1
Conference Year 2026-2027 Episcopal Leadership
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq., Presiding Prelate Reverend Miriam J. Burnett, MD MPH, Episcopal Supervisor
Mountain Valley District
Reverend Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv, Presiding Elder Mr. Delbert Hodge, District Consultant
5 States 21 Churches 2
Welcome from the Presiding Elder Reverend Sheriolyn Curry Hodge Greetings, Mountain Valley District Family! Grace, peace, and endless love to each of you! It is with great joy, anticipation, and a renewed sense of purpose that I welcome you to our 2026–2027 Conference Year and our Mountain Valley District Planning Meeting. I am excited about what God has in store for us, and even more excited about what we can accomplish when we bring our hearts, hands, gifts, and resources together in service to God's people. Let me start by welcoming two new pastors to the Desert Mountain Conference: Rev. Keith Cornelius, Mt. Moriah AME Church, and Rev. Juli Boyd, Greater Bethel AME Church. May this union be fruitful! Our theme, “The Courage to See and Love,” is both an invitation and a challenge. It calls us to look beyond what is familiar, see beyond what is visible, and recognize the people, possibilities, and opportunities God has placed before us. It reminds us that everyone desires to be seen, to be known, and to be loved. And as the Church, we have the extraordinary privilege of making God's love visible. This year, I am asking us to be intentional about how we lead, how we serve, and how we care for one another. I envision congregations strengthened by authentic relationships, leaders encouraged and equipped for ministry, and churches that are increasingly responsive to the needs of their communities. I envision us celebrating what is working, having honest conversations about what needs to change, and finding the courage to imagine what is possible when faith and love lead the way. Through the Fifth Episcopal District's Mission Possible initiative, we have an opportunity to turn vision into meaningful action. Whether through reimagining our resources, strengthening our congregations, building partnerships, or reaching neighbors who have too often been overlooked, there is important work before us. And we will accomplish it best when we listen carefully, collaborate willingly, and remember that we do not minister to problems; we enter into relationships with people. My expectation for this conference year is not perfection, but participation, progress, and purpose. Every congregation has something to contribute. Every leader has gifts to share. And every community presents opportunities for us to demonstrate the transforming love of Jesus Christ. I encourage you to bring your ideas, your questions, your creativity, and your willingness to explore new possibilities. Let us honor the rich legacy of our African Methodist Episcopal Church while courageously preparing for the ministry God is calling us to do today. The Mission IS Possible—but first, we must have the courage to see. May this be a year of renewed faith, strengthened fellowship, purposeful ministry, and love in action. Let's see what God will do through us—together!
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge 3
Mountain Valley District Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
MVD Planning Meeting Pastors’ Call & Component Leadership Session Friday, November 6, 2026 · 6:00 – 8:30 PM Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6240525693?omn=83239830575 Meeting ID: 624 052 5693 Conference Year 2026–2027 Theme: “The Courage to See and Love”
AGENDA PART I · PASTORS ONLY
6:00 – 7:30 PM
6:00 PM Opening Prayer Scripture · Welcome 6:10 PM
The Office of the Presiding Elder Role & Responsibility · Working with the District Administrative Assistant
6:30 PM Lines of Relationship Bishop · Presiding Elder & the PE’s Office · Pastor · Congregation · Connectional Church 6:45 PM
Quarterly Conferences
7:00 PM Budgets, Money & Accountabilities 7:20 PM
Pastors’ Q & A
PART II · PASTORS & COMPONENT LEADERS
7:30 – 8:30 PM
7:30 PM
Welcome & Introduction of Component Leaders
7:35 PM
Communication Tools: Introducing the MVD Hub An integrated communication tool for Conference & District Leadership · Presented by the Presiding Elder
8:10 PM
Q&A
8:25 PM Closing Prayer / Benediction
4
Mountain Valley District Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Lines of Relationship In the AME Church MVD Planning Meeting · Pastors’ Call · November 6, 2026
Every line runs both directions. Authority and appointment come down, accountability and support go up, and care flows both ways. THE RELATIONSHIPS ON THE AGENDA These descriptions summarize AME polity in general terms. Check the details against the current Doctrine and Discipline, since some provisions change from one General Conference to the next.
