The Lay Chronicles Kentucky, East Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Tennessee Conferences Volume 8 / Number 1 EDITION 2018 13th MIDYEAR CONVOCATION
The African Methodist Episcopal Church 13th Episcopal District Lay Organization The Official Newsletter
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath Presiding Prelate
Ms. Dorothy Ealy District President
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 13th District Public Relations Report
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13th District Midyear Convocation Agenda
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Didja Know... Connectional Lay Scholarships
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The Lay Organization History
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A Note of Gratitude
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2018 General Board
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Support “THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER”
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13th District Lay Convention and Annual Lay Meeting Page 12
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2018 Lenten Season
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Kentucky, East Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Tennessee Conferences
The Lay Chronicles Volume 8 / Number 1/ 13TH MIDYEAR CONVOCATION ~ EDITION 2018
Ms. Amanda Johnson, 13th District Director of Public Relations We wish to thank all persons who contributed photos in this issue of THE LAY CHRONICLES. We also thank all Directors of Public Relations for their article submittals. THE LAY CHRONICLES is the Official Publication of the Thirteenth District Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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LAY PRESIDENTS OF THE 13 : KY CONF – CHRIS WILSON; EAST TN CONF. – CHARLES MOORE; WEST TN CONF. LOVIE JACOCKS; and TN CONF – DARWIN ELDRIDGE
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1st Vice Pres. 3rd Vice Pres. Recording Sect. Corresp. Sect. Financial Sect. Chaplain Pub. Relations Dir.
CONTACT US: Mail: AMANDA JOHNSON P. O. Box 2176 Louisville, KY 40201 E mail:
westkyced@hotmail.com
THIRTEENTH DISTRICT LAY OFFICERS James Darden 2nd Vice Pres. Hardin Franklin Rita Nelson Lay Activities Dir. Priscilla Sullivan Brenda Odell Asst. Rec. Sect. Michele Carter Mary Raglin Treasurer Retha Newsom Clifton Campbell Parliamentarian Roxie Ball Pauline Guyton Historiographer Ron Mitchell Amanda Johnson Young Adult Rep. Melinda Robinson
The Director of Public Relations Report March 15, 2018 To: Bishop Jeffrey Nathaniel Leath, 13th District Presiding Prelate, Dr. Susan Leath, M.D., Sister Dorothy Ealy, 13th District Lay President, Connectional Lay Officers, 13th District Lay Officers, Conference Lay Presidents, Lay Delegates, Laity, and Clergy. “To God Be The Glory For The Great Things He Has Done!”
It is a blessing to have had the opportunity to serve in the Director of Public Relations Office as the elected Director of Public Relations to the 13th District Lay Organization for 2017-2021. I am very appreciative to serve well and make a difference in African Methodism. It is with a humbled spirit that I make this MidYear Report 2018. I am grateful to God and the Lay Organization to have the opportunity to serve. It is here we acknowledge the Conference Lay Presidents and Conference Directors of Public Relations and their Local Church counterparts. Thank You as Servants of God. The Work is ALL Divine. We seek to bring about harmony of understanding between the 13 th District, the AME Church, and the AMEC communities through the channeling of information. We will continue to disseminate news items of interest received from the Connectional Church and the Episcopal Districts through Newsletter and/or multi-media processes. There is a way forward, and we bring those opportunities to the 13th Lay in a Spirit of Excellence.
Recommendations: Information from the Local and Conference Lay Organizations, along with photos of Laypersons honored or organizational events and written information be sent monthly to the Director of Public Relations. The Office of Public Relations be involved in publishing and outsourcing publication of materials to represent, be used, and disseminated in the 13th District. Continue Funding for set-up/production/ and distribution of THE LAY CHRONICLES; as well as the establishment of a website. There be an Annual Funding of $500. All Lay Members of the Lay Organization subscribe to the WE SPEAK Magazine and to THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER Newspaper, as they are available to order. Always In His Service,
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Amanda Johnson
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DISTRICT MID-YEAR
MARCH 15-16, 2018 BOWLING GREEN, KY
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Holiday Inn - University Plaza 1021 Wilkinson Trace, Bowling Green, KY 42103, 1-270-745-0088
Scholarship Applications The A.M.E. Connectional Lay Organization offers the following scholarships to deserving students: Joseph C. McKinney Scholarship The Joseph C. McKinney Scholarship was established by the Connectional Lay Organization for the purpose of assisting young men and women of the Christian Faith in the
African Methodist Episcopal Church in obtaining a college education. The funds for this scholarship will be administered by the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Deadline: April 30, 2018 Âť See Connectional Lay Organization Website for Application.
J.D. Williams Scholarship The J.D. Williams Scholarship was established by the Connectional Lay Organization for the purpose of assisting young men and women in obtaining a college education. The funds for the scholarship will be administered by the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This scholarship is designated for a student planning to attend a four year A.M.E. college, university, or seminary. Deadline: April 30, 2018 Âť See Connectional Lay Organization Website for Application.
Dr. Jamye Coleman Williams Scholarship The Jamye C. Williams Scholarship was established by the Connectional Lay Organization for the purpose of assisting young men and women of the Christian Faith in the African Methodist Episcopal Church in obtaining a college education. The funds for this scholarship will be administered by the Connectional Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
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Deadline: April 30, 2018 Âť See Connectional Lay Organization Website for Application.
The Lay Organization’s History
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The Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is one of the newest in our church relative to our total years of existence. The Organization, like many in our church, at any early age, did not keep official records that would serve as reference material. Research started with a brief history as given by former president, Attorney Herbert L. Dudley of Detroit. He used as his first pamphlet - History and Official Guide of the Lay Movement - by Professor R.J. Gardner of Cleveland, Ohio. In this pamphlet, Professor Gardner states that the "Organized Lay Movement" started at the General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1912, with Professor Charles H. Johnson of Wilberforce as the first president. It was known as the "Laymen's Missionary Movement." Our organized lay movement has, therefore, had three (3) significant stages of growth and development. First, the early formative years under the Laymen's Missionary League organized in 1912 by Professor Charles H. Johnson, Wilberforce University; second, Connectional Lay College, organized in 1916 under the leadership of Dr. Carl V. Roman of Fisk University; and finally in 1946 in Connectional Laymen's Organization organized by the delegates from the Lay College who were meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1946. It was discovered early in the history of the Lay College that an organization that met only every four years, and composed of a constantly changing membership or personnel, could not do a good job of mobilizing the laity for effective service in the church, and so the laymen in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1946, abolished the old Lay College which met every four years at the seat of the General Conference with a constantly changing membership, and organized the Connectional Lay Organization on Episcopal District levels down through the Conferences to the local units and churches. It meets biennially and has a permanent membership that reaches down to the grass root level of the laity. It has held biennial meetings since 1949 in Chicago. There are those who think that the organized lay movement just recently came into existence when the General Conference of 1948 passed a law giving laymen the right to organize in the local church and make the lay organization a part of the organic law of African Methodism. This, you will see, is merely the culmination of a long and gigantic struggle which had been waged by a large number of courageous laymen over the years. It is noteworthy to observe that some of the most significant, progressive and constructive legislation enacted by the various General Conferences of our church has taken place since the laymen have acquired equal representation. This has not been just by accident or mere coincidence. It has been true because the influence,
prestige and voting strength of the laity have been thrown behind very constructive and worthwhile movements in the church. Today, the organized lay movement in the African Methodist Episcopal Church operates as a vital force for good because it is free, independent and unmotivated by any desire, motive or purpose other than the general welfare of African Methodism. We find Episcopal District Lay Organizations organized in every Episcopal District of the African Methodist Episcopal Church from the first Episcopal District down through and including the Twentieth Episcopal District.
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Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation ~CLEDC What is the CLEDC’s Mission? The Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation’s mission is to establish a program that will provide financial assistance for the success of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. What is the basic concept of CLEDC? Conceptually, the CLEDC financial goal is to get a large number of AME Church members, (including bishops, ministers, and lay persons) to make a small annual contribution of $60 to generate millions of dollars. The contributions are invested as they accumulate and sound investment opportunities occur. These funds would then be used for establishing businesses that in turn can make profits for our Church. These profits would be used in five Church areas: AME schools, evangelism, church extension, overseas projects and church budget. Brief History of CLEDC The late Mr. J. D. Williams, Connectional Lay President for over two decades, initiated the concept for CLEDC. In August 1983, at the 18th session of the Connectional Lay Organization Biennial held in Detroit, Michigan, the lay delegation approved the Connectional Lay Economic Development Corporation, (CLEDC) concept. It also directed a 19-person volunteer planning committee to establish the CLEDC. Their challenge was to establish a fund for economic empowerment that would create businesses owned and controlled by minorities to provide goods and services; and to enhance the quality of life among minority people. In November 1983, the state of Missouri issued a Certificate of Incorporation for the CLEDC as a non-profit organization. On July 11, 1984, a CLEDC report was made a part of the Connectional Lay report to the 42nd Quadrennial session of the AME Church General Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. The report was accepted and approved by the General Conference. In 1991, the Connectional Lay Executive Board approved a member donation program to raise at least $200,000 annually be receiving a $60 a year donation from AME Church members and lay organizations at all levels. The CLEDC is a continuation of the legacy of Richard Allen, the founding Father, who preached a message of religious freedom, political empowerment, and economic self- determination. Are contributions used for CLEDC’s administrative costs? No, to date, none of the contributions or interest has been spent for any purpose.
A Note of Gratitude..
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Because McDonald Williams did not want a celebration of his 100 th birthday, I decided to write friends and family so informing them and indicating that instead I would appreciate a contribution to Wilberforce University (my Alma Mater and where Mac and I met 77 years ago). Thanks to friends across the AME Church, former students, WU alumni, and family I can report that Wilberforce received $56,200. The University has thanked the donors and either by telephone or in person I have done the same. May God bless each of you! ~ Jamye Coleman Williams ~
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Support The Christian Recorder with a Paid Subscription! The Christian Recorder began publication on July 1, 1852 and is the world's oldest continuously printed publication by Black people. It is produced twice a month at the AME Church Sunday School Union (Publishing House) in Nashville, Tennessee. Each printed edition is 8-12 pages of feature stories, Connectional News, Ecumenical News, Columns and Editorials. Purchase a full subscription for $36 annually. You can call our office at 615-601-0450 during business hours (9AM-5PM Central Time, Monday-Friday except US holidays) or buy online by visiting the AME Church publishing House website.
Celebration of Service and Publication
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165years
SAVE THE DATE: TH
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District Annual Meeting and Lay Convention 2017
Doubletree Hotel, Murfreesboro, TN
May 31 – June 2, 2018
LAITY, JOIN US!!! ALL ARE WELCOME!
PLAN TO BE IN ATTENDANCE!
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$105 REGISTRATION (Includes the OLP Banquet and District Dues) Extra Banquet Tickets are $50 each.
THE SEASON OF LENT FEBRUARY 14 – APRIL 1, 2018
Lent is the name given by the Church to the 40 days (plus seven Sundays) leading up to the Resurrection of Jesus. The word itself comes from Old English and means, simply, “spring.” Traditionally, Lent is a time for penitence—a time to consider our misdeeds and to seek God’s forgiveness for them. Often people “give up” something during Lent: sweets, perhaps, or watching television. But this year the Christian Education Department offers you the opportunity to do something extra during Lent: take on the spiritual discipline of daily Scripture reading, reflection, and prayer. In this booklet, you’ll find readings for each day of the Lenten season, from Ash Wednesday (February 14) through Easter (April 1).
FASTING: Some people have been known to go without food for days. But that's
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not the only way to fast. You can fast by cutting out some of the things in your life that distract you from God. Some Christians use the whole 40 days to fast from candy, TV, soft drinks, cigarettes or meat as a way to purify their bodies and lives. You might skip one meal a day and use that time to pray instead. Or you can give up some activity like worry or reality TV to spend time outside enjoying God’s creation. What do you need to let go of or "fast" from in order to focus on God? What clutters your calendar and life? How can you simplify your life in terms of what you eat, wear or do? PRAYER: Christians use Lent as a time of intentional prayer. You can pray while you walk, create music or art as a prayer to God, or savor a time of quiet listening. All can be ways of becoming more in tune with God.
“And whenever you fast, do not look dismal, like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces so as to show others that they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that your fasting may be seen not by others but by your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6.16-18
FOOD GUIDELINES FOR A DANIEL FAST Foods to Eat
Whole Grains: Brown Rice, Oats, Barley Legumes: Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas Fruits: Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon Vegetables: Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy. Liquids: Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks. Others: Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts
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Foods to Avoid
Meat White Rice Fried Foods Caffeine Carbonated Beverages Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives Refined Sugar Sugar Substitutes White Flour and All Products Using It Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products
EASTER SUNDAY – APRIL 1, 2018 Scripture: John 1:1-18 Surprise! Surprise! The Eleven Apostles had gathered together on the day of Jesus’ Resurrection. They were discussing the strange happenings of the past few days, and had just listened to a report from two men who said they had seen Jesus. Suddenly He was there! Then the Savior said, “Peace to you”. I wonder if we realize when we meet together—at Church, in our Home, in our Prayer Meetings, in our Gatherings with friends—that Jesus is also there. He said, “Lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age”. Do we really believe He is with us and listens to every word we say, and that He sees all we do? What if Jesus Christ should enter? He is here! Yes, remember that Jesus is here! He sees, He hears, and He knows! It was not until after the Resurrection, when the Disciples had perceived through the power of the Holy Spirit who Jesus really was, that He said, “Go”. That’s still our challenge every Resurrection Sunday - To stand against the forces that would seek to quiet the Gospel and give total Commitment. Are we willing to take the Cross and serve Christ in Self-Denial? The Task Is Great—But It Is Eternally Rewarding!
The Season of Eastertide
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THE TIME OF EASTER OR EASTERTIDE
Eastertide is the time of new life. Our Savior's in the first place, living for ever a life which belongs no more to the earth and which one day we shall share with Him in heaven. And then our own lives — from Christ to us — for we have more than the assurance of rejoining Him; snatched by Him from the power of the devil we belong to Him as His by right of conquest and we share His life. The moral requirements of the new life are recalled throughout Eastertide. They are governed by the principle enunciated by St. Paul that, risen with Christ, the Christian must raise his desires to heaven, detach himself from earthly pleasures in order to love those of heaven. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to complete the formation in the baptized of the "new man" who, by the holiness of his life, bears witness to Christ crucified. The Fifty days from Easter Sunday to Pentecost are celebrated in joyful exultation as one feast day, or better as one "Great Sunday." These above all others are the days for the singing of the Alleluia. The Sundays of this season rank as the paschal Sundays and, after Easter Sunday itself, are called the Second, Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Sundays of Easter. The period of fifty sacred days ends on Pentecost Sunday.
"Laity Fulfilling The Great Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (Matthew 28:16-20)
13th District A.M.E. Church
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The Lay Chronicles Newsletter Post Office Box 2176 Louisville, Kentucky 40201