Lay Notebook - March 2010

A PUBLICATION OF THE SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION

Volume 16, Issue 1 March, 2010 ALLEN SEMIQUINCENTINNIAL EDITION

LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA

Bishop Richard Allen February 14, 1760 - March 26 1831

President’s Message Page 3

Meeting Agenda Page 3

C.E.O. Tuesday Pages 4 & 5

Conference Schedule Pages 5 & 6

Local Church News Pages 6 & 7

District Lay News Pages 7 & 8

Thinking Out Loud Pages 9 & 10

Special Tributes Pages 10 & 11

Lay Scholarships Page 11

Subscription Winners Page 11

Necrology Page 11

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

in this issue of LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK. We also thank Phyllis Gwenette Boyd and Cheryl Price for their assistance with layout and editing. Special Thanks is extended to Dr. Mark Kelly Tyler, Pastor of Mother Bethel for granting us per-mission to use the Richard Allen 250 Logo and his wife, Mrs. Leslie M. Tyler for sending us this logo.

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

Inside This Issue

March, 2010

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION OFFICERS

President Gloria T. Byrd

First Vice President Michael Brown

Second Vice President Henry Chavers

Third Vice President Dr. Verma Curtis

Recording Secretary Melanie Lucear Assistant

Recording Secretary Robbiestein Stone

Corresponding Secretary Sandra Barnes Treasurer

Maudie Anderson Financial Secretary Waynefield Leonard

Chaplain Ola Irvin

Historiographer Bettye Draper Parliamentarian Geraldine Monroe

Director of Lay Activities Cheryl Robinson

Young Adult Representative Jason Ferguson

Transportation Chairperson L. Jean Swafford Director of

Public Relations Robert T. Matthews, III PRESIDENTS EMERITUS Johnny Banks (Deceased) Dr. Robert Williams Morris Hannah

CONNECTIONAL

PRESIDENT EMERITUS

Dr. Katheryn Middleton Brown


CONFERENCE PRESIDENTS South - Joann Wilson

Southwest - Gladys Moore (Deceased) Georgia - Joan Brown Augusta - Eunice Seigle Macon - Latrellis Dent

Atlanta-North Georgia - Annette Curry

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

Dr. Pam DeVeaux

PAGE 2 L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1


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

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1

Excitement is in the air as we prepare for our Episcopal District Biennial Convention September 16-18, 2010 as well as planning to host the 2013 Biennial. Committees are working hard to ensure not only a learning experience but a fun time as well. Of course we have to get through March and June’s gatherings. In March, Mr. Eugene Love/Area Specialist with USDA Rural De-velopment will do a presentation on "Rural Development Loan and Grant Programs". So bring your questions for him.

Our June gathering will be held at Bagby State Park in Fort Gaines, Georgia. There will be an AME Jeopardy competition between conferences at the park with a prize going to the two top winners. Sounds like fun? It will be. The park offers swimming, boating, golfing, hiking and much

more. Some rooms have been reserved in case any member should chose to stay over night. See your Conference and Dis-trict President for additional information. All Episcopal District Biennial Convention program participants will be announced at our June meeting. Again let us support our organization and invite other laypersons to attend our gath-erings as well as volunteer to work in plan-ning the Biennial for 2013. I look forward to seeing each of you March 20th. All Chairs and Sub-Chairs, please arrive by 9:15 a.m. to meet with the Overall chairs

for the 2013 Biennial.

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

President’s Message


President

Gloria T. Byrd

PUMPED FOR ACTION!!!

THE SIXTH EXPISCOPAL DISTRICT LAY ORGANIZATION QUARTERLY GATHERING Camp Hope AME Church

Rev. Emory Lightfoot, Jr., Pastor 114 Camp Hope Church Road, Macon, GA 31211.

