145th . Session The Virginia Annual Conference
The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson
Richardson
Presiding Prelate
Dr. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor
The Reverend Chester Wallace Morris, Presiding Elder
Norfolk/Eastern Shore District
The Reverend William A. Dyson, Presiding Elder
Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District
R. L. Mosley, Jr., Chief Secretary
May 10-14, 2011
Renaissance Hotel, Portsmouth, Virginia
Hosted by: St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
TO:
FROM:
The Delegates of the 145th Session
R. L. Mosley, Jr., Chief Secretary
M. C. Kimble, Secretary
B. R. Hunter, Secretary
S. Greene, Secretary
We hope this message finds you and yours well. Attached you
will find a copy of the Minutes of The Virginia Annual
Conference.
As secretaries, we consider it a privilege as well as a pleasure in
sending to you this document. We have also paid particular
attention to ensure its accuracy.
Please review the document, and if you should have questions,
please contact us.
May you and the members of your church be blessed.
In His Service,
Mary, Sandra, Billy and Rufus
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Table of Contents
Conference Agenda and Daily Schedule…4-6
Minutes……………………………….….7-28
Committee Reports………………..…….29-62
Resolutions………………………………63-69
Worship Guide…………………………..70-113
Assignments………………………………114
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Conference Agenda and Daily Schedule
Virginia
Women’s Missionary Society Convention
Opening Session
Annual Luncheon
Business and Institutes
Missionary Witness and Night in White
Tuesday Women in Ministry
8:30 a.m.
Women in Ministry Prayer Breakfast
Women in Ministry Meeting and Elections
Pre-conference Episcopal Meetings
1:00 p.m.
Presiding Elders and Conference Finance Committees
2:30
Board of Examiners meets with Bishop
3:30
Bishop in private consultation with pastors and preachers by appointment
5:00
DINNER
7:00
Opening Worship Service (Black Vestments)
Annual Sermon
9:30
Organization of Annual Conference
Roll Call, Transfers
Lay Delegates Seated/Credentials
Wednesday
8:30 a.m.
Devotion and Meditation
9:00
Conference Institute
10:00
Conference Business
Organization of Annual Conference Continued:
Election of Conference Functionaries
Conference Bounds
Committee Assignments Completed
Presiding Elders’ Summary Reports
Board of Examiners’ Report
Pastors’ Reports
12:00 p.m.
Ecumenical Service
1:30 LUNCH
2:45
Conference Business
Election of General Conference Delegates
5:30
DINNER
7:00
Men’s Night (The Emmaus Walk) and Sons of Allen Report
Thursday
6:00 a.m.
Early Morning Prayer Call
Monday
8:30 a.m.
12:00 p.m.
2:00
7:00
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8:30
9:00
10:00
Devotion and Meditation
Conference Institute
Conference Business
Reading of Minutes
Pastors’ Reports
Ministerial Efficiency
Request(s) for Superannuation
12:00 noon
Midday Refreshing
1:30 p.m.
LUNCH
3:00
Devotion
Conference Business
Administrative Committee Reports
Conference Adjustments
Conference Trustees
Properties and Deeds
Abandoned Property
Missions, Circuits and Stations
Church Growth and Development
Ministries to Youths
Annuity Investments and Insurance
Legislative Task Force
Christian Education
Church School
5:00 p.m.
DINNER
7:00
Lay Witness Night and Lay President’s Report
Friday
8:30 a.m.
Devotions and Meditation
9:00
Conference Business
Reading of the Minutes
Literary Reports
State of the Country
State of the Church
Social, Civic and Political Action
Ecology, Temperance and Health
Economic Development
Evangelism
Ministry beyond the Walls
Christian Stewardship
The Church and Technology
10:30
Memorial Service and Memoirs and Necrology Report
11:00
Service of Ordination and Holy Communion (White Vestments)
1:30 p.m.
LUNCH
3:00
Conference Business
Devotion
Component Reports
Women’s Missionary Society
Debutantes and Masters Commission
Women in Ministry
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5:00 p.m.
7:00
Saturday
9:00 a.m.
10:30
RED, Inc. and Kittrell Development Initiative
Administrative Reports
Treasurer, Finance Committee, and all Financial Reports
Unfinished Business
Disciplinary Questions
DINNER
Youth Revival and YPD President’s Report
Church School
Closing Worship Service (Black Vestments)
Bishop Preaching
Conference Business
Report of the Statistician
Resolutions
Commissioning Service
Presentation of Certificates
Reading of Appointments
Benediction
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145th Session of The Virginia Annual Conference Minutes
The 145th Session of the Virginia Conference opened in splendor and grace with the
processional. The electrifying worship service preached by the Reverend Ronald J.
Knight along with the melodious voices of the St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal
Church, Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the Renaissance
Hotel, in Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia. Reverend Knight spoke from the topic
“Called by God into Ministry”, (Isaiah 6), his 4 points included:
1. Do you have an Uzziah in your life? When you have a king, don’t make him
your God. Isaiah had an Uzziah problem.
2. You need a life changing experience. What does it take for God to get your
attention? Isaiah had a problem, and God was there to change it.
3. Isaiah’s conversion. Isaiah said “Woe is me, I am in trouble and I am a man
of unclean lips”. Every now and then you ought to have an unforgettable
experience with God.
4. Do you have your marching orders? Isaiah received his marching orders
and God told him (verse 9: Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but
understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not).
The Invitation was extended by The Reverend Godfrey Patterson.
The Finance committee was called to receive our gifts of stewardship.
The following persons from across the District were in attendance:
Baltimore Conference:
Presiding Elder Ernest Montague & First Lady Montague
Presiding Elder Cordell Hunter & First Lady Hunter and
The Reverend Dr. Joan Wharton, WIM Second District Coordinator
Washington Conference:
Presiding Elder Godwin Douglas, Presiding Elder Louis Charles Harvey,
The Reverend Wendell O. E. Christopher, The Reverend Dr. Constance Evans
The Reverend Samuel Hayward, The Reverend Isaiah Harvin
The Reverend McNair, and The Reverend Dr. Granger Browning
North Carolina Conference:
Presiding Elder Larry S. Hinton, The Reverend Carl Michael
The Reverend Freda Humphrey, The Reverend W. Wilson, Jr. , The Reverend
Howard Johnson, The Reverend Doris Lindsey, The Reverend Melvin Gram, The
Reverend H. David Sidburry, The Reverend Edward Hansely, The Reverend Phillip
Blair, The Reverend Richburg and Mrs. Richburg.
Western North Carolina Conference:
Presiding Elder Conrad Pridgen, The Reverend Gregory Edmonds, The Reverend
Phillip Cousin, The Reverend Hemming, The Reverend Shelton Miles, The Reverend
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Nixon, The Reverend Diggs, The Reverend George Cheeks, and The Reverend
Raymond C. Pittman.
The following visitors from other districts:
The Reverend Michael Mitchell, 11th Episcopal District, candidate for bishop.
The Reverend Glen Davis, 11th Episcopal District and The Reverend Otis Blackshear,
Pastor Emeritus Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
Reverend Mitchell greeted the conference and requested support for his candidacy for
Episcopacy.
The Bishop made mention that during Men’s Night service, there would be 2
offerings. Due to the Homegoing Service for Sis. Linda Claggion, Thursday, May 12,
2011 @ New Union Chapel A.M.E. Church, Norfolk. Sis. Claggion served as a
faithful Marshall of the Virginia Conference for many years. The bishop requested
that all clergy and delegates remain after the benediction for roll call, and organization
of the conference.
The Announcement by the Reverend John D. Burton. Registration will begin at 9:00
a.m.
The service ended with the reading of the Apostle’s Creed, Doxology and Benediction
by the Reverend Ronald J. Knight.
It was moved by the Reverend Harrilene Shackleford-Powell and seconded by
Rev. Myra Burton. The motion was carried.
At 10:18 p.m., The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate
of the Second Episcopal, convened the Business session of the 145th Session of the
Virginia Annual Conference.
The first order of business was the Roll Call of clergy and conference officers. The
Reverend Rufus L. Mosley, Jr., Chief Secretary called the Roll for this the 145th
Session of the Virginia Annual Conference.
The following persons transferred into the Virginia Conference:
The Reverend Matthew Shannon, Itinerant Elder from the Missouri Conference and
The Reverend Godfrey Patterson from the Baltimore
Conference.
The following persons were referred to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee:
The Reverend Earl A. Glover, Sr., The Reverend Carla Patterson and The Reverend
Diane Fisher Perry-Bey.
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The following persons were referred to the Committee on Necrology:
The Reverends: Louis Oliver, Arthur Jones, Marion Christian and Sis. Linda
Claggion.
The delegates were confirmed by their respective Presiding Elders.
The Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris, made the motion that the following names be
submitted to serve this the 145th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference:
Executive Aide to the Bishop:
Conference Accountant:
Chief Secretary:
Recording Secretary:
Assistant Secretary:
Assistant Secretary:
Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, Supervisor
Rev. Irvin W. Knight
Rev. Rufus L. Mosley, Jr.
Rev. Billy Ray Hunter
Rev. Mary Kimble
Rev. Sandra Greene
It was moved by The Reverend Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr., and seconded by the Reverend Vernon
Leon Ricks, Jr. and carried.
Presiding Elder William A. Dyson, Sr., moved that the first 9 rows of the middle section, would
serve as the boundaries for the conference. The motion was not carried.
The conference recessed at 10:58 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. Mosley, Jr.
It was moved by the Reverend Monica Spencer and seconded by Rev. Kenneth
Buff. The motion was carried.
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Day 2 Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Conference Institute was opened at 9:02 a.m. with the following licentiates
serving on the Praise Team: Bro. Odom, Sis. Bailey, Bro. Hope and Bro. Edmonds.
The scripture reading Matthew 7:24-25.
Reverend Vick introduced The Reverend Bill Lamar, Pastor of Turner Memorial A.M.E. Church.
The topic: The Illusion of the broken system.
(Slide presentation are available by emailing William H. Lamar IV at blamar@div.duke.edu.
Some of his points included:
1. A system (organization, nation, family) is the way it is because the people in that
system want it that way. Every organization is perfectly aligned to achieve the results
it currently get.
2. People don’t fear change; people fear the loss that comes with change.
3. Don’t seek to change everything overnight.
The conference opened with the reading of the Minutes for the previous day.
Presiding Elder Morris made the motion that the following persons would serve:
Conference Statistician:
Rev. Quentin White
Chief of Protocol:
Rev. Willie L. White
Reporters:
Sis. Subrina Parker (Local Press), Ebenezer, Capeville
Sis. Julie Williams (Local Press), Gr. St. Andrews, Chesapeake
Sis. Jean Langston (Church Press), Emanuel, Portsmouth
Sis. Elaine Mills (Church Press), Bethel, Third Street
The following person will comprise the Worship Committee:
Rev. Sherri Brooks
Rev. Gilbert Harper
Rev. Timothy Johnson
Rev. Isaac Jackson
Rev. Otelia Barksdale
Rev. Frank Hill
Rev. Deborah Bryant
Rev. John Swann
The following persons will serve as the Judicial Committee:
Rev. John D. Burton
Rev. Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr.
Rev. Vernon L. Ricks, Sr.
Rev. Godfrey Patterson
Rev. Lonnie McClain
Rev. Andre P. Jefferson, Sr.
Rev. Donald F. White, Sr.
Rev. Andrea Cornett-Scott
Rev. Bernard Holmes
Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer
Chaplain Lt. Col. Oledia F. Bell, USAF
Presiding Elder Rev. C. W. Morris
It was moved by the Reverend Vernon Ricks and seconded by Rev. Abraham
Mackey. The motion was carried.
Presiding Elder William Dyson made the motion that the following persons would serve as
Conference Marshalls:
Rev.
Ronald Freeman, Special Marshall to the Bishop & Supervisor
Rev. Willie White
Rev. Timothy Smith
Rev. Kevin Wilson
Sis. Wanza Davis, New Union Chapel
Bro. Anthony Cason, Mt. Zion, VA Beach
Bro Jeremiah Cuffey, Brown’s Smithfield
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It was moved by the Reverend Charles Harvin and seconded by Rev. Harrilene
Shackleford-Powell. The motion was carried.
The following persons will serve on the Finance Committee:
Rev. John D. Burton
Rev. Godfrey Patterson
Rev. Andre P. Jefferson, Sr.
Rev. Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr.
Rev. Granger Flythe
Rev. Vernon L. Ricks, Sr.
Rev. Lonnie C. McClain
Rev. Donald F. White, Sr. Rev.
Ronald Knight
Rev. Vanessa A. Copeland
Rev. Charles L. Harvin
Rev. Amy Ziglar
Dr. Curtis Langley, St. John’s, Norfolk
Sis. Juanita Jefferson, New St. John
Bro. William Floyd, Bethel, Hampton
Sis. Elaine Mills, Bethel, Third Street
It was moved by the Reverend Abraham Mackey and seconded by Sis. Mary
Terry. The motion was carried.
The following persons will comprise the Music Staff:
Rev. Harrilene Shackleford-Powell
Bro. Christopher Wilson
Sis. Peggy Ricks
Sis. Evelyn Scott
Rev. Marie McCoy
Sis. Mary Becker
Bro. Douglas Strand
Bro. Prince Wallace
Bro. Thomas Farley
The following person will serve as the Official Time Keeper Rev. Willie Booth
It was moved by the Reverend Godfrey Patterson and seconded by Bro.
Anthony Cason. The motion was carried.
The motion was made that the first nine (9) rows across the center constitute the Conference
boundaries.
It was moved by the Reverend William Dyson and seconded by Rev. Godfrey
Patterson. The motion was carried.
It was moved that the following persons would be elected to serve in the following capacities:
Dean of the Conference ....................................Rev. Norman Vick
Director of Evangelism .....................................Rev. Vernon L. Ricks, Sr.
Director of Christian Education ........................Rev. Vanessa A. Copeland
Church School Superintendent .........................Sis. Jacqueline Eaves
Director of Social Action ..................................Rev. Dr. Monica Spencer
Director of Stewardship ....................................Rev. Horace Cross
Conference Treasurer ........................................Rev. Andre Jefferson, Sr.
It was moved by the Reverend Godfrey Patterson and seconded by Rev.
Abraham Mackey. The motion was carried.
Motion:
That the following persons be elected to serve as Conference Trustees for the next
two years (until 2012):
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Reverends ..........................................................John D. Burton
Godfrey Patterson
Andre P. Jefferson, Sr.
Lonnie McClain
Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr.
Andrea C. Scott
Vernon L. Ricks, Sr.
Charles L. Harvin
Rufus L. Mosley, Jr.
Granger Flythe
Stephanie M. C. Webber
Amy Ziglar
Rev. Ronald Knight
Rev. Bernard Holmes
Chester W. Morris, Presiding Elder
Lay Persons
Wynola Wyatt, Bethel, Eastville
Joseph Harris, III Greater Bethel
Valerie Terry, St. Mark, VA Beach
Rita Beane Turner, Bethel, Cave Springs
William Floyd, Bethel, Hampton
Consultant.………………………………………….Bro. William Milligan
It was moved by the Reverend Emmanuel Terrell and seconded by Rev.
Harrilene Shackleford-Powell. The motion was carried.
Bishop recommended the new appointed Presiding Elder will be elected to the
trustees.
It was moved by the Reverend Godfrey Patterson and seconded by Sis.
Geraldine Cox. The motion was carried.
We heard the Presiding Elder’s Summary Report.
Bishop thanked Presiding Elder W. A. Dyson and Dr. Marriane Dyson for their
service.
He also thanked Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris and Mrs. Morris and honored
God for their service.
Pastor Godfrey Patterson was asked to assist the secretarial staff with the necessary
information regarding the Reverend Tena Stepherson.
12
The Bishop also spoke regarding affiliated members. No person can hold
membership in 2 churches.
It was moved by The Rev. Shackleford and seconded by The Rev. Beatty and carried.
Board of Examiners (See Report)
The Board of Examiners presented the following report:
The following person were referred by their respective District Conferences to the Board of
Examiners and appeared before the Board of Examiners in the Admissions Class this Conference
year:
Sydia T. Bailey, Toni Valicia Mayes and Alfred A. Vann, II. The Board recommended that the
following persons be admitted to the Virginia Annual Conference and passed on to the First Year
Class of Studies. It was moved by The Reverend Lonnie McClain and seconded by The Reverend
Gilbert Harper and carried.
The Board recommended that the following person be passed on to the Second Year Class of
Studies George W. Odom, Sr. and Temara Janelle Tatem. It was moved by the Reverend Gilbert
Harper and seconded by The Reverend Andrea Cornett Scott and carried.
The Board ascertains that the following persons have completed the work for the Second Year
Course of Studies, but have not met the educational requirements. The Board recommended that
Marvette Hines-Decree and Janine Watkins remain in the Second Year Class until educational
requirements are satisfied. It was moved by The Reverend Gilbert Harper and seconded by The
Reverend Norman Vick and carried.
The Board recommends that Marlo Schinell James Dean and Yolanda Wright Millner be passed on
to the Fourth Year Class of Studies. It was moved by The Reverend Monica Spencer and seconded
by the Reverend Harrilene Shackleford-Powell and carried.
The Board further recommends that information regarding Brandon O. McAfee will be sent to the
North Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners.
The Board ascertained that the following persons have completed the work of the Fourth Year
Course of Studies but have not met the educational requirements for the elder’s ordination. The
Board Recommended that Reverend Michael A. Dunn, Sr., David Montgomery and Kimberley
Turner-Neal, remain on the Fourth Year roll until the completion of their academic requirements. It
was moved by The Reverend Lonnie McClain and seconded by Monica Spencer and carried.
The Board recommended that Dennis Cooke, Beverly Edmonds and Chester Lee Rouse be passed
on to the Second Year Course of Studies in the Local Experience Program. It was moved by the
Reverend Norman Vick and seconded by the Reverend Monica Spencer and carried.
The Board recommended that Olivia Collins and Joseph Jerome Hope, Sr., be elected and ordained
Local Deacons at the next District Conference. It was moved by The Reverend Vanessa Copeland
that Olivia Collins be elected and ordained a Local Deacon for Ebenezer AME, Church, Capeville,
VA. It was seconded by the Reverend Oretha Cross and carried by the conference. It was moved
by The Reverend Gilbert Harper that Joseph Jerome be elected and ordained a Local Deacon for
First Trinity AME, Church, Chesapeake, VA. It was seconded by the Reverend Linwood Daughtry
and carried.
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The Board further recommended that the following candidates be readmitted and reobligated under
their former ordination of itinerant elder. The Reverends Jeanette F. D. Phelps and Queen Esther
Snell. It was moved by The Reverend Monica Spencer and seconded by Reverends Vernon Ricks,
Andre Jefferson and everybody and carried.
It was moved by Reverend Lonnie McClain and seconded by Reverend Gilbert Harper that the
report be received and adopted.
The Bishop and the conference offered prayer for Reverend Lonnie McClain who recently
recovered from an illness.
We heard Pastoral reports from the Pastors of the finance committee.
The following visitors were present: The Reverend Ronald Braxton, The Reverend
Charles Sembly, The Reverend Harry Seawright, The Reverend Bob Hodges, and The
Reverend and Mrs. Artie Odom, Jr. The Reverend Thomas O. Nixon, Lay President
Valeria Bell. The Reverend Charlotte Clemon, The Reverend Dr. Cassandra Sparrow
and The Reverend Dr. Anthony Watson,
12:00 recessed
It was moved by Sis. Mary Terry and seconded by The Rev. Willie Boothe and
carried.
Ecumenical Service
12:15 p.m.
See Program for participants
The message was delivered by The Reverend Otis L. Blackshear, Pastor Emeritus,
Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
A powerful and electrifying message entitled “Misrepresenting Jesus”.
Scripture taken from (Mark 9:16-18). His points:
1. Don’t judge Jesus by the church.
2. Bring your problems to Jesus and not the church.
3. You have to give Jesus something to work with.
After the message the church went up in praise as we sang “I just want to thank you
forever and ever and ever for all that you have done for me. Blessings and glory they
all belong to you, thank you Jesus for blessing me”.
The Invitation was given by the Reverend Sandra Greene.
The Finance Committee was called to receive our gifts.
The Announcements by the Reverend John Burton. Committees were called to meet.
The conference recessed at 2:00 p.m.
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The conference will reconvene @ 3:15 p.m. to receive orders regarding the Election
of delegates to the General Conference.
It was moved by the Rev. Earl Glover and seconded by the Rev. Vanessa Copeland and carried.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
3:25 p.m.
Afternoon Session
The prayer and praise team: Olivia Collins, Sydia Bailey and Yolanda Millner. Chaplain Bell, Brown
and White gave their report. Bishop honored God for their service.
