Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv Presiding Elder, Mountain Valley District
Bro. Delbert C. Hodge
First Gentleman / District Consultant
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Fifth Episcopal District
22 Churches | 5 States
BISHOP
FRANCINE
A.
BROOKINS ESQ. Presiding Bishop, Fifth Episcopal District
REV. MIRIAM J. BURNETT, MD, MPA Supervisor, Fifth Episcopal District
Episcopal Greeting
We extend our warmest greetings, filled with the joy of Jesus and a spirit of anticipation, as we embark on the 5th Episcopal District Planning meeting and the work that lies ahead. Having had the privilege of meeting many of you in person, sharing laughter, tears, and experiencing the Holy Spirit's movements together, our hearts are truly gladdened.
Mental Health, Music, and Mission
Inspired by Acts 16:25-26, our theme of Mental Health, Music, and Mission has blossomed in unexpected ways:
Spiritual Clinical Healing: Chaplain Addison's teachings have opened our hearts and minds to new perspectives on spiritual and clinical healing.
Mental Health Ambassadors: We've discovered the wealth of human resources within the 5th District as we develop this crucial program.
Safe Spaces: We recognize the immediate need to create environments conducive to our own spiritual and clinical healing.
We have only just begun to sing together. As we intentionally unite in song and prayer as an Episcopal District, we eagerly anticipate God's transformative power breaking unknown chains and shifting atmospheres through our collective presence.
Facing Challenges Together
We've confronted difficult realities regarding shrinking memberships and neglected infrastructures, fickle insurance companies and an ever-changing climate. However, God has used these challenges to sharpen our Mission:
Mission Possible: Initial board meetings have commenced, with timelines set to address these issues collaboratively, utilizing our best internal resources.
Mission Possible Metaverse: We're excited to announce the official launch of Mission Possible Metaverse Mission in the Missouri Annual Conference. Under the leadership of Rev. Roger Richardson, Ph.D., this initiative will explore what it means to be an AME Church in the digital realm.
Standing Strong in Faith
As we approach a critical juncture in U.S. history with the upcoming presidential election, our faith remains firmly rooted in Jesus Christ of Nazareth. We stand ready to make a difference through our VOTES in every election. Let our prayers and songs propel us to victory in every battle we must fight with our hands and feet!
Perfect submission, perfect delight, Visions of rapture now burst on my sight; Angels descending, bring from above, Echoes of mercy, whispers of love. Blessed Assurance, Jesus is mine!
I am overjoyed to come before you today as we embark on a journey in uncharted territory to unify our district and build a culture of collaborative ministry. I understand the challenges you face as pastors, feeling isolated and unsupported at times, and today we have the opportunity to change that narrative and create a vibrant community where each member feels valued, included, and a sense of belonging.
Vision:
Our vision is simple yet powerful: to work together as a unified team, leveraging our collective strengths, talents, and resources to further the mission of spreading God's love and grace. By embracing a team leadership approach, we can amplify our impact, foster a spirit of cooperation, and inspire one another to reach new heights of service and ministry.
Anticipated Outcomes:
As we come together with a shared purpose and commitment, we anticipate several outcomes that will benefit our district as a whole.
These include:
1. Enhanced collaboration and communication among pastors and churches.
2. Increased support and encouragement for all members of our district.
3. Greater synergy in ministry efforts and initiatives.
4. A revitalized sense of community and belonging.
5. Improved efficiency and effectiveness in achieving our shared goals.
Benefits to the District:
By embracing a culture of collaborative ministry, we all stand to benefit in significant ways. Our pastors will feel more supported, our churches will grow stronger, our members will feel more connected, and our impact on our communities will be multiplied. We will be better equipped to face challenges, seize opportunities, and fulfill our calling to serve others with humility and grace.
For all whose shoulders I stand on. I am eternally grateful, and may the works that we do speak for us.
Here’s to an amazing year!
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv Presiding Elder
PRESIDING ELDER
SHERIOLYN CURRY HODGE
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 (20122019), 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. 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!”
