EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2018 Annual Lay Training Convention OFFICIAL PROGRAM Bonner Campbell Complex Edwards, Mississippi June 8-9, 2018 Laity walking humbly with God to do Justice and to love kindness Micah 6:8 The Right Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate Mother Joan M. McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell, Connectional Lay President Ms. Ametta L. Reeves, Connectional Director of Lay Activities Mr. Melvin Davis, Episcopal Lay President Ms. Stephanie M. Burks, Episcopal Director of Lay Activities Ms. Bobbie U. Hollins, Episcopal Young Adult Representative Mr. Hezzie Watts, Host Conference Lay President
8 TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION OFFICERS Mr. Melvin Davis.... President Mr. William Brown... 1 st Vice President Ms. Marcia White... 2 nd Vice President Mrs. Betty Holland-Stephen... 3 rd Vice President Dr. Shirley Hopkins-Davis...Recording Secretary Mrs. Linda Thomas... Assistant Recording Secretary Ms. Elna Huel... Corresponding Secretary Mrs. Maria Gauthier... Treasurer Ms. Sherry Peyton... Financial Secretary Mr. Eddie Pitts... Parliamentarian Mrs. Delphine Bridgewater... Chaplain Ms. Florine Pernell Herron... Director of Public Relations Ms. Stephanie Burks... Director of Lay Activities Ms. Bobbie Hollins... Young Adult Representative CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS Mrs. JoEtta McClain... North Mississippi Conference Mr. Hezzie Watts... South Mississippi Conference Mr. Raymond Morrison... Central North Louisiana Conference Mrs. Maria Gauthier... Louisiana Conference
Greetings with the joy of the Lord! It is with great delight that Mother Joan Marla McAllister and I extend greetings to President, Brother Melvin Davis, his leadership team and all other members of the Eighth Episcopal District Lay Organization on the occasion of your annual retreat and training institute. We commend Brother Davis for the exemplary leadership he provides for the Eighth Episcopal District Lay Organization. In most cases, an organization is a reflection of its leadership. Our lay is strong, vibrant and relevant because of its leadership. It is our prayer that these two days in retreat and training sessions will be productive, informative, inspiring and spiritually enlightening. May the blessings of the Lord be upon you, your families, church families and the entire Eighth Episcopal District The Right Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Sr. Presiding Prelate Mother Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor
African Methodist Episcopal Church Eighth Episcopal District Lay Organization Laity Fulfilling the Great Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT Greetings to Rt. Rev. Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Bishop; Mother Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elders, Pastors, Officers and Members of the Eighth Episcopal District Laity. I greet you with joy and thanksgiving in my heart. It is with great expectations that I welcome you to this 2018 Eighth Episcopal District Lay Training Convention. I am certain you will experience an enjoyable event, filled with needed business, enthusiastic training, motivating information, and ideas to take back to your churches and implement change for membership retention and positive growth. May God bless this convention and may God bless the Eighth Episcopal District Lay Organization. Again, you are welcome! With prayers for His Blessings, Melvin B. Davis, President 8 th Episcopal District Lay Organization
African Methodist Episcopal Church 8 th Episcopal District Lay Organization Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin To Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 8 th Episcopal District; Mother Joan Marla McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor; Mr. Melvin Davis, Lay President of the 8th Episcopal District, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Laity, Youth and Visitors. Welcome to the 2018 Lay Training Convention. We have all worked diligently to provide you with the opportunity to develop initiatives to be implemented in your churches. We are all responsible for the future of our churches and this year s convention is designed to equip you with the tools to make that happen. I invite you to step out of your comfort zone and be present in every moment of this meeting. Your active participation will not only contribute to a successful meeting but also to the success of the implementation of the tools you will receive. I pray that this convention is full of educational experiences, camaraderie and most importantly the joy and love of Jesus Christ. I have no doubt that this Convention will be a memorable experience for all. Stephanie Burks, Director of Lay Activities 8 th Episcopal District Lay Organization
