june 2013 lay notebook

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION

Volume 19, Issue 2 June, 2013 Spring/Summer

LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Sixth Episcopal District

President’s Message Page 3

Meeting Agenda Page 3

Biennial Schedule Pages 4 & 5

Local Church News Pages 6 & 7

Dozier Inauguration Page 8

District & Conference Pages 9 to 15

Photos: We wish to thank all persons who contributed to the photo display in this issue of Lay Notebook. We also thank Phyllis Gwenette Boyd for her assistance with emailing, layout and editing.

LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK LAY NOTEBOOK is the Official publication of the Sixth District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Articles of interest to the Laity are welcome and should be submitted to the above e mail or mailing address one month prior to our scheduled meeting dates.

LAY NOTEBOOK ONLINE: http://issuu.com/laynotebook

Inside This Issue

June, 2013

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY

ORGANIZATION OFFICERS

President

Gloria T. Byrd First Vice President

Michael Brown Second Vice President

Henry Chavers Third Vice President Dr. Verma Curtis

Recording Secretary Melanie Lucear

Assistant Recording Secretary Robbiestein Stone

Corresponding Secretary Sondra Barnes Treasurer

Maudie Anderson Financial Secretary Waynefield Leonard

Chaplain Ola Irvin

Historiographer Bettye Draper Parliamentarian Geraldine Monroe

Director of Lay Activities Cheryl Robinson

Transportation Chairperson L. Jean Swafford

Director of Public Relations

Robert T. Matthews, III PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Dr. Robert Williams

Morris Hannah


CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS

SOUTH - JACKIE JORDAN SOUTHWEST - ANNA WYNN GEORGIA - ARNA COOPER AUGUSTA - EUNICE SEIGLE MACON - ASHLEY BALLARD

ATLANTA-NORTH GEORGIA - ANNETTE CURRY

PRESIDING BISHOP BISHOP PRESTON WARREN WILLIAMS, II EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR DR. WILMA DELORES WEBB WILLIAMS

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CONTACT US Mail: Robert T. Matthews, III 811 Sandy Creek Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30331

E mail: [email protected]

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

PREPARING

to HOST I pray that you all are having a great spring season and are getting some rest after six An-nual Conferences and a follow-up District Plan-ning meeting. This is truly a busy year for the Sixth with the world planning to visit us in July. If you can’t attend as a delegate, I hope you will purchase a ban-quet ticket and join us on Wednesday night to honor the Layperson of

the Year. Mr. Roland Martin will be the guest speaker. We are ordering our shirts and have plenty of scarves and ties for those who have not purchased them yet. If you are a singer, we need you to join our choir for Biennial. The Director is Dr. Anthony Stinson, a Professor at Clayton State University and one of the choir directors at Saint Philip AMEC.

As you know I am soliciting your support for my candidacy for

First Vice President of the Connectional Lay Organization. I

hope that I have moved the organization a little further into

this technological era and given you new programs that the

future leaders of the organization can build upon. I ask for your

prayers, and votes at this upcoming Biennial. See you June 15th.

Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd,Gloria T. Byrd, Episcopal District Lay President

President’s Message


Quarterly Gathering Greater Allen Chapel AME Church

Macon, GA Reverend Billy McFadden, Pastor

June 15, 2013

Schedule

9:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. SED Choir Rehearsal and

Meeting of Biennial Chairpersons

Lay Organization Meeting 11:00a.m.-1:00 p.m.

Agenda

Devotion Roll Call

Review of Minutes & Treasurer Reports Committee Reports

Update of SED Lay Constitution Education Commission Nominating Committee Biennial Committee

Dismissal/ Lay Benediction

TENTATIVE AGENDA AND SCHEDULE FOR JUNE 15, 2013

President

Gloria T. Byrd

L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

32nd CONNECTIONAL LAY BIENNIAL SCHEDULE July 26 - August 1, 2013 Atlanta, GA Marriott Marquis Hotel

Friday, July 26, 2013 Pre-Biennial Activity

2:00 p.m. Kit Stuffing

Saturday, July 27, 2013 Pre –Biennial Activities

10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Kit Stuffing Tours and sightseeing of the City

Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation

Biennial Mass Choir Rehearsal Convention Committee Chairpersons

and Vice Chairpersons

Sunday, July 28, 2013 Noon - 5:00 p.m. Registration Opens 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. Local Church Worship Services 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. First Timers Orientation 2:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Executive Board Meeting 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Committee Meetings and Initiatives 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Candidates Forum 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (on your own) 6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Worship Participants invited to the Holding Room 7:30 p.m. SERVICE OF WORD AND SACRAMENT 10:00 p.m. - MIDNIGHT Episcopal District and Convention Committee meet at the call of Presidents and/or Chairs

Monday, July 29, 2013 7:00 a.m. Morning Worship 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Business Session I President Willie C. Glover, Presiding Report of Committees Registration - Mr. Darwin Eldridge, CLO Treasurer, Chair Credentials Mr. Johnny Tellis, Jr., Chair Seating of the Delegates by Episcopal Districts Roll Call and Minutes Mrs. Gloria DeVeaux-Cobb, CLO Recording Secretary Rules Committee, Mr. Brandon Livingston, Chair Introduction of the Lay Commission Chair, Bishop William Phillips, DeVeaux, Sr. Introduction of the Convention Planner, Ms. Anita Rankin Adoption of Agenda for the 33rd Biennial Session Presidential Address- Dr. Willie C. Glover

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Monday, July 29, 2013 Introduction of the Director of Lay Activities and Introduction 2011-2015 Theme, Mrs. Edith Bartley Cartledge THE KEYNOTE ADDRESS 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch (On your Own) Young Adult Networking Session 2:25 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Business Session II ELECTION OF BIENNIAL OFFICERS The Honorable Patricia Mayberry, Chair, Election Commission Financial Report Mr. Darwin Eldridge, CLO Treasurer Mr. Richard Bowden, CLO Financial Secretary Budget and Financial Report Mr. Bert Ogden, Chair 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (On your Own) 7:00 p.m. Welcome and Reception Hosted by the 6th Episcopal District Ms. Gloria Byrd, President 9:30 p.m. - Midnight Committees and District Meetings

Tuesday, July 30, 2013 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Business Session II 10:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Plenary 1 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. Lunch (On your Own) 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. Training Institute 1 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Training Institute 2 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Dinner (On Your Own) Young Adult Networking Session (Please be in lobby by 4:50 for transport to Flipper Temple AME) 7:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. THE JESSE L. BURNS BLACK TIE SOIREE Benefit for Wilberforce University 10:00 p.m. - Midnight District and Committee Meetings

Wednesday, July 31, 2013 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Morning Worship 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m. Business Session III 9:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Young Adult Address Mr. John Thomas III, CLO Young Adult Representative 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Plenary 2 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Young Adult Hour of Power 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Lunch (On Your Own) 3:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Training Institute 3 7:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Holding room for program participants 7:30 p.m. Awards Banquet Mrs. Edith Cartledge, CLO Director of Lay Activities, Coordinator

Thursday, August 1, 2013 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m. Morning Worship 9:30 a.m. Business Session IV Biennial Memorial Service Ms. Joyce Vaughan, CLO Chaplain and Memorial Committee Proposed "Living Legends" Program Dr. Dorothy Vails-Weber, Presenter Committee Reports 34th Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization, Presentation by the Seventh Episcopal District Lay Organization Mr. Roger Cleckley, President Time and Place Committee Evaluation Committee Resolution Committee Executive Summary of the Biennial INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS Love Circle Benediction


Local Church Lay News

Greater Allen Chapel Lay Holds Annual Calendar Tea Service

By Brother Alphonso B. Varner

Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church located in Macon, Georgia in the Macon Georgia Conference Griffin District held its Annual Lay Calendar Tea Service on Sunday, March 17, 2013—The Reverend Billy Graham McFadden, Pastor and Sister Maggie Varner, Lay Presi-dent. The Order of Service was conducted on a beautiful Sunday afternoon by Sister Katrina Scarbrough who served as Worship Leader for this event. Celebrants car-ried out the program in an excellent manner. Sister Phyllis Tukes gave the Prayer, Sister Terrell Culler read the Scripture, Sister Auntrenia Meredith extended a warm welcome. Evangelist Juanita Culler presented the speaker, the Rev-erend Billy Graham McFadden. A Solo was sung by Sister Patricia Phillips. Rev. McFadden gave some challenging remarks to live by. We have a responsibility to help save souls, if you are in Christ, you have a right to let your light shine, Laypersons need to get up and recognize per-sons to Christ, and that we must all share the good news of Christ. Sister Rosa Watkins acknowledged birth months. Sister Maggie Turner gave reports of birth months. Sister

Maggie Varner gave heartwarming thanks to all who made this day a successful occasion. Rev. McFadden gave stimulating remarks to the work of the Lay Organization in this church. Twelve tables were beautifully decorated and delicious food was provided for the people to enjoy.

