THE WORK IS ALL DIVINE! Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, --Ephesians 3:20 Several years back, Bishop Richard Allen Hildebrand preached at the General Conference from the theme, The Work is All Divine. As he preached, the sermon had a major impact on me and the entire General Conference that was in attendance. In 1988, the Lord blessed me to be elected the 106th Bishop of the great African Methodist Episcopal Church, and in this our 200th Anniversary of the General Conference of the AME Church, I am completing by God s grace, my 28th year of Episcopal service. I have been blessed to serve several of the great districts of our Zion, including the 14th, 10th, 5th and concluding in the great 4th Episcopal District. For Rev. C and I, we could not have ended our Episcopacy in a better place. These last four years, we have seen God s hand move beyond anything we could think of or imagine. We were able to build and pay for a new residence for the caretaker at Camp Baber, and then burn the mortgage that was on our great camp. Presiding Elder H. Michael Lemmons has chaired the Camp Baber Trustee board over the last four years and he and our camp administrator, Jo Ann Hawkins White, have done a masterful job in building our camp to be a five-star facility. Also during these last four years, we were able to finish our stately and historic Fourth Episcopal District Headquarters building. Presiding Elder Walter Bauldrick and his team, which included Rev. Robert Andrews, Rev. Wesley McClellan and others, gave great leadership in placing the district into this state-of-the-art facility. We have seen tremendous growth in AME-India. At the close of this last annual conference, we now have over 150 AME churches in India. We salute Presiding Elders Abraham and Sarah Peddiny for their leadership; and I will forever be in debt to Ambassador Robin Tyson for the stellar way in which she has lead delegation after delegation to our Asian work. The Fourth Episcopal District is also partners in our new property insurance program, where we as a district will be able to share in the profits. It is our prayer that our entire denomination will adopt this program -- or one like it. I am grateful for the marvelous staff the Lord has given me in Sis. Jo Ann Hawkins White, Sis. Ni Jonna Edge, Presiding Elders Clarence Robinson, Walter R. Bauldrick and Thomas M. Hughes. The Fourth District is a strong district composed of: a vibrant Lay Organization that over the last eight years has been lead by Sis. Madge White; an extremely productive Women s Missionary Society that has worked with my visionary wife to minister to hundreds in this country and across the world. For eight years, Sis. Joyce Keys has given exemplary leadership to the WMS and we are excited about our new president, Sis. Joyce Johnson, who has hit the ground running. We salute Sis. Anita Lemmons for her work with the Clergy Family Organization; Rev. Reginald Blount - Christian Education; Rev. Lila Martin Women In Ministry; Rev. Jerry Hatter - Evangelism; Sis. LaTonja Ellis YAN and Rev. Dr. Jimmy Miller with our new Stewardship ministry. Sis. Myeshia Gholston has done a wonderful job leading our YPDers and has passed the baton to Sis. Rhonda Mitchell, who is taking our young people to higher ground. We also salute Rev. Willie Gholston for his work with The Sons of Allen, succeeded by Rev. John Burns. These are just a few of the leaders who have helped Rev. C and I do the Lord s work in the Fourth District. Without my cabinet of presiding elders, that I am convinced is the best presiding elders cabinet in the Church, and a host of leaders named and unnamed, we could not have accomplished what God has empowered us to accomplish. Under their leadership, churches, community centers, parsonages have been built, planted, renovated and grown. Rev. C joins me in thanking God and all of you, my brothers and sisters in Christ, for your prayers and support in doing God s great work across the years. To God Be the Glory for the Great Things He Has Done! Peace, Power and Love, Bishop John and Rev. C.