Eighth Episcopal District Lay Organization 2018 Lay Training Convention Bonner Campbell Complex Edwards, Mississippi June 8-9, 2018 CONVENTION AGENDA FRIDAY, JUNE 8 9:00 am -10:00 am 9:45 am 10:00 am FIRST DAY Registration...Bonner Campbell Foyer Devotion....... Conference Center Chaplain Delphine Bridgewater 10:00 am- 12:00 pm 12:00 pm 1:30 pm 1:30 pm 1:45 pm 1:45 pm 3:15 pm 3:15 pm 5:00 pm 7:00 pm General Assembly & Business Session...Conference Center Melvin Davis, Episcopal President, Presiding Call to Order Welcome & Greetings Host Conference President, Hezzie Watts Host Conference Presiding Elder, Rev. Emery C. Cotton Presiding Prelate, Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. Recognition of Guests Roll Call Adoption of Agenda Minutes Reports: Convention Committee Registration/Credentials Rules Committee Treasurer & Financial Secretary Budget Committee Executive Board Members' Reports Committees Working Lunch.. Conference Center BREAK What my Community Looks Like Stephanie Burks 8 th District Director of Lay Activities Building Ministries in the Community Reverend Ritney Castine Pastor, Trinity AME Church Gonzales, LA Worship Service.. Conference Center Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. Preacher 129 th Elected & Consecrated Bishop
SATURDAY, JUNE 9 8:00am -8:30am 8:30am - 10:00am 10:15 am -12:00 pm SECOND DAY Devotion...Conference Center Chaplain Delphine Bridgewater Business Session.. Conference Center Melvin Davis, Episcopal President, Presiding Budget Committee Completion of all Reports 2019 Lay Biennial 2020 Episcopal Lay Convention Unfinished Business Budget Committee Where do We go from here? Della R. Archie, Pearl Street AME Church Stephanie Brooks, Bethel AME Church 12:00 noon Memorial and Awards Banquet Love Circle and Prayer Singing of the Lay Benediction
EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2018 Annual Lay Training Convention Worship Service Bonner Campbell Complex Edwards, MS June 8, 2018 7:00 p.m. The Right Reverend Julius H. McAllister, Sr., Presiding Bishop Mother Joan M. McAllister, Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Valerie Gary Bell, Connectional Lay President Ms. Ametta L. Reeves, Connectional Director of Lay Activities Mr. Melvin Davis, Episcopal Lay President Ms. Stephanie Burks, Episcopal Director of Lay Activities Ms. Bobbie Hollins, Episcopal Young Adult Representative Mr. Hezzie Watts, Host Conference Lay President
Worship Service Ms. Stephanie Burks, Worship Leader The Organ Prelude Florine Herron The Processional Jesus the Light of the World Wesley/Elderkin VERSE Hark! the herald angels sing, Jesus, the light of the world. Glory to the newborn King, Jesus, the light of the world. REFRAIN We ll walk in the light, beautiful light. Come where the dewdrops of mercy shine bright. O, shine all around us by day and by night. Jesus, the light of the world. VERSE Joyful, all you nations, rise. Jesus, the light of the world. Join the triumph of the skies. Jesus, the light of the world. The Doxology Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. The Call to Worship Jerrie Evans LEADER: I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of The LORD, our feet shall stand within Thy gates, O Jerusalem. PEOPLE: For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my GOD than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. LEADER: Because of the house of the LORD our GOD I will seek Thy good. PEOPLE: Those that be planted in the house of the LORD, shall flourish in the courts of our GOD. LEADER: Blessed are they that dwell in Thy house. LORD, I have loved Thy habitation, the place where Thy honor dwelleth. PEOPLE: For the LORD is in His Holy Temple, let all the earth keep silence before Him. LEADER: Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Thy sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer. PEOPLE: O sing unto the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth sing praises.
