112th Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference Minutes, Day 1

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112TH SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OPENING BUSINESS SESSION The Opening of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference began with praise and worship brought by the worship team. The inaugural song of the conference was "The Lord has done so much for Me.” At 8:00am, the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference, under the leadership of the 125th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. and Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor, was called to order for the opening Business Session at the Charleston Area Convention Center in beautiful North Charleston, South Carolina.

Bishop began with the organization of the conference and called for the Senior Presiding Elder, Presiding Elder Dr. Juenarrl Keith to present the organization of the conference.

Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton presented the following report: President of the Conference

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr.

Secretarial Staff

Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, Secretary Reverend Leondra Stoney, Assistant Secretary Reverend Dr. Brian Williams, Assistant Secretary

Statistician

Reverend Dr. Arthur Holmes Mrs. Narveletta Stewart, Assistant Statistician Reverend John Taylor, Assistant Statistician

The motion to approve the said names for President, Secretary and Statistician was made by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton and Seconded by Reverend Carl Anderson. The motion carried.

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Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton presented the following report: Finance Committee Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith, Treasurer Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton Reverend Richard Harkness Reverend Francis McPherson Reverend Brian Swinton Reverend Carl Anderson Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomfield Reverend Eduardo Curry Mr. Gerald Williams

Reverend Dr. Betty Clark, Chair Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy Reverend William Pinckney Reverend Peggy Pope Reverend Dr. James Keeton, Jr. Mrs. Margaret Rush Mr. Samuel Darby

The motion to approve the Finance Committee Report was made by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton and Seconded by Reverend Carl Anderson. The motion carried.

Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton presented the following report: Judicial Committee Reverend James Keeton, Jr. Reverend Dr. Brian Williams Reverend Winston Jones

Rev. Dr. Juenarrl Keith. P.E., Chair Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomfield Reverend Dr. Barbara Chisolm

The motion to approve the Judicial Committee was made by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton and Seconded by Reverend Carl Anderson . The motion carried. Bishop Green advised that this Judicial Committee will serve from 2022-2024.

Presiding Elder Remus Harper presented the following report: Ministerial Efficiency Reverend Richard Harkness Reverend Carl Anderson

Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy, Chair Reverend Barbara Nelson Reverend Leondra Stoney

The motion to approve the Ministerial Efficiency was made by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton and Seconded by Reverend Samuel Johnson . The motion carried. Bishop advised that the names of the pastors who have not paid their budget and annuity should be referred to the Ministerial Efficiency Committee.

Presiding Elder Remus Harper presented the following report: Triers of Appeals Reverend Kelly Spann II Reverend Dr. Betty Clark

Reverend Remus Harper, Jr, P.E. Chair Reverend Arthur Ford Reverend Rosetta Gant-Swinton

The motion to approve the Triers of Appeals was made by Presiding Elder Remus Harper and Seconded by Reverend Samuel Johnson. The motion carried.

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Presiding Elder Remus Harper presented the following report: Conference Trustees Presiding Elder Reverend Juenarrl Keith Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. Reverend Dr. James Keeton, Jr. Reverend Dr. Betty Clark Reverend Carl Anderson Reverend Franklin Fulmore Reverend Richard Harkness Reverend Eduardo Curry Brother Anthony Vaird, Sr.

Bishop Samuel L Green, Sr. Chair Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton Reverend Jarrett B. Washington Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. Reverend Michael Burgess Reverend Arthur Holmes Reverend Aundry Evans Brother Norman Deas Sister Tamara Mathis

The motion to approve the Conference Trustees was made by Presiding Elder Remus Harper and Seconded by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton. The motion was carried.

Presiding Elder Remus Harper presented the following report: Marshalls Reverend Lowis Dorsey Reverend Timothy Cooper Reverend Willie Holmes Brother James Holmes Reverend Kelly Spann Brother Anthony Vaird, Sr. Reverend Mihael Burgess

Reverend Joe Knowlin, Chief Marshall Reverend Merrilee Sally Reverend Debra Small-Gardner Reverend Winston Jones Reverend Dr. Christopher Mathis Sister Therasa Humes Reverend Diana Davis

The motion to approve the Conference Marshalls was made by Presiding Elder Remus Harper and Seconded by Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith. The motion was carried.