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 has served as the Financial Secretary and Treasurer of the 5th Episcopal District Women In Ministry. Under Bishop Bryant, Rev. Curry served as the 5th District YPD Christian Education Director during a mission trip to Alaska. Rev. Curry was also part of the delegation that traveled to India when AME India was established.
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 for senior adults, 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.
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-Phx Treasurer, Financial Secretary, 3rd VP of Membership and Chapter Development, and is currently serving another term as Treasurer. In 2019, she established the Joyfulstill Foundation which helps families find their way from homelessness to homeownership and serves on the Advisory Board.
Rev. Curry has received numerous awards including the 2012 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.
Office:
Connect With Us
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder Mountain Valley District
Rev. Tarachel Goodman, Worship Leader Associate Minister
Sierra Vista Community Church
PRAISE AND WORSHIP Greater Bethel Choir
OPENING HYMN BLESSED ASSURANCE, JESUS IS MINE
Hymn #450, AME Hymnal
PRAYER
SCRIPTURE
Rev. William Cornick Jr.
Rev. Rose Houston
INTRODUCTION OF THE PREACHER Amira Levingston (YPD)
SONG OF PREPARATION
MESSAGE
Rev. Mitzi Jamison Thomas Associate Minister, Mt. Moriah A.M.E. Church, Maricopa, AZ
INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP
Rev. Gerald Richard, III, Esq
CLOSING REMARKS Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Hodge
BENEDICTION
Rev. Mitzi Jamison Thomas
Note: The Offering will occur during the business session.
Thank you.
Rev. Mitzi Jamison Thomas
Rev. Mitzi Jamison Thomas was ordained a Local Deacon in 2011 in the 2nd District and assigned to Allen Chapel AME Church. She received a BA in Biblical Theology In 2022.
A native of Washington, D.C. she relocated to the Valley of the Sun in 2016 after retiring from the Federal Government. She is a member of Mt. Moriah Community AME Church, Maricopa, AZ where her Pastor is Rev. Arnold L. Jackson. Rev. Mitzi loves music and is the Men of Vision choir director at Mt. Moriah. Singing is a passion that stirs her soul, and singing praises to the Lord is a service she gladly renders. She is known to break out in song at any time. She seeks to spread the love of God through her songs, teaching, and interactions with others.
Rev. Mitzi relishes teaching youth in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and has used her gifts on mission trips in the US and other countries around the world.
She is blessed to be the mother of two (1 boy 1 girl) and grandmother of four (2 girls and 2 boys).
Her favorite scripture is 2 Timothy 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”
GENERAL
5TH DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
DESERT MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP
CONNECTIONAL LEADERSHIP
Rev. Harold R. Mayberry Chair, Episcopal Committee
Mrs. Jackie DuPont Walker, Consultant/Director, Social Action
Mrs. Richelle Fry-Skinner, Connectional YPD Director
Mr. Richard Crews, Parliamentarian, Connectional RAYAC
Rev. LeSean Tarkington, Chair of Evangelism and Ecumenical Affairs, RAYAC
FIFTH DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
Rev. Allen L. Williams, Sr., Budget and Finance Chairperson
Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey, District Treasurer / President, Presiding Elder’s Council
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler, District Dean, Board of Examiners
Mr. Lamar Rose, President, Lay Organization
Rev. Dr. Karen Anderson, President, Women in Ministry
Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith, 1st Vice President, Women in Ministry
Rev. Tarachel Goodman, 2nd Vice President, Women in Ministry
Mrs. Ashley Richards, President, Clergy Family Organization
Mrs. Denise Brown, Directory, Young People’s Department
Mr. Joseph Brown, President, Young People’s Department
MOUNTAIN VALLEY DISTRICT LEADERSHIP
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Mr. Delbert Hodge, District Consultant
TBA - Administrative Assistant to the Presiding Elder
Mr. Shaylan Richardson, Director, Music Ministry
Rev. Tarachel Goodman, Worship Leader
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler, Budget and Finance Chairperson
Rev. Charles Wright, Budget and Finance Co-Chair