Bishop called for the Order of the Day and explained the voting procedures. After a brief
explanation, the Lay delegation was dismissed and led by Bro. Howard Williams to a separate venue
to be held at Emmanuel AME, Church, Portsmouth, VA, for the Electoral College.
The bishop organized the conference for election of clergy.
He then proceeded with the election of the tellers and clerks. The following persons were elected to
serve as tellers: Reverend(s) Amy Hodge Ziglar and H. B. Cross, Sr. It was moved by Reverend
Lonnie McClain and seconded by Andrea Cornett Scott. The following persons were elected to
serve as clerks: Reverend Timothy Johnson and Phyllis Whitcher. It was moved by Reverend
Harrilene Shackelford-Powell and seconded by Sherrie Brooks and carried. A total of 72 persons
including Itinerant Deacons, Elders and Superannuated ministers were eligible to vote. A majority
37 votes will be needed to be selected as delegate or alternate delegate.
At 5:24 p.m., the poll closed. Only 71 voted and a majority 36 votes will be required to be selected
as delegate or alternate delegate.
The tellers and clerks returned with the results and the following persons were elected:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Delegates
Emanuel Terrell
Andre’ P. Jefferson
Chester Morris
Vernon Ricks
John Burton
Oretha Cross
Andrea Cornett Scott
Donald White
Lonnie McClain
GodFrey Patterson
67
65
64
61
60
60
58
58
53
53
Alternate Delegates
Rufus Mosley
Vanessa Copeland
Linwood Daughtry
Monica Spencer
Grainger Flythe
Ronald Knight
James Beatty
Willie Boothe
Willie White
Ira McMillian
69
65
62
62
61
59
56
55
50
48
Presiding Elder Morris made a statement that the delegation and conference wanted to go on record
that we will support the work of the conference and the aspiration of the Bishop and Supervisor for
their new assignment.
The Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr., spoke on behalf of the delegates and The Reverend Rufus L.
Mosley, Jr., spoke on behalf of the alternate delegates both pledging The Bishop our loyal support.
The conference recessed @6:11 p.m.
Men’s Night will begin @ 7:30 p.m.
15
It was moved by The Rev. Gilbert Harper and seconded by The Rev. Abraham Mackey and carried
by the conference.
Son’s of Allen Men’s Night
See Program for participants.
The message was delivered by The Reverend Rueben Boyd. His message taken from the St.
Mark 2: 1-12. His topic “The Men God Can Use”.
Men that God can use will lead you to Jesus. When you are leading people to Jesus, we need to
make sure that you know Jesus, but you can lead where you haven’t been.
As men, we have to learn to push our way through to the gospel. Be must be committed where you
are. God will include those, who others exclude.
We were blessed by the sing of the Men’s Choir of the Virginia Conference as they sang our souls
happy.
The Invitation To Christian Discipleship by the Reverend Timothy Smith.
The Finance Committee came and received our gifts.
The Introduction of the Bishop by Brother Jeremiah Cuffey.
Bishop stressed the point about partnership and prostate health. We have partnered with PHEN
(Prostate Health Education Network, Inc.
Mr. Terrance Afer-Anderson was introduced to the conference.
Partnering with churches to provide prostate health education and awareness outreach to
Black communities at the grassroots level is a major PHEN initiative.
On Father’s Day, rally against prostrate cancer, June 19th. The rally takes place within each church
where members are encouraged to wear blue on Father’s Day. During regular services on Father’s
Day, participating churches recognize the prostate cancer survivors, their family members and loved
ones within their congregation.
Bishop prayed for the men of the conference who are having prostate problems. The men and their
families were called to the altar for prayer.
Two offerings were received during Men’s night because we will not have a noon day service due to
members attending Sis. Linda Claggin homegoing service.
Certificates were distributed to the Men of the conference.
The Bishop’s award recipients:
The Professional Business Award: Bro. Tyrone Antonio Minor,
St. Mark, Virginia Beach.
The Community Service Award: Bro. William Buckner, St. Paul, Winchester
Service for Sis. Linda Claggion, Thursday, May 12, 2011 @ The New Union Chapel, Norfolk,
Virginia. , we will adjust our schedule to be with the family.
Early morning prayer call will begin at 6:30 a.m.
The Conference Institute 9:00-10:00 a.m. with Bible Scholar Dr. Boykins Sanders.
The Business session will begin with the reading of the Minutes and we will hear Pastoral Reports.
We will recess for the homegoing of Sis. Linda Claggion and return and resume the conference
work.
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The service ended at 10:03 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
R,. L. Mosley, Jr., Chief Secretary
It was moved by The Rev. Collin Figueroa and seconded by The Rev. Rueben Boyd and
carried.
Thursday, May 12, 2011
6:30 a.m. Prayer Call
The PrayerLife Ministry met at 6:30 a.m. under the leadership of Dr. T. C. Richardson. In one of his
messages, Dr. Richardson made the statement, “Life is suffering-internally, externally and eternally,
and it is for this I have Jesus”.
9:00 a.m. Conference Institute
Reverend Norman Vick introduced Dr. Boykin Sanders, Professor of New Testament and Greek at
the School of Theology at Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia.
Professor Sanders offered a scathing analysis of the Black church and it’s quietness during the
Obama administration. Professor Sanders noted in his critique, that the gaunt appearance of
Africans in America is due to a disease called integration. And, that the gaunt appearance of Africans
on the continent is due to a disease called neo-colonial behavior. He advised us that we should
recognize that President Obama works for the state-nation and not for black people or the black
church. Professor Sanders also gave us a biblical review of scripture to show how the church has
interpreted itself in this prophetic ministry. He also gave us an analysis of what the bible meant in
the time it was developed and what it means now. He concluded that the bible is the churches
constitution and must be re-invented in every generation. The conference was receptive to the
presentation.
The meeting was turned over to Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., by the Dean of the
Institute, The Reverend Norman Vick.
The Bishop expressed his deepest gratitude to Dr. Boykin Sanders.
Sis. Marcie White and Brother James R. St. Clair were called to report the Lay Election results.
The following are the results of the Lay election:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Lay Delegates
Ruby Greer
Lawrence A. Buckner
Pamela B. Jones Watford
Rose Brabble
Ernest Godwin, Sr.
Lillian Johnson Galloway
James R. St. Clair
Howard Williams
Mary Terry
Youth Delegate, Amber Greene
47
42
41
39
38
37
37
36
35
29
Alternate Lay Delegates
Youth Delegate, Tashara Void
Joyce Hardy
Constance Cooke
S. Eugene Porter
Valerie Terry
Carolyn Morris
Jacqueline Robinson
Inetha Holmes
Armer Mitchell, Jr
Vaughnie Witcher
46
43
42
42
42
41
40
38
38
37
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Sis. Ruby Greer spoke on behalf of the lay delegation. She thanked the conference and pledge they
will do their best to represent the Second Episcopal District. For we are Second To None.
Brother S. Eugene Porter spoke on behalf of the alternate delegates. He too expressed gratitude and
thanks for being elected as an alternate delegate and pledge to the conference their support.
The Bishop called for literary reports.
Evangelism: See Report. The Bishop stated that he is considering changing this committee from a
literary report to an administrative report. Bishop had several thoughts regarding this committee:
1. How do we close the back door in our churches?
2. As Pastors, we need to know the names of the members in our churches.
3. A preacher should be a people person.
4. As a church, are we growing, dying or are the people leaving the church?
The Bishop recognized the presence of the Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Connie Speights Richardson.
He also expressed appreciation to Dr. Boykin Sanders.
The Announcements by the Reverend John Burton, Host Pastor.
The conference recessed at 11:20 a.m. to attend the funeral of Sis. Linda Y. M. Claggion, a delegate
and Marshall of the Conference. We will begin the business session @ 2:15 p.m.
It was moved by The Reverend James Beatty and seconded by The Reverend Dr. Monica Spencer
and carried.
Afternoon Session
2:39 p.m.
The Prayer and Praise Team: Marvette DeCree, Toni Mayes, Sydia Bailey and The Reverend
Yolanda Wright Millner. After the devotions, the praise team turned the service over to the
Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson,
Jr.
The Bishop thanked those persons who journeyed over to The New Union Chapel to be with the
family of Sis. Linda Claggion.
We heard the remaining reports of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District.
Following the reading of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District, the Bishop thanked the
District for the sacrifices they have made and for the way they have conducted the business of the
church.
The Reverend Andre P. Jefferson, Sr. stood and thanked Presiding Elder Dyson and Dr. Marianne
Dyson for their leadership, and that it has been a joy to have served with them. We pray God will
bless them in their next phase of life. May God bless you.
We then heard Pastoral reports from the Norfolk/Eastern Shore District. Presiding Elder Chester
W. Morris began calling the churches on the Norfolk/Eastern Shore District.
The Bishop paused to pray for family of Cody Butler, a teenager on the Eastern Shore who
committed suicide. In the prayer, he prayed that he hoped the death of Cody, will not be the model
for others.
18
The Bishop thanked the members of the Norfolk/Eastern Shore for their appreciation and for the
miles, the sacrifices and for their leadership. It is because of their leadership that people are coming
to Christ. He encouraged them to keep up the good work.
Following the reports of the Norfolk/Eastern Shore District, The Reverend John D. Burton,
thanked Presiding Elder Morris (the Honey child preacher), and Mrs. Morris for being so kind,
considerate and compassionate. The Presiding Elder has a pastor’s heart.
We then heard literary reports.
Literary Reports:
State of The Church: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend Willie White and seconded by
The Reverend Leonard Davis and carried.
Bishop made this comment regarding the State of the Church report. “I know that this is a lot to
digest”, however, when we adopt resolutions here at the conference, the delegates are to return to
their local churches and review with the church members the resolutions with the intent that some
of them might be adopted by the local church.
Church Growth: See Report. The Bishop expressed his appreciation to the committee for doing
the research. It was moved by The Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr., to approve the resolution of the rainy
day fund with the intention of giving it over to the Conference Adjustment Committee. It was
seconded by The Reverend Godfrey Patterson and carried by the conference. The resolution
regarding the “The Think Tank”. The Bishop stated that this is already in place in the District
Conference.
Christian Education: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend E. H,. Terrell, Jr. and The
Reverend Gwendolyn Minor and seconded by The Reverend Leonard Davis and carried.
Ministry To The Youth: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend Sheri Brooks and seconded
by The Reverend Issac Jackson and carried.
A substitute motion was made that these recommendations be referred over to the Legislative Task
Force. It was moved by The Reverend Linwood Daughtery and seconded by The Reverend E.H.
Terrell, Jr., and carried.
Annuity Report: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend Charles Harvin and seconded by The
Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr., and carried.
Pastors are requested to review their beneficiary clauses on Annuity and Life Insurance policy.
Abandoned Property: No Abandon Property this conference. See report.
Church School: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend Edward Scott and seconded by The
Reverend Glenn Orr and carried.
19
Legislative Task Force: See Report. Bishop stated from now until next General Conference, the
committee will be receiving information.
State of The Country: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend W. A. Dyson and seconded by
The Reverend Gwendolyn Minor and carried.
It was moved by Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris and seconded by The Reverend Godfrey
Patterson that The Reverend Edward Scott publish this document in the AME Review. This motion
was carried.
The Son’s of Allen: See Report. It was moved by Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris and seconded
by The Reverend James P. Beatty and carried.
The Announcements by The Reverend John D. Burton.
The Lay Program will begin at 7:30 p.m. In the morning, we will begin the work at 9:00 a.m.
Devotions should begin at 8:30.
The Business session will begin at 9:00 a.m.
We recessed @ 5:48 p.m.
It was moved by The Reverend Dr. Monica Spencer and seconded by Bro. Anthony Cason and
carried.
Lay Witness Night
(See program for participants)
Our speaker for Lay Night was Dr. Marianne Dyson, wife of Presiding Elder William A. Dyson. Dr.
Dyson spoke from the topic “Logos, Ethos and Pathos”.
Logos (John 1:1) brings us together
Ethos (Matthew 15) divides us and it is a sociological concept
Pathos (Luke 23:24) God who feels my pain
She summed it up in one the old song of the church, Precious Lord, Take My Hand.
St. Paul’s Winchester, VA choir inspired us and took us to a higher level of praise and worship.
The Bishop and Supervisor were presented gifts of love from the Lay Organization.
Sis. Valerie Bell, Connectional Lay President greeted and invited the conference to attend the Lay
Biennial in Detroit, Michigan (August 2011). She also requested prayer for her mother The
Reverend Vivian Gary and for Sis. Jackie Powell, Second District Recording Secretary.
Bishop commended the St. Paul’s Winchester, VA choir and Dr. Marianne Dyson for their
exception service. Bishop also stated that he was proud the young people were included in the
program.
Announcements were given.
Business Session begins at 9:00 a.m.
Minister’s Spouse Reception to take place immediately after service.
The service ended at 10:15 p.m.
It was moved by The Reverend Willie White and seconded by Bro. James White and carried.
Respectfully submitted,
R. L. Mosley, Jr.
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Friday, May 13, 2011
8:45
Prayer and Praise Team conducted the devotions (Edmonds and Mayes).
Literary Reports Continued
Ecology, Temperance and Health: See Report. It was moved by Lt. Col. Oledia F. Bell and
seconded by The Reverend Willie P. Boothe, III and Mary Curtis and carried.
Missions, Circuits and Stations: See Report. No recommendations. It was moved by The
Reverend Kevin Wilson and seconded by The Reverend Willie Boothe, III and carried. The Bishop
want this committee to be ongoing. The work has to continue in order to be effective. It must be
ongoing.
Social, Civic and Political Actions: See Report. It was moved by Bro. James White and seconded
by Bro. Jeremiah Cuffey and carried. Presiding Elder Emeritus Sidney W. Williams, Jr., stood and
gave enlightening words about the state of the nation. He stated that we need to become vocal about
the issues of our day that are not right. The Second District ought to be the launching pad.
Economic Development: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr., and
seconded by The Reverend Godfrey Patterson and carried.
Christian Stewardship: See Report. It was moved by Sis. Juanita Mack and seconded by The
Reverend Abraham Mackey and carried. The Bishop requested the committee to include the
statement that the New Testament principle on giving is based on and consist of giving tithes and
offerings.
Church Technology: See Report. It was moved by The Reverend Vanessa A. Copeland and
seconded by The Reverend Deborah Bryant and carried. Bishop Richardson congratulated the
Virginia Conference on its use of technology. Technology is even being used in some of our smaller
congregations.
Ministerial Efficient Committee: See Report. It was moved by Chaplain Bell and seconded by
The Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr. and carried. The Bishop made the statement “We take no pleasure or
delight in locating any of our preachers. We find it brotherly, loving and the right thing to do. It is
also important that we protect the interest of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Component Reports
Women’s Missionary Society: See Report. No action for us to take. We include this report in the
Minutes of the Annual Conference.
Lay Activities: See Report. The membership of the Lay Organization 1406.
21
Judiciary Committee. See Report It was moved by The Reverend Andre P. Jefferson, Sr., and
seconded by The Reverend(s) Vernon L. Ricks, Sr., and Andrea Cornett-Scott and carried. The
Bishop made the statement that “We take no pleasure in doing this, but we do this for our
commitment to Christ and to protect the Annual Conference.
The Bishop recognized the presence of The 130th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of The African
Methodist Episcopal Church, The Right Reverend John Franklin White, and Ecumenical Officer.
We paused to remember the souls of our deceased Brothers and Sisters:
Mrs. Yvonne Kawimbe, Acting Episcopal Supervisor 17th Episcopal District
Sis. Irene B. Reed, Retired Episcopal Supervisor
Sis. Linda Y.M. Claggion, Delegate and Marshall of The Virginia Conference
The Reverend Marion Christian, Local Elder in The Virginia Conference
The Reverend Louis B. Oliver, Jr., Itinerant Elder in The Virginia Conference
The Reverend Arthur S. Jones, Retired Pastor in The Virginia Conference.
The Bishop also informed us that The Reverend Lewis Scott, a Retired pastor was being transferred
to The Sentara Life Care Center. He asked that we would pray for Reverend Scott and his wife Mrs.
Evelyn Scott, the Music Lady.
The conference took a 10 minute break to prepare for
A Service of Re-Obligation and The Conference Service of Holy Communion
See Program for participants.
The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson introduced The 130th Elected and Consecrated
Bishop of The African Methodist Episcopal Church,
The Right Reverend John Franklin White, Sr.
His Topic: An Incredible Call To Serve.
Scripture: St. Mark 10: 35-45
It’s about my ability to serve. The way up is down. We must pray like we have never prayed before.
“I am no longer my own….” The call is about fitting into God’s plan, and it’s not about us. God
wants your heart not your labor. God wants us to have a speaking relationship with him. An
incredible message that was received by all.
Fruit is a result of connection. We are supposed to work for God and not work with God. People
will follow a sermon, more than by what they see than by what they hear.
Bishop White reminded the conference that we are to serve and not to be served.
The Virginia Conference Choir ministered to us in song in a most incredible way.
The Bishop made mention that checks were sent to minister’s who serve 4 and 5 hours away, 355
miles away, looking/serving 20 people. These ministers were responding to an incredible call to
serve. Saying, Yes, Lord, Yes to Your Will, Yes, to Your Way.
The Board of Examiners were called.
The Re-obligation Service
22
The Reverend Jeanette Francis D. Phelps
The Reverend Queen Esther Snell
The Offering was received.
The Announcements:
Youth Revival 7:00 p.m., The Bishop requested that we support our young people.
Tomorrow
Church School 9:00 a.m.
Processional 10:20 a.m.
Recessed at 2:19 p.m. We will return to conduct the business of the church @3:30 p.m.
Business Session
3:43 p.m.
We heard a report from RED, Inc. Rev. Dr. Cassandra Sparrow. See report.
Presiding Elder W. A. Dyson, Sr., accompanied by his wife, Dr. Marianne Dyson requested during
this 145th Session to superannuate. Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris made the motion that his dear
friend and loving wife be granted to superannuate at the conclusion of the conference. It was moved
and seconded by The Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr., and The Reverend Granger Flythe, The Reverend
Vernon Ricks, Sr., The Reverend James Beatty and The Reverend Godfrey Patterson and carried
with our thanks.
Presiding Elder Dyson and Dr. Marianne Dyson received a standing ovation.
The secretary of the conference was called to answer the Disciplinary Questions.
Our Bishop took the time to explain the 2 types of location in our church.
One type of location is self imposed, the person steps aside. The second type
is when the conference imposes ordination and privileges are revoked.
The Bishop took the time to explain the AME Discipline process in regard to
both The Reverend Earl A. Glover, Sr., and The Reverend Earl A. Morris.
He stated that the Ministerial Efficiency committee recommended that The
Reverend Earl Glover be located and seeks the necessary professional help,
where he can. The AME church will avail its resources to assist Rev. Glover.
Bishop further elaborated that The Reverend Earl Morris was referred by the
judiciary committee and it was not his position to make a judgment of his
character. The Reverend Earl Morris has the right to have an advocate during
the trial that advocate could not be a lawyer. The Bishop said he could not
give neither The Reverend Earl Glover nor The Reverend Earl Morris an
appointment because their character did not pass disciplinary questions. He
also explained the trial process and jury selection of the AME church in
accordance with the current book of Discipline.
The Bishop made it clear, that he was not passing judgment on either
person’s character.
The delegate from St. Paul, Newport, Sis. Pamela Washington and the
delegate from Bethel, Hampton Bro. William M. Floyd, Sr. extended the
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invitation for The Virginia Annual Conference to hold the 146th Session of
The Virginia Annual Conference at the Marriott, Newport News, Virginia.
The Reverend John D. Burton made the motion and it was seconded by The
Reverend Myra Burton and carried.
The Finance Committee made their report and it was received. The Finance committee made the
statement that this was one of the greatest conferences in the history of the Virginia Conference.
The Reverend John Burton and The Reverend Godfrey Patterson rose to express appreciation to
The Bishop and Supervisor. He thanked God that we have a Bishop and Supervisor in the form of
the Richardson’s.
Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris and Presiding William A. Dyson made the motion that this the
145th Session of the Virginia Annual conference be closed sine die.
Adjourned @ 4:35 p.m.
Youth Night Revival
See Program for participants
Friday, May 13, 2011
YPD Report Received
Text: John 6
Title: Do not Fail The Test
This message was preached by The Reverend Ronald Freeman. In the message he stated that, God
will show us how not to fail if we allow His will to be done. He will also give us the desire of our
heart. Jesus will allow us to pass the test if we would give it to Him. The little lad in the text,
thought he did not have much, but little becomes much when you place it in the Masters’ hand.
You are never too young to be used by God.
The Bishop and Supervisor expressed profound gratitude to the youth of the church and that the
choir was exceptional. He also stated that Rev. Freeman did a brilliant job in the way he presented
the message. The Bishop thanked the youth for seven wonderful years and “that he is about five
seconds away… “. (A familiar song of the youth).