Phone: 478-741-7561

PROPOSED AGENDA AND SCHEDULE FOR MARCH 20, 2010

March 20th, 2010

9:30 -10:30 am 2013 Biennial

Committee Chairs meet with General Chairs

10:30 -11:00 am Devotion

11:00 - 2:00 noon

Business (Board recommenda-tions-inclusive of budget/review of minutes for

corrections)

12:00 -12:45 pm USDA Rural

Development Specialist, Mr. Eugene Love

12:45-1:00 Wrap-up/Benediction

Lunch

********************************

“Building on Our Global Legacy of Christ-Centered Leadership and Training"

Mark 16:15 Ephesians 4:11-13

TENTATIVE AGENDA

Bishop William P. DeVeaux Dr. Pam DeVeaux

L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1

C.E.O. Tuesday (Community Equipping and Outreach Tuesday)

presented by The Sixth Episcopal District, Inc.

On November 24, 2009 at 12:00 noon at the Headquarters Office of the Sixth Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, over forty pas-tors and church leaders gathered together for the inau-gural session of C.E.O. Tuesday. Community Equipping and Outreach Tuesday was birthed out of the desire to

offer educational and empowering information of practi-cal relevance to the clergy and community leaders of the state of Georgia. In order to do so, all pastors and church leaders are invited to attend C.E.O. Tuesday every fourth Tuesday for a one-hour session over a delicious lunch. After three productive sessions, we are stand-ing in expectation of the magnificent moves that can take place in the Sixth Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church as a result of attending C.E.O. Tuesday. We

began in November with presenters from the Georgia Commission against Family Violence. Our presenters, Greg Loughlin and Karria Simmons, addressed the topic of Domestic Violence and the role of the clergy and community. Specifically, we were enlightened by the statistics as well as the need for the church to serve as a “safe place” for victims.

In January, we were challenged by the lack of adequate aid for Georgia’s homeless population. We were fortunate to have Tom Plamann from the Georgia Coalition to End Homelessness along with three repre-sentatives from Decatur Cooperative Ministries (DCM), a local organization working in the field of homelessness and its prevention. Sybil Corbin, director of DCM’s Hagar’s House, shared a video testimonial of homeless women who have beaten the odds through receiving shelter and guidance at Hagar’s House. Most recently, we stepped into the life of Stand, Inc.—a local organization that delves into a vast array of community needs. From transitional housing for ex-offenders to HIV/Aids prevention and testing, our pre-senters from Stand, Inc. opened our minds to real needs of our community. Mimi Brown, Program Coor-dinator, and Jerome Maultsby, Vice President of the Board of Directors for Stand, Inc., spoke of the grave need for adequate training for HIV testing—a major concern of our own Women’s Missionary Society. Dr. Pam informed attendees that the WMS has funds avail-able to sponsor training for individuals who are inter-ested in being certified to administer HIV tests. Now, this is what C.E.O. Tuesday is truly about!

Rev. Conitras Houston with Presenters, Mimi Brown and Jerome Maultsby,

STAND, INC.

Dr. Pam and Coordinator, Mimi Brown STAND, INC.

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1


We cordially invite you to attend a C.E.O. Tuesday with us. We are not gathering simply for food and fel-lowship, but we are seriously pursuing advancement in the Sixth! It is time for us to step beyond our comfort zones of preaching the Gospel without guidance for eve-ryday life. We are proud of the informative sessions that have occurred thus far, but we are now looking for re-sults! Let us be moved by the statistics, enlightened by the information, but most importantly, challenged to do more! Rev. Conitras M. Houston, Pastor of St. Luke AME, Athens, serves as the Coordinator of C.E.O. Tuesday under the supervision of Dr. Pam DeVeaux.

Thanks to Reverend Conitras M. Houston for sub-mitting this article and the photos shown in it. We also congratulate her and Dr. Pam for this initiative and thank them for providing the members of the Sixth Episcopal District with such a wholesome and rich opportunity.

