AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CENTRAL ANNUAL CONFERENCE 118 TH SESSION Annual Conference Theme Called, Consecrated, and Commissioned to Serve Generation to Generation Connectional Quadrennial Theme of the AME Church A Social Justice and Liberating Faith Episcopal District Motto Exalting Christ, Expanding His Church, Empowering His People October 3, 2017 October 6, 2017 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, Host Presiding Elder, North Orlando District The Reverend Valarie J. Walker, Presiding Elder, Orlando District The Reverend Ronald E. Williams, Sr., Host Pastor New Bethel AME Church, Orlando, Host Church Conference Minutes The Rev. Caroline D. Shine, M. Div., Chief Conference Secretary The Rev. Dr. Missiouri McPhee, Assistant Conference Secretary The Rev. Arthur Davis, M. Div., Assistant Conference Secretary 1
Conference Minutes Thursday, October 5, 2017 The Conference was led in devotion at 8:17 a.m. by the Revs. Sandara E. Williams, Lovisa Moore, and Sis. Evone Jackson. The Rev. Sandara E. Williams presented the Bishop to the Conference at 8:29 a.m. The Bishop s Moment Bishop Richardson once again expressed his sadness and sorrow at the anemic attendance of the members of the Conference at the Conference Institute. Bishop further commented that he did not invite the Rev. Tony Lee all the way from Washington, D.C. to make a presentation to a handful of people. Therefore, Bishop Richardson called for the reading of the previous day s minutes to give members of the Conference time to meet the Conference Institute. READING OF THE PREVIOUS DAY S MINUTES (8:32 a.m. 9:15 a.m.) The Rev. Caroline Shine, Chief Conference Secretary, once again announced that an electronic copy of the minutes can be downloaded from the Conference website at www.centralconference11th.org. APPROVAL THE PREVIOUS DAY S MINUTES Wednesday Morning Minutes - Business Sessions and Conference Institute [up to 11:34 a.m.] It was moved by the Reverend Willie N. Barnes, Jr. and properly seconded by the Reverend Gloria J. Houser that this portion of the Second Day s Minutes be adopted by the Conference with any necessary corrections. Having addressed all unreadiness, the motion carried. The Bishop s Moment Bishop Richardson stated that he wanted to make clear that failure to comply with the Episcopal District s background check through Protect My Ministry will result in appointments being in jeopardy as he has to do the right thing. Bishop further stated that the church can forgive anything. However, because of the thing might be, the church is unable to provide employment. Presiding Elder Valarie J. Walker expressed her members concern regarding the use of social security numbers to complete the Protect My Ministry application on line. Bishop Richardson assured Elder Walker that the Episcopal District does not keep a record of social security numbers provided through this process, but rather, they are stored in a virtual lock box by Protect My Ministry. Wednesday Morning Minutes - Ecumenical Worship Service [11:53 a.m. 1:43 p.m.] It was moved by the Reverend Willie N. Barnes, Jr. and properly seconded by the Reverend Octavius Smith that this portion of the Second Day s Minutes be adopted by 2
the Conference with any necessary corrections. Having addressed all unreadiness, the motion carried. Wednesday Afternoon Minutes - Business Session [7:00 p.m. 9:20 p.m.] It was moved by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove and properly seconded by Ms. Evone Jackson that this portion of the Second Day s Minutes be adopted by the Conference with any necessary corrections. Having addressed all unreadiness, the motion carried. Wednesday Evening Minutes Sons of Allen Worship (7:05 p.m. 9:24 p.m.) It was moved by the Reverend Willie N. Barnes, Jr. and properly seconded by the Rev. Charles Robert Jackson that this portion of the Second Day s Minutes be adopted by the Conference with any necessary corrections. Having addressed all unreadiness, the motion carried. CONFERENCE INSTITUTE Presentation by the Reverend Tony Lee (9:15 a.m. 10:16 a.m.) Bishop Richardson presented the Reverend Tony Lee, Senior Pastor of Community of Hope AME Church, Hillcrest Heights, MD to the Conference at 9:15 a.m. Bishop stated that Reverend Lee was a church planter His church grew to thousands in recent years. He was invited to give his story and tell how he was encouraged through and by the AME church. Reverend Lee thanked Bishop and Supervisor Richardson for taking a chance on him when he asked to start the church. The church service started in 2006. He told the conference