Presiding Elders Council The Rev. Thomas M. Hughes, President Canadian Conference The Rev. Alcott A. Germany (2015 to present) Canadian Conference The Rev. Tracey Thomas (2013-2015) India Conference The Revs. Abraham and Sarah Peddiny Michigan Conference South District The Rev. Norman V. Osborne Michigan Conference North District The Rev. H. Michael Lemmons Indiana Conference South District The Rev. Samuel L. Sumner Indiana Conference North District The Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield Illinois Conference South District The Rev. Gary McCants Illinois Conference North District The Rev. Tyson J. Parks Chicago Conference St. Paul-Minneapolis District The Rev. Alphonse Reff, Sr. Chicago Conference South District The Rev. Thomas M. Hughes Chicago Conference Milwaukee District The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr. Chicago Conference North District The Rev. Albert D. Tyson, III
Fourth Episcopal District Staff The Rev. Clarence G. Robinson Chief Financial Officer The Rev. Thomas M. Hughes Accountant The Rev. Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr. Treasurer and Director Fourth District Insurance Ms. JoAnn Hawkins White Executive Administrator to the Bishop and Camp Baber Administrator Ms. NiJonna Edge Secretary Ms. Gwendolyn Turner Fourth District Insurance Fourth District Stakeholders and Directors Director, Christian Education The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount Dean, Christian Education The Rev. Ernest Ni A Dean, Board of Ministerial Training The Rev. E. Anne Henning Byfield President, Women s Missionary Society Mrs. Joyce Johnson Director, Young People s Department Mrs. Rhonda Mitchell President, Young People s Department Mr. Demetrius Turner Church School Superintendent The Rev. Ernest Ni A President, Lay Organization Ms. Madge White Chairman, Camp Baber Trustees The Rev. H. Michael Lemmons Directors, Prayer Ministry The Revs. Garry and Tamar Mitchell Director, Music & Christian Arts Ministry The Rev. DaNita Bell President, Young Adult Network Mr. Terrence Craft President, Sons of Allen The Rev. John H. Burns, II President, Women in Ministry The Rev. Lila Martin Director, Health Commission Dr. Sharon Hobbs President, Clergy Family Organization Mrs. Anita Lemmons Director, Fourth District Evangelism The Rev. Jerry Hatter Ambassador, AME-India Mrs. Robin H. Tyson Fourth District Secretary The Rev. Charlene Bulls Mills
Quadrennial Report
2012-2016 Quadrennial Report Total Number of Conferences: Six General Budget Fund Apportioned to the Fourth Episcopal District: $1,265,290 General Budget Apportioned to each Annual Conference: Canadian Conference $ 6,326.45 Michigan Conference $ 404,892.80 Indiana Conference $ 202,446.40 Illinois Conference $ 151,834.80 Chicago Conference $ 499,789.55 The amount of general funds collected and sent to the Office of the Chief Financial Officer of the AME Church from each of the Annual Conferences: $1,265,290 If this represents an increase, the same amount, or a decrease as compared with last year s report, list the following and give details. The amount for 2012 ($1,265,290) represents the same as the previous years. Ministers who have been expelled: None Ministers who have withdrawn: Four New Churches established: 108 (103 - India) Additional Church Expansions/Improvements: Hyde Park-Celia Gregg AME Harvey, IL and Bethel AME Noblesville, IN
Conference Membership (2012 2016) 2012 2014 Chicago Michigan Illinois Indiana Canadian 16,980 members 19,578 members 4,368 members 8,192 members 1,197 members Canadian Chicago Illinois India Indiana Michigan 1,325 members 12,984 members 3,097 members 8,127 members 5,388 members 14,951 members 2013 Canadian Chicago Illinois India Indiana Michigan 1,273 members 14,274 members 3,172 members 2,995 members 6,185 members 15, 055 members 2015 Canada Chicago Illinois India Indiana Michigan 2016 1390 members 13,068 members 3,102 members 9,627 members 6,015 members 15,699 members India 11,321 members Conversions and Accessions (2012 2016) Conversions Accessions Canada: 5,491 381 Chicago: 2,566 4,302 Illinois: 908 1,170 India: 10,000 15,210 Indiana: 1,998 2,363 Michigan: 1,936 2,794
Bishop Richard Allen House Fourth Episcopal District Headquarters Dedicated on July 26, 2014 4448 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60653 Phone: 773.955.9825 Fax: 773.955.9840 Web: AME4.org
CAMP BABER
Fourth Episcopal District Camp Baber A Christian Community Camping Experience 23605 Pokagon Highway Cassopolis, MI 773-955-9825 Book Your Group Today!
AME-India We are appreciative to the Bishops, Episcopal Districts, General Officers, Connectional Officers and the host of pastors, churches and friends who have financially supported the kingdom-building efforts of AME-India. Presiding Elders Abraham and Sarah Peddiny Robin H. Tyson Ambassador AME-India 1st Annual Conference of AME-India
Fourth District Women s Missionary Society Initiatives and Outreach
District Meeting Highlights and Guest Speakers
District Meeting Highlights and Guest Speakers
28 Years of Episcopal Excellence
Highlights of Accomplishments in the Fourth Episcopal District 2010: Held the first Annual Conference of AME-India. 2010: The culmination of ten years in the life of a vision manifested itself in the dedication of the newly-constructed $28 million dollar edifice for St. John AME Church Aurora, Illinois. 2010: Implemented a myriad of ministries in AME-India which included providing new mopeds for the pastors, sewing machines, and clothes for shelters. 2011: The second phase of DuPage AME Church Lisle, Illinois was completed; dedicating its administrative/educational annex. This was three-year project totaling $3.1 million dollars. 2011: Bishop Bryant served as a mayoral appointee to the Chicago Plan Commission until 2016. 2012: Supervisor Bryant and the WMS created Fit-To-Lead, a program to reduce childhood obesity which received a $100,000 grant. 2013: The National Blacks in Wax Museum dedicated a sculpture in the likeness of Bishop John. 2013: The first CD of MCAM, the award-winning AME Live was recorded in Chicago. 2014: A Fourth District Headquarters, The Bishop Richard Allen House, became a reality under the hard work of Presiding Elder Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr. and a host of others. 2014: Convened a think-tank of the Senior Bishops of Black Methodism to discuss issues relevant to the black community. 2014: Provided leadership to The Black Lives Matter Movement that gained national attention and massive, unprecedented ecumenical support. 2015: Presiding Elder Walter R. Bauldrick, Sr. led us into our own District property insurance program that will be an increasing financial blessing the Fourth District for years to come. 2015: Hosted the 2015 Women s Missionary Society Quadrennial Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Here we raised awareness of the status of and issues impacting water on the planet. 2015: Hosted the International Music and Christian Arts Ministry Conference in Chicago, Illinois. 2015: The Bishop John R. Bryant Doctor of Ministry program began in the Fall at Payne Theological Seminary. 2015: Supervisor Bryant received the President Barack Obama Leadership in Service Award. 2015: We are involved with an ecumenical faith community operating out of the President Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. The purpose is to create a dialogue and develop a support group for the persecuted Palestinian Christians. 2016: Liquidation of Lucille Thomas Lodge Mortgage at Camp Baber. 2016: The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture will include the hoodie Bishop John wore to a White House Breakfast with President Obama. This hoodie was worn to protest the death of Trayvon Martin and will be displayed in the Smithsonian s Protest Exhibition as a perpetual memorial to Trayvon Martin. 2016: District-wide response of water and financial support to the Flint, Michigan water crisis. 2016: Conducted Camp Joy, a cost-free summer camp experience for the children of Flint victimized by the polluted water. 2016: WMS completed our commitment to provide sanitation and a well for the children of Grand Bassa, Liberia. Also refurbished and remodeled the Cecelia Bryant Elementary School.