(CEO Tuesday - Continued from page 4)

Sixth District Clergy and Laypersons Attending C.E.O. Tuesday Gathering

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 2010 ANNUAL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

CONFERENCE/ DATE LOCATION/CONTACT

SOUTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE March 9-11, 2010

Saint Thomas

700 North Broad Street, Thomasville, GA 31792

TEL 229-227-0227

The Reverend Clement Choice, Host Pastor

The Reverend Harvey Williamson, Host Presiding Elder

SOUTHWEST GEORGIA CONFERENCE MARCH 23-25, 2010

Saint Paul, Columbus*

4900 Saint Mary’s Road. Columbus, GA 31907

TEL 706-682-2927

The Reverend James A. Alexander, Host Pastor

The Reverend Elijah Smith, Host Presiding Elder *Opening Worship will be held at Saint James A.M.E., The Reverend Richard A. Washington, Pastor; Dr. Karl

Colquitt, Presiding Elder. *Closing Worship will be held at Saint John A.M.E., Dr. Debora F. Grant, Pastor; The Reverend Dr. Karl Col-

quitt, Presiding Elder.

GEORGIA CONFERENCE April 6-8, 2010

Bethel, Hinesville

P.O. Box 1429, 233 Cause Street Hinesville, GA 31313

TEL 912-368-5094; FAX 912-369-2437

The Reverend Richie Williams, Host Pastor

The Reverend J. E. Taylor, Host Presiding Elder

AUGUSTA GEORGIA CONFERENCE April 20-22, 2010

Saint Paul

306 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Vidalia, GA 30474

TEL 912-537-4872; FAX 912-537-4037

The Reverend Richard Q. Ward, Sr., Host Presiding Elder

(Annual Conference Schedule Continued on Page 6)

Annual Conference Schedule (Continued from page 5)

PAGE 6 VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1 L A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O KL A Y N O T E B O O K

THE ATLANTA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA’S TALENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

By Sister Laura Hunter

The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s “Talent Development Program” is one that is changing the face of the Sym-

phony Orchestra. Why? This is hap-pening because a member of the Afri-can Methodist Episcopal Church—Big Bethel—decided that it should change.

Mrs. Azira Hill, who is the wife of for-mer Atlanta Life Insurance CEO Jesse Hill, believed that the face of Atlanta Symphony Orchestra should change by adding more Black faces. The pro-gram started in Big Bethel A.M.E. Church. It is now several years old

and has grown tremendously.

The Talent Development Program has gone on largely with-out the Sixth Episcopal District, Conference or District Lay Organizations taking part in it. However, since a program of this significance was begun in our Zion, our entire District needs to take note of it.

The TDP takes in 5th grade to 12th grade students who play instruments, performing mostly classical music pieces, in a concert which is held annually. They are in a training session during the week and also participate in summer music camp programs, where Mrs. Hill has co-ordinated scholarships for many of them. Students graduate from high school and go on to study at major universities and music schools around the USA—hopefully with the goal of becoming members of one of the USA’s symphony orchestras.

CONFERENCE/ DATE LOCATION/CONTACT

Macon Georgia Conference May 4-6, 2010

Greater Allen Chapel 269 Pursley Street, Macon, GA 31201 TEL 478-745-4646; FAX 478-745-8408

The Reverend Billy G. McFadden, Host Pastor The Reverend David L. Moore, Host Presiding Elder

Atlanta-North Georgia Conference May 18-20, 2010

Saint Mark 3605 Campbellton Road SW, Atlanta, GA 30331

TEL 404-349-6800 The Reverend Larry Hudson, Host Pastor

Dr. Charles W. Bennett, Host Presiding Elder

Mathalama AME Church 47th Annual Lay Day Celebration

By Phyllis Gwenette Boyd What’s happening at 5570 Handley Boulevard Morrow, GA, where the Rev. Myron A. Deas serves as the pastor? The local Lay Organization recently held its 47th Annual Lay Day Celebration on October 25, 2009. As we embraced, “Refocusing Our Ministry to Serve This Present Age,” we proudly uplifted the hymn 582—Laymen’s Song. The members, friends and visitors filled this sanctuary with smiles and the spirit-filled presence of the Lord shined upon us. The Worship Leader was Brother Troy Thomas. The Program Participants were all officers, past presidents, Acolytes, Mathalama God’s Anointed New Generation G.A.N.G, Sisters: Theresa Latimore, Donna Carmichael, Latoya Maddox, Sabrina Deas, Phyllis Gwenette Boyd Brothers: Otha Mahome, Phillip Teasley and Horace

Carmichael. This Lay Litany, led by Sister Theresa Lati-more invoked the feeling of enthusiasm and jubilation. The attire was royal blue and white. All Officers were presented with an African eccentric stole that was placed around the neck by the Rev. Myron Deas. “I Am Proud to Be an A.M.E.”