focus on what we have, and not what we do not have, and get what we have into the hands of Jesus. We must ask the right questions, the who, what, when, where, how, why and the now? Who is our target demographic? Do you know how to reach them? To whom can you get feedback and guidance? Sources to help: www.thearda.com (free) www.preceptgroup.com (fee) www.missioninsite.com (yearly service fee) Make contact with others who you admire in ministry, and bring people around you who can help you will you blind spots. Find out the needs of persons in the area you will serve. The baby boomer and millennials generations have different needs, and you must be aware of the cultural variant. God may send you folk, and the folk in the church may send them away. Find ways that all generation feel they are valued. Remember, millennials want to feel the power of the Holy Spirit. Bishop s Moment (10:16 a.m. 10:30 a.m.) Bishop Richardson asked the conference to receive and internalize the information from Reverend Tony Lee. We thank God for his ministry and willingness to share. He reminded the conference of the Scripture: And do not be conformed to this world, but be 3
transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Rom. 12:2 NKJ). He warned the conference that we move toward change slowly. Transformation is a slow process. Bring others with you. Administrative and Literary Reports Ministerial Efficiency Committee (10:33 a.m. 11:03 a.m.) It was moved by the Reverend Patrick Joseph Sasnett and properly seconded by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove that the report of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee be considered, taking separate action on each referral manner. The motion carried. The Reverend Willie Mae Simmons Joma (Referral Matter 2017-118-01) It was moved by Presiding Elder Hartford Lee and properly seconded by the Reverend Lorenzo Laws that the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee that the name of the Reverend Willie Mae Simmons Joma be Located to the Bishop without charge, for indefinite assignment at the discretion of the Bishop be accepted. The motion carried. Discussion The Reverend Joma expressed concern that given the MEC s recommendation, she may not be able to be given the opportunity to accept another charge. The Bishop assured the Reverend Joma that this is not this case in her situation. That once she is ready, providing an opportunity exists, she can be in the pastorate again. The Bishop s Moment There are two kinds of locations, voluntary and punitive. With a voluntary location, the Reverend Clergy is placed on the list of Supernumeraries. Punitive location denotes that punitive measured are imposed by the church. The Reverends Jiles J. Smith / Willie Bell Coleman-Smith Referral Matter: 2017-118-02 / Referral Matter: 2017-118-03 It was moved by Presiding Elder Henry L. Postell, II and properly seconded by the Reverend Terence R. Gray I that the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee be accepted that The Reverends Jiles J. Smith and the Willie Bell Coleman-Smith be given to the Retirement Committee as eligible to retire per our Doctrine and Discipline. In addition, we recommend that their names be placed on the distinguished roll of the Superannuates of the Central Conference along with high commendations for the many years of ordained ministerial services as 4
distinguished and faithful ministers in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The motion carried. The Bishop s Moment Bishop Richardson made the following expression of gratitude to the Reverend Jiles J. Smith and Willie Bell Coleman-Smith: On behalf of the Central Annual Conference we thank you for your service to the church and may God bless you is our prayer. Bishop Richardson went on to explain that superannuation is our word for retirement above the year. Supernumerary simply means above the number. Some clergy who have superannuated can still pastor as a supply. No more contributions can be made to the ministerial annuity after superannuation. The Reverend Taderryl Lavaughn Holley (Referral Matter 2017-118-04) It was moved by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove and properly seconded by the Reverend Patrick Joseph that The Reverend Taderryl Lavaughn Holley name be removed from the roll of the Central Annual Conference and his credentials be surrendered to the Secretary of the Central Annual Conference. The motion carried. The Reverend Darold Anthony Ingram, Jr. (Referral Matter 2017-118-05) It was moved by the Reverend Terence R. Gray I and properly seconded