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Dean, Board of Examiners
Sis. Joann Thompson, President, Lay Organization
Rev. Eve-Lynn Hopkins, Coordinator, Women in Ministry
Sis.. Linda Arroyo, President, Women’s Missionary Society
Ms. Angelica Rucker, Director, Young People’s Department
Rev. Quanta Crews, President, RAYAC
Rev. Leroy Alaman, President, Sons of Allen
Rev. Jasmon Cornick, President, Clergy Family Organization
Rev. Ellen Scott, Prayer Ministry
SECTION 2
Structure (HOW WE WORK)
ORGANIZATION COMMITTEES
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Fifth Episcopal District
Desert-Mountain Conference 2024-2025
Organization
Mountain Valley District Presiding Elder
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv
MVD Administrative Assistant (TBA)
Church School Superintendent
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern
Music Ministry
Bro. Shaylan Richardson, Director
Bro. Mikal Franklin
Rev. Michael Hopkins
MVD Worship Leader
Rev. Tarachel Goodman
MVD Prayer Ministry Leader
Rev. Ellen Scott
MVD Finance Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to assist the Presiding Elder in establishing the RMD Budget, collecting funds as required (offerings, registrations, etc), and payment of honorariums.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Chair
Rev. Charles Wright
Rev. LeSean Tarkington
Rev. Brenda Hector
Rev. Stephen Garnett
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler
Rev. Arnold Jackson
Rev. Shelby Goodman
Rev. William Cornick, Jr.
Rev. Tonya Taylor
Ad Hoc Committees
(open to receive additional members)
Technology & Communications Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to assist the Presiding Elder with technology matters, and improve social media presence and communications to the Conference.
Sis. Clarissa Shaw
Rev. Jasmon Cornick
Rev. Corey Moore
Bro. Les Berry
Rev. Askia Stewart
Bro. Kenny
Sis. Destinee Williams
Connections Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to enhance relationships within the district by facilitating meaningful connections, encouraging collaborative efforts, and cultivating an environment of belonging and shared purpose.
Rev. Corey Moore
Rev. Jasmon Cornick
Rev. Jesse Dompreh
Amira
Celebrations Committee: The purpose of this committee shall be to create meaningful recognition processes and events which will build a stronger sense of community, appreciation, and shared joy, reinforcing the unity within the district.
Rev. Tonya Taylor
Rev. Rachel Jack
Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon, Sr.
Rev. Minnie Wharry
Founders Day Committee – The purpose of this committee shall be to assist the Presiding Elder in the planning and execution of the Annual Founders Day Celebration.
Rev. Brenda Hector
Rev. Gerald Richard
Rev. Jesse Dompreh
Rev. LeSean Tarkington
Rev. Shelby Goodman
District Conference Committee – The purpose of this committee shall be to assist the Presiding Elder in planning and executing the Annual District Conference. Dates – April 3-5, 2025 Host – Grant Chapel, Albuquerque, NM
Rev. Gerald Richard, III
Rev. Charles Wright
Rev. Michael Permillion
Rev. Brenda Hector
Rev. Eric Taylor
Rev. Daryell Jackson
Church School Convention Committee – The purpose of this committee shall be to work with the Church School Superintendent to identify Church School Activities throughout the MVD, plan and execute an annual Church School Convention.
Rev. Vada Southern, Chair
Rev. Arnold Jackson
Sis. Jane E. Johnson
Retreat Planning Committee – The purpose of this committee shall be to 1) represent the MVD on the 5th District Retreat Planning Committee goals; 2) explore the feasibility of a pastor/spouses retreat to support the MVD mental health goals.
Rev. Tonya Taylor
Rev. Will Cornick
Rev. Brenda Hector
Rev. Dr. Jovetia Watson
Rev. Corey Moore
Sis. Leslie Taylor
Rev. Tarachel Goodman
Training & Education Committee -
This committee shall identify Training & Professional Development opportunities to be 1) hosted by the MVD and/or 2) recommended to the local congregations for consideration. Members TBD
Engage with us...join a Committee
Conference Organization
Chief Secretary of the Conference: Rev. Dr. Geleta A. Smith
STATE OF THE CHURCH - Rev. Michael Permillion, Chair
Rev. Brenda Hector, Rev. William Cornick Jr., Rev. Eric Taylor. Delegates: Deborah Harris (Harbert Chapel), Russlyn Wells (Prince Chapel), Frances Lupoe (Greater Bethel), Evg. Lowell Norling (Embry), Ruth Parrish (Shorter).