Rev. Billy McFadden delivering the Word

Sister Maggie Varner at her July table

L-R, Rev. Tammie McFadden, Sister Tawanna Hicks, Sister Louise Scott, Sister Justin Balcom

receiving the meal

L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

STEMS N Space

The SPC Career Resource Ministry presents the 6th Annual STEMS (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math & Ser-vice) Career Fair for Middle School Students on Saturday August 24, 2013 from 9:00 A.M. until 1:00 P.M. The Career Fair will be held at the Family Life and Administration Center (FLAC) at 1607 Richard Allen Drive in Atlanta, GA. The STEMS Career Fair is a signature event for the SPC Career Resource Ministry which was founded in 2007 to help job seekers, career changers and the youth of the church and surrounding community. We focus on middle schools to encourage and influence students’ decision before they make choices for future careers. In the global economy of the 21st century, it is crucial that our students master math and science concepts, areas where students of color are consistently deficient and where American students lag significantly behind their peers around the world. The 2013 theme is “STEMS in Space”. The goal is to inform students of the kinds of careers that are available in the aerospace and aeronautics fields. The Career Resource Ministry has partnered with the Fernbank Planetarium and will present several hands on exhibits and workshops. Representatives from the Tellus Museum, NOAA, The Tuskegee Airmen, Fernbank Planetarium and various astronomers and scientists will bring model space ships, tele-scopes and other tools of the trade. In addition to the exhibitions, hands on Student Workshops and Parent Work-shops will be held concurrently. An astronomer led workshop on Solar System Modeling will be given along with one

on Elementary Coding and Programming.

The STEMS Career Fair will begin with breakfast at 8:30 and the Exhibit Hall will open at 9:00. Registration will open

in August and RSVPs will be taken on the church website. So, SAVE THE DATE!

Presented by: Donna Coles, President, SPC Career Resource Ministry

Local Church Lay News

Saint Philip AME Church 240 Candler Road, SE Atlanta, Georgia 30317 404.371.0749 www.saintphilip.org

2012 STEMS Robotics Workshop

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K

Dr. Cheryl Dozier Inaugurated as President of Savannah State University

On April12, 2013, Dr. Cheryl Davenport Dozier was officially inaugurated as the thirteenth president of

Savannah State Uni-versity. She was named president in May of 2012 after efficiently serving a year as interim presi-dent. Prior to taking the reins at Savannah State, Dr. Dozier served as associate provost and chief diversity officer for the Office of Institu-tional Diversity at the University of Geor-gia. In that role — to

which she was appointed in 2006 after four years as assistant vice president of academic affairs at the Gwin-nett University Center— Dozier led UGA’s efforts to evaluate existing programs and develop new initiatives to support diversity and equity. Since beginning her tenure at Savannah State, Dozier has launched a num-ber of programs aimed at increasing student graduation and retention rates, improving customer service and strengthening external relationships. Dr. Dozier, who is native New Yorker, earned a Doctorate in Social Welfare from Hunter College, at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York and received a Masters in Social Work from At-lanta University (now Clark-Atlanta), School of Social Work and a Bachelors degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ. She is an active member of numerous professional and civic organizations, including President of the Georgia Association for Women in Higher Education, the board of the United Way of the Coastal Empire, Savannah Economic Development Authority Advisory Council (newly elected), CEO Council of the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce and NCAA Mid-Eastern Ath-letic Conference Council of Presidents. Dr. Dozier is a dedicated and faithful member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and an active mem-ber of the Lay Organization at each level of the church. Before assuming her position in Savannah, she served as Local Lay President at New Bethel A.M.E. Church in Lithonia in the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Queens, she spent child-

hood summers with her grandparents in rural south-west Georgia. She said she has dreamed of becoming a college president since entering academia. She credits her aunts, who were college graduates, with guiding her toward an appreciation for education following her mother’s death when she was 15 years old. They were present at her Investiture at SSU. Dr. Dozier has been married for more than 30 years to Arthur Dozier II, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. WE SALUTE HER FOR THIS, THE LATEST OF