by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove that the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee be accepted that The Reverend Darold Anthony Ingram, Jr name be removed from the roll of the Central Annual Conference and his credentials be surrendered to the Secretary of the Central Annual Conference The motion carried. The Reverend Grisselle Velez-Davis (Referral Matter 2017-118-06) It was moved by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove and properly seconded by the Reverend Patrick Joseph Sasnett that the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee be accepted that The Reverend Griselle Velez-Davis continue her ministry at St Mark AME Church, Clermont under the leadership of the Reverend Van Green. The motion carried. Discussion Presiding Elder Valarie J. Walker advised the Conference that the Reverend Velez-Davis is interested in planning an AME Church in the Clermont community to specifically minister to the Puerto Rican community that has settled there. The Reverend Viola Fisher (Referral Matter 2017-118-07) 5
It was moved by the Reverend Lorenzo Laws and properly seconded by the Reverend Patrick Joseph Sasnett that the recommendation of the Ministerial Efficiency Committee be accepted that Reverend Fisher s local church continue to monitor her well-being and extend pastoral care and the Conference encourage her to attend Annual Conference for roll call. The motion carried. Discussion Bishop Richardson indicated that due the Reverend Fisher s illness, her absences are to be excused. Conference Trustees (11:03 a.m. 11:41 a.m.) Bishop s Moment: Regarding the Trustees report response on whether all churches are incorporated, the question should reformatted ask which churches are and are not incorporated? And there are a number of them. What we can work on is asking the Episcopal District Attorney to help us make certain that the conference is duly incorporated, and the Board can help in determining this. All conference churches should be listed under that incorporation. Re: Do all the churches has a safe deposit box? The pastor should make sure that the trustees attend to this. Sometimes it takes a minute for to grow into the position as Pastor an administrator. What needs to happen is to figure out a way to use the stewards and trustees. All necessary papers, church deeds, leases, liens, all those papers and other official documents ought to be in a safe deposit box; that s the duties of the local church trustees. He asked all Pastors and delegates to go to your churches and make sure that you have a safe deposit box for all of your important papers. North Orlando District Re: St. Paul, Ocala - The Bishop asked for clarity, for the benefit of the annual conference, as to the mortgage situation on the balloon note. Rev. Sasnett responded that letter to approve new note to cover this, and there is no distress in this area. Orlando District Some churches had some air conditioner or other structural problems. Bishop discussed the moratorium on the sale of churches. Further discussion took place. Daytona Beach District Presiding Elder Lee indicated the Mt. Zion, Orange City church does not have a deed. Bishop indicated that the Board should contact the Episcopal Attorney and Rev. Griffin for involvement in this matter for resolution. Bishop indicated that the Presiding Elder s should get copies of all the Church property deeds and send them to the Episcopal office. Regarding the Young s Chapel damages, water, electrical and structural problems, a further discussion is needed for resolution. 6
After much discussion surrounding to sell or not to sell church property, and establishing to need for church deeds, the Bishop indicated that the report of the Conference Trustees will be received as an update. Stewardship Committee (11:42 a.m. 11:45 a.m.) It was moved by the Reverend Patrick Joseph Sasnett and properly seconded by the Reverend Sandara E. Williams that the Stewardship Committee s report be adopted by the Conference. The motion carried. Adjournment: The Conference was adjourned at 11:45 a.m. to make preparation for the Service of Ordination, Superannuation of Preachers, and Holy Communion. Visitors to the Conference Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Sr. (PE Council Pro Tem / West Coast Conf.) Presiding Elder Tony D. Hansberry (East Conf.) Presiding Elder Vincent F. Mitchell (South Conf.) Presiding Elder Joyce J. Moore (West Coast Conf.) Brother Don Moore (West Coast Conf.) The Rev. Marvin C. Zanders, II (East Conf.) The Rev. Karl Smith (East Conf.) 7
