lay notebook

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION

Volume 17, Issue 1 March, 2011 Winter/Spring Edition

LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

SCE�ES FROM THE SIXTH DISTRICT LAY BIE��IAL

President’s Message Page 3

Meeting Agenda Page 3

Georgia On My Mind Pages 4 & 5

Meeting & Conferences Pages 6 & 7

Living Legacies Page 7

Dr. Brown Memoriam Pages 8 & 9

District & Conference Pages 10 & 11

Legislation Guidelines Pages 12-14

Other Interests Page 15

Photos: We wish to thank all persons who contributed to the photo display

in this issue of LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK. We also thank Phyllis Gwenette Boyd for her assistance with emailing, layout and editing, as well as the photos from the Sixth District Ninth Lay Biennial.

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

March, 2011

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 CONNECTIONAL

PRESIDENT EMERITUS *Dr. Katheryn Middleton Brown

(Deceased: February 13, 2011)


CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS South - Joann Wilson Southwest - Anna Wynn Georgia - Joan Brown Augusta - Eunice Seigle Macon - Latrellis Dent

Atlanta-North Georgia - Annette Curry

PRESIDING BISHOP Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Sr. EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SUPERVISOR

Dr. Pam DeVeaux

PAGE 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 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1


CO�TACT US Mail: Robert T. Matthews, III 811 Sandy Creek Drive, NW Atlanta, GA 30331 E mail: [email protected]

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1

We are eighteen months away from the General Conference and our Legislative rep-resentative, Mr. Michael Brown, has begun to review old legislation that was not re-ceived or debated on the floor of the Bien-nial or General Conference. He is seeking to develop new ideas that will help to foster growth and better management within the denomination. If you have ideas that you would like for the Episcopal District Lay Or-ganization to consider, please be prepared to present them at our March gathering. We will use these next two gatherings to pre-pare our legislation for 2011 Biennial. I have heard many of you say that Bishops are held accountable for money collected in their Dis-tricts, why not the Presiding Elders? Some voiced a con-cern about the selection process and training for stew-ards and trustees in the local church. The good thing about this denomination is the ability for any organization or individual to have an impact on the church if willing, committed and able to develop legislation to be submit-ted to the CIO prior to the General Conference. We will always disagree about changes, but compromises cer-

tainly can enhance our churches. The best posture is not taking the disagreement per-sonally as if it is an attack against you. If we act like a family, love will make you forget the disagreements. Also, the upcoming gathering will be a test of our ability to function without a lot of paper being passed out. Another change for us and I know change is painful. I will email the minutes and treasurer's report to those I have email addresses for and will expect your Presiding Elder District and Confer-ence Presidents to get them out to you prior to our meeting. For those who may not get a copy, we will have it on the screen as

the reports are being made. Let's continue to move for-ward in the 21st century and consider how much we can have an impact on the church and effect positive changes. We welcome our Pastors and Presiding Elders to partici-pate with us in these debates as we prepare for the Bien-nial in August and the 2012 General Conference. See you on March 19, 2011. Gloria T. Byrd, Episcopal District President

President’s Message


President

Gloria T. Byrd

"Impacting Changes In African Methodism"

Quarterly Gathering St. Peter AME Church Fort Valley, GA

The Reverend Bertram Smith, Pastor March 19, 2011 10:00 am

Devotion…….Mrs. Ola Irvin, Episcopal District Chaplain, Presiding

10:30- 11:30 Business Session Roll Call Review of minutes for corrections Review of Treasurer's Report Recommendations from the Executive Board Election of Episcopal District Lay Delegate and Biennial Update/Attire YAR-Jason Ferguson report 11:30- 1:00 pm Legislation Workshop Led by Michael Brown (Please bring your disciplines and any written concerns that you may want to put into legislation)

1:00-1:30 pm Wrap-up/Lay Benediction

Lunch

OTHER MEETING DATES AND LOCATIONS

TENTATIVE AGENDA AND SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 19, 2011