1. The Connectional Church ■ The AME Church is a connection, not a group of independent congregations. Its main bodies are the General Conference (which makes the laws), the Council of Bishops (executive), the Judicial Council (judicial), and the General Board and General Officers, who carry on the work between General Conferences. ■ Each local church belongs to that connection. Church property is held in trust for the AME Church, pastors are appointed rather than called, and every society helps support the whole through assessments and Fair Share. 2. The Bishop ■ The General Conference elects the bishop, who is assigned to an Episcopal District (for the Mountain Valley District, the 5th). ■ The bishop presides over the Annual Conferences, appoints both presiding elders and pastors, and oversees the spiritual and temporal life of the episcopal district. ■ The bishop is the source of appointive authority. 3. The Presiding Elder ■ The bishop appoints the PE, who serves at the bishop’s pleasure as the bishop’s representative in the district. ■ The PE presides at the Quarterly Conference of each charge and holds the District Conference. ■ The PE supervises pastors, sees that the Discipline is followed and that reports and assessments come in, and advises the bishop on appointments. ■ The PE is the link between the bishop and the pastors, and serves as a pastor to pastors.
5
4. The PE’s Office ■ This is the administrative side of the PE’s work, such as the Administrative Assistant, records, calendars, and reporting. ■ The office works at the PE’s direction, but it doesn’t carry the PE’s authority. ■ Pastors can rely on the office for routine business, while pastoral, confidential, and authority matters go to the PE directly. In the MVD Hub, a request marked CONFIDENTIAL is seen only by the PE. 5. The Pastor ■ The bishop appoints the pastor at Annual Conference, one year at a time. The pastor is accountable to the PE and, through the PE, to the bishop. Itinerant clergy receive the appointment directly from the bishop. Local clergy supply congregations and receive the ‘supply’ appointment from the PE. ■ The pastor is the spiritual leader and chief administrator of the local church. That includes pastoral care for the congregation, chairing the Official Board and Church Conference, nominating officers, and making sure assessments and Fair Share are budgeted and paid. ■ The pastor reports to the Quarterly Conference and to the Annual Conference. 6. The Congregation ■ This is the local society: its members and officers, such as Stewards, Trustees, and ministry and component leaders. Several officer elections go through the Quarterly Conference. Steward Board nominations are confirmed at the Quarterly Conference by the PE. ■ The congregation relates to the PE and the bishop mainly through its pastor, and directly at the Quarterly Conference. ■ It cares for property held in trust for the connection and supports the connection financially. HOW THE LINES RUN It helps to think of these as four different lines: Line
Direction
What it means
Authority (appointment)
Bishop → Presiding Elder → Pastor → Appointive authority starts with the Congregation bishop and comes down
Accountability (reporting)
Congregation → Pastor → Quarterly Conference (PE) → District Conference (PE) → Annual Conference (Bishop) → General Conference
6
Reports and accountability go up
Line
Direction
What it means
Communication (proper order)
Members → Pastor → PE → Bishop; routine business through the PE’s office
Members go to the pastor first and when that is not possible, the Stewards, and pastors go to the PE before the bishop. Skipping a step weakens the whole chain
Resources
Local church → District → Conference → Connection
Assessments and Fair Share flow up to support the whole church
The resources line leads straight into the Budgets, Money & Accountabilities item, including Component Fair Share.
WHERE THE LINES MEET: THE QUARTERLY CONFERENCE The Quarterly Conference is where all these lines meet in one room. The PE presides, the pastor reports, the congregation’s clergy and officers are present, and the connection’s business gets done. When being absent from the Quarterly Conference is unavoidable, a written request to be excused should be submitted to the Presiding Elder’s Office prior to the scheduled Conference date. 21 Churches in 5 States · One District, Many Mountains, Kingdom Impact Conference Year 2026–2027 Theme: “The Courage to See and Love”
7
Mountain Valley District
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Pastors’ Financial Obligations Summary Conference Year 2026–2027 A quick reference for your church budget and payment calendar
OBLIGATIONS & DUE DATES Financial Obligation
Payment Frequency
Due Date
Apportionment
Monthly
1st of each month
Founders’ Day $250 per church
Annually
February 10, 2027
Mid-Year Budget
Annually
February 26, 2027
District Conference
Annually
April 1, 2027
Annual Conference Budget
Annually
August 6, 2027
Pastor’s Annuity
Twice a year
At Mid-Year and at Annual Conference
Component Fair Share
Quarterly
Per each Component’s schedule
Reminder: Component Fair Share amounts come from the Component Leadership. Please include them in your church budget.