Rev. Freeman extended the invitation and benediction. The service ended at 9:45 p.m.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Church School
9:00 a.m.
“Thankful Worship”
The Reverend Michael Dunn, Teacher
Revelation 7:9-17
“They cried in a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who is seated on the throne, and
to the Lamb!” Revelation 7:10
The Closing Service
See Program
10:20 a.m.
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In tribute to our Episcopal Supervisor, The Reverend Dr Edward Scott, read an inspiring poem and
Mrs. Mary Vick presented red roses. The Virginia Conference Choir along with Bro. Thomas Farley
sang a song “To God Be The Glory” .
(See poem attached)
Dr. Connie Speights Richardson so humble, accepted the gift, as she personifies a vessel of grace.
We were blessed greatly by the singing of the Virginia Conference Choir.
25
The Bishop’s Words
“Spiritual Authority What’s In It For Me”
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
5 Scriptures used
Matthew 6:33 “Seek ye first the kingdom of God”.
Matthew 4:4 “But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
Matthew 7:29 “For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.”.
Matthew 21:23 “And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the
people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these
things? and who gave thee this authority?”
Matthew 28:18 “And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in
heaven and in earth”.
Four essential truths about spiritual authority
What’s in it for me?
1. Peace of mind.
2. Blessed Assurance
3. Everlasting Life
4. Peace and protect
5. Resurrection for our bodies
6. All these things shall be added unto you.
1. Jesus walked in the authority of HIS gifts. (Matthew 7:29). It is not
the gift that messes us up, it’s the stuff in our personality.
2. Jesus walked in the authority of the WORD. (Matthew 4:4).When
Jesus got jumped by satan in the wilderness. Jesus took him to the
word. Believe the word.
3. Jesus walked in the authority of the Word in the relationship with
HIS Father. Jesus took authority. Spiritual ministry broke out. Jesus
proclaims all authority.
4. I’m with HIM.
This was a most powerful word, preached by our Bishop.
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Statistical Report of the Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke & Norfolk/Eastern Shore
District
Combined Statistics
(Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke &
Norfolk/Eastern Shore Districts
2010
2011
393
358
412
440
9254
8862
2010
2011
Increase
Value of Church Properties
Indebtedness
Net Value of Church Property
Total Funds Raised/Local
Church
Newly Erected Parsonages
Newly Purchased Parsonages
Newly Erected Churches
Newly Purchased Churches
Conversions
Accessions
Full Members
Increase
27
The Offering
The Finance Committee
Bishop recognized all the visitors outside the conference.
Bishop called for all the clergy delegates to come around the altar and all lay and
alternate delegates to stand while the conference recognized and thanked them.
Reverend Terrell spoke on behalf of the delegation to thank the conference for his
election to lead the delegation. However, as Senior Pastor for over 55 years he
would like to yield his position as lead delegate to the Senior Presiding Elder, “The
Honey Child Presiding Elder” Presiding Elder Chester W. Morris to lead the
delegation to the General Conference. Reverend E. H. Terrell, Jr. , exchanged
places in the delegation with The Presiding Elder to third.
The Statisticians Report was read by The Reverend Dr. Quentin J. White.
The Resolutions
The Resolutions were read by The Reverend Rufus L. Mosley, Jr. It was moved by
The Reverend Norman Vick and seconded by The Reverend Abraham Mackey
and carried. A copy of the Resolutions can be sent via email.
The recognition of service for Presiding Elder Reverend Doctor William A.
Dyson, Sr.
The Bishop recognized and introduced the Supervisor. Our Supervisor thanked
The Reverends John and Myra Burton and the members of St. John’s AME
Church for their hospitality. She expressed thanks to Rev. Edward Scott and other
components for the special tribute. Also, she thanked the retired Presiding Elder,
William A. Dyson, Sr., for all his leadership. In closing, she expressed her sincere
thanks to the Conference.
The Commissioning Service
“A Charge To Keep I Have”
The Conference ended at 12:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Your Secretarial Staff
Conference ended 1:45 p.m.
28
To: Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the 2 nd Episcopal District; Mrs. Connie S. Richardson,
Episcopal Supervisor of the 2nd Episcopal District; Members of the 145th Session of the Virginia Annual
Conference
We, the members of the Committee on Evangelism, submit the following report:
Evangelism is a natural result of Christian life. Those who follow Christ want others to follow Christ also. The first
command of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was “Follow me…and I will make you fishers of men.” His last
command was “Go into all the world and preach the Gospel to every creature.” Only by the outstretched arm of the
church, whereby we extend the gospel of Christ, can the world be saved.
The term evangelism carries many different connotations to many different people. We are not given a quick
answer when we search for a definition in the bible; however, upon much study and reflection, we understand that
evangelism is the zealous spreading and preaching of the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It is the key to
exposing the broken and bruised to the healing presence of God. It is the presenting of Jesus Christ, so that all men
and women will accept Him as their Savior from the guilt and power of sin. The ultimate goal of evangelism is to
convert hearers to Christianity. Evangelism must become a top priority for the African Methodist Episcopal Church
if we are to be faithful to the mandate of our Master found in Mark 16:15.
Recommendations
I. Goal Setting – Each church must formulate a corporate plan by which the church as a unit holds itself accountable
for evangelistic practices.
II. Networking – A systematic way must be devised to seek out and attract new persons moving into our
communities. Every AME Church should be listed in the local yellow pages.
III. Ministry Beyond the Walls – We must give a higher priority to those that have special gifts in areas that take
them beyond the physical walls of the church.
IV. Technological Advancements – We must take advantage of all communication technologies. Continue to use
radio and television to evangelize the world. Web pages, e-mail, podcast technology, MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter,
and highway billboards can be used in order to spread the message of salvation. A well-lit marquis in front of the
church can be utilized to invite persons passing by to come into the house of the Lord.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church was born out of a fervent and burning desire to zealously spread the
gospel. We must continue to carry the burning torch by insuring that evangelism is not merely a program in our
church, but it must be a way of life. If we fail to plan, we are planning to fail. We must develop a strategic plan for
evangelism that is effective and innovative.
Respectfully Submitted
Reverends V. L. Ricks, Sr., Billy Ray Hunter, Ronald Freeman, Willie P. Boothe, Quentin White, Mary Kimble,
Joel Tomlin, Amy Christine Hodge-Ziglar, Beatrice Smaugh; Delegates Wynola Wyatt, Sheilah Johnson, Douglas
Strand, Sonya McCoy Alexander, Carolyn Morris, John Gibbs
It was moved by The Rev. Vick and seconded by The Rev. John Burton and carried by the conference. Bishop would
like to change the Evangelism report to an Administrative report. The recommendation will help, but another question
is how we shut the back door. Having accessibility to people’s needs.
We need to get to know the people. The reality is that “core” of people. (Are we growing? Are we dying? Did more people get
converted?
29
Committee On Abandoned Property
May 10, 2011
Bishop Richardson, Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, Members of the 145th Session of The
Virginia Annual Conference, Your Committee on Abandoned Property begs permission to submit
the following report:
The Committee on Abandoned Property is reporting that after thorough investigation in the
Norfolk/Eastern Shore and Portsmouth/Richmond/Roanoke District no abandoned property was
found.
Nature, Scope and Talk of the Committee
The task of the Committee is to research the status on Abandon Properties.
Process and Extent of Gathering Data
The committee utilizes city directories and websites at various areas where A.M.E. Churches are
established within the Virginia Conference.
Essential Discoveries, Findings, or Achievements
Refer to Virginia Conference Trustee for further information.
Goals and Objectives
Our main objective is to designate the following churches to receive information regarding abandon
properties:
Mt. Zion-Roanoke, Virginia
Macedonia-Suffolk, Virginia
Macedonia-Accomack, Virginia
St. John-Norfolk, Virginia
New St. John-Virginia Beach, Virginia
Recommendations
To request the Annual Conference to work closely with the Virginia Annual Conference Trustees
regarding abandoned property. In the event that there is abandon property, we are requesting that
the Chairperson, The Reverend Charles Harvin be notified.
Duly submitted by your committee on Abandoned Property
Charles Harvin , Chairman
Timothy Johnson
Bernard Holmes
Kenneth Ruff
Louis Oliver
Daryl Wade
Frank Hill
Oretha Cross
Stephanie Webber
James Beatty
Lay Delegates
Rose Nickolson
Pamela Washington
Lucy Gray
Theresa Jeffries
Stephanie Johnson
Jeremiah Cuffey
Clara Banks
30
The Committee On Church School
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, and
Members of the 145th Session of The Virginia Annual Conference,
We your Committee on Church School beg leave to submit the following report:
The committee on Church school recognizes the following:
(1) That the church school is a critical ministry both as a means of evangelism,
Christian education and church growth
(2) That there is an attendance decline of children and youth in the church school
In order to revive interest and participation in the Sunday school by the children
and youth, we recommend the following:
(1) Parents and grandparents make a greater effort to take their children and
youth to Sunday school.
(2) That officers of the church make a greater effort to attend and encourage
children and youth to attend.
(3) That every church develop activities to act as incentives to attract children
and youth to the Sunday School.
(4) That during the Sunday school convention opportunity is given to pastors
and Sunday school superintendents to share their success story to assist and
encourage others who are struggling with their Sunday school.
(5) That every church use VBS as an opportunity to attract new children and
youth to the Sunday school.
(6) That once a year there should be promotion Sunday in the Sunday school.
Respectfully submitted
Earl Morris, Chairman
Colin Figueroa
Otelia Barksdale
Valerie Knight
Delegates:
Betty Stanley
Wanza Davis
Rufus L. Mosley, Jr.
Vanessa Copeland
Timothy Johnson
Frank Hill
Andrea Cornett-Scott
James Beatty
Samuel Wise
Jean Weston Langston
Valerie Terry
Francine Williams
31
Legislative Task Force
The Report of the Legislative Task Force
Virginia Annual Conference
May 10, 2011
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Dr. Connie Speights Richardson, Presiding
Elders, Clergy, Delegates, Missionary, Laity, Young People and Visitors to the 145th
Session of The Virginia Annual Conference.
The Legislative Task Force met and distributed to the members of the Task Force who
were present, the guidelines from the 2008 Book of Discipline of The African Methodist
Episcopal Church (pp. 229 & 230).
There was no proposed legislation presented to this committee for consideration to be
prepared and sent to the Office of the General Secretary to be presented to the General
Conference. Any persons with proposed legislation to be submitted to the Office of the
General Secretary should submit said proposed legislation to the Chairperson of this
committee for consideration by the Task Force.
Respectfully submitted,
L. R. Daughtry, Chairperson
Jacqueline Hardy-Harris
Norman Vick
Harrilene S. Powell
Ira McMillan
Joel Tomlin
Phyllis Whichard
David Brown
Godfrey Patterson
Timothy Johnson
Oledia C. Bell
Delegates:
Jean Weston Langston
Walter Greene
Treacy Hinton
Willie O. Boone
Joanne Roberts
Curtis Langley
See attached sheet
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C. Annual Conference Legislative Task Force
1. A Legislative Task Force shall be established by the presiding bishop of
each Episcopal district for the purpose of receiving, hearing, editing and
preparing all bills agreed upon by the members of an Episcopal district
for submission to the General Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church. It shall be the duty of the Legislative Task Force to
keep the Episcopal district aware of proposed legislation and encourage
the members of the district to participate in discussions related to the
same.
2. The presiding bishop shall appoint the chairperson and nominate the
members of the Task Force. The Legislative Task Force shall organize
itself and elect such officers, and adopt such bylaws as necessary to carry
out its duties.
3. The Chairperson of the Legislative Task Force shall appoint such
Standing Committee as necessary for the proper execution of its duties.
4. The presiding bishop, or the chairperson, shall call such meetings as may
be required to transact the business of the Legislative Task Force.
General meetings of the Legislative Task Force shall be held at least
twice annually. Standing Committees shall meet at the call of the
committee chairperson as he or she may deem necessary for carrying out
the work of the Committee.
5. The Legislative Task Force shall, from time to time, as the presiding
bishop may see fit, report to the Annual Conference and seek the input
and concurrence of the Annual Conference.
The Book of Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, 2008, pp.
229, 230.
33
STATE OF THE CHURCH
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, Mrs. Connie Richardson,
Supervisor of the Women’s Missionary Society, Presiding Elders, Pastors, Delegates and Members of the 145th
Session of the Virginia Annual Conference.
We the Committee on the State of the Church submit the following report:
The Church has been called: The people of God, the Ecclesia or Called Out Assembly, the Body of Christ and the
Community of the Spirit. These designations imply that it is essentially a community of the redeemed. The
importance of the church hinges upon the fact that Jesus Christ is its head. The Church is made up of people who
have been born anew accepting Christ as their personal Savior. The Church has made great impact upon the lives of
the people that live in and around the community it serves.
The task of the State of the Church Committee is to look at the problems in the community facing the church and to
identify and evaluate methods for positive resolutions.
In the Black Community, the Church’s position is one of collective strength in dealing with the problems of the
larger society. The Black Church has always been and still is the vanguard for what is a diverse and changing
community. The influence of the Church is being seen on many different levels. Not only is it defining for the Black
community, “What we are to think” and “How we are to live”, but it is providing for us a way and means of dealing
with life’s struggles. The Church is engaged in dialogue to help its parishioners deal with the economic crisis of the
country, the impact of the passage of the Health Care Bill, the struggles of financial institutions, the loss of jobs,
home foreclosures, the threat of homelessness and the fear of losing everything.
The Church must address the issue of racial profiling across the nation, representations that negatively define Black
Women, teen- date and domestic violence, sexual abuse of young boys and girls, the rise in teen pregnancy,
abortion, and suicide and gang violence. The problems of the Black Family remind us that the Church must continue
to be vigilant against the mishandling of Older Americans, same sex marriages, divorce, abortion, rampant
incarceration, increased drug abuse, adult and teen obesity, the spread of aids and other diseases, the inappropriate
use of the internet and cell phones (to text and twitter), the unsafe environment of chat rooms across the country for
young people and the increased epidemic of Bullying at School and on the Bus.
In an article written by Eddie Glaude, Jr., Ph.D. entitled the Black Church is Dead; he indicates that the Black
Church is ineffective in today’s world. He states the following:
1.) First-Black Churches run up against the reality that all too often Black Churches and those who pastor them
have been and continue to be quite too conservative to meet the needs of Black people today.
2.) Secondly-African American Churches are much more differentiated than ever before. The idea of a Black
Church standing
at the center of all that takes place in the community has long since passed away.
3.) Thirdly-He says that we have witnessed the reutilization of Black prophetic witness. He further says that
Black churches have lost their power because all too often these churches have services and liturgies that
entertain, but lack a spirit that transforms.
4.) Rare are those occasions when Black churches mobilize in public and come together to call attention to the
pressing issues of our day.
We (committee) do not take the opinion that the Black Church is Dead. While some of the instances that Dr. Glaude
cites indicates that things have changed in the black community-they do not constitute the fact that the Black Church
is Dead. We agree with Joel C. Gregory, M. Div., Ph. D., Professor of Preaching, George W. Truett Theological
Seminary, Baylor University and the article that he wrote –The Black Church is Alive and Well. We concur and
agree with him when he says the following:
1.) Preaching itself thrives in the Black Church as like in no other culture.
2.) Black people anticipate that God will speak through the sermon with a word for them, right in their current
everyday existence.
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3.) The vitality of worship in the Black Church has not waned. The community gathers every week in a
celebration of the Grace of God that carried them through the previous week and will see them through the
next week to come. The sense of hope is tangible in Black Churches.
4.) Social justice concerns are still high on the list of Black Churches.
5.) Community service reigns in the Black Church with insistent vitality. The Black Church works to meet the
needs of latch-key kids, the elderly, the disenfranchised, the marginalized and the forgotten as a daily
practice.
6.) A high regard for education marks the vital Black Church.
7.) Empowerment happens in the Black Church. The Black Church takes the poorest from the streets, feeds
them, dries them out, sobers them up, counsels them vocationally, teaches them how to write a resume and
reclaims them for society.
Our committee stands firm on the fact that the Black Church and the African Methodist Episcopal Church in
particular is alive and well.
The Church is hard at work dealing with a society that appears to be too pre-occupied with staying in a comfort zone
and not dealing with the problems of the community.
Society is looking to the church for answers like never before. People are hungry for the word with a message that is
relevant and addresses the needs of the people.
We recommend the following: That we embrace the Twelve Characteristics of a Healthy Church as penned by Dr.
Richard Krejcir
of Into Thy Word Ministries and maintain the following:
1.) A clear uncompromising teaching of God’s Word.
2.) Impacting Worship
3.) Passion for the Lord.
4.) Heartfelt Prayer
5.) Making Disciples.
6.) Love and care that is penetrating.
7.) Leadership Development
8.) Outreach and Missions
9.) Powered Vision.
10.) Effective Stewardship
11.) Appropriate Programming
12.) Replications
We recommend the following for the continued strong impact of the church in the community by partnering with
three or four area churches to facilitate focus groups and workshops dealing with the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Preaching a gospel that is clear, concise, and relevant and meets the needs of the people.
How to identify and embrace all of the Gifts of the Spirit in a very practical manner.
Promote Unity in the Body of Christ and work on common ground issues together across denominations.
Help members to distinguish the difference between “knowing about Christ and “Knowing Christ” and to
identify and know who they are in Christ (to avoid situations like the occult).
How to adapt to change psychologically as well as spiritually preparing the whole person to deal with the
fear of terrorism, the current economic crisis, corporate and individual racism, domestic and college
campus violence.
Provide Christian Counseling and Teaching to ensure lifestyle and behavioral change in keeping with the
word in Romans 12:2, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
Promote tithing as the “Real Answer” for the church, the community and the nation.
Promotion of family values, ethics and order.\
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9.
Provide Healthy Living Curriculum Classes in area churches to combat health conditions: such as diabetes,
cancer, heart and kidney failure, high blood pressure and adult and youth obesity (conditions so prevalent
in the Black Community).
To show that the church really cares for all of the community, we further recommend implementation of the
following:
1.
2.
3.
Programs geared toward the inclusion of the hardcore poor.
Theology and liturgy that reflect African-American cultural values.
Economic development initiatives through faith-based partnerships aimed especially at empowering the
diminishing Black Male
4. Church should serve as a satellite Neighborhood Computerized Job Access Center thru partnership with
the Community College Workforce Development Program (helping area residents find a job).
5. Programs that reflect a sustained effort to make the church’s youth a part of the church’s focus and
agenda.
The list of recommendations could go on and on. However, it does give you a sense of the importance of the
church in causing transformation in the lives of people everywhere.
Respectfully submitted,
D. F. White Louis B. Oliver Evelyn Johnson
Frank Hill
Celeste Brown
Margaret Mack
Glenn Orr Timothy Smith
Gilbert Harper
Eugenia Bowser
Rose Nicholson
Rita Beane Turner
Ruben Boyd Othelia Barksdale Bernard Holmes Gwendolyn Minor Juanita Jefferson Gloria Adams
Dorothy Rhodes
Hugh Kennedy
Carolyn Smith
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Virginia Annual Conference
Christian Education
May 12, 2011
Nature, Scope and Task of the Committee:
The church has become a garden with an array of cultures shaped by the particular set of events and
trends from the Silent generation (born between 1933 & 1945), The Baby Boomer generation (born
between 1946 & 1964), Generation X (born between 1965 & 1976) and the Millennial (born between
1977 & 1998).
“Education is a process of developing and refining concepts, applying them to old and new situations”
(Griggs, 1974, p.7). “Christian Education must not be segmented from the total life of the church but
must be united with a wholistic understanding of the ministry of the church. It is an essential ministry
for interpreting God’s liberating word in our times” (Hill, 1992, p.3).Therefore the challenge for the
church is to provide multigenerational ministry to a body of diverse people who learn and receive
messages in a variety of ways.
Process and Extent of Gathering Data:
Opportunities for relevant dialogue provided by our Second Episcopal District Presiding Prelate, Bishop
A. J. Richardson, Jr. and Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Connie S. Richardson in our district meetings (AIRAttention, Intention and Retention) become apparent.
Information was retrieved from the Connectional and District Christian Education Congress, Journal of
Christian Education, available books from the A.M.E. Sunday School Union, internet, dialogue with
young adults, last year’s recommendations.
Essential Discoveries, Findings or Achievements:
Creating a welcoming and nonthreatening atmosphere for a diverse group becomes challenging. Every
generation within a congregation should be encouraged to participate in dialogue, giving ideas that are
valued by all. Lora Ellen McKinney in her book, Christian Education in the African American Church,
believes, when preteen’s and teen’s ideas are valued and contributions recognized this is when they
learn best. Because worship plays a key role in our faith formation, there should be something from
which all generations should benefit. Young adults are searching for authentic worship that is engaging;
an atmosphere where they can develop their creative gifts. They want to keep it real (James, Feb. 2011
retrieval).