Stakeholder Tributes We honor today, Bishop John, our guide to excellent preaching, our chief pastor, our friend, our prayer warrior and our example for global ministry. Our prayers for your continued lifting of the name of Jesus. The Presiding Elders Council Bishop Bryant, our thanks and sincere tribute to you and Reverend C for lifting a clear vision of what Camp Baber, in time, might become a 5 star Retreat Center! You have made us keenly aware that we have stewardship over a Crown Jewel! Our promise is to continue the work of making the vision our reality! God Bless! Camp Baber Trustees Presiding Elder H. Michael Lemmons, Chairman Words alone can never convey the magnitude of love and admiration I have for Bishop John and Rev. Dr. C. Your anointing love, leadership and sense of urgency for God s people is unprecedented. My life has been richly blessed just by knowing and having the opportunity to serve such an awesomely anointed and and woman of God. - Lay Organization Madge White, President Bishop John, we wish God s continued blessings upon you in this next phase of your life. Officers and members of the Women s Missionary Society Joyce Johnson, Interim President The officers and members of the Self-Perpetuating Fund, Inc. extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Bishop John for his outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to the Self-Perpetuating Fund. Best regards and best wishes on your journey ahead. - Self-Perpetuating Fund, Inc. The Rev. P. David Saunders, President The Fourth Episcopal District Department of Evangelism salutes this most dynamic ministry team of Bishop John and Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant with the love of the Lord. We, therefore, pray in the name of Jesus, God s favor upon your lives from this day forward and forevermore. On behalf of our evangelism team, we thank you for helping us to make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20) to the glory of God! - Department of Evangelism The Rev. Jerry Hatter, Director The members of the Fourth District Young Adult Network honor and celebrate Bishop John Richard Bryant and Reverend Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, who are true examples of Luke 10: fearlessly committed to harvest work and moving in ordained authority. We celebrate their inspiring, loving, engaging and passionate leadership, and we know that their work will continue to create new spaces of faith, mission and love throughout the world. - Young Adult Network Terrence Craft, President
Stakeholder Tributes Bishop John and Rev. C are the epitome of vision, spirit, power and faith. Love is their covering Joy is their raiment. Hope is their motivation. Work is their vehicle. Obedience is their guideline. It has been a privilege and an honor to serve under this type of effective and edifying leadership. God bless you both as you enter new seasons of grace and glory. - Director of Stewardship The Rev. Dr. James F. Miller, Director Thank you Bishop John and Rev. C for 28 years of Excellent and Empowering Episcopal Leadership! Thank you for being to us, outstanding examples of what is means to be Disciples of Jesus Christ! - Department of Christian Education The Rev. Dr. Reginald Blount, Director Thank you Bishop John for being an extraordinary example of a caring and supportive spouse to the Clergy Family Organization of the 4th Episcopal District. Because of you, clergy families have been made stronger and we are all better because you came this way. Peace & Love, - Clergy Family Organization Anita R. Lemmons, President Bishop John and Rev. C, the Women in Ministry of the Fourth Episcopal District, would like to congratulate you on your retirement. We also take this opportunity to say THANK YOU for all you have done for us. You have blessed us beyond measure, given us the opportunity to serve this District in all capacities and taught us to love, pray and embrace ourselves and others. You will always hold a very special place in our hearts, and we love you both very much with the joy of Jesus. - Women in Ministry The Rev. Lila R. Martin, President Isaiah 52:7. How fitting these words are on the eve of the retirement of you who has served god, our Zion and the world. Your steadfast leadership hads insured that we have been pointed in the right direction. Now as you move into this new season in your life, we pray that you will find rest from your journey. - Camp Baber Ministers Retreat The Rev. Dr. Patricia A. Efiom, Dean