June 18, 2011 Allen Chapel AME Church, Macon, GA

September 17, 2011 St. Paul, Clinton, GA

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 17, ISSUE 1

Church: Little Bethel AME Church McCrayville, Georgia

Pastor: Rev. Walter Lee Grant

Elder: Rev. Harvey R. Williamson

District: Thomasville/Bainbridge Conference: South Georgia

Church and congregational bonding often create such strong ties in our lives that many of us often find ourselves driving several miles to church, This might mean that we must travel across town or even across city and county boundaries to get to church. However, we are presently aware of three members of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization who have to cross both State and Episcopal District boundaries in order to reach the Sixth Episcopal District and to attend their Local Church. These are Mrs. Lillie Jackson Powell, her sister, Mrs. Vivian Wiggins and the Assistant Recording Secretary of the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization, Robbiestein Stone.

Lillie Ruth McIntyre Jackson-Powell

On My Mind!On My Mind!On My Mind!On My Mind!

I was born in McCrayville, Georgia (Decatur County) to the late William and Lessie Mae Williams McIntyre. There were six siblings: four girls and two boys. I am a wife, mother, and grandmother. I was educated in the school system of Decatur County Georgia. Yes! Georgia stayed on my mind after complet-ing high school. I remained in Georgia and received my Bachelor of Science degree from Albany State College in Albany, Georgia. Then, it became time for employment. I matriculated to Florida, Quincy to be exact, where employment begun about thirty miles away. However, Georgia stayed on my mind because my church affiliations stayed in Georgia where I traveled bi-weekly for worship and other church participations. Further study in my educational arena was at Florida A & M University where I received certification in Library Science and a Masters of Education. Additional study was done at Florida State University and the University of Oklahoma. And, my religious functions to this day re-

main in Georgia. Every Monday morning at 8:00 am my mind and body travel to Georgia for morn-ing ‘Bible Study’ that I founded in June 1998 for the elderly, handicapped, and other inter-ested persons. I am active in the local Lay Area Conference and Episco-pal levels when I can attend connectional activities with “Georgia on My Mind”. Yes, Georgia born, Georgia bred … will be a Georgian until I’m dead. You better bet that Georgia stays on my mind, my love!

I work with the total church, Lay, Missionary and Chris-

tian Ed at all levels in any capacity that I can. I am thor-

oughbred AME from the ‘Peach State’. Georgia, Georgia

is my love.

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1

PAGE 5 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 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

Church: Little Bethel AME Church McCrayville, Georgia

Pastor: Rev. Walter Lee Grant

Elder: Rev. Harvey R. Williamson

District: Thomasville/Bainbridge

Conference: South Georgia

Vivian Deborah McIntyre Wiggins

Vivian “Totsie” Wiggins was born November 9, 1938 in Decatur County Georgia, to the late William and Lessie Mae Williams McIntyre. She is the youngest of six chil-dren. She accepted Christ in her life at an early age and knew the Lord implanted a seed in her heart and keep “Georgia on Her Mind”. Vivian grew up in McCrayville, GA, and graduated from Mt. Moriah High School in Attapulgus, GA. In 1969, with “Georgia on Her Mind” she received her Bachelor of Sci-ence degree in Elementary Education from Albany State University (ASU), Albany, GA. Her parents instilled in her that ‘education is not an option’. In 1966, she was awarded a Masters in Education degree from Florida A & M University located in Tallahassee, FL. Vivian kept “Georgia on Her Mind” and married upon graduation from ASU her ‘Golden Ram’ college sweet-heart, the late SGT. William Berryan Wiggins, Sr. from Vidalia, GA. (Albany State University, class of 1960). For the next 25+ years, they spent traveling around the world, while serving our country in the Army. Through this holy union, they were blessed at each Army base with five souvenirs, their children, Sharon Renee Wiggins-Walker, Tonjii Deberryan Wiggins-McGriff, Sheantika Bervivian Wiggins-Milton, Minister William Berryan Wig-gins, II and Cleanita Alberlessi Wiggins-Lee. She is the proud grandmother of 9 grandchildren: Colinthia R. Walker, Shaquan S. Wiggins, William B. Wiggins, III, Winston L. McGriff, KaMilah A. Wiggins, T’onj D. McGriff, Chancellor Wiggins, Chloe’ M. Lee, and Calen