“Internet technology is becoming a “virtual campfire” around which we gather to tell our stories. Times
have changed, but human needs haven’t. Most of us no longer live in close proximity to our “tribe”.
And consequently, we have evolved new methods of staying in touch and learning from each other”
(MacQueen, 2009).
Church School Conventions and District Conferences within the Presiding Elders’ Districts of the Virginia
Conference have provided engaging training exercises through workshops and dialogue between youth
and adults and were creatively facilitated by the youth as well as adults.
Many of the local church congregations are changing their format to include the participation of
youth/young adults in the worship, engaging them in their own bible study groups and ministries, praise
teams, praise dance/mime ministries, drama ministries, mentoring, media ministries (developing
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websites, sending out communication through email newsletters, twitter, facebook, taping services,
etc.).









Goals and Objectives:
To use A.M.E. Literature as the primary source of teaching.
To have Christian Education directors, Church School Superintendants and teachers certified
through the certification program to better equip them for service.
To utilize technology to share the love of Jesus Christ, to engage people of all ages in the
activities of the church, and to share stories between the generations.
To use available resources within the community to keep people aware of issues dealing with
health, safety, gangs, education, elderly neglect, domestic violence, voting, etc.
Recommendations:
Utilize A.M.E. Literature as the primary teaching/training tool.
Pastors, Christian Education Directors, Church School Superintendants, and Church School
Teachers are encouraged to become involved in the Certification Program training at the
Christian Education Youth Congress.
Be intentional in our fellowship and relationship through technology. Keep in touch.
Continue to dialogue and engage all generations in the activities of the church, collectively as
well as individually.
Continue to look at avenues for establishing RAYAC in the local church
References:
Griggs, D. L. (1974). Teaching Teachers To Teach: A Basic Manual for Church Teachers; Nashville, TN:
Abingdon Press.
Hill, K. H. (1992). Drinking From Our Well: Foundations for the Ministry of Christian Education in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church, Nashville, TN: Crown Publishers.
James, D. (2011). Retrieved information from presentation/report at Founder’s Day in February at the
Hilton BWI Hotel in Maryland-Family Life Component Second Episcopal District.
MacQueen, N. (2009). “The New Tech . . . And It’s Implications For Your Church”, Journal of Christian
Education, Nashville, TN
McKinney, L. E. (2003). Christian Education in the African American Church: A Guide for Teaching Truth;
Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press.
Van Harmelen, R. B. (2009). “When The Generation Gap Comes To Church”, Journal of Christian
Education, Nashville, TN
Submitted by:
The Reverends Vanessa A. Copeland, Andrea Cornett-Scott, Kevin E. Wilson, Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr., Isaac
Jackson, Beatrice Smaugh, Jacqueline Hardy-Harris, Sherri Dobbins Brooks, Mary Kimble, Dr. Monica
Spencer, Michael Dunn, Sherri Garrett, Dr. Curtis Langley, Sisters Wynola Wyatt, Carrie Edwards,
Lorraine Thompson, Stephanie Johnson, Dr. Celeste Thomas, Sister Subrina Parker.
38
STATE OF THE COUNTRY
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, the presiding prelate of the Second Episcopal District of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, to Connie Speights Richardson, our beloved Episcopal Supervisor, Host
Presiding Elder Chester Morris and Associate Presiding Elder William A. Dyson Sr., to all the clergy and
laypersons assembled, your Committee on the State of the Country presents the following report:
Nature, scope and task
The right of nature . . . is the liberty each man hath to use his own power as he will
himself for the preservation of his own nature; that is to say, of his own life; and
consequently, of doing anything which, in his own judgment and reason, he shall
conceive to be the aptest means thereunto. . . . And consequently it is a precept, or
general rule of reason: that every man ought to endeavor peace, as far as he has hope of
obtaining it; and when he cannot obtain it, that he may seek and use all helps and
advantages of war. The first branch of which rule containeth the first and fundamental
law of nature, which is: to seek peace and follow it. The second, the sum of the right of
nature, which is: by all means we can to defend ourselves.1
In the aftermath of President Obama’s announcement a little more than a week ago that
Osama bin Laden had been discovered and dispatched by lethal force to the judgment God alone
may render, our committee was moved to reconsider what this singular event betokens for how
we weigh all other matters affecting the common good of our nation. We were compelled to
reflect what the ethical import might be for a nation that pledges its honor in the name of God,
that prosecutes war and calls it just, that celebrates its patriotic fevers in the unfurling of flags
and the hooting self congratulations that spontaneously erupted among our fellow citizens when
the Commander in Chief delivered the solemn news of this one man’s death. We have but small
measure of the attention from this conference to assess the concerns of the nation from
economics to education to health care to international affairs and the like. If one were to peruse
the president’s schedule on any given day she might begin to understand the depth and breadth of
the nation’s heats and desires, the nation’s just needs and perhaps her unholy ambitions as well.
1
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, ed. Oskar Piest (New York: Bobbs-Merrill, 1958) 109-110.
39
Given the dramatic pause we now sense in the usual run of complaint over
unemployment, over the lagging achievement in science and math for our children, over the
service of our national interests in relation to the revolutions now underway in the middle east,
our committee has determined to see the significance of liquidating Osama bin Laden in the light
of our memory of the events that unfolded ten years ago in New York and Washington DC. We
recall now the overarching call to war after the towers fell and after the Pentagon was defaced by
smoldering ruin. We remember the mounting calls for justice and the great expense that ensued
to manage war on two fronts; first in Iraq and later still in Afghanistan. We remember too the
growing frustration of our political leaders and the waning confidence of our people as each year
the architect of those assaults evaded detection and capture. The scar of terror it seems cut deep
into the American psyche and the church, synagogue and temple were made uneasy partners in
the salvaging of hope that peace and prosperity could still be ours.
Process and data gathering
Our task is made both easy and difficult by the ever burgeoning sophistication of
communications technology. Social networking has brought thousands, even millions of persons
into artificial relations that mimic genuine friendship without the deep intimacy that shares
suffering and joy. And yet it may not be so easily dismissed as anyone sensitive to Egypt’s
revolution is well aware. We have monitored internet sources, newspapers and weeklies,
television networks and cable dispatches. We continue to do so with guarded care because we
have long ago sensed an inverse relation of our access to truth to the steady increase of our
access to information. The ready flow of the latter is no guarantee of our grasp of the former.
Even now we may recall with resonant wonder that Pilate may well ask today “what is Truth?”
We should remember too that as the truth stood before him it uttered not a word in response. In
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the gathering of our data we had hoped we could hear the unspoken, read the unwritten and see
the invisible Truth that should hold us all in thrall lest we kill it, kill him yet once again.
Findings
I.
Conspiracy theorists of every stripe have seeded the soil of our democracy like so
many weeds upon the green. They have stoked unwholesome passions for the purpose of
delegitimizing the presidency of Barack Obama. The so called “birthers” have engaged hapless
and hazardous narratives in which Obama figures as the literal and figurative dark and shadowy
usurper of American power and prestige, his long form birth certificate from the state of Hawaii
notwithstanding. His early promises as a candidate to find and dispose of Osama bin Laden did
not persuade his opponents on the conservative fringe that he would pursue American interests.
Nor was he able to convince them that his academic bona fides are so far excelling as they
manifestly were as any consultation of the transcripts from Columbia and Harvard would attest.
II.
The action taken by American power to forestall a slaughter in Libya at the hand
of Muammar Gaddafi reflects at once an unnerving expansion of conflict in foreign lands but the
only alternative available against a silent witness to atrocities committed against the weak and
defenseless. Force in defense of the innocent reminds us of the right by nature we each possess to
protect those incapable of protecting themselves. It also makes us weary to think how we must
reconcile the faith in the power of love with the real world urgency that we must use violence
against those who would burn the world to ash. For those who would argue that we ought never
to consider a compromise between the gospel of love and the wild nature rule of self defense, let
them consider that every slave insurrection of note was led by a slave preacher, that David was
both a warrior and a poet, and that our very own armed forces are served so well indeed by
chaplains who know the struggle and joy of bringing God near to our women and men in
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uniform.
III.
We are encouraged to hear the bipartisan renewal of concern over the continued
necessity of the war in Afghanistan. In the wake of the death of bin Laden Republicans and
Democrats alike have asked for a draw down of American presence and occupation in that war
torn land. We maintain the ethical purposes for which any might argue for sustaining American
force there have been greatly attenuated. It would appear that a more nuanced strategy of aid and
counsel for human flourishing are now in order. If there is a motto by which we might express
the growing sentiment of the nation it would be “bring our troops home.”
IV.
If war is ever necessary it is nonetheless always ghastly. This can hardly be
contested and for reasons as obvious as the rising of the sun. The wreckage to human limb and
spirit is often irreparable and what we have failed to do as a nation for the sake of our children
who return bruised, broken and amputated is to provide the care of solace, training, and recovery.
This is the obligation we bear them as our part of the social compact they signed in good faith
when first they took the dangers of service in hand.
V.
If war is ever necessary it is nonetheless always costly. The current expenditures
for the wars which plague us now have plunged the nation into a debt exceeding a trillion dollars.
Added to the growing expense of health care, the questionable solvency of social security and the
exploding deficit, the foreign campaigns to influence world events in the direction of peace
exacts a sacrifice of each of us. Surely, the tax required should reflect the fair and proportionate
ability of each person to pay. If a billionaire pays at a tax rate of only 35% while a member of the
middle class pays at a rate of 28% then we might expect that conflicts will not embroil us
overseas alone but they will unravel us from within. Osama bin Laden had expressed a hope that
by means of terrorism he might cause Americans to spend themselves into economic ruin.
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Economics is a part of the war on terror too little noticed or addressed.
VI.
Finally, Republicans sympathetic to the last administration have renewed the
debate over the expediency of “enhanced interrogation techniques.” They argue that information
leading to the location of bin Laden was acquired only by means of water boarding detainees
suspected of having knowledge of the inner workings of Al-Qaeda. The moral bankruptcy of
their contentions should shame us as a people and as a nation. Even if it were so, that water
boarding led to the capture of bin Laden, it has never been nor will it ever be just to presume that
the ends justify the means. This is a hollow conceit ungodly to consider and unholy to practice.
Goals and objectives
Our committee would propose the following goals for our nation’s people of faith.
1. To scorn the trivial fascination with “carnival barkers” and the absurdities of the
racists still among us but with a view to exalting what is best about American
democracy in the exercise of free speech
2. To embrace our obligations to protect the innocent and to deter aggression against
the impulse to liberty throughout the world
3. To honor peacemaking above every instinct to revenge and retribution and to
forswear feckless military occupations that secure nothing beyond greater
hostility
4. We repeat what we urged last year: The support of troops upon departure and
return because they are our first line of defense against terror and violent attack
from abroad, but above all because they are our brothers, sisters, fathers and
mothers
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5. The fair redistribution of the tax burden for all our people as but one means of
bringing down the national debt
6. The prosecution of any and all illegality relative to torture because it is a crime
against our nation’s principles, against the just claims of neighbors among the
nations and against humanity itself in its just claims that torture is a violation of
the sanctity and dignity of human personality
Recommendation
We began this report with a passage we cite from a text by Thomas Hobbes, a text not as
old as scripture nor as august but a text determined to think through what scripture makes clear
in its logic of compassion and reciprocity. Hobbes knew that human life could often be “brutish,
solitary, nasty and short” and because we have need to mitigate these conditions we are required
to adjust our relations accordingly. What he recommended in 1651 had been the truth made
living as many years before. We recommend it here as the truth more real now than ever, a truth
more real in the years to come, a truth fully realized when “Thy Kingdom come.” Consider now
Hobbes’ second law of nature, which he insisted was derived from the first by “which men are
commanded to endeavor peace.”
That a man be willing, when others are so too, as far forth as for peace and defense of
himself he shall think it necessary, to lay down this right to all things; and be contented
with so much liberty against other men as he would allow other men against himself. . . .
This [he continued] is the law of the gospel: Whatsoever you require that others should
do to you, that do ye to them.2
This is a rule golden to consider and even more brilliant in its luster by the practice
thereof. Let it be done, we recommend, to the glory and honor of the God who made those of us
who are Christian, and those of us who are Jewish and yes, those of us who are Muslim too.
2
Hobbes, 110.
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Respectfully submitted by the members of the Committee on the State of the Country to
the One Hundred Forty-fifth Session of the Virginia Annual Conference in the year of our Lord,
2011.
Rev. Edward A. Scott
Rev. Ruby Brown-White
Rev. Debbie Bryant
Rev. Billy Hunter
Rev. Sherri Garrett
Rev. John Swann
Rev. Earl Morris
Rev. Glenn Orr
Rev. Willie L. White
Barbara Jean Ford
Sheilah Johnson
Carolyn McDougal
Eugene Edward McLaughlin
Joanne Roberts
Matilda Watson
DELEGATES
One Hundred Forty-Fifth Session of the Virginia Annual Conference
The Annuity Investments and Insurance Commission
May 6, 2011
45
To: The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate; Mrs. Connie
Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elders; Reverend Clergy; Distinguished
Guests; Delegates; Laity; Missionaries and YPDers.
Greetings,
We, your committee, on Annuity Investments and Insurance, beg leave to submit the
following
report:
The Committee on Annuity Investments and Insurance has been given the task of obtaining
information from the Presiding Elders regarding numbers of Eligible Clergy participating in the
plans. At this time, we are pleased to report 100% participation in our Conference.
Church Law requires that churches contribute 12% of the pastor’s salary to the plans; however
pastors may also deposit additional contributions into their accounts as desired. Participants
receive quarterly statements that show the status of their accounts and the information is also
available to be reviewed via the internet.
The Committee encourages plan participants to review for accuracy their demographic
information quarterly.
Respectfully submitted,
Your Committee:
The Reverends Emanuel H. Terrell, Jr., Granger Flythe, Reuben Boyd, Isaac Jackson, Ronald
Knight, Jacqueline Hardy Harris, Charles Harvin, Andrea C. Scott, Joel Tomlin, Willie White,
Louis Oliver, (deceased); Delegates Curtis Langley, William Floyd, Valerie Terry, Regina
Wingo, Celeste Brown, Brenda Sheffey.
To: Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Presiding Prelate
To: Mrs. Connie Speight Richardson Supervisor, WMS, YPD,
To: The clergy, Church Families, and Organizations
46
We the Committee on Church Growth and Development, beg leave to submit the
following report.
First and foremost this has not been a great year for Church Growth and
Development. For the second year due to sharp and radical down trends in the
economy. Financial break through continue to be few and far between.
This down trend has had and continues to be a divisive obstacle to giving in our Zion
as we too are experiencing double digit unemployment in an economy that’s at a
stalemate.
We have not been advised of any new construction this fiscal year in the RichmondPortsmouth-Roanoke, nor in the Norfolk-Eastern Shore District. Several Pastors
indicated they are in various planning stages of renovation, proposal to build, and or
purchase property for future construction.
While this report thus far does not paint a rosy picture we are confident that brighter
days are in our future. Moreover we are encouraged as the job market begins to show
improvement and growth. New hires are taking place at a steady pace, and this years
graduates are expected to find gainful employment. We believe this could have a
tremendous impact on Church Growth and Development.
Statistical Data indicate Growth within the value of Church Property by a substantial
margin from 09 t0 2010. Source (Statistical Report for the Annual Conference)
Total Fund Raised by the Local Churches also showed a dramatic increase and or
growth additionally, full membership grew by forty one (41) persons in the
Richmond-Portsmouth-District
The Norfolk – Eastern Shore District showed growth in Conversion by seventy one
(71) and Accessions for the combine Districts grew by Sixty Seven (67)
Two newly formed Churches in Richmond and Petersburg are holding their own
which is encouraging. May we commend those Pastors, and assist them financially
whenever possible.
We humbly appeal to both Districts to reach out and assist these Churches during the
Conference year. The fifth Sunday service in the Roanoke Valley and beyond continue
to spread financial cheers to our fellow and sister Churches
Recommendations:
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Congregations come together and establish a Rainy Day Fund. This fund if adopted
would set stringent guidelines with justification in assisting participating Churches
meet Conference claims.
Survey all Churches in our Districts to ascertain Ways and Means through the Think
Tank process and collectively address an aggressive avenue to enhance Church
Growth and Development.
Respectfully submitted, you’re Committee on Church Growth and Development.
Pastor Beatty, Chair
Pastor Freeman
Pastor Holiday
Pastor Morris
Pastor Mc-Milliam Pastor Ziglar
Pastor White
Pastor Daughtry
Pastor Vick
Pastor Boothe
Delegates:
Minor Whitfield
Baker Tucker
Watson
48
Mission, Circuits and Stations
Of the
Virginia Annual Conference
“And I tell you that you are {The AME Church}, and on this rock I will
build my church, and the gates of Hell will not overcome it.”
St. Matthew 16:18
The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr, Presiding Bishop
Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, Supervisor
Chester Morris, Presiding Elder
William Dyson, Presiding Elder
Godfrey Patterson, Chairperson
Linwood Daughtry
Sandra Greene
Kevin Wilson
Earl Morris
Earl Glover
Anthony R. Sanders
Frank Hill
Abraham Mackey
Kiimiko Moss
Paulette Smith
Brenda Sheffey
Mable Holbrook
Quentin White
Timothy Smith
Willie Boothe
Samuel Patterson
Carl Melvin
Wanza Davis
Juanita Jefferson
Peggy Ricks
Anthony Cason
Celeste Thomas
Martha Allen
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Virginia Annual Conference
Mission, Circuits and Stations
One of the major ways Christianity has grown is through the multiplication of churches. The
book of Acts records how the boundaries of the Christian faith were pushed to the uttermost parts
of the world though the multiplication of new churches. To this day, throughout every
generation, Christianity has extended to new areas and new people via the multiplication of new
churches. New churches have a kind of life and vitality attractive to the un-churched person.
Since Church starting is one of the most challenging ministry opportunities you can
pursue, it is essential to know that God is calling you to launch a new congregation. Here are
some reasons to start a new congregation:
1. Compassion for the lost
2. Need for more churches
3. Desire to enlarge the Kingdom of God
4. Burden to reach a target population
5. God’s has given you that specific calling
Starting a new church is not to be entered into lightly. It will require focusing your time and
energy through lots of prayer and hard work. So one must make sure that your motivations are
pure and you are being sens itive to the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Your team of Missions, Circuit, and Stations recommend the following:
1. That each church in the Virginia Annual Conference complete and submit to the
committee on MCS a SWOT Analysis. The information will be collected by Mid-Year
Conference 2011. At the 2012 Virginia Annual Conference, we will report to the
conference our findings.
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2. That the Virginia Annual Conference adopt the following Phases for starting a new
congregation:
A. Formation Phase
a. Verify your role, gifts and mobilize your team.
b. Demographics and Community Assessment
c. Develop the vision and core values for the congregation
d. Focus on the mission of the AME Church
e. Design your strategy
B. Prenatal Phase
a. Begin evangelistic activities.
b. Mobilize your core group.
c. Develop class leaders for small group ministries
d. Develop a Discipleship system
e. Organize your church structure and finances in according to the
Discipline of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
C. Labor Phase
a. Have your first public worship service
b. Establish Christian Education
c. Implement new comers, visitors follow-up strategies
D. Developmental Phase
a. empower and equip leaders
b. cultivate target ministries for the target population
c. strengthen evangelistic effectiveness
d. assimilate and mobilize new members
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Strengths, Weakness, Opportunity Threats (SWOT) Analysis
The Importance of a SWOT Analysis
Why is it important: A SWOT Analysis is important in the life of the church because:
 Improve communication among ministries.
 Inform the congregation on what is being done for the advancement of the church and why.
 To use for planning and as an evaluation tool on an annual basis
 To identify and focus on assets that can be used both internally and externally.
What is involved in a SWOT Analysis?
The SWOT analysis consists of an objective and subjective analysis of the
current state of our church and her future.
A strength is a resource or capacity the church can use effectively to achieve its objectives.
A weakness is a limitation, fault, or defect in the church or system that will keep the church from
achieving its objectives.
An opportunity is any favorable situation in the church’s environment that contributes to the
system's ability to meet the purposes for which it was implemented. It is usually a trend or
change of some kind or overlooked needs that increases demand for a process and that permits
the organization to enhance reduce or outweigh risk.
A threat is any unfavorable situation in the church’s environment that is potentially damaging to
the strategy of use of the IT system. The threat may be a barrier, a constraint, or any external
situation that might cause problems, damage or injury to the IT system or its processing.
52
Existences
A. What is your Church’s mission (Why we exist)?
Encouraging thrift and economic advancement The mission of the_____________
African Methodist Episcopal Church is to minister to the whole person by
1. Preaching the Gospel
2. Feeding the hungry
3. Clothing the naked
4. Housing the homeless
5. Cheering the fallen
6. Providing jobs for the jobless
7. Encouraging thrift and economic advancement
B. What is your Church’s vision (what will your church look like once as the
mission is being accomplished)?
The Process of Vision Planning
Currently, where is the Church? (Assessment) Note: The answer to the SWAT will assist
you with this question)
Where do we want the Church to go? (Goals)
Goals: What needs to happen to achieve the vision for the church?
Make sure your goals are:
S: Specific
M: Measureable
A: Attainable
R: Realistic
T: Timely
How will you (membership) get the Church there? (Strategies)
What will the Church look like? (The Vision)
How long will it take? (Timeline)
What is the cost? (Stewardship)
How will we measure the success? (Evaluation)
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I.
Scan
A. External
1.
Name one trend that will affect your church from achieving its
mission and vision in each of the following areas:
a. Economy
b. Political
c. Social
d. Technological
e. Environmental
B. Internal
1.
Name 3 strong suites that you see in the church that you belong?
2.
Name 3 weak suites that you see in the church that you belong?
C. Action
1.
What can you do to enhance the strengths of your church?
2.
What can you do to diminish the weaknesses of your church?
Deadline: Mid-Year 2011
54
References
Mittleberg, Mark. Building a Contagious Church. Michigan: Zondervan, 2001
Malphurs, Abrey. Planting Growing Churches for the 21st Century. Michigan: Baker Books,
1992
McGavin, Donald A. Understanding Church Growth. Michigan: William B. Eerdmans, 1970
Logan, Robert E. and Ogen, Steven L. The Church Planter’s Toolkit. Cassette Album.
California: Church Smart Resources.
Barna,George. User Friendly Churches’. California: Regal Books, 1991.
Cordeiro, Wayne. Doing Church as a Team. California: Regal Books, 2001.
Jackson, John Dr. Pastor Preneur. Texas: Baxter Press, 2003.
Warren, Rick. The Purpose Driven Church. Michigan: Zondervan, 1995.
55
THE ANNUAL REPORT
OF
CDR DAVID R. BROWN, CHC, USN
THE 145th SESSION OF
THE VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
MAY 10-14
RENAISSANCE HOTEL PORTSMOUTH, VA
To Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson:
Dear Bishop Richardson,
I am pleased to offer this 16th report to the Virginia Annual Conference as an itinerant elder
serving as a chaplain in the United States Navy. God has been very gracious to me in my
professional as well as my personal life. My family continues to be my biggest supporters and I
could not do what I do as a chaplain without them.
Background: Last July, I concluded my tour as the Chaplain Program Officer for Navy Recruiting
Command. Recruiting duty was one of the most rewarding tours that I have had in the Navy. I
was blessed to conclude that tour with the distinction of leading the nation in chaplain
recruiting.
Current Assignment: In August, I reported for duty at the Office of the Navy Chief of Chaplains,
which is located at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. I’m assigned to Headquarters Marine
Corps (Code REL) as the Assistant Deputy Chaplain of the Marine Corps. Rear Admiral Margaret
Kibben, the Chaplain of the Marine Corps, is my direct supervisor.
56
Responsibilities: I am responsible for Current Operations in religious ministries throughout the
Marine Corps. That’s specific oversight for the religious ministry teams and programs that
support over 200,000 Marines, Sailors and families around the world. It’s strategic, “big picture”
ministry that deals more with policy and programs vice parishioners.
Here are some examples of the programs under my purview:
 Force Distribution – the global assignment and employment of religious ministry teams
in support of Marine forces.
 Spiritual Fitness –assists Marines and Sailors with assessing their spiritual condition.
 Warrior Resilience – efforts we conduct to ensure that Marines and Sailors are ready to
fight but are healthy at home.
 Operational Stress Control – programs that help mitigate combat stress disorders, such
as PTSD, and also allow members to process their combat experiences
 Suicide Prevention – preserving and protecting the lives of those we serve through
pastoral care and the promotion of bystander intervention.
 Marriage Enrichment/Personal Growth Retreats - Both designed to produce healthy
families and individuals.
 Flag Writer - production of strategic correspondence—letters, speeches, even sermon
outlines—for the Chaplain of the Marines Corps.
One of most important—and poignant—responsibilities that I have is the supervision of a
religious ministry team at Dover Mortuary Affairs Operations at Dover Air Force Base in
Delaware. This team provides pastoral support to the families of fallen Marines and Sailors
upon the repatriation of their remains to the United States. The whole process is known as a
dignified transfer.
Conclusion: At this point in my career, I see myself as a mentor for any chaplain who seeks my
assistance. God has made it quite clear: I am “here” (at the Pentagon) for everyone else. What I
provide to my colleagues and junior chaplains is oversight, information, advice and, when
required, leverage. My aim is to raise the level of my mentoring to the point where one could
make a correlation between how well one is doing and how often one stays in touch with me.
Again, I am here to serve others.
Thank you, Bishop Richardson, for the opportunity to apprise you and the privilege to address
the Virginia Annual Conference. May God richly bless you!
Sincerely,
D. R. BROWN, Commander, U. S. Navy
Chaplain Corps
57
VIRGINIA CONFERENCE BRANCH WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY
Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Presiding Prelate,
Second Episcopal District, A. M. E. Church
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Second Episcopal District Supervisor W. M. S.
Mrs. Shirley Hopkins Davis, Connectional President
Mrs. Katherine M. Fisher, Second District President
Mrs. Mary P. Vick, Virginia Conference Branch President
Email: vick_m@msn.com Email: kimdwi350@aol.com
MISSIONARY REPORT
FOR THE
145th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference Second Episcopal District
of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
To the Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr, Presiding Prelate of the
Second Episcopal District, Mrs. Connie S. Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor,
Presiding Elders, Pastors, Delegates and members of the 145th Session of the
Virginia Annual Conference:
Greetings and blessings to all of God’s children, the Virginia Conference Branch
Women’s Missionary Society is eternally grateful to Almighty God for maintaining
and sustaining all for us for another year. We are always excited and humbled by
the amount of grace and mercy that God has given each of us during this pass
conference year. On a personal note, I am thankful for the support and
encouragement from my husband, Rev. Norman Vick and other family members.
They are always there for me whenever I need them. I also want to thank the
entire membership of the Virginia Conference Branch WMS for their tireless
efforts to and for our mission projects.
The Virginia Conference Branch WMS in conjunction with our six (6) dynamic areas,
local societies have accomplished the following within our conference:
•
Held Conference Branch meetings at Greater St. Andrews in Virginia
Beach, New St. James in Norfolk, New Allen –Franktown, and Ebenezer in
Roanoke, VA
•
Donated to the Lupus organization in memory of our YPDer that die this
conference year.
•
“Winter Institute was devoted to the increasing Hispanic and Latino
population in the US. Ms. Rita Willis
•
Bethel Third St. and Ebenezer, both in Richmond partnered with Richmond
area churches to have their annual shoe give away. It was another great
year for shoes.
• Some of our local societies and areas partnered with Light House ministries.
58
•
Continuation of Soup kitchen ministries.
 Helped a family build a handicap ramp
 Continuation food pantry and clothing closets, holiday baskets
 Made donations to the Salvation Army
 Continued support of Church Women United
 GED tutoring
 Area Retreat
 Donations to AME Shelter
 Provided transportation for seniors
 School supply donations to Virginia Beach, Virginia school age children.
 Annual Christmas Bear Gifts
 Donated monies to the 15th Episcopal District in order send about 300
kids to school
 Each area adopted at least one school
 Conference Branch adopted a minority middle school
 Bible study at senior citizens facilities
 Transportation for seniors to doctor’s appointments.
 Distribution of hygiene kits to the homeless
 Several churches conducted a week long housing of the homeless during
the winter months
 Served holiday dinners for homeless
 Gave hygiene items to the homeless
 Held special senior days at churches which included a meal
 Supported battered women’s shelters
 Prison ministry Angel Tree
Recommendations:
 Areas will continue the adoption of schools in their geographical area.
 Support the Second District WMS candidate (Shirley C. Reed) for office of
Connectional/International President.
 Partner with other organizations to sponsor seminars and workshops for
students to obtain college scholarships
 Continue to improve the conference technology skills
 Continue annual overseas projects
 Respond to Second District request for statistical information for the WMS
and General Conference quadrennial reports
 Aid in a baseline study on the water supply of the Eastern Shore of Virginia
 Mentor YWIs and new officers at all levels
59
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Vick
Annette Brown-Boyce
Peggy Ricks
Carolyn Morris
Joan Wilson
Patricia Jefferson
Fay Wilson
Gloria Mitchell
Lucy Overton
Melvine Wyatt-Norman
Geraline Cox
Edith M. Geraldine Wilson
Constance Wyatt
E. Marie Bell
Jessica Copeland
Deborah Morris
Marianne Dyson
60
RED, Inc.
Second District
Religious,
Educational and Charitable
Development Projects
K
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Chairman
The Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow, Executive Director
Friday, May 13, 2011
To Bishop and Dr. Richardson and Members of the 145th Session of Virginia Annual Conference of
the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church:
Greetings! It is a pleasure to submit this report on behalf of the Second Episcopal District’s affiliated nonprofit organization, the Second District Religious, Educational and Charitable Development Projects, Inc.
(RED, Inc.). We thank the entire Virginia Annual Conference for your continuous support and hospitality.
We respectfully acknowledge our Board Chairman, Bishop Richardson, and four Virginia leaders on the RED
Board: the Rev. Irvin W. Knight, Sr., the Rev. John D. Burton, Sister Marcie White and Brother William
Milligan, Jr. We also grateful to be convening with the hosts: St. John AME Church, our Board Member, the
Rev. Burton, and the Rev. Myra Burton.
KITTRELL, NORTH CAROLINA PROPERTY DEVELOPMENT:
We praise and thank God for the progress made, aided by the technical expertise of our consultants
and partners, specifically Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. and the North Carolina Community
Development Initiative, Inc. RED’s administrative & programmatic approach focuses on integrity,
accountability and action. Selected accomplishments include:
 Property oversight and fiscal responsibilities for the approximately 186 acres formerly the site of
Kittrell College.
 Establishment of the Kittrell Young Adult Task Force to ensure that there is significant young
adult (those under age 40) participation in Kittrell project decision-making and preservation of
the AME legacy in Kittrell, NC.
 Exploration of “Kittrell Expansion Opportunities” for various means to invest, generate
additional income, and take advantage of real estate acquisition options.
 Completion of Phase II of development which emphasized the feasibility study for a conference
center.
 Candid dialogue on issues related to the feasibility of a conference center in Kittrell, NC
addressing key questions:
1. To what extent will/should we hold meetings in Kittrell? At what levels: 2nd Episcopal District,
Annual Conferences, Presiding Elders’/ District meetings, Component meetings, Other?
2. Compare AME meetings from Kittrell College to our meetings today. What are the differences
in the following: Attendance, Housing, Activities, Other?
3. What is the minimum size conference center we can/ should build and remain true to the
needs and desires of our constituents?
4. What are our assumptions about others (non-AME) using the facility?
5. Who will/should pay for the construction/ operations/ debt service of the facility? Examples
may include: R.E.D., Inc., AME Church, Connectional/ General church, 2nd Episcopal District,
Outside Sources, Developers, Private Funders/ Investors, Government contracts/ grants, Facility
Revenues, Other.
6. What are acceptable ways to generate revenue to fund/ finance this project?
OTHER ACTION ITEMS:
 Recommitment to the overall goal to payoff of the loan for renovations on the AME Shelter for
the Homeless in Raleigh, NC by 2012, preferably by Midyear Meeting in October 2011, and to
61
celebrate this as one of many successes under the leadership of Bishop Richardson & Episcopal
Supervisor, Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson.
 Continue to review the Kittrell-Allen-Adams Scholarship’s organization, management and
update and approve the guidelines and eligibility requirements for scholarships.
 Support the Kittrell College Alumni Reunion on August 26-28, 2011 in Hilton North Raleigh
Hotel in Raleigh, NC. Registration $100.00 per person. For more information, please contact
Mr. Roger Young at 856-881-8679.
Further updates will be given ongoing basis including at the July 2011 Planning Meeting in
Hampton, VA. As always, RED, Inc. solicits your continued prayers and active participation as it
moves forward with its various initiatives.
Respectfully submitted,
The RED Board of Directors and The Rev. Dr. Cassandra A. Sparrow, Executive
Director/Consultant
62
145TH SESSION RESOULTION
To: The Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District, The Right Reverend
Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., and to Our Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Connie
Speights Richardson; The Presiding Elders Chester W. Morris and William A. Dyson,
Sr., Delegates and members of the 145th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference;
visiting guests, brothers and sisters
We, the committee on Resolutions, submit the following report.
Whereas, the Virginia Annual Conference convened at the Renaissance Hotel,
Portsmouth, Virginia, under the leadership of the Presiding Prelate of the Second
Episcopal District, The Right Reverend Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr, and our
Episcopal Supervisor, Dr. Connie Speights Richardson on Wednesday, May 10, 2011,
and was attended by visiting pastors and laity from various conferences and Episcopal
Districts.
Whereas the historic session of the Virginia Annual Conference was splendidly hosted
by the St. John’s African Methodist Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Virginia the
Reverend John D. Burton and First Lady The Reverend Myra P. Burton and the
officers and fine members for which we are grateful for their warm and generous
hospitality., and
Whereas, the committees has summarized the following recommendations made by
the administrative and literary committees to be implemented during the 2011-2012
conference year:
Committee on Ministries to Youths: Therefore the committee makes the following
recommendations:
1. Seek out retired presiding Elders, Teachers, Pastors, and who so ever will volunteer to work with our
young people to educate them to the Spiritual and AME principles.
2. Each church will have a mandatory youth council. The council will be made up of all organizations in
the church that deal with Young people activities. (The purpose of the council is to plan an annual
activity calendar for all church organizations.)
3. Each church will have a Jr. Board of all church organizations. The young board members will be
integrated into each Sunday morning service and work with an adult member. (The young person will
rotate every ninety days until they have served on every board. The trainee will be given a certificate at
the completion of the rotation and be allowed to select which board they desire to serve on.)
4. Each church will elect a representative to be a member of the Ministries To Youth Committee with
the responsibility to monitor all youth programs to make sure the programs are functioning properly.
Every four months a report will be made of progress to the Pastor and Ministries to Youth chairperson.
63
5. The representative at anytime should talk to the Pastor about any concerns about any of the young
people’s programs and document in the report resolutions. (The representative will never interfere with
the operations of any young people’s program.)
6. Setup an institute with the use of volunteers entitled “Know Your Church” which will encompass
church history, Rap sessions, Movies, Praise, Praying, Steps to Salvation, and all types of Biblical
information.
Missions, Circuits and Stations: No recommendations
Property and Deeds: To copy the deed at the first Quarterly Conference. See page
55 of the Discipline.
The Bishop wanted the churches to know that we are not trying to sell off any
property, but if something were to happen, he wanted to be able to say that the
church has been entrusted to the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
State of the Country: To scorn the trivial fascination with “carnival barkers” and the
absurdities of the racists still among us but with a view to exalting what is best about American
democracy in the exercise of free speech
1. To embrace our obligations to protect the innocent and to deter aggression against
the impulse to liberty throughout the world
2. To honor peacemaking above every instinct to revenge and retribution and to
forswear feckless military occupations that secure nothing beyond greater hostility
3. We repeat what we urged last year: The support of troops upon departure and return because
they are our first line of defense against terror and violent attack from abroad, but above all because
they are our brothers, sisters, fathers and mothers
4. The fair redistribution of the tax burden for all our people as but one means of
bringing down the national debt
5. The prosecution of any and all illegality relative to torture because it is a crime
against our nation’s principles, against the just claims of neighbors among the
64
nations and against humanity itself in its just claims that torture is a violation of the
sanctity and dignity of human personality
Christian Education:





Utilize A.M.E. Literature as the primary teaching/training tool.
Pastors, Christian Education Directors, Church School Superintendants, and Church School
Teachers are encouraged to become involved in the Certification Program training at the Christian
Education Youth Congress.
Be intentional in our fellowship and relationship through technology. Keep in touch.
Continue to dialogue and engage all generations in the activities of the church, collectively as well as
individually.
Continue to look at avenues for establishing RAYAC in the local church
Legislative Task Force: There was no proposed legislation presented to this
committee for consideration at this time. Any persons with proposed legislation to be
submitted to the Office of the General Secretary should submit said proposed legislation
to the Chairperson of this committee for consideration by the Task Force.
State of the Church:
We recommend the following for the continued strong impact of the church in the
community by partnering with three or four area churches to facilitate focus groups and workshops dealing with the
following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Preaching a gospel that is clear, concise, relevant and meets the needs of the people.
How to identify and embrace all of the Gifts of the Spirit in a very practical manner.
Promote Unity in the Body of Christ and work on common ground issues together across
denominations.
Help members to distinguish the difference between “knowing about Christ and
“Knowing Christ” and to identify and know who they are in Christ (to avoid situations
like the occult).
How to adapt to change psychologically as well as spiritually preparing the whole person
to deal with the fear of terrorism, the current economic crisis, corporate and individual
racism, domestic and college campus violence.
Provide Christian Counseling and Teaching to ensure lifestyle and behavioral change in
keeping with the word in Romans 12:2, “Be ye transformed by the renewing of your
mind.”
Promote tithing as the “Real Answer ” for the church, the community and the nation.
Promotion of family values, ethics and order..\
Provide Healthy Living Curriculum Classes in area churches to combat health conditions:
such as diabetes, cancer, heart and kidney failure, high blood pressure and adult and youth
obesity (conditions so prevalent in the Black Community).
To show that the church really cares for all of the community, we further recommend implementation of the
following:
10. Programs geared toward the inclusion of the hardcore poor.
11. Theology and liturgy that reflect African-American cultural values.
12. Economic development initiatives through faith-based partnerships aimed especially at
empowering the diminishing Black Male
13. Church should serve as a satellite Neighborhood Computerized Job Access Center thru
partnership with the Community College Workforce Development Program (helping area
residents find a job).
65
14. Programs that reflect a sustained effort to make the church’s youth a part of the church’s
focus and agenda.
Sons of Allen: We recommend that at the beginning of the conference year each Pastor share
with his/her local Sons of Allen Unit his/her vision for the Sons of Allen Ministry.
We recommend that each chapter of the Sons of Allen organize prayer walks in the community. The
prayer walk would consist of teams of persons who would walk through the community and ask
persons if they want prayer. They would also look for opportunities to share their faith as well as
invite them to church.
We recommend that each Sons of Allen Chapter commit to guiding a young man in the community
from Elementary School through High School. To often, some churches believe that they are too
small to make a difference in the lives of young men; however, any size church can guide at least one
man in the community who has potential but just needs guidance. This guidance could include
working with the parent to find out how we can be supportive, picking the young man up for
Sunday School and just being a good overall support to the young in the maturation process. As the
young man graduates hopefully some financial assistance can be given to help him go to school.
Social, Civic and Political Action: The following recommendations are made to
promote prophetic vigilance:
That the committee hold at least two meetings this conference year.
Again, that each local church develop a Committee on Social, Civic and Political
Action. And hold at least one forum this conference year.
That each church sign up to receive notifications sent from Mrs. Jackie DuPont
Walker, Consultant/Director Social Action Commission, jdupontwalker@gmail.com
and the AME Clergy Family Information Center, http://ameccfic.blogspot.com. As
well as the VAC Social Action list serve, VACSocialAction@aolo.com.
That our churches continue voter registration and promote the get out the vote for
the upcoming elections. That our churches develop a recycling program within the
church. That each church develop an Emergency/Disaster Relief plan. Encourage our
churches to explore faith-based, state, local and foundational funding options. That
the committee sponsor the AME day at the General Assembly Day.
Economic Development: That we support and promote President Obama’s Economic Plan
and presented a broad view of the key areas of focus of his plan. We also recommended that we
target the areas in which President Obama’s plan was most aggressive which included Consolidating
Debt (Credit Card, Banking, and Tax debt), Mortgage Relief, Grants and Community
Services/Projects.
We recommend the following:
 Continue to support the President's Economic Plan and outlined areas of focus
 Preach and Practice Good Stewardship
 Live conservatively while planning and working toward Major Financial Goals
66



Implement Financial Workshops
Increase Community Service to those most affected
Keep an open dialogue on all that affects our communities economically…
Evangelism: I. Goal Setting – Each church must formulate a corporate plan by which the
church as a unit holds itself accountable for evangelistic practices.
II. Networking – A systematic way must be devised to seek out and attract new persons moving into
our communities. Every AME Church should be listed in the local yellow pages.
III. Ministry Beyond the Walls – We must give a higher priority to those that have special gifts in
areas that take them beyond the physical walls of the church.
IV. Technological Advancements – We must take advantage of all communication technologies.
Continue to use radio and television to evangelize the world. Web pages, e-mail, podcast
technology, MySpace, FaceBook, Twitter, and highway billboards can be used in order to spread the
message of salvation. A well-lit marquis in front of the church can be utilized to invite persons
passing by to come into the house of the Lord.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church was born out of a fervent and burning desire to zealously
spread the gospel. We must continue to carry the burning torch by insuring that evangelism is not
merely a program in our church, but it must be a way of life. If we fail to plan, we are planning to
fail. We must develop a strategic plan for evangelism that is effective and innovative.
Church and Technology:

That each local church review current usage of technology and implement measures to
improve in the areas of worship services, finances, staffing and communication.

Encourage each local church to seek ways to limit the usage of printing material by utilizing
other means of technology.

Schedule training for local churches on the Calling Post, E-mail Blast, Website development,
Face book, Church software for tracking finances, membership and church records.

Involve the youth in the implementation of technology in the church and encourage them
(YPD) to develop a Face book page.
Abandoned Property: To request the Annual Conference to work closely with the Virginia
Annual Conference Trustees regarding abandoned property. In the event that there is abandon
property, we are requesting that the Chairperson, The Reverend Charles Harvin be notify.
Church School: The committee on Church school recognizes the following:
1. That the church school is a critical ministry both as a means of
evangelism, Christian education and church growth
67
2. That there is an attendance decline of children and youth in the
church school
In order to revive interest and participation in the Sunday school by the children
and youth, we recommend the following:
a. Parents and grandparents make a greater effort to take their children and
youth to Sunday school.
b. That officers of the church make a greater effort to attend
and encourage children and youth to attend.
c. That every church develop activities to act as incentives to attract children
and youth to the Sunday School.
d. That during the Sunday school convention opportunity is given to pastors
and Sunday school superintendents to share their success story to assist
and encourage others who are struggling with their Sunday school.
e. That every church use VBS as an opportunity to attract new children and
youth to the Sunday school.
f. That once a year there should be promotion Sunday in the Sunday school.
Annuity Investments: The Committee encourages plan participants to review for accuracy
their demographic information quarterly.
Church Growth and Development: Congregations come together and establish a
Rainy Day Fund. This fund if adopted would set stringent guidelines with justification
in assisting participating Churches meet Conference claims.
Ecology, Temperance and Health:
We must recommit to participate in preserving our environment to maintaining our
bodies as temples. Keeping ourselves healthy and strong, while setting an example and
teaching our youth to do the same. Promote and conduct bullying and cyber bullying
activities. Publish warning signs in bulletin on Youth Sundays. Identify community
resources available near the local church. Maintain recycling programs and/or
purchase recycling bins. Raise awareness of uranium mining and other environmental
matters. Participate in the Prostate activities for Father’s Day recognizing and praying
for individuals and family members who have been affected. Publish free health care
and screenings in our community.
Christian Stewardship:
1. Each local church should practice Christian Stewardship by
giving clothes and food to a local shelter on a regular
monthly or quarterly schedule.
2. Each local church should sponsor or support a scholarship
for lower income students in our church and community.
68
3. Each local church should encourage higher education for
all of our youth.
4. Each household should practice the above 3 items as an
expression of our stewardship as Christians.
Be it resolved that the adopted recommendations be implemented in our Zion’s.
Respectfully submitted,
The Reverends: Rufus L. Mosley, Jr., Harrilene S. Powell, Billy Ray Hunter, Mary
Kimble, Gloria Skinner-Pettiford, Sandra Greene, Sherri Garrett, Delegates: Charlotte
Weeks, Edward McLaughlin, Gloria Adams, James White, Rita Beane Turner and
Danita Wood Mosley.
69
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Opening Service
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Seven O’clock in the Evening
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
70
The Opening Service
Presiding Elder Chester Wallace Morris, Presiding
The Great Processional
(#62 AMECH)
God of grace and God of glory, on Thy people pour Thy power;
Crown Thine ancient Church’s story; bring her bud to glorious flower.
Refrain
Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, for the facing of this hour, for the facing of
this hour.
Lo! The hosts of evil round us scorn Thy Christ assail His ways!
fears and doubts too long have bound us; free our hearts to work and praise.
Refrain
Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, for the living of these days, for the living of
these days.
Cure Thy children’s warring madness; bend our pride to Thy control;
Shame our wanton, selfish gladness, rich in things and poor in soul.
Refrain
Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, lest we miss Thy kingdom’s goal ….
Set our feet on lofty places; gird our lives that they may be
Armored with all Christ-like graces in the fight to set us free.
Refrain
Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, that we fail not man nor Thee ….!
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore;
Let the search for Thy salvation be our glory evermore.
Refrain
Grant us wisdom; grant us courage, serving Thee whom we adore...
(Words by Harry Emerson Fosdick; Tune by John Hughes)
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
The Rev. John D. Burton
Minister:
I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord, our feet
shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem. (Ps. 122:1)
People:
For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper
in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. (Ps. 84:10)
Minister:
People:
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek your good. (Ps. 122:9)
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our God.
Minister:
Blessed are they that dwell in Your house. Lord, I have loved Your habitation,
the place where Your honor dwells. (Ps 26:8)
For the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.
(Ps. 92:13)
People:
(Hab. 2:20)
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Minister:
People:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O
Lord, my strength and my Redeemer. (Ps. 19:14)
O sing unto the Lord a new song, for God has done marvelous things. Make a joyful
noise unto the Lord, all the earth, sing praises. (Ps. 98:1, 4)
The Hymn of Praise
#304 AMEC, St. Thomas)
The Rev. Donald White
And are we yet alive, and see each other’s face?
Glory and praise to Jesus give for His redeeming grace!
Preserved by power Divine to full salvation here,
Again in Jesus’ praise we join and in His sight appear.
What troubles have we seen, what conflicts have we passed,
Fightings without, and fears within, since we assembled last.
But out of all the Lord hath brought us by His love;
And still He doth His help afford, and hides our life above.
Then let us make our boast of His redeeming power,
Which saves us to the uttermost, till we can sin no more
.
Let us take up the cross, till we the crown obtain;
And gladly reckon all things loss, so we may Jesus gain.
(Words by Charles Wesley, Tune by Aaron Williams)
The Introit to Prayer
(#361 AMECH)
There are some things; I may not know there are some places I can’t go,
But I am sure of this one thing that God is real for I can feel Him deep within.
Refrain
Yes, God is real, real in my soul. Yes, God is real for He has washed and made me
whole;
His love for me is like pure gold. Yes, God is real for I can feel Him in my soul.
(Words and Music by Kenneth Morris)
The Prayer of Invocation
The Rev. Vernon Ricks, Sr.
The Choral Response
Thank You, Lord, Thank You, Lord, Thank You, Lord,
I just want to thank You, Lord.
You’ve been so good, been so good, You’ve been so good,
I just want to thank You, Lord.
The Worship through Music
The Scripture Readings
From the Hebrew Scriptures
The Epistle
The Gospel (All Standing)
The Church Choir
Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 The Rev. Andrea Scott
1Peter 1:17-23
The Rev. Oretha Cross
Luke 24:13-35
The Rev. James Beatty
The Introit to the Decalogue
(#69 AMECH, Duke Street)
From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator's praise arise;
Let the Redeemer's name be sung, through every land by every tongue.
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Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord, Eternal truth attends Thy word;
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, till suns shall rise and set no more.
(Stanzas 1 and 4 by Isaac Watts; Tune by John Hatton)
The Decalogue
The Rev. E. H. Terrell, Jr.
Leader:
And God spoke all these words, saying: I am the Lord your God, who brought thee out of
the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before me.
People:
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Leader:
You shall not make any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven
above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: you shall not
bow down yourself to them: for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the
iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that
hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my
commandments.
People:
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Leader:
You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him
guiltless that takes his name in vain.
People:
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Leader:
Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Six days shall you labor and do all your work:
but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God: in it you shall not do any work,
you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your
cattle, or your stranger that is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made heaven
and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord
blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
People:
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
My soul be on thy guard, Ten thousand foes arise:
And host of sins are pressing hard, To draw thee from the skies.
Leader:
People:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Honor your father and your mother; that your days may be long upon the land which the
Lord your God gives you.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Leader:
You shall not kill.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
You shall not commit adultery.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
You shall not steal.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
Lord have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or
his manservant, or his maidservant, or his ox, or his ass, or anything that is your
neighbor’s.
Lord have mercy upon us, and write these laws upon our hearts.
Nearer my God, to thee! Nearer to Thee,
E’en though it be a cross that raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be, Nearer my God to Thee,
Nearer, my God, to Thee, Nearer to Thee.
Leader:
Hear what Christ our Savior saith, “You shall love the Lord your God with all you heart,
and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment.
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And the second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The Gloria Patri
(#626 AMECH)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end.
Amen. Amen.
(Henry W. Greatorex)
The Benevolent Offering
The Litany
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
The Rev. Bernard Holmes
The Rev. Horace Cross
We are members of a long tradition of prophets and people who would dare to speak for
God. As people of faith, many of our ranks often experienced and exercised influence on
the culture, and some who also suffered greatly for pronouncements spoken and actions
taken in the name of God. Integrity has been their watchword; fidelity to God their true
calling. Their walk with God has been consistent; their study of the things of God
conscientious and continuous. Their eyes were open to the political and social realities of
the day. They have been careful observers of paradigm shifts, and cultural trends that
possessed the power and potential to lead the people away from God to the detriment of
community (while some would call it progress). Their ears, like antennae, have been
perched to hear from God, the inspired word fit for the moment. Vigilance has been
standard operating procedure. Their mouths have opened wide with relevant speech:
rebuke, reminder, repentance, repair, renewal, revival, faith, hope, and love.
Let the prophet – and the people – be reminded of our calling.
Like Moses standing in the gap to avert the wrath of God for a people who fell into sin
even on their march to liberation and possibility; like the priestly intercession of Jesus
praying for his disciples on His way to Calvary and a new covenant that included
redemption and salvation.
Let the prophet – and the people – feel the urge to pray – for others.
Like Elijah who challenged the apostasy of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel and the murder
of Naboth; like Nathan who spoke with David about his "secret" and its impact on at least
two families and a nation; like Jesus before Pilate responding to a presumption of alleged
power, a mere empty suit.
Let the prophet – and the people – feel compelled to speak truth to power.
Like Jeremiah and Jesus who saw what they saw – injustice, corruption, debauchery,
exploitation of the vulnerable, meanness in the human spirit, and a rejection of right and
the Way – and wept.
Let the prophet - and the people - care deeply enough to lament.
Like Ezekiel in the Valley of Dry Bones, and John on the Isle of Patmos – environs of
death and privation – envisioned the audacity of hope as a thing to be grasped.
Let the prophet - and the people – be alert to the voice of God and the lessons of
hope all around us.
Like Hosea who paid a humiliating price with his own domestic choices to demonstrate
the essence of God’s love; like Jesus who paid the ultimate price for the redemption and
reconciliation of humankind
Let the prophet – and the people – lead as living testimonies of love and forgiveness.
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Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Like Malachi, alert to the demands and the generosity of God and solemn regard for the
Storehouse; and the regard of Jesus for the believer with the blessings of “good measure,
pressed down, shaken together and running over” –
Let the prophet –and the people – show commitment deep enough to cheerfully give.
The living Christ stands among us, transcending millennia as Prophet, Priest and King.
He is our Savior and our bright exemplar of prophetic speech and pastoral ministry.
Children were safe in his company. Women found in Him an empathetic advocate. Men
found in Him fraternity and model. Potentates found Him to be one they could count on
to tell them the truth. As Jesus saw the need, He healed the sick, fed the hungry and ate
with sinners. Around us now are homelessness, hunger, hurt and cynicism.
Let the prophets - and the people – be inspired to act.
(A Litany by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.)
The Worship Through Music
The Church Choir
The Presentation of the Bishop
The Presentation of the Preacher
The Sermonic Hymn
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr., Presiding Elder
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
(#313 AMECH, Manoah)
The Rev. Andre’ Jefferson, Sr.
I love the Lord; He heard my cries, and pitied every groan;
Long as I live, when troubles rise I’ll hasten to His throne.
I love the Lord; He bowed His ear, and chased my grief away;
O let my heart no more despair while I have breath to pray.
The Lord beheld me sore distressed; He bade my pains remove;
Return, my soul, to God, thy rest, for thou hast known His love.
(Words by Isaac Watts, Tune by Henry Greatorex)
The Annual Sermon
The Rev. Ronald J. Knight
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
(#226 AMECH) The Rev. Godfrey Patterson
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see.
‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed!
Through many dangers toils and snares, I have already come;
‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.
The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures;
He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess, within the veil a life of joy and peace.
The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine;
But God, who calls me here below, will be forever mine.
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When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we’d first begun.
(John Newton stanzas 1-6; stanza 7, anonymous)
The Worship in Giving
The Offertory
The Conference Finance Committee
(#644 AMECH)
All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen.
(Ludwig van Beethoven)
The Introduction of Visitors
The Announcements
The Rev. Lonnie McClain
The Rev. John D. Burton
The Affirmation of Faith
The Rev. Norman Vick
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in Jesus Christ, His
only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary,
suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried. The third day He arose
from the dead; He ascended into heaven, and sits on the right hand of God, the Father
Almighty: from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the
Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sin, the
resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.
The Doxology
The Benediction
The Rev. Ronald Knight
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Ecumenical Service
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Twelve O’clock Noon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
77
The Ecumenical Service
The Reverend Edward Scott – Presiding
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
The Rev. David Holliday
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord, O my soul! I will praise the Lord as long
as I live.
I will sing praises to my God all my life long.
O magnify the Lord with me, let us exalt God’s name together.
Let everything that breathes praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
The Opening Hymn
(#58 AMEC)
The Rev. Timothy Johnson
O Magnify the Lord with me, ye people of His choice,
Let all to whom He lendeth breath now in His name rejoice;
For love’s blest revelation, for rest from condemnation,
For uttermost salvation to Him give thanks.
Refrain
Let all the people praise Thee, Let all the people praise Thee!
Let all the people praise Thy name forever and forever more....
O praise Him for His holiness, His wisdom and His grace;
Sing praises for the precious blood which ransomed all our race;
In tenderness He sought us, from depths of sin He brought us,
The way of life then taught us, To Him give thanks.
Had I a thousand tongues to sing, the half could ne’er be told
Of love so rich, so full and free, of blessings manifold;
Of grace that faileth never, peace flowing like a river,
From God the glorious Giver, to Him give thanks.
(Words and Music by Leila N. Morris)
The Prayer of Invocation
The Rev. Amy Ziglar
The Worship Through Music
The Reading of Scripture
The Hebrew Scriptures
The New Testament
The Presentation of the Preacher
The Rev. Beatrice Smaugh
The Rev. Derrell Wade
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
The Sermonic Hymn
(#321 AMECH)
Jesus, keep me near the cross; there a precious fountain,
Free to all, a healing stream, flows from Calvary’s mountain.
Refrain
In the cross, in the cross, be my glory ever,
Till my raptured soul shall find rest beyond the river.
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Near the cross, a trembling soul, love and mercy found me;
There the bright and morning star shed its beams around me.
Near the cross! O Lamb of God, bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day with its shadows o’er me.
Near the cross I’ll watch and wait; hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand just beyond the river.
(Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Tune by William H. Doane)
The Sermon
The Rev. Otis L. Blackshear
Pastor Emeritus, Greater Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church
Atlanta, Georgia
The Invitation to Discipleship (#215 AMECH)
The Rev. Sandra Green
I’ve a message from the Lord, hallelujah! This message unto you I’ll give,
’Tis recorded in His word, hallelujah! It is only that you “look and live.”
Refrain
“Look and live,” my brother, live, Look to Jesus now, and live;
’Tis recorded in His word, hallelujah! It is only that you “look and live.”
I’ve a message full of love, hallelujah! A message, O my friend, for you,
’Tis a message from above, hallelujah! Jesus said it, and I know ’tis true.
Life is offered unto you, hallelujah! Eternal life thy soul shall have,
If you’ll only look to Him, hallelujah! Look to Jesus who alone can save.
I will tell you how I came, hallelujah! To Jesus when He made me whole—
’Twas believing on His name, hallelujah! I trusted and He saved my soul.
(Words and Tune by William A. Ogden)
The Worship in Giving
The Announcements
The Benediction
The Finance Committee
The Rev. John D. Burton
The Rev. Otis L. Blackshear
79
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Sons of Allen Men’s Night Celebration
Wednesday May 11, 2011
Seven O’clock in the Evening
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
80
The Sons of Allen Men’s Night Celebration
Bro. John Hall, Presiding
The Order of Worship
The Doxology
The Call to Worship
The Rev. Ira McMillan
Leader:
It is truly a good and marvelous thing when brothers live together in peace and unity! It is
as wonderful as oil poured on the head; like the dew falling upon us… and the Lord has
promised to bless His people with life forevermore. (Psalm 133)
People:
We are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord. Praise the Risen Savior! Praise the
Lord!
Leader:
We have come to celebrate that we are a new creation! The past is forgotten, and
everything is new! God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this
world. He has given us the work of sharing this message of peace. We are dressed in His
righteousness alone. We are men – restored, redeemed, and renewed. (2 Cor. 5:17-19)
People:
We are here with our families, who join with us to say, Praise the Risen Savior!
Praise the Lord!
Leader:
We have come on this special men’s night celebration, as the Sons of Richard Allen and
sons of the Most High God. Grateful for His grace, we rededicate ourselves to the living
Christ. We pledge faithfulness to our God and to our families. We rededicate ourselves to
service in the Church – giving our time, our talent and our treasure. As people of faith,
we pledge to make a positive difference in our communities, and to be a blessing to the
next generation.
People:
Come let us worship the Lord our God, as we stand to say, Praise the Risen Savior!
Praise the Lord!
(A Call to Worship by Bishop Adam J. Richardson)
The Hymn of Praise
(#275 AAHH)
Bro. Hugh Kennedy
I serve a risen savior; He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever others say;
I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him He’s always near.
Refrain
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading through all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
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(Words and Tune by Alfred H. Ackley)
The Prayer of Invocation
Bro. Anthony Cason
Worship Through Music
Men’s Choir
The Reading of the Holy Scriptures
The Hebrew Scriptures
Genesis 32:24-31
New Testament
Luke 24:17-36
Bro. William Floyd
Bro. Douglas Strand
The Summary of the Decalogue
The Rev. John Swann
And he said to Him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is
like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments
depend all the law and
the prophets.
The Benevolent Offering
Rev. Billy Hunter
The Presentation of the Preacher
The Sermonic Hymn
Presiding Elder William Dyson, Sr.
(#559 AMECH)
The Rev. Rufus L. Mosley, Jr.
Rise up, O men of God! Have done with lesser things.
Give heart and mind and soul and strength to serve the King of kings.
Rise up, O men of God! The kingdom tarries long.
Bring in the day of brotherhood and end the night of wrong.
Rise up, O men of God! The church for you doth wait,
Her strength unequal to her task; rise up, and make her great!
Lift high the cross of Christ! Tread where his feet have trod.
As brothers of the Son of Man, rise up, O men of God!
(Words by William P. Merrill, Tune by William H. Walter)
The Sermon
The Rev. Reuben Boyd
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
(#283 AMECH)
The Rev. Timothy Smith
I am Thine, O Lord, I have heard Thy voice, and it told Thy love to me;
But I long to rise in the arms of faith, and be closer drawn to Thee.
Refrain
Draw me nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to the cross where Thou has died;
Draw me nearer, nearer, nearer, blessed Lord, to Thy precious, bleeding side.
Consecrate me now to Thy service Lord, by the power of grace divine;
Let my soul look up with a steadfast hope, and my will be lost in Thine.
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O the pure delight of a single hour that before Thy throne I spend,
When I kneel in prayer, and with Thee, my God, I commune as friend with friend!
There are depths of love that I cannot know till I cross the narrow sea;
There are heights of joy that I may not reach till I rest in peace with Thee.
(Words by Fanny J. Crosby, Tune by William H. Doane)
The Worship of Giving
The Presentation of the Bishop
Brother Jeremiah Cuffey
The Presentation of Congregational Men and Young Men of the Year
The Presentation of Special Awards
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate of the 2ndEpiscopal District
The Announcements
The Benediction
Dr. Curtis Langley
The Rev. Rueben Boyd
83
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Midday Refreshing Service
Thursday May 12, 2011
Twelve O’clock Noon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
84
The Midday Refreshing Service
The Rev. Harrilene Shackleford-Powell, Presiding
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
The Rev. Gilbert Harper
Leader:
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing
praises.
People:
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and raise a loud shout to Him
with Psalms.
Leader:
For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods.
People:
With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the
Lord.