Local Church Lay News

Mrs. Azira Hill

Mathalama Lay Organization

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1


Local Church Lay News

District Lay News

Ninth Annual Worship Service By Phyllis Gwenette Boyd

The Greater Griffin District Lay Organization recently held our Ninth Annual Worship Service at 4:00 p. m. on January 24, 2010 at Greenville A. M. E. Church Forsyth, GA where the host Pastor and speaker was the Rev. Michael Davis. This church exhibited gracious hospi-

tality in the marvelous name of Jesus Christ. The Greenville AME Church Circuit and Lay Presidents left no stones unturned. This vivacious District is led by the efficient leadership of Sister Bettye Draper our illustrious President. The Pastor preached a plain and astounding sermon enti-tled, “It’s Time to Go to Work and Get with the Program”. The text was lifted from Mark 15: 14-15. This Worship experience was awesome. The congregation was ecstatic leaping joy in their hearts as the power of the Holy Ghost filled the church. The attendance was outstanding.

District Officers Sister Bettye Draper - President

Sister Theresa Latimore -1st Vice President Sister Louise Wellmaker-2nd Vice President Sister Flora Giddens - Recording Secretary

Sister Tawana Brown - Assistant Recording Secretary Sister Kathy Ponder- Correspondence Secretary

Sister Jean McDaniel - Treasurer Sister Lucy Hicks – Financial Secretary Sister Edith Williams – Chaplain

Sister Cora Giddens- Assistant Chaplain Brother Andrew McDaniel - Parliamentarian Sister Maggie Turner - Director of Lay

Sister Phyllis Gwenette Boyd - Director of Public Relations

First Annual Prayer Breakfast by Phyllis Gwenette Boyd

The Greater Griffin District Lay Organization recently held our First Annual Prayer Breakfast at 9:00 a.m. on October 10, 2009 at Sugar Hill A. M. E. Church, Sugar Hill Road Barnesville, GA where the Pastor is the Rev. Jeffery Murphy and Local Lay President is Sister Mary

Banks. The Mistress of Ceremony was Sister Theresa

Rev. & Sister Jeffery Murphy

SAINT PETER A.M.E. CHURCH HONORS TWO MEMBERS

Saint Peter A.M.E. Church, Fort Valley, Georgia observed its 126th Church Anniversary during the Morning Worship hour Sunday, November 15, 2009.

Reverend Bertram C. Smith, Pastor of St. Peter elo-quently introduced the messenger for this observance, Bishop John Hurst Adams, 87th Elected and Conse-crated Bishop (Retired) The African Methodist Episcopal

Church. Bishop Adams was the Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District (Georgia) 1988-1992. Highlighting the observance were the presentations of the M.E. Singleton Service Award to Dr. Odessa H. McNair and Sister Doris M. Gosier. The M.E. Singleton Service Award is given an-nually in memory of the late M.E. Singleton, who was the epitome of an unassuming, yet loyal servant of Saint Peter and the Fort Valley

Community. Sister Doris M. Gosier, a faithful servant of the

church, is active in several organizations to in-clude, President of the Senior Usher Board, Church School Teacher, Lay Organization, Trustee Board, Women's Progressive Club and other auxiliaries of the church.

Dr. Odessa H. McNair, also a faithful servant of the church, is active in several lo-cal, District and Conference Organizations to include: Women's Progressive Club, Saint Peter Mass Choir, In-structor in the New Members Class, President of the Class leaders Ministry, Lay Activity Director; Treasurer, Macon District Lay Organization, Par-liamentarian, Macon Conference Lay Organization and other auxiliaries of the church. Saint Peter is indebted to the Anniversary Committee chaired by Brother Ashley Ballard and to all who sup-ported this observance, spiritually and financially.

Reported by Brother Alphonso Varner

Sis. Doris Gosier & Rev. Bertram Smith

Dr. Odessa McNair & Rev. Bertram Smith

Rev. Michael & Sister Andrea Davis


District Lay News

Latimore. The Processional exhibited an elegant parade of royal blue and white. Our favorite Opening Hymn 582, was followed by the Invoca-tion given by Sister Edith Williams (fondly known as Bishop). The Scripture was “preached” by Sister Kathy Ponder followed by the Wel-come & Occasion by Sister Mary Banks. We had guests from Turner

Chapel Cathedral AME Church in Marietta, GA—Brother Gerri Wilson, guests from Jonesboro, GA and guests from several denominations in the surrounding areas. The Grace was given by Sister Gwenette Boyd, the Breakfast & Fellowship buffet menu consisted of hot delicious grits, cheese grits, homemade biscuits, wheat toast, pancakes with assorted syrup, pan sausage, link sausage, turkey sausage, salmon with and without onion,

scrambled eggs, boiled eggs, cheese & eggs, fruit, assorted coffee, orange juice, cranberry juice, tea and water. We had three soul stirring prayers: The Youth Prayer by Brother Jakeen Balcom, Lay

Prayer by Sister Cora Giddens, Pastor’s Prayer (Silent). We were honored by The Christian Dancers who per-formed to the tune “Let’s Pray” followed by a musical and the Greater Griffin District Monthly Lay Meeting.

The remarks were given by Sis-ter Bettye Draper followed by the Lay Benediction. The Committee: Sister Phyllis “Gwenette” Boyd-Chairperson, Sis-ter Dorothy A. Lyons-Co Chairper-son, Sister Jean McDaniel-Treasurer, Sister Theresa Latimore, Sister Mary Banks, Sister Martha Williams, Sister Edith Williams and Sister Kathy Ponder.

(Continued from page 7)

THE SAVANNAH DISTRICT CELEBRATES by Sister Delores J. Washington

On Friday evening, February 5, 2010, the weather was stormy outside of Carey Hilliard's Restaurant. But inside, the red and white decorations were beautiful and the atmosphere was very festive. Such was the setting for the 22nd Annual Red and White Banquet of the Savannah Dis-trict Lay Organization, where three members were hon-ored for their many years of dedicated service.

This year’s honorees were Sis. Irene Albright of Tay-lor Chapel, Sis. Patricia Green of New St. Luke and Sis. Evelyn Hightower of St. James. Their respective Pastors introduced them, highlighting their service to the church.

Each honoree was presented a beautiful plaque by District President Frank Albright assisted by the Rev. R. Nathaniel Neal, Presiding Elder of Savannah District.

The dynamic speaker for the evening was ten year old Kayla Stone White of St. James. She electrified the audience of more than two hundred from the theme, “Yes, We Can in 2010.”

Six members were recognized with plaques for hav-ing served the eight year term in office. They were Sis. Delores J. Washington, Recording Secretary; Sis. Leila B.

Harris, Financial Secretary; Sis. Arna T. Cooper, Treas-urer; Sis. Linda C. Wilson, Chaplain; Sis. Bertha J. Pink-ney, Director of Lay Activities and Bro. George Bennett, Director of Public Relations. The attendance trophy was again won by the Taylor Chapel A.M.E. Church Family.

The Christian Dancers

Sugar Hill Lay President, Sis. Mary Banks

w/a Member of the Lay Organization of Sugar Hill

Parker Chapel Lay President,

Brother Ira Jones


District Lay News

NORTH ATLANTA DISTRICT AWARDS CEREMONY

By Anita Y. Hunnictutt The North Atlanta District Lay Organization hosted their Awards Ceremony on Saturday, March 13, 2010 at the Forum Government Center in Rome, Georgia at 4:00 p.m. Presiding Elder Rhone awarded certificates to Laypersons of the year from seventeen (17) churches and Layperson of the Year from the North District, Sister Marilyn Anderson from Summer Hill A.M.E.