Bishop Green asked Presiding Elders to review their recommendations and remind those who are not in attendance that the annual conference begins at 8 AM. The Presiding Elder Summary Reports are as follows: Mount Pleasant District: Total brought to Conference - $233,044.04 Kingstree District Total brought to Conference - $210,698.00 Georgetown District Total brought to Conference - $193,192.00

Bishop Green asked the Presiding Elders to greet the conference.

Presiding Elder Harper thanked God for an outstanding year. He thanked the Clergy and Laity of the Kingstree District for being awesome team mates. Presiding Elder thanked Bishop Green for the opportunity to serve. Bishop Green thanked Elder Harper for taking the role as acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church.

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Presiding Elder Drayton thanked God for the opportunity to serve his home district and expressed appreciation to the Clergy and Laity of the Georgetown District for their commitment. Bishop Green thanked Presiding Elder Drayton and members of the district for their commitment and labor of love.

Presiding Elder Keith thanked Bishop Green for allowing us this opportunity, and for his patience, rejoicing with the testimony that the Lord has brought me from a mighty long way. As Presiding Elder Keith expressed his gratitude to Bishop for his support, he testified of the miraculous working power of God. Bishop thanked Pastors, members of Mount Pleasant District for their support of Presiding Elder Keith and Sis. Keith. We must learn in the AME Church not to kill people off. Everyone deserves an opportunity to get well. Bishop thanked Elder Keith for allowing him in spaces that are reserved for family. Bishop requested that Presiding Elder Keith sing the song he sang at his District Closing Worship, “I made a vow to the Lord.” Presiding Elder Keith sang with confidence in the God of His salvation, reverencing God for being so good to Him. The conference erupted in praise for God’s faithfulness in our lives.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then called for the transfers: • Reverend Michelle Frayer, from Central to Palmetto Annual Conference Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. called for the Board of Examiners report.

The report for the Class on Admissions Reverend Jarrett B. Washington, Registrar of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners began reading the report.

We have examined these Licentiates as per Discipline, and respectfully recommend the following: 1. Ana Alecia Z. Blair and James Williams be admitted on trial and advanced to Class on First Year Studies in the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference in pursuit of Itinerant Orders 2. Jimmie T. Bromell be admitted on trial and advanced to Class on First Year Studies in the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference in pursuit of Local Orders. Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

3. We have consulted with these Licentiates and recommend they enroll in Dickerson Green Theological Seminary to pursue theological education.

Bishop Green informed Licentiate James Williams that he will be having a conversation with Bishop Holston of the United Methodist Church and additional action may be taken before the end of the Annual Conference.

The motion to admit Ana Alecia Z. Blair and James Williams on trial and advanced to the Class on First Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders and to admit Jimmie T Bromell on trial and advanced to Class on First Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders was made by Reverend Adrian Kollock, seconded

by Presiding Elder Sandy Drayton. The motion carried.

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The report for The Class on First Year Studies.

We have examined these Licentiates as per Discipline, and respectfully recommend the following: 1. Yvonnee Lashet Barnes, Diamond Marquis McKnight, Noel Winfred Smith be advanced to the Class on Second Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders.

Motion was made by Reverend Dr. Betty Clark and seconded by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy.

Bishop emphasized that when a motion is being made, the motion must be stated. For example, “I move that the following persons be advanced..” Not, I so move.

As the Board of Examiners continued the report for the Class on First Year Studies, the following motions were made for each individual candidate:

2. Lilia Bell Nick, Jaheim Lamell President, and Catonia Inez Dailey Prioleau 3. We have consulted with these Licentiates and recommend they enroll in Dickerson Green Theological Seminary to pursue theological education.

The motion for Lilia Bell Nick to be advanced to the Class on Second Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders was made by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy and seconded by Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. The motion for Jaheim Lamell President to be advanced to the Class on Second Year Studies with a status change from Local Orders to Itinerant Orders in pursuit of Local Orders was made by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy and seconded by Reverend Peggy Pope The motion for Catonia Inez Dailey Prioleau be advanced to the Class on Second Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders was made by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy and seconded by Reverend Dr. Betty Clark.

The report for the Class on Second Year Studies.

The Palmetto South Carolina Board of Examiners examined the following Licentiates as per Discipline and presented the following motions: 1. The motion for Jeri Elayne Goosby-Smith to be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon and Advanced to Third Year Studies was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

2. The motion for Tyrese Manigault to be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon and Advanced to Third Year Studies was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Presiding Elder Keith.

3. The motion for Anthony Michael Taylor to be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon and Advanced to Third Year Studies was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Peggy Pope.

4. The motion for Kelvin Cornelius Washington, Sr. to be elected and ordained Itinerant Deacon and Advanced to Third Year Studies was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded

by Reverend Eduardo Curry.

5. The motion for Tiffany Huger, Anthony Porter, and Wilhelmina Pittman Pressley to remain on the class of Second Year Studies in pursuit of Local Order was made by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kolllock.

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6. We have consulted with these Licentiates and recommend Dickerson Green Theological Seminary as the institution they choose to pursue theological education.

Bishop reminded candidates that this ordination is the first of two ordinations in the AME Church.

Defend polity and doctrine of the AME Church.

The report for the Class on Third Year Studies The Palmetto South Carolina Board of Examiners examined the following candidates as per Discipline and presented the following motions: 1. The motion was made for Reverend Veronica Finney to be advanced to Class on Fourth Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders by Reverend Peggy Pope and seconded by Reverend Richard Harkenss.

2. The motion was made for Reverend Jeri-Elayne Goosby Smith to be advanced to Class on Fourth Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded

by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

3. The motion for Reverends Steven Barr and Deon Seabrook to remain on Class of Third Year Studies in pursuit of Itinerant Orders was made by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded

by Reverend Adrian Kolllock.

4. The motion was made for Reverend Kaisha Chantell Stewart to be advanced to the Class on Fourth Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded

by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

5. The motion was made for Reverends L’Tanya Delphine Brown, Otis Dorsey, and Carl Johnson to remain in the Class on Third Year Studies in pursuit of Local Orders by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded by Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy.

6. We have consulted with these Reverends and recommend Dickerson Green Theological Seminary as the institution they choose to pursue theological education.

The report for the Class on Fourth Year Studies: The Palmetto South Carolina Board of Examiners examined the following candidates as per Discipline and presented the following motions: 1.

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The motion for Reverend Beverly Burgess to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made by Reverend Michael Burgess and seconded by Reverend Winston Jones.

The motion for Reverend Veronica Finney to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

The motion for Reverend Viola Hardy to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made

by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Rosetta Gant-Swinton.

The motion for Reverend Jeri-Elayne Goosby Smith to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Dr. Barbara Fludd.

The motion for Reverend Peggy Snipe to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made

by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

The motion for Reverend Dr. Pamela Vereen to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made by Reverend Richard Harkness and seconded by Reverend Jarrett Washington.

The motion for Reverend Alice Wright to be elected and ordained an Itinerant Elder was made

by Reverend Peggy Pope and seconded by Reverend Dr. Barbara Fludd.

Reverend Christopher Powell’s request to be transferred from the Palmetto Annual Conference to the Northeast Conference will be granted by Bishop Green when appointments are read.

The motion for Reverends Errick J. Brown, Marion A. Brown, Rickey Dennis, Jr., Lowis E. Dorsey, Elise M. Gatewood, Annette Huger, Gilbert Jenkins, Ronald McInnis, Christopher Powell, Barbara Ravenel, Jason Rouse, Hazel Sawyer, Kimberly Snipe, Gregory Taylor, Johnny Vereen, and

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Vincent Vereen, remain in fourth Year Studies in pursuit of itinerant orders was made by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

10. The motion for Reverend Ronald Lewis to be elected and ordained a Local Elder for Nazareth AME Church was made by Reverend Dr. Barbara Fludd and seconded by Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomsfield.

Reverend Dr. William Swinton, Jr. made a motion that the Palmetto Annual Conference offer commendations to the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners for an excellent report, seconded by Reverend Peggy Pope.

The motion to receive the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference Board of Examiners report as a whole was made by Reverend Jarrett Washington and seconded by Reverend Adrian Kollock.

Bishop presented Chief Reynolds of Charleston City Police Department and Chief Reggie Burgess of the City of North Charleston to bring greetings.

Bishop Green directed Reverend Adrian Kollock to go into a private place and prepare to preach the annual sermon.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. presented the video montage of the first set of reports from the Georgetown District. The business session adjourned at 10:25 AM.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112 SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 OPENING WORSHIP SERVICE TH

At 10:39 AM, the Opening Worship Service of the 112th Session of the Palmetto Annual Conference began with a procession of program participants, Presiding Elders, and Bishop Samuel Lawrence Green, Sr. Presiding Elder Remus Harper of the Kingstree District served as Worship Leader.

The services were moving and inspirational as the conference choir sang their souls happy with renditions of "And Are we Yet Alive", “Revelation 19:1,” and “God Is.” During the Mission Offering, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. announced that the Mission Offerings from all Conferences will be held until the Planning Meeting. At that time, the offerings will be distributed to the smaller churches for the work of ministry. Bishop stated that since 2016 the Seventh Episcopal District has presented as much as $600,000.00 to the smaller congregations in our district.

Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith rose to present Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. in his emotional account he spoke about how Bishop Green came to be by his bed of affliction in January of this year. With tears in his eyes, he expressed his gratitude to Bishop for the work he has done in the Seventh Episcopal District but the personal relationship they have shared over the years.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. presented Reverend Adrian Kollock, the preacher of the hour. He stated that due to COVID-19 protocols The Reverend Dr. James A. Keeton, would not be able to deliver the Annual Sermon. After going to God in prayer, God showed Bishop Green, The Reverend Adrian Kollock, pastor of Greater Goodwill AME Church. The Morris Brown AME Church offered the sermonic selection, “You Fight On.” His sermon was entitled,

“Figs and Folk”

Luke 13:6

Then he told this parable: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it and found none.

Reverend Kollock stated, how great our world would be if honesty ruled from every heart. People are what they do, not what they say. We must learn to cut down the parasites in every part of our life. He explained how the gardener asked for one more year to see if the tree would bear fruit. Whatever God called you to be, be the best you can be, because in this season you must produce. What an amazing word and testimony to open the series of Annual Conferences. The conference was totally blessed by the word. At the conclusion of the word, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. stood to open the doors of the church. He asked the question, “What happens if last year was, one more year, and the owner still finds no fruit?”

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We then shared in the Holy Communion where Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. served as the Chief Celebrant. We were dismissed and asked to return for business at 3PM. A copy of the entire Worship Service is attached to the Final Copy of the Minutes.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112 SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 BUSINESS SESSION NO. 2 TH

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. called the Business Session No. 2 to order at 3:15 PM, following a devotional period led by Reverend Samuel Johnson and Reverend Michael Alston.

Reverend Dr. Barbara Chisolm presented the candidates who are offering themselves for higher service in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Those attending were: • Reverend Julius McAllister, Jr., 11th Episcopal District, aspirant for Episcopal Service • Reverend Dr. Gregory V. Eason, 6th Episcopal District, aspirant for Episcopal Service • Reverend Jarrett Britton Washington, 7th Episcopal District, aspirant for Chief Information Officer • Reverend Dr. Orlando McCauley, 7th Episcopal District, aspirant for Episcopal Service • Reverend Dr. Barbara Chisolm, 7th Episcopal District, aspirant for Episcopal Service • Reverend Eduardo Curry, Esq, 7th Episcopal District, Re-Election of Judicial Council Bishop Samuel Green, Sr. called for the committee reports.

The Palmetto Annual Conference Trustee Report was read by Reverend Jarrett B. Washington. The report included the following: The Palmetto Annual Conference Board of Trustees met during the series of Fireside Chats with Bishop Samuel L. Green on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at Ebenezer AME Church.

The motion was made by The Reverend Remus Harper, Jr. that the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference support the Seventh Episcopal District in moving forward with the purchase of the White Oak Conference Center. The motion was seconded by The Reverend Dr. Sandy W. Drayton.

The Palmetto Annual Conference Board of Trustees held a Zoom Conference Call on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 7pm.

The motion was made by The Reverend Remus Harper, Jr. that the Conference Board of Trustees authorize Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church to borrow funds to renovate 56 Nassau Street. The motion was seconded by The Reverend Richard C.K. Harkness.

The motion to approve the report as information was made by Reverend Dr. Sandy W. Drayton and seconded by Reverend Eduardo Curry.

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Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark presented the Presiding Elder Salary and Upkeep Report.

The motion to approve the report was offered by Reverend Dr. Betty Deas Clark and seconded by Sister Vergie Tennison. The motion carried.

Reverend Dr. Robert Kennedy presented the Ministerial Efficiency Report No. 1. In his preliminary report he stated that the Ministerial Efficiency Committee is meeting to issue a report on all of the Pastors of the Conference. To date, he has been in receipt of the following requests for retirement: 1. Reverend Effson Bryant 2. Reverend Clyde Henryhand 3. Reverend Cynthia Dandridge 4. Reverend Dr. John Washington Reverend Richard C. Harkness presented the Classification of Pastor’s Report.

The motion to approve the report was moved by Reverend Sandy W. Drayton and seconded by Reverend Eduardo Curry that the report be received. The motion carried.

Missions, Circuits, and Stations report was presented by Reverend Dr. Bettye Broomfield.

The Reverend Dr. Juennarl Keith moved for the adoption of the report as information, and it was seconded by Reverend Dr. Arthur Holmes.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then requested that the business session adjourn until tomorrow.

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Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Mrs. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Sandy W. Drayton of the Georgetown District; Presiding Elder Juenarrl Keith of the Mt. Pleasant District; and Presiding Elder Remus Harper, Jr. and Mrs. Tanya Harper of the Kingstree District and acting Pastor of Greater St. Luke AME Church, dedicated Officers and members of Greater St. Luke African Methodist Episcopal Church; Episcopal, Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Laity of the 112th Session of the Palmetto South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 112 SESSION OF THE PALMETTO SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2022 LAY WITNESS NIGHT TH

The Lay Witness Worship began promptly at 7:07pm with the Palmetto Conference Choir. The Choir began by singing the song “Oh Give Thanks Unto the Lord”, ushering in the Spirit of the Lord. The spiritual energy in the sanctuary reached the next level as the choir reminded us to “Since I Found the Lord Jesus,” and sang, “Oh My Lord!”

Presiding Elder introduced the preacher for the night, Reverend Dr. Brian Williams. He preached,

“WE ARE ARMED AND DANGEROUS”

II Corinthians 10:3-6

Indeed, we live as humans but do not wage war according to human standards, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments 5 and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ.6 We are ready to punish every disobedience when your obedience is complete.

Reverend Dr. Brian Williams makes the argument that we have installed cameras and security systems to make sure we are protected. We find ourselves in battles to protect our peace. He shared that there is power in keeping your mouth closed. Some of the things you have you have to deal with ain’t yours. The power of the Holy Ghost fell in this place. By the end of the sermon the entire congregation was up on their feet, giving God glory for the Word shared by Dr. Williams. At the conclusion of the sermon, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. opened the doors of the church as the choir sang the hymn, “Come to Jesus.” makes the argument that many times if you would simply follow the directions you will see the great things that God has for you! The Lord wants to fight your battles but you stay in mess. Dr. Holmes stated that we have to learn how to follow the directions so that we can have everything we know God has for us. Dr. Holmes preached out of his soul to a congregation of people who simply needed to know the blessing of following the directions. At the conclusion of his message the choir appropriately sang, “Falling in Love with Jesus.” One person came to rededicate their life to Christ and others came for prayer. Reverend Brian Swinton, pastor of Calvary AME Church, North Charleston, then led the congregation in prayer. We praise God for Sister Harriet A. Rose who rededicated her life to Christ and Sister Wilhelmina Joyner, who came to stand on the Word that she is now “Armed and Dangerous”

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Sister Vergie Gloria McClam, Conference Lay President, rejoiced in the presence and power of God throughout the service. Sister McClam thanked Bishop Green for his support of the Lay Witness.

Sister Gloria McClam presented Brother Keith Britton, Episcopal President of the Seventh Episcopal District Lay Organization. Brother Britton greeted Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. and the conference.

Brother Britton presented a $2,000 check to the Palmetto Conference Lay Ministry to support their work.

The Conference Choir sang at the request of Bishop Green as the service came to a close. After which the doxology was lifted and the lay benediction was sung.

We were dismissed and reminded to begin COVID-19 testing at 6:00am tomorrow morning with devotion starting at 7:50AM.

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