HOW TO PAY OPTION 1 Direct payment or autopay to the district account Pay electronically or set up monthly autopay to this account: Account Name
Bank
Routing Number
Account Number
Rocky Mountain District / MVD
Wells Fargo
122105278
2466222433
OPTION 2 Church check deposited by you Make the check payable to Rocky Mountain District / MVD and deposit it into the district account yourself at any Wells Fargo branch, using the account information in Option 1.
OPTION 3 Church check mailed to the MVD office Make the check payable to Rocky Mountain District / MVD and mail it to: Mountain Valley District Office, 3540 E Baseline Rd, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85042 Tip: With every payment, note your church name and which obligation it covers (for example, “Apportionment – March”), so it is credited correctly. Questions? Call the Office at 602-962-5650 · Rev. Tonya Taylor, District Administrator, 602-962-0198
21 Churches in 5 States · One District, Many Mountains, Kingdom Impact Conference Year 2026–2027 Theme: “The Courage to See and Love”
8
Desert Mountain Conference | Mountain Valley District Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
MVD Planning Meeting General Business Session Saturday, November 7, 2026 · 9:00 – 11:30 AM Mountain Time Join via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6240525693?omn=81267456887 Meeting ID: 624 052 5693
5th District Theme: Mission Possible · MVD Theme: “The Courage to See and Love” AGENDA 9:00 AM 1. Introduction of the Presiding Elder & First Gentleman 9:05 AM 2. Roll Call: Clergy & Component Leadership (including New Pastors) ■ Please complete the Google Form link posted in the Zoom chat
9:20 AM 3. Morning Scripture Ephesians 3:17–19 (NRSVUE) 9:25 AM 4. Welcome from the Presiding Elder ■ 5th District Theme: Mission Possible ■ MVD Theme: The Courage to See and Love ■ District Vision for 2026–2027
9:45 AM 5. Conference / District Organization & Committees ■ Component Leadership ■ Conference Elected / Appointed Committees – Board of Examiners – Conference Trustees ■ Conference Literary Committees ■ Mission Possible Board ■ Disaster Preparedness
9
10:05 AM 6. District Events / Committees Event
Date
Theme / Details
Chair / Lead / Coordinator
Founders’ Day
Sat., Feb. 13, 2027
“The Church That Refused to Look Away”
To be announced
Lenten Worship Series
Begins Wed., Feb. 10, 2027 (Ash Wednesday)
“The Courage to Worship”
Rev. Margaret Graham, Joann Thompson, Ashley Wade
District Conference
April 7–9, 2027
Host: Rev. Juli Boyd, Greater Bethel.
Rev. Allison CannadySmith Chair Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr Board of Examiners Dean:
Church School Convention
April 10, 2027
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Chair
Annual Conference
August 24–28, 2027
Rev. Allison CannadySmith General Chair
10:25 AM 7. Component Leadership Reports (about 5 minutes each) Component
Leader
Women’s Missionary Society
Sis. Linda Arroyo, President
Young People’s Division (YPD)
Sis. Angelica Rucker, Director
Women in Ministry
Rev. Sharon Avril, Coordinator
Lay Organization
Sis. Joann Thompson, President
Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC)
Sis. Ashley Wade, President
Sons of Allen
Rev. Leroy Alaman, President
Clergy Family Organization
To be announced
11:05 AM
8. District Calendar
11:15 AM
9. MVD Courage Litany
11:20 AM
10. Closing Prayer
21 Churches in 5 States · One District, Many Mountains, Kingdom Impact 10
Mountain Valley District Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
MVD Courage Litany “The Courage to See and Love” MVD Planning Meeting · General Business Session · November 7, 2026
Leader: People:
God of the mountains and the valleys, we gather from many places as one district. Lift our eyes, Lord, and open them, that we may truly see.
Leader:
We confess that it is often easier to look away: from the hurting and the hungry, the unhoused and the overlooked. Give us the courage to see what You see.
People: Leader: People: Leader:
Root us and ground us in Your love, so that what we see does not frighten us, but moves us. Give us the courage to love as You love.
People:
Across five states, from the high desert to the Rocky Mountains, in every town where our churches stand, Make us a church that refuses to look away.
Leader: People:
When the mission seems too large and the climb too steep, We remember that with God, the mission is possible.
Leader: People:
Help us to see the gifts in one another: pastors and people, young and seasoned, clergy families and every ministry. Help us to love one another without exception.
Leader: People:
Show us the breadth and length, the height and depth of the love of Christ, A love beyond our understanding, filling us to overflowing.
Leader: People:
Now send us out with open eyes and open hearts, To see with courage, to love with courage, and to serve with joy.
ALL:
One District, Many Mountains, Kingdom Impact! We have the courage to see and the courage to love, in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Inspired by Ephesians 3:17–19 and Psalm 121:1 21 Churches in 5 States · One District, Many Mountains, Kingdom Impact
11
12
Mountain Valley District Pastor/Church Directory Mountain Valley District Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder Office: 3540 E. Baseline Rd, Suite 101 Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 962-5650 Office (480) 980-1494 cell PEHodgeMVD@gmail.com
Mountain Valley District Rev. Tonya V. Taylor, Executive Administrator Office: 3540 E. Baseline Rd, Suite 101 Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 962-0198 Office (480) 670-3887 cell MVDadmin5th@gmail.com
Allen Chapel AMEC 917 W 21st Street, Cheyenne, WY (307) 632-1489 Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon, Sr. (406) 559-7824 hjmcministries@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am MST
Grant Chapel AMEC 7920 Claremont N.E. Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 293-1300 info@grantchapelabq.com Rev. William Cornick Jr. (602) 791-0928 ministerwillc@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am MST Greater Bethel AMEC 7040 S 40th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042 (602) 431-0800 https://greaterbethelaz.com Rev. Julie Boyd (816) 674-9385 duladean@hotmail.com Sunday Service: 10:30 am (AZ time)
Campbell Chapel AMEC 1500 E 22nd Ave, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 839-5058 http://www.campbelldenver.org campbellchapelamechurch.denver@gmail.com Rev. Michael Permillion (925) 565-7404 Sos4ca2@sbcglobal.net Sunday Service: 10:45 am MST Embry Chapel AMEC 264 30th St, Ogden, UT 84401 (801) 394-2338 https://embrychapel.org Rev. Dr. Vada Southern (815) 603-7658 vadaesther@hotmail.com Sunday Service: 10:00 am MST Zoom ID: Meeting ID: 817 1663338# Code: 922563#
Harbert Chapel AMEC 424 S. San Francisco Street, Flagstaff, AZ 86001 harbertchapel1@gmail.com Referred to MISSION POSSIBLE
13
First AME Church 613 W Mesa Ave, Pueblo, CO 81004 (719) 544-8125 firstamepueblo@gmail.com https://firstamepueblo.wordpress.com Rev. Margaret Graham (719) 351-4671 mdgraham64@me.com
Historic Tanner Chapel AMEC 20 S 8th St, Phoenix, AZ 85034 602-253-8426 https://www.tannerchapel.org tannerchapel@tannerchapel.org Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas Sr. (602) 510-9340 benjaminthomas@tannerchapel.org
Historic Trinity AMEC 239 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Salt Lake City, UT 84111 801-531-7374 slchistoric.tamec@gmail.com https://www.histtrinityame.org Rev. Daryell Jackson (801) 654-2156 daryell.jackson1@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am MST
Payne Chapel AMEC 3625 Marion Dr, Colorado Springs, CO 80909 (719) 358-9314 https://paynechapelame https://paynechapelamechurch.org payneamecoffice@yahoo.com Rev. Charles Wright (801) 558-6553 pastorcwright@aol.com
Howard Chapel Mission 107 E Wilson Ave Gallup, NM 87301 505-863-6490 Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor 505-362-1108 shiame@unm.edu
Prince Chapel AMEC 602 S Stone Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701 (520) 624-2871 https://princechapel.org Rev. Gerald Richard (602) 380-3309 revgeraldrichard@gmail.com Sunday Service: 10:00 am (AZ time)
