2024 WMS EBM Report

WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Leadership of the WMS-AMEC

Bishop Michael L. Mitchell – Chair, Commission on Global Witness and Ministry Rev. Dr. John F. Green - Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry

ELECTED CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS President - Deborah Taylor King First Vice President - Charolett Biggs Martin Second Vice President - Lenette Williams King Third Vice President - Sanjena V. Clay Recording Secretary - Therese’ Ann Baker Assistant Recording Secretary - Yvette Smart-Paul Corresponding Secretary - Sherry Peyton Treasurer - Chandelle R. Ivy YPD Director - Richelle Fry Skinner Editor - Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson Associate Editor - Elizabeth Beauty Mhlongo PME Director - Alisha Marriott Historiographer - Dr. Monica Dillihunt Worship Director - Dr. Djuana Duncombe-Paden Member-At-Large - Janita Ferguson Parliamentarian - Wanda Sims YPD President - Joyce Johnson

APPOINTED CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS Affiliates/Ecumenical - Sharon Smith Banks Child/Youth Advocacy – Josephine Mitchell Constitution/Bylaws – Harriet Brown Birk, Esq. Credentials – Rosemarie Rhodes-Miller, Esq. Education/Scholarships – Deana Young McAllister Elections – LaDonna Liggins Evaluations – Dr. Sharon Fletcher Fistula – Janice Brown Health and Wellness – Dr. Linda Frazier Life Member – Juanita Wills, Esq. Membership & Recruitment – Kelly Shelton Missionaries on the Move – Adrienne Quickley

MITE (Disaster Relief) – Annie Simmons Mothers Against Gun Violence – Andriette Bryant NGO Main Representative – Shawn Ross NGO Alternate – Tanishia Taylor Thomas NGO Alternate – Brittni Peters Nominating – Dominique Mortimer, Esq. Political Action – Lisa Johnson Whigham Prayer Teams – Jackie Ross Roy & Shirley Washington Protocol – Adrienne Morris Serving Our Seniors – Lessie Thompson Skills Bank – Natalie Horton Tanner Turner Memorial – Anita Brannon

SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRS Fund Development - Dr. Delores Bolden Stamps Site/Event Planner - Sharon Blaylock Logistics - Myesha Gholson & Dr. Jacqueline Cochran Registration – RaVonne Vant Technology – Rashon Young

FORMER CONNECTIONAL PRESIDENTS Dr. Delores Kennedy-Williams – 5th Dr. Dorothy Adams Peck – 6th Dr. Jamesina Evans – 7th Dr. Shirley Hopkins Davis – 8th Dr. Shirley Cason Reed – 9th

WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS’ REPORTS

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Connectional Officers’ & Episcopal District Reports To: Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr., Senior Bishop, Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, President Council of Bishops, Bishop Paul J.M. Kawimbe, President General Board, Bishop Michael Leon Mitchell, Commission Chair, Global Witness and Ministry, Bishops of the Church, General Officers, Rev. Dr. John F. Green, Executive Global Witness and Ministry, Connectional Leadership, Dr. Deborah Taylor King, Connectional WMS President, Ms. Richelle Fry Skinner, Connectional YPD Director, Ms. Joyce Johnson, Connectional YPD President, Connectional YPD President, Episcopal Supervisors, Connectional WMS Officers (Elected and Appointed), Life Members, Episcopal District WMS Presidents, Episcopal District YPD Directors, Episcopal District YPD Presidents, Delegates, Alternates, Observers, Missionaries, All Special Guests, Clergy, Laity, YPDers, and All Assembled

The Elected and Appointed Connectional WMS Officers and the Episcopal Districts of the African Methodist Episcopal Church are pleased to submit the following reports for the 20th WMS Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, Florida.

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Deborah Taylor King President

“God is a God of missions. He WILLS missions. He DEMANDS missions. He MADE missions possible through His Son. He made missions ACTUAL in sending the Holy Spirit” George Peters During this report period, our stalwart committed officers and members of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church served as an unstoppable force for God and His people, As we begin a new Quadrennium (2023-2027), we REJOICE because through these perilous, pandemic and pathetic times, God has “equipped and empowered” us to serve through many dangers, seen and unseen, with an intensified determination, as we effectively continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness throughout this world.

We REFLECT with appreciation on the tremendous contributions of those anointed Connectional Presidents of the past (Lucy Hughes, Anne Heath, Mary Frizzell, Wilhemenia Lawrence, Delores Kennedy Williams, Dorothy Adams Peck, Jamesina Evans, Shirley Hopkins Davis, Shirley Cason Reed) and those who served with distinction before the 1944 merger.

We REFLECT with loving gratitude, the Supervisors, Connectional Officers, Episcopal District Presidents and all of the officers and members that have made this report of stewardship pleasing to God. During this Quadrennium, we boldly stand on our new theme: “Exalting Christ. Empowering Missionaries. Equipping the Saints for Greater Impact”.

Together and with God, we shall continue to be engaged in unifying work, through our effective collaboration and strong partnerships with service organizations and non- profits, such as: AME SADA (The Bishop Sarah Davis Clinic, Delice, Haiti) , Black Women’s Agenda (Voter Equity, Ending Breast Cancer) , Bread for the World (Offerings of Letters campaign – to end hunger) , Church World Service ( Crop Walks), National Council of Negro Women ( Good Health Wins, Freedom to Learn, Economic Empowerment), Church Women United, Mercy Ships, EcoAmerica (Climate action and solutions), No Child Hunger and the Balm in Gilead (Healthy Churches 2023) as well as, our untiring call to action as change agents in partnership with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Much gratitude to Connectional Fund Developer, Dr. Delores Bolden Stamps for profoundly using her skills, resources, and corporate partnerships to secure grants from Colgate Palmolive and Health and Human Services (HHS) to further advance missions. Also, thanks to all who have successfully executed the deliverables!

“Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11

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Deborah Taylor King President

Listed below are some of our significant accomplishments: ▪ ▪

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We have continued to provide monthly financial support of $1500 to Districts 14-20, and India for the work of missions, in spite of the adversities and atrocities that surround us.

Established the “President’s Circle” this past year, and those funds have enabled us to give a $1000 Handy Simmons scholarship to a deserving student in Districts 1-13 and a $500 Handy Simmons scholarship to a deserving student in District 14-20, and India. (the first year of its inception, we received over $75K in donations for scholarships) PME Dialogues were open to Districts 14-20, to engage PME Directors in discussion for inclusion, interaction and involvement in the upcoming yearbooks and study guides. The highly acclaimed PME Yearbooks and Study material have been published and distributed annually. Thanks to former PME Director Margaret Maske and newly elected PME Director Alisha Marriott for their visionary leadership.

Missionary on the Move gifts and financial support to selected community service providers and agencies at the seat of all Executive Board Meetings and the 20 th Quadrennial Convention. Thanks to former MOM Chair Mrs. Lenette Williams-King and newly appointed Chair Ms. Adrienne Quickley for the effective transition and continued work.

The NGO team under the lead of Mrs. Shawn Ross has been reestablished. The new team: Mrs. Shawn Ross (Main Representative), the two alternates are: Mrs. Tanisha Taylor Thomas and Ms. Brittni Peters. Thank you, Mrs. Alisha Marriott, Evangelist Carolyn Clemons and Youth Representative, Mr. Eddie Scott for your outstanding contributions.

Young Adult Members, under the innovative leadership of our Connectional Member at Large Ms. Janita Ferguson has planned and executed monthly and quarterly initiatives for increased intergenerational involvement and inclusion.

New programmatic support of the Young People’s Division, under the dynamic leadership of the newly elected Connectional YPD Director, Mrs. Richelle Fry Skinner and Connectional YPD President Joyce Johnson, as they prepare to effectively lead and serve under their powerful new Quadrennial theme: Transformation: Transcending in 3 G (Grow, Glow, Go for Christ) Our Life Membership Pictorial Directory was completed and distributed at the 20th Quadrennial Convention. Thank you, former Hughes Smith Life Member Chair, Mrs. Vera Goode, 3rd VP Sanjena Clay and staff member Ms. Angela Patterson for making it happen. Additionally, Membership Recruitment and Retention Campaigns have been implemented, as well as continued promotion of membership cards and a new LM process form. Again, thank you 3rd VP Clay!

Relevant awareness fliers and educational material were distributed monthly to districts by 1ST VP Charolett Martin and team, information was also posted on WMS website. Thank you, 1st VP Martin!

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Deborah Taylor King President

Our State-of-the-Art Branding Boutique continues to serve not only as an effective means of branding WMS – AMEC, but also subsidizes our finances, for us to continue our financial support and impacts. Thank you, Treasurer Chandelle R. Ivy! Expanded Committees to include: the Global Family, Child Advocacy, and Mass Media/ Public Relations Chairs. Other new appointments have been made.

Fiscal Accountability, Financial Records and Annual Professional Audits reflect transparency, trustworthy and responsible stewardship. Thanks again, Treasurer Ivy! Partnered with other organizations to provide policies, statements and resolutions as advocates for positive change in faith-based activism and social action.

Intensified our efforts and support to positively impact our FIVE Global focuses 1) Empower Women; 2) Embrace Child Protection, including spiritual and mental development; 3) Eradicate Hunger; 4) Enhance the significant contributions made by our predecessors; 5) Equip Missionaries for greater impacts in Global Missions.

Planned and execution of our Connectional Oficers’ Retreat (two days before EBM 2024, Little Rock, AR. The theme: LeaderSHIFT – Shifting for Greater and Global Impact.

“Behold… I will do a new thing… shall you not know it? Isaiah 43:19 Our prayer is to allow God to do a NEW THING - in us – through us -with us!

Listed below are the NEW “proposed” initiatives and programs for this NEW Quadrennial: ▪ ▪

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Introduce and execute a MENTORING/SUCCESSION track - to ensure continuity in this organization and provide an opportunity for emerging leaders to make a successful transition, when applicable.

Celebrate our 150th year observance in Global Missions at General Conference, Columbus, Ohio.

During this celebration, we will unveil our History book (1874-2024). Thanks Historiographer Dr. Monica Dillihunt, as well as, our Tabletop Pictorial Booklet, led by 2nd VP Ms. Lenette Williams King. Thanks in advance!

Continue to devise new and innovative plans and initiatives that attract new and retain current members.

Accelerate drives to increase Foundation membership.

Create a strong partnership between the Young Adult Members, YPD and Child Advocacy Committee to create innovative programs that will positively respond to relevant 21 st Century and Intergenerational issues.

Develop a pool of grant writers to assist Fund Developer Delores Bolden Stamps to target new streams of income to increase our Global Reach and Impact.

Joined and collaborated forces with YAMS and YPD to ‘Get Out the Young Vote’ to be implemented before the November 2024 Elections.

Strengthen our relationships with other Lay organizations in this church.

Reconstruct our WMS AMEC Website to improve our virtual platform and media connections.

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Deborah Taylor King President

This past Quadrennium (2019-2023) was very challenging, but in spite of the chaos, confusion and catastrophes, we have served with fortitude and faith as a powerful force for God and His people.

And, as we prepare to celebrate our 150th year (1874) in Columbus, Ohio. I thank God, I would also like to express sincere gratitude to our excellent Commission and Host Leader, Bishop Michael L. Mitchell and His beautiful partner in marriage and ministry, Host Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell along with the entire 12th Episcopal District for their radical hospitality, support and spirit of excellence as they host EBM 2024.

Special thanks to the Bishops, Supervisors, General Officers (especially General Officer John F. Green), Former Connectional Presidents, Connectional Officers, District Presidents, Conference and Local Presidents, other WMS officers and our dedicated members, Young People, Associates, Ecumenical Partners, hardworking Staff and all who contributed to the success of our beloved WMS – AMEC. We are THANKFUL. GRATEFUL. BLESSED…for your global work and witness - individually - collectively - globally – that continues to make a significant and profound impact in the lives of thousands each day. Thanks for having the “desire and the determination” to “continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.”

To God be the Glory!

Your Co-Laborer in Christ, Deborah Taylor King Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Charolett Biggs Martin 1st Vice President

Christian Social Action Commission It is with a grateful heart that I thank each of you for your support of my reelection as 1st VP at Quadrennial 2023. The work continues to be all divine!!

Since Quad I gave the welcome during the Vesper service at NGO. I’ve been in Washington, DC attending The Black Women’s Agenda; The Congressional Black Caucus Breakfast, The Promotion & Missionary Education Institute, and the National Council of Negro Women where our own Bishop Vashti McKenzie received the prestigious “Crystal Stair Award”. We continue to provide the monthly Social Awareness Flyers and Self Care mid-month E-Blasts that have circulated our website and been emailed throughout all twenty districts.

Our Christian Social Action Mantra remains the same, as reflected in our Discipline. However, this year, the bar is being raised to include a new approach to Empowering Missionaries while Equipping them for Greater Service – which is to Exalt Christ through service, worship, and praise. The NIV Word says it this way, Ephesians 4:12 “to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”.

Our resolve is to engage women in addressing current critical issues through Building, Birthing, Bridging, and Branding in areas of Social Action.

I’m excited about the new things coming this year…

▪ We will Present Interactive Videos of Real Life, including Education – Race in America, a woman’s Right Over Her Own Body and other topics of interest in our world.

▪ Conduct Podcasts on Voting Issues, Human Rights, Global Input is a “Must”.

▪ We will put the action in “Vibe in Action” and provide live examples to include– an in-depth look at Alzheimer’s, the changes in COVID, incorporate monthly looks at selective Sustainable Development Goals, etc. This is only a glimpse of things to come.

We welcome two new members to our Social Action Team Sharon Banks, Chair of Affiliates & Ecumenical Relations and Adrienne M.E. Quickley, Chair of MOM (Missionaries on the Move).