The Hymn of Praise #582 1. Laymen now have thus assembled In Thy blessed name O God. Guide us in our true endeavor, Light the pathway that we trod; Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause, Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause. 3. As we walk this Christian journey, Let us keep our armor bright, Let our works be pure and holy, That we stand within Thy sight; Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love, Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love. The Lay Hymn 2. We are banded one in union, To fulfill Thy just command. May we be Thy true disciples, Holding to Thy mighty hand. Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love 4. May we stand before Thine altar. Pledging Lord to work for Thee. In the vineyard, in the pastures, Let us Lord Thy pilgrims be; Let us lift the cross forever to the skies, Let us lift the cross forever to the skies. The Invocation Dominic Boyd The Choral Response The Selection Pearl Street AME Church Young Adult Erin Anderson, Robert Simmons, Alexis Anderson, Kamryn Anderson, Cadarius Waits Chorale The Scriptures The Old Testament The New Testament The Gospel Linda Thomas Ella Williams Danielle Barbre The Preface to the Decalogue From all that dwell below the skies, Let the Creator s praise arise; Let the Redeemer s name be sung, through every land by every tongue. The Summary of the Decalogue And Jesus said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets. The Gloria Patri The Selection Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen, Amen. Pearl Street AME Church Young Adult Chorale The Benevolent Offering Finance Committee
The Offertory All Things Come of Thee, O Lord and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen Beethoven The Presentation of the Bishop Melvin Davis The Sermonic Selection Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning Jeffrey Cornelius Pearl Street AME Church The Sermon Bishop Julius H. McCallister, Sr. 129 th Elected and Consecrated Bishop African Methodist Episcopal Church The Invitation to Discipleship The Affirmation of Faith I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, and in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead; and buried. The third day he arose from the dead He ascended into heaven and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting. Amen. The Worship Through Giving Finance Committee The Offertory All Things Come of Thee, O Lord Beethoven All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen. The Remarks The Announcements Melvin Davis The Doxology Praise God from whom all blessing flow, Praise Him all creature here below; Praise Him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father Son and Holy Ghost. The Lay Benediction May God bless us with the true spirit of Christianity; That we may live together, not as man over man, but as laypersons working with God. Amen
First Day Morning Devotion Friday, June 8, 2018 9:45 a.m. Bonner Campbell Convention Center Sister Delphine Bridgewater, Worship Leader Opening Hymn Life is Like a Mountain Railroad Congregation Verse Prayer Life is like a mountain railroad, with an engineer that s brave We must make the run successful, from the cradle to the grave Watch the curves that fill the tunnels, never falter never quail Keep your hand upon the throttle, and your eye upon the rail Chorus Blessed Savior, Thou wilt guide us, Till we reach that blissful shore Where the angels wait to join us in thy praise forever more (REPEAT) Prayer Chant Lord Prepare Me Congregation Lord prepare me to be a sanctuary, pure and holy tried and true With thanksgiving, I ll be a living sanctuary for You. Amen Scriptures Old Testament: Psalms 133 New Testament: Ephesians 4:13-16 Selection How Great is Our God Congregation Verse 1 Splendor of a King, Clothed in Majesty Let all the earth rejoice, all the earth rejoice He wraps Himself in light, and in darkness tries to hide and trembles at his voice, trembles at his voice Chorus How Great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God, all will see How Great, How Great, Is our God Bridge You re the name above all names, you are worthy of all praise And my heart will sing, how great is our God
Second Day Morning Devotion Opening Hymn Lead Me, Guide Me Congregation Verse I am weak, and I need Thy strength and power To help me over my weakest hour Let me through thy darkness Thy face to see Lead me oh Lord Lead me Prayer Saturday, June 9, 2018 8:00 a.m. Bonner Campbell Convention Center Sister Delphine Bridgewater, Worship Leader Chorus Lead me, guide me, along the way For if you Lead me I cannot stray Lord let me walk each day with thee Lead me oh Lord Lead me Verse I am lost if you take your hand from me I am blind without Thy light to see Lord just always let me thy servant be Lead me oh Lord Lead me Prayer Chant Alleluia Congregation Scriptures Old Testament: Psalms 105:1-9 New Testament: Philippians 2:9-12 Selection Blessed Quietness Congregation Verse Joys are flowing like a river, Since the Comforter has come; He abides with us forever, Makes the trusting heart His home. Verse What a wonderful salvation, Where we always see His face! What a peaceful habitation! What a quiet resting place! Refrain: Blessed quietness, holy quietness, Blest assurance in my soul! On the stormy sea, Jesus speaks to me, And the billows cease to roll.
