THE LAY CHRONICLES - 13TH DISTRICT LAY NEWSLETTER - JUNE 2018 __ 13th LAY CONVENTION__VOL 8. NO. 2

Volume 8 / Number 2

13th Episcopal District Lay Organization

The Lay Chronicles Kentucky, East Tennessee, West Tennessee, and Tennessee Conferences

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Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath 13th Episcopal District

Dr. Dorothy Henderson CLO Historiographer

Dr. Jayme Coleman Williams Retired AMEC General Officer

Rev. Randall Webster, Messenger The Official Newsletter

CONVENTION EDITION JUNE 2018

The Lay Chronicles Volume 8 / Number 2/ 13TH LAY CONVENTION EDITION, JUNE 2018

____ON radar____ "The next day John was back at his post with two disciples, who were watching. He looked up, saw Jesus walking nearby, and said, Here he is, God's Passover Lamb. The two disciples heard him and went after Jesus.

Jesus looked over his shoulder and said to them, What are you after? They said, "Rabbi", “Where are you staying?"

He replied, "Come along and see for yourself." They came, saw where he was living, and ended up staying with him for the day. It was late afternoon when this happened.

Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of the two who heard John's witness and followed Jesus. The first thing he did after finding where Jesus lived was find his own brother, Simon, telling him, "We've found the Messiah". He immediately led him to Jesus. Jesus took one look up and said, "You're John's son, Simon? From now on your name is Cephas" or Peter, which means "Rock". (John 1:35-42 MSG)

Apparently John had taught them well, because their answer indicated that they were not seeking something for themselves but Jesus Himself.

They wanted to know where Jesus was staying.

Not only did Jesus show them the place, He spent the remainder of the day with them. Wonder how often we miss an opportunity to spend time with Jesus because we’re seeking something other than His presence. We know from experience that the more time we spend with Jesus, the less desire we have for a lot of things that once seemed very important.

The Good News Of Christ Is Too Good To Keep To Ourselves!

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.

LAY PRESIDENTS OF THE 13TH: KY CONF – CHRIS WILSON EAST TN CONF. – CHARLES MOORE WEST TN CONF. LOVIE JACOCKS TN CONF – DARWIN ELDRIDGE

Amanda Johnson

13th District Director of Public Relations CONTACT US: Mail: AMANDA JOHNSON P. O. Box 2176 Louisville, KY 40201 E mail: westkyced@hotmail.com

THIRTEENTH DISTRICT LAY OFFICERS 1 Vice Pres.

James Darden 2nd Vice Pres.

Hardin Franklin rd 3 Vice Pres.

Rita Nelson Lay Activities Dir. Priscilla Sullivan Recording Sect.

Brenda Odell Asst. Rec. Sect.

Michele Carter Corresp. Sect.

Mary Raglin Treasurer Retha Newsom Financial Sect.

Clifton Campbell Parliamentarian Roxie Ball Chaplain Pauline Guyton Historiographer Ron Mitchell Pub. Relations Dir. Amanda Johnson Young Adult Rep. Melinda Robinson

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE FEATURES 4

13th District Lay Convention Agenda

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CONFERENCE NEWS: East Tennessee

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CONFERENCE NEWS: Kentucky

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CONFERENCE NEWS: West Tennessee

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CONFERENCE NEWS: Tennessee

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CHURCH NEWS: Kentucky

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13th Learning Academy 2018

REAL LAY 7

The Good News ~ Calendar Dates

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CLO Executive Board

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Support “THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER”

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Leadership: ‘LAY-Travaganza’

ALL EDITIONS 5

13TH District President Message

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13th District Public Relations Report

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The Lay Organization History

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YES, JESUS! 2

ON radar

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Catch This: Personal Evangelism

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2018 Kingdomtide Season

SEASONED! SPIRITED! DYNAMIC!

We wish to thank all persons who contributed photos in this issue of THE LAY CHRONICLES. We also thank 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.

THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

13TH DISTRICT ANNUAL LAY CONVENTION AGENDA Thursday, May 31, 2018 TIME 12:00 p.m.

3:00 p.m.

7:00 p.m.

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Friday, June 1, 2018

ACTIVITY 13TH Officer Training 13th District Executive Board Meeting Worship Service (Reverend Randall Webster) Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, 224 S. Maney Avenue Murfreesboro, TN (All activities below held at DoubleTree Hotel)

7:45 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.

Registration

8:30 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Devotion/ Inspirational Moments

9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.

Welcome 13th District Lay President, Ms. Dorothy Ealy

9:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Workshop I REFOCUSING ON OUR PURPOSE Presenter - Ms. Amanda Johnson,13TH PR Director

10:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Workshop II FAITH-BASED INITIATIVES and PARTNERSHIPS Presenter – Mrs. Priscilla Sullivan, 13TH DOLA

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Lunch (Sponsored)

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Workshop III PANEL – “REFLECTIONS ON ILL-JUSTICE” Affordable Healthcare/ New Tax Laws/ Immigration/ Environment/ etc.

3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Workshop IV AME - V - ALERT

4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Overview/ Evaluation/ Closing

7:00 p.m.

“ANNUAL OUTSTANDING LAY BANQUET”

Saturday, June 2, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.

Devotion/ Memorial Service

9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

ANNUAL MEETING

Ms. Dorothy Ealy, Presiding

13th Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church

From the Presidents’ Pen‌ Greetings from President!

the

13th Episcopal

District

First, we extend gratitude to Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath for providing the Laity the opportunity to serve and for his servant leadership.

Additionally, we tip our hats to Sister Amanda for her work at the 35 th Biennial of the Connectional Lay Organization. She demonstrated that she could step up for a fallen soldier with her special skills and talents that God has so richly endowed her with. Just as God calls us, he also equips us to do the work. It is not coincidental that we are in those places doing what God has called us to do.

The Lay Organization has been the vehicle through which the unordained expresses themselves through ministries that have been established in our local churches, the conference, district, and the connectional church. Each opportunity to dialogue with the laity leaves me inspired and impressed by those ministries and the services.

Additionally, after visits around the district I am able to create new energy and to pass it on from the president to the laity. It is my prayer that those Lay Organizations that have not reenergized will soon catch the spirit!

We are proud to be a part of The Thirteenth District Lay Organization and to have our Conference Presidents who always make the District Lay Organization shine in whatever we are attempting to do. My prayer is that God continues to order our steps, and that the Thirteenth District Lay Organization will continue to be propelled by someone whose greater than you and me.

Thanks to the attendees at the Thirteenth District Lay Organization Convention. To God be the Glory for the things He has done!

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Yours in Christ,

President, 13th District Lay Organization

The Director of Public Relations Report June 2, 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.

“Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with your God” It is with a humbled spirit that I make this Annual Lay Convention Report as the elected Director of Public Relations to the 13th District Lay Organization, serving from 2017-2021. 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.

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We continue to disseminate news items of interest received from the Connectional Church and the Episcopal Districts through Newsletter and/or multi-media processes. We continue an official publication of the Organization, editing, and publishing a quarter periodical containing news of general interest to the Laity and news regarding the Organization. And, we continue to remain a Working Department of the Thirteenth District Lay, and visible to the Connectional Lay Organization by submittals to the CLO “We Speak.” 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; especially if a Conference Newsletter.  The Office of Public Relations be involved in publishing and outsourcing publication of materials to represent, be used, and disseminated in the 13 th District Lay; including hosting Writer’s Training across the District.  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,

Amanda Johnson

THE GOOD NEWS

Calendar Dates MAY 30-JUNE 2

JUNE 9

KY LAY LUNCHEON, PRITCHARD COMMUNITY CENTER, ELIZABETHTOWHN, KY, 12 PM,

JUNE 9

12th DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS DEDICATION and CONSECRATION

JUNE 10

KY CDMC CEREMONY, Quinn Chapel AME Church, Louisville, KY, 4 PM

JUNE 15-21

70TH ANNIVERSARY- WORLD COUNCIL OF CHURCHES __Central Committee Meeting (Geneva)

JUNE 23-25

CONNECTIONAL LAY EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING, Registration Includes Special Event “DECEMBER IN JUNE” (June 24TH)

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JUNE 25

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13TH DISTRCIT LAY CONVENTION (Onsite registration $110__Workshop only, $55__Banquet only, $50) DoubleTree Hotel, Murfreesboro, TN

CONNECTIONAL P.E. COUNCIL QUADRENNIAL MEETING __Hilton Atlanta Hotel, 2 PM

JUNE 26-27

AME BISHOP COUNCIL and GENERAL BOARD __ Hilton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA

JUNE 26

INVESTITURE of BISHOP REGINALD T. JACKSON (Worship Service and Reception)__ St. Philipp AME Church, Atlanta, GA

JUNE 27

2019 WMS QUADRENNIAL PLANNING MEETING__ 7-9 AM __ Hilton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA

JUNE 27-30

JULY 7

KY LAY GENERAL MEETING, St. Matthews AME Church, Midway, KY

JULY 18-20

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JULY 29

28TH QUADRENNIAL CED and YOUTH CONGRESS __”Walking Woke” __Sheraton Atlanta Hotel, Atlanta, GA

13TH CE LEADERSHIP ACADEMY, Bowling Green, KY

KY LAY CLUSTER, Embry Chapel AME Church – Elizabethtown, KY

AUGUST 17-18

KY CED RETREAT

SEPTEMBER 16-23

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION WEEK

SEPTEMBER 6-9

ETN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

SEPTEMBER 21

KY LAY WITNESS NIGHT

SEPTEMBER 27-30

KY ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 4-7

WTN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 18-21

TN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

OCTOBER 26-29,

13TH DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING

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MRS. VALERIE BELL, CLO PRESIDENT~ DR. JAYME C. WILLIAMS, HONOREE

The East Tennessee Conference Lay Organization

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Celebrated Years of The Outstanding Lay Person Awards Luncheon Saturday, May 5, 2018 @ 1:00 P.M. Warren chapel A.M. E. Church Chattanooga, Tennessee President Charles W. Moore

Ray A. Hill Sr. Kaleb Hickerson Outstanding Adult AND young adult

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St. Paul AMEC-Chattanooga

Shorter Chapel AMEC-Tullahoma

Rev. Coleman March Jr. ~ Outstanding Pastor Shorter Chapel AMEC-Tullahoma

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Chris Wilson, President

“An Afternoon of Casual Glitz and Glamour”

Lovie Jacocks

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WTN President

Crowne Plaza Hotel – Memphis~ May 19, 2018

“GOD MADE ME WHO I AM” Looking back over my life, And the things God brought me through, Sometimes we complain unnecessarily But, God’s Promises are always true.

We’re sometimes dissatified with our achievements And ungrateful for what God has done for us; So, being the impatient people we are We sometimes tend to fuss.

Regardless of our circumstances, We’re not perfect by far But there’s one thing you must remember, God made you who you are.

Our color, our talents, our size, Whatever the case may be; Just be the person God made you And I’m sure you will agree: That God is a very Good God Doesn’t matter whether you’re near or far, Just remember one important thing; God made you who you are.

RUTH E. HARWELL, Poet Canaan A.M.E. Church Columbia, TN

The Tennessee Conference Lay

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Darwin K. Eldridge, Lay President

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The Lay Organization’s History 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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CATCH THIS: “PERSONAL EVANGELISM” Too often people view the connection between Discipleship and Evangelism in one of two ways: Either they lump them into one category, or one gets relegated to the wastelands of our faith life. If we are honest, usually Evangelism gets the short end of the stick. The truth is, Discipleship must include Evangelism. Being a Disciple of Christ means doing the work of Evangelism.

First, though, it is helpful to clarify what both terms mean. Evangelism is telling somebody about Jesus, so that person might respond by Grace and through Faith.

There is a verbal description and explanation of Gospel Work. It is narrower in scope than Discipleship. Evangelism is not necessarily leading someone to faith; instead, you may have many opportunities to share the Gospel that may not result in the person making a declaration of faith at that moment. Evangelism is the combination of the words we plant that God may use at any point to draw a person to himself.

Discipleship, on the other hand, is much broader. It is a mission in which we engage in activities and practices that help others grow to be more Christlike. It encompasses words and actions. It is our faith life put into practice for the benefit of others and ourselves. Discipleship is teaching others what it means to be more like Christ in word, thought and deed.

When Jesus said to Make Disciples (Matthew 28), He was including Evangelism but wasn’t setting that parameter. He was conveying the idea that both broad Discipleship and narrow Evangelism are critical: “Go, therefore, and make disciples.”

So, how do we as leaders guide those in our care to become disciples who make evangelism a high priority? Let us offer a few thoughts.

1. Model it. It’s an unfortunate reality that most of our Churches are growing through transfer rather than conversion. Part of the reason for this is because we as Leaders are lukewarm when it comes to our Personal Evangelism life. If we aren’t prioritizing being with nonbelievers and sharing the Good News on a regular basis, others are less likely to view it as important. Evangelism is contagious. The more we do it and talk about it, the more the Church will get excited about how God will use them.

Christian, be contagious in how you live.

2. Teach it. Once we have demonstrated a passion for Evangelism in our own lives, we must equip our people to effectively share their faith. Our Churches are filled with ministries—some inward facing, others outward facing. Every place where people are plugged in should have a component of clear Evangelism Training included.

Christian, use every available opening to train people in Evangelism.

3. Move it. Now that you are a Disciple who models Evangelism and you have created training opportunities throughout your Church, you need to follow the call of ‘Nike: Just do it.’ Get your people into the world to share Jesus. If you currently don’t have any outward-facing ministries that allow your people to engage non-Christians with the Gospel, start one or two. Consider taking a team out on the town once a month to share the Gospel with others. Finally, consider creating space in your Sunday Services for one or two people to share with the Congregation an Evangelism Experience they had. The more our people understand that being a Disciple of Christ means pointing nonbelievers to Christ, the more our mission—and impact—will grow.

(Ed Stetzer)

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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165

years

Leadership:

“Prayer, Faith, and Data-Driven Leadership for the 21st Century” Our focus is on the big picture and the importance of prioritizing the spiritual in all that the Lay Organization undertakes. As we move forward together to do something exceptional for God like the following: 

Prioritize The Spiritual

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Develop The Tools And Resources Necessary To Teach, Train, And Empower

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Communicate Routinely And Strategically

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Grow The Lay Organization Membership By 12 Percent

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Provide A Safe Place For Finding The Answers To Hard Questions

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Exercise Good Stewardship And Accountability Without Sacrificing Mission And Ministry.

We must never forget our mission which is to teach, train, and empower our members for lay ministry, global leadership, and service following the tenets of Jesus Christ. The power of that mission was demonstrated during the Centennial Observances (CLO 100) of the Connectional Lay Organization.

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Paulette Coleman, Ph.D. Retired AMEC General Officer Excerpted From 2013 Platform Connectional Lay Organization African Methodist Episcopal Church

Honorees of the 2018 outstanding lay awards luncheon

KENTUCKY CONFERENCE TO BE HELD SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018 PRITCHARD COMMUNITY CENTER ELIZABETHTOWN, KENTUCKY 12 NOON

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Sis. Marilyn Collins, Bro. Marion Dominic Collins, Rev. June Anderson-Dorsey Adult Honoree, Young Adult Honoree, Pastor of Year St. Paul AMEC-Versailles, Quinn Chapel AMEC-Louisville, Ralph Avenue AMEC-Louisville __Respectfully

2018 St Paul AME Lay Day Celebration Lay President, Paula Campbell-Rudd, spearheaded the Annual Lay Day in April of this year with the featured theme of “Share Because You Care”.

The speaker of the day was Sister LaTanya Germany of Ralph Avenue AME, Louisville, who is the Kentucky Conference Director of Lay Activities (DOLA), and is the 13th District YPD Director. During the Annual Day Service, our very own Mrs. Lillian Gentry was recognized as a long standing Active Member of the Church Organized Lay, and her dedication to Historic St. Paul AMEC. The Laity works to support the teachings of the AME Church Doctrine. Sessions of “Know Your Church” are held quarterly after the Morning Service and everyone is encouraged to stay and hear the information being shared. The presentations are most often conducted by Sis. Priscilla Sullivan who is now the Director of Lay Activities for the 13 th District.

St. Paul Lay will be a part of the Kentucky Conference Lay Awards Luncheon which will be held in Elizabethtown, KY at the Pritchard Center, on June 9th. Please see any member of the Lay Organization. Two members of our Church Family have been nominated to receive awards and they are:

BRO. MYRON COLEMAN SIS. CARLNETTA BROWN ST. PAUL AME LEXINGTON ST. PAUL LEXINGTON “LAY PERSON OF THE YEAR” “LEGACY AWARD”

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LILLIAN BALLEW GENTRY OUR LOCAL LAY ORGANIZATION LONG STANDING LAY MEMBER ST PAUL AME CHURCH, LAY ORGANIZATION

SAVE THE DATE: TH

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District Learning Academy 2018

This year, the 13th District will come together in Bowling Green, Kentucky for the 13th District Learning Academy. This year's format will be a total of a 4 concurrent trainings/retreats - WMS, YPD, Christian Education (Certification & General Education) and Clergy. Registration for each track will be handled separately by each organization.

Please plan on arriving no later than 1:30 pm on Wednesday, July 18th and departing for home after 12:30 pm on Friday, July 20th.

Holiday Inn - University Plaza 1021 Wilkinson Trace Bowling Green, KY 42103 1-270-745-0088 Room Rate: $124/night To Reserve Your Room Call 270-745-0088 (1-800-HOLIDAY) and mention block code ED8

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RESERVE YOUR ROOM TODAY! 500 8th Ave South Nashville, TN 37203 13th_episcopal@bellsouth.net | 615-242-6814 | http://www.ame13.org

THE SEASON of

Kingdomtide*

MAY 27 – DECEMBER 1, 2018

The Season of Ordinary Time (Counted Time of the Church Year) Kingdomtide is a uniquely Methodist Christian Season between Pentecost and Advent.

Kingdomtide stresses the principles of the Kingdom of God on earth and our social responsibility as members of the Kingdom, signifying the advancing Kingdom of God among the peoples and nations of the world. The term Kingdomtide was first used in 1937 as a name for the half year between the Day of Pentecost and Advent.The symbol for Kingdomtide is a Triangle, signifying the Trinity (God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

Most of the Seasons of the Christian Church Year are organized around the two major festivals that mark sacred time, Christmas and Easter. While there are other individual holy days within the Church Year, these seasons mark the movement of sacred time within the church calendar.

The rest of the year following Epiphany and Pentecost is also known as Ordinary Time.

Rather than meaning "common" or "mundane," this term comes from the word "ordinal," which simply means counted time (First Sunday after Pentecost, etc.), which is probably a better way to think of this time of the year. Counted time after Pentecost always begins with Trinity Sunday (the first Sunday after Pentecost) and ends with the last Sunday before the beginning of Advent.

The Sundays of Ordinary Time are used to focus on various aspects of the Faith, especially the Mission of the Church in the world. The readings for these Sundays tend to be semi-continuous readings through certain sections of Scripture, especially through the Synoptic Gospel of the year. However, many ministers use Ordinary Time to focus on specific themes of interest or importance to a Local Congregation rather than building sermons around the Lectionary readings. Even so, most pastors who observe the church year will continue to follow the Lectionary readings in public worship even if they are not the topic of the sermon in order to preserve the continuity of the spoken word of Scripture being heard by the Congregation.

The sanctuary color for Ordinary Time is dark green, although other shades of green are commonly used. Green has traditionally been associated with new life and growth. Even in Hebrew in the Old Testament, the same word for the color “green” also means “young.” In Christian tradition, green came to symbolize the life of the church following Pentecost, as well as symbolizing the hope of new life in the resurrection.

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However, many Churches introduce variety into the color scheme during this part of the year. Some Churches use colors that match the décor of the church, so that the special seasons of the church year are marked by a change of color from the ordinary. Some churches coordinate parament colors with sanctuary banners that present various biblical themes during this part of the year. The most often used alternate colors for Ordinary Time are bronze or copper, olive, and aqua with maroon showing up occasionally.

*According to Luke 13:18, the Kingdom of God is like a tree. We are reminded to plant our roots deep into the heart of God's sustaining Presence and Word. Simultaneously, we stretch out our arms in hospitality to the world.

"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