. Evelyn T. Williams Presiding Elder Vincent F. Mitchell Mrs. Shelia Lee The Rev. Mark L. Griffin Dr. Cynthia Griffin The Rev. Robert Jackson The Rev. Jimmy Howard The Rev. LaTanya Floyd The Rev. William Robinson Min. Claude Cheathem Members of Daytona Deliverance COG Announcements: (1) the business session of the Conference will reconvene at 4:00 pm and the Conference will work for 1 hour; 6

7 (2) the Judicial Committee is being asked to meet at 4:00 pm; (3) CDs of the worship experiences are available for a nominal fee; Adjournment: The Benediction was pronounced at 2:08 p.m. 7

8 117 th Session of the Central Annual Conference Conference Minutes Wednesday, September 28, 2016 The Church At Work 4:00 P.M. Bishop Richardson reconvened the Conference at approximately 4:05 p.m. Bishop then called for a congregational song or hymn to be sung. The body lifted up Blessed Assurance. (4:06 p.m. 4:14 p.m.) Bishop Richardson then presented the Rev. Dr. Falecia D. Williams, President of Valencia College West and pastor of Hurst Chapel, Orlando. Bishop informed the Conference that Dr. Williams had a Trustee meeting at the college this morning that required her presence. Pastor Williams indicated that Hurst Chapel is in a transient community, thereby, the membership fluctuates. There are plans to develop the downtown/paramore area within the next 3 years. Valencia is building a college Downtown. Dr. Williams will serve as President of the Downtown campus as well. Because of the new development projects, Hurst Chapel is anticipating a phenomenal growth within the next 3 years. Orlando District Pastors Reports (4:16 p.m. 5:20 p.m.) Reinvestment in youth; Breast cancer awareness event; seminar to address trauma Assisted homeless family; Pastor s new marriage 8

9 34 conversions at funeral; outfitted church with security system The work is all divine. Pastor s grandson graduated from High School 2016 Increased church income by 98%; Streaming live on Face Book Fed and housed the homeless Gave away Back-to-School supplies Feeding of the homeless Revamping programmatic efforts of the church 9

10 Full youth choir for the first time in 6 years Gave his last report as Pastor Church renovation is off the ground, but contractor is ill added security lighting; repaired pews; SOA gave $500 in scholarships; now compliant with fire code Cleaned newly acquired property; church renovation; Active youth, men s, and women s ministries Pastor gave his final pastoral report and received standing ovation Bishop Richardson publicly thanked the Rev. Harrison for her service to the church and stated that God is honored through her service. Bishop referred the church to the Conference Trustees and the Conference adjustment committee. Bishop indicated that the budgetary obligations should be reduced. He wants the congregation at Trilby to know that they are loved and valued. Socks & soup ministry; adopted an entire elementary school classroom and provided all the children with Back-to-School supplies 10

11 Engagement in civic organization: Mrs. Simmons is on dialysis Church now has a web presence. The work is all divine Expanding the footprint of the church through outreach ministry. The Rev. Dr. Mark E. Crutcher rose to give high commendations to Presiding Elder Valarie J. Walker. The entire Orlando District responded with a standing ovation. Bishop Richardson then addressed the Orlando District with these words: On behalf of the entire AME Connection, we expressed our deepest gratitude for your sacrifices. We honor your fine work in making these wonderful reports. Announcement(s): The Sons of Allen witness will begin tonight at 7:00 p.m. Adjournment: The business session was adjourned at 5:21 p.m. 11