Returning team members are Shawn Ross, UN-NGO Main Representative, along with Brittni Peters and Tanishia Taylor Thomas; Janice Brown, FISTULA Coordinator; Mrs. Anne Simmons, Chair of Disaster Relief; Andriette Bryant, Coordinator of Gun Violence Prevention; Dr. Linda Frazier, Chair of Health & Wellness; and Lisa Whigham Johnson, Chair of Political Action. All have provided a full report of their work in the booklet.

I offer special thanks to my dynamic Episcopal Leaders, Bishop Michael & Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell; my beloved husband, Presiding Elder Randolph Martin (Retired); my dear family; my 12th District Family and especially the “A-Team” my extraordinary office staff who freely volunteer their services!! I call them “My Bosses”.

Lastly – I say to all Missionaries “Much Obliged” for your dedication to missions! “To God Be The Glory!”

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Lenette Williams King 2nd Vice President

Commission on Mission Education & Interpretation How thankful I am to serve as Coordinator of the Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation and its’ liaison to the Commission on Administration under the dynamic leadership of our Connectional President, Dr. Deborah Taylor King. The theme for this Quadrennium: “Exalting Christ, Empowering Missionaries, Equipping the Saints for Greater Impact”, provides the foundation, goals and objectives of this office. Through Zoom meetings, phone conversations and In-Person gatherings, representation of this office as well as development of our goals were achieved.

The first official meeting of the newly elected Administration was held immediately following the close of the Quadrennial meeting, August 4, 2023. What a blessing and a joy it was to be meeting with the elected officers as we debriefed and shared our visions. Additionally, I was able to meet one-on-one with our President to discuss expectations and desired outcomes of this office.

The next order of business was to identify the Second Vice President in each Episcopal District. After developing this database, communication was sent to introduce myself and plan our initial meeting held via Zoom in September 2023. Embracing our Globalness, two meeting times were available for attendees to choose one that worked best for their time zone. During this meeting, we reviewed the responsibilities and duties of the Second Vice President and shared our area(s) of interest. Another meeting with the Second Vice Presidents was held in October 2023.

Our President assigned the task of chairing the Development of a Pictorial Reflection History Book to cover our 150 years as a Missionary Society to the Connectional Second Vice President and the Connectional Historiographer/Statistician, Dr. Monica Dillihunt. To this end, joint zoom meetings were held with District Second Vice Presidents and District Historiographer/Statisticians on August 31, 2023, October 14, 2023, and November 11, 2023.

As the Coordinator of the Commission on Mission Education and Interpretation, I was blessed to attend the outstanding and well-informed Zoom meeting of our Connectional Women’s Missionary Magazine Editor, Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson, held with the District Assistant Editors on September 16, 2023.

The enthusiasm was infectious and, I'm sure, the magazine will reflect this!

In an effort to support the Missionary Magazine, I encouraged Second Vice Presidents’ in each district to submit a story on a Life Member from their district to be used in future issues.

I was blessed to attend the Black Women’s Agenda luncheon in person in September in Washington, D.C. the NGO Conference virtual in October, the Healthy Churches Virtual Conference in November and the 2023 Mission Education Interpretation Dialogue Institute in person in December 2023.

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Lenette Williams King 2nd Vice President

Commission on Mission Education & Interpretation The Dialogue Institute, effectively chaired by Mrs. Alisha Marriott, our Connectional PME Director, was outstanding! The meeting was well-planned, and business was executed in a timely fashion. PME Directors were able to attend in-person with virtual opportunity given to Districts 14-20! Every District was represented! Praise the Lord!

Looking forward, the plans are to align with our Constitution and Bylaws including the development of annual mission and training institutes and we certainly want to raise visibility and awareness of our society. We plan to develop activities for the performing and creative arts and also encourage and improve the status of Black Women and Children.

I want to thank our Connectional President, Dr. Deborah Taylor King for her leadership and the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society for electing me to serve as the Second Vice President. I want to thank my mother, Delores Kennedy-Williams, the 5th Connectional President, who believed in training up a child in the way they should go, and also want to thank my entire family for their support. I’d like to thank my Bishop and Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District, Bishop John F. White and Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White as well as the entire 4th Episcopal District. And I certainly want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ whom I give all the honor and glory.

“The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace.”

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Sanjena V. Clay 3rd Vice President

Commission on Membership & Recruitment During the culmination of the 2023 Quadrennial Convention, we celebrated the onboarding of a new group of officers, who were elected and commissioned to carry on the legacy and exceptional work of the Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church. The members of the Commission on Membership and Recruitment joined forces to coordinate Connectional membership and recruitment activities and facilitate recruiting new members, retaining current members and reclaiming inactive members. This Quadrennial, we will continue to work with the Episcopal, Conference, and Local members to assess the needs of our membership and encourage their full participation.

The Connectional Third Vice President, Episcopal Third Vice Presidents and the members of the Commission on Membership and Recruitment have established goals for this Quadrennial that are contingent to the Connectional President’s vision. The theme for the Commission on Membership and Recruitment is: Get In The Game. Throughout the 2023– 2027 quadrennial the commission members and I will collaboratively present and participate in programs that would complement and enhance the Connectional President’s vision.

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Building – The Commission on Membership and Recruitment will continue to reevaluate and develop programs and services focused on Recruiting new members, Reclaiming inactive members and Retaining current members.

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Birthing – The office of the Third Vice President will work with the Chairpersons of Membership and Recruitment, Bridging and the Member at Large to develop new and renewed ways to innovatively engaging Members, Life Members, Young Adult Missionaries (YAMs), and Associate Members.

Bridging – Innovative programs will be collaborative created to reach members worldwide with an deliberate focus to include members in districts 14-20 and YAMs. Our Member At Large and The Young Adult Missionaries (YAMs) have already established and participated in activities via Zoom, the Connectional WMS website, FaceBook, and other social media platforms.

Branding WMS – AMEC - The Commission on Membership and Recruitment will continue to join the international goal of making the WMS brand a powerful force for advocacy and action through efforts that support the mission, goals and the organization mission. In doing so, we aligned our programmatic emphasis with the connectional brand in the areas of retention and recruitment.

We will continue to promote the sale of the “official” WMS Membership Card with “member only” benefits (ie: discount on Branding Boutique purchases).

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Sanjena V. Clay 3rd Vice President

Commission on Membership & Recruitment Look forward to hearing more from the hard working members of our commission. These women are poised to work tirelessly to enhance the global WMS. ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

The Episcopal District 3rd Vice Presidents and Members At Large Natalie Horton - Skills Bank Lessie Thompson - Serving Our Seniors Kelly Shelton - Membership and Recruitment Stephanie Brooks - Bridging To be appointed - Life Member Anita Brannon - Tanner Turner

The Connectional and Episcopal Third Vice Presidents and the team of awesome chairpersons assigned to the Membership and Recruitment Commission are ready to encourage every member to Get In The Game and to acknowledge the life membership of those who have made meritorious contributions to the society.

You are invited to Get In The Game through a playbook of prompts, activities and Episcopal District impact projects, that are designed to strengthen our societies and communities. Stay tuned for more information.

GET IN THE GAME! All joy be yours.

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Therese’ Ann Baker Recording Secretary

“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness.

Del ight yourself in the Lord. And he will give you the desires of your heart.

Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” - Psalm 37:3-5 I am Thankful for God’s Grace and Mercy to be elected and serve as The Connectional Recording Secretary. I am truly ecstatic to have been an essential part of this great Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and working with my Cohorts Tanya Harper, Connectional Recording Secretary and Sherry Peyton, Connectional Corresponding Secretary. We have persevered with virtual technology and plan to take this higher each year. Our Quadrennial Journey begins with the meeting of all elected officers in Columbus, Ohio discussing Building, Birthing, Bridging and Branding.

My Goals for 2023-2027: ▪ Work closely as a Secretarial Team with Assistant Recording Secretary Yvette Smart-Paul and Corresponding Secretary Sherry Peyton along with our International President Dr. Deborah Taylor King.

▪ Be prepared and organized for all meetings including Executive Board Meetings, Commission on Administration Meetings and any scheduled or call meetings via zoom.

▪ Maintaining an accurate roll.

▪ Record, proof and make necessary corrections, archive, and secure all records.

My Objectives for 2023-2027: ▪ Assisting with incorporating and implementing 21st Century Technology to perform the duties of the Assistant Recording Secretary along with members of the secretarial team.

▪ Minutes of an organization are a legal history of our meetings, events and activities of our work and service in the community as well as globally and when others are looking over our records, we want the person to feel as if they were present and involved, whether now or in the future.

▪ Working together as a team to fulfill God’s Commission, Our Commission, Our Calling for such a time as this.

My Accomplishments for 2019-2023: ▪ Assisted with completing, reviewing, and correcting minutes for the following: 2020, 2021 and 2022 Executive Board Minutes; Commission on Administration Meeting Minutes 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; Connectional Officers Pre-EBM Meeting; Connectional Officers EBM Debriefing Meetings 2020, 2021 and 2022; Connectional Leadership Quadrennial Leadership Training 2023 I have participated on all levels of the Women’s Missionary Society including participating in our National “Wear Orange” for Gun Violence Prevention Weekends, Breast Cancer Walks, Various Mission Projects, Various Missionaries Luncheons and Days, Women’s Conferences, and the list goes on because our work as Missionaries never ends. I attended the 2023 YPD Quadrennial in Orlando, Florida in support of our Young People and Wanda Ringgold, Connectional YPD Director.

Prayerfully and humbly submitted.

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Yvette Smart-Paul

Assistant Recording Secretary “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NLT Praises to Almighty God for the opportunity to serve as the Assistant Recording Secretary of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. I am delighted to be a member of the Connectional team working to advance missions.

With over 20 years involvement in the WMS spanning local, conference and episcopal levels within the 16th District, work experience in Information Technology and certification in Project Management, I hope to share my knowledge and skills to make meaning contributions to support the Connection team and impact lives throughout the connection.

Goals and Objectives: • Professionally perform all duties of Assistant Recording Secretary and serve on the Commission on Administration as outlined it the Constitution and Bylaws of the Women’s Missionary Society and leadership of the President.

• Prayerful commitment and collaborative efforts to achieving successful missions.

• Seek out opportunities to apply the use of technology to enhance efficiency, where appropriate.

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Chandelle R. Ivy Treasurer

The Office of the Treasurer of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church strives to serve this organization with accountability and integrity. It is our desire to maintain a level of transparency as it relates to the financial matters of the WMSAMEC. We are grateful for the generosity of our missionary sisters and partners that heed our calls and respond with willingness and resources, that allow us to “strengthen our faith and continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world.”

QUADRENNIAL BUDGET 2023-2027 The proposed Quadrennial Budget for the 2023-2027 period has been prepared and will be presented for review and approval as part of the Treasurer’s “Video” report at the appointed time during the 2024 Executive Board Meeting and Training Session. The budget was compiled using the previous Quadrennial Budget, as well as comparing actual income & expenses figures to properly estimate and budget for the next quadrennial period.

YPD FINANCIAL TRANSISTION With the election of new Connectional YPD Director, we executed the transition of the financial books and bank accounts. At the time of transfer from the previous administration to the current administration, the operating account has a balance of $28,000.00.

AUDIT FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2023 As of the time of this report the independent audit for the year ended March 31, 2023 is currently underway and will be reported to the body once it has been completed.

OTHER NOTEWORTHY FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS WMS Sustentations to Districts 14-20; 4(India) The WMS provides a monthly sustentation to Districts 14-20 and 4(India) to help foster the mission work initiatives in those districts.

District2023 4(India) 12,000.00 14 6,317.55 15 24,000.00 16 12,000.00 17 12,000.00 18 12,000.00 19 12,000.00 20 12,000.00 TOTAL 102,317.55 **Note: For Districts 14 & 15, their bank information was provided later in the Connectional Year. Payments listed above include catch-up payments for previous periods were the sustentation was not transferred due the need for updated banking information.**

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Chandelle R. Ivy Treasurer

WMS District Assessments We are indebted to the episcopal districts throughout our connection for their steadfastness in remitting their district budgets to assist with the work of the WMS on the Connectional Level.

District2023 1 12,000.00 2 12,000.00 3 10,000.00 4 12,000.00 5 12,000.00 6 12,000.00 7 12,000.00 8 10,000.00 9 12,000.00 10 12,000.00 11 12,000.00 12 10,000.00 13 10,000.00 TOTAL 148,000.00

WMS Endowment Fund Portfolio Summary

Net Portfolio Value Your Assets Your Liabilities Your Net Cash Flow (Inflows/Outflows) Securities You Transferred In/Out Subtotal Net Contributions Your Dividends/Interest Income Your Market Gains/(Losses) Subtotal Investment Earnings

November 30, 2023 231,971.18 231,971.18

October 31, 2023 216,985.18 216,985.18

(271.23)

(277.91)

-

-

(271.23)

(277.91)

307.59 14,949.64

302.68 (5,367.02)

15,257.23

(5,064.34)

WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

Net Change 14,986.00 14,986.00

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Chandelle R. Ivy Treasurer

WMS FOUNDATION WMS Foundation Sustentation District 2023 4(India)

7,200.00

14 15

0.00 14,400.00

16

7,200.00

17

7,200.00

18

7,200.00

19

7,200.00

20

7,200.00

TOTAL

57,600.00

Foundation Investment Account

Net Portfolio Value Your Assets Your Liabilities Your Net Cash Flow (Inflows/Outflows) Securities You Transferred In/Out Subtotal Net Contributions Your Dividends/Interest Income Your Market Gains/(Losses) Subtotal Investment Earnings

Portfolio Summary November 30, 2023 October 31, 2023 123,930.67 115,933.09 123,930.67 115,933.09 (144.92)

(148.47)

(144.92)

(148.47)

164.06 (7,978.44) 8,142.50

161.21 (2,856.16) (2,694.95)

WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

Net Change 7,997.58 7,997.58

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Richelle Fry Skinner YPD Director

The Connectional YPD made great strides, walking together during our first six months of this Quadrennium ~August 2023 - January 2024. Praying, planning, Zoom Calls, text messaging, GroupMe, Band, Google Drive file sharing, Executive Board Meetings, mission outreach, and participating in the virtual 34th WMS NGO Conference; celebrating birthdays; continuing in prayer, celebrated 108 years of Christian Ministry; shared Thanksgiving gratitude, the gift of Jesus on His Birthday - Christmas, and continuing to thank God for a New Year!! The YPD has been intentional~individually and collectively.

NEW, NOW, AND NEXT - CONNECTIONAL YPD OFFICERS Under the selected Quadrennial theme: Transformation: Transcending in 3G, our Connectional YPD Executive Board, led by Connectional YPD President Joyce Johnson, continues to exemplify the mantra “use your gifts to the glory of God.” Officers have developed ministry events in their respective areas of responsibility, working interdependently for greater impact while developing transferable skills for leadership sustainability, capacity, and transformation.

A FIRM FOUNDATION Our Quadrennial service began by implementing processes and procedures to enhance the ministry.

- Developing a Connectional YPD Policy and Procedures Manual - Establishing the required electronic YPD Directory with the support of the Episcopal YPD Directors - Creating a shared calendar for Connectional and Episcopal District events - Appointed Connectional Standing/Special Committee Chairs - Populating the Standing/Special Committees with representation from each Episcopal District - Instituted quarterly counterpart meetings led by each Connectional Officer to train Episcopal, Conference, Area, and Local officers FAITH IN ACTION-MINISTRY IN MOTION - Creating Christian education opportunities, building youth commitment to faith and ministry work - Working to embrace the WMS global focus on child protection, including spiritual, mental, and physical development, in all YPD events - Working to ensure ministry events are in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals: 2-Zero Hunger, 3Good Health and Well-being, and 4-Quality Education - Creating ‘Testimony Tuesday’ for faith formation - Michael Webb, Jr, Worship Director - Completed the 2024 Self Denial Study Campaign Book - Jarvis Denman, 2nd Vice President - Established an effective system for communicating with the Connectional YPD Executive Board - Tra’Nyce Jones - Creating YPD CARES Mission Outreach and Candid Conversations - Standing Committee Chairs/Episcopal 2nd Vice Presidents, and Jarvis Denman - Developing YPD Cares to be inclusive of international areas of mission outreach and current affairs affecting youth- Tevin Nedd, 3rd Vice President - Developed a multi-session training track for Parliamentarians - Mark Johnson, Parliamentarian - Created an organized, electronic Roll Call System - Ashaya Stewart, Recording Secretary, and Deronique Wallace, Assistant Recording Secretary - Completed the first issue of the YPD Gazette New Era - Gazette Editor, Kiarah Williams and Associate Editor Tshimologo Moloisane.

- Actively planning the 2024 LTI - Leadership Training Institute - LaQuandrea Sweat, 1st Vice President LET’S TALK ABOUT IT! - Monthly Connectional YPD Officers meetings - Monthly Connectional/ Episcopal District YPD Directors meetings - Monthly meetings are held on Saturdays to facilitate inclusion between the 20 Episcopal Districts WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Richelle Fry Skinner YPD Director

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT! - Receiving Episcopal District YPD Gazette subscriptions - Developing an electronic YPD Gazette subscription platform - Completed plan for four annual Gazette issues - 1 hard copy and three electronic. Subscriptions are $10 per year - Utilizing a single Connectional YPD Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for branding; and working to rebrand the YPD BRIDGING AND EXPANDING With the consistent support of the Connectional WMS, the ministry of the YPD is expanding its ministry and leadership capacity.

- Promotion and Missionary Education Director Alisha Marriott will work with the YPD to increase the participation in YPD Speaks in various forms - Member-at-Large Janita Ferguson will work with the YPD to mentor young women nearing the crossover from YPD to WMS. - Parliamentarian Wanda Simms will work with the YPD Parliamentarian Mark Johnson to teach Robert's Rules of Order.

- Child Advocacy Committee Chair Josephine Mitchell will support the YPD in advocating for increased oral health and eradicating childhood obesity.

- Fund Development Chair Dr. Delores Bolden Stamps will work with the YPD to obtain physical and financial support in mental health and voter registration.

- Connectional WMS Treasurer Chandelle Ivy assists with the inventory for the YPD Store and support Connectional YPD Financial Secretary Cassie Singleton in creating and maintaining the YPD financial systems.

CONNECTIONAL ENGAGEMENTS - LaQuandrea Sweat, 1st Vice President ~ Speaker at WMS NGO Conference - Joyce Johnson, President ~ Speaker at the North Ohio Conference Annual Day - Mark Johnson, Parliamentarian ~ Speaker at Atlanta North Georgia Conference - LaQuandrea Sweat, 1st Vice President ~ Intercessor at 6th District Fight Night CONNECTIONAL DIRECTOR REPRESENTATIONS - Connectional Director Transition Meeting - Washington, DC - The Christian Recorder Dialogue - AME Church Health Commission, guided by Supervisor Miriam Burnett, Department of Commerce Summit in Washington, DC. Focused on youth entrepreneurship highlighting five YPD members.

- WMS PME Dialogue, Washington, DC - AME Church CONVO XI - Columbus, Ohio - Attending the Global Development Council Meeting in Johannesburg, SA -

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY - Developing Standard Finance procedures for the Connectional YPD. - Developing a proposed YPD 2023-27 Quadrennial Budget, a proposed 2023-24 budget, and a proposed LTI budget - Established District YPD Assessment due dates Thank you for the opportunity to listen to, learn from, and lead with our young people and missionaries who serve as Episcopal District YPD Directors.

A Charge to Keep Richelle Fry Skinner Connectional YPD Director

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Richelle Fry Skinner YPD Director 2023-2027 Connectional YPD Officers President - Joyce Johnson First Vice President - LaQuandrea Sweat Second Vice President - Jarvis Denman, Jr. Third Vice President - Tevin Nedd Recording Secretary - Ashaya Stewart Assistant Recording Secretary - Deronique Wallace Financial Secretary - Cassie Singleton Communications Secretary - Tra’Nyce Jones Parliamentarian - Mark E. Johnson Historiographer/Statistician - Javien Dockery Worship Director - Michael Webb, Jr. Editor, YPD Gazette - Kiarah Michelle Associate Editor, YPD Gazette - Tshimologo Moloisane 2023-2027 Connectional Standing Committee Chairs Program Planning - LaQuandrea Sweat Membership Outreach - Amanda Boissiere Budget and Financial Estimates - Cassie Singleton Constitution and ByLaws - Mark Johnson International Awareness - Tevin Nedd Campus Ministry - Arjai Rivera & Mamello Serei Nominating Committee - Thabiso Mdluli Evaluation - Harley Kelly Voter Registration - Elijah Karriem Monique Gonzales Memorial - Darcey Dorris

2023-2027 Connectional Special Committee Chairs Reading and Literacy - Kierra Giles Health and Fitness - Jalecia Claytor EPISCOPAL YPD PRESIDENTS Ex-Officio Members Richard Norris, III, Immediate Past Connectional YPD President Episcopal YPD Directors Conference YPD Directors

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Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson Editor

Elizabeth Beauty Mhlongo Associate Editor

We greet each of you with the love and joy of Jesus Christ!

First, we begin with thanks to Dr. Linda Mtshwelo, who faithfully served as Associa te Editor from August 2019 to August 2023. Her commitment and perseverance to serve during a most challenging time, through a global pandemic, is most appreciated. We wish her well.

Next, we welcome Elizabeth Beauty Mhlongo, our newly elected Associate Editor from South Africa in the 19th District. Editor Mhlongo has a passion for writing and for getting the magazine in the hands of all who desire to receive it. She has already increased the number of submissions from Districts outside of the United States and has already explored opportunities to increase subscriptions in Africa.

You can read Associate Editor Mhlongo’s introduction in the final issue published and distributed in December 2023 which is the November/December 2022.

In 2024, we enter the season for resolution.

We will begin the year with 2023: A Year in Review 40-page publication that will cover January to December 2023. That publication should be distributed by the end of January 2024.

The January/February 2024 publication will distribute in February. We will continue this path of production with the March/April 2024 publication distributing in March.

We are planning for publications that are 32 to 36 pages that include articles from across the AME WMS Connection! We are also planning to increase the subscription and distribution of the Missionary magazine to Districts outside the United States by improving the mailing system and other possible means.

We continue to manually clean up the subscriber database. Once the publication is on production track, we will begin to explore options to transition to an automated system.

Finally, we hope to launch in 2024 an online newsletter that will distribute time-sensitive news quickly. It could include two to four short articles with links to more detailed and comprehensive articles.

We are most thankful for our Supervisors and our Districts for their support: 4th Episcopal District Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White and 19th Episcopal District Supervisor Carolyn Elizabeth Irvin Brailsford.

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Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson Editor

Elizabeth Beauty Mhlongo Associate Editor

May God continue to Bless each of you. And may God Bless the works, the efforts, and the visions of The Missionary Magazine.

Tentative Production Schedule for 2024 We will adjust as needed. This allows for any mail distribution or transportation challenges that we may encounter.

January/ February 2024 To the Editors: January 2024 Distribution: February 2024 March/ April 2024 To the Editors: February 28, 2024 Distribution: Mid-March/April May/June 2024 To the Editors: Feb. 29, 2024 Distribution: Mid-May July/August 2024 To the Editors: April 29, 2024 Distribution: Mid-July September/October 2024 To the Editors: June 29, 2024 Distribution: Mid-September November/ December 2024 To the Editors: August 29, 2024 Distribution: Mid-November January/February 2025 To the Editors: October 29, 2024 Distribution: Mid-January

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Alisha Marriott PME Director

As the newly-elected PME Director, it gives me great joy to submit this report in cooperation with the committee of Episcopal District PME Directors and the Commission of Mission Education and Interpretation.

The Annual Mission Education and Interpretation Dialogue convened on December 8th - 9th 2023, at The Westin Crystal City Hotel in Arlington, VA, hosted by the 2 nd Episcopal District, under the leadership of Bishop James Levert Davis, Mother Arelis Beevers Davis, Episcopal Supervisor, Ms. Selerya O. Moore, Episcopal WMS President & Mrs. Shelia McDonald Episcopal PME Director. The Dialogue produced the following highlights… o Increased Episcopal District participation from ALL Twenty Episcopal Districts ✓ Districts 1-13 attended in person. ✓ Districts 14-20 attended virtually online o Included Former Connectional PME Directors Margaret Maske, Corinne Thomas, and Dr. Rosa Baxter, (who implemented and convened the first Connectional PME Dialogue in 1982), brought greetings and celebrated the attendance of every district, with 100 % participation from 14-20. ✓ Graced with over 40 years of leadership including our International President, All 3 VPs, YPD Director, other Connectional Officers, and PME Directors on all levels and every age group including 18-26 and 26-40 and above! o Developed three years of mission study curricula for 2024, 2025, and 2026! ✓ 2024; Truth and Lies: The Impact of Misinformation, Disinformation, and Malinformation ▪ Geographical Theme: Canada ✓ 2025; Champions For Our Youth: Meet Them Where They Are! ▪ Geographical Theme: Jamaica ✓ 2026; A Global Urgency! The Universal Dimensions of Health and Wellness ▪ Geographical Theme: Uganda o Promoted PME as a collaborative tool for the creative capabilities of our youth to navigate a new digital mission field and guide people worldwide in faith to Christ. ✓ Dialogue Presenter Reverend Lisa Williamson, MD MPH inspired us to Fish Differently for the new Digital Era with our youth, meeting them where they are for Hybrid Missions and our 2025 Mission Study o Planned for the promotion, circulation, and use of 9000 newly published Mission Education Curriculum. o Collaborated with Connectional YPD Director to advance the use of PME to educate, equip, and enrich lives of ALL members and non-members. SGDs#3 (Well Being), #4 (Quality Education), #17 (Partnerships For The Goals) ✓ Promote PME study on all digital platforms; ✓ Promote writers, illustrators, anime artists, content creators, poets, lyricists, and storytellers for future PME submissions; ✓ Promote Director Partnerships between District PME Directors & YPD Directors to use the PME study guide, share the good news, spread hope, strengthen faith and transform lives from print media to social media, one person and one post at a time!

We are educating ourselves and our youth to use the PME study guide and connect others to it digitally -through online and mobile engagement, taking the study guide and the gospel from bookshelves or distribution delays to real-time social media platforms.

We are equipping ourselves and our youth for hybrid missions, by sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ through physical, digital, and online strategies, as an effective and transformative expression of our commission to glorify God and make Him known, and WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Alisha Marriott PME Director

We are enriching the lives of our youth and others today, where people spend more time online and on mobile devices such that online and social media platforms have now become the new mission field.

The PME Study Guide is our missionary tool to strengthen faith and empower missionaries and our youth with confidence and Holy Ghost boldness to talk about Jesus, equip them to communicate the gospel to the world with relevance and bear witness to God at work amidst the chaos and confusion of the present day while growing in faith and relationship with God! Give Him Glory!

The 2024 Mission Education Curriculum Is available for purchase The Mission Education Curriculum is a tool and study guide to promote Missionary Education that inspires the work of Missions.

"Through mission study we become sensitized to the need to serve and prompted to action" • Educating for a more effective mission ministry.

• Equipping leaders for mission service.

•

Enriching and inspiring greater community generating resources.

involvement;

developing people and

Yearbooks may be purchased for $15.00 Please order through your Episcopal District PME Director or Connectional PME Director Alisha Marriott at alisha.marriott@verizon.net. Scan below for WhatsApp

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Dr. Monica Dillihunt

Historiographer/Statistician "In the same way, let your light shine before people, so they can see the good things you do and praise your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16 It is an honor to be re-elected as your Connectional Historiographer / Statistician and to continue the work alongside the Episcopal District Historiographer / Statisticians.

Below is an account of the work that has been done since leaving Quadrennial and the Global Foci represented for each activity: During the Quadrennial a digital platform for sharing photos was created using the PhotoCircle App. Over 180 ppl downloaded the app and updated photos of events and district activities. Some individuals have continued to share photos of district activities. (Global Vision – Birthing). Moving forward, we will be looking for ways to archive these photos.

We have continued to gather the historical data of each episcopal district WMS Society. In addition, we have written a summary of the history of the Women’s Parent Mite Society and the Women’s Home and Foreign Missionary Society and the merger of the two. The new History Book, A Look Back Through the Years: HerStory 2004-2022, will prayerfully be ready to submit to the printer by the end of March and ready for distribution at the 2024 General Conference which marks 150 years of the Women’s Missionary Society (1874-2024). (Global Vision – Birthing).

We have also collaborated with the Episcopal District 2nd Vice Presidents to begin gathering photos of WMS historical memoirs from each Episcopal District. These photos will be cataloged into a Tabletop Booklet that will also prayerfully be ready for distribution at the 2024 General Conference.

We held workshops on how to capture appropriate photos and how to take photos of historical documents. Information was also shared on how to send digital documents so that you the resolution of the photo is not lost. In addition, we also created a Google Drive for sharing of documents across all districts (Global Vision – Birthing). Each Episcopal District has a folder for uploading documents and files.

We are also focused on gathering the correct statistical data for each Episcopal District. We will be looking to revise the form that we have used to make sure it correctly reflects the numbers of members at the local, area, conference and district levels for our WMS, YAMS and YPD. Let us continue to cultivate, grow and make a difference in the world. It is a joy to serve, and I want to thank you for the opportunity.

Yours in Service.

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Dr. Monica Dillihunt

Historiographer/Statistician

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Dr. Djuana Duncombe-Paden Worship Director

Psalm 34:1 I bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mo uth.

Greetings in the matchless name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Projected Goals: ▪ Communicate, coordinate and network with the Episcopal, Conference and Local Worship Directors to ascertain the spiritual aspirations and desires of the membership.

▪ Create harmonious and meaningful worship experiences that resonate with our diverse membership.

▪ Work collaboratively with the Connectional Prayer Support Team Chair to synchronize a quarterly Prayer Call to pray for our Missionaries and the fulfillment of the Connectional WMS Sustainable Development Goals.

▪ Integrate modern worship styles while cherishing our rich traditions.

Accomplishments: ▪ Invited and participated as a Psalmist/Praise Worship Leader/Soloist at the following events: ▪ Annual Conferences ▪ Greater Grace Victorious Assembly Church ▪ Wedding Soloist ▪ Extreme Worship Ministry ▪ Soprano of the Season- Montgomery, AL Chapter of Gospel Music Workshop of America PRAISE IS WHAT I DO!

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Janita Ferguson Member-At-Large

Greetings in the Joy of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It is with pride that I submit my first report as the Connectional Member-at-Large of the Women’s Missionary Society. Representing and leading the phenomenal young adult members of the Women’s Missionary Society is an even more incredible honor. We are enthusiastically embracing the possibilities. We aim to provide equal spaces and opportunities for all generations through efficient, cutting-edge, and engaging programming and leadership.

Since the 2023 WMS Quadrennial, we have created a new presence on social media and have hosted meaningful, impactful projects to empower and engage our young adult members.

Social Media: We are excited to cultivate and expand a NEW platform on social media. Within 6 months, we have grown to over 1,000 supporters and followers, with specific attention to connect with Episcopal Districts 14-20. We encourage the Connectional WMS, as well as the Connectional AME Church, to connect and engage with us through the following social media handles: • Facebook Like Page: @Connectional WMS Young Adult Members • Facebook Private Group: @Connectional WMS Young Adult Missionaries • Instagram: @WMSYAMS • Tik-Tok: @WMSYAMS Monthly Meetings: It has been a privilege to connect with Connectional Members-At-Large during our monthly virtual meetings.

We have seen increased interest and participation among our Missionary sisters in Districts 14-20. Our goal is to foster strong relationships with our global sisters to truly be an impact to the work of missions across the connection.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: October 2023 Pink Power Awareness Month is a national movement that unites both Young Adult and Adult members to stand firm in the face of breast cancer. During the month of October 2023, we were able to connect with over 1,000 missionaries throughout the month through our weekly prayer calls and daily social media posts.

We also hosted Pink Table Talk featuring former Member-at-large and Breast Cancer Survivor, Erica Austin. We closed out Pink Power Month with our Pink Sunday, where YAMS across the connection, rocked the color pink to bring awareness to breast cancer and to honor those who are fighting. Additionally, motived through our campaign, many YAMS used pledge cards to make contributions to Breast Cancer Awareness and Research Foundations to continue the work to find a cure.

Winter WonderYAM: December 2023 During the month of December, we sponsored a week of joyous virtual activities and heartfelt reflections led by Episcopal District Members At Large. Each day, we were blessed to have a different district lead our virtual activities, which included Christmas Jeopardy, a Cookie Decoration Contest, a Scavenger Hunt, Caroling, Story Time, and Comedy Night. Major Shoutout Districts 1,4,7,9,10, and 12.

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Janita Ferguson Member-At-Large

We continue to collect scarves, hats, and gloves to gift to the less fortunate during the Holiday/Winter Season.

Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6: 9-10 2024 Goals and Initiatives Young Adult Member Theme: Sisters Leading And Yearning to SERVE and IMPACT Others (SLAY) As Missionary Sisters, we wish to Lead by engaging actively in roles of programming that empower and improve the work of missions across the Connectional Church. We Yearn to serve and impact others.

Our core focus areas Health & Wellness, Voters Turnout, and Educational Enrichment.

Voters Turn Out: SLAY the Poll The Slay the Poll initiative is a voter registration, and turnout initiative for Young Adult members, which focuses on voters' rights and education, voter registration, and voter turnout. We anticipate engaging over 10,000 young adult voters throughout the connectional church.

Health and Wellness We will bring awareness to physical, mental and social well-being by creating circle groups and hosting seminars to educate and engage missionary sisters throughout the connection.

Educational Enrichment Monthly development virtual seminars where missionaries can receive knowledge across a vast variety of topics including; financial management, navigating higher education, community engagement, fund development, and many more.

Additional Goals As a priority, we will work to recruit 5,000 active young adult members globally while concentrating on retaining our membership for a stronger future and measurable community impact worldwide.

God's grace frames our commitment, dedication, and fulfillment of Sarah Allen’s vision to give service and impact the present age through mission and evangelism. I look forward to working with the Young Adult Members as we continue to be a beacon of light.

In closing, I thank my Bishop and Supervisor, Jackson, President Moore, and the 6th Episcopal District for their unwavering support—special thanks to my mentor, Supervisor Patricia Russel McCloud, for your leadership and development. Lastly, I am grateful to have my sister circle, who keeps me lifted and assists where needed.

With mission in my heart.

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Wanda M. Sims Parliamentarian

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Therefore, my beloved, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord, because you know that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.” I Corinthians 15:57-8 (NIV) Office:

Parliamentarian - Wanda M. Sims, PRP, CP

Overview: To provide parliamentary procedure advice and education throughout the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society.

Accomplishments: Provided advice and guidance to the Connectional President and Executive Board on parliamentary procedure as requested.

Responded to routine requests for parliamentary procedure advice as requested from all levels of the Women’s Missionary Society, Connectional Lay Organization, and ordained clergy.

Conducted a parliamentary procedure workshop for the 12th Episcopal District Lay Organization in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Attended all regular and special meetings of the Executive Board.

Served as the Parliamentarian for the Connectional Lay Organization and attended the Executive Board Meeting (December 9, 2023) Continued to serve as an instructor for the Second Episcopal District Washington Conference Board of Examiners.

Presided over the 44th Biennial Convention of the National Association of Parliamentarians in Atlanta, Georgia (September 6 through 9, 2023).

Served as the featured guest for The Christian Recorder Dialogues (December 5, 2023).

Served as a judge in the parliamentary procedure contest for the Future Farmers of America Annual Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Attended various WMS meetings in the 11th Episcopal District.

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Sharon Banks Smith

Affiliates & Ecumenical Partners Committee Chair

Thanks to Dr. Deborah Taylor King, Connectional WMS President for providing the opportunity to serve as Chair of the Affiliate and Ecumenical Partners Committee.

I reached out to the former Chair, Judith Redd & Connectional 1st Vice President Charolett Martin; they provided me with contact information.

Listed below are the Affiliate and Ecumenical Partners that were invited to the 2024 Executive Board Meeting. They are: ▪ National Council of Negro Women, Inc. ▪ Women’s Home & Overseas Missionary Society (AME Zion Church) ▪ Church Women United ▪ CME Women’s Missionary Council ▪ Bread for the World ▪ The Black Women’s Agenda Accomplishments: ▪ Attended virtually the 10th Annual Healthy Churches 2030 Conference (November 13-16, 2023) ▪ Attended virtually the 88th National Council of Negro Women Founder’s Day Program.

▪ Attended the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) Affiliates Assembly held in Washington, DC (December 6-9, 2023) ▪ Visited the PME Dialogue Session in Washington, DC (December 9, 2023) ▪ Attended CONVO XI in Columbus, OH (December 12-14, 2023) ▪ Attended virtually NCNW – Ending Breast Cancer with the American Cancer Society & Fashion Fair (December 14, 2023) ▪ Attended virtually “A Live Zoom with Oprah for The Color Purple” sponsored by NCNW (December 20, 2023) ▪ Projected outreach will be to contact female organizations of the Divine 9.

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Josephine L. Mitchell Child Advocacy

The Child Advocacy Committee aims to create innovative and sustainable solutions to address problems related to our children's and youth's mental, physical, and spiritual health. The goal is to supply relevant education and information to empower adults to engage in advocacy, ensuring the best interest of our children and empowering our youth and young people to become self-advocates.

The Child Advocacy Committee prioritizes services and programs that address ongoing disparities and inequities that hurt our children and youth of color. We will accomplish this by providing education and information for parents, caregivers, and youth workers.

The goal is to empower those adults to advocate and instruct our children and youth on the power of self-advocacy. The Commission aims to create innovative and sustainable solutions to address children's and youth's mental, physical, and spiritual health. Our focus areas will include but not limited to the following: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Enhance spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Continue the work started with the Toothbrush Talk Oral Health Initiative, which started under the Colgate Palmolive Grant - Bright Smile/Bright Future and explore partnering with local health professionals to supply information.

Host discussions about race, white supremacy, sexism, and other cultural issues that affect our children and youth.

Reduce childhood obesity by having resources and tools for parents in the child's early development stage by partnering with the Connectional Health Committee for a more significant impact.

Increase mental health awareness and access to suicide crisis and lifeline. Supply information for Mental Health and educational resources related to suicide and crisis lifeline.

Address educational inequities and disparities by identification of educational barriers in local communities.

Increasing awareness about the identification and eradication of children and youth trafficking Increase awareness of Internet Safety and Cyberbullying. To supply information for parents, caregivers, and youth to learn ways to identify, prevent, and address cyberbullying.

Continue to supply Vaccine information, COVID-19, and other Childhood Vaccines. Continue the work with the Department of Health and Human Services to promote vaccine awareness for patients and caregivers.

To embrace the challenge of achieving our goals, we realize the importance of partnerships. The Commission will continue to work with the Episcopal District Child Advocacy team, Connectional Young People and Children’s Division (YPD), The Connectional Health Committee, and Community partners. We recognize the importance of advocating with organizations focusing on children and youth to have a more significant impact.

I want to personally thank Sister Richelle Fry Skinner, past Advocacy Committee Chair, for her assistance in making this report.

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Harriet Brown-Birk, Esq.

Constitution & Bylaws Committee Chair GOAL: To provide interpretation of the Connectional Constitution and Bylaws of the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and prepare updates as authorized by the WMS Quadrennial Convention ACCOMPLISHMENTS: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Developed the phrase “CIA” – Clarify, Interpret, Analyze” to brand the C & B review process – November 2020 Presented workshops and seminars on the C & B – 2021-2023 Initiated the submission process for Proposed Amendments to the 2024-2028 Constitution and Bylaws – June – August 2022: Developed the form and timeline flowchart for Proposed Amendment submission: August 2022 Received and collated 76 Proposed Amendments from Episcopal Districts: December 2022 – February 2023 Conducted a Virtual Orientation meeting with the C & B Episcopal District Representatives and Supervisor Dorothy Jackson Young – March 2023 Facilitated the meeting of the Compilation and Revisions Committee at the WMS Office in Washington, D.C. - April 2023 Collaborated with CWMS Executive Assistant, Blanche Baucham, to develop the Amendments Booklet for delegates to the Quadrennial Convention – April 2023 Submitted the final C&B booklet to Connectional President King for distribution to delegates of the 20th Quadrennial Convention - April 2023 Conducted six (6) Virtual meetings with the Episcopal District Representatives: May – July 2023 Attended the YPD Session for the 20th Quadrennial Convention Facilitated three (3) meetings with the C&B Committee at the Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, FL with Supervisor Dorothy Jackson Young to discuss final revisions and concerns prior to voting – July 2023 Presented the format for the reading and voting on the C & B Proposed Amendments - Quadrennial Convention Plenary Session IV – July 2023 Facilitated the voting process for 54 Proposed Amendments – Quadrennial Convention Plenary Session V – August 2023 Imitated the compilation of the adopted amendments for presentation to the 52 nd AMEC General Conference in Columbus, OH – August 2024

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Deana Young-McAllister

Education/Scholarship Committee Chair I am grateful to President King for the opportunity to serve as the Connectional Chair of the Education and Scholarship Committee for the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. This committee has been diligently working to offer scholarships to students seeking higher educational degrees. Our charge will continue with two goals this quadrennium. They are as follows: Goal #1: To provide multiple educational scholarships for young people across the Connectional Church representing districts 1-20.

During the Quadrennial Convention, we were able to give a total of 20 scholarships to young people representing each episcopal district. We were charged with creating a book scholarship for our young people attending college or a university. Our commission agreed that there needed to be updates made to the Handy Simmons Scholarship process. With the support of our beloved Connectional President, the committee unanimously agreed that the process of applying for this scholarship should ultimately be electronic. Some of the additional changes required our young people to write on the topic of “How has the Coronavirus outbreak affected your life as a student, spiritually, academically and socially?” By implementing said changes, we will ultimately eliminate the paper application and streamline the former process.

To meet the needs of disseminating scholarship monies in time for the quadrennial, paper applications were accepted because we wanted to make sure that every district followed the same process for review and selection of scholarship winners.

Goal #2: To partner with the committee on Political Action to ensure that we are informing, teaching and equipping members across the connectional church with the necessary tools and information on how we can cause impactful change in education through voting and with participation in the census. Our commission partnered with “Political Action: Exercising our Faith through Education and Political Action.”

Committee Accomplishments: During this quadrennium, Districts 1-13, one (1) $1000.00 scholarship will be given to a qualified student. For Districts 14-20, one (1) $500 scholarship will be given to a qualified student. Scholarship awards were issued during the 20th Quadrennial Convention in Orlando, Florida.

The committee is excited to share that during the 2024 Women’s Missionary Society Executive Board Meeting in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, we will give an additional 20 scholarships to young people across our connectional church. For Districts 1-13, one (1) $1500.00 scholarship will be given to a qualified student. For Districts 14-20, one (1) $500,00 scholarship will be given to a qualified student.

Lastly, a finalized Handy Simmons Electronic Scholarship Application process is ready to be implemented.

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Deana Young-McAllister

Education/Scholarship Committee Chair We assisted and helped with Political Town Hall Virtual Meetings. Leading up to elections, members of the commission were asked to participate by offering the educational moment at the beginning of each town hall. It was our goal to then sponsor/offer supplemental reading to support the education of fellow missionaries as it relates to topics that affected our political awareness.

Finally, It was my pleasure to work with a great group of hardworking missionaries from our great Zion. I would especially like to thank Mr. Ron Harris, our very own IT Specialist, who assisted in helping us transform the Handy Simmons Scholarship Application from a paper process to an electronic process.

Again, I am grateful to President King for this appointment because I am passionate about education, encouraging and supporting young people and the work of missions.

To God be All Glory and honor!

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LaDonna Moore Liggins Election Committee Chair

“Let all things be done decently and in order” 1 Corinthians 14:40.

Goals and Objectives: To have members of the Election Committee familiarize themselves with and have a clear understanding of the procedures for using the voting devices. To hold 2 (two) committee meetings prior to arriving on site of the 20th Quadrennial Convention. To hold 2 (two) committee meetings upon arrival onsite. To have members prepared to clarify and address questions that may arise from delegates. To facilitate the election process with integrity and fairness. To facilitate the election process with efficiency and accuracy.

Election Projected Accomplishments: The expectations of my Goals and Objectives will have been fulfilled at the conclusion of the 2023 officers’ election. An election process that is efficient and timely. To have committee members effectively convey their understanding of and comfort in accessing and using the voting devices. To have committee members adequately trained to address questions and or concerns that delegates may have.

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Delores Bolden-Stamps, Ph.D. Fund Development Chair

The Fund Development Charge - A mission to secure funds and build partnerships that support the vision and goals of the Women’s Missionary Society.

In Retrospect: The 2019-2023 Quadrennial During the last quadrennial and as previously reported, we successfully secured funds ($365.000) and initiated partnerships that amplified WMS=AMEC’s mission, supported our goals, and effectuated positive changes in many communities across the connection. We experienced tremendous philanthropic increases- presence, footprint, and impact. For these increases, we are immensely grateful for God’s grace and the hands and hearts of those who helped to make this possible.

Yet, we know that the path forward to continued successful fund development requires ongoing, intentional, and focused assessment and planning. Thus, we have spent the past few months delving into our past work (process, outcomes, and impact) and determining how best to build upon and project from the accomplishments and lessons learned. This effort has been scaffolded by WMS-AMEC’s global foci and dimensional framework (build, birth, bridge, and brand) as set forth by President Taylor King, as well as the priority placed on the health disparities and inequities that adversely impact African Americans and people of the Diaspora.

The Path Forward and Next Steps: The New Quadrennial Build- Intentionally initiate, build, and sustain powerful and substantive partnerships. We will maintain, fortify, and publicize existing partnerships and simultaneously identify new partnerships. It is envisioned that all partnerships will be defined and solidified by signed MOU’s explaining the mutual benefits, especially the conduit to funding opportunities. Current potential prospective partners include Foundation for the Mid South, Southern Law Poverty Center, NCNW, NAACP Youth Council.

Birth- Establish collaborative partnerships and/or submit proposals to support programs/outreach in the following suggested areas: HIV-AID; Oral Health; Voter Education/Registration; Mental Health Awareness; and/or Women’s Empowerment. These suggested areas will be discussed and prioritized based on input and guidance from President Taylor King and members of the Fund Development Committee. Prospective funders are being researched and identified.

Bridge- While the above list of funded initiatives will be prioritized, any and/ or all of them will help to address and improve the health and wellness for women and children across the connection. Future programs/services outcomes and impacts will be evaluated and documented.

Brand- This is the dimension where we envision exponential opportunity and the greatest gain. An aggressive fund development marketing plan will be set forth to highlight (tell our stories) our formidable contributions, including our Sesquicentennial. The marketing strategies will undergird and greatly enhance our fund development efforts.

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Dr. Linda Frazier

Health & Wellness Committee Chair Statement: I continue to give thanks to God for the opportunity to serve my church, community, and my family in this capacity. The goal of the Health and Wellness Committee is to promote physical, mental, and spiritual health as a sustainable value of our community through innovative approaches to health and wellness. The committee continues to inspire and empower individuals to take responsibility for their own health and increase awareness of factors and resources for well-being.

Summary of Accomplishments: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

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Coordinated vaccination clinics in the Southwest George Conference in partnership with various organizations including Fair Count.

Collaborated with “Community Empowerment through Nutrition” to deliver hundreds of boxes of food to Southwest and Middle Georgia.

Presenter at the Annual NGO Conference 2021. Topic: “Covid-19: The Pandemic of a Century. The Year 2022 and beyond…

Presenter for the Delta Research and Education Foundation: “Life with Diabetes, The Real Story” Coordinateds facilitates and moderates the “ASK THE DOCTOR” segment at the Executive Board and Quadrennial Conventions.

Participated on various levels with the “We Can Do It Campaign” participated in the podcast, coordinated a Virtual Health Fair at the Executive Board meeting, planned, and coordinated a “Boots on the Ground” event: “It’s a Family Affair: Fun, Fellowship, and Facts” a community based social and civic event which included fun, facts, and vaccinations.

Graduated with a Master of Public Health from Morehouse School of Medicine (2021).

Coordinating with the West Central Georgia Cancer Coalition to distribute cancer awareness information monthly through the local church and surrounding communities.

Coordinating and Facilitating the Health and Wellness Committee of the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society which meets regularly to address pertinent healthcare issues and concerns and to provide health screening, minor treatments, and referrals during Connectional meetings.

Provided treatment and evaluation for more than 100 + participants at the Quadrennial Convention in July 2024.

Completing the National Diabetes Prevention Program to become a lifestyle coach in the community to help participants prevent pre-diabetes from becoming diabetes.

Collaborated with the Emory University Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center to present a Memory Screening Event during the 6th Episcopal District’s Planning meeting. One hundred and two (102) screenings were conducted at this event, one of the highest screenings reported at a single outreach event hosted by Emory Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) in June 2023.

Participated as a panelist in the Virtual Health Equity Forum hosted by the Urban League of Greater Atlanta.

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Kelly Shelton

Membership & Recruitment Committee Chair The following Recruitment Tips were developed for the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS Make sure potential members know the Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (WMS-AMEC) Step one in recruiting is to make sure potential members know who we are. Take every opportunity to talk about the WMS-AMEC. Here are some ideas:

▪ ▪ ▪

Post updates and announcements on social media Be present at events that potential members attend Put up flyers or posters on bulletin boards, websites, etc. – make them colorful and eye-catching (use Canva or other apps to assist).

Whatever recruitment plans you put in place, probably won’t have the maximum impact if potential members don’t already recognize us. Keep in mind, it takes on average 5 times for a person to really read a message, 10 times to remember and 20 times to act on it.

The good news about the WMS-AMEC is that our name basically indicates what we do and who our members are, but don’t rest on that. Don’t assume people know what the missionaries do – some know, but some don’t. It’s our job to make sure they know who we are and what we do. When people come to our events already knowing who we are and what we do, we have a better chance of successfully recruiting them.

Share member benefits and talk about what we do Members join organizations for the benefits. Our benefit is the work we do, the people we impact and the feeling we get from doing “good work.”

Don’t be shy to talk about what we do. People are looking for ways to give back. People are looking for ways to be a blessing to others.

In addition to doing good work, consider offering members tangible benefits like: ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

No dues the first year No Conference fees the first year A New Member Gift Bag (consider including a copy of the Constitution & Bylaws, a copy of the Missionary Magazine, a WMS scarf, a WMS t-shirt) – consider packaging in a recent conference bag Special seating at monthly Local meetings (when you know you have a new member or a potential member coming, please reserve a seat for them – even decorate it!)

THREE SPECIFIC RECRUITMENT IDEAS: 1.

Create a referral program with incentives

There is nothing wrong with giving existing members a little incentive to bring in new members. Feel free to offer something special to your members for convincing someone they know to join — this can be a gift card, a discount on their next dues payment, or even an entry into a drawing to win a prize.

2.

Provide value through information

In an effort to provide service and witness in the world, consider your Local society as a source for important information. Make sure people look to us for valuable educational content related to mission work. The content could be shared by webinars, videos, posters, flyers and anything else that delivers value.

3.

Partner with Other Organizations

A sense of community drives membership growth — take advantage of this and tap into your own community for new opportunities. Think about other associations, businesses, or charities who do similar or complementary work to yours and identify ways to partner with them. This can mean putting on a joint event, sponsoring an event, or cross promoting your programs. The benefit here is that members of your partners’ communities will get an introduction to your organization. You already know that their interests and values align with yours, so they are the perfect candidates for potential new members!

THINGS TO DO AT RECRUITMENT MEETINGS/EVENTS Fun competitions - Everybody enjoys a little fun competition ▪ ▪

Name that Tune – Play gospel songs, but stop them before it gets to the well-known parts and see who can name that tune – or finish the line.

Trivial Pursuit or Kahoot – Make up questions that share interesting facts about the WMS or your church or people in the WMS, or whatever you like.

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Kelly Shelton

▪

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Membership & Recruitment Committee Chair

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Scavenger Hunt – In-person, you can hide items throughout the space and ask people to move around. Virtually, you can share a list of items and encourage people to “go find them” in their home in a set amount of time. The purse version of the game encourages people to find items in their purse – this allows people to stay in their seat.

Find-The-Person Bingo – This is usually best in-person. Create Bingo cards with squares like: Is a Twin, Is a Life Member, Has a Brother, Has 3 Kids, etc. Peoples have to move around the room filling their Bingo card by meeting people who say yes to whatever is in the given square.

Informational Sessions - Make sharing information about the WMS-AMEC interesting by sharing videos, engaging Q&A sessions, skits and interactive roleplaying.

FOUR RECRUITMENT EVENTS TO TRY 1.

Host a Bring-a-Friend Meeting or Event

One of the best ways to recruit new members is by getting current members to recruit within their networks.

Existing members’ friends, acquaintances, and colleagues often share the same interests and are looking for solutions to the same problems, so they’ll likely already be supportive of our mission. Plus, most people trust the opinion of someone they know, so if a friend recommends that they join, they’ll take it into serious consideration.

Consider hosting a special bring-a-friend meeting or event. Ask members to think of one person who would benefit from or enjoy coming along with them and experiencing a bit of what we do. The friend will get an opportunity to network, learn more about the WMS-AMEC, and potentially decide to join!

2. Speed meeting You know speed dating? Speed meeting is like that, but with less romance and more networking. You can have potential members come mingle and interact with current members – or with each other to build new connections. It’s a casual way to get current members to meet with potential members and promote the WMS-AMEC. Some ways to make the conversations even more effective: ▪ ▪ ▪

Structure the event so that like-minded prospects and members will be chatting. (By role, age, career, etc.)

Give your members topics to help guide the conversation – including points that’ll highlight certain benefits.

Similarly, ask prospects to submit their goals and interests ahead of time so your current members know what’s most important to them.

3.

Panel discussion

You’ve probably hosted events with panels before, but have you ever done it as a recruitment effort? Hosting a panel creates an environment where you can be open and straightforward with prospects.

Start your panel with a curated Q&A, and then open the floor to your prospects for other questions. Don’t be shy about what you’ll answer! Your willingness to be transparent is key here.

To take it up a notch: ▪ ▪

Provide appetizers if the event is in the evening or breakfast for a morning panel.

Invite someone in your community to give a short keynote about something relevant.

4.

Invite non-members to attend a mission project or event

Pairing classic networking with a mission project or other event can leave a lasting impression. Aim for something that’s fun, but where members and prospects can easily interact, too. For example: ▪ ▪

Try out a team-building activity, like a painting class, a jewelry-making class or a sculpting class.

Volunteer with your local food bank, a beautification effort, on a Habitat for Humanity build, etc. – something you can do as a group to benefit the community.

With a little out-of-the-box thinking, your member recruitment can take on a whole new, much more engaging light. And that’s just the beginning on how you can use projects and events to grow your membership.

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Andriette Bryant

Missionaries Demand Action (MDA) CASTING...“Legislative NETworks” Heeding the focal clarion imperative, from our esteemed International President, Dr. Deborah Taylor King, the Women’s Missionary Society/Missionaries Demand Action for Global Gun Violence Prevention Commission, determined to expansively engage in the process of prevention legislative reform! Our adopted “ORANGE Works” mandate to “LEGISLATE”... by purposeful involvement that facilitates the passage of common sense gun laws and policies, is being exercised through enlightenment activities, courageous persistence and strategic collaboration with “Legislative NETworks”.

The intentional focus of our efforts, has been fueled by the evidenced factor, that the existence of common sense gun reform laws, policies and initiatives, save the lives of precious children and preserve the overall safety of communities globally! Our determination to “cast out into the deep”, has presented opportunities for missionaries, clergy, laity and the YPD to build progressive relationships with diverse lawmakers and government representatives. Through meaningful dialogue, proposals and mutual mission awareness, we have witnessed and continue to claim collaborative interest and impact. To God be the glory for granting His “networking” power!

Alarmingly, more than 110 Americans are killed with guns and more than 200 are shot or wounded daily. Therefore, the Women’s Missionary Society/Missionaries Demand Action Commission of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, “must remain determined” to strive toward, explore, recognize and celebrate “all” avenues and possibilities, that lead to effective gun violence prevention mandates and reform.

Accountability CASTING...

In addition to increasingly active WMS/MDA partnering memberships with Moms Demand Action for Gun Violence Prevention state chapters, we have extended our “advocacy NETworks” to include: supporting Sandy Hook Promise, Everytown for Gun Safety, the Coalition to Stop Gun Violence (CSGV), the Gun Violence Prevention and Victim Navigator and connectional Community Law Enforcement Interest Groups.

The WMS/MDA Commission, clergy, component leaders, educators, medical professionals, along with legislative advocates, have participated in a plethora of rallies, marches and subcommittee/committee law proposal hearings and testimonials that assert with “collective energy”, our practical yet relentless demands, for ending senseless gun violence.

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Andriette Bryant

Missionaries Demand Action (MDA) Our support for young activists committed to ending gun violence, through Students Demand Action (SDA) chapters, has been a blessed and rewarding privilege. We have participated with high school and college students, many of whom are members of the Young People’s Division (YPD) across the connectional church, as youth seek to establish their own advocacy accountability “networks” and demand that lawmakers take action to “heal” this “curable” gun violence health crisis.

During the historic Connectional WMS “2Oth Quadrennial Convention Session”, WMS/MDA Advocacy Day was highlighted on Wednesday, August 2, 2023. Bishops, Episcopal Supervisors, General Officers, our International WMS President, Connectional Officers and Missionaries on “all” levels, adorned the “ORANGE... SPOT-ON” mission seal; purposed to message our collective awareness and prevention pursuits. It was indeed an “ORANGE fabulous” sight of solidarity!!!

Through collaborative persistence, humanitarian demands and “Legislative NETworks”, we praise God that: ~... progressive “strides” in legislative thrusts to enact sensible gun law changes across America are being noted ~... “two” states recently passed major gun control legislation and a third appears poised to follow ~... gun control “law package proposals” that prohibit civilian gun owners from carrying weapons onto school properties and other sensitive locations are being discussed ~... presently “ten” states in the USA have decided to ban assault rifles!

As a commission our “sincere gratitude” extends globally to “all”, who remain prayerfully engaged, energized and boldly steadfast to this lifesaving mission......... “ALL” Glory to our God!

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Annie G. Simmons

MITE (Disaster Relief) Committee Chair The Committee Chair in followship with Connectional Office stands ready for “A Call for Action” when the need arises to put in place plans to respond to disasters that requires dynamic, direct action a continuous process before and after an devastated disaster.

The Accountability Plan of action of Disaster Relief and Emergency Preparedness (MITE) Missionaries Initiates Transitional Efforts for 2023-2024 preparation on being prepared to act on providing service for Victims of disaster outcomes of devastations cause by storms and other weather conditions.

Accountability Teamwork: Three (3) Conference Calls and (4) Zoom Virtual meetings were held with eight (8) District Commissioners in preparation of responding to the disasters in Louisiana, George, Florida, and Texas.

They were informed to follow their District “Call for Action” in teamwork.

Our focus for 2023 -2024: ▪ Strengthen the Capability Globally and Locally.

▪ In courage Expansion Growth through partnerships with other health organizations within the districts.

▪ Be better prepared to meet the needs of the effected Victims should crisis arise.

Globalization Dimensions Strategies Globalization Dimensions Strategies of public Health are both real and relevant throughout the Connectional Communities. Our focus awareness is among Clinicians and Local Health departments.

▪ Capture and become aware of exemplary disaster management practices across districts.

▪ Identify global health investments that are effective, efficient, and sustainable.

▪ Bond and Create workmanship with the Leadership Team, Bishop, Supervisor, District Presidents, District Commissioners, Conference Branch Presidents, Conference Commissioners, and other members of their team.

▪ Identify/create a list of agencies within the area to develop a workable communication plan that supports victims when affected by devastation from disasters, Storms, and Hurricanes.

Projected Plans 2023 - 2024 ▪ Continue to keep in contact with District Commissioners for updated information regarding Disasters and Devastations weather conditions and affected Victims.

▪ Be very prompt to keep WMS Connectional Office informed of Disaster and Devastations weather Conditions as they happen.

▪ Respond to “A Call for Action” when instructed.

The Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church legendary action plan of the Disaster Relief/Emergency Preparedness are at work. The Chairs, Team members and Supporters, work hard to serve our Sisters and Brothers and the Lord with gladness. Seek after that which Serves mankind but Glorifies God. “This is our Prayer; this is our Mission helping the need everywhere, for “Such A Time As This” “To God be the Glory for the Great Things He has done.”

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Adrienne M.E. Quickley MOM Committee Chair

“To Equip His People for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.”

- Ephesians 4:12 (NIV)

By God’s grace and goodness, we are standing on the precipice for prayerful preparation leading into the 2024 Women's Missionary Society (WMS) Executive Board and Training Session, which will be held on January 24-27, 2024 in Little Rock, Arkansas. We are blessed beyond measure to continue making a positive difference in our respective districts, and throughout the communities we serve on a connectional level!

Five phenomenal outreach ministries have been selected for us to support which align with our sustainable goals (including: 1) No poverty, 2) Zero Hunger, 3) Good Health and Well-being, and 4) Quality Education). Through purposefully and prayerfully supporting these outreach efforts we will be exalting Christ, empowering missionaries, and equipping the saints for greater impact! To ensure a greater worldwide impact, each Episcopal District is assigned to support one of the ministries, and ALL Districts are being asked to support AME-SADA. (These outreach ministries and requests are outlined on the chart in the attached District assignment document. Please disseminate this information throughout each level of the WMS; from the local to the overall Episcopal District.)

The assigned Episcopal District Missionaries on the Move (M.O.M.) committee member will work with their District WMS Episcopal leadership (Episcopal Supervisor and District WMS President) to determine how the donations will be collected for that district. Those committee members will be responsible for collecting District donations, and they will be given instructions for submitting those donations on-site (at Executive Board Meeting). We greatly appreciate the willingness of those assigned designees to serve within the Missionaries on the Move Committee.

We thank our hosts; Bishop Michael L. Mitchell, Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell, Episcopal District WMS President Mrs. Thelma Denton, and all the WMS officers, members, and servant leaders within the tremendous 12th District! We appreciate your phenomenal leadership and support as we work collaboratively to make a positive difference in Little Rock, Arkansas, and with renewed commitment we will continue the ministry of Jesus Christ through our service and witness within the world.

I am honored to serve as your newly appointed Connectional WMS Missionaries on the Move (M.O.M.) Chair! May God richly bless and keep each of you, and I look forward to our Christian collaboration and seeing you in Little Rock!

With Christian gratitude and commitment to great service in mission.

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Adrienne M.E. Quickley MOM Committee Chair

Missionaries on the Move (M.O.M.)-District Assignments 2024 Executive Board Meeting Ministry

Assigned Districts

Requested Donation(s)

AME-SADA

ALL

Union Rescue Mission-Dorcas House Little Rock, Arkansas

1, 2, 3, 14, 18

Financial donations to support: Bishop Sarah Frances Davis Empowerment Center (Delice, Haiti) Donation items: Toilet paper, Clorox bleach, Multipurpose cleaners, Feminine toiletries (pads and tampons), personal wipes, ethnic hair care products, (hair) shampoo and conditioner

Watershed Human and Community Development Agency Little Rock, Arkansas

7, 9, 13, 17, 19

*Founded by: Rev. Hezekiah D. Stewart, Jr. and members of Mt. Nebo African Methodist Episcopal Church Carter’s Crew Central Arkansas

4, 6, 8, 11, 20

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana Little Rock, Arkansas

5, 10, 12, 15, 16

Monetary Donations: Visa/Mastercard Gift Cards (will be used to purchase cleaning items, accessories, bathroom essentials/toiletries etc.)

Food Pantry Items: Non-Perishable items food item, Canned Goods, Fruits, Vegetables, Packaged Meats, Dry Beans, Instant Oatmeal, etc.)

Walmart, Visa, Master Card Gift Cards (will be used to assist clients with bus tickets, funerals, utilities, etc.)

Meal Gift Cards (including): Sonic, Wendys, Subway (at least $10/each) Student Donation Items: Scarves and glove sets, travel size snacks (chips, fruit cups, Gatorades, cookies, and cereal) Individual bags of trail mix/nuts/snacks, bath towels and hand towels, Paper Towels, Toilet Paper, Liquid laundry detergent, sanitizing sprays, Clorox wipes Monetary Donations: (will be used for family cost, $10/per night/per family) or Kroger, Walmart and/or Sam's Club gift cards *Make checks payable to: Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana (RMHCAR-NLA)

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Shawn M. Ross

NGO Committee Chair The WMS-AMEC Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) It is a blessing to have eighteen District NGO Liaisons, a Fistula Commissioner, and two new UN NGO Connectional Alternate Representatives. We represent the WMS at various non-governmental organization meetings, affiliated agencies and conferences. All are engaged in disseminating NGO information and spearheading NGO programming within their District. We focus on concerns relevant, but not limited to children, health, human rights, the environment, peace and justice.

UN NGO Representatives - Global Witness and Advocacy During the 2023 Quadrennial, the WMS-AMEC NGO report was read with twelve plus District NGO liaisons standing with us on stage in support. The NGO booth at the Quadrennial, included a prayer box, individual district reports, and sustainable development goals literature. The NGO virtually hosted conferences in 2022 and 2023, with over 400 registered both years. As the UN NGO Main Representative, I had the pleasure of working with Ecumenical Women, a partner NGO, and submitted a 16 page document to the UN Commission on the Status of Women(CSW). The UN CSW emphasizes the importance of Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women. I partnered with Rev. Leslye Dwight, Love AMEC, affiliates, and the 2nd Episcopal District WMS-AMEC in advocating for the passing of the Maryland “Safe Harbour Bill.”

Letters were written to legislators, we visited legislators, and attended Lobby Day. The Bill passed after two plus years of advocacy.

The NGO continues to bring awareness to human trafficking and gender-based violence. NGO liaisons received Human Trafficking Advocacy Training, and certificates from Polaris, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. I traveled to New York City, attended the CSW66 (Commission on the Status of Women), collaborated with NGO partners, and attended the Women of Africa climate change meeting.

It was very informative. On a visit to Ghana, I met Mrs. Dorcas Enu, the 14th District NGO Liaison and The Reverend Michael Enu, Pastor of Bethel AMEC, Accra, Ghana. While attending Sunday worship, I shared a greeting, and The Reverend Barrington B. Ross, my husband, preached an inspiring sermon.

As we continue to “TAKE ACTION” Ms. Brenda Mwila Mapomae, 17th District liaison, shared with liaisons during a meeting the plight of “Menstrual Health and Hygiene” She explained through advocacy, we must safeguard women and girls’ dignity, privacy, bodily integrity and self-efficacy. A serious global problem exists when access to sanitary napkins simply is not accessible, or the products are not affordable. This prevents women and girls from attending school or work. Ms. Mapomae’s team shared a video on how to make reusable sanitary napkins/cloth pads.The pads are comfortable alternatives.

We are extremely grateful to the 3rd District President, Mrs. Gloria Rodgers, 3rd District NGO Liaison, Ms. Stacy Williams, and the WMS throughout the 3 , for their efforts in raising $1000.00 for the "Period Poverty” Project.The Women of the 3rd District were very passionate and embraced this project. The Project funds will support the making of reusable sanitary napkins/cloth pads for the women of the 17th District. Thank you for your continued support! rd

Submitted by Mrs. Shawn M. Ross, Connectional UN NGO Main Representative

Campaign to End FISTULA Who or what is the Mercy Ship? Mercy Ship deploys hospital ships which provide direct medical care to patients with unmet surgical needs and works with host nations to improve existing health systems and expand access to quality healthcare for all. This Ship is an international Christian faith-based organization working in low, and middle-income countries in Africa. I had the opportunity to communicate with the Church Relation Ambassador from Mercy Ship headquarter and was given an invitation to visit the company and take a tour of their facility.

Your generous donations of $75,000 (shared during 34 Annual Quadrennial) will provide surgeries, recovery stays and celebration dresses for women to wear when they return to their communities and regain their lives with family and friends. In parts of Africa, where healthcare is limited, prolonged labor and obstructed delivery often results in a stillbirth and leaves women incontinent. The subsequent shame forces many women to live in incontinent. Thank you to each and every District for your generosity! Submitted by Ms. Janice M. Brown, Fistula Commissioner. th

To Fellow NGO Team Members, Evangelist Carolyn Clemons, Reverend Eddie Scott and Mrs. Alisha Marriott, Thank you, you’ve been an incredible asset to the NGO team, you will be missed.

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Shawn M. Ross

NGO Committee Chair Individual Episcopal District NGO Reports

1 DISTRICT: In partnership with United Nations on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) we joined the 67th Virtual Session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations, March 6 thru March 17, 2023. The theme was, Innovation and Technological Change with a focus on education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls. We raised more than $5,000 for the NGO Fistula Campaign.

2 DISTRICT: Ministries and organizations mobilized their members, and became actively involved with the SED WMS Human Trafficking Prevention, Awareness, and Intervention Ministry. They answered the call! Supported the Freedom from Child Sex Trafficking campaign, with $625 in gift cards for survivors. Recognized Human Trafficking Awareness Month across the District. Missionaries wore blue in solidarity for National Wear Blue Day, rising Awareness of Human Trafficking.

3 DISTRICT: Participate in workshops and round table discussions on “What Can We Do to Help,” the fight against Human Trafficking. End Hunger: Mobile Food Trucks in Low-Income communities, Food Giveaways, partner with Local Food Banks, “Taking it to the Street,” and Soup Kitchen on Wheels to local communities.

4 DISTRICT: Partnered with St. Marks UMC, supplied bottled water to the homeless population. Supported Wear Orange Weekend, Moms Demand Action against Gun Violence, Blue Heart Campaign, Fistula Campaign, raised funds for Hope Centre (trafficked women), Residential School support, Helping our Northern Neighbors. Human Trafficking Certification – Over 100 persons certified.

5 DISTRICT: California Conf, NGO, Robbie Roquemore, correlated information on Teen Violence during dating, example, victims of digital dating, financial, social media abuse, and more. Pacific NWT Conf, NGO Sandy Nelson, found research from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, in Washington. 41.2% of women, teens and 31.7% of men experienced intimate partner physical violence, and/or stalking.

Joyce Schuler, the South California Conf NGO, reported that in Nevada, Teen Dating Violence is common.

6 DISTRICT: Activating and advocating for Human Trafficking Violations. Continuing to donate, clothing, and feeding the hungry. Utilize our churches through the WMS to sponsor ongoing food pantries. Advocate for Quality Education by adopting schools as missionaries, Volunteering time and skills to assist children in receiving well-rounded education. Received virtual training through Polaris. Earned 75 + Human Trafficking 101 Certificates.

7 DISTRICT: The Christian Debutantes and Master’s meet monthly. Receive information from the Police Department on safety in schools.

Started vegetable and flower gardens. We had so much joy playing in the dirt again and working together. South Carolina Moms In Prayer program, developed prayer teams. 200+ schools, looking to increase numbers next year. Each team meets weekly to pray for the safety of students, teachers and staff. We stand firm in God’s power as he unleashed as we pray for children and schools.

8 DISTRICT: Contributed to food banks and pantries, hosted public food giveaways, maintained Community Gardens Good Health and WellBeing: Partnered with various agencies to prevent and/or recover victims of Human Trafficking, encouraged COVID vaccinations and boosters, checked on the elderly, sick and shut- in during pandemic, and donated toward seven Fistula surgeries.

9 DISTRICT: Human Trafficking is a clear and present danger to Alabama and all its communities. .We encourage safety, protection, and well-being for vulnerable populations, we share pamphlets and flyers with young people in our churches. We remained focused on establishing goals for the local societies. Spearheading Bread for the World. Letter Writing Campaign, Fistula, Read Across America, and Go Reel remain initiatives for all.

10 DISTRICT: When we look at Human Trafficking, it is shown to be the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world and many victims live among us. Every 30 seconds another person becomes a victim. To Reduce Demand, the recommended strategies: Have stronger penalties for buyers and traffickers and greater enforcement of the law. Design training, education, and public awareness, and create a proactive measure to include anti-pornography education and healthy relationships.

11 DISTRICT: Florida and the Bahamas partner with several organizations raising awareness on Gender-Based Violence & Domestic Partner Violence through workshops, zoom sessions, open forums, and seminars. Voter Education, Public Education, Human-Sex and Drug Trafficking, and Ending Fistula, We stay in touch with elected officials and congressional delegations to promote CSW65 (Commission on the Status of Women), Human Trafficking Accountability Act, and UN Strategies to End Fistula.

12 DISTRICT: In the 12 District we work hard to meet the SDG throughout; however, we place a high focus on raising awareness for Fistula and Human Trafficking. We celebrated with world when Sudan banned female genital mutilation. This year on Mother’s Day weekend we raised over $4000 for the Fistula Campaign.

15 DISTRICT: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, focused on gender-based violence, Femicide and its impact on Human Trafficking. The NGO Liaison has promoted Fistula Awareness and Education in the 15th Episcopal District where some conferences have started with their advocacy through various Fistula Campaigns. We also participated in a March/Protest in Awareness of Domestic Violence where a 5-year toddler was killed by his stepfather.

17 DISTRICT: The WMS NGO remains committed to promoting and advocating for good mental health for all. We visited two mental health hospitals:Chainama Mental health hospital and Ndola Central hospital. We collaborate through an outreach program in Alumbwe, a rural part of Kabwe in Lusaka North District of Southeast Zambia District. We support and empower vulnerable women by training them with sewing skills. We have an on-going Project for Sanitary Pads. To train and empower vulnerable women within our church. Our goal, make 5000 pads.

18 DISTRICT: The district continues to present Human Trafficking and GBV awareness workshops in all the general members meetings at Local, Area, Conference and Episcopal levels.

19 DISTRICT: We promote healthy eating and food security by encouraging small-scale food gardening. Where necessary and viable we mobilize donations of food, through the District’s 1st Vice President. We distribute seed and seedlings and encourage members to establish backyard food gardens in church, and community spaces.This helps combat desperate hunger that often places women and children in vulnerable positions. Real and/or potential victims of domestic violence and human trafficking.We focus on women’s health, primarily diseases such as Obstetric Fistula. Information is disseminated, promoting awareness and appropriate behavior/action.

ST

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RD

TH

TH

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Lisa Johnson-Whigham

Political Action Committee Chair I am grateful to President King for the opportunity to serve as Political Action Committee Chair for the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church. This commission will continue working diligently to accomplish its goals and objectives. My thanks go out to the District Political Action Chairpersons who have led the way in accomplishing our tasks. Thank you to the leadership of these districts also for allowing this important work to rise to the top. This is an account of our work.

Goal #1 – To increase the number of voters registered in each district over the next eight years by 80%.

Objectives ▪ Register new voters; as well as update addresses and name changes.

▪ Develop partnerships with voter registration organizations such as When We All Vote, Fair Fight, and Vote Riders.

▪ Educate voters.

▪ Work to protect the rights of voters by volunteering with organizations like Fair Fight, League of Women Voters, American Civil Liberties Union, and others.

Goal #2 – To increase the number of voters registered between 18 and 40.

Objectives ▪ Partner with the YPD to assist with voter registration during Annual Day events.

▪ Partner with the YAMS to educate and register young women.

Accomplishments ▪ Nearly 90,000 new voters were registered.

▪ Missionaries reached over a million voters through text and phone banking.

▪ District polling parties were held at polling locations in the following Districts; 2 nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 9th, and 10th to encourage early voting.

▪ Nearly 40 million people voted early in the last election cycle because of your efforts.

▪ Missionaries in five districts participated in their state's Day at the Capitol ▪ Partnerships were formed with the following organizations: The Education and Scholarship Commission, When We All Vote, Black Voters Matter, Fair Count, Fair Fight, Vote Riders, Alabama Institute for Social Justice, ▪ Voter education events were hosted Yours in humility, missions, and justice.

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Adrienne Morris

Protocol Committee Chair Introduction: This committee is dedicated to implementing the official procedures that ensure proper guidance for the AME Church’s Dignitaries during processionals, seating and reserved signage for all worship and business sessions related to the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) and Young People’s and Children’s Division (YPD) events.

Core Values: The core values of this committee seeks to ensure: • Proper decorum • Respect and recognition • Order • Teach and train • Organizational structure • Code of ethics • Ordained ministries • Let all things be done decently and in order By upholding these core values, the committee aims to create a positive and effective working environment, fostering success in its endeavors and contributing to the broader goals and mission it serves.

Services Provided: Overview of the services and logistical support provided during the past Quadrennial, including events such as: • WMS Executive Board 2020 in Houston, Texas • WMS Executive Board 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia • YPD LTI 2022 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey • YPD Quadrennial 2023 in Orlando, Florida • WMS Quadrennial 2023 in Orlando, Florida • Special assistance during the visit of Vice President Kamala Harris to the WMS Quadrennial 2023.

Future Plans and Commitments: Provide continued support to the Connectional YPD and WMS in collaboration with the logistical team during the impending LTI, Executive Board and General Conference Events. The following steps and considerations will be implemented: • Establish clear and regular communication channels between the logistical team, the Connectional WMS and YPD. • Hold regular meetings (Zoom or conference calls), to discuss upcoming events, logistical requirements and any specific needs or concerns.

• Work closely with the logistical team to provide the necessary support for the YPD and WMS events, including coordinating venue setup.

• Ensure that the logistical team is aware of the unique requirements of the YPD and WMS events and programs.

• Coordinate volunteers to assist with protocol logistics.

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Lessie Thompson

Serving Our Seniors Committee Chair Vision: ▪ Prepare informational flyers with concerns and suggestions concerning seniors.

▪ Provide free webinars and video’s to share on topics that seniors can relate to such as exercise, memory concerns, health issues and dietary concerns.

▪ Infor Global Goal #3 – Good Health and Well Being: ▪ Presented informational flyers and presentations on vaccines such as RSV, Flu, and Covid.

▪ Will provide informational flyer on a bi-monthly basic. The flyer for January of 2024 is on balance. Suggested exercises to improve balance, thereby helping to prevent falls.

Global Goal #17 – Partnerships for the Goals: ▪ Provided resource information flyers from partners such as AARP and Alzheimer’s Association Global Goal #1 – No Poverty: ▪ Will be providing information on estate planning, living trust as well as durable power of attorney and advance health care directives.

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Natalie Horton

Skills Bank Committee Chair The Skills Bank Committee is going to play a pivotal role in helping us to utilize the gifts and talents of our members across the connection, while also creating a learning organization that will carry us into the future.

The Skills Bank Committee is working with the Third Vice President in order to implement this process and adding it to the Connectional Women’s Missionary Society website.

The overall goal is to create a database for the entire society to utilize the gifts and talents of our membership. As we are working, we are creating an easy to fill out form, which will be used to compile data from each member. A hard copy may also be provided for those who may not have access to an online form. I am grateful for the meetings with our 3rd Vice President, Sis. Sanjena Clay in order to get this implemented.

Thank you, Dr. Deborah Taylor King, for the opportunity to serve.

I look forward to the progress that is being made and sharing more information soon.

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Anita Brannon

Tanner-Turner Memorial Committee Chair

Greetings in the matchless name of Jesus, the Christ.

The designed purpose of the Tanner-Turner Memorial Committee is to honor the memory of our beloved Episcopal Leaders (active and retired), Connectional Officers and Life Members of the Women’s Missionary Society.

During our 20th Quadrennial Convention, we memorialized over 275 individuals (to include Bishops, Supervisors, Connectional Officers, and Life Members) who made their transition between the years of 2019 and 2023.

Our PowerPoint presentation for our 2024 Executive Board meeting will include any Episcopal Leader, Connectional Officer or Life member who will have transitioned between August 4, 2023, and December 31, 2023.

We humbly acknowledge their contribution to our Zion in general and our organization in particular, we thank God for the legacy they leave for us. It is our prayer that God will continue to comfort and sustain the families.

“Earth has no sorrow, that Heaven cannot heal”.

Humbly submitted.

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Episcopal Districts Reports

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

First Episcopal District

The First Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society is pleased to submit the following report under the leadership of our Episcopal District WMS President, Ms. Wanda T. Ringgold: We wish to extend a sincere appreciation for the leadership of our Presiding Prelate, Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr. and Episcopal Supervisor, Mother Joan Marla McAllister for their confidence in our service and contribution to missions.

Additionally, a special appreciation is extended to our Past Episcopal District WMS President, Mrs. Patricia Nira Smith for eight years of stellar leadership and service.

Presiding Bishop: Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister Sr. Episcopal Supervisor: Mother Joan Marla McAllister Retired Supervisor(s)

0

Connectional Officer(s )

3

Episcopal President: Sister Wanda T. Ringgold Episcopal YPD Director: Sister Susan Butler Episcopal YPD President: Bro. Robert I. Dubose Number of Conference Branches:

Total number of Members:

7 4521

New Members (April 2023 – December 2023)

88

Total number of Life Members

82

Total missionaries between the ages of 18 and 40:

114

Total number of New Male Associates:

37

Total Number Foundation Members

698

Goals: Sustainable Goal 2: Zero Hunger Accomplishment: Missionary Societies all over the 1st District have food pantries, feeding programs, and senior programs that provide food to the homeless and those families who are marginalized. These programs are open on a weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly basis for service to the community. In addition to providing feeding services, information for social services agencies is available for other help that may be needed.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

First Episcopal District

Sustainable Goal 3: Deliver Good Health and Well-Being Accomplishment: Health Fairs held in various parts of the 1st District provide information on the health issues for people of color. Those health issues are high blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer.

In October, the 1st District WMS acknowledged and provided information on breast cancer awareness and screenings. Also, the 1st District WMS recognized National Diabetes Awareness Month in November by wearing blue and presenting a Diabetes Workshop at our 2023 Fall Convocation. In addition, many societies have conducted health fairs to educate families on important health issues that impact their lives and provided information about COVID shots, flu shots, and other immunizations to prevent sicknesses.

Sustainable Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals Accomplishment: Each Conference Branch has partnered with the following agencies/programs: • New Jersey Reentry Program to support children of incarcerated persons as well as prisoners.

• Women’s Opportunity Rehabilitation Center in New York has partnered to create an Adopt a Family Program.

• The Family Centre in Bermuda for child and family intervention for mental health concerns.

• Hope Center in Delaware to provide school supplies for the community.

• The Diagnostic Development & Validation Agency in the New England area. This agency develops diagnostic assessments for cancer treatment.

• Philadelphia Conference worked with State Representatives to distribute gun locks and sign petitions against Gun Violence.

• Western New York Conference is working with an agency to provide clean water to Haiti.

In closing, we are energized, prepared and look forward to greater works in mission ministries for 2024 and beyond! We are ready because “The Work is All Divine!”

In the Spirit of Missions,

Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr. Bishop Julius Harrison McAllister, Sr. Presiding Prelate – 1st Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church

Mother Joan Marla McAllister

Mother Joan Marla McAllister Episcopal Supervisor – 1st Episcopal District African Methodist Episcopal Church

Ms. Wanda T. Ringgold

Ms. Wanda T. Ringgold President – 1st Episcopal District WMS African Methodist Episcopal Church

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Second Episcopal District

Second (2nd) Episcopal District Leadership Servant Prelate: Bishop James Lavert Davis Episcopal Supervisor: Mrs. Arelis Beevers Davis Retired Episcopal Supervisors: Mrs. Theora Byrd, Mrs. Yvonne Henning Parks, Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, & Rev. Rowena White Connectional Officer: Ms. Chandelle Ivy, Treasurer; Appointed: Mrs. Vera Goode, Life Members Committee Chairperson, and Mrs. Shawn Ross, United Nations NGO Main Representative Episcopal District WMS President: Ms. Selerya O. Moore Episcopal District YPD Director: Ms. Annette Dockery Episcopal District YPD President: Mr. Travon Ricks Demographics Number of Conferences: Total Number of Members: New Members (April 2023-December 31, 2023): Total Number of New Male Members: Total Number of Life Members: Total Missionaries Between the Ages of 18 and 40 (YAMs): Total Number of Foundation Members:

5 5,062 216 23 217 1,948

94

Under the servant leadership of Bishop James Lavert Davis and Episcopal Supervisor Arelis Beevers Davis, the Second (2nd) Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society (WMS) continued to be on the move; Foot Soldiers, boots on the ground. With our focus on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), Missionaries and Associates in every Conference Branch continued to make an impact in their communities and globally.

GOAL: Magnify/expand the impact of service by developing partnerships with other 2nd Episcopal District Components and government agencies, and community and global organizations.

OBJECTIVES: (SDG 1-No Poverty, 2- Zero Hunger, 3-Good Health and Wellbeing, 4-Quality Education, 6Clean Water and Sanitation,, 13-Climate Action, 16-Peace and Justice, and 17-Partnerships for the Goals) • • • •

Intentionally integrate SDG 1 in all aspects of mission service.

Partnered with local, county, and state governments, and other local, national and global organizations to continue providing food, clothing, and resources to those in need and victims of abuse and human trafficking.

Partnered with the White Dress Project to increase awareness on a global scale about the widespread occurrence of uterine fibroids.

Partnered with the AME Church’s Climate Justice to provide education and participation as advocates regarding climate/environmental justice issues.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Second Episcopal District

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: SDG 1 No Poverty, 2 Zero Hunger, and 17 Partnerships for the Goals: One thousand nine hundred sixty (1,960) Bread for the World letters sent to US Senators and House Members; 3,000 individuals were impacted during National Hunger and Homeless Awareness Week (November); 6,077 individuals in December were provided lunches, clothing, personal hygiene items during Taking-It-To-The Streets activities; one Society’s (Addie G. Stroud WMS, St. Paul) partnership with their church’s Thinking Outside the Pew: Gleaning, a Unique Act of Service and The Society of St. Andrew’s Gleaning America’s Fields—Feeding America’s Hungry provided fresh fruit and vegetables (9,448 pounds of produce) to 37,792 families; and for the 2nd Episcopal District’s November We Care Tour provided funds to purchase food (beans, rice, spaghetti, macaroni, potatoes, sardines, flour and sugar) that filled 120 boxes of food for Dominican Republic families whose children attend the Iglesia Africanos Metidista Episcopal AME Church’s school; and provided funds that feed 60 children hot lunches who attend another school in the Dominican Republic.

Fed over 17,000 individuals in partnership with local churches, community organizations, county and state government agencies.

SDG 3 Good Health and Well Being: The 2nd District’s WMS took 172 dental hygiene kits for children and adults attending the Iglesia Africanos Metidista Episcopal AME Church’s clinic, Dominican Republic. Dr. Zelda Johnson (MD), 2nd District WMS Health and Wellness Coordinator provided services to over 40 adults attending the clinic.

SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions & 17 Partnerships for the Goals The 2nd District WMS involved the entire 2nd District in the Human Trafficking: Prevention, Intervention, and Awareness Ministry (HTPIA) via involving Presiding Elders, clergy, Local Societies and other District components in the Red Sand Project (pouring red sand in sidewalk cracks as an interactive art exhibition designed to raise awareness of human trafficking). Sent 2nd Tuesday Prayers with a focus on HTPIA throughout the District as another means of keeping the entire 2nd District engaged.

SDG 4 Quality Education, 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions & 17 Partnerships for the Goals Provided funds and presented school uniforms and school supplies to 50 children during the We Care Dominican Republic Tour.

Provided school supplies to 2,091 children residing in the 2nd Episcopal District.

As a result of the Martha McCauley Area, Western North Carolina Conference WMS involving students from Enloe Magnet High School, Raleigh, NC in the Red Sand Project, the Martha McCauley Area Missionaries began a mentoring program for girls enrolled at the Enloe Magnet High School.

NEW QUADRENNIAL INITIATIVES SDG #3 Good Health and Well Being The 2nd District WMS will partner with The White Dress Project assisting to spread awareness on a global scale about the widespread occurrence of uterine fibroids. Eighty percent (80%) of African American and 70% of white women will be diagnosed with uterine fibroids.

SDG #13 Climate Action The 2nd Episcopal District WMS will partner with the AME Church’s Climate Justice to provide education and participate as advocates regarding climate/environmental justice issues.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church

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20th Quadrennial Convention

Third Episcopal District

Bishop Supervisor Supervisors-Retired Connectional Officers District WMS President District YPD Director District YPD President Statistical Data

Errenous E. McCloud, Jr. Patricia Russell-McCloud, Esq. N/A LaDonna Liggins-Elections (Appointed) Adrienne A. Morris-Protocol (Appointed) Sharon Smith Banks-Ecumenical (Appointed) Gloria R. Rodgers Sheila Floyd Jaylen Hocker

Number of: *Conferences – 3 *Members (TOTAL) – 1510 *New Members (April 2023-December 2023) - 12 (2 Re-activated Societies – total 18 members) *Total number of Male Associates – 0 *Total number of Life Members - 61 *YAMs (ages 18-40) – 19 *Foundation Members – 174

With a prayerful hearts, and uplifted spirits, we commit to our timely mantra “We Are Better Together” as we endeavor to enrich, and empower those whom we seek to serve.

GOALS & OBJECTIVES – (SDG’s supported) - #1 – “NO POVERTY” “End Poverty in all forms everywhere.”

“Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice” Projects/Events/Workshops *Harvey Rice Wrap Around School *Renee Jones Empowerment Center (Safe Haven for Anti-trafficking/anti-violence) *National Diaper Bank Network *Diapers for Dayton Project *National Prison Fellowship Angel Tree Partnership – gifts for 150 children Accomplishments *Meeting the immediate personal needs of children and women in crisis *Donations of diapers to NDBN: 3D-WMS collaboration of WIM, WMS, Sons of Allen, and Lay Org. to donated 8,157 diapers and 44 boxes of Depends to the Community of Hope Project, where Church Ambassadors increase awareness of maternal/infant mortality

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Third Episcopal District

GOALS & OBJECTIVES – (SDG’s supported) – #3 - “GOOD HEALTH & WELL BEING” “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for everyone at all ages”.

“It is health that is real wealth and not pieces of gold and silver” Projects/Workshops *Make Health a Habit Foundation Wellness Walk *Connectional Foundation Mission Walk TED Team *Med Wish International *GST Jr. Suicide Awareness and Prevention Symposium *WMS NGO-17th District Period Poverty Menstrual Hygiene Project *Think Pink for October Breast Cancer Awareness yearly program Accomplishments *Inaugural TED Foundation Wellness Walk generated 120 walkers and raised $5,000. *TED Mission Walk Team was comprised of 5 walkers and raised $1,700. *MedWish International supplies quality med supplies/equipment that Missionaries help to label, count, and package various products. *Missionaries help support the GST Jr. Suicide APS Ministry to shed light on suicide/mental health within the church and within communities of color *TED Donated $1,000 to the 17th District PPMH Project *Yearly major focus to Think/Wear Pink in October for Breast Cancer Awareness Additional Accomplishments *Supported 2023 NGO Conference with 40 attendees *Supplied 150 Angel Tree gifts across the district to children of incarcerated persons *Donated Disaster Relief funds to support St. Paul, Charleston for gas and water leaks *Quadrennial MOM Dorcas Adams Young House in Nassau, donated $1,225 in gift cards *Supported Ohio Special Election and National Election with “Get Out The Vote” *Honoring our Own: “Honoring Legacy Builders: A Salute to Dedicated Leadership” honorees: J. Harris, A. Morris, L. Washington, S. White, G. Gaitawe and L. Cash.

“A Legacy, Celebrating Our Own – 15 Pearls of Wisdom Honorees”:7 Octogenarians, 7 Nonagenarians, and 1 Centurian Onward to Greater in 2024 *New Attitude Book Club: “A is for Attitude an Alphabet for Living”, written by Supervisor, Patricia Russell-McCloud. Teaches A-Z principles to access our strengths. *3D-WMS “Sister to Sister” Leadership Training Institute in March 2024. *Implement New Initiatives: Leadership Training for all, no one knows everything; Broaden our Presence and Impact our communities; Increase our Membership knowing that only God can bring growth, but he uses engaged people just like us to do so.

Coming Together is a Blessing, Keeping Together is a Process, and Working Together is Success”.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church

1st

20th Quadrennial Convention

Fourth Episcopal District

Episcopal District: Bishop: Supervisor: Retired Supervisors: Connectional Officers: District President: YPD Director: YPD President: Statistical Data

Fourth John Franklin White Mrs. Penny Hartsfield White Beverly Thomas, Dr. M. Joan Cousin, Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram Delores Kennedy-Williams, Lenette Williams-King, Jacqueline MitchellRobinson Ms. Kimberly Hamilton Foy Mrs. Kim C. Vaughn Amaria Phillips

Number of: • Conferences • Members (TOTAL) • New Members (April 2023 – Dec. 2023) • New Male Associate Members • Life Members • Missionaries between the ages of 18 and 40 (YAMS) • Foundation Members

6 2812 49 14 94 88 1202

Fourth District WMS Theme: Mission-Minded Missionaries, Devoted to Good Works.

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” Titus 3:14 ESV We the fabulous Missionaries of the Fourth Episcopal District are pleased to submit this report of our faithful work in the field of missions. We are grateful for the awesome leadership of our mission minded and servant hearted leadership in the persons of Bishop John Franklin White and Supervisor Penny Hartsfield White. Our ministry of various good works covers many, almost all, of the 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs). However, in keeping with the direction given, we submit a summary report of work that falls under 2 of the SDGs. We thank you for the opportunity to share some of our work over this past conference year.

OBJECTIVE IV • Goal: Quality Education, Global Dimension – Bridging & Global Focus – To Embrace the Child.

• Objective: Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Fourth Episcopal District

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Missionaries of the 4th Episcopal District: 1. Adopted Feitshans Elementary School in their end of year Family and Community Engagement event and other End of Year events.

2. Provided youth with gift cards to purchase school supplies.

3. Provided college students with care packages for finals week.

4. Purchased school supplies for 3rd graders at Emmett Till School Sponsored 300 Minutes Summer Reading Challenge.

5. Purchased backpacks, school supplies and personal hygiene items for annual back to school giveaways.

6. Provided Wal Mart gift cards to Morris Brown College students.

7. Monthly financial support given to local church’s college students.

8. Presented “HerStory” Women’s History Month.

9. Partnership with Ruggles and Deneen Schools supplied bookbags and school supplies.

10. Assisted schools with their reading programs. Donated to neighborhood free libraries.

11. Provided financial assistance and educational items to school children.

12. Several across the district provided assistance to help students attend summer camps.

13. Coordinated bus trips to HBCUs for college tours.

14. Held weekly institutes on Navigating the school system and Educating Your Child, Providence in our Indiana conference established a neighborhood Free Library.

15. Partnered with organizations and programs to inform and empower parents on state test scores and Literacy failures of African American students in Indianapolis, Indiana.

OBJECTIVE V • Goal: Gender Equality & Global Focus – To Empower Women.

• Objective: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Missionaries of the 4th Episcopal District: 1. Held a 2-day Blue Heart Campaign event to bring awareness to Human Trafficking.

2. Held a Black Women Entrepreneur Webinar. Honorable and legendary women shared in conversations about their fight for equal opportunities and Civil Rights in the past.

3. Held tailor training sessions conducted by and for women in India.

4. Facilitated workshops and seminars to empower women.

5. Blessed mothers with flowers and self-care kits on Mother’s Day. 6. Made monetary donations to organizations such as Girls Inc to support gender specific educational programs for girls ages 6-18.

7. Donations given to several programs including Hope Center, Diane Place, Voter Engagement and Girl Power.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church

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20th Quadrennial Convention

Fifth Episcopal District

Bishop Supervisor Retired Supervisors

Connectional Officer 5th District WMS President • 5th District WMS Administrator • 5th District WMS Administrator

Bishop Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate Alexia B. Fugh Vivienne Anderson, Retired Rosalyn Brookins, Retired Lola Cheltenham, Retired Ernestine Henning, Retired Mary Kirkland, Retired Richelle Fry-Skinner, Connectional YPD Director Mary M. Mayberry Charlotte Ned Phyllis Jackson

5th District YPD Director • 5th District Co-YPD Director • 5th District Co-YPD Director

Shnelle Stewart Denise Brown Paul Overman

5th District YPD President

Joseph Brown

5th Episcopal District Statistical Data Number of: • Conferences 6 • Members (TOTAL) 2324 • New Members 166 • New Associate Members 25 • YAMs 90 • Foundation Members – Paid $5.00 1190 GOAL & OBJECTIVE I (SDG’s supported) - Goal # 3: Good Health and Well-Being ACCOMPLISHMENTS: During the past three years, the primary focