Day 3 Draft of Minutes of the 113th Session by Renae Frazier

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Seventh Episcopal District; Dr. Phyllis N. Green, Episcopal Supervisor; Presiding Elder Judy M. Richardson of the Greenville District; Presiding Elder Dr. Derrick Scott of the Abbeville-Greenwood District; Conference, Area and Local Leadership on all levels; Pastors, Clergy and Lay people of the 113th Session of the Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE PIEDMONT SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 BUSINESS SESSION NO. 5

Bishop Samuel L. Green called for the approval of the minutes that captured the events on Friday, November 3, 2023. Annual Conference Secretary, Sister Renae Frazier informed Bishop Green that the secretarial staff sent an email to all conference leadership, Pastors, and Delegates, along with the members of the Board of Examiners on last evening around 9:31pm and along with the updates sent over in the morning. Motion to approve was made by Sister Renae Frazier and seconded by Elder Judy M. Richardson. Motion carried. The memorial committee report was read by Reverend Reginald Morton and Sister Renae Frazier, Conference Secretary. Closing prayer by Reverend Reginald Morton.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE PIEDMONT SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 SERVICE OF RETIREMENT Sister Renae Frazier, Annual Conference Secretary led in the Retirement Service for Preachers retiring from active service at this 113th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference. Sister Frazier presented the following preachers who expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to serve: The Reverend Anthony Dunlap Elder Dr. Derrick Scott shared that Reverend Dunlap had to attend a funeral. Elder Scott thanked Rev. Dunlap in his absence for his labor in the vineyard and that his service is appreciated.

Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. thanked the retiree. Bishop Green stated that their commitment to ministry is stellar. The record of your ministry is written. The African Methodist Episcopal Church is deeply grateful for your ministry and for the time and care that you have taken to fulfill your obligations. The request was approved for Reverend Anthony Dunlap to retire from active ministry within the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Motion to approve was made by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott. and seconded by Reverend Adam China to accept the retirement of Rev. Anthony Dunlap. Motion carried.

Bishop Green called for the preliminary Ministerial Efficiency report. Reverend James Speed, Sr. Chair of the report read the report and offered the following recommendations: The Motion to approve was made by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott. and seconded by Reverend Roland E.D. Sigman to accept the Ministerial Efficiency Committee report.. Motion carried. Bishop called for a motion in regards to the Judiciary Report Part I on sexual harassment. Elder Richardson reported and made a motion that the sexual harassment case investigated by the Judicial Committee was investigated and completed. The investigation was not sustained and requested its allegation be dismissed by the Conference as unfounded. Motion accepted by Reverend Adam China and Seconded by Reverend Carroll Wells, Jr.. Motion carried. Bishop called for the Judiciary Report Part II was read by Reverend Beatrice O. Coleman. Elder Dr. Derrick Scott moved to accept the report. Seconded by Reverend James E. Speed, Sr. Motion carried. Bishop called for the Triers of Appeals Report which was read by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott. Rev. Greene was found guilty of four charges and the recommendation was that Rev. Green be suspended from priestly duties and the final disposition and final judgment be made by the Bishop. If allowed to return under Bishop authority he would have to be under a mentor. Dr. Scott accepted the motion and it was properly seconded by Rev. James Louden III. Bishop called for Reverend Heyward Green to come forward. Reverend Heyward Green apologized to the conference. Bishop Green stated no sin goes without punishment. As president of the Piedmont SC Annual Conference, Bishop stated that Rev. Green will be suspended for 6 months from all priestly responsibility. Bishop stated that Green is not to do the following: preach or administer the sacrament of holy communion; not to perform any weddings; not to wear any clergy garment that will suggest that he is a preacher of the AME Church. Rev. Green will need to submit his ordination paper to the secretary to hold until the 6 months are up. He will also need to connect with his local church to learn from his misdoings. Once suspension is up he will be able to function under that church until after the planning meeting. Bishop also stated that Green will not be expelled or

suspended. He wants him to study and follow under the leadership of someone that can help him become a better pastor. This will give him an opportunity to continue and reflect on his ministry. Bishop called for the Board of Examiners supplemental report. Reverend Ricardo Herriott was elected to be ordained. That election has not been rescinded and vote was not carried through. Bishop said he believes his ordination needs to be on hold until you demonstrate the maturity and gravity of that office. Bishop decided to hold his ordination and will be getting reports from whomever he associates with as well as his progress, growth and development. If he is pleased with what he hears, he will ordain him at the Aspire in 2024. He will be restricted from preaching unless he is given permission from the mentor to go and preach. Bishop stated to Herriott as you move forth understand it could be worse and that he will walk through the embarrassment. The Bishop is also not going to allow him to supply a church this conference year. Bishop stated to Reverend Emmanuel Sellers that his involvement was not as severe and will not take his ordination from him. However, all of God’s children have to be chastised and he will have to go through something. He will be suspended and will not be able to supply a church for this conference year. Bishop stated to Brother Tyron Pahn that he is sending him back to the class on admission and be put back through the board for another year of training. Bishop asked the Board of Examiners if there were any further reports. The Board stated they have received a request for an order change from local to Itinerant order from the Reverend Efrem Zeigler. He further requested to be transferred to the Piedmont Conference. Reverend Zeiger is a member of the Central Conference. Bishop stated he could transfer him at any point but he is requesting a letter from his home pastor granting the permissions to change his orders to Itinerant. Bishop will act upon his request at the Planning Meeting. Bishop asked Reverend Zeigler if he understood the responsibility of the Itinerant track and if he knew it would require him to get a seminary degree. He stated he had plans to enroll in Allen University. Zeigler stated that he will be submitting an application to Allen University for spring semester. This ends the supplemental report from the Board of Examiners. Bishop called for a motion to receive the Board of Examiners Report. It was made by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott and Seconded by Elder Judy M. Richardson. Motion Carried. Bishop asked Reverend Beatrice O. Coleman if she was the only woman on the Board. She stated that Revered Lebbie Ligon also serves with her as the current female representation on the board. Bishop stated he needed to add some more women to the Board of Examiners. He asked for the women Itinerant Elders to stand. Those who stood were the Reverends: Leatrice A. Thomas, Mary Elmore Thomas, and Betty J. Martin. He stated you need to be an Itinerant Elder for at least five years before you could serve on the Board of Examiners. Since they have only served for less than 5 years, Bishop stated he might have to send someone from another conference.

Bishop Green called for the Statistical report to be read by Reverend Gregory Singleton. The approval of the report with the recommendations was accepted with a Motion to approve made by Reverend Beatrice O. Coleman and seconded by Reverend Roland E.D. Sigman. Motion carried. See the complete report under appendix in the final version. Piedmont Conference Seventh Episcopal District of the AME Church Lay Electoral College Minutes from November 3, 2023 Sister Jackie Goggins called the meeting to order at 4:27 PM. A motion was made to elect Sister Jackie Goggins as a temporary Chairperson. The motion passed. A motion was made to elect Sister Kimberly Chamberlain as a temporary Secretary. The motion passed. Devotion was conducted with the song “Victory Is Mine”, a prayer, and the scripture read was Psalm 100. A motion was made to elect Sister Jackie Goggins as a permanent Chairperson. The motion was passed. A motion was made to elect Sister Kimberly Chamberlain as a permanent Secretary. The motion was passed. Brother Jatavius Coleman and Brother Jody Harkness were appointed as marshals. Sister Valerie Smith and Sister Victoria Anderson were elected as tellers Sister Latrelle Hackett and Sister Shirley Jefferson were elected as clerks. Brother Keith Britton, Seventh Episcopal District President, was on hand as a consultant to provide assistance if needed. He gave information on the electronic voting process, explaining the ballots and the use of the scantron machines. Greenville District had 26 persons eligible to vote and Abbeville/Greenwood had 26 persons eligible to vote for a total of 52 persons eligible to vote. At the request of Chairperson Jackie Goggins, Brother Keith Britton gave an overview of the duties of General Conference Delegates and stated that the first meeting of the Seventh Episcopal District Delegation would be at the Fall Planning Meeting and Convocation (Post Conference) next week in Florence, SC. He also stated that all elected Piedmont Conference delegates and alternates should be in attendance at the next business session of the Piedmont Annual Conference.

Marshals distributed the ballots for delegates and the vote was taken. Alternate ballots were distributed, and the vote was taken. Results of the Election was as followed for Delegates: 1. Sister Jackie Goggins 2. Brother Jatavius Coleman (YA) 3. Sister Whitney Nicholson (YA) 4. Sister Mary McCier 5. Sister Cassie Singleton (YA) 6. Sister Sara Sigman 7. Sister Moneta Thompson (YA) Results of the Election was as followed for Alternates: 1. Brother Tyrone Pahn 2. Sister Chiquita Morris 3. Sister Henrietta Austin 4. Sister Margie Dixon Olewunne A motion was passed to elect the next 3 alternates from the next highest of delegates that did not get elected. 5. Sister Bessie Eaddy Williams 6. Brother Donald Moss 7. Brother James B. Tisdale, Jr. A motion was passed to certify the Election results. All elected delegates and alternates were asked to remain after the session to scan the QR code to enter their contact information. All correspondence will be via email and text message. A closing prayer was given. Respectfully Submitted, Sister Kimberly Chamberlain, Secretary Sister Jackie Goggins, Chairperson A motion made to receive by Elder Judy M. Richardson and seconded by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott. Sis. Jackie Goggins shared her appreciation for allowing them to serve the African Methodist Episopal Church. Bishop shared he is looking forward to seeing them in Columbus, Ohio.

Disciplinary Questions 2023 1. Who are the preachers admitted on trial? None 2. Who shall remain on trial? Those persons read in question number 1, along with all in the Board of Examiners Report 3. Who are admitted or readmitted to full connection? None 4. Who have been elected and ordained Deacons: Local - Reverend Douglas K. Robinson (Mt. Olive AME) Itinerant - Reverend Iguana W. Goodwin (Cypress Chapel AME) 5. Who have been elected and ordained Elders: Itinerant – The Reverend Betty J. Martin Local: The Reverend Wesley E. Pinkett (St. Paul AME, Cokesbury) 6. Who have been located this year? None Reported 7. Who have been elected by the General Conference to exercise the Episcopal Office and to superintend the African Methodist Episcopal Church? Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. the 125 th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and all the Active and Retired Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. 8. Who are the Supernumerary Preachers? The Reverends Jerry Allen Aiken, Phyllis

Dunlap, Cornetta S. Morton, and Sarah Williams 9. Who are the Superannuated Preachers? The Reverends Willie P. Black, Harry L. Burns, JoAnn Burton, Wayman Coleman, III, Vivian Edwards, Sallie Joe, Robert L. Johnson, Mary Johnson, Oscar A. Klugh, Larry Merrill, Hannie D. Milling, Jr., Willie N. Norman, Jr., Willie W. Rice, Carrie B. Samuel, and Virginia A. M. Stith, James Thompson, and Anthony Dunlap. 10. Who have been expelled from the Connection this conference? None reported. 11. Who have withdrawn this year from the conference and connection? Reported

None

12. Are all the preachers blameless in life and conversations? Pending the final Ministerial Efficiency Report.

13. What members of this conference have died this year? Bishop Richard Franklin Norris, Dr. Sylvia Ross Talbot, Sister Lula Shaw Cleckley, Brother Norman L. Deas, and Reverend Thelma Carter 14. Have all the preachers subscribed to The Christian Recorder, The AME Review, The Voice of Missions, the Journal of Christian Education, The Secret Chamber, and the Missionary Magazine? Yes. 15. What preachers are indebted to any of the departments or church publication? None reported 16. Does each station, circuit or mission in this Annual Conference have a Lay Organization? Yes 17. Does each station, circuit or mission in this Annual Conference have a Women’s’ Missionary Society? YES 18. When shall this Annual Conference next meet? At the discretion of the Bishop. 19. Where shall our next Annual Conference be held? Abbeville-Greenwood District and Flat Rock African Episcopal Methodist Church offered to host the 114th Session of the Piedmont Annual Conference by Reverend Adam China. The motion to accept the invitation was made by _Elder Dr. Derrick Scott,, and seconded by Sisters: Moneta Thompson and Renae Frazier.. Motion carried 20. Where are the preachers stationed this year? At the discretion of the Bishop. The motion to adjourn the conference sine die--Adjournment sine die (from the Latin "without day") means "without assigning a day for a further meeting or hearing". To adjourn an assembly sine die is to adjourn it for an indefinite period. A legislative body adjourns sine die when it adjourns without appointing a day on which to appear or assemble again (as we participate in the Church School, The Closing Worship Service, and the Fall Planning Meeting with the finalization of Appointments) was made by Elder Dr. Derrick Scott and Seconded by Reverend Adam China.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE PIEDMONT SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULT WORSHIP

The Youth and Young Adult Service began promptly at 11:15 AM with the Piedmont Conference Choir/YPD’ers leading the conference in Praise and Worship. Brother Tyron Pahn served as the Worship Leader. The Piedmont Conference YPD Choir inspired us as they sang “Victory is Mine” and “Lord Do It For Me”. The Reverend Treakivius A. Lyons, the Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, McCormick in the Abbeville/Greenwood District preached an energizing sermon.

“Not Too Much On Me” I Samuel 16:11

Reverend Lyons preached on a few things. It’s not too much on you. With every blessing, comes responsibilities. What are the Goliath’s challenges in your life? It could be the people around you, be careful of who you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with three people that’s good for you. The goliath is not too much on you. Where there is a blessing, there are always challenges. with god on your side, it’s not too much on you. What a dynamic message that was preached to the congregation.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE PIEDMONT SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 CHURCH SCHOOL EXPLOSION The Church School Explosion began at 3 PM with The chairperson of the Church School Committee for the Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference, Sister Carmella Powell, shared that today’s church school moment was talking about Isaiah’s Cleansing and Call, Isaiah 6:1-8. She gave three imperatives: Look Up, Look In, and Look Out. After reading the lesson, the conference committee presented a skit to reenact the story of Isaiah, the prophet, played by Reverend Franklin Pruitt, being anointed as King from Reverend Adam China. The skit was funny, informative, and presented in an amazingly beautiful way.

Brother DeAutra Lee gave us a “Gospel Mix” to enjoy and get our praise on. Reverend Adam China led the conference in a rendition of the game of Kahoot . At the conclusion, Sister Powell thanked the Piedmont South Carolina Annual Conference for the opportunity to present at the Church School Explosion.

MINUTES OF THE 113TH SESSION OF THE PIEDMONT SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 CLOSING WORSHIP SERVICE WE ASSEMBLED TO BEGIN THE CLOSING AND COMMISSION CONVOCATION. THE CLOSING AND COMMISSION CONVOCATION SERVICE BEGAN PROMPTLY AT 4:45 P.M. PRESIDING ELDER JUDY M. RICHARDSON OF THE GREENVILLE DISTRICT SERVING AS WORSHIP LEADER. THE ALLEN TEMPLE AME CHURCH CHOIR LED A SPIRITED WORSHIP SERVICE WITH SONGS SUCH AS “LEAD ME, GUIDE ME, “ALL OF MY HELP”, “TOTAL PRAISE” “WE ARE OFTEN TOSSED AND DRIVEN”, “COME YE SINNERS, POOR AND NEEDY” THE HIGH SPIRITED MESSAGE CAME FROM BISHOP SAMUEL LAWRENCE GREEN, SR., THE 125TH ELECTED AND CONSECRATED BISHOP IN THE AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. BISHOP ENCOURAGED THE HEARTS OF THE PIEDMONT ANNUAL CONFERENCE THROUGH AN INSPIRING WORD ENTITLED :

“Joyful Noise!” Psalm 100 1Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2 qServe the LORD with gladness! rCome into his presence with singing!

Know that sthe LORD, he is God! It is he who tmade us, and uwe are his;1 we are his vpeople, and wthe sheep of his pasture. 4 xEnter his gates with thanksgiving, and his ycourts with praise! Give thanks to him; zbless his name! 5 aFor the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his bfaithfulness to all generations. 3

We have our own sound; our own noise with gladness. They will know us by our sound. It is the sound that makes us who we are. We don’t sound like politicians or celebrities. Our sound is unique because our sound is rooted in praise. If I start talking about God and you do not make any noise, but If I mention the name of Jesus and you make noise then I

know you have been redeemed by the blood of the Lame. It is the sound you make. I know God had to reach way down and you are tampered by the Holy Ghost. If you don’t like noise then don’t start talking about God in the presence of a believer. Thank you for making way for me. Thank you for healing me. David said make a joyful noise. This is when David was talking being in the presence of the Lord. David calls it a joyful noise. When you are in the presence of the Lord you have to remember where you came from. Are there any joyful people? I am so glad He saved me. I am so glad He protected me. Serve the Lord with gladness. It means that your gratitude should be a part of everything that you do. Love the way a believer loves. Work the way a believer works. Struggle the way a believer struggles–with gladness and joy. Grace will make you glad. Let the devil hear your gladness. David provided instructions on how you should enter God's house. 1. Enter into his His gates with thanksgivings 2. Enter into his courts with praise 3. Be Thankful 4. And bless His name We can’t sit in God’s house and be silent. When they shouted in Jericho, the walls came tumbling down. The walls coming down are tied up in your sound. You can bring down walls in your family, in church, in divided neighborhoods, and in the level God wants you to be on. Are you ready to make the right noise?

THE SERVICE OF COMMISSION The Reverend Franklin Pruitt led the conference in singing the Commission Hymn, “Go Preach, My Gospel.” Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., then led us in the Commission scripture from Matthew 28:1620. 16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr. then presented the certificates for the component leader certificates. The appointments were as follows:

Flat Rock

ABBEVILLE-GREENWOOD DISTRICT PASTORS 2022-2023 PASTOR 2023-2024 PASTOR Reverend Adam L China Reverend Adam L China

Mt. Zion Promised Land

Reverend James Louden III

Shiloh

Reverend Paul N. Wharton

Long Cane

Reverend Dr. Julius M. Johnson

Glovers

Reverend Patrick Mellerson

Tranquil

Reverend Krystal Bryant

Weston Chapel

Reverend John W. Paul, Sr.

St. James

Reverend Franklin Pruitt, Jr.

St. Peter

Reverend Deidrick Smith

Cypress Chapel

Reverend Jennifer G. Brown

Pine Grove- Plum Branch

Reverend Lebbie Ligon

Bailey Bethel

Elder Dr. Derrick Scott

In the hands of the Elder

St. Paul Cokesbury

Reverend Mary Elmore

Reverend Mary Elmore Thomas

Shady Grove

Reverend Andrew Jones

Little Zion

Reverend Beatrice Coleman

Mt. Zion—McCormick

Reverend Treakivius Lyons

Pine Grove- Greenwood

Brother Wesley E. Pinkett

Old Field Bethel

Reverend Annette Edwards

St. Mary

Reverend Douglas Belcher

Pleasant Rock

Reverend Betty Martin

Zion Chapel

Reverend George Oliver

Allen Chapel

Reverend Julius D. Crawford

Mulberry Springfield McCormick Springfield-Green Olive

Reverend Beverly Weaver Reverend Marilyn Galbreath Reverend Corey A. E. Moss

St. John/Grace Chapel

Reverend Leatrice Thomas

Mt. Sinai

Reverend Anthony Dunlap

Reverend Iguana Goodwin

CHURCH

St. Paul-Abbeville

In the hands of the Elder

Jacob Chapel

Reverend Dr. Katherine B. Allen

Troy Bethel

Reverend Eunice T. Turman

Ebenezer

Reverend Melody Morton

Brownoh

ABBEVILLE-GREENWOOD DISTRICT PASTORS 2022-2023 PASTOR Reverend Joseph Cade

Mt. Pleasant-Ninety Six

Sister Iguana Goodwin

Brother DeAutra T. Lee, Sr.

Little Mountain

Reverend Pearly Goodwin

Mt. Hebron

Brother DeAutra T. Lee, Sr.

CHURCH

Brownoh-Mt. Hebron

CHURCH

2023-2024 PASTOR

Reverend Joseph Cade GREENVILLE DISTRICT PASTORS 2021-2022 PASTOR

2023-2024 PASTOR

Allen Temple

Reverend James Speed, Sr.

Poplar Springs

Reverend Roland E. D. Sigman

Bethel-Anderson

Reverend Clifford Jackson

Mt. Lebanon

Reverend Reginald C. Morton

Mt. Carmel

Reverend Michael Young

King's Chapel

Reverend Cornell Richardson, Jr.

Mt. Zion-Hodges

Reverend Melton Aiken

New Bethel

Reverend Arthur Raven

Friendship

Reverend Carroll Wells

Pine Grove

Reverend Gregory Singleton

Rocky River

Reverend James Curenton

Smyrna

Reverend Barry Leverrette

Fairview-Clinton

Sister Alice Smith

In the hands of the Elder

Mt. Vernon

Reverend Sandra M. Smith

Antioch

Reverend Harold Chapman

Elzee

Reverend Joann McIntosh

Fairview-Anderson

Reverend Ricardo Heriott

Jefferson Chapel

Reverend Heyward Green

Bethlehem

Reverend James Brownlee

Bethel Grove

Reverend Billy Cleveland

Mt Zion-Laurens

In the hands of the Elder

Reverend Jamesetta Smith

CHURCH

GREENVILLE DISTRICT PASTORS 2021-2022 PASTOR

2023-2024 PASTOR

New Hope

Reverend John Booker

St. Mary

Reverend Efren Ziegler

Mt. Pleasant

Reverend Jacqueline Aiken

Mt. Olive

Reverend Carrie Samuel

Greater Trinity/ First

Brother Emmuanual Sellers

In the hands of the Elder

St. Peter

Brother Douglas Robinson

Mt. Horeb

Reverend Pamela Aiken