STATE OF THE COUNTRY - Rev. Gerald Richard, Chair
Rev. Dr. Jesse Dompren, Rev. Arnold Jackson. Delegates: Sulie Richardson (Tanner), Sandra Shepphard (Murph), Leslie Taylor (Queen Creek Mission), Yolandra Prentice Brooks (First AME), Evg. Lowell Norling (Embry).
TEMPERANCE - Rev. Dr. Jesse Dompreh, Chair
Rev. Brenda Hector, Rev. Jovetia Watson, Rev. Eric Taylor. Delegates: Dr. Linda Garrett (Mt. Moriah), Valeria Wilhoite Brooks (St. Paul), Evangelist Randy Taylor (Harbert Chapel), Timothy Wells (Price Chapel), Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity).
EVANGELISM - Rev. Daryell Jackson, Chair
Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. LeSean Tarkington, Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter, Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor. Delegates: Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah), Evangelist Vashi Moore (Holy Trinity), Allison Smith (Grant), Bernadette Rodriguez (Sierra Vista), Ruth Parrish (Shorter), Marilyn Lee (Campbell).
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION - Rev. Charles Wright, Chair
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern, Rev. Corey Moore, Rev. Tonya Taylor. Delegates: Adora Griffin (Tanner), Rogelio Zepeda Garza (The Word Of God), Yolandra Prentice Brooks (First AME, Pueblo), Jane E. Johnson (Payne).
CHRISTIAN STEWARDSHIP - Rev. Eve-Lynn Hopkins, Chair
Rev. Gerald Richard, Rev. Daryell Jackson, Rev. Dr. Jesse Dompreh. Delegates: Rogelio Zepeda Garza (The Word of God), Rev. Jasmon Cornick (Murph), Sandra Douglas (Jordan), Lawrence Presbury (Allen Chapel).
Rev. Dr. Helen Hunter, Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. Daryell Jackson. Delegates: Allison Smith (Grant Chapel), Albert Smith (Owen Chapel), Sandra Douglas (Jordan), Jane E. Johnson (Payne Chapel).
CLASSIFICATION OF CHURCHES - Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith, Chair
Rev. Stephen Garnett, Rev. Dr. Vada Southern, Rev. Corey Moore. Delegates: Rev. Angel Green (Holy Trinity), Yolandra Prentice-Brooks (First AME, Pueblo), Jane E. Johnson (Payne), Ruth Parrish (Shorter).
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS - Rev. Shelby Goodman, Chair
Rev. Corey Moore, Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor, Rev. Michael Permillion, Rev. Stephen Garnett*. Delegates: Valerie Wilhoite Brooks (St. Paul), Mary Poore (Owen Chapel), Arlene Whittaker-Ezidore (Historic Trinity), Lawrence Presbury (Allen Chapel).
CLASSIFICATION OF MINISTERS - Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith, Chair
LOCAL CHURCH INSURANCE - Rev. Dr. Vada Southern, Chair
Rev. Dr. Geleta Smith, Rev. Eve-Lynn Hopkins. Delegates: Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah), Ruth Parrish (Shorter), Marilyn Lee (Campbell Chapel).
SOCIAL ACTION - Rev. Arnold Jackson, Chair
Rev. Dr. Timothy Tyler, Rev. Gerald Richard, Rev. Jovetia Watson. Delegates: Rev. Tarachel Goodman (Sierra Vista), Ruth Parrish (Shorter), Sandra Douglas (Jordan), Lawrence Presbury (Allen).
PRESIDING ELDER APPORTIONMENT - Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas Sr., Chair
Rev. Dr. Timothy E. Tyler, Rev. Michael Permillion, Rev. LeSean Tarkington*, Rev. Charles Wright, Presiding Elder: Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge Delegates: Rev. Jasmon Cornick (Murph), Dr. Linda Garrett (Mt. Moriah), Jane E. Johnson (Payne), Marilyn Lee (Campbell).
