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
Office: 3540 E. Baseline Rd., Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ 85042
Phone: 480-980-1494
Email: PEHodgeMVD@gmail.com
5 States 21 Churches
To the Pastors, Officers, Members, and Friends of the Mountain Valley District,
It is with great joy and deep gratitude that I welcome you to the Mountain Valley District Planning Meeting. What a blessing it is to gather once again as a family of faith spanning five states and twenty-one churches united by our shared commitment to the work of Christ.
We continue to embrace the 5th District theme of Rise Up and Sing! Amid the myriad of challenges happening simultaneously in our world, we were reminded that caring for ourselves is not selfish it is sacred. Caring for each other is not a chore, but a privilege. By tending to our mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, we not only honor the gift of life God has given us, but we also demonstrate a commitment to being the best version of ourselves as we hold one another accountable and provide the support our communities need.
Rise Up and Sing! This year, we shift our focus more deeply to the gift of Music particularly the hymns that carried our people through trying times. These sacred songs are more than melodies; they are testimonies of resilience, faith, and hope. The hymns of our heritage have reminded us, even in the darkest valleys, that God is still with us, sustaining us with strength and courage. They call us to worship, to persevere, and to keep moving forward with joy.
A special welcome to our new pastors, Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith (Shorter), Rev. Sharon Arvil (Owen Chapel), and Rev. Margaret D. Graham (First AME Pueblo), and Rev. Brenda Hector (Jordan). I believe the Mountain Valley District is complete and we are poised to make great impact in our respective communities.
Thank you for your faithfulness, your prayers, and your tireless and sacrificial work on behalf of the Kingdom of God. Let’s continue to serve God’s people with excellence.
With joy and gratitude,
Sheriolyn Curry Hodge
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge
Presiding Elder
MOUNTAIN VALLEY DISTRICT PLANNING MEETING BUSINESS SESSION AGENDA November 8,2025
VIAZOOM:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/6240525693?omn=87916434919
1. Introduction of Presiding Elder & 1st Gentleman
2. Roll Call (Including New Pastors)
3. Morning Scripture – Psalm 96
4. Welcome from the Presiding Elder
5. District Organization / Committees
1. Conference Elected/Appointed Committees
2. MVD Committees
3. Conference Literary Committees
4. Component Leadership
6. District Calendar
1. Founders Day – Rev. Gerald Richard, Esq (Chair)
2. MVD Lent Worship – Rev. Tarachel Goodman (Chair)
3. District Conference – Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr. (Chair)
4. Church School Convention – Rev. Dr. Vada Southern (Chair)
5. Annual Conference – Rev. Arnold Jackson (General Chair)
7. Component Leadership Reports
1. Women’s Missionary Society – Sis. Linda Arroyo
2. YPD – Sis.Angelica Rucker
3. Women in Ministry – Rev. Angela Miller
4. Lay Organization – Sis. Joann Thompson
5. RAYAC – Rev. Quanta Crews
6. Sons Of Allen – Rev. Leroy Alaman
7. Clergy Family Organization – Bro. Delbert Hodge
8. Quarterly Conference Dates
9. Q & A
10. Closing Prayer
District Consultant
African Methodist Episcopal Church
Fifth Episcopal District
Desert Mountain Conference
Mountain Valley District
Reverend Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, MDiv, Presiding Elder
Mr. Delbert Hodge
District Financial Advisor .................................................................................. Rev. Shelby Goodman
Administrative Staff
Assistant to the Presiding Elder..............................................................................
Rev. Denalyon Franklin
Conference Chief Secretary Rev. Dr. Geleta A.S. Smith
Assistant Conference Secretary Sis. Regina Bryels
Conference Statistician.....................................................................................................Rev. Corey Moore
Chief Marshall to the Bishop ................................................................................. Rev. Tarachel Goodman
Board of Examiners ..............................................................................Rev. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Dean
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith*, Rev. Arnold Jackson, Rev. William Cornick Jr., Rev. Dr. Geleta A. Smith, Rev. Michael Permillion, Rev. Dr. Sakena Young-Skaggs, Adjunct Instructor
Prayer Ministry Leader..........................................................................................................
Rev. Ellen Scott
MVD Worship Leader Rev. Tarachel Goodman
Music Director .........................................................................................................Bro. Shaylan Richardson
Church School Superintendent ..............................................................................Rev. Dr. Vada Southern
Disaster Relief Coordinator TBD
Health Commission ................................................................................................................................... TBD
Conference Organization
District (MVD) Finance Budget Committee
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, Rev. Shelby Goodman
Conference Finance Committee
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas Sr., Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith*, Rev. Arnold Jackson
Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. Dr. Vada Southern
Lay:Sis. Frances Lupoe , Sis. Joann Thompson, Bro. Ronald Washington
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder, Ex-officio
Conference Board of Trustees .......................................................Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, Chair*
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas Sr., Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. LeSean Tarkington, Rev. Arnold Jackson
Rev. Dr. Vada Southern Lay:
Attorney Barbara Blanton Greene, Esquire , Sis. Joanne Thompson (Lay Organization), Sis. Linda Arroyo (DMC WMS), Sis. Blanche Abernathy
Ex-officio: Presiding Elder Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge
Commission on Ministerial Efficiency
Rev. Arnold Jackson, Chair
Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. William Cornick Jr., Rev. Michael Permillion*, Rev. Eve-Lynn Hopkins
Judicial Committee 2024-2026 ............................................................
Rev. Gerald Richard, Esq., Chair
Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. LeSean Tarkington*, Rev. Dr. Geleta A. Smith, Rev. Michael Permillion
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder, Ex-officio
Presiding Elder’s Apportionment
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Thomas, Sr., Chair
Rev. Allison Cannady-Smith, Rev. Charles Wright, Rev. Arnold Jackson, Rev. LeSean Tarkington
Rev. Shelby Goodman
Lay: Sis. Joanne Thompson, Sis. Adora Griffin, Sis. Frances Lupoe, Sis. Vicki Thomas, Bro. Lawrence Presbury
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder, Ex-officio
Component Leadership
Lay Organization Sis. Joann Thompson, President Women in Ministry..................................................................................
Rev. Angela Miller, Coordinator
Women’s Missionary Society.....................................................................Sis. Linda Aroyyo. President
YPD.......................................................................................................................Angelica Rucker, Director
RAYAC ........................................................................................................
Sons Of Allen...............................................................................................
Ms. Makayla Hart, President
Rev. Quanta Crews, President
Rev. Leroy Alaman, President
Clergy Family Organization Bro. Delbert Hodge
Presiding Elders Apportionment:
Dueonthe1stofeachmonth,payableto MOUNTAIN VALLEY DISTRICT.
Waystosubmit:
1. Bank to bank:ACHdirectlyfromyourbanktothedistrictbankaccount. WellsFargo,a/c2466222433(AccountName:RockyMountainDistrict)
2. Zelle:usingemail: PEHodgeMVD@gmail.com
3. Church check:
a. Writeachurchcheckanddeposititintothedistrictaccount.
b. Writeachurchcheckandmailittotheaddressbelow: PresidingElderSheriolynCurryHodge,2922E.ConstanceWay,Phoenix,AZ85042
AllpaymentsaremadeouttotheMountainValleyDistrict
MidyearandAnnualConferenceBudgets
½GeneralBudgetDue: February1,2026 (forMidyear)and Jully24,2026(AnnualConference)
TheRemainderofallbudgetitemsDue:February15,2026(Midyear)& August1,2026(AnnualConference)
Allothergatherings,thefinancialobligationsareduetwoweeksbeforetheevent.
MOUNTAIN VALLEY DISTRICT FOUNDERS DAY (2026)
Date: February 7, 2026
Location: Virtual
Committee: Rev.GeraldRichard(Chair),Rev.BrendaHector,Rev.LeSean Tarkington,Rev.ShelbyGoodman,Sis.JoannThompson
MOUNTAIN VALLEY DISTRICT CONFERENCE (2026) District Conference Assessment: Registration andOffering
Date:April 16-18, 2026
Location: TBD
Committee Members:
Rev.BenjaminN.Thomas,Sr.(Chair),Rev.AllisonCannady-Smith,Rev.Dr.GeletaA.S. Smith,Rev.Dr.HiltonJ.McClendon,Rev.DaryellJackson,Rev.StephenGarnett,Joann Thompson.
Date:the4th TuesdayofeachMonth
Time:6:30pm
ViaZoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81284362915?pwd=GtKC2u5uwAn4Axa67mXZfVe5Dv5a9L.1
2025
November 11th Veterans Day. Pray and Offer Thanks
November 11th Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Ministry Overview
November 12th Presiding Elder Sheriolyn & Delbert Hodge Anniversary
November 27th
Thanksgiving Day
November 30th 1st Day of Advent
December 1st World Aids Day
December 24TH---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Christ-mass Eve
December 25th Christmas Day
2026
January 1st New Year’s Day
January 6th Epiphany of the Lord
January 12-14 AME Department of Church Growth & Development 38th Annual Church Growth Seminar
January 19th MLK Day – YPD On not a day off
January 28th – 31st WMS Executive Board Meeting & LTI
February 7th Founder’s Day – Virtual Celebration
February 9th – 18th Presiding Elder & Delbert Hodge in Cairo, Egypt
February 14th Bishop Richard Allen Birthday / Valentine’s Day
February 15th ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Supervisor Miriam J. Burnett’s Birthday
February 19th - 21st Global Development Council, Maputo, Mozambique
March 2nd – 4th 5th Episcopal District Mid-Year Los Angeles, CA
April 3rd Good Friday
April 5th Easter
April 14th -16th MVD District Conference (Location TBD)
May 10th Mother’s Day
June 12th District Consultant Delbert Hodge Birthday
June 15th Presiding Elder Sheriolyn Hodge Birthday
June 21st Father’s Day
June 22nd -25th General Board & Investiture, Orlando, FL
June 24th – 27th 30th Quadrennial Christian Education & Youth Congress
July 4th----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Independence Day
July 17th
Connectional YPD
July 20th Connectional Women In Ministry Quadrennial
July 24th Bishop Francine Brookins’ Birthday
August 11th – 15th Pacific Northwest Annual Conference, Seattle, WA
August 25th – 29th Desert Mountain Annual Conference, Phoenix, AZ
September 8th – 12th California Annual Conference, Sacramento, CA
September 22nd – 26th Missouri Annual Conference, St. Louis MO
October 6th – 11th
October 20th – 25th
October 26th – 27th
To Be Scheduled:
❖ Clergy Retreat
Midwest Annual Conference, Kansas City
Southern California Annual Conference Los Angeles, CA
5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting, Los Angeles, CA
❖ Christian Education (Church School) Convocation
❖ 5th District Family Outing
❖ Mission Possible visits in each Conference
Church leaders and members, are you truly equipped to protect your congregation and loved ones if disaster strikes? Emergencies don’t wait for us to get ready and every moment you invest today could safeguard someone tomorrow. We have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide essential disaster preparedness training and certification—normally a costly, professional benefit—now available to you and your congregation, completely free. This is your opportunity to gain life-saving skills and build teams across our Annual Conferences, Presiding Elder Districts, and local churches without the usual expense.
Disasters come in many forms from earthquakes, fires, and storms to sudden economic hardship, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare. Every church is called to leadership, service, and compassion in times of crisis. Are you ready to answer that call?
Join the Fifth Episcopal District Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Ministry
Overview: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time (Virtual Session)
• Discover how you can receive professional training, certification, and practical resources to establish your church's Disaster Response Team.
• Learn best practices in emergency planning, assess your church and community’s readiness, and see exactly what support and expertise you’ll receive by participating.
• This ministry strengthens both faith and safety. The investment just a little of your time costs nothing, but the benefits are invaluable.
Two steps to register:
1. Fill out the Disaster Activity Interest Form: https://forms.gle/8F9NhzPpmyrQAHkR9
2. Sign up for the virtual training overview: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tiBEzpmRRt6W057Cxeri7g
Faith in Action - Hope in Crisis - Unity in Service
This invitation is about more than just training; it's about living out our calling as stewards and leaders ready for anything, prepared to serve, and equipped to make a real difference.
Rev. Steven D. Shepard, Sr. Director, 5th District Disaster Preparedness
Rev. Dr. Miriam J. Burnett, MPH Episcopal Supervisor 5th Episcopal District
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq. Presiding Prelate 5th Episcopal District
Lead the Way: Prepare Your Church and Community At No Cost
Church leaders and members, are you truly equipped to protect your congregation and loved ones if disaster strikes? Emergencies don’t wait for us to get ready—and every moment you invest today could safeguard someone tomorrow.
We have partnered with the American Red Cross to provide essential disaster preparedness training and certification—normally a costly, professional benefit—now available to you and your congregation, completely free. This is your opportunity to gain life-saving skills and build teams across our Annual Conferences, Presiding Elder Districts, and local churches without the usual expense.
Disasters come in many forms from earthquakes, fires, and storms to sudden economic hardship, food insecurity, and lack of healthcare. Every church is called to leadership, service, and compassion in times of crisis. Are you ready to answer that call?
Join the Fifth Episcopal District Disaster Preparedness, Response and Recovery Ministry Overview: Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 6:00 PM Pacific Time (Virtual Session)
• Discover how you can receive professional training, certification, and practical resources to establish your church's Disaster Response Team.
• Learn best practices in emergency planning, assess your church and community’s readiness, and see exactly what support and expertise you’ll receive by participating.
• This ministry strengthens both faith and safety. The investment—just a little of your time—costs nothing, but the benefits are invaluable.
Two steps to register:
1. Fill out the Disaster Activity Interest Form: https://forms.gle/8F9NhzPpmyrQAHkR9
2. Sign up for the virtual training overview: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tiBEzpmRRt6W057Cxeri7g
Faith in Action - Hope in Crisis - Unity in Service
This invitation is about more than just training; it's about living out our calling as stewards and leaders ready for anything, prepared to serve, and equipped to make a real difference.
Rev. Steven D. Shepard, Sr.
Director, 5th District Disaster Preparedness
Rev. Dr. Miriam J. Burnett, MPH
Episcopal Supervisor 5th Episcopal District
Bishop Francine A. Brookins, Esq.
Presiding Prelate 5th Episcopal District
Desert Mountain Conference
Mountain Valley District DISTRICT CONFERENCE REPORT
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder
Component: Women’s Missionary Society
LEADER Name(s):
Linda Arroyo, President
Ministry Alignment Goals:
Elevating the Essence of Missions - Provide education, training and service to the local churches and community through district initiatives and local WMS outreach.
Mental Health
● Let’s Grow Together (gardening)
● Legacy Library Project (church libraries and liberation study initiative)
● Maintaining Mindfulness Through Music and Movement
Music
● Lyrics and Literacy
● Ancestral Songs
● Support Youth Choirs
Mission - Back to Basics
● Outreach and travel to local churches
● Training workshops (budget, organization, leadership, fundraising, data, recruitment and retention)
● Resources and activities for spiritual growth and development
What is your plan for engaging and connecting the Mountain Valley District?
● Travel and outreach to Sierra Vista, Utah and Wyoming churches.
● Continuation of implementation strategies and programs that address WMS 5th District goals toward
❖ No Poverty
Resource information; Housing referrals; Pop-up Shops
❖ Zero Hunger Food pantries; SNAP information; community gardens
❖ Good Health and Well Being
Self-care, exercise programs; mental health discussions; etc.
❖ Quality Education Legacy Library initiative (church and community); 5th District scholarships; summer educational support workshops.
❖ Partnerships for the Goals Church Women United; NAACP; Scouts; AMEC Ministries
How can the Mountain Valley District support your goals this year?
● Offer support and encouragement to both established and new WMS/YPD societies as outlined in the Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church.
● Supply articles, images, and details for inclusion in the DMC WMS “Be the Light” quarterly newsletter
Please attach your 2024-2025 Calendar
Signature Date
LindaArroyo 11-6-2025
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY - Alignment Goals
ELEVATING THE ESSENCE OF MISSIONS
Provide education, training and service to the local churches and community through district initiatives and local WMS outreach
Mental Health
• Let’s Grow Together
• Legacy Library Project
• Maintaining Mindfulness Through Music Music
• Lyrics and Literacy
• Ancestral Songs
• Support Youth Choirs
Mission - Back to Basics
• Outreach to local churches
• Training Workshops
WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY - Support Request
• Offer support and encouragement to both established and new WMS/YPD societies as outlined in the Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church
• Supply articles, images, and details for inclusion in the DMC WMS “Be the Light” quarterly newsletter.
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!
• President: Makayla Hart
• Parliamentarian: Jada Davis
• Worship Leader: Branden PrenticeBrooks
• YPD Director: Angelica Rucker
The Character of God: Devotion/Bible Study Tenby10
Local/ Area Step Teams, Praise Dance, and Choral Ministries
DMC YPD Worship Playlist
Quarterly Mission Projects that focus on the following
• Ameliorating hunger
• Encouraging health and wellbeing
• Educational/academic excellence
Provide support and encouragement to both established and newly formed WMS/YPD societies in accordance with the Doctrine and Discipline of the AME Church.
Promote a communal approach of “You’re Always Home” around the conference for our young people.
Various collabartion opportunities with other ministry organizations: WMS, Lay, RAYAC, Sons of Allen
All YEAR LONG…… Freedom School: Every 1st Saturday of the month all conference year Tenby10
Monthly Highlights: (more to come….)
• December: Operation Christmas Child/ Adopt a Family, Christmas Tree Program
• January: MLK Day of Service: Make it A Day On, Not a Day Off
• February: SouperBowl Day of Caring
• April: YPD Virtual District LTI
• May: Self Denial
• June: District YPD Graduation
• July: Connectional LTI- Montgomery, Alabama
I would like to thank DMC Women in Ministry for allowing me this awesome opportunity to serve as President for this conference year
The following is a short synopsis of what the DMC/MVD Women In Ministry are planning for the new conference year. All of the items have not been approved by the body, but all are being presented for consideration.
I. I would like to start a book study with at least 2 books, one for our own personal growth and the other to enable us to cultivate our gifts and our ministries and think outside the box.
II. I would like to for us, in our respective locales, maybe even combining with other AME churches to work a project in the community i.e. help at a food bank, serve meals to the homeless, provide clothing, socks, etc. to a shelter for women. I wholeheartedly believe that when we invest in our communities, they will invest in us. While we don’t have all the answers to all their questions we serve a God who can and will take care of them and we can show them that we care, let them see Him working through us and be assured that He loves them unconditionally.
III. I would like to hold a Zoom gathering at least once a quarter at the very minimum or once a month preferably to do a sister check in and encourage each other, join each other in praise for what God is doing in our lives, pray for each other and have a safe space to lay our burdens down.
IV. I would also like to work on fundraising projects that will be relatively inexpensive for us such as a Stay-At-Home Tea where we can package a tea cup, several tea bags and perhaps a tea biscuit or other snack or collaborate with existing organizations both within and without the church and share the cost and the proceeds. I would like for us to be working out of an abundance by the end of the conference year as I know the Lord will bless us if we continue to move in His way, His will and give Him all the glory for what is to come. I am speaking it as though it were as I know what goes out to the universe, always comes back bearing fruit.
V. Continue our collaboration with the WMS in the Legacy Library project and support the Saturday Schools which are being created to ensure our children and youth have a proper understanding of their culture and legacy.
We currently have 30 dues paying members in the district. There are new women who have entered the district through the Board of Examiners this year and we will reach out to them to invite them to become members of this amazing organization.
I have also received the new forms for dues and the spreadsheet for tracking that information which will be distributed ASAP to the members and potential members of this district.
We are also continuing to recommend that all WIM take advantage of the Maximizing Ministry series on YouTube as well as other 5th District materials that will help us become all that God has called us to be.
We are going forth this year knowing that no weapon formed against us shall prosper, raising our voices in a new song praising a God who is faithful.
Desert Mountain Conference
Mountain Valley District PLANNING MEETING REPORT
Rev. Sheriolyn Curry Hodge, Presiding Elder “Rise Up and Sing”
Psalms 96:1
Component: MVD Prayer Warriors (Team)
LEADER Name(s):
Rev. Ellen Scott
Rev. Tarachel Goodman
Ministry Alignment Goals:
Mental Health
● Praying for the depressed
● Praying for those with Alzheimers, Dementia
● Praying for those with Alcoholism, repeated rehabilitation, leaving early
Music
● Singing hymns appropriate for victory over injustice and peace
Mission
● Stand in the gap through prayer and meditation for the sick
● Stand in the gap for our Bishop, Supervisor, Elder, Pastors and Retired Elders
● Stand in the gap for those suffering from mental health, prisoners, Immigration Sweeps, DEI and Families on SNAP amd furloughed individuals; hurricane victims in Jamica
What is your plan for engaging and connecting the Mountain Valley District?
We will continue to call local churches to welcome a leader to join the District Prayer Call, reporting sick, grieving, mental health issues in their churches. We are pleased to report that 2 additional churches have representatives join the Weekly Prayer Call:. Embry Chapel, Ogden Utah - Sister Addie Norling Grant Chapel, Albuquerque NM - Sister Dorthy Carlise
This Conference year we have stood in the gap for more than 65 persons since Annual Conference; that is sick, grieving and all others. We thank God for the numerous praise reports of healing and restoration.
How can the Mountain Valley District support your goals this year?
Continue to pray with us as we try to engage every congregation in the Prayer Call.
Please attach your 2025-2026 Calendar. We meet each Wednesday at 4pm Arizona Time and 5pm MDT. I am sending under separate cover the Confidential list of prayers
Signature: Rev. Ellen R. Scott
Date November 6, 202