HER MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

SAVANNAH STATE UNIVERSITY PRESIDENTS

Richard R. Wright, 1891-1921 Cyrus G. Wiley, 1921-1926 Benjamin F. Hubert, 1926-1947 James A. Colston, 1947-1949 William K. Payne, 1949-1963 Howard Jordan Jr., 1963-1971 Prince A. Jackson Jr., 1971-1978 Wendell G. Rayburn, 1980-1988 William E. Gardner Jr., 1989-1991 John T. Wolfe Jr., 1993-1997 Carlton E. Brown, 1997-2006 Earl G. Yarbrough Sr., 2007-2011 Cheryl Davenport Dozier, 2011 to present

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2


District and Conference Lay News

GEORGIA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANI-

ZATION 2012-2014

PRESIDENT

Sis Arna T. Cooper, Savannah

1ST VICE-PRESIDENT Bro. Joseph Coleman, West Savannah

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT

Bro Frank Albright, Savannah

3RD VICE-PRESIDENT Bro. Kenny Mutcherson, Savannah

RECORDING SECRETARY

Sis. Diane Coleman, West Savannah

ASSISTANT RECORDING SECRETARY Sis. Lillie J. Moreland, Waycross

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY

Teresa Hopkins, Savannah

FINANCIAL SECRETARY Sis. Vera Richmond, West Savannah

TREASURER

Sis. Sondra Barnes, West Savannah

CHAPLAIN Bro. Christopher Floyd, West Savannah

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Sis. Annie Johnson, West Savannah

DIRECTOR OF LAY ACTIVITIES Sis. Amanda Jones, Waycross

YOUNG ADULT REPRESENTATIVE

Bro. Jarvis White, Waycross

HISTORIOGRAPHER Sis. Eunice Floyd, Savannah

DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS

Bro. Freddie Noble, Waycross

GEORGIA CONFERENCEGEORGIA CONFERENCE

Lay OrganizationLay Organization Meeting &Meeting & Communion ServiceCommunion Service

Conference Year 2012Conference Year 2012--20132013

The Georgia Conference Lay Organization Lay Meeting and Lay Communion Service for the Conference Year 2012-2013 was held on Saturday, December 15, 2012 at St. Peter’s A. M. E. Church, 5494 Oglethorpe Highway, Midway, GA 31314, Rev. Debbie G. Neal, Host Pastor. The lay business session began at 10:00 a.m. with Bro. Frank Albright of the Savannah District presiding. The Communion Service began at 11:30 a.m. with Presiding Elder James E. Taylor of the Savannah District as Wor-ship Leader, Presiding Elder Nathaniel Neal, West Savan-nah District brought THE WORD and Chief Celebrant was Rev. Debbie G. Neal, Host Pastor. Due to an out-of-town prescheduled commitment Presiding Elder Dan Ste-venson, Waycross District was unable to attend. Presiding Elder Nathaniel Neal brought a spirit filled word from Luke 5:1Luke 5:1--7 7 to the laity with a edifying subject mes-sage entitled, "DON”T QUIT TOO SOON!”"DON”T QUIT TOO SOON!” A delicious repast was enjoyed afterwards.

Reported by Brother Freddie Noble



ARE YOU UP TO THE TASK?ONWARD – UPWARD!