The Hymn of Praise (#97 AMECH)
We praise Thee, O God! For the Son of Thy love,
For Jesus who died and is now gone above.
Refrain
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, Hallelujah! Amen;
Hallelujah! Thine the glory, revive us again.
The Rev. Deborah Bryant
We praise Thee, O God! for the Spirit of light,
Who has shown us the Savior, and scattered our night.
All glory and praise to the Lamb that was slain,
Who hath borne all our sins, and has cleansed every stain.
Revive us again; fill each heart with Thy love;
May our souls be rekindled with fire from above.
(Words by William P. MacKay; Tune by John J. Husband)
The Prayer of Invocation
The Rev. Isaac Jackson
The Scripture
The Rev. Joel Tomlin
Presentation of the Preacher
Presiding Elder Rev. Chester Morris
The Sermonic Hymn
(#272 AMECH)
The Rev. Charles Harvin
Pass me not, O gentle Savior, Hear my humble cry;
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.
Refrain
Savior, Savior, hear my humble cry,
While on others Thou art calling, do not pass me by.
Let me at Thy throne of mercy find a sweet relief;
Kneeling there in deep contrition, help my unbelief.
Trusting only in Thy merit, would I seek Thy face;
85
Heal my wounded, broken spirit, save me by thy grace.
Thou the spring of all my comfort, more than life to me;
Whom have I on earth beside Thee? Whom in heaven but Thee?
(Words by Fanny J. Crosby; Tune by William H. Doane)
The Sermon
The Rev. Gwendolyn Minor
The Invitation to Discipleship
(#461 AMECH)
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more;
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
Refrain
Love lifted me! Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help, love lifted me.
The Rev. Glenn Orr
All my heart to Him I give, ever to Him I’ll cling.
In His blessed presence live, ever His praises sing;
Love so mighty and so true merits my soul’s best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too, to Him belongs.
Souls in danger, look above, Jesus completely saves;
He will lift you by His love out of the angry waves;
He’s the Master of the seas, billows His will obey;
He your Savior wants to be, be saved today.
(Words by James Rowe; Tune by Howard E. Smith)
The Worship of Giving
The Finance Committee
The Announcements
The Rev. John D. Burton
The Benediction
The Rev. Gwendolyn Minor
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
Annual Lay Witness Service
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Seven O’clock in the Evening
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
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VIRGINIA CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION
ANNUAL LAY WITNESS SERVICE
Sister Shelia Peace-Johnson, Worship Leader
Campbell’s Chapel A. M. E., Carrollton
The Organ Prelude
The Processional
Officers and Program Participants
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Sister Shelia Peace-Johnson
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt God’s name together.
The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, God’s mercies never come to an end; they
are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt God’s name together.
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord rescues them from them all.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt God’s name together.
The Lord is good, gracious, holy, and mighty. From everlasting to everlasting He is God.
Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt God’s name together.
We will make a joyful noise to the lord. We will break forth into joyous song and sing
praises. God has brought us thus far: as the African Methodist Church, as a community of
faith, as a people empowered, as a people of hope – and we are glad!
(A Call to Worship by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.)
The Opening Hymn
(#582 AMECH, Tune, Zion: Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah)
Lay who now have thus assembled in Thy blessed name O God
Guide us in our true endeavor, light the pathway that we trod;
Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause.
Give us strength to ever labor for Thy cause.
We are banded one in union, to fulfill Thy just command
May we be Thy true disciples, holding to Thy mighty hand.
Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love.
Give us blessings from the fountain of Thy love.
As we walk this Christian journey, Let us keep our armor bright,
Let our works be pure and holy that we stand within Thy sight;
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love
Laymen soldiers, strong in unity and love.
May we stand before Thine altar, pledging Lord to work for Thee
In the vineyard, in the pastures let us Lord Thy pilgrims be;
Let us lift the cross forever to the skies
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Let us lift the cross forever to the skies.
(Words by Francis A. Waltson, Tune by Thomas Hastings)
The Invocation
Brother Devon Boyd
St. John’s A. M. E., Norfolk
The Choral Response
The Musical Selection
The Scripture Readings
Master Darryl Godwin, Jr.
Campbell’s Chapel A. M. E., Carrollton
The Decalogue
Sister Constance Cooke
St. Paul A. M. E., Danville
The Litany of Commitment
Sister Amber Greene
Rehoboth A. M. E., Chesapeake
“LAITY SOWING SEEDS BEYOND THE WALLS:
AN AGENDA OF MINISTRY AND SERVICE”
Leader:
With grateful hearts we, the Virginia Conference Lay Organization of the African
Methodist Episcopal Church, give thanks to Almighty God for His divine inspiration and
revelation to our ancestors.
People:
We thank God for our ancestors.
Leader:
For the privilege of hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord, and the desire to live
daily according to His Holy Word.
People:
We thank God for the privilege.
Leader:
For His Commandments to feed the hungry, to clothe the naked, to visit the sick, and to
be a bold witness for Him.
People:
We thank God for the Commandments.
Leader:
For the teachings of Richard Allen, to minister unconditionally to the spiritual, emotional,
intellectual, and financial needs of our brothers and sisters.
People:
We thank God for the teachings of Richard Allen.
Leader:
For forgiveness, healing, and reconciliation for all of us when our faith has been
displaced by pain, despair, hatred and fear.
People:
We thank God for the ability to forgive.
Leader:
For continued appreciation and teaching of the History, Doctrine, and Philosophy of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church.
People:
We thank God for the leadership of our Bishops, Presiding Elders, Pastors, and Laity.
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Leader:
For Spiritual guidance and Biblical teaching to our youth and young adults that are
actively seeking answers to moral, political and religious issues influencing the growth
and development of the church.
People:
Leader:
We thank God for the teachings of Jesus Christ.
With grateful hearts, the Virginia Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church is thankful for the preaching of the gospel; the teaching of the Bible,
the Doctrine and Discipline; the privilege to minister, to sow and serve; the forgiveness
of sin, and the promise of an eternal home in heaven.
People:
We thank God for the opportunity to Worship and Serve Him.
The Musical Selection
Greetings
The Presentation of Awards
Bethel A. M. E., Hampton
The Introduction of Speaker
The Speaker
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
The Offering
Brother Howard Williams
St. John’s A. M. E., Norfolk
Sister Joan Wilson
Sister Holly Dyson
Dr. Marriane Dyson
Reverend Burton
The Finance Committee
The Offertory
All things come of Thee, O’ Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen
The Conference President
Brother Ernest Godwin
The Presentation of the Bishop
Brother Ernest Godwin
Remarks
Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate, 2nd Episcopal District
The Lay Benediction
“May God bless us with the true spirit of Christianity; that we may live together,
not as man over man, but as Lay persons working with God.”
The Postlude
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ELECTED OFFICERS (2011-2012)
President
Brother Ernest Godwin
1st Vice President
Sister Mary C. Terry
2nd Vice President
Sister Melvine Wyatt-Norman
3rd Vice President
Sister Jacqueline Robinson
Recording Secretary
Sister Adrienne June-Buckner
Assist. Recording Secretary
Sister Rosa Hayward-Lightfoot
Corresponding Secretary
Sister Cassandra G. Favor
Treasurer
Sister Lillian J. Galloway
Financial Secretary
Brother Howard M. Williams
Chaplain
Brother Albert Jones
Historiographer
Brother James A. White
Parliamentarian
Sister Geraline H. Cox
Director of Public Relations
Brother John Hall
Director of Lay Activities
Sister Rose Brabble
Asst. Director of Lay Activities (Youth)
Sister Ruby Greer
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Memorial Service
Friday, May 13, 2011
Ten-thirty in the Morning
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
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The Memorial Service
I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me,
Write, from henceforth blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.
Even so, says the Spirit, for they rest from their labors, and their works do follow them.
Revelation 4:13
Leader:
The Rev. Amy Ziglar
Since the close of our last Annual Conference, seats have become vacant, family circles have been
broken, and congregations have diminished in number by the visitation of the angel of death. Hearts have
been made sad, tears have been shed, homes have been draped in crepe, and grief has been the daily
companion of loved ones left behind. Yet, by faith, we have learned “not to sorrow as those who have no
hope.” Today we pause to remember loved ones and colleagues who have run ahead of us to the great
Coronation in the Heavenly City beyond the celestial shore.
The Song of Hope
(#364 AMECH)
The Rev. Timothy Johnson
My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly lean on Jesus’ Name.
Refrain
On Christ the solid rock I stand
All other ground is sinking sand;
All other ground us sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound
O may I then in Him be found!
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless to stand before His throne.
(Words by Edward Mote; Music by William Bradbury)
The Prayer
The Rev. Kenneth Ruff
Holy God, Gracious and Eternal, we honor and adore You as Lord, Sovereign and Mighty. We are
grateful for the time You have permitted us to spend with our loved ones, friends and colleagues now
departed. We are grateful and glad for the lessons we learned, for the memories shared and for
encouragement received in our relationships with those who are now “absent from the body.” By Your
mercy, we are also thankful for the blessed hope of immortality through your Son, our Savior, Jesus
Christ.
The Responsive Reading
(1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
The Rev. Ruby White
Leader:
But we would not have you to be ignorant, brothers and sisters, concerning them that fall
asleep; that you sorrow not, even as the rest, which have no hope.
People:
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also that are fallen
asleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
Leader:
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we that are alive, that are left unto
the coming of the Lord, shall in no wise precede them that are fallen asleep.
People:
For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven, with a shout, with the voice of the
archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
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Leader:
People:
Then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds,
to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
The Roll Call
The Rev. Bernard Holmes
Leader:
Brothers and Sisters, these are they who have run the race and finished their course this
Annual Conference Year. We thank the Lord for their labor and faithful witness.
(The deceased ministers and spouses)
(The deceased lay persons who were delegates at the last Annual Conference)
The Rev. Sherri Brooks
O God, we thank and praise You for the love, life and labor of our deceased loved ones colleagues. We
thank You for their faithful witness in word and deed. Allow us to be inspired to emulate what was good
in them that we too might see Your face in the land of Perfect Day. We pray in the name of Him who took
the sting from death and victory from the grave, even Jesus Christ, our Savior and Resurrected, Reigning,
and Ruling Lord. Amen.
The Song of Triumph and Hope (#511 AMECH)
The Rev. Jacqueline Hardy-Harris
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus; Sing His mercy and His grace;
In the mansions bright and blessed, He’s prepared for us a place.
Refrain
When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be,
When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving, everyday,
Just one glimpse of Him in glory, Will the toils of life repay.
The Benediction
The Rev. Earl Glover
Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the
presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to the only wise God our Savior, through Jesus Christ
our Lord, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 24, 25)
(A Memorial Service: Written by Bishop Adam J. Richardson)
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Service of Re-obligation and
The Conference Service of Holy Communion
Friday, May 13, 2011
Eleven O’clock in the Morning
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
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The Order of Service
The Rev. Lonnie McClain, Presiding
The Processional
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
The Rev. John Burton
Leader:
Awesome God, Holy and Reverend is Your name! We praise You for Your glorious and
mighty acts in Creation, Salvation, and Liberation.
People:
In Creation, You made us; in Salvation, You saved us; in Liberation You
delivered us.
Leader:
Awesome God, we worship and adore You for Your gracious call upon our lives through
Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ: in Your Church, in the world; in the ministry of
proclamation, pastoral care, and the myriad means of outreach – that the world may know
Jesus and be reconciled to You.
People:
To ministry You have called us, and into the world You have sent us – to be Your
ambassadors of love, liberation, reconciliation and empowerment for Your people.
Our soul shouts, Thank You! Holy and Reverend is Your name!
(A Call to Worship by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.)
The Opening Hymn
(#219 AMECH, Duke Street) The Rev. Andrea Cornett Scott
Go forth ye heralds, in my name, Sweetly the gospel trumpet sound;
The glorious jubilee proclaim, Where’re the human race is found.
The joyful news to all impart, And teach them where salvation lies,
With care bind up the broken heart and wipe the tears from weeping eyes.
Be wise as serpent where you go, Be harmless as the peaceful dove,
And let your heaven-taught conduct show that you’re commissioned from above.
Freely from Me ye have received, Freely, in love, to others give;
Thus shall your doctrines be believed, and, by your labors, sinners live.
(Words by John Logan, Tune by John Hatton)
The Invocation
The Rev. Gilbert Harper
Almighty God, favor us with Your holy presence in this historic and sacred moment.
Your word declares that through Your divine providence You have appointed diverse
orders of ministers in Your Church; ordained and commissioned for preaching and
pastoral ministry by the laying on of hands. For such an occasion we have assembled.
Behold these Your servants, now called to this most sacred and Holy Office. Replenish
them so with the truth of Your doctrine and adorn them with the innocence of life, that
they may faithfully serve You, and through Your Holy Spirit, edify Your Church, in the
name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy
Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
The Choral Response
(#580 AAHH)
I love You. I love You. I love You Lord, today Because You care for me in such a special way. And yes I
praise You. I lift You up. I magnify Your name. That’s why my heart is filled with praise. My heart, my
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mind, my soul belong to You. You paid the price for me way back on Calvary. And yes I praise You. I lift
You up. I magnify Your name. That’s why my heart is filled with praise.
(William F. Hubbard)
The Worship through Music
The Conference Choir
The Scripture Reading The Rev. Gilbert Harper and The Rev. Dr. Edward Scott
1 Timothy 3:8-13; 1 Timothy 5:17; Ephesians 5:15-17, 20-21; Ephesians 6:11-13
Likewise must the Deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy
lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let
them use the office of a Deacon, being found blameless. Let the Deacons be the mate of one spouse,
ruling their children and their own homes well. For they that have used the office of a Deacon well will
purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. Even so
must their spouses be grave, not slanderers, but sober, faithful in all things.
Let the elders that rule be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in the word and
doctrine.
See then that you walk circumspectly not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are
evil. Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is; giving thanks always for all
things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves to one
another in the fear of God.
Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we
wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the
darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
The Introit to the Decalogue
From all that dwell below the skies, let the Creator’s praise arise;
Let the Redeemer’s name be sung, through every land by every tongue.
The Summary of the Decalogue
The Rev. John Burton
And he said to Him, you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your
soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is
like unto it, you shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments
depend all the law and the prophets.
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, World without end. Amen.
The Worship in Giving
The Presentation of the Bishop
The Presentation of the Preacher
Conference Finance Committee
Presiding Elder Emeritus Rev. I. W. Knight, Sr.
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
The Sermonic Hymn
(#555 AAHH)
The Rev. Godfrey Patterson
It may be in the valley, where countless dangers hide, It may be in the sunshine, where I in peace abide;
But this one thing I know – If it be dark or fair, If Jesus is with me, I’ll go anywhere!
Refrain
If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go, anywhere! ‘Tis Heaven to me, Where-e’er I may be if He is there.
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I count it a privilege here, His cross to bear. If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go – anywhere!
But if it be my portion to bear my cross at home; While others bear their burdens beyond the billow’s
foam, I’ll prove my faith in Him – Confess His judgments fair, If Jesus goes with me, I’ll go anywhere!
It is not mine to question, the judgments of my Lord; It is but mine to follow the leadings of His word;
But if I go or stay, or whether here or there, I’ll be with my Savior, Content anywhere!
(C. Austin Miles)
The Sermon
Bishop John Franklin White
Office of Ecumenical and Urban Affairs
African Methodist Episcopal Church
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
(#551 AAHH) The Rev. Andre’ P. Jefferson
“Yes, Lord! Yes, Lord!” From the bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul,
“Yes, Lord!” Completely yes! My soul says, “Yes!” I Love you! I love you!From the
bottom of my heart to the depths of my soul, I love you! I really do. My soul says, “Yes!”
(Sandra Crouch)
The Liturgy for the Re-obligation of Elders
Rev. Spencer: Bishop Richardson, we present these persons to be admitted Itinerant Elders.
Bishop:
Take heed that the persons whom you present to us be apt and meet, by their godly
conversation, to exercise their ministry duly to the honor of God and the edifying of the
Church.
Rev. Spencer: We have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them so to be.
Bishop:
Members of the Conference, if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime
in any of these persons presented to be ordained Itinerant Deacons for which they ought
not to be admitted to this office, do come forth in the name of God and show what the
crime or impediment is.
You have heard, as well in your private examinations as in the exhortation which was just made to
you, and in the writings of the Apostles, of what dignity and of what great
Importance this office is. And now again we exhort you in the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ that you remember how high a dignity and to how weighty an office you are
Called; that is to say to be messengers, watchers, and stewards of the Lord, to teach and to
admonish, to feed and provide for the Lord’s family, to seek for Christ’s sheep that are
dispersed abroad, and of His children who are in the midst of this evil world, that they
may be saved through Christ forever.
Rev. Q. White
Have always, therefore, printed in your remembrance what great treasure is committed to
your charge. For, they are the sheep of Christ which He bought with His death, and for
whom He shed His blood. The church and congregation, whom you may be
privileged serve, are His Spouse, and His Body.
Rev. T. Smith And if it should happen the same church or any member thereof, do take any hurt
or hindrance by reason of your negligence, you know the greatness of the fault, and also
the horrible punishment that will ensue. Wherefore consider within yourselves the end of
the ministry towards the children of God, towards the Spouse and Body of Christ, and see
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that you never cease your labor, your care, and diligence until you have done all that lies
in you, according to your bounden duty, to bring all such as are or shall be committed to
your charge unto that agreement in the faith, and to that ripeness and perfectness of age in
Christ, that there may be no place left among you, either for error in religion or for
viciousness in life.
Rev. A. Scott Forasmuch then as your office is both of so great excellency, and of so great difficulty,
you surely see how great care and study you ought to apply yourselves, as neither you
yourselves offend, or be occasion that others offend. Howbeit, you cannot have a mind
and will thereunto of yourselves; for that will and ability are given of God alone,
Therefore you ought, and have need, to pray earnestly for His Holy Spirit. And seeing
that you cannot by any other means compass the doing of so weighty a work pertaining to
the salvation of humankind, but with doctrine and exhortation taken out of the Holy
Scriptures, and with a life agreeable to the same, consider how studious you ought to be
in reading and learning the Scriptures and in framing the manners both of yourselves and
of them that pertain unto you, according to the rules of the same Scriptures, and for this
selfsame cause how you ought to forsake and set aside as much as you may all worldly
care and studies.
Bishop:
We have good hope that you have all weighed and pondered these things long before
now; and that you have clearly determined by God’s grace to give yourselves to this
Office whereby it has pleased God to call you, so that as much as lies in you, you will
apply yourselves wholly to this one thing and draw all your cares and studies this way,
and that you will continually pray to God the Father by the mediation of our Savior Jesus
Christ, for the Heavenly assistance of the Holy Spirit, that by daily reading and weighing
of the Scriptures you may wax riper and stronger in your ministry, and that you may so
endeavor yourselves, from time to time, to sanctify the lives of you and yours, and to
fashion them after the rule and doctrine of Christ that you may be wholesome and goodly
examples and patterns for the people to follow.
And now that this present congregation of Christ here assembled may also understand
your minds and wills in these things, and that this your promise may the more move you
to do your duties, you shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God
and His Church, shall demand of you touching the same.
Bishop:
Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord
Jesus Christ, to the order of Elder?
The Ordinands: I do so believe.
Bishop:
Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain sufficiently all doctrines required of
necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Are you determined out of
the said Scriptures, to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing,
as required of necessity to salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be
conducted and proved by Scripture?
The Ordinands: I am so persuaded and have determined by God’s grace.
Bishop:
Will you then give faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments
and discipline of Christ as the Lord has commanded?
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The Ordinands: I will do so, by the help of the Lord.
Bishop:
Will you be ready with faithful diligence always to banish and drive away all erroneous
and strange doctrine contrary to God’s word, and to use both public and private
monitions and exhortations, as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge as need
shall require and occasion shall be given?
The Ordinands: I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you be diligent in prayer and in reading the Holy Scriptures, and in such studies as
help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the flesh?
The Ordinands: I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you be diligent to frame yourselves and your families according to the doctrine of
Christ and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lies, wholesome
examples and patterns to the flock of Christ?
The Ordinands: I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you maintain and set forth, as much as lies in you, sweetness, peace, and love among
all Christian people, and especially among them that are or may be committed to your
charge?
The Ordinands: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Will you reverently obey your chief ministers unto whom is committed the charge and
government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions,
submitting yourselves to their godly judgments?
The Ordinands: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.