Wiggins. Vivian’s teaching ex-periences includes: St. John Elementary (1960-1968), Quincy, FL; San Antonio Elementary (1968-1970), San Antonio, TX; Chattahoo-chee High (1970-1973), Chattahoochee Elementary (1973-1975) Chattahoochee, FL; Nuremberg Elementary (1975-1978) Nuremburg, Germany; Edgewood Elemen-tary (1978-1980), Edgewood, MD; and George W. Mun-roe (1980-2001), Quincy, FL. Vivian’s professional and community involvements in-clude: Little Bethel AME church secretary, Sunday school secretary and choir member, (President) Women Mis-sionary Society, Gadsden County Florida Early Learning Coalition, Rock Arie Chapter 300 Order of Eastern Star, FTA-NEA Association, NAACP, Gadsden County Retired Teacher Association, National Black Child Development Institute, (Director) ABC Learning Center - Quincy, FL, (Secretary) Lay Organization: Thomasville-Bainbridge Dis-trict, Tau Zeta Phi Beta Sorority - Quincy, FL, Thomas Fields Post American Legion - Quincy, FL, Christian Edu-cation: Thomasville-Bainbridge District. At the end of the day, Vivian can certainly say the words of the late famous Ray Charles, “Still in peaceful dreams, I see the road leads back to you, Georgia, Ooh Georgia, no peace I find, just an old sweet song, keeps Georgia on my mind.”

This topic will be continued in the June Issue of Lay Notebook with biographical information of our Assistant Recording Secretary, Robbiestein Stone. If anyone knows of others who cross Episcopal and State line at any location to attend churches in the State of Georgia, we would appreciate you making us aware of it. We have listed Florida (District 11), and South Carolina (District 7) here. But there are three other possibilities. These are Alabama (District 9), Tennessee, (District 13 and North Carolina (District 2) from which other AMEs might truly have “Georgia on their Mind.”


SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2011 CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE/ DATE LOCATION/CONTACT

SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE

March 1-3, 2011

Bethel, Albany 217 South Washington Street, Albany, GA 31701

TEL 229-435-8589 The Reverend Ernest Davis, Jr., Host Pastor

The Reverend Jacqueline Smith, Host Presiding Elder

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE MARCH 15-17, 2011

Saint James, Columbus 1002 Sixth Avenue, Columbus, GA 31901

TEL 706-322-8043 The Reverend Richard A. Washington, Host Pastor

The Reverend M. Sven “Karl” Colquitt, Host Presiding Elder

GEORGIA CONFERENCE March 29-31, 2011

Saint Philip, Savannah 613 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Savannah, GA 31401