Holy Trinity Community AMEC 220 S. Chestnut St, Mesa, AZ 85204 (480) 964-6559 https://www.holytrinityunity.org Rev. Corey Moore (602) 509-2618 clmooreq7@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am (AZ time)
The Word of God AME Church PO Box 46362 Rio Rancho, NM 87174 Rev. Dr. Geleta A. S. Smith (505) 917-2657 thewordofgodamechurch@yahoo.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am MST
14
Jordan Chapel AMEC 2900 Milwaukee St, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 322-7427 admin@jordanchapel.com https://jordanchapel.com Rev. Brenda Hector (303) 981-1707 crbigbosslady@aol.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am MST
Shorter Community AMEC 3100 Richard Allen Ct, Denver, CO 80205 (303) 320-1712 https://www.shortercommunityame.org Shorterchurch80205@gmail.com Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith (253) 301-7358 revacsmith@gmail.com Sunday Service: 10:00 am MST
Murph Community AMEC 6702 N 27th Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85017 602-246-3951 https://murphcommunityame.org murphcommunityamechurch@gmail.com Rev. Eric Taylor (480) 695-3877 etaylor1963@hotmail.com Sunday Service: 10:30 am (AZ time)
Sierra Vista Community AMEC 999 E. Frye Blvd. STE 215, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635 https://www.svcamec.com svcamec@gmail.com Rev. Shelby A. Goodman (646) 714-1196 shelbyagoodman@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am (AZ time)
Mt. Moriah Community AMEC 19275 N. Gunsmoke Rd, Maricopa, AZ 85138 (520) 208-5491 https://www.mtmame.org Rev. Rev. Keith Cornelius (314) 489-6926 Keithcornelius50@gmail.com Sunday Service: 10:00 am (AZ time)
St. Paul AMEC 316 E. Fourth Street, Winslow, AZ 86047 Rev. Stephen Garnett (928) 587-2427 w4jc70@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am (AZ time)
Owen Chapel AMEC 423 Delaware Ave, Alamogordo, NM 88310 (575) 434-5819 owenchapelame@gmail.com Rev. Sharon Avril (916) 281-8286 Inhisservice1002@gmail.com Sunday Service: 11:00 am
15
16
Mountain Valley District Conference Component Leadership WMS – Women’s Missionary Society President – Linda Arroyo Email – wmsdmc5@gmail.com Phone: 602-339-174 YPD – Young People and Children’s Division Director – Angelica Rucker Email – angelicanrucker@gmail.com Phone: 913-787-4961 WIM – Women In Ministry Coordinator– Rev. Sharon Arvil Email – 1nhisservice1002@gmail.com Phone: 916-281-8286 LAY – Lay Organization President – Joann Thompson Email – dmclopres@gmail.com Phone: 520-241-0043 RAYAC – Richard Allen Young Adult Council President – Ashley Wade Email – alwade267@gmail.com Phone: 626-497-5655 SOA – Sons of Allen President – Rev. Alaman Email – leroyalaman@gmail.com Phone: 310-408-2585 Prayer Ministry Leader – Rev. Ellen Scott Email: erscott33@gmail.com Phone: 804-380-0861 Co-Leader – Rev. Tarachel Benjamin Goodman Email – tarachelbgoodman@gmail.com Phone: 646-642-1602
17
Desert Mountain Conference | Mountain Valley District Mission Possible Board Members Ex-Officio Presiding Elder Sheriolynn Curry Hodge Rev. Benjamin Thomas, Vice Chair Trustee Board Members Rev. Shelby Goodman Rev. Allison Canaday Smith Dr. Linda Garrett Destinee Williams Rev. Rachelle Jack LC De Mon Carey Consultants Rev. Dr. Sakena Young Skaggs Rev. Tarachel Goodman
18
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH · FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT
Desert Mountain Annual Conference Organization Conference Year 2026–2027 Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
CONFERENCE OFFICERS Office
Name
Chief Secretary of the Conference
Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith
Assistant Secretary
Sister Regina Bryels
Statistician
Rev. Corey Moore
Dean of Conference
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr.
Marshals
Rev. Tarachel Goodman, Chief Marshal for the Bishop Rev. William Cornick, Jr., General Marshal Rev. Daryell Jackson, General Marshal Rev. Brenda Hector, General Marshal
CONFERENCE BOARDS & COMMITTEES Board / Committee
Clergy
Lay & Ex-officio
Episcopal Budget Committee
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr. Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Joanne Thompson (Lay Organization)
Board of Examiners
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Rev. Keith Cornelius* Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith Rev. Michael Permillion Rev. Dr. Sakena Young-Skaggs, Adjunct Instructor
Commission on Ministerial Efficiency
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Rev. Charles Wright Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Rev. Sharon Avril Rev. Michael Permillion
2026–2028 · To be appointed
Conference Board of Trustees To be elected
Judicial Committee 2026–2028 · To be elected
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr. Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Michael Permillion Rev. Juli Boyd Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Rev. Eric Taylor
Lay Attorney Barbara Blanton Greene, Esq. Sis. Joanne Thompson (Lay Organization) Sis. Linda Arroyo (DMC WMS) Bro. J. Carle Abernathy Ex-officio Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Rev. Gerald Richard Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith Rev. Dr. Vada Southern
Ex-officio Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Board / Committee
Clergy
Lay & Ex-officio
Finance Committee
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, Chair Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Treasurer Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Rev. Gerald Richard
Lay Sis. Joann Thompson Sis. Stephanie Townsend Sis. Aletta Callaway Ex-officio Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Rev. Benjamin Thomas Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith Rev. Shelby Goodman Rev. Juli Boyd
Lay Sis. Joann Thompson Sis. Vicki Thomas J. Carle Abernathy
To be elected
Presiding Elder Apportionment
* Name updated following the vote at Annual Conference.
STANDING COMMITTEES Committee
Clergy
Delegates (Church)
State of the Church
Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Rev. Tonya Taylor Rev. Eric Taylor
Evg. Randy Taylor (Harbert Chapel) Evg. Karen Turner (Prince Chapel) Ashley Wade (Greater Bethel) Evg. Lowell Norling (Embry) Stephanie Townsend (Shorter)
State of the Country
Rev. Gerald Richard Rev. Vada Southern Rev. Michael Permillion
Aletta Callaway (Tanner) W. Faye Jasper (The Word of God) Yolandra Prentice Brooks (First AME) Evg. Lowell Norling (Embry) Emilia Marzan (Allen Chapel)
Temperance
Rev. Dr. Shaime Okunor Rev. Brenda Hector Rev. Eric Taylor
Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah) Valerie Brooks (St. Paul) Evg. Randy Taylor (Harbert Chapel) Jane E. Johnson (Payne Chapel) Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity)
Evangelism
Rev. Stephen Garnett Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor
Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah) Dr. Vashi Worley Moore (Holy Trinity) Jennifer Owens (Grant) Valerie Brooks (St. Paul) Stephanie Townsend (Shorter)
Christian Education
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Rev. Eric Taylor Rev. Tonya Taylor
Aletta Callaway (Tanner) Mary Poore (Owen Chapel) Yolandra Prentice Brooks (First AME, Pueblo) Jane E. Johnson (Payne) Rev. Shaime Okunor (Howard Chapel)
Christian Stewardship
Rev. Sharon Avril Rev. Gerald Richard Rev. Daryell Jackson Rev. Brenda Hector
Ashley Wade (Greater Bethel) Sandra Shepherd (Murph) Sandra Douglas (Jordan) Emilia Marzan (Allen Chapel) J. Carle Abernathy (Campbell)
Committee
Clergy
Delegates (Church)
Abandoned Property
Conference Trustees
Memorials
Rev. Brenda Hector Rev. Tonya Taylor Rev. Tarachel Goodman Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon, Sr.