CHURCH GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT- Rev. Charles Wright (Chair)
Rev. Tonya Taylor, Rev. Michael Permillion, Rev. Shelby Goodman, Rev. Dr. Hilton J. McClendon, Sr. Delegates: Cherrie Sharrod (Greater Bethel), Valerie Wilhoite Brooks (St. Paul), Marilyn Lee (Campbell), Sandra Douglas (Jordan).
PUBLIC RELATIONS - Rev. Corey Moore (Chair), Rev. Stephen Garnett, Rev. Dr. Shiame Okunor, Rev. Eric Taylor. Delegates: Rev. Angela Green (Holy Trinity), Tara Ashley (Howard), Vickie Thomas (Mt. Moriah), Jane E. Johnson (Payne).
SECTION 3
SECTION 4
SONS OF ALLEN
Component Leadership
Rev. M. Leroy Alaman (Co-Chair), Bro Les Berry (Co-Chair)
Rev. Arnold Jackson, Rev. Daryell Jackson, Rev. Charles Wright. Delegates: (Payne), Albert Simon (Owen), Sandra Douglas (Jordan), Vicki Thomas (Mt. Moriah), Rogelio Zepeda Garza (The Word of God), Lawrence Presbury (Allen).
Desert Mountain Conference Mountain Valley District
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
District Alignment Goals - Conference Year 2024-2025
Acts 16:25-26 Mental Health
How can the Mountain Valley District support your goals this year?
What is your plan for engaging with and connecting to your local church?
What is your plan for engaging with and connecting with the Mountain Valley District?
Mountain Valley District
Mountain Valley District – Vision / Engagement
■ Mission – Unify the district utilizing a structured collaborative team approach to ensure mission alignment, improve communications, reduce burnout, increase operational efficiency, and achieve overall ministry effectiveness.
■ District Engagement
– Establish 3 Ad Hoc Committees (representatives from each State) with an intentional focus on: ■ Connections ■ Celebrations
■
PE Sheriolyn Curry Hodge – MVD Alignment Goals
Women in Ministry – Leadership / Mission
Women in Ministry – Alignment Goals
Women In Ministry – Support / Calendar
WMS – Leadership / Mission
■ Leadership Linda Arroyo, President
■ Mission: Continue the ministry of Jesus Christ through service and witness
WMS– Alignment Goals
■ Mental Health
– Trauma to Transformation workshops (being safe to feeling safe)
– Mindfulness and Self-care strategies to focus, relax and release stress.
– Table talks - health, family, nutrition, finance, goals, etc.
■ Music
– Utilizing social media tools to engage congregations and community to tap into their spirituality through music, dance, art, theatre
– intergenerational playlist - hymns to hip hop
■ Mission
– DMC Skills Bank - Utilizing our internal talents to strengthen the church.
– T.O.Y. box (Thinking of You) - Connect with youth who are away at school, retired pastors, seniors, sick and shut-in with small gifts, food and letters of encouragement.
– Story within the Story - YPD interviews with members, officers and pastors about their AME journey.
WMS– Support / Calendar
YPD – Leadership / Mission
■ Leadership
– Tatiyana Mack: DMC YPD President
– Brendon Prentice -Brooks: DMC Worship Director
– Angelica Rucker: DMC YPD Director
■ Mission:
– Connectional: “As a unified body with Christ-like qualities, we will build a Connectional bond that demonstrates pride through education, communication and mission work.”
– DMC: To cultivate and nourish an environment that encourages children and young people to establish and build an intimate relationship with God, wholistically love themselves and one another, and prepare them to reflect and share Jesus, Light of the World!
YPD – Alignment Goals
■ Mental Health – Holy Emotions: Devotion/Bible Study – YPD Podcast (potential titles: “What’s On Your Mind”/ “Make Room”)
■ Music – Local/ Area Step Teams and Praise Dance Ministries
– DMC YPD Worship Playlist
■ Mission – Quarterly Mission Projects that focus on the following
■ Ameliorating hunger
■ Encouraging health and well-being
■ Educational/academic excellence
YPD – Support / Calendar
SUPPORT Requested from the MVD:
• Back 2 Basics: Formal and informal training modalities for Pastors, WMS, and Church Auxiliaries to educate stake holders in the Purpose and Mission of the YPD.