TEL 912-233-2083 The Reverend Dr. John Foster, Host Pastor

The Reverend R. Nathaniel Neal, Host Presiding Elder

AUGUSTA GEORGIA CONFERENCE April 12-14, 2011

Bethel, Augusta 623 Crawford Avenue, Augusta, GA 30903

TEL 706-736-4060 The Reverend Mark Pierson, Host Pastor

The Reverend Ella M. Samuels, Host Presiding Elder

MACON GEORGIA CONFERENCE May 3-5, 2011

Saint Paul, Macon 2501 Shurling Drive, Macon, GA 31211

TEL 478-745-0507 The Reverend Ronald Slaughter, Host Pastor

The Reverend Benjamin Ridley, Host Presiding Elder

ATLANTA-NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE May 17-20, 2011

Big Bethel, Atlanta 204 Auburn Avenue NE. Atlanta, GA 30303

TEL 404-827-9707 The Reverend Gregory V. Eason, Host Pastor

The Reverend David B. Rhone, Host Presiding Elder

POST PLANNING MEETING May 21, 2011

Big Bethel, Atlanta 204 Auburn Avenue NE. Atlanta, GA 30303

TEL 404-827-9707

LEADERSHIP & MINISTRY CONGRESS June 14 - 17, 2011

Augusta Marriott Hotel & Suites Two Tenth Street, Augusta, GA

TEL 1-800-868-5354

Bishop William P. DeVeaux Dr. Pam DeVeaux

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1


Other Sixth District News

ALPHONSO B. VARNER HONORED AT FOUNDERS' WEEKEND

Brother Alphonso B. Varner, a member of Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley, Georgia was honored as one of the "Living legacies" of the Sixth Episcopal District (A.M.E Church) during Founders' Weekend in Savannah, Georgia February 18, 2011. Bishop William P. DeVeaux, Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District and Dr. PAM DeVeaux pre-sented the awards to the honorees. The Reverend Alan H. Wicker, Presiding Elder of the Macon District nominated Brother Alphonso Varner for this prestigious award. Other honorees from the Macon Conference are as fol-

lows. Griffin District

The Reverend David Moore, Presiding Elder

Clergy - The Reverend Ezekiel Powers Lay - Sister Linda McDowell

East Macon/Milledgeville District The Reverend Benjamin Ridley,

Presiding elder Clergy -The Reverend Johnny L. Sanders Lay - Sister Naomi H. Hicks Hardy

Macon District The Reverend Alan H. Wicker,

Presiding Elder Clergy - The Reverend Marvin Colbert

The Pan Methodist Commission will meet in its opening worship service in Atlanta, Georgia on Sunday, March 20, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at Big Bethel A.M.E. Church, 220 Auburn Avenue, N.E. Atlanta, Georgia. The preacher for this oc-casion will be Bishop William Phillips DeVeaux, Presiding Bishop of the Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. Over 50 Methodist bishops from the following denominations will be in attendance:

African Methodist Episcopal Church

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church

African Union Methodist Protestant Church

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Union American Methodist Episcopal Church

United Methodist Church

Living Legacies

Pictured from left: Wendolyn M. Smith, Alphonso B. Varner and Rever-end Bertram C. Smith (Pastor of Saint Peter AMEC)


I� MEMORIAM OF

KATHERY� VER�ETHA MIDDLETO� BROW�

June 13, 1921 - February 13, 2011 (Affectionately known as “Kay” or Dr. K.M. Brown)

In 1984 Dr. K.M. Brown became the First-Vice President of the Connectional Lay

Organization of the AME Church. She successfully ran for, and became its President in 1985.

She served in this position for eight years until 1993; after which she became President Emeritus

of the CLO and the only woman to serve in either of these positions until the time of her death.

During her eight year tenure as Connectional Lay President, she instituted several new pro-

grams which had not previously been done by the CLO. One of these was a Lay Scholarship

Fund.

Kay was born on June 13, 1921, to the late Reverend Jesse Edward Middleton, and the late Mrs.

Margaret Wheaton Middleton of Charleston, South Carolina. She was raised with emphasis on

faith, education and service during her youth. She began her educational pursuits in the

Charleston School System, having attended Shaw Memorial Institute, then graduating from

Burke Industrial High School. She then went on to earn five degrees: a Bachelor's of Science

Degree from Allen University; Master of Science Degrees from Cornell University and Atlanta

University; a Doctor of Humanities Degree from Ball State University and a Doctor of Education

Degree from Atlanta University.

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1


Kay eventually moved to Atlanta, where found employment in Atlanta Public Schools and

began a teaching career which lasted more forty years, forty-four to be exact. She taught

Biology and Horticulture and became one of the favorite teachers at several Atlanta Schools,

which included Booker T. Washington, Henry Mc�eal Turner and Frederic Douglas High

Schools. She eventually became an Administrator and served as Assistant Principal of Walter

F. George High School.

Kay was also an excellent speaker who spoke extemporaneously from any topic one might

choose. Therefore, she was once in demand as a speaker at schools, churches and other civic

events. She also loved singing and dancing and playing golf.