Church in Rome. Special presentations were given to Presiding Elder Rhone and twelve (12) pastors on the district as "Pastors of the Year Awards" and finally, the Presidential Award was presented to Sister Delores B. Chatman, President of the North Atlanta District Lay Organization for dedicated service to the AME Church and the Lay Organization. What a wonderful af-fair, chaired by our treasurer of the Atlanta North Georgia Lay Organization, Sis. Anita Y. Hunnicutt.

THINKING OUT LOUD

Christ Has Chosen You to Put on His Armor

An Editorial by Redia Booker Orr Cobb Bethel AME Church Immediate Past President,

West Atlanta District Lay Organization

There are many decades between the day Jesus was walk-ing on this earth to the present day. Many songs have been written, sto-

ries told, plays presented and many different churches established in Je-sus’ name since that time. There is something about that name, Jesus. John, who was Jesus’ cousin, wrote, “In the beginning the WORD al-ready existed, He was with God, and he was God”. (John 1:1 NLT) John wrote this book because of the life styles of the people and also wrote about the seven (7) miracles Jesus did to remind the people about Jesus; hoping they would change their hearts. Isaiah wrote, “Look, a righteous king is coming! And honest princes will rule under him”. (Isaiah 32:1NLT). Paul was a very religious man. He became a strong believer after a moving en-counter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. These men saw Jesus and believed. They are teaching us to continuously keep Jesus’ ways be-fore us and etch them on our hearts in all we do and say. Trust and stand on his word. Read again the Faith Hall of Fame

Scriptures found in Hebrews Chap-ter 11, to become more focused in understanding the importance of our work in the Lay of the AME Con-nectional church. The members of the Faith Hall of Fame were people just like you and me. They came to Jesus just as they were and chose to be servants to him; even moved to other townships or countries. The Connectional Lay Organization is the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are the only organiza-tion in this church where both male, female, and youth are members for life. We start at the beginning with the laity of this great Christian jour-ney in this church (The Book of Dis-cipline of the African Methodist Epis-copal Church 2008, page 400). The Discipline says there shall be a Youth component of the Lay Or-ganization (page 410). As the Laity of the church, we must look and con-sider what we are doing to teach, train, expose, lead, and be good stewards to our body. We have youth who need to be involved at an early age in the Jr. Lay. I have a close family member who loves to play golf. He starts his round in the United States and other countries in the spring. I usually catch him on the green when I call. I asked him one day, “Is it easy to teach an adult to play golf?” He said, “Yes”! Chil-dren (Youth) are ready to listen and

learn the proper way. Adults want to listen but position themselves their incorrect way. In other words it is hard to teach adults. There is a certain way you must position your body to hit the ball off the tee. Chil-dren can emulate the position but not adults. Why am I telling you this story, because as adults we forget Youth want to learn if we teach and train them. I do understand every-one could find if hard to work with the Youth. God has a place for all of us can work for him. If you can see the whole picture; take a look!!! The Atlanta West District Lay Or-ganization established the first Jr. Lay Organization September, 2007 in the Sixth Episcopal District. The Lay Organizations are in the business of perpetual motion moving at a steady pace in the race of preparing the Youth of tomorrow for the Lay Or-ganization’s future. We are not al-lowing our Youth to show us their love by bring to the table new ideas to enhance the organization (1Cor. 13). Don’t continue to close your mind to the great possibility of change! Open up, look up, think up and let the SON shine in. The Connectional Lay has to give to the local churches connectional ma-terials to make the teaching and training connectional. The Director of Lay Activities and her committee

(Continued on page 10)

