RMD District Conference Book

April 18-20, 2024

Host: Historic Trinity AME Church Salt Lake City, UT

Business Sessions - Worship -Fellowship

JOHN 6:52-69

Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate

Mrs. Alexia Butler Fugh, Supervisor

Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder

Mr. Delbert C. Hodge, First Gentleman

Greetings All:

Presiding over the 2024 Midyear Conference of the Fifth Episcopal District is among the last official duties that I will perform after serving for over fifty years as an Itinerant Preacher in the African Methodist Episcopal Church It will conclude Eight Seasons that began with a Season of Lent, and that culminates with a Season of Praise and Thanksgiving that we have journeyed together toward the Fifth District’s destiny as a Holy Nation.

“What troubles have we seen, What conflicts have we passed But out of all the Lord, has brought us by His Love HALLELUJAH!”

The week of Mid Year, we will elect members to serve on the Episcopal Committee and the Revisions Committee, then “level up the work” by completing any business that remains outstanding. Our next official” gathering as an Episcopal District will be at the seat of the 52nd Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, convening in Columbus, OH, when we will elect nominees to the General Board, the Preliminary Inquiry Committee, General Conference Commission and the Compilation Committee. At the Closing Session on August 28, 2024, my itinerancy will come to an end.

My ministerial journey began in 1967 when I was “licensed to preach” at New Tyler AME Church, Memphis, TN, under the pastorate of the late Rev. Loyce Patrick. My first pastoral appointment was to Mt Pisgah AME Church, Lucy, TN I served nine congregations, the last being Greater Bethel AME Church, Nashville, TN.

The African Methodist Episcopal Church has given me the honor and privilege to serve as its 5th General Secretary/Chief Information Officer, and as its 131st Bishop, with general superintendency over the Seven West Africa Countries that comprise the Fourteenth Episcopal District and the fifteen States that make up the Fifth Episcopal District I will always be grateful to the Church for the experiences, the relationships, the travel (truly itinerant!), the challenges, the accomplishments, and for the personal growth and fulfillment it has afforded me.

On most of my journey I have been blessed to have as a partner in marriage and ministry, Supervisor Alexia Her companionship has been invaluable As Bro Samuel Harris, one of my former church officers once said, “Nobody is better at bringing the Pastor down to earth than Mrs. Pastor ” She still has the uncanny ability to keep me focused on those things that really matter. I thank God for her!

Blessings upon one and all,

Clement W Fugh Presiding Bishop

ReverendSheriolynCurryHodge,PresidingElder

Mr.DelbertC.Hodge,FirstGentleman

RockyMountainDistrict

PraisetheLord,RockyMountainDistrictPastors,Clergy,Laity,andFriends!

WhilesitingintheseatofpraiseandworshipandthinkingaboutallthatGodhasdone,itwasimpressedupon methatGodwantstodoevenmore. Inmyexcitement,Iexclaimed,“Doit,Lord!”AndthenIheard.Areyou readyformore?Huh?Whatdoyoumean?OFcourseI’mreadyformore.Ah,butare YOU reallyreadytogo tothenextlevel?IhadtoadmittomyselfthatIwasn’tsosureIwasready(whateverthatlookedlike)formy next.

DuringFoundersDay,wetalkedaboutthebeginningoftheAMEChurchcameoutofacalltoleave,topivot. Itwasuncomfortableandunexpected.Whenyouareabouttopivot,thingswillfeeloutofcontrol,disjointed andmaybeoverwhelming.Theremustbeastrongfoundationtopivoton,sothatnomatterwhichwayyou turn,youarestillabletostand.WerealizedthatGodisthedivinefulcrumonwhichwepivot.

DuringLent,wewerecalledtodealwithdis-easebycoloringwithbrokencrayons,andpraisingGodinthe midstofit.And,Godwasindeedinthemidstofourpraise!Stirringupthatdesireformorethatissometimes disguisedasunrest.Yes,Godstillusesbrokencrayons,andcallsustopivotusfromunresttoournext!

Finally,manyarefeelingstuck.Stuckinlife,stuckinministry,juststuck.And,yetthatyearningformoreisstill there.AmItalkingtoanyone?And,thesweetwhisperfromtheHolySpiritbegsthequestion“Doyouwant themorethatIhaveforyou?”Ifso,it’stimetopivot,tomovetothenextlevel.So,aftersomebackandforth conversation,thethemeforthisDistrictConferenceemerged...”NextLevelMinistry!” ThisDistrict Conferenceisrepletewithworkshopstohelpusexamineourreadinessforthenextlevel. Sometimesitsnot about‘them’,it’sabout‘YOU’.

You are in the right place at the right time. Workshops have been curated with next level ministry in mind. The only question that remains at this point is, are YOU really ready to go to the next level?

Ilookforwardtohearingabout/seeingthemorethatGodhasinstoreforyou. Come,expectingtoreceive.I’dloveyourfeedbackaftertheConference.Emailmeat PECurryRMD@gmail.comsothatIcancelebrateGod’sgoodnesswithyou.

Radical.Relentless.RandomPraise. that’swhatisinstoreattheNextLevel!

Blessings,

ElderSheriolynCurryHodge

Greeting in the Name of Jesus Christ our Lord.

To the Presiding Elder Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, First Gentleman Hodge, Pastors, and member of the Rocky Mountain District.

Grace and peace be unto you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

It is with immense joy and anticipation that I extend a heartfelt welcome to each and every one of you as we prepare to gather for the Rocky Mountain District Conference hosted by Historic Trinity AME Church.

As the host pastor I am deeply honored and humbled to welcome you all to Historic Trinity and Salt Lake City, Utah. Our theme for this year’s conference is Radical, Random and Relentless Praise! Praise the Lord!

Throughout this conference, we are presented with a divine opportunity to come together in fellowship, worship, and mutual edification. I pray that this time spent together will strengthen our bonds, deepen our understanding of God’s Word, and ignite a fresh passion for His kingdom work.

On behalf of the entire congregation of Historic Trinity AME, I extend a warm welcome and offer our sincere hospitality to all participants of the Rocky Mountain District Conference.

May the grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with us all now and forevermore.

In His Service

Rev. Daryell Jackson Pastor Historic Trinity AME

DESERT MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE | ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

2024 DISTRICT CONFERENCE | SALT LAKE CITY, UT

APRIL 18 – APRIL 20, 2024

AGENDA AT-A-GLANCE

Prayer: Lord, don’t let me miss what you have for me this weekend!

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024: 4:00PM - 7:00PM

THURSDAY ATTIRE: BUSINESS CASUAL

3:00 pm Committee on Ministerial Orders

4:00 pm Registration

4:45 pm Dinner (inpersononly)

5:45 pm Welcome,Praise&Worship

6:00 pm Next Level Workshop I - Building the Culture for Next Level Ministry

Pastor meetings by appointment from 2:30p – 4:30p

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024: 8:30AM - 8:00PM

FRIDAY ATTIRE: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

8:00 am Registered attendees check-in / Continental Breakfast (in person only)

9:00 am Welcome and Opening Remarks

9:15 am Praise and Worship

9:45 am Next Level Workshop 2 - Level Up Your Online & Digital Presence

11:15 am BREAK

11:30 am Morning Business Session

12:30 pm LUNCH

1:15 pm Next Level Workshop 3: Financing Ministry: Grants, Gifts and Giving

2:30 pm Break

2:45 pm Next Level Workshop 4: Returning To Church: A Faith And Fire Conversation

4:00 pm Dinner (on your own)

7:00 pm Evening Worship

SATURDAY, APRIL 20,2024: 8:30AM – 12:00PM

SATURDAY ATTIRE: BUSINESS CASUAL

8:30 am Continental Breakfast

9:15 am Recap from Day 1 & Day 2

9:30 am Open Discussion – Creative Fundraising Ideas

10:15 am Next Level Workshop 5: What About the Children?

11:30 am Presiding Elder Updates

11:55 am Closing Prayer / Dismissal

Pastor meetings by appointment from 12:30p – 2:30pm

DistrictConferenceAgenda

APRIL 18 – 20, 2024

Prayer: Lord, don’t let me miss what you have for me this weekend!

THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 2024 4:00PM – 7:00PM

THURSDAY ATTIRE: BUSINESS CASUAL

NEXT LEVEL I - BUILDING A CULTURE FOR NEXT LEVEL MINISTRY

It’s time to go to the next level! How many times have you heard that? Tried that? And, after launching into the deep, you still find yourself stuck in the same place, even going backwards at times. What could be the problem? Are you really ready to go to the next level? Does the culture of your church support moving the ministry to the next level? If not, then you need this session. This session is beneficial for pastors, officers and laymen as we comb through the text of John 6:52-69 to understand Jesus’ requirements for moving to the next level. Get ready, get ready, get ready. If you want it, you can get it. Next level here we come!

FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 8:30AM – 8:00PM

FRIDAY ATTIRE: BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL

9:00 am 9:15 am Welcome & Opening Remarks

PE Sheriolyn Curry Hodge Sanctuary

9:15 am 9:45 am Praise & Worship TBD Sanctuary

9:45 am 11:15 am Workshop 2

James Flowers, The Connector Sanctuary

NEXT LEVEL 2 – LEVEL UP YOUR ONLINE & DIGITAL PRESENCE

Do you have a cohesive, effective digital presence across all your platforms? Still using paper business cards? This Next Level Class will provide best practices on how to effectively use social media and technology to enhance your online presence and digital footprint. You don’t want to miss this session!

11:15 am 11:30 am BREAK

11:30 am 12:30 pm Business Session

• Committee on Ministerial Orders

• District Steward Reports

• Component Reports

12:30 pm 1:15 pm LUNCH

1:15 pm 2:30 pm Workshop 3

Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, Presiding

Elder, Midwest South District Sanctuary

NEXT LEVEL 3 – FINANCING MINISTRY THRU GRANTS, GIFTS

AND GIVING

2:30 pm 2:45 pm BREAK

2:45 pm 4:00 pm Workshop 4

Jessica Baker, Corporate Leader, Entrepreneur, Podcaster Sanctuary

NEXT LEVEL 4: RETURNING TO CHURCH: Breaking through fear and embracing a new journey.” There is no doubt that in most of our congregations’ young adults are missing. This episode of Faith and Fire with Lady J allows us to listen in on an important conversation between two 30-something young adults as they discuss their faith journey, what they grew up learning, and what it will take for young adults to return to the church. If we listen very closely, I believe it will give us next level insight into what young adults are looking for, how to reclaim and retain young adults in our church. This session will bless your ministry. Presenter: Jessica Baker, Faith and Fire with Lady J, Podcaster

4:00 pm 6:30 pm Dinner / Free time (on your own)

7:00 pm 8:30 pm Evening Worship

Next Level 6 – WHAT ABOUT THE CHILDREN?

In this session the Connectional YPD Director will speak to the vision of YPD in the church, discuss effective ways we can get the youth back in the church, and inspire us on how to make growing the YPD a priority, even when our congregations are older.

ReverendSunniGreen

AssociateMinister

JordanChapelA.M.E.Church,Denver,CO

Rev. Sunni Green is first and foremost a daughter of the King. She is an Ordained Itinerant Deacon in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Rev Green has served in various ministry positions since 2004, and currently serves at Jordan Chapel AME Church.

Rev Green has a passion for displaced women and their children. Her passion comes from her own personal experience, where she learned to be an overcomer and a survivor, all while relying on Jesus and trusting God’s provision.

Her experience and need to depend on and trust God for what she couldn't see in the natural, has given her a deeper relationship with God and a greater understanding and compassion for those who are struggling and suffering.

Rev. Green believes that God is a God who is able. Able to do all things; able to provide, able to make a way out of no way, and able to change our life if we trust Him and stay committed to Him.

Rev. Green has a bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts with an emphasis in Business from Southern New Hampshire University. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Denver Seminary and will continue her studies at Iliff School of Theology Seminary in the fall.

Rev Green loves the outdoors because it makes her feel at peace and close to her Creator. She enjoys fishing, camping, jet-skiing, and biking. Rev Green is a native of Colorado and has one son Jasirer whom she adores.

Evening Worship Preacher

ReverendDr.VadaSouthern,Pastor

EmbryChapelA.M.E.Church,Ogden,UT

Rev.Dr.VadaSouthern'slifejourneycommencedwithintheembraceofadevoutChristian family,instillinginheraprofoundspiritualfoundation.Whilemanymayperceivecredentials as markers of ministry qualification, Rev. Vada firmly believes in the divine calling that transcendsearthlyvalidation.

Herministryunfoldeddynamically,commencingatMt.MoriahAMECommunityChurchin Maricopa,Arizona,fromAugust6,2017,untilOctober29,2023.AtthebehestofPresiding Bishop Clement W. Fugh, she assumed pastoral duties at Embry Chapel AME Church in Ogden,UT.

Prior to her pastoral vocation, Vada's professional odyssey traversed higher education administrationandadjunctfacultyinIllinois.Afteradedicatedtenureoffifteenyears,she embarkedonanewpath,embracingchaplaincyasherfull-timeministry.Sheunderwent rigoroustraining,culminatinginthecompletionoftheClinicalPastoralEducationProgram at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis, TN, in August 2009, subsequently achieving Board Certification as a Chaplain in March 2011. She assumed leadership roles as a chaplainwithintheLeBonheurHealthcaresystem,exemplifyingcompassionateservice.

Vada'sacademicpursuitsmirrorhermultifacetedjourney,attainingamaster’sdegreein Public Administration from the University of Illinois-Chicago and a doctorate in Adult ContinuingEducationfromNorthernIllinoisUniversity.Sensingadivinesummonstoministry, shepursuedandattainedaMasterofDivinityfromNorthernBaptistTheologicalSeminary.

Her ordination and licensure ceremonies mark pivotal moments in her spiritual voyage. OrdainedtoChristianministryin2008bytheAmericanBaptistChurches/USAinKankakee, Illinois,sheservedasaninterimpastoratFirstBaptistChurchofKankakee.Hertransitionto theAfricanMethodistEpiscopalChurchfurtheraffirmedhercalling,receivingalicenseto preachinNovember2022andaCertificateofOrdinationasItinerantDeaconinAugust 2023.

Beyond her ecclesiastical endeavors, Vada finds solace and joy in various recreational pursuits, including swimming, equestrian activities, and scooter riding. Family remains central to her life, cherishing her three children, Venetta, Vonzell (Rasheedah), and Turquoise, along with granddaughters Sy’Ann and Nakayla. Through her unwavering faith and diverse experiences, Rev. Dr. Vada Southern continues to illuminate pathways of spiritualgrowthandservice.

Apr

Apr

Apr

Reverend Sheriolyn Curry Hodge is inspirational. She is a preacher/ teacher/ church planter/entrepreneur/life coach who loves watching lives transform As a servant leader, Rev Curry Hodge’s mission is to serve mankind, empower others to use their God-given gifts with excellence, and to advance the kingdom of God!

She accepted the call to ministry in 2003. In 2005 she was Ordained an Itinerant Deacon under Bishop John R. Bryant, and an Itinerant Elder in 2008 under Bishop T. Larry Kirkland. Rev. Curry is the founding pastor of Mt. Moriah Community AME Church in Maricopa, AZ, and served as its pastor from 2007-2012. In 2012 she was assigned to pastor Greater Bethel AME Church in Phoenix, AZ (2012-2019), and in August 2019, she was appointed the Presiding Elder of the Rocky Mountain District in the Desert Mountain Conference under Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District.

She has held many leadership roles in the church, including Youth Minister (Tanner Chapel AME Church), Desert Mountain Conference Board of Trustees, Finance Committee, Board of Examiners and the Desert Mountain Conference Coordinator of Women in Ministry. She currently serves as the Financial Secretary of the 5th Episcopal District Women In Ministry Rev. Curry received her Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary in 2008. Her ministry motto is “Let the work that I’ve done speak for me!”

As an entrepreneur, she is the managing director and owner of several Comfort Keepers franchises since 2002, headquartered in Chandler, AZ. As a leading provider of non-medical home care services, the company’s goal is not only to be a first-thought provider for these types of services, but also to educate and support families caring for loved ones in long-term care situations. In 2019, she formed the Joyfulstill Foundation which helps families find their way from homelessness to homeownership and serves as the Executive Director

Rev. Curry Hodge is very active in the community. She services on the City of Phoenix Human Services Commission, is a member of the African American Advisory Council for Congressional District 7, Congressman Ruben Gallegos, and is a member of the African American Christian Clergy Coalition (AACCC). On November 14, 2015, Rev. Curry was inducted as a charter member of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Phoenix Metropolitan Chapter. She has served as NCBW-PhxTreasurer, Financial Secretary, 3rd VP of Membership and Chapter Development, and is currently serving another term as Treasurer. Rev. Curry has received numerous awards including the Positively Powerful Woman Award for Spiritual Leadership, and the NAACP 2016 Image Award for Religion, the Global Women’s Summit Award for Leadership, and the Desert Mountain Conference YPD Pastor of the Year. She is a very proud 47-year member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and currently is a member of Delta Beta Omega Chapter in Phoenix, AZ.

She is married to Mr. Delbert Hodge, and together they have five adult daughters. In her free time, Rev. Curry Hodge loves to travel, write, complete jigsaw puzzles and spend time with her family, particularly her grandchildren. One of her favorite Scriptures is Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask, or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever.” Amen.

Workshop:

JamesFlowers TheCommunityConnector

After retiring from the U.S. Army, in 2012 entrepreneur. In conjunction with his Leg owner of DJ Shield LLC, President of C PresidentofFountainValleyChamberofC Elifyand1QR,AdvisorandEntrepreneurof Network,inPuebloCOandanall-aroundc

Mr. Flowers credits his motivation and su supportofhiswifepushinghimforward,andtheloveofhiskids.

Favoritequote:LesBrown“Tobesuccessful,youmustbewillingtodothe thingstodayotherswon'tdoinordertohavethethingstomorrowothers won'thave!”

For more info double click on the picture below.

Workshop: LEVEL UP YOUR CHURCH FINANCES THRU GRANTS, GIFTS AND GIVING

Rev. Dr. Karla Cooper, PhD

Presiding Elder Midwest Conference

Midwest South District

The Reverend Karla J. Cooper, EdD, the seventh child of eight children of Joel and Kay Cooper, ordained an Itinerant Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and has beenactiveinpastoralministryformorethan23years,currently serving asPresidingElder of the Midwest Annual Conference South District. She served with distinction as Chaplain/CoordinatorofServiceProgramsatDoaneUniversityfor10years.Sheiscurrently associateprofessorofpracticeintheCollegeofEducationatDoaneUniversity.Sheisalso adjunctfacultywithNebraskaWesleyanUniversityintheDepartmentofSociology.

TheAfricanMethodistEpiscopalChurchhasapresenceonthecontinentofAsiawithmore than160churches,twoPresidingElderDistricts,becauseofaliteraldreamthatDr.Cooper hadonenightandsharedin2004withBishopJohnBryantandRevDr.CeceliaWilliams Bryant,formerBishopandSupervisorofthe5thEpiscopalDistrict.

SheisagraduateofEdenTheologicalSeminarywhereshereceivedaMaster’sofDivinity andstudiedabroadaspartofa2003travelseminartoIndiastudyinginthreeseminaries, Gurukul Lutheran Theological Seminary in Chennai; Tamilnadu Theological Seminary and UnitedTheologicalSeminaryinBangalore.Thetripwastransformativenotonlyinherlife, butexpandedtheglobalwitnessandministryoftheAMEchurchnearly100yearsafterthe churchexpandedonthecontinentofAfrica.ShereceivedherBachelorofArtsDegreein Mass Communication from Southeast Missouri State University. She holds a Doctorate in Education(EdD)fromDoaneUniversity.Dr.Cooper’sresearchisontheintersectionalityof race,gender,class,religion,sexualorientationwithaparticularfocusonthetransgender community.CoopercurrentlyservesontheBoardofTrusteesatEdenTheologicalSeminary.

ReverendCooperisaformerConnectionalOfficerwithWomenInMinistryoftheAfrican MethodistEpiscopalChurchservingasitsFinancialSecretaryfor2008-2009andisDeanof theBoardofExaminersMidwestAnnualConference,servesontheConferenceTrusteesof theMidwestAnnualConference. Shehassecuredmorethanamilliondollarsinfundingto supportclergythroughtheLillyEndowment’sThrivingInMinistryprogram.

Dr.Cooperistheauthorof“WhenBlacksWereGreen”andistheco-authorofachapter entitled “Where Race, Gender and Orientation Meet” with Dr. Joretta Marshall in the pastoral care manual entitled: “Volume IV: Women out of Order: Risking Change and CreatingCareinaMulticulturalWorld,Fortress

J

essica Baker

Corporate Leader * Entrepreneur * Podcaster

Faith & Fire With Lady J

Workshop:

RETURNING TO CHURCH - Breaking Through Fear and Embracing A New Journey

A Faith and Fire Conversation

To find podcast episodes of Faith and Fire with Lady J, click here.

Listen. Like. Subscribe. Share.

To book an event at Vibe Spot, click here.

VIBE SPOT

7430 S. 48th Street, Suite 108, Phoenix, AZ 85042 (NW corner of 48th & Baseline. Look for the Cashtime sign)

Owned and operated by Pink Sky Productions

To learn more about Jessica’s entrepreneurial journey click here.

RichelleFrySkinner

ConnectionalYPDDirector

AfricanMethodistEpiscopalChurch

Workshop:WHATABOUTTHECHILDREN?

RichelleFrySkinnerispassionateaboutusingherGod-givengiftstoserveyoung people through the ministry of the Young People's and Children's Division of the Women'sMissionarySociety,AfricanMethodistEpiscopalChurch.

Asamissionary,shehasservedasLocal,Conference,andEpiscopalDistrictYPD Director; and the Connectional WMS Child Advocacy Committee Chair. She currentlyservesasthe10thConnectionalYPDDirector.

During her years of service, she has developed and facilitated multiple religious and leadership training sessions for YPD members and Directors across the Connectional Church. Additionally, she has coordinated and led global mission tripsAlaska,Jamaica,andSouthAfrica.

Richelle holds a Bachelor and Master of Science degree in Organizational Leadership specializing in Public and Non-Profit Management, and Project Management,respectively.

SheandherhusbandGregoryareparentstoDr.RikeshaFryBrown(Mark,Sr.)and grandparentstoMarkBrown,Jr.

Through her ministry to children, youth, and young adults, Richelle is guided by Proverbs22:6:“Trainupachildinthewaytheyshouldgoandwhentheyareold, theywillnotdepartfromit”.

Creative Fundraising Ideas

Whether you’re raising funds to build a new church building or to send a youth group on a mission trip, church fundraising is a major undertaking.

With all the planning needed to organize your congregation to help you raise funds, you may be feeling a bit overwhelmed. We’ve put together this list of church fundraising ideas to help you get started.

The hardest part of any fundraising project is getting started. There are so many possible event types and fundraising strategies, you run the risk of experiencing analysis paralysis. But don’t worry. If you’re struggling to find inspiration for your next church fundraiser, we’ve got you covered!

Fundraisers to generate $20,000 or more in three months time:

Raising $20,000 or more in three months for a church can be a challenging but achievable goal with a combination of strategic planning and creative fundraising ideas. Here are several ideas to consider:

1. **Capital Campaign**: Launch a focused fundraising campaign aimed at raising funds for a specific project or need within the church, such as building renovations, equipment upgrades, or mission trips. Engage the congregation through personalized appeals, events, and donor recognition.

2. **Matching Gift Challenge**: Secure pledges from generous donors or sponsors willing to match donations up to a certain amount during the fundraising period. Promote the matching gift challenge extensively within the congregation and community to encourage increased giving.

3. **Special Events**:

- **Gala Dinner**: Host a gala dinner or banquet featuring guest speakers, entertainment, and silent or live auctions. Sell tickets to the event and solicit sponsorships from local businesses.

- **Concert or Performance**: Organize a fundraising concert, talent show, or theatrical performance featuring church members or local artists. Sell tickets and concessions, and promote the event widely to attract attendees.

- **Fundraising Fair**: Hold a community fair or festival on church grounds with food vendors, games, live music, and activities for all ages. Charge admission fees and offer sponsorship opportunities to businesses.

4. **Online Fundraising**:

- **Crowdfunding Campaign**: Launch a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Indiegogo. Create compelling campaign pages, share personal stories, and leverage social media and email marketing to reach a broader audience.

- **Virtual Auction**: Organize an online auction featuring donated goods, services, and experiences. Use auction software or platforms to manage bids, promote items, and facilitate payments.

5. **Sponsorship Opportunities**: Offer sponsorship packages to local businesses, organizations, or individuals in exchange for financial support. Provide recognition and visibility for sponsors through event signage, program mentions, and social media promotion.

6. **Church-wide Initiatives**:

- **50/50 Raffle**: Sell raffle tickets with half of the proceeds going to the church and the other half to the lucky winner drawn at the end of the fundraising period.

- **Pledge Drive**: Launch a church-wide pledge drive encouraging members to make financial commitments or recurring donations over the course of three months.

- **Mission Trip Fundraiser**: Support fundraising efforts for church mission trips by organizing car washes, bake sales, yard sales, or other community fundraising events.

7. **Legacy Giving**:

- **Planned Giving Program**: Encourage members to include the church in their estate plans through bequests, charitable gift annuities, or other planned giving arrangements. Provide information and resources on legacy giving options.

8. **Corporate Partnerships**:

- Seek partnerships with local businesses or corporations willing to sponsor church events, programs, or initiatives in exchange for promotional opportunities and community engagement.

By combining several of these creative fundraising ideas and engaging the support of the congregation and community, a church can successfully raise $20,000 or more within a three-month timeframe. Tailor the fundraising strategies to fit the church's mission, resources, and target audience for maximum impact and effectiveness.

The Giving Challenge

Ministry Goal: (Why do you need the money?)

Monetary goal: $5,000

Process:

• 50 members to get five people to donate $25 each.

• Set a target date for the donation to be received (ex. 8 weeks)

• Offer incentive prizes. For example, If you secure five $25 donations, you'll be entered into a prize drawing. If you manage to secure five $50+ donations, you'll be entered into a separate prize drawing. And that's not all! There's a special grand prize for the person who raises the most through community donations.

Celebration: Have a “We Did It!” fellowship at the end of the giving challenge.

Stay At Home Tea

Ministry Goal: (Why do you need the money?)

Monetary goal: $5,000

Process:

• 50 members to get five people to donate $25 each.

• Set a target date for the donation to be received (ex. 8 weeks)

• Offer incentive prizes. For example, If you secure five $25 donations, you'll be entered into a prize drawing. If you manage to secure five $50+ donations, you'll be entered into a separate prize drawing. And that's not all! There's a special grand prize for the person who raises the most through community donations.

Celebration: Have a “We Did It!” fellowship at the end of the giving challenge.

Above and Beyond

Ministry

Goal:

To pay off past due debt (Congregation was aware of the total needed by payee)

Monetary goal: $25,000

Process:

• Persons were asked to pledge a certain amount to be given over the next 3 months, that was above and beyond their tithes. (Could be paid weekly, monthly or all at once)

• Target Date – 4 months

• Used bright green envelopes for this campaign. Lifted this offering separate from the tithes and general offering.

• Weekly updates to the congregation (used a thermometer) which was placed in the lobby.

• Leaders made the weekly appeal. Celebrated progress monthly.

• Final festive luncheon at the end of the campaign.

Result: Raised $40,000 in four months, AND tithes increased!

Roslyn Washington

Shorter Community AME Church

Denver, CO

Regina Bryels

Payne Chapel AME Church

Colorado Springs, CO

Adrian Miller

Campbell Chapel AME Church

Denver,CO

Sandra Douglas

Jordan Chapel AME Church

Denver, CO

Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore

Historic Trinity AME Church

Salt Lake City, UT

Lawrence Presbury

Allen Chapel AME Church

Cheyenne, Wyoming

Mary Ann Lemon

First AME

Pueblo, CO

Evg. Lowell Norling

Embry Chapel AME Church

Ogden, UT

Rev. Clement W. Fugh

Historic Trinity

African Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. Daryell Jackson, Pastor

Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge

Presiding Prelate Presiding Elder

Rocky Mountain District Conference

Giving glory to God, Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, First Gentleman Hodge, Pastor Daryell Jackson, Clergy, and members of the Rocky Mountain District.

I am pleased to make this report for Historic Trinity A.M.E. Church.

Church Conference year theme is “Praise Him With All That You Have.”

Our praise and worship services have deepened and been taking to another level each week. Brother Kevin Nelson has taken on a praise and dance ministry within our worship services. The church has steadily been involved in community events that bring praises to God.

Our highlighted activities thus far; The church completed the construction of the Bourdeaux Fellowship Hall, and we had a grand re-opening celebration 2nd week of September with a twoday revival, a ribbon cutting ceremony, culminating with the Church 135th Anniversary Service

In the month of November, the church had a successful food drive bringing in over 200 pounds of food, which was given to the Utah Food Bank. We hosted the Church Women United Advent Program in December. In February, we held a combined Founders Day/Black History Program with Embry Chapel AME Church. For the month of March, we held our Annual Resurrection Sunrise Service Celebration. Now we are hosting the Rocky Mountain District Conference.

Future events/activities will include in May celebrating our youth, the Pastors two children will be graduating from Hillcrest High School. Trinity will host the UHS/Sema event Utah Black Chamber on May 11th . Month of July we will have our annual Richard Allen Heritage Musical.

Also, we will have our Family and Friends worship service followed up with a cookout after service. In September will be celebrating our 136th Church Anniversary with a two-day revival.

Grant programs on the horizon. The church received a grant in January from the Miller Philanthropy Foundation and in the weeks to come will receive an additional grant from the Miller Philanthropy Foundation. This will allow the church to begin construction and complete the exterior work on the south and east side of the church to alleviate the water issue we have been experiencing. Also, the Pastor is working on a grant with Little Oldham Church that will help the church to put a fence in the back of the church.

Thank You

Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore

Phone (801) 531.7374

Email: slchistoric.tamec@gmail.com

Payne Chapel A. M. E. Church

Colorado Springs, CO

Pastor, Rev. Charles T. Wright

District Steward: Sis. Regina Bryels

DISTRICT CONFERENCE CHURCH REPORT

April 18, 2024

To Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Pastors, Members, and visitors of the Rocky Mount District Conference. I greet you in the precious and matchless name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Church Theme: “Spiritual Reset Unlocking the Power of Transformation”

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:2 (NKJV)

The church theme is incorporated into the life of the church and ministry through the transforming and renewing of our minds and works. We are organizing in the spirit of “moving forward, all in participation (including everybody), healing and guidance through our faith in God.

• We thank our Bishop, through his Godly wisdom, for sending us a new and dynamic Pastoral team in the persons of Rev. Charles T. Wright and Evangelist Peggy Wright, who hit the ground running and working to continue to build God’s Kingdom We are often reminded that this is “a marathon and not a sprint.”

• We continue to sustain an active Worship Service:

o On Zoom and In-Person, averaging around 65 persons per Service, and peaking at 95 on Resurrection Sunday.

o We are back to in-person Sunday School, and it is growing weekly, with an average of 20 to 25 people, and up to 7 or more people on Zoom.

• Our Media Ministry is growing, and we are live streaming on most Social Media Platforms. We continue our Divine Encounter Prayer Line, daily and zoom on Thursdays.

• Our Bible Study, facilitated by Evangelist Peggy Wright, on Wednesday evenings includes persons from all over the country and still blesses the Body of Christ, with spirit centric information and lively discussions.

These Ministry impacts have and are resulting in old members returning, new people joining and growth.

• The preached Words by our Pastor Rev. Charles T. Wright, Evangelist Wright, Rev. Margaret Graham, and Rev. Lonzie Symonette have people sitting on the edge of their

seats, feeling, seeing, and receiving the mighty messages and power of our Lord Jesus Christ.

• Our Choir, under the leadership of Evangelist Peggy Wright, are back in person on Sundays and growing God has blest us with a new Minister of Music and Drummer. And we are anticipating additional choirs, workshops, community presence and musical additions in the future. Isn’t God good, when we believe and follow His guide.

• We participated in Angel Tree Ministry providing Christmas Gifts & Food Supplements to over 100 Children & Families.

• We continue to support “Joann’s Closet” which distributes items to the unhoused and working poor families, with Gift Cards, Food Gift Cards, Blankets, Socks, Hand and Feet Warmers, Solar Chargers, Tents, and gloves.

• The Connectional YPD/LTI was blessed tremendously by the participation from Payne Chapel. We were continuously recognized for our outstanding job in supporting the Programs’ Outreach, with items of Under garments for men, women, and socks.

o Evangelist Peggy Wright’s Workshop is still being requested all over the Connection, because of the outstanding, thorough, timely, and relevant information presented. It was just plain GOOD!