Tara Ashley (Howard) Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity) Sandra Douglas (Jordan)
Resolutions
Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Daryell Jackson
Jennifer Owens (Grant) Mary Poore (Owen) Sandra Douglas (Jordan) Jane E. Johnson (Payne)
Classification of Churches
Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith Rev. Stephen Garnett Rev. Sharon Avril Rev. Eric Taylor
Dr. Vashi Worley Moore (Holy Trinity) Yolandra Prentice Brooks (First AME, Pueblo) Evg. Karen Turner (Prince Chapel) Stephanie Townsend (Shorter)
Missions, Circuits & Stations
Rev. Shelby Goodman Rev. Corey Moore Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor
Valerie Brooks (St. Paul) Sandra Shepherd (Murph) Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity) Emilia Marzan (Allen Chapel)
Classification of Ministers
Rev. Juli Boyd Rev. Corey Moore Rev. Eric Taylor Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Rev. Sharon Avril
Ashley Wade (Greater Bethel) Mary Poore (Owen Chapel) Aletta Callaway (Tanner Chapel) J. Carle Abernathy (Campbell)
Local Church Insurance
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Rev. William Cornick, Jr. Rev. Stephen Garnett Rev. Hilton J. McClendon
Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah) Evg. Randy Taylor (Harbert Chapel) J. Carle Abernathy (Campbell Chapel)
Social Action
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith Rev. Michael Permillion Rev. Gerald Richard Rev. Juli Boyd
Jennifer Owens (Grant) Rev. Tarachel Goodman (Sierra Vista) Aletta Callaway (Tanner) Sandra Douglas (Jordan)
Church Growth & Development
Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Tonya Taylor Rev. Sharon Avril Rev. Eric Taylor
Valerie Brooks (St. Paul) Dr. Vashi Worley Moore (Holy Trinity) Rev. Tarachel Goodman (Sierra Vista) Sandra Douglas (Jordan)
Public Relations
Rev. Corey Moore Rev. Stephen Garnett Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor Rev. Sharon Avril
Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity) W. Faye Jasper (The Word of God) Jane E. Johnson (Payne)
Sons of Allen
Rev. Charles Wright Rev. Eric Taylor Rev. M. Leroy Alaman Rev. Daryell Jackson
Lowell Norling (Embry) Les Berry (Shorter) Evg. Randy Taylor (Harbert Chapel) J. Carle Abernathy (Campbell)
Desert Mountain Conference 2026 - 2027 Conference Year Delegate / Alternate List Church Name
Pastor Name
Delegate Name
Alt. Delegate Name
Allen Chapel
Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon
Sis. Emilia Marzan
emarzann@gmail.com
N/A
Campbell Chapel
Rev. Michael Permillion
Bro Carl Abernathy
abernathyjulian69@gmail.com
Sis Wherda Utsey
For2boys@ymail.com
Embry Chapel
Rev. Vada Southern
Evang. Lowell Norling
ugnsonlowell@gmail.com
Sis. Addie Norling
tnanny@aol.com
First AME Pueblo
Rev. Margaret Graham
Sis. Yolandra Prentice Brooks
ygprentice@gmail.com
Grant Chapel
Rev. William Cornick, Jr.
Sis. Jennifer Owens
jmowens411@gmail.com
Bro. Eric Dixon
dixonel45@gmail.com
Greater Bethel
Rev. Juli Boyd
Sis. Ashley Wade
alwade267@gmail.com
Sis. Charlette Hurley
songnheart11759@gmail.com
Harbert Chapel
Rev. Tonya Taylor
Evg. Randy Taylor
skinsfan.rt@gmail.com
N/A
Historic Trinity
Rev. Daryell Jackson
Arlene Whitaker-Ezidore
awezidore@gmail.com
Holy Trinity
Rev. Corey Moore
Dr. Vashi Worley Moore
vworley48@gmail.com
Howard Chapel
Rev. Dr. Shaime O'Kunor
Jordan Chapel
Rev. Brenda Hector
Sis. Sandy Douglas
sandradouglas440@gmail.com
Mount Moriah
Rev. Keith Cornelius
Sis. Vicki Thomas
Murph Community
Rev. Eric Taylor
Owen Chapel
Rev. Angela Green
seamsr5.8inches@gmail.com
vsandeen@hotmail.com
Sis. Amira Levingston
alevingston99@gmail.com
Sandra Sheppard
ssheppard71@gmail.com
Shalisha Parker
murphmediapx@gmail.com
Rev. Sharon Avril
Sis. Mary Poore
marypoore160@gmail.com
N/A
Payne Chapel
Rev. Charles Wright
Jane E. Johnson
JJohnson@paynechapelcos.org
Regina Bryels
rbryels@paynechapelcos.org
Prince Chapel
Rev. Gerald Richard, Esq.
Evag. Karen Turner
kct1130@yahoo.com
Sis. Yolanda Parker Rizzoli
ypark1@yahoo.com.
Shorter Community
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith
Stephanie Townsend
presdmc@aol.com
Les Berry
lesberry@ymail.com
Sierra Vista Community
Rev. Shelby Goodman
Tarachel Goodman
tarachelbgoodman@gmail.com
N/A
St. Paul
Sis. Valerie Brooks
brooksvalerie954@gmail.com
Tanner Chapel
Rev. Stephen Garnett Rev. Dr. Benjamin N. Thomas, Sr.