On April 7-11, 2013, the 148TH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE convened at St Phillips Monumental, in Savannah, Georgia and The Georgia Conference was proud to welcome and receive home our Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District, Bishop Preston Warren Williams II, and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Wilma Delores Webb-Williams. Presiding Elder Daniel Stevenson of the Waycross Dis-trict delivered a dynamic opening worship sermon enti-tled, “WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?” It was a timely message and a welcomed reminder that God is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him and those whom he has called according to his purposes. Bishop Williams provided Instruction, correction, and yes, edification throughout each session on account-

ability and stewardship, as well as the require-ments for continued education, training, and cer-tification at all levels of the church. As believers, we can and must be good stewards of our ministry and utilize tools wisely—meeting church obliga-tions, the importance of quality training and effective networks/mentoring and reaching the masses with the GOOD NEWS by finding new ways to serve those who are hurting and in need. “To serve this present age, my calling to fulfill”. As the church continues to navi-gate an increasingly post-Christian culture, we have to ask ourselves if we are willing to face some truths and change some behaviors to reach the world with the mes-sage of the Gospel. I have read the end of the Book of Revelation and I know what you know: JESUS WINS! We just want to be a part of what His team is doing be-fore He returns. When work — or life — gets difficult, we may think back to our childhood? The challenges we faced back then may seem small and insignificant now, but they surely did not feel that way at the time. BUT, THANKS BE TO GOD, and the Lord on our side, that we may continue to endure each challenge — and grow as a result. Therefore, the next time you face a difficulty, remember this: The task before us is no greater than the power behind us. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that HE IS, and that HE IS a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 King James Version (KJV) We pray the Lord continues to give us his full attention so that we may be aware of our many blessings. FOR WE BELIEVE the loving Creator of us all, will con-tinue to open our spiritual eyes so that we may see his intentions for us and that we may serve him better in the future.

Reported by Brother Freddie Noble, Director of Public Relations for the

Georgia Conference

Macon District Lay Awards Banquet By Brother Alphonso B. Varner

The Macon District Lay Organization held its Annual Macon District Lay Awards Banquet Friday evening, March 15, 2013 in a beautiful setting at Mt. Hope AME Church in Macon, Georgia—The Reverend Marie Gordon, Host Pastor. The Reverend Alan Hale Wicker, Presiding Elder and Brother Cedric Nelson, District Lay President. The program was carried out in a first class style with

Sister Gwendolyn Young of Saint Peter AMEC, Fort Val-ley as Mistress of Ceremony and The Reverend Charlie Hicks, ii, Pastor of Greater Allen Temple, Byron, Geor-gia, Co-host Master of Ceremony. Both provided a pleasant evening of entertainment. The Reverend Louise Hill invoked God into the program giving a powerful Prayer. The Divine Men of Favor lifted the spirit of the audience singing songs along with The Reverend Emmalyn Hopkin providing her beautiful voice in singing.

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2


The Award winners were: "Layperson of the Year" Sister Pauline Thomas, Steward Chapel, Macon, Georgia. Her Pastor, The Reverend Charles Lewis. "Young Layperson of the Year" Sister Bianca Ballard, Saint Peter, Fort Valley, Georgia. Her Pastor, The Rever-end Bertram C. Smith.

"Church Attendant Trophy" Steward Chapel, Macon. The Reverend Charles Lewis, Pastor. A scrumptious dinner was enjoyed by the attendees pre-pared by the host church. Remarks made by President Cedric Nelson thanking the host pastor and church and program committee for per-forming an excellent job for a success occasion.

Macon Conference Lay Conducts Winter Leadership Retreat: Alphonso B. Varner, Reporter

The Macon Conference Lay Organization under the leadership of Brother Ashley T. Ballard, President and Sister Shirley T. Washington, Director of Lay Activities had a successful Lay Winter Leadership Retreat, January 12, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. The Retreat was held at historic Steward Chapel AME Church, the Rever-end Charles A. Lewis, Host Pastor. The Agenda included a devotion followed with welcome by Sister P. Alma Thomas, Host President. Legislative Update by President Ashley Ballard. The Ice Breaker was given by a young adult representative from the Griffin District. Sisters Shirley Washington and Latrellis O. Dent spoke on Responsibilities of Officers The Young Adult Representatives Retreat included Internet Ministry and Essay Writing and Basic Parliamentary Procedures.

Sister Pamela Veal conducted a workshop on Special Projects Leader by Sister Stephanie Slocumb, Brothers George Gordon and Kirk Dent. The afternoon session was presided by President Ashley Ballard.