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1


need to publish, and/or select published materials to be used by both Adults and Youth organizations. This will take stepping out on faith, love, kind-heartedness, de-termination, fortitude, firmness, planning, and sweat to see this product completed. You must seek God’s di-rections, survey the Youth, have training sessions for the Laity who will deal directly with Lay and Youth with certificates along with the Director of Lay Activities. Look at this, the Lay Organization will have to suite up for spiritual battle in your various local Lay Organiza-

tions (Ephesians 6:13 – 17). If the Connectional Lay and its different levels don’t see the need for the Jr. Lay we will die. Bishop Frank Cur-tis Cummings, Retired, wrote a book each of you should buy. The title is “To Whom Much is Given, Much is Required.” If there is no work there is no gain. If you just sit in name only in these elected positions, the Lay is not achieving. The Lay is based on working for the Lord. Let’s not let our work go undone. Save our Youth!!!

(Continued from page 9)

THINKING OUT LOUD

HARMONY CROSSI A Poem by Redia Booker Orr

Listen to your heart all buried in love oil Pressing down with sweet beads full of passion Touch your heart with that blooming flare

With heart felt thoughts passing through Harmony Crossing

Oh, what strength you find in eye of love It catches on fire like the dove loves it babies What firmness you feel in Mother’s hand

Penetrating self-worth around Harmony Crossing

Lift hands and eyes to stirring wind sounds Breezing softly across your face

Lift hands of praise for Holy Spirit will consume you Stand still and hear that call for peace

Jesus is in your view With outstretched arms around Harmony Crossing

Run, run to this special place Where wonderful joy is found

Turn around with harmonious sense of being Blending in articulated shrill

Conflict and discord are now confused Beads of love oil partner with you All found at Harmony Crossing

During its Annual Founder’s Day Celebration, which was held in Savannah, GA on February 17-20, 2010, the Sixth Episcopal District once again honored laypersons and clergy from each of it seven-teen Presiding Elder districts as Living Legacies. This year’s special honorees were Reverend George Moore, Sr. and Mrs. Nettie L. Moore the dy-namic husband and wife team of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church in At-lanta, GA. We congratulate them on this most fitting tribute for a job well done.

MACON CONFERENCE LIVING LEGACIES By Brother Alphonso Varner

Congratulations to the Living Legacies of the Macon Con-ference, Sixth Episcopal District. The following named clergy and laypersons were honored at the 2010 Founders' Day observance, Friday, February 19, 2010.

East Macon/Milledgeville District The Reverend Benjamin Ridley, Presiding Elder.

Clergy - Dr. Gloria Wicker, Pastor of St. Paul, Clinton and Holt Chapel AME Churches, Haddock, GA Lay - Sister Verneda Appling, St. Paul AMEC, Clinton, GA Pastor - Dr. Gloria Wicker

Macon District The Reverend Alan H. Wicker, Presiding Elder

Clergy - The Reverend Joseph L. Rodgers, Belvin AMEC, Marshallville, GA

Lay - Sister Barbara T. Rodgers, Belvin AMEC, Marshallville, GA Pastor - The Reverend Joseph L. Rodgers,

Belvin AMEC.

Griffin District The Reverend David Moore - Presiding Elder

Clergy - The Reverend Jeffrey I. Murphy, Sugar Hill Circuit AMEC, Barnesville/Forsyth, GA Lay - Sister Mary Banks, Sugar Hill Circuit AMEC, Barnesville, GA Pastor, The Reverend Jeffery I. Mur-phy, Sugar Hill AMEC, Barnesville, GA The Clergy and Laity of the Macon Georgia Conference proudly salutes these Living Legacies for the services they are rendering to God and Humankind.