• Upcoming events include.

o Church Training, all auxiliaries, and organizations

o Community activities

▪ Opening the church for Community Outreach

o Deepening relationships with our Ecumenical Partners

▪ Church Women United, NCNW, etc.

• Working on avenues for Federal and State statutes for receiving Grant Programs and looking for a Grant Writer.

The work is all divine and continues, growing daily.

To God be all the Glory!

Humbly submitted, Rev. Charles T. Wright, Pastor Sister Regina Bryels, District Steward

April 18 – 20, 2024

AFRICAN METHODIST

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

WOMENS MISSIONARY SOCIETY

Desert Mountain Conference Women's

Missionary Society

MRS. ALEXIA BUTLER FUGH, EPISCOPAL SUPERVISOR

REV. MINNIE WHARRY, DMC WMS PRESIDENT

ARIZONA , COLORADO

NEW MEXICO, UTAH, WYOMING

WMS Mission Statement

“We are called to strengthen our Faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.”

Greetings from the Desert Mountain Conference

Women’s Missionary Society

President, Rev. Minnie Wharry

Presiding Elder Sherilyn Curry Hodge grace and peace be with you, I greet you in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins according to the will of our God and Father. I pray that your district conference will be educational, informative and filled with the holy spirit.

PRESIDING ELDER SHERILYN CURRY HODGE - ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

PRESIDING ELDER E. TERESA NELSON - ARIZONA - NEW MEXICO DISTRICT

Desert Mountain Conference 2023-2024

Officers

President Reverend Minnie Wharry

First Vice President Margaret Rhone

Second Vice President Linda Arroyo

Recording Secretary Vashi Worley Moore

Assistant Recording Secretary Reva Whiteside

Corresponding Secretary Addie Norling

Treasurer Joyce Jenkins

Historiographer-Statistician Beverly Thomas

Director of the Young People’s and Children Division Stephanie Gordan Long

Promotion and Missionary Education Director Brenda Scott

Parliamentarian

Diane Simpson

Worship Director Cheryl Franklin

Member-At-Large

5

Betty Allen Brissette

DMC WMS Theme - Praising with a Song and a Dance with Thanksgiving.

Sub Theme - Focused on the Mission not the Mess

CONFERENCE 2023-2024 FOCUS

MISSION OUTREACH

UNHOUSED POPULATION

YOUTH AGING OUT OF FOSTER

CARE

FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT

Vista Prep Academy

CONTINUING ED

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS

ELECTIONS

OFFICERS – DUTIES

COMMISSIONS

BACK TO IN PERSON AREA

MEETINGS

DESERT MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE WMS Events & DATES

Desert Mountain Conference WMS attended 5th District 2024 Midyear – Where we helped to celebrate Our Bishop & Supervisor’s retirement, a grand affair.

Desert Mountain Conference served as the proud host to Episcopal YPD LTI convention in Broomfield, CO. I am proud to say we provided a 5 Star experience. Thanks be to God to all who made it possible( especially to our own Mrs. Shnelle Stewart 5th District YPD Director, Past DMC/WMS President Stephanie Townsend, Sis. Barbara Blanton Greene, & Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler and all who helped to make it possible, you know who you are as the names are too numerous to call.

** 138th Session Desert Mountain Annual Conference - September 18-21, 2024

Host: Historic Tanner Chapel, Phoenix , AZ

DESERT MOUNTAIN ANNUAL CONFERENCE

LAY ORGANIZATION

District Conference Report

April 11, 2024

To: Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, clergy, members of the lay organization, laity and members of the Rocky Mountain District Conference:

I greet you in the joy of the Lord. "For I know the plans I have for you, "says the Lord" They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

Since my election as President of the Desert Mountain Annual Conference Lay Organization, my goal is that the Lay Organization will and can work together with the clergy, the Women in Ministry, RAYAC and the YPD of this great conference. This new conference year has brough new challenges to that goal. However, I still have hope that this working relationship can still happen.

One way I have tried to strengthen the relationship is sending out a monthly update of activities that was sent not just to the Lay Organization, but also the clergy and component leadership. In these monthly updates, we have been including activities of our components, encouraging us to support each other.

In October 2023, Historic Tanner Chapel Lay Organization held their Annual Lay Weekend of Training and Lay Witness Sunday. On Saturday, October 7, 2023, Dr. John Thomas, Editor of the Christian Recorder was the facilitator of the workshop and there was representation from the Lay Organization, RAYAC, and Women in Ministry. Also in October, we were able to have representation at both the Arizona-New Mexico District and the Rocky Mountain District Planning Meeting.

In December 2023, the Desert Mountain Lay Organization had a record number of 23 members to attend the Connectional Lay Organization Winter Executive Board meeting. This meeting was held virtually. We also supported the Annual Kwanzaa

program hosted by Owen Chapel, Lay Organization, Alamogordo, New Mexico. We also supported the Rocky Mountain District Watch Night Service.

January 2024, members of the Lay Organization supported the Desert Mountain Women in Ministry Preaching workshop, that was facilitated by Rev. Dr. Gloria Barrett. Also in January, the Desert Mountain Lay Organization hosted part two of the series, “The Road to The General Conference”. This workshop was opened to all lay and clergy delegates in the 5th District to the 2024 General Conference. There were 58 people on the zoom presentation.

February brought participation in both the Arizona-New Mexico District and Rocky Mountain District Founders Day program. Also, Desert Mountain Lay members also participated and supported the 5th District Lay Organization “Faithful Friday’ program.