Alletta Callaway
callawayal@cdm-smith.com
The Word of God
Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith
Sis. W. Faye Jasper
jennjasmom@yahoo.com
Tara Ashley
Kasandra Johnson Jarrell Smith Makayla Asbury
Kasandrajohnson604@gmail.com
Mountain Valley District Planning Calendar November 2026 – October 2027 • Looking Ahead to July 2028 Date
Event
Location
Nov. 1
Fifth District Altar Call – DMAC Clergy/CFO, 6:00 PM
Virtual
Nov. 3
Election Day
Nov. 7
Mountain Valley District Presiding Elder’s Planning Meeting, 9:00 AM
Virtual
Nov. 8
Fifth District Altar Call – DMAC WMS/YPD, 6:00 PM
Virtual
Nov. 11
Veterans Day
Nov. 15
Fifth District Altar Call – DMAC Lay, 6:00 PM
Nov. 21
Training, 9:00 AM–3:00 PM
Nov. 22
Fifth District Altar Call – WIM, 6:00 PM
Nov. 26
Thanksgiving
Nov. 29
Fifth District Altar Call – RAYAC/SOA, 6:00 PM
November 2026
Greater Bethel
December 2026 Dec. 10–12
Connectional MCAM
First AME Church, Las Vegas, NV
Dec. 11–12
CLO Winter Executive Board Meeting
Virtual
Dec. 25
Christmas Day
January 2027 Jan. 1
New Year’s Day
Jan. 5–7
Connectional PE Retreat
Fort Lauderdale, FL
Jan. 9
DMCLO Training, 9:00 AM
Virtual
Jan. 18
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Jan. 18
Grant Chapel’s MLK Breakfast, 8:00 AM
Albuquerque, NM
February 2027 Feb. 10
Ash Wednesday
Feb. 13
Founders Day Celebration
Feb. 14
Love Day
Feb. 15
Supervisor Miriam J. Burnett’s Birthday
Feb. 15
Presidents Day (Washington’s Birthday)
Feb. 17
MVD Lenten Worship
Feb. 21
Mountain Valley Founders Day Program
Feb. 24
MVD Lenten Worship
Virtual
March 2027 Mar. 3
MVD Lenten Worship
Mar. 8–10
2027 Midyear Conference (Bishop’s Midyear Convention)
Mar. 10
MVD Lenten Worship
Mar. 17
MVD Lenten Worship
Mar. 21
Palm Sunday
Mar. 24
MVD Lenten Worship
Mar. 26
Good Friday
Mar. 28
Resurrection Sunday
Hilton, LAX, Los Angeles, CA
April 2027 Apr. 7–10
MVD District Conference & Church School Convention
Phoenix, AZ
Apr. 15
Tax Day
Apr. 22–24
DMACLO Annual Convention
Virtual
May 13–15
Power of a Church Conference
Atlanta, GA
May 16
Lay Witness Day / Pentecost
June 17–19
Fifth District Lay Organization Annual Convention
May 31
Memorial Day
June 18
Juneteenth (federal observance)
June 19
Juneteenth National Independence Day
May 2027
June 2027 June 12
Birthday of District Consultant Delbert Hodge
June 15
Presiding Elder’s Sheriolyn Curry Hodge Birthday
June 20–23
Investiture of Bishop Brookins & General Board Meeting
June 30
Convo
Westin, LAX
July 2027 July 4
Independence Day
July 5
Independence Day (federal observance)
July 24
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq.’s Birthday
July 28–31
136th Session Pacific Northwest Annual Conference
Seattle, WA
Aug. 8–14
CLO Biennial (includes travel time)
Johannesburg, South Africa
Aug. 18–21
141st Session Desert Mountain Annual Conference
Denver, CO
Aug. 26–29
Connectional RAYAC
San Diego, CA
Sept. 1–4
163rd Session California Annual Conference
San Francisco, CA
Sept. 6
Labor Day
Sept. 15–18
20th Session Midwest Annual Conference
Kansas City, MO
Oct. 6–9
173rd Session Missouri Annual Conference
St. Louis, MO
Oct. 11
Columbus Day
Oct. 20–24
102nd Session Southern California Annual Conference
LAX Hilton, Los Angeles, CA
Oct. 25–26
Fifth Episcopal District Planning Meeting
LAX Hilton, Los Angeles, CA
August 2027
September 2027
October 2027
July 2028 • On Deck July 15–18
53rd Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church
March 10 scheduling overlap. MVD Lenten Worship falls on the final day of Midyear.
Kansas City, MO