Della R. Archie Pearl Street AME Church Jackson MS DELLA R. ARCHIE is a native of Jackson, Mississippi and a lifelong member of Pearl Street African Methodist Episcopal Church. She was educated at Saint Marks Episcopal Church School, Blackburn Middle School, and graduated from Provine High School in 1971. After high school graduation, her intentions were to get a job to assist her then 70+ year old great grandparents. This was short lived when she received a scholarship to Jackson State University and her grandparents insisted that she put her education first. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology in 1975 and a Commission as a 2 nd Lieutenant in the United States Army from Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, in May 1976. During her Military Career of more than 16 years, Ms. Archie completed additional studies in Public Policy and Administration at Kansas State University, Manhattan, KS and Jackson State University. She was assigned as a Platoon Leader with the 1 st Military Police Company, 1 st Infantry Division, Fort Riley, KS in 1977-1980; assigned as an Assistant Professor of Military Science at Jackson State University from 1980-1984; assigned as Student and Instructor at the Military Police School, Fort McClellan, Alabama from 1984 to 1985; assigned as the Secretary to the General Staff at 2 nd Support Command, Nellingen, FRG and S-3/Operations Officer of the 7 th Support Command, Crailsheim, FRG from 1985 to 1987; assigned as S-1, Personnel and Administration Officer of the 89 th MP Brigade Fort Hood, Texas and Research and Development Ops Officer of TRADOC Test and Experimentation Command West Fort Hood, Texas. Ms. Archie served as the 8 th Episcopal District in several offices the most memorable being YPD Director in the Jackson Greenwood Area, East Mississippi Conference and the 8 th Episcopal District. A true Servant Leader, Ms. Archie believes as Dr. Martin Luther King - that Everybody can be Great because Everybody can Serve. Ms. Archie has worked in Community Service arena since 1995, operating three AmeriCorps National Service Programs. Ms. Archie presently serves as the Regional Coordinator of the America Reads MS AmeriCorps Program at Jackson State University. She is the mother of two adult daughters Stephanie Michelle and Ebony Nicole. Ms. Archie states, God has truly blessed me with his Grace and Mercy and given me the Spirit of a Servant s Heart.
Stephanie Brooks Bethel AME Church New Orleans, Louisiana Stephanie Brooks is a native of Pensacola, Florida, where she was a member of Bethel AME Church. In 2002, she relocated to New Orleans, La to attend Xavier University. She is currently a member of Bethel AME Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. Stephanie is currently employed by Total Community Action, where she assists the Director of the Office of Children, Youth and Families. She previously worked for Resources for Human Development, where she completed intakes and assessments for a local women's shelter that houses women with mental illnesses and substance abuse disorders. She also held daily groups and counseled female veterans with military sexual trauma and co-occurring disorders. Ms. Brooks is certified in working with Veterans who experience military sexual trauma and was responsible for overseeing the training of nurses and administration in the proper set up of mental health facilities. She is a certified hostage negotiator and holds a certification in Trauma, Recovery and Empowerment Models (TREM), a manualized group intervention designed for women trauma survivors with severe mental disorders. With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Ms. Brooks is committed to the overall mental health of all members of our communities. Her favorite scripture is Luke 9:43 And they were all amazed at the greatness of God.
Reverend Ritney Castine Trinity AME Church Gonzales, LA Advocate. Activist. Leader. These are three words that come to mind when describing the Rev. Ritney A. Castine. Ritney has led initiatives across the country that educated youth and mobilized communities around the dangers associated with drugs and substance abuse. He s created several innovative campaigns that has empowered others to be change agents and model citizens. Ritney is a lifelong AME. He s the son of a pastor, former 8th Episcopal District YPD President, and member of the AMEC General Board. While living and working in the Washington DC area, he served as the Minister to Young Adults at Allen Chapel AME Church, where he was charged with reigniting the young adult ministry and reengaging a generation in service to Christ. Ritney was licensed to preach by the Rev. Dr. Lloyd Washington Jr, and was ordained an itinerant deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in October 2016 by the Rt. Rev. Julius H. McAllister Sr. In the fall of 2017, Ritney was transferred to the Louisiana Annual Conference and appointed the pastor of Trinity AME Church in Gonzales, LA. Professionally, he is the Principal and Chief Strategist at Imagine Greater, Inc., a newly formed consulting firm designed to assist nonprofits and other organizations to become more focused and effective agents of change. Ritney is recently and happily married to Lauren-Brianna Castine, and resides in New Orleans. Beyond a bachelor s degree, Ritney possesses a Nonprofit Management Executive Certificate from Georgetown University and is currently seeking a Master of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. More than everything, Ritney is a firm believer in the power of God, and he gives God the glory for all he s been fortunate enough to experience. His favorite scripture is Matthew 5:16, Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
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