LIVING LEGACIES


LAY SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM By Brother T. Ashley Ballard

The Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization estab-lished the scholarship program on March 11, 2000. Each

year, a worthy young man or woman, of the Christian Faith, in The African Meth-odist Episcopal Church is presented with a scholarship. The funds for this schol-arship will be administered by the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Millennium Scholarship can be used to assist in obtaining a college education and may be used at the college of his or her choice. The Vera L. Benton Scholarship serves as a tribute to this very distin-guished Layperson of the Sixth Episcopal District and a Professor of English at Morris Brown College for more than fifty years. The scholarship is presented to a stu-dent that will attend Morris Brown College. The eligibility requirements of the scholarships are as follows: 1) must be a member of an African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Sixth Episcopal District, 2) must enter Morris Brown College as a freshman in the Fall of 2010 for the Vera L. Benton Scholarship, or the college of

your choice for the Millennium Scholarship, 3) must have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and 4) must enroll in courses leading to a Bachelor’s Degree. Applications will be reviewed by the scholarship selec-tion committee. The committee’s composition will come from the membership of the Sixth Episcopal Dis-trict Lay Organization. Committee members will evalu-ate the applicant’s package in its entirety. The scholar-ship recipient will receive official notification of the award via mail. All decisions of the committee are final. No materials will be returned and only complete appli-cations will be considered. A single recipient will be chosen and will receive a Two Thousand Dollar ($2,000.00) scholarship award. The scholarship will be mailed to the school at the end of August of this year, any deviation from this procedure will be at the discretion of the Education Commission. In the event the student is unable to attend in the Fall of this year, the award will be returned to the scholarship fund. NOTE: All applications must be postmarked on or

before March 31, 2010.

NECROLOGY

We are deeply saddened by the pass-ing of the following persons since our

last issue of LAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOKLAY NOTEBOOK. Mrs. Gwendolyn Carter Williams,

(85) on September 19, 2009. Mrs. Williams was the wife of Dr. Robert J. Williams, Past Sixth Dis-trict Lay President and

Past Connection Lay Parliamentarian.

Mr. Johnny Banks, (89) on November 13, 2009. Mr. Banks served in many capacities on

every level of the AME Church. He even served briefly as Sixth District Lay President. He was married to Mrs. Pauline Banks who recently served as Historiographer of the Sixth District Lay Organization and as President of the North Atlanta District Lay.

Mrs. Gladys (Dot) Moore, (62) on February 11, 2010. Mrs. Moore was an active mem-ber of her church and com-munity. She was serving as President of the Southwest

Conference Lay Organization at the time of her death. We also share with Mr. Darwin Eldridge, Connectional Lay Treasurer in the loss of his mother, Mrs. Gladys Eldridge, on February 22, 2010.

WHO IS THIS BROTHER? Who is this brother fulfilling thy just command? We are grateful to be associated with a dedicated and dependable

untiring scholar, historian and champion among us--the Sixth Episcopal District Lay Organization’s Director of Public Rela-tions, Robert Thomas Matthews, III. He is the epitome of our Laymen’s Song. We are grateful to Almighty God for all the marvelous endeavors. Join me in con-gratulating our brother who is worthy to

the cause and keeping his armor bright! R-eliable & reputable O-n the job always & does an outstanding job B-lessed & brilliant E-ager & encouraging R-esourceful T-alented & transparent

Reported by: Phyllis Gwenette Boyd, Director of Public Relations, Greater Griffin District Lay Organization

SUBSCRIPTION WINNERS March 2009 - March 2010

Congratulation to the Macon Conference for the highest number of subscriptions for the year ending with

this edition of LAY NOTEBOOK.LAY NOTEBOOK.LAY NOTEBOOK.LAY NOTEBOOK. The second highest number of subscriptions were received from the Augusta Conference; the third from the Southwest Conference. We also thank the other conferences for their subscriptions and continued support.

VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1



Installation Worship of Sixth District Lay Officers

10 Year Old - Ms. Kayla Stone White Keynote Speaker/Savannah District’s 22nd Annual Red & White Banquet

Sister Bettye Draper Griffin District Lay President

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

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN THE STATE OF GEORGIA - S IXTH DISTRICT

REFLECTIONS

Presiding Elder, Pastors and Honorees Savannah District 22nd Annual Red & White Banquet

Lay Notebook - March 2010

Documents

Transcript of Lay Notebook - March 2010