12 117 th Session of the Central Annual Conference Conference Minutes Wednesday, September 29, 2016 The Sons of Allen: Bold, Brave, Believable 7:00 P.M. The Bold, Brave, and Believable worship experience began with the distinguished Sons of Allen (SOA) attired in burgundy blazers, gray slacks, white shirts, and burgundy ties led processed mightily into the sanctuary singing. The SOA and Bethel AME Church, Umatilla choirs, respectively led the Conference in uplifting songs I been singing Hallelujah all Day and Glad I got Jesus in my Heart. The Rev. James Watkins, pastor of Bethel AME Church, preached the Sermon I m Ready for my Chains to fall off. The text foundation was Acts12:1-7. He preached that regardless of what we are going through, we need a praying church. There is power in the Church. He stated that to speed up the process, we have to better educate and let the world know about Christ. He also said we must go out and vote, because we are stronger together. You are in chains when you cannot move from the past to future. After ministering, three person came to the altar for prayer. The Rev. Kenneth Irby, Eleventh Episcopal District Sons of Allen Coordinator brought greetings to the Conference. He asked that we keep Bro. Jessie McDaniel in prayer as he continues to recover from surgery. He also acknowledged the presence of Bro. John Mallory (East Conference SOA Coordinator) and the Rev. Clarence Williams (West Coast). The Rev. Irby stated that the 2017 SOA retreat will be held in Saint Augustine. He had recently attended a Day of Dialogue on Boys to Men in St. Petersburg. Tony Dungy, famed football player and NFL coach was the main presenter. A discussion was had regarding literacy and the need to reach our young men. According to Dungy, the Church has to be part of that equation. The Rev. Kirby also presented a $500 scholarship to Brother Bryce M. Stewart, a college student from Mt. Zion, Ocala (the Rev. Dr. Rhella Murdaugh, pastor). Brother Stewart is a student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is studying Aeronautical Science. He also recently received his student pilot license. The Rev. Irby presented Bishop Richardson. Bishop Richardson recognized Supervisor Richardson and the fine group of SOA in attendance. Bishop Richardson noted, however that the Conference is missing its younger men. Every other conference has young men in attendance and serving in a programmatic capacity. He further stated that the author, Dr. Jawanza Kunjufu indicated that only 12% of black males are proficient in reading by 8 th grade. Not being proficient in reading has a tendency to make any feel inadequate not matter how smart you are. He recommended to the Conference four books that Dr. 12

13 Kunjufu would recommend for children that they will not want to put down. Bishop further indicated that if anyone would like to have copies of these text, they should send him an and he will forward same to Dr. Kunjufu. Reading and Writing for Urban Survival by Jawanza Kunjufu Hip Hop Street Curriculum: Keeping it Real by Jwanza Kunjufu Yo, Little Brother - Volumes 1&2 by Anthony Davis & Jeffrey Jackson The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X Bishop acknowledged the outstanding preaching job that the Rev. James Watkin did in the Worship experience tonight. Bishop thanked God for those who participated in worship and in leading in song. Presentation of the Bishop s Award by Bishop Richardson Business & Professional Service Award presented to Mr. Thaddeus L. Collins, Allen Chapel AME, Daytona Beach (Nathan M. Mugala, pastor). Mr. Collins was nominated by Brother Tyrone Pressley. The biography of Mr. Collins read by Mr. Pressley has been made apart of these minutes. Extraordinary Community Service Award presented to the Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr., Saint James, Titusville. He was nominated by Presiding Elder Hartford Lee, the Saint James Family, and the Daytona Beach District. Dr. Dames does ministry outside the walls in Brevard County and beyond, North Brevard public schools, providing free tutoring at Saint James, sponsoring a boys summer camp for those who do not have the resources or access to such in an effort to target those who are labeled at risk. Pastor Dames a Chaplin for local hospitals, the Brevard County Corrections System and for many who need someone to talk to even at home. He is an immediate Past President of the North Brevard Chapter of the NAACP, instrumental in the. annual planning and implementation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade. He has offered a variety of educational programs to include reading assistance through the Saint James Book Club, public speaking forums through Youth Toastmasters along with the after school tutoring program. He has been featured in USA Today, Florida Today, Democracy Now, Space Coast Living Magazine and many other publications for his community outreach efforts. Most recently, Pastor Dames was a recipient of the 2015 LEAD Brevard 4 under 40 award from the Florida Institute of Technology (F.I.T.); the Rev. Harvey L. Riley, Bridge Builders Award, and the Florida Education Association (FEA) Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Civil Rights. All of these honors are due to his advocacy against injustice, bridging gaps, and the importance of education. Furthermore, Dr. Dames is a graduate of our beloved Edward Waters College; Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, Georgia where he earned the Master of Divinity and a 2016 graduate of the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio, where he earned the Doctorate of Ministry. 13

14 Dr. Dames gave fond memories of his family and Ms. Elouise Hurd who poured into him the audacity to have hope that he could become anything he wants to be. He thanked his wife, Dr. Jennifer Dames, and his children. Announcement(s): (1) The Conference will reconvene on Thursday morning at 8:30 a.m. with the Conference Institute where the Bishop will make a presentation on Congregational Rights and Pastoral Evaluation, a piece of legislation that did not pass at the General Conference, but the Bishop believes is vital to the life and work of the church. Adjournment: The benediction was pronounced at 9:23 p.m. 14