118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference October 5, 2017 Service of Ordination Superannuation of Preachers and Holy Communion Procession began at 12:03 p.m. with the ordinands, Board of Examiners, ministers of the Central Conference. Excellent worship in music was rendered by the Central Conference Choir under the dynamic direction of the incomparable the Reverend Pricilla Robinson with the selection Order My Steps. The gifted preacher for this most sacred of occasions, the Rt. Reverend Robert Vaughn Webster (110 th Elected and Consecrated Bishop in the AME Church), preached a word of encouragement to the ordinands on the subject, A Formula for Ministerial Ordination, expounding on Luke 4:18. Bishop Webster in his sermon, provided the ordinands valuable nuggets for ministry. He said that 1) preaching is always on the side of social justice, 2) God s message is given to make someone s life better, 3) Those who are rejected are accepted by Him, 4) preach the message until it comes to fruition, 5) Jesus did not call a committee, he called a person He called you! 6) Keep the faith, putting into action what you believe. His message was not only empowering but refreshing. The conference rejoiced. Service of Superannuation (1:24 p.m. 1:29 p.m.) Retirees: 1) The Reverend Willie Bell Coleman-Smith has been ordained for 23 and was privileged to pastor three congregations: Bethel AMEC, Crystal River, FL (1 yr.); Mount Olive AMEC, Orange Bend, FL (9 yrs.); and Bethel AMEC, Kissimmee, FL (12 yrs.) years. 2) The Reverend Jiles J. Smith has been ordained for 27 years and was privileged to pastor five congregations: Mount Zion AMEC, Deland, FL (5 yrs.); Bethel AMEC, Crescent City, FL (5 yrs.); Macedonia AMEC, Oak Hill, FL (5 yrs.); Mount Zion AMEC, DeLeon Springs, FL (2 yrs.); Ball Chapel AMEC, St. Cloud, FL (10 yrs.) Service of Ordination Itinerant Deacons (1:30 p.m. 1:43 p.m.) The following persons were ordained Itinerant Deacons in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: The Reverends Shalon Monique Chambers, Sheila De Los Angeles Hamilton, Mikel Jere James, Chloe Jeanique Lyals, Frederick Lee Pennington. Itinerant Elders (1:43 p.m. 2:11 p.m.) 8
The following persons were ordained Itinerant Elders in the African Methodist Episcopal Church: The Reverends Dr. Ida Stephens Andrews, Pamela Kaye Harrison Bivins, Gregory Louis Brown, Jr., and Courtney Jamal Mackey. Service of Communion (2:13 p.m. 2:43 p.m.) The newly ordained Itinerant Deacons and Elders were privileged to serve Holy Communion to the congregation assembled. The program participants are listed in the official Conference Worship Guide. There were 350 persons in attendance and 232 persons were communed at the Service of Ordination, Superannuation of Preachers, and Holy Communion of the 118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference. Announcement(s) The newly ordained Itinerant Deacons and Elders along with their families, the Board of Examiners, and the out-of-conference guest are invited to dine with the Bishop and Supervisor for lunch immediately following the service. The benediction was pronounced at 2:45 p.m. Visitors to the Conference Florida Conference The Reverend Dr. Julius McAllister, Jr. West Coast Conference Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Sr. Presiding Elder Joyce J. Moore Bro. Donald Moore The Reverend Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr. The Reverend James Golden The Reverend James Golden South Conference Presiding Elder Vincent F. Mitchell The Reverend Henry E. Green, Jr. The Reverend Henry E. Green, III The Reverend Nathaniel Robinson, III East Conference Presiding Elder Tony Hansberry The Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II The Reverend Karl Smith The Reverend Wendell Webster (Bishop Webster s son) The Reverend Dr. David W. Green, Sr. The Reverend Charles Jones, Jr. Others The Reverend Dr. Gregory V. Eason, Sr. (6 th ED) Mrs. Linda Eason (6 th ED) The Reverend Marlette Gilbert (6 th ED) Pastor Terence Pender (House of God Saints in Christ, Folkston, GA) 9