As the daughter of an AME Minister, Kay invested much of her time, talents and treasures in

doing the work of the church. In Charleston, she was a faithful member of Morris Brown Afri-

can Methodist Episcopal Church. After moving to Atlanta she became a devoted member of

Cosmopolitan AME Church. Her work in the church would eventually lead her to serve in roles

beyond her local church, not only at higher levels of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,

but also roles which were both Interdenominational and Ecumenical.

She served as Secretary of the Interdenominational Fraternal Council of Church Women, and

was a member of the World Council of Methodist Women in 1972, serving as a member of the

Executive Board. The Family Life Committee, and the Presidium—the first black woman to be

elected to such a post. She was on several committees at ITC (Interdenominational Theological

Center). Among these were ITC’s Building Committee and the Trustee Board of Tuner Theo-

logical Seminary (AMEC).

Kay was married Hasell David Brown Sr., her husband of over 30 years, died in 1974. They

were the proud parent of one son, Hasell David Brown. Jr. Among other friends and relative

who survive her area brother, Ernest Middleton of Charleston; a sister, Adele M. Weathers,

also of Charleston, two grandchildren and her extended family in the Lay Origination and the

Connectional African Methodist Episcopal Church, who will forever hold dear the memory of

Dr. Katheryn Middleton Brown.


Cleveland Chapel Celebrates 130 Years The Cleveland Chapel AME Church McDonough, Geor-gia celebrated its 130th Anniversary October 24, 2010 under the leadership of the Rev. Arthur Brown. The theme was “We Have Come This Far by Faith” the church

was packed to capacity with several denomina-tions. All participants were outstanding, led by the Chairperson, Sister Martial Holloway and the Mistress of Ceremony Sister Mar-tha Pittman. There

were two services. The 11:00 a.m. speaker was the host Pastor and the 3:00p.m. guest speaker was the Rev. Dr. Jeffery Winbush from Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church, Hiram, GA. The singing harmony bird, Sister Wanda Murphy, set our hearts on fire singing “Take Me Back”. The Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church

Dance Ministry performed twice. The History was given by Brother John Starks, Brother Andrew Charles McDaniel and Sister Bessie Jean McDaniel. We were blessed to have our mem-bers Brother Felix Newton, Sis-ter Annie Bee Mitchell and Sister Pairele Whitten and to have our senior members Brother Ken-neth Alexander and Sister Rohia Alexander from Gahanna, Africa

for one decade. To God Be the Glory.

Reported by Sister P. Gwenette Boyd

Director of Public Relations Griffin District Lay

GRANDPARENTS CELEBRATION

The Mathalama AME Church Annual Grandparents Celebra-tion was held in Morrow, Georgia 5570 Handley Boule-vard under the leadership of

the Rev. Ezekiel Powers and the speaker at the 11:00

a.m. Worship Service. The Chairperson was Licentiate Theresa Latimore. This past year the honorees consisted of two categories: the elder-seniority grandparents, which was awarded to Sister Mary and Brother Otha Mahome, and the grandparent with the most children was awarded to Brother Nathaniel Robinson with thir-teen grandchildren. All grandparents in attendance re-ceived a token of appreciation. By P. Gwenette Boyd

Local Church Lay News

LAY DAY AT MATHALAMA

Mathalama AME Church Lay Organization held its 40th Annual Lay Day Celebration Sunday, Oc-tober 24, 2010 at the 11:00 a.m. Worship Ser-

vice. We used the Connectional Lay theme: “Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ-Centered Leadership and Train-ing.” Our dynamic, steering Worship Leader was a Young Adult, Brother Quanadaris Favors. The Processional con-sisted of the Acolytes and Young Adult Choir also known as “GANG” (God’s Anointed New Generation ), and the local lay officers. They were magnificent as contempo-rary songs and traditional hymns were lifted. The Annie Mae Chisolm Usher Board were on duty par excellence. All program participants, both seniors citizens, adults and youth, were eager to serve with gladness and humility;