Sharing Luncheon - "Building Ships for Christ." Grace - Young Adult Representative from the East

Macon/Milledgeville District

Are you a ship builder in your local church? Developing a Scholarship Program in local church - Sister

Phyllis Boyd Scholarship Research Opportunities - Brother George

Gordon

Relationships - Sister Mary Marshall

Fellowship - Sister Bettye Draper\

Discipleship - Sister Subrena Johnson

Stewardship - Young Adult Representative

Dr. Odessa McNair, Consultant

The Augusta Conference Lay Organization observed "Lay Witness Night" on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 at Bethel AME Church, Augusta. Rev. Mark Pierson, Pas-tor. Sister Reba Williams served as Worship Leader. Rev. Samuel Thompkins, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Vadalia, Georgia brought the message. The Men's Cho-rus was outstanding and Brother Donald Jenkins sang also.

Sis. Maudie Anderson from St. Luke AME Church did a solo which was magnificent. Bro. Willie Gainous re-ceived the "President’s Award". We really had a great night and food was served. We enjoyed having persons from the other Conferences.

Reported by Eunice Seigle, Augusta Conference Lay President

AUGUSTA CONFERENCE LAY WITNESS NIGHT

AUGUSTA CONFERENCE LAY WITNESS NIGHT CONTINUED

The service included such songs as, Lord You’re Mighty and He’s Able by the Voices of Bethel (Bethel Augusta) also We are Standing on Holy Ground by Sis. Maudie Anderson of St. Luke AME, Lyons, GA. The program continued with music rendered by the Trinity Gospel Angels, Warrenton, GA; Bro. Donald Jen-kins, St. Paul AME, Vidalia GA. The St. Paul AME Men’s Chorus with a song that says it all, The Lord is Blessing Me. Rev. Samuel Tompkins Pastor of St. Paul AME Vidalia, GA. was the Preacher for this service. He began with a hymn, Father I Stretch My Hand to Thee. The message

was taken from the Book of Nehemiah (A Great Builder) “Broken but not Beyond Repair.” Rev. Tompkins raised the question, How do you motivate or cheer someone who is down and in distress. Nehemiah called for the people to gather on one accord. He stated that there are broken walls all around us in our homes, school and yes in our churches. He reminded us that we must have a Prayer Life, Faith like Ezekiel, a song in your heart and a mind to work. Also don’t give up so easily. Instead we should go to God in prayer. This powerful message from Rev. Tompkins was a great

(Continued on page 12)


Highlights of the Macon Conference Lay Witness Experience By brother Alphonso B. Varner

The Macon Conference Lay Witness Experience was held during the 130th Session of the Macon Georgia Annual Conference at Greater Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church in Macon, Georgia. The Reverend Billy Graham McFadden, Host Pastor. Bishop Preston Warren Williams, II, Presiding Prelate. Brother Ashley T. Ballard, Saint Peter AMEC, Fort Valley, Georgia, Conference Lay President. A wonderful service was held on Tuesday evening April 30th with Brother Bennie Stephens, Duresville AMEC, Macon serving effectively as Worship Leader. Brother Stephens led the congregation in the Call to Worship, fol-lowed by singing the Laymen's Song. Brother Cedric Nelson, Bethel of Powersville, Macon District Lay President gave a powerful Prayer. Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley Mass Choir provided the Ministry of Music under the direction of Brother Gerald A. Lee. Sister Janie M. Grayer, Saint Paul AMEC, Clinton, President, East Macon/Milledgeville District gave the Liturgy of the Word. Brother Charles Murphy, Greater Allen AMEC, Macon gave a unique warm greetings and acknowl-edged Lay visitors from other Conferences. Sister P. Gwenette Boyd, Mathalama AMEC, Morrow conducted Gifts for Mission. Sister Shirley T. Washington, Steward Chapel, Macon, Conference Lay Activity Director gave an updated review of the Lay Ministry at Work. Brother Brian A. Tukes, Greater Allen AMEC, Macon, Connectional YPD Second Vice President gave the Presenta-tion of the Bishop. Saint Mary's AMEC Choir, Thomaston provided spiritual selections for the remaining of the service. The Proclama-tion of the Word was given by the Reverend Coleman Dumas, II, Pastor, Saint Mary's AMEC, Thomaston. He preached forcibly on the subject, "What do I do in Times Like These? His Scripture text, Luke 8:40. We need to get back to reading the Bible; Tell God what you want, Worship God, He will work with you. Wait for the Lord, He will respond. Sister Latrellis O. Dent, Fambro Chapel, Macon, Conference Lay Treasurer conducted Stewardship Moment and Offering. The Announcements by the Reverend Billy G. McFadden. Brother Ashley T. Ballard made presentations and gave remarks. Remarks made by Sister Gloria T. Byrd, SED Lay President. Grace and Lay Benediction. The attendees enjoyed a wholesome repast.

SCENES FROM LAY NIGHT

way to end one Conference Year, and to be encour-aged and motivate to begin the next. The service ended with remarks from our Conference President Sis. Eunice Seigle and our SED President Sis. Gloria Byrd. We look forward to seeing all of you as the Sixth Epis-copal District Hosts the 33rd Connectional Lay Biennial Convention, July 27-Aug 1, 2013 in Atlanta, GA. This promises to be an exciting time of Praise, Learning

and Fellowship. May God bless us with the true Spirit of Christianity, that we may live together not as man over man, but as Lay Person working with God. In Love and Peace

Reported by Nancy K. Smith, Augusta Conference Lay Organization

Director of Public Relations

(Continued from page 11)

L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2 VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2

A t l a n t a - N o r t h G e o r g i a C o n f e r e n c e L a y W i t n e s s N i g h t

B y A l f r e d a B r o o k s The annual Lay Witness Night Service was held May 7, 2013 at Saint Philip AMEC in Atlanta, Georgia. This special worship experience was led by the energetic and capable conference Director of Lay Activities, Sis. Alfreda Brooks who kept us in “high” spirits. The theme “A New Century, A New Way” was presented to us through the awesome music of more than 50 voices of the Lay choir under the leadership of Bro. Cord Franklin, who’s choice of songs were inspirational from the opening anthem “Take Time to Praise the Lord” to the soul stirring arrangement of the hymn “I Trust in God.”

The Lay Witness service incorporated representa-tions from all four districts in the conference by using most of the districts’ Lay persons of the year. More lay talent was show cased with the Lay Litany written by our conference Third Vice President, Sis. Josephine Brown. Also, a poem was written on the subject of “changes” as seen from the perspective eyes of one of our young adults, Ms. Shulequa Brooks (North Atlanta District). President Gloria Byrd’s term of office for the SED will end in December 2013. President Byrd was presented with special gifts and a resolution was read in recognition of her eight years of service as SED president. Another highlight of the evening was the presence of the newly inaugurated Presi-dent of Savannah State University of Georgia, our

own Sis. Cheryl Dozier a member of the ANGCLO. President Dozier expressed a need for us to welcome the new century and to move forward with excitement. President Dozier also stated she was willing to give financially as well as academically to help deprived students wanting a college education. A scholarship fund was started immediately during the service for stu-dents in the ANGC.

Our dynamic speaker Bro Paris Brown, local Lay president of Flipper Temple AMEC and a recently retired Human Resource

manager (for Fulton County) gave a very inspirational message about looking forward to a new century and how we as lay per-

sons should be ready to embrace and make changes. Our church needs growth and as Lay persons we can assist in the

needed changes. We can always look back and take notes but we should always move forward to improve the quality of our

churches. To assist students with a college education in a forward move and new way, Bro. Brown made a generous donation

to the newly created scholarship fund on behalf of the ANGCLO to Savannah State University.


Connectional Lay Organization Candidates Three members of the Atlanta-North Georgia Conference and the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization will be seeking Connectional Offices at the upcoming Lay Biennial. These persons are:

Gloria T. Byrd for First Vice President Virginia H. Harris (for re-election) as Parliamentarian Robert T. Matthews for Director of Public Relations

Therefore, we need as many persons as possible to lend us your support and to campaign and VOTE for our election at the Connectional Lay Or-ganization’s election of officers which sill be held at the 33rd Biennial Lay Convention on July 27, 2013


District and Conference Lay News Continued

Southwest Georgia Conference Lay Organization Annual Lay Night

By sister Jacqueline Jennings

The Southwest Georgia Conference Lay night was held

at St. Paul AME Church in Columbus, Ga. where Rev.

James Alexander is the Pastor. Our musical guests was

the Prospect AME Church choir. The members sang

with uplifted voices and added to the spirit being in the

church. Rev. Willie “Bo” Barber is the pastor of Pros-

pect AME Church. Our Preacher for Lay Night was Rev.

Anthony Yarbrough of Newberry AME Church in Jakim,

Ga. Rev. Yarbrough preached a powerful and thought

provoking sermon. Remarks were given by President

Byrd, SWGC Lay President Anna Wynn and Bishop

Preston Warren Williams.

Scene from Lay Night

Brother Hunter, Sister Allen & Sister Stampley

Southwest Georgia Lay Organization Holds Quarterly Meeting

Conference President Sister Anna Wynn convened the quarterly meeting at Greater St. Mark AME Church in Columbus, Ga. where the Rev. Henry E. Green is the Pastor. Sister Georgia Stampley brought greetings as President of St. Mark’s Lay Organization. President Wynn discussed latest information from Epis-copal President Byrd. Ms. Wynn updated members re-garding the upcoming Biennial in Atlanta. Present at the meeting was Mrs. Mary Perry, the newly elected Lay President at Ward Chapel AMEC, and Mr. Ralph Wilson the new Lay President of St. John AME. The meeting ended with the Lay Benediction and grace. A delicious spaghetti luncheon was served.

Sister Jacqueline Jennings Reporting

Sister Wynn conducting Meeting

VOLUME 19, ISSUE 2


Southwest Georgia Lay Holds Annual Black & White Banquet. On a stormy Saturday afternoon in Buena Vista Georgia, the pastors, members and friends of the Southwest Geor-gia Conference Lay came together for food, fellowship and fun. When you walked in the room it was beautifully decorated in black & white table clothes and candles. The chairs were covered with white satin covers with black ties and they added to the ambience of the setting. The banquet was well attended with over 100 people in atten-dance. Sister Daisy Belt served as Mistress of Ceremony. She was joined at the head table by Presiding Elder & Mrs. Elijah Smith, Brother Bobby Jackson, Eastern District President. Sister Anna Wynn, Conference President, Sister Maldina Anderson, and Rev. Sherryl Sneed, the speaker of the hour. Rev. Snead is the Pastor of Peter’s Chapel AME Church, Columbus, Georgia. The entertainment for the afternoon featured the Praise Team from Peters Chapel AME Church, and the Male Choir from St. Paul AME Church. Rev. Sneed challenged the Clergy and the Lay to let their light shine for everyone to see. Rev. Sneed told the group about four different lights: we needed to be a spotlight, to shine on a large area. We need flash lights to help us to find our way in the dark. We need signal lights, so we will know when to stop and when to go forward. The last type of light was SON Light – we need to let the SON Light shine so others could see Christ in you and I.

It was a spirit-filled program that was enjoyed by all in attendance. Remarks were given by the Presiding Elder

Smith and Brother Jackson and Mrs. Wynn. It was a beautiful program on a rainy day

Scenes from Southwest Georgia Conference Black & White Banquet



THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA - SIXTH DISTRICT

We Are Glad That You Have

On Your Mind.On Your Mind.On Your Mind.On Your Mind.

Location of the Thirty-Third Connectional Lay Biennial Convention, which will be held in Atlanta, Georgia on July 27 - August 1, 2013 at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. The First Connectional Lay Biennial Convention of the Connectional Lay Organization's Sec-ond Century.

We Have A Treat In Store For You. President

Gloria T. Byrd First Vice President

Michael Brown Second Vice President

Henry Chavers Third Vice President

Dr. Verma Curtis Recording Secretary

Melanie Lucear Assistant

Recording Secretary Robbiestein Stone

Corresponding Secretary Sondra Barnes Treasurer

Maudie Anderson Financial Secretary Waynefield Leonard

Chaplain Ola Irvin

Historiographer Bettye Draper Parliamentarian Geraldine Monroe

Director of Lay Activities Cheryl Robinson

Young Adult Representa-tive

Jason Ferguson Transportation Chairper-

son L. Jean Swafford Director of

Public Relations Robert T. Matthews III PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Dr. Robert Williams

Morris Hannah

Convention Co-Chairpersons

Gregory McMichael & Letrellis Dent

june 2013 lay notebook

Documents