Bishop:
Almighty God, who has given you this will to do all these things, grant also unto you
strength and power to perform the same that He may accomplish His work which He has
begun, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Congregation: Amen
Rev. McClain: Most merciful Father, we beseech You to send upon these Your servants Your
heavenly blessings that they may be clother with righteousness and that the word spoken
by their mouths may never be spoken in vain. Grant, also, that they shall deliver out of
Your most Holy Word, or agreeably to the same, as the means of our salvation; and that
in all our words and deeds may seek Your glory and the increase of Your kingdom
through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
The Service of Holy Communion
The Communion Hymn
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Chief Celebrant
(#243 AMECH)
Down at the Cross where my Savior died,
Down where for cleansing from sin I cried,
There to my heart was the blood applied;
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Glory to His name!
Refrain
Glory to His name (Precious Name), Glory to His name;
There to my heart was the blood applied; Glory to His name!
I am so wondrously saved from sin.
Jesus so sweetly abides within,
There at the cross where He took me in;
Glory to His name!
O precious fountain that saves from sin,
I am so glad I have entered in;
There Jesus saves me and keeps me clean;
Glory to His name!
Come to this fountain so rich and sweet;
Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;
Plunge in today and be made complete;
Glory to His name!
(Words by Elisha A. Hoffman, Tune by John H. Stockton)
The Bidding: You that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins and are in love and charity with your
neighbor, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and
walking from henceforth in His holy ways; draw near with faith to receive the holy
Sacrament, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, in the presence of His
church.
The General Confession
Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all people,
we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we from time to
time most grievously have committed by thought, word, and deed against Your divine
Majesty, provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly
repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is
grievous unto us.
Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father for Your Son our Lord
Jesus Christ's sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever hereafter serve
and please You in the newness of life, to the honor and glory of Your name, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Prayer of Consecration
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who of Your tender mercy did give Your only Son,
Jesus Christ, to suffer death on the cross for our redemption, who made thereby His
oblation of Himself, once offered, a full, perfect and sufficient sacrifice, oblation, and
satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute and in His holy gospel
command us to continue a perpetual memory of that His precious death until His coming
again; hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly beseech You, and grant that we,
receiving these Your creatures of bread and wine, according to Your Son, our Savior
Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of His death and passion, may be
partakers of His most blessed body and blood; who in the same night that He was
betrayed took bread, and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to His
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disciples saying, “Take, eat; this is my body which is broken for you.” Likewise after
supper He took the cup and when He had given thanks He gave it to them saying, “All of
you drink this, for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for
many for the remission of sins; do this as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of
Me.” Amen.
The Sharing of the Elements
(Bishop, Presiding Elders, Board of Examiners, the Ordinands, their families, the congregation)
The Lord’s Prayer
The Blessing
Bishop John Franklin White
The peace of God which passes all understanding keep your hearts and your minds in the
knowledge and love of God and of His son, Jesus Christ our Lord; and the blessing of
God Almighty the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with
you always. Amen.
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
Youth Night Revival
Friday, May 13, 2011
Seven O’clock in the Evening
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
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THE ORDER OF SERVICE
Alan Campbell, Presiding
Songs of Praise (6:45 p.m.)
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
Leader:
Keep your Creator in mind while you are young! In years to come you will experience
burdens and troubles and say that you don’t find joy anymore. (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
People:
We are the youth of the Church; we will remember to take refuge in God, and we
have come to worship. There is joy in knowing Christ.
Leader:
The prophet Isaiah spoke of a day when “even young people will get tired, then stumble
and fall. (Isaiah 40:30)
People:
The prophet also said that those who trust the Lord will find new strength, to be
strong like eagles, soaring upward. That’s why we have come to worship God. (Isaiah
40:31)
Leader:
People:
Jesus said, “Let the children and youths come to Me, and don’t try to stop them. People
who are like these children belong to God’s Kingdom.” (Matthew 19:14)
Like the children who were brought to Jesus by their parents for prayer and His
special touch; like those who felt safe to play at His feet – we believe that Jesus has
made room for children, teens and young adults in His Kingdom and in His Church.
With only a little prodding from our parents, we have also come to worship our God
in Christ. (Matthew 19:13)
(A Call to Worship by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.)
The Hymn of Praise
(#185 AMECH; Tune #141)
There is a name I love to hear; I love to sing its worth;
It sounds like music in mine ear, the sweetest name on earth.
Refrain
O how I love Jesus! O how I love Jesus!
O how I love Jesus! Because He first loved me!
It tells me of a Savior’s love, who died to set me free;
It tells me of His precious blood, the sinner’s perfect plea.
It tells of One whose loving heart can feel my deepest woe,
Who in my sorrow bears apart that none can bear below.
Jesus! The name I love so well, the name I love to hear;
No saints on earth its worth can tell, no heart conceive how dear.
(Frederick Whitfield)
The Prayer of Invocation
Master Tomlin
The Choral Response
Virginia Conference Choir
The Selection
Virginia Conference Choir
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The Scripture Reading
Devonte Cobb
The Decalogue and Summary
Taylor Jenkins
The Litany: AIR
Robert Kemp
The Steppers
VCS
The Rappers
Joy, Peace, and Love
The Dancers
Ministry in Motion
The Singers
President
The Introduction of the Preacher
The Anointed SixThe Report of the YPD
Da-Von Boyd
Gabianna Mazzele
The Sermonic Selection
Virginia Conference Choir
The Sermon
The Rev. Ronald Freeman
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
The Rev. Ronald Freeman
The Offering
The Finance Committee
The Presentation of the Bishop and Supervisor
Remarks
Erin Sifford
Bishop and Supervisor Richardson
The Doxology
The Benediction
The Rev. Ronald Freeman
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Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
THE LITANY: AIR
I am at that precious/priceless age, betwixt and between; old enough, and not quite. Yet
the poignant lessons from history are writ large to encourage me at this unique and
frustrating time in my life. Richard Allen was 27 years old, just beyond his eligibility for
membership in the Young People’s Division, when he led his comrades out from the St.
George’s Methodist Episcopal Church; a move that would make way for the birth of the
Free African Society and morph into the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Imagine
this: the AME Church is the result of the magnificent vision of an extraordinary young
adult.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe. (1Timothy 4:12)
History is on my side. Martin Luther King, Jr. was 26 years old when he was recruited as
the leader of the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His iconic “I Have a Dream” exhortation that
held us spellbound and rallied a nation to move towards justice was uttered from the
mouth of a 34 year old. He was a Nobel Laureate at the age of 35 and a martyr at the age
of 39, yet young enough, by our standards, to still be considered a young adult.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Medger Evers led the NAACP in Jackson, Mississippi (in those days “a state sweltering
with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression”*) as the state field
secretary at age 29. For the cause of civil rights and the right to vote, Mrs. Myrlie Evers
was suddenly a widow; their three children were simultaneously fatherless. Her heroic
husband lay dead at the age of 38, still young enough to be considered a young adult.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
To his admirers, Malcolm X was a courageous advocate for the rights of African
Americans. He had made his mark as a human rights activist, an articulate advocate for
the oppressed. But he tragically died at the age of 39, still young enough to be considered
a young adult.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
Harriett Tubman, our home girl from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, became an
abolitionist, a nurse and cook for the Union Army, an armed scout and spy during the
War. She rescued more than 70 persons from slavery, making 13 dangerous trips to do so.
Following the War, she worked for women’s suffrage. Her special work began when she
was 28 years of age, an impressive, courageous young adult.
Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love,
faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe.
The obvious thing about youth is that we won’t have it for very long. David, the teenage
shepherd and giant-killer, the young adult king and poet reminds us of the inevitable: “I
once was young….” but to those who remain faithful, we may join him in saying, “I have
yet to see the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
“Breathe on us, breath of God!” Let the fresh air of Your Spirit revitalize Your
church to a ministry of Attention, Intention and Retention of Young Adults. God,
youth-a-nize Your church once again! Infuse us with humble sensibilities to find the
gifts, interests, and energy of young adults useful for Kingdom building, Kingdom
business, and the expansion of African Methodism. We ask it in the strong name of
Jesus, that Wonderful Young Adult who died at 33 on Calvary for our justification,
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announcing, “for this cause came I into the world,” and rose again on the third day
for our eternal salvation. To Him be glory and honor in the Church forever and
ever. Hallelujah and Amen!
* From the “I Have a Dream” Speech of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(A Litany by Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.)
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AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Virginia Annual Conference
“The Call to Vigilance: Continuing a Prophetic Ministry”

AIR (Attention, Intention, Retention)
A Ministry of and for Young Adults
The Closing Service
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Ten-thirty in the Morning
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate
Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson
Episcopal Supervisor, WMS
Convening with
St. John's African Methodist Episcopal Church
Norfolk, Virginia
At
The Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center
Portsmouth, Virginia
The Rev. John D. Burton
Host Pastor
The Rev. Chester Wallace Morris
Host Presiding Elder
The Rev. William A. Dyson, Sr.
Associate Presiding Elder
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The Closing Service
Presiding Elder William A. Dyson, Sr., Presiding
The Processional
(#5 AMECH, Diadem)
All hail the power of Jesus name! Let angels prostrate fall, Let angels prostrate fall; Bring
forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all.
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, ye ransomed from the
fall,Hail Him who saves you by His grace, and crown Him Lord of all.
Sinners whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the gall, the wormwood and the
gall, Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, on this terrestrial ball, on this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe, and crown Him Lord of all.
O that with yonder sacred throng we at His feet may fall, we at His feet may fall!
We’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.
(Words by Edward Perronet; Tune by James Ellor)
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The Call to Worship
The Rev. Willie Boothe
Minister:
I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the house of the Lord, our feet
shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem.
People:
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a
doorkeeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Minister:
People:
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek Your good.
Those that be planted in the house of the Lord, shall flourish in the courts of our
God.
Minister:
Blessed are they that dwell in Your house. Lord, I have loved Your habitation,
the
place where Your honor dwells.
For the Lord is in His holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before Him.
People:
Minister:
People:
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O
Lord, my strength and my Redeemer.
O sing unto the Lord a new song, for He has done marvelous things. Make a joyful
noise unto the Lord, all the earth, sing praises.
The Hymn of Praise
(#91AMECH, Cambridge New)
The Rev. Herbert Gibbs
How great the wisdom, power and grace Which in redemption shine!
The heavenly host with joy confess, The work is all divine. The work is all divine. The
work is all divine.
Before His feet they cast their crowns Those crowns which Jesus gave –
And with ten thousand thousand tongues
Proclaim His power to save. Proclaim His power to save. Proclaim His power to save.
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They tell the triumphs of His cross, The sufferings which He bore;
How low He stooped, how high He rose,
And rose to stoop no more, and rose to stoop no more, and rose to stoop no more.
O let them still their voices raise, And still their songs renew; salvation well deserves he
praise Of men and angels, too, of men and angels, too, of men and angels, too.
(Words by Benjamin Beddome; Tune by John Randall)
The Introit to Prayer
(#440 AMECH)
‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, Just to take Him at His word;
Just to rest upon His promise, Just to know, “Thus saith the Lord.”
Refrain
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him! How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus! O for grace to trust Him more!
(Words by Louisa M. R. Stead, Tune by William J. Kirkpatrick)
The Prayer of Invocation and Intercession
The Rev. Vanessa A. Copeland
The Choral Response
(#327 AMECH)
(Hebrews 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:17)
I need Thee every hour, most gracious Lord;
No tender voice like Thine can peace afford.
Refrain
I need Thee, O I need Thee, every hour I need Thee;
O bless me now, my Savior, I come to Thee.
I need Thee every hour, stay Thou nearby;
Temptations lose their power when Thou art nigh.
(Words by Annie S. Hawks; Music by Robert Lowry)
The Scripture Readings The Hebrews Scriptures
The Epistle
Peter 2:19-25
The Gospel
John 10:1-10
Psalm 23
The Rev. Willie White
The Rev. Stephanie M. C. Webber
The Rev. Phyllis Whichard
The Introit to the Decalogue
From all that dwell below the skies, Let the Creator's praise arise;
Let the Redeemer's name be sung, Through every land by every tongue.
Eternal are Thy mercies, Lord, Eternal truth attends Thy word;
Thy praise shall sound from shore to shore, Till suns shall rise and set no more.
The Summary of the Decalogue
The Rev. Sherri Brooks
Hear what Christ, our Savior says, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart,
with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And
the second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, And to the Son, And to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, Is now, and ever shall be, World without end. Amen.
The Benevolent Offering
The Rev. Kevin Wilson
110
The Responsive Reading
The Rev. Sandra Greene
(Romans 12:1-2; Colossians 4:2; Ephesians 6:10-13; 2 Timothy 4:7-8)
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Leader:
People:
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and
perfect.
Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His power.
Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the
wiles of the devil.
For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against
the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual
forces of evil in the heavenly places.
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to
withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. I have
fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.
From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, will give me on that day,
And not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
The Worship through Music
The Virginia Conference Choir
The Presentation of the Preacher
The Sermonic Hymn
Presiding Elder Chester Wallace Morris
(Tune #80 AMECH, Metropolitan) The Rev. Linwood Daughtry
Before Thy mercy seat, O Lord, Behold, Thy servants stand,
To ask the knowledge of Thy Word, The guidance of Thy hand.
Let Thy eternal truths, we pray, Dwell richly in each heart;
That from the safe and narrow way We never may depart.
Lord, from Thy Word remove the seal, Unfold its hidden store,
And as we read, teach us to feel its value more and more.
Help us to see a Savior’s love Shine forth from every page,
And let the thoughts of joys above Our inmost souls engage.
Thus, while Thy Word our footsteps guides, Shall we be truly blest,
And soon arrive where love provides An everlasting rest.
(Words by William Bathurst, Tune by John T. Layton)
The Sermon
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
Presiding Prelate, Second Episcopal District
The Invitation to Christian Discipleship
(#403 AMECH)
The Rev. Granger Flythe
What a wonderful change in my life has been wrought,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
I have light in my soul for which long I have sought,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
Refrain
Since Jesus came into my heart, Since Jesus came into my heart;
111
Floods of joy o’er my soul like the sea billows roll, Since Jesus came into my
heart.
I have ceased from my wand’ring and going astray,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And my sins which were many are all washed away,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I’m possessed of a hope that is steadfast and sure,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And no dark clouds of doubt now my pathway obscure,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
There’s a light in the valley of death now for me,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And the gates of the City beyond I can see,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
I shall go there to dwell in that City I know,
Since Jesus came into my heart;
And I’m happy, so happy as onward I go,
Since Jesus came into my heart.
(Words by Rufus H. McDaniel, Tune by Charles H. Gabriel)
The Stewardship Responsive Reading
Rev. Jacqueline Hardy-Harris
Leader:
The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof and those who dwell therein.
(Psalm 24:1)
People:
Give and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, shaken together and
running over. For the measure you give will be the measure you get back.
(Luke 6:38)
Leader:
Each of us should give what we have decided to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
People:
Therefore we affirm: Let the Lord’s People, bring the Lord’s money, to the Lord’s
house, on the Lord’s Day and receive the Lord’s blessing.
The Worship in Giving
Conference Finance Committee
The Offertory
(#644 AMECH)
All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we given Thee. Amen.
The Introduction of Visitors
The Announcements
The Rev. Myra Burton
The Rev. John D. Burton
The Unfinished Annual Conference Business
Report of the Statistician
The Conference Resolution(s)
112
The Commissioning Service
Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr.
The Hymn
(#242 AMECH)
A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, my calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage to do my Master’s will!
Help me to watch and pray, and on Thyself rely
Assured if I my trust betray, I shall forever die. (Charles Wesley)
The Presentation of Certificates to Conference Officers
The Prayer for Guidance
The Reading of the Scripture
Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, watching over them--not because
you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest
gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to
the flock.
(1 Peter 5:2-3)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of
the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you, and, lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.”
(Matthew 28:19-20)
The Hymn
(#220 AMECH, Retreat)
“Go preach my gospel,” saith the Lord. “Bid the whole earth my grace receive.
Explain to them my sacred word; Bid them believe, obey and live.
“I’ll make my great commission known, and ye shall prove my gospel true
By all the works that I have done and all the wonders ye shall do.
“Go, heal the sick; go, raise the dead; Go cast out devils in My name;
Nor let my prophets be afraid, Tho’ some reproach and some blaspheme.
“While thus ye follow my commands I’m with you till the world shall end;
All power is trusted in my hands; I can destroy and can defend.”
He spake, and light shone round His head, on a bright cloud to heaven He rode.
They to the farthest nation spread the grace of their ascended God.
(Words by Isaac Watts, Tune by Thomas Hastings)
The Reading of Appointments
The Doxology
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VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE
APPOINTMENTS
May 14, 2011
NORFOLK-EASTERN SHORE DISTRICT
REV. CHESTER W. MORRIS, PRESIDING ELDER
ASSIGNMENT
St. John’s
Mt. Zion
St. Mark
New St. John
New Union
Macedonia
New Allen
Gaskins Chapel
Bethel
New Mt. Olive
Ebenezer
Lee’s Chapel
St. Luke
Greater St. Andrew
Bethel
New Mt. Zion
Shorter’s Chapel
Greater Bethel
Belle Haven Circuit
St. Luke
Holly Grove
Mt. Moriah
Centerville
Macedonia
Campbell’s Chapel
Mt. Gilead
Gordon Chapel
St. Stephen’s
LOCATION
Norfolk
VA Beach
VA Beach
Virginia
Norfolk
Accomac
Franktown
Melfa
Eastville
Chesapeake
Cape Charles
Chesapeake
Daugherty
VA Beach
Onancock
Norfolk
Birdsnest
Chesapeake
Belle Haven
Chesapeake
Windsor
Elberon
Chesapeake
Carrollton
VA Beach
Franklin
Chesapeake
Cape Charles
MINISTER
Rev. John D. Burton
Rev. Lonnie McClain
Rev. Vernon Ricks, Sr.
Rev. E. H. Terrell, Jr.
Rev. Ronald Knight
Rev. Sherri L. Brooks
Rev. Beatrice Smaugh
Rev. Oretha P. Cross
Rev. Timothy Johnson
Rev. Ira McMillan
Rev. Vanessa Copeland
Rev. Horace Cross
Rev. Ronald Freeman
Rev. Timothy Smith
Rev. Billy Ray Hunter
Rev. Joel Tomlin
Rev. Deborah Bryant
Rev. Herbert Gibbs
Rev. Stephanie Webber
Rev. Shackelford-Powell
Rev. Kenneth Ruff
Rev. Rufus Mosley, Jr.
Rev. David Holliday
Rev. Gwendolyn Minor
Rev. Abraham Mackey
Rev. Frank Hill
Rev. Mary Kimble
Rev. Sandra Greene
PORTSMOUTH-RICHMOND-ROANOKE DISTRICT
REV. JAMES P. BEATTY, PRESIDING ELDER
ASSIGNMENT
LOCATION
Third St. Bethel
Richmond
Emanuel
Portsmouth
Bethel
Hampton
St. Paul
Newport News
Mt. Zion
Roanoke
Macedonia
Suffolk
Campbell Chapel
Carrollton
Brown’s
Smithfield
St. Paul
Portsmouth
New St. James
Norfolk
Ebenezer
Roanoke
First Trinity
Chesapeake
St. Paul
Winchester
Rehoboth
Chesapeake
Union Bethel
Smithfield
Ebenezer
Richmond
Bethel
Cave Spring
Allen Chapel
Staunton
St. Paul
Danville
Mt. Zion
Martinsville
St. Paul
Blacksburg
Meadowview
Fieldale
St. John
Roanoke
New Hope
Chatham
Bethel
Rocky Mount
Beulah
Farmville
St. Michael
South Boston
Harmony Circuit
South Boston
Bethel/Red Bluff
Wytheville
Bethel
Harrisonburg
St. James
Prospect
Christ/ Redeemer
Staunton
Marshall Chapel
Lynchburg
RichmondChesterfield
Richmond
Petersburg Mission Petersburg
NOTE: Italicized names in bold red print indicate new assignments.
MINISTER
Rev. Godfrey Patterson
Rev. Granger Flythe
Rev. Andre Jefferson, Sr.
Rev. Donald White
Rev. Amy Ziglar
Rev. Charles Harvin
Rev. L. R. Daughtry
Rev. Gilbert Harper
Rev. Willie Boothe
Rev. Norman Vick
Rev. John I. Swann, Jr.
Rev. Willie White, Sr.
Rev. Kevin Wilson
Rev. Bernard Holmes
Rev. Phyllis Whichard
Rev. Monica Spencer
Rev. J. Hardy-Harris
Rev. Edward Scott
Rev. Isaac Jackson
Rev. Reuben Boyd, Jr.
Rev. Glen Orr
Rev. Michael Dunn, Sr
Rev. Leonard J. Davis
Rev. Otelia Barksdale
Rev. Arthur Saunders
Rev. Derrell Wade
Rev. Delphoney Kargbo
Rev. Yolanda Milner
To Be Supplied
Rev. Collin L. Figueroa
Rev. Myra Burton
Rev. Andrea Scott
Rev. John I. Swann, Jr.
Rev. Welton Williams
Rev. Ruby Brown-White
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