Sisters Donna Carmichael, Linda Starr, Trellis Henson, Alexis Davis, Payton Davis, Deborah Andrews, Tonesha Butler and Brothers: Troy Thomas, and Rodriequs Mead-ows. The Speaker was the host Pastor the Reverend Eze-kiel Powers. He expounded on how and why “We should build on the Our Global Legacy of Christ - Centered Leadership and Training. “ All officers were presented awards: President, P. Gwen-ette Boyd, Secretary Sister Theresa Latimore, Treasurer Sister Donna Carmichael, Chaplain Brother Otha Ma-home, Historiographer Sister Mary Mahome, Parliamen-tarian Brother Horace Carmichael, and special awards were presented to Brother Otha Mahome as the first President and longest serving dedicated, and dependable service and Sister Mary Mahome for loyalty. Our First Annual Officers Membership Campaign Award was presented to Sisters Lucille C. Boyd and Mary Starr for highest number of local lay attendance. You may visit our web site www.mathalama.org

Submitted by: Sister P. Gwenette Boyd, Griffin District Lay Organization Public Relations.

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1


The Laity of the Macon District Lay Organization held its annual Christmas Social at the beautiful and spacious home of Dr. Odessa H. McNair on Barrett Drive, Fort Valley, Georgia Monday evening, December 20, 2010.

This festive event was planned by Sister Latrellis O. Dent, District Lay Activity Director and members of the Social Committee. The gathering assembled in the living room for fellowship and holiday games were played. Afterward the Grace was given and the members enjoyed a variety of hors d'oeuvres. Continuation of additional excit-ing games. Some of the games included a paper and pencil contest identifying Christmas songs, Guess it, Sen-iors Twelve Days of Christmas.

The gathering included two visitors from the South Georgia Conference, Brother Richard and Sister Janice Stewart. The prize winners: First place, Brother Richard Stewart and second place, Brother Gerald Ellison (Director, Sons of Allen, Macon Conference.) Brother Ashley T. Ballard, District Lay President was very pleased with the turnout on a cold Winter night. He graciously thanked Dr. Odessa McNair for her hospitality and availability of her lovely home for this event.

District and Conference Lay News

L-R Janice Stewart, Latrellis O. Dent, Gerald Ellison, Elliott Mizell and Maggie L. Walker-Varner

L-R Janice Stewart, Richard Stewart (1st place winner and

Gerald Ellison, 2nd place winner

District Lay Organization Public Relations.

Griffin District Flea Market Sale On a hot sunny Saturday 2010 the Griffin District Lay Organization recently held a Yard Sell at Peachtree Ped-dlers Flea Market on a sunny Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. in the great city McDonough, Georgia. We had a great time!

The Macon Conference Lay Organization held its quarterly meeting at Cleveland Chapel A.M.E. Church on the Griffin District Sunday, January 30, 2011. The Reverend

Arthur Brown, Host Pastor, Sister Sharon Richie, Host Local Lay President Sister Bettye Draper, Host District President and Sister Latrellis Dent, Conference Lay President. After having a fruitful meeting, the laity was blessed with a delicious repast, courtesy of the local church Hospitality Committee. - by Alphonso B. Varner

LEGISLATION The following three page were submitted by our Legislative Chairperson, Michael Brown. and they contain a TEMPLATE and guidelines for submit-ting proposed legislation for the 49th General Con-ference. Legislation may be submitted by any per-son who is a member of the AME Church.


AFRICA� METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH CO��ECTIO�AL LAY ORGA�IZATIO�

LEGISLATIO� COMMITTEE

TEMPLATE

PROPOSED LEGISLATIO� FOR SUBMISSIO� TO

THE 2012 GE�ERAL CO�FERE�CE

DIRECTIO�S: Discussion of proposed legislation should occur in the local church, the

Presiding Elder District, Conference, Episcopal District and Connectional levels. All result-

ing final proposed legislation should be forwarded to:

Dr. Cellestine Cheeks, Chairperson Legislation Committee C/O Connectional Lay

Organization 5601 Pola Court Clinton, MD 20735

E-mail: [email protected] Mobile Phone. (240) 678-8888

Instructions to Interested Individuals and Lay Organizations in the 1st – 20th

Episcopal Districts: Forward all proposed legislation in the format described herein to: Legislation

Committee Member, Episcopal District, (name) (number)

Address:

Phone: ____________________________________ FAX:

E-mail:

Episcopal District Submission Deadline: Tuesday, February 1, 2011

A.M.E. Church Submission Deadline: Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. (90 days

prior to the start of the 49th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African

Methodist Episcopal Church).

Instructions: Preparation of Proposed Legislation: Each proposed Bill must adhere to the

format below, answering the questions: What? Where? How? Why?

• Title: Assign a Title/Subject to the matter presented. (What?) The Title/Subject should be

concise, yet clear, typically one line.

• Reference: Indicate all sections in the current edition of The Book of Discipline of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008 that are impacted by the proposed legislation.

(Where?) Include Part, Section, Article and Page Number(s).

• Intent: Explain how the proposed legislation will impact the A.M.E. Church. (How?) In-

clude Objectives, Changes, Additions and other supportive language.

• Rationale: Are the changes/modifications/additions necessary? (Why?) Please elaborate.

• Text: The text of the proposed legislation should be printed exactly as it is to appear in the

revised, 2012 Edition of The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal

Church. Please double space and number each line (1, 2, 3, etc.).

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 17, ISSUE 1 VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1

• Legislation that has a budgetary impact must be accompanied by a projected cost of

implementation.

• All legislation submitted by the laity should be sent to the Connectional Lay Organiza-

tion’s Legislative Committee for discussion and support.

• This Template for Proposed Legislation may be copied for distribution.

EXAMPLE OF THE PROPER FORMAT FOR PROPOSED LEGISLATIO�: BILL �UMBER: AB-00

TITLE: The Quarterly Conference Composition

REFERE�CE: The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church 2008,

Part VIII, Section IV.A. Composition (Page 230).

I�TE�T: To have the Presidents of the Local Lay Organization as members of the Quar-

terly Conference added to the Discipline.

RATIO�ALE: Presidents of the Lay Organizations are members of the Official Board,

Quarterly Conference, District Conference and Annual Conference.

CO�FERE�CE: This omission under the Quarterly Conference needs to be corrected.

TEXT: (Add your text here)

1 Current Text: licensed missionary workers, evangelists and the

2 superintendent of the Church School, the presidents of the

3 A.C.E, Fellowship and Missionary Societies, administrators of

4 the A.M.E. Institutions, organizations and agencies, provided

5 the latter are members of the A.M.E. Church.

6 Amended Text: licensed missionary workers, evangelists and

7 The Superintendent of the Church School, the presidents of

8 The Lay Organization, A.C.E Fellowship and Missionary

9 Societies, Administrators of the A.M.E. institutions,

10 Organizations and agencies, provided the latter are members

11 Of the A.M.E. Church.


PROPOSED LEGISLATIO� FORM

Date: ______________________

Person Submitting Legislation:________________________________ District:_______________ Conference:_________________________ Address: __________________________________________________

Phone:__________________ E-mail:___________________________

1.Check the appropriate response: _____Proposed Revision to Existing Legislation

_____Proposed New Legislation

2. This Proposed Legislation concerning_______________________________________

has been approved by the : __________________ Episcopal District

3. Check all categories below that apply. This legislation has been reviewed, discussed and

is supported at the following levels:

4. Existing Legislation now reads as shown in the box below. (Cite the applicable portion

of current legislation; Include rationale for the proposed revision. If more space is

needed, please continue on a separate page identified as “Item 4 continued.”

5. List the Proposed NEW Legislation in the box below. Include the proposed Article,

Section and Subsection. If more space is needed, continue on a separate page identified

as “Item 5 continued.”

clo-legislative committee-template-proposed legislation-final.112010.rev.121710

Local Church

Lay

Organization: ______

Approval Date: _____

Presiding Elder District

Lay

Organization:________

Approval Date: ______

Conference

Lay

Organization:_______

Approval Date:______

Episcopal District

Lay

Organization:_______

Approval Date: _____

VOLUME 17, ISSUE 1 PAGE 15 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 17, ISSUE 1

A TRIBUTE TO A LIVING LEGEND JOSIAH PHELPS

By Alphonso B. Varner Mr. Josiah Phelps, a long time resident and living legend

of Fort Valley (Peach County), Georgia who is an active, faithful and dedicated citizen of this community and the State of Georgia will be hon-ored by his peers at

Camp John Hope. A new beautiful five bedroom building on this site will be dedicated in his honor Saturday, November 13, 2010 at 2:00 P.M., the place where he served effectively as the Camp Director for sixteen years. Norman Gay, Director of Camp John Hope are made the preparations for this historic day. Listed are some pertinent information about this gentle-man. Phelps was born in Brooks (Quitman) County, Georgia and raised on his family farm. He was a graduate of the Brooks County Public School System. He enrolled at the Fort Valley State College (University) and majored in Agriculture. His quest to receive a degree was inter-rupted when he was called to active duty, serving in the U.S. States Army during World War II in the European Theater. After receiving an Honorable Discharge from the mili-tary, he returned to FVSU and received a BS degree in Agriculture in 1949. He also earned a Masters degree in Agriculture from Ohio State University. Phelps has an extraordinary record of achievements in agriculture throughout Georgia. His outstanding honors includes. � He was inducted into the Georgia Vocational Agri-culture Teacher Education Hall of Fame as a Charter Member, January 22, 2000.

� Eight months later on September 22, 2000, he was inducted into the Georgia Agricultural Hall of Fame as the first Afro-American to Receive this prestigious

honor. Both ceremonies were held on the Campus of the University of Georgia.

� He was inducted into the FVSU National alumni Hall of Fame.

� He is the Past President of the FVSU National Alumni Association.

� He is a Life Member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. � Future Farmers of America (FFA) Achievements.

• President of the State FFA Alumni.

• Elected to the Board of the National FFA Alumni.

• Elected Vice President, National FFA Alumni.

• The first minority to be elected President, National FFA Alumni.

• Keynote speaker, eight States National FFA Alumni Convention.

• Retired in 1982, as State Executive Secretary, FFA, State Department of Education

• Appointed as a Steward in the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Phelps fruits of labor as a Christian servant parallel his professional accomplishments at his beloved Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church located in Fort Val-ley. � He is a Trustee Emeritus. � Past President and Emeritus of the Lay Organization. During his Administration, Saint Peter’s Lay Organi-zation won the Attendance

� Trophy six consecutive times in the Macon District Lay Organization.

� Past Treasurer of the church for forty years. � Church School Teacher � Served on the Finance Committee. � A member of the Mega Club � Class Leader � Serves faithfully on other auxiliaries of the church.

He is married to Mrs. Ethel Dillard Phelps for fifty seven (57) years. They are the parents of Dr. Rosemary Phelps, an employee of the University of Georgia as Head of the Department of Counseling Psychology.

CONFERENCE CALL ETIQUETTE By Gloria T. Byrd

Have you been on a conference call lately and had prob-lems hearing the main conversation because someone has family members talking in the background or they are in a busy area? Here are some "Do's and Don'ts":

� Once you have announced your name on the call, put your phone on mute. On a cell phone that would be *6. Don't forget to re-

move mute when you want to speak. � State your name before speaking each time you have a comment or question.

� Do not attempt to speak over one another. Be-cause we are using different phones, the voices travel at different speed, so it becomes chatter. (Note my family members tried rehearsing a song for family celebration on a conference call and each time one of us was either ahead or behind the other).



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

MORE SCE�ES FROM THE SIXTH DISTRICT LAY BIE��IAL

Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization AMEC Public Relations/News c/o Robert T. Matthews III 811 Sandy Creek Drive, NW Atlanta, Georgia 30331

lay notebook

Documents