118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference October 5, 2017 The Church at Work 3:30 PM Session The Conference was led in devotion at 3:40 p.m. by the Reverend Susan Wiggins, Sis. Evone Jackson, and Sis Shalonda Doughty. Sis. Shalonda Doughty presented the Bishop to the Conference at 3:53 p.m. Bishop Richardson called for the continuation of the Administrative and Literary reports. Social Action and Community Development, Reverend Jeffrey Dove presented (3:54 p.m. 4:20 p.m.) It was moved by the Reverend Lorenzo Laws and properly seconded by the Reverend Arnold A. Porter that the Conference adopt the report of the Social Action and Community Development Committee. The motion carried. Discussion The Reverend Jeffrey Dove reported following information that was not included in the aforementioned report: There are over 100 AME Churches in the State of Florida that have applied for the status of Third-Party Voter Registration Organization. No other denomination in the state outranks the AME Church with the distinction of being active third-party registration sites. The AME Church is also leading the way in the restoration of civil rights for convicted felon s initiative in the State of Florida. There is a need for a total of 700,000 signatures to get this initiative on the 2018 ballot. The Reverend James Golden, Episcopal Chair for the Committee on Social Action was presented to the Conference. The Reverend Golden discussed the following issues/concerns: AME Day at the Capitol will take place on December 5, 2017. The Reverend Golden is requesting that persons make plans to attend so that there is an overwhelming AME presence in Tallahassee on that day. A spirited discussion was had concerning pay-day loans. The Reverend Golden encouraged persons to make contact with the Eleventh Episcopal District s 10
General Counsel should they have any concerns regarding this matter as Atty. Monique Richardson has an extensive background with this legal matter. The Reverend Golden read the following resolution into the record of the Annual Conference RESOLUTION WHEREAS, the Social Action Committee has recommended to the 118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference, that some action be taken to address the problem of usurious pay-day loan interest rates in the State of Florida, because of the harm inflicted upon consumers, their families, and their quality of life as a consequence of absent and/or inadequate regulations or legislation of pay-day lenders, BE IT RESOLVED that the 118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference supports and affirms the Public Proposal to the Constitutional Revision Commission submitted by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., on September 22, 2017, which specifically calls for a per annum interest rate cap of 30% on all loans in Florida inclusive of fees and costs. It was moved by the Reverend Willie N. Barnes, Jr. and properly seconded by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove that the foregoing resolution be adopted by the Conference. The motion carried. The Reverend Golden thanked the Bishop for allowing him to address the Conference. Recognition of Visitors Bishop Richardson recognized the following visitors to the Conference: The Reverend Dr. Glenn B. Dames, Jr. (Tampa District/West Coast Conference): Bishop commented that Dr. Dames is improving the AME brand in the Tampa area and doing a marvelous job with the rebranding. Presiding Elder Joyce J. and Bro. Donald Moore (St. Petersburg District/West Coast Conference). Bishop commented that Presiding Elder Moore was elevated to the Presiding Eldership from the Central Conference. State of the Country, Rev. Willie N. Barnes presented (4:25 p.m. 4:35 p.m.) It was moved by the Reverend Jeffrey Dove and properly seconded by the Reverend Willie Branch, Jr. that the report of the State of the Country be adopted by the Conference with high commendation. The motion carried. 11
The Bishop s Moment: Presiding Elder Valarie J. Walker made known to the Conference her passion regarding gun violence in this country. Bishop Richardson commented that the big fight is about the 2nd Amendment. The Bishop further commented that the National Rifle Association (NRA) has the moral majority in its pocket. The Bishop also noted that the Forty-Fifth President consoled the nation after the mass shooting in Las Vegas, NV, but never addressed the issue of gun violence. When is the appropriate time to have an honest discussion about gun violence in this country? Bishop Richardson asserted that Congress is going to have to act to do something about the proliferation of guns. The proliferation of guns and gun violence has to be part of our ongoing discussion. The Reverend Arnold A. Porter advised the Conference that Congress is currently has under consideration a bill to make it easier to purchase a silencer (which the bill is referring to as sound suppression ). The Reverend Willie Branch, Jr. further stated that there is an amended attached to the same bill that would make it easier to put armorpiercing ammunition in the hands of ordinary citizens. Bishop Richardson then declared that the State of the Country is not only divided, but it is also dangerous. Adjourned: The Conference adjourned at 4:48 p.m. to make preparation for tonight s Lay Witness. 