• Prioritizing local, area and conference fair share and financial obligations throughout conference year.
• Continued support through mental health and awareness programs hosted throughout conference year.
2024-2025 CALENDAR: (See attached)
RAYAC – Leadership / Mission
■ Leadership – Rev. Quanta Crews: RAYAC President
Lic. Brooke Blaylark: RAYAC Vice President
Sis. Tori Gibson: Secretary – Sis. Destinee Williams: Treasurer
■ Mission:
– Connectional: “The mission of the RAYAC is to minister to the intellectual (mind), physical (body) and spiritual (spirit) needs of the members of the AME Church.”
– MVC: “Develop a spiritually grounded, thriving Desert Mountain R.A.Y.A.C. empowered to actively engage in the life, maintenance and growth of our church.”
RAYAC
■ Mental Health – Hope First Virtual Holy Happy Hour (Bible Study/Fellowship and Spiritual, Mental and Emotional Check In)
■ Leadership To encourage the Conference and Local Leaders to strengthen the relationship between our clergy leadership and the laity of the church, on the Conference and Local levels, through open and honest dialogue that reflects the love of God. Be intentional about including those members between the age of 21 years and 40 years to step into Lay Leadership roles.
■ Mission:
– To have adults between the age of 18 years and 40 years utilize social media and a newsletter to promote information on mental health.
– To encourage every Lay member to actively support the total program of their local church, the District and the Connectional Church.
– To encourage every Lay member to financially support the Presiding Elder District Programs/Meetings, Annual Conference and Bishop’s meetings.
LAY – Alignment Goals
■ Mental Health
– Complying a daily devotional that focus on mental health.
– Be a safe place where Lay members can honestly talk about “Not Being Okay” and helping them to “Not Staying Not Okay”. First Aid Training.
– Continue to offer Workshops on Self Care.
■ Music
– Incorporate all genres of music in our services by teaching the history of our hymns, spirituals, Praise and Worships. – Continue to incorporate dance and drama in our programs. – Use music as an outreach tool to help in Mental Health.
■ Mission
– To finds ways to be a place of recovery for our community around us.
– Host community events related to mental health.
– Host resource fairs.
LAY – Support / Calendar
SUPPORT Requested from the MVD:
v Encourage each Pastor to work closely with establishing a Lay Organization in their church and to allow us to work with them and not against them.
v To encourage all Pastors and clergy members to financially support the DMACLO Annual Convention and Lay Witness Night Programs.
2024-2025 CALENDAR:
16, 2024
Sons of Allen – Leadership & Mission
Sons of Allen – Alignment Goals
Section 5 Calendars
• Quarterly Conference Schedule
• Mountain Valley District Schedule
• 5th Episcopal District Schedule
Quarterly Conference Schedule
November 2, 2024
November 12, 2024
November 29, 2024
December 12, 2024
February 9, 2025
February 15, 2025
March 5, 2025
Mountain Valley District
CALENDAR DATES 2024 - 2025
Mountain Valley District Planning Meeting
Presiding Elder & First Gentleman Hodge Anniversary
Mission Possible Board Meeting Southern California Annual Conference (SCA)
Election Day
Mission Possible Board Meeting Pacific Northwest Annual Conference (PNW)
November 7, 2024
Mission Possible Board Meeting California Annual Conference (CA)
November 11, 2024
November 28, 2024
December
December 1, 2024
December 1, 2024
December 4-5, 2024
December 24, 2024
December 25, 2024
January
January 1, 2025
January 20, 2025
January 22 – 25, 2025
January 25 – 26, 2025
January 23 – 25, 2025
Veterans Day
Mission Possible Board Meeting Desert Mountain Annual Conference (DM)
Thanksgiving Day
World Aids Day
First day of Advent
General Board Meeting
Atlanta Marriott Marquis, Atlanta, GA
Christmas Eve
Christmas Day
New Years Day
MLK Day – YPD On not a day off
WMS Executive Board Meeting
Host: 5th District (Garden Grove, CA)
YPD Executive Board and YAM Meeting
Council of Bishops’ Retreat
February
February 9, 2025
February 14, 2025
February 15, 2025
March
March 5 – 6, 2025
March 14 – 16, 2025
May
May 7 – 14, 2025
June
June 2024
July
July 7-11, 2025
July 24, 2025
August
August 13 – 16, 2025
August 27 – 30, 2025
September
September 9 – 13, 2025
September 24 – 28, 2025
October
October 8 – 11, 2025
October 22 – 25, 2025
October 27 – 28, 2025
YPD Souper Bowl of Caring
Founder’s Day
Supervisor Burnett’s Birthday
5th Episcopal District Mid-Year, Los Angeles, CA
Pan Methodist Commission & Consultation
YPD Self Denial Week
Council of Bishops and General Board Meeting TBD
Connectional Lay Organization
The 39th Biennial Convention
Atlanta Marriott Marquis - Atlanta, GA
Bishop Brookins’ Birthday
Pacific Northwest Annual Conference
Allen AME Church, Tacoma
Desert Mountain Annual Conference Payne Chapel AME Church, Colorado Springs, CO
California Annual Conference
Southern California Annual Conference
Midwest Annual Conference
Missouri Annual Conference
5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting
MISSION
The Technology Committee is dedicated to assisting churches in evaluating and refining their digital presence, including websites, social media, and online communication strategies. We aim to facilitate effective use of technology that enhances ministry, outreach, and congregational engagement, ensuring that each church can effectively share its message and connect with its community.
OBJECTIVES
DIGITAL ASSESSMENT
Develop a framework for evaluating the current digital presence of each church in the district, identifying strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for improvement in areas such as website functionality, social media engagement, and online communication.
TRAINING / RESOURCES
Organize workshops, webinars, and/or training sessions to equip pastors and church leaders with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage their digital platforms, including content creation, social media strategies, and website management.
PROMOTE BEST PRACTICES
Create and distribute guidelines and resources that outline best practices for effective digital ministry, including strategies for engaging congregants online, utilizing technology for worship services, and enhancing community outreach efforts through digital means.
MISSION
The Connections Committee is dedicated to enhancing relationships among pastors and churches by facilitating meaningful connections, encouraging collaborative initiatives, and cultivating an environment of belonging and shared purpose.
OBJECTIVES
COMMUNICATIONS
Establish regular communication channels (e.g. newsletters, social media groups, and online forums to share resources, news, and spiritual insights among pastors/churches, enhancing connectivity and engagement.
COLLABORATION
organize joint events, workshops, and outreach projects that encourage pastors to work together, share best practices, an support each other in ministry efforts, creating a culture of collaboration.
SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
Create opportunities for spiritual retreats, prayer gatherings, and mentorship programs that promote personal and professional growth, accountability, and spiritual renewal among pastors.
INCLUSIVITY AND BELONGING
Develop initiatives that actively seek to include diverse voices and perspectives within the district, ensuring that all feel valued.
MISSION
The Celebrations Committee is dedicated to honoring the accomplishments and significant life events within our district by creating meaningful recognition processes and events. We aim to build a stronger sense of community, appreciation, and shared joy, reinforcing our unity and celebrating the blessings in our lives and ministries.
OBJECTIVES
RECOGNITION
Develop a structured process to recognize and honor notable achievements, such as ordinations, anniversaries, and significant milestones among pastors and leaders, ensuring that these accomplishments are celebrated publicly.
CELEBRATORY EVENTS
Plan and execute annual celebrations, such as a district-wide awards ceremony or fellowship gatherings, to honor life events and accomplishments, creating opportunities for pastors, leaders, and congregants to come together in joy and gratitude.
PERSONAL ENGAGEMENT
Foster a culture where pastors and leaders are encouraged to share their personal milestones and achievements, promoting a sense of belonging and support while strengthening relationships across the district.
Community canvass opportunities in Arizona, a swing State
State Representative Rev. Quanta Crews and Former President Bill Clinton VOTE VOTE VOTE NOVEMBER 5, 2024