In the month of March, again, Desert Mountain Lay Organization members attended Bishop Fugh’s Mid-Year Convention and the retirement banquet for Bishop and Supervisor Fugh. At the 5th District Lay Organization Mini Convention, the Desert Mountain Lay Organization was in a three-way tie for the most persons registered for the mini convention. Thank you, Presiding Elder Curry-Hodge, for your continued support both in person and financially. We were successful in electing 2 members of the Desert Mountain Lay Organization as 5th District delegates to the 2025 Connectional Lay Organization Biennial. Bro. Wendell Callaway will be the lead delegate and Sis. Destinee Williams is the Young Adult Delegate.

During the Lenten Season, we participated in the Rocky Mountain Wednesday night weekly program. I was privileged to be a participant on the first Wednesday night service.

Next week, we will be having the 30th Session of the Desert Mountain Annual Conference Lay Organization Annual Convention. Prince Chapel A.M.E. Church will be the host. This is the first convention to be held in person since 2019. In February 2024, a “Save the Date” notice was sent out to all pastors and component leaders, asking them to put the date of April 25-27, 2024, on their calendar. In March, I asked three things of the Lay, Clergy, and Component Leaders. 1) Pray for the Convention. 2) Attendance at the opening worship service on Thursday,

April 25th and/or the Community Awards program on Friday, April 26th. 30) Financial support of $100 by registering for the convention, send an offering of $25 for the Worship Service and $50 for the Awards Program.

In June 2025, we the members of the Desert Mountain Lay Organization will be hosting the 5th District Lay Organization Annual Convention. Again, I am asking three things from the Rocky Mountain leadership: 1) Pray for the success of hosting the Convention; 2) Plan to attend the worship service and scholarship program and 3) Plan to financially support us.

It is my prayer that by next year’s District Conference, I would have visited every church in the Rocky Mountain District, whether there is a Lay Organization or not.

Henry Ford once said, “Coming together is a beginning; Staying together is progress; and working together is success. As I look back at our coming together as the body of believers, this was the beginning. The progress is that we as the members of the Desert Mountain Lay Organization are steadfast in staying the course with the clergy and component leaders of the Desert Mountain Annual Conference. The success is that we will continue to work with our clergy and component leaders as one in Christ to build the kingdom of God here on earth. We are looking forward to the next level in the ministry of the Lay Organization.

Respectively submitted,

Sis. Joann Thompson DMACLO President

SONS OF ALLEN ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING

CONFERENCE YEAR 2023 – 2024 GOALS

RECRUITMENT

• INCREASE PARTICIPATION FOR RMD AND LOCAL SONS OF ALLEN MINISTRIES

• EMAILS TO THE BROTHER AND PASTORS

• ~ 20 BROTHER PARTICIPATE

• INVITE BROTHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 5TH DISTRICT SONS OF ALLEN BIBLE STUDY SESSIONS

• TO JOIN IN THE 5TH DISTRICT MEN’S BIBLE STUDY TEXT SOA TO 31996

SOA BIBLE STUDY

• ALL MEN OF THE DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE IN SHORTER’S SOA BIBLE STUDY

• THIS YEAR WE ARE READING

“HOW HODMAKES MEN” BY PATRICK MORLET

• INVITE MEN OF THE RMD TO ATTEND SOA BIBLE STUDY –2ND SATURDAY OF THE MONTH – 9:00 AM TO 10:30 AM

• WE MEET IN-PERSON AT SHORTER OR

• FOR THOSE WHO ARE NOT IN DENVER ZOOM LINK

HTTPS://US02WEB.ZOOM.US/J/84348833120?PWD=NZF5N2V HM3GYM2L5YJBVA0NDEXCWUT09

HOW GOD MAKES MEN

DECEMBER - ABRAHAM THE PRINCIPLE OF BELIEVING GOD ANYWAY

HOW GOD MAKES A MAN’S FAITH STRONGER

JANUARY - JOSEPH THE PRINCIPLE OF A GREATER GOOD

HOW GOD SHAPES MEN FOR A HIGHER PURPOSE

FEBRUARY - MOSES THE PRINCIPLE OF PERSONAL TRANSFORMATION

HOW GOD CHANGES A MAN’S CHARACTER

MARCH - GIDEON THE PRINCIPLE OF THE UNEXPECTED LEADER

HOW GOD TURNS A MAN’S FEAR AND WEAKNESS INTO STRENGTH

APRIL - DAVID THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRECTION

HOW GOD RESCUES MEN WHEN THEY GO ASTRAY

HOW GOD MAKES MEN

MAY - SOLOMON THE PRINCIPLE OF SUCCESS THAT MATTERS

HOW GOD SHOWS MEN THE TRUE PATH TO HAPPINESS

JUNE - NEHEMIAH THE PRINCIPLE OF A PASSIONATE CALLING

HOW GOD CALLS MEN TO ACTION

JULY - JOB THE PRINCIPLE OF SUFFERING FOR NO APPARENT REASON

HOW GOD MOLDS MEN THROUGH SUFFERING

AUGUST - PETER THE PRINCIPLE OF MAKING DISCIPLES

HOW GOD EQUIPS MEN TO REACH OTHER MEN

SEPTEMBER - PAUL THE PRINCIPLE OF A SURRENDERED LIFE

HOW GOD EMPOWERS MEN TO FULLY FOLLOW CHRIST

MEN’S WEEKEND

• THE SON’S OF ALLEN WILL HOST A MEN’S WEEKEND FOR ALL MEN OF THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN DISTRICT

• DATE AND TIME - TBD

• NEED TO DEVELOP A THEME, TOPICS, SPEAKERS, ETC.

QUESTIONS

As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another Proverbs 27:17