118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference October 5, 2017 Annual Lay Witness Service 7:00 P.M. The Conference Lay celebrated in Praise and Worship, led by Young People from the Choir to the pulpit to the doors. Our intergenerational Lay gathering filled the sanctuary. The Mt. Zion AMEC, Oakland, Florida Young Adult Choir brought the conference to their feet with vivacious singing of The Best Day of My Life. We also we blessed with the Angel Wings Praise Dancers from the New Bethel AME Church, danced to the music I Smile by Kirk Franklin. The New Bethel AME Church, Lacoochee Young Adult choir sang If You want to be Born again, say the Word and I will Bless the Lord at all Times. They all brought energy and power in paving the way for the preacher. Sister Tia Lynn Presley served, and did an awesome job, as Worship Leader supported by many other young people of the church. State Representative Kamia Brown, Saint Mark AME Church, brought greetings and announcements to the congregates. 12
Dr. Brandi Ancrum, St. Paul AME Church, Ft. Meade brought a powerful, anointed, and arresting message to the Conference entitled Embracing the Power of Diversity. She expounded the Word from the I Corinthians 12:4-6,12 and called out the things that challenges us from the embracing the diversity. They are 1) we don t like being uncomfortable. We need to move outside of ourselves 2) we like being Judge Judy putting up walls and criticizing others while not disqualifies ourselves 3) we don t want to admit that we are the problem and we sometimes look at ourselves in distorted mirror 4) we don t understand the pressures of being gifted. She said that successful people don t compete, they collaborate, and every closed door has a purpose. Enough is Enough! We must embrace the power of diversity. The Spirit of Lord showered down mightily on the congregation as she fervently and forthrightly preached the Word! Sister Ella Gilmore, Conference Lay President thanked the conference and presented the visitors from the West Coast She also presented Brother Tyrone Pressley with the Lay President Award for his outstanding contributions to our AME connection. Patricia Wright, Episcopal Lay President gave remarks to the conference, thanking the Bishop and Supervisor in the vision to Youth-nize the churches with the opportunity to serve. He saw a full spectrum of ages in the church. Bishop Richardson gave concluding remarks, thank our Conference and Episcopal Lay and its leaders. He stated that the service tonight lived out the theme generation to generation. He acknowledged the New Episcopal and Conference Sunday School Superintendents, Rev. Reginald Johnson and Rev. John Williams, respectively. He also recognized State Representative Kamia Brown. The program participants are listed in the official Conference Worship Guide. There were 357 persons in attendance at the Lay Witness Worship Experience of the 118 th Session of the Central Annual Conference Announcement(s) (1) Church School will be held at 4 PM on October 6. The Lay benediction was pronounced at 9:15 p.m. Visitors to the Conference Rev. Rubin and Mrs. Ancrum,West Coast (parents of the messenger) Hugh Yancy, West Coast Delegation from St. Paul AMEC, Ft. Meade, West Coast (7) Notes of Thanks from the Secretarial Staff: 13
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Supervisor Connie S. Richardson, Presiding Elder Hartford and Bernice Lee, Presiding Elder Henry and Beverly Postell, II, Presiding Elder Valarie Walker, Rev. Ronald Williams, Host Pastor, New Bethel AMEC, Orlando, Host Church, Rev. Terence Gray, Site Pastor, Saint Mark AMEC, Site Church, Ministers, Conference Officers, spouses, and all of the fine people who make up the 118 th Session of the Central Conference, we thank you for once again having the confidence to entrust this tremendous responsibility of recording the vital proceedings, worship experiences, and critical conference history in our hands. Thank you, Bishop and Supervisor Richardson for once again navigating us through this extraordinary week filled with spirituality, compassion, structure, wisdom and timeliness. You made demonstrated the providence of God in word and deed. To God is the Glory for the things that He Has Done! Humbly submitted, Central Conference Secretarial Servants Rev. Caroline D. Shine, Chief Conference Secretary Rev. Dr. Missiouri L. McPhee, Assistant Conference Secretary Rev. Arthur Davis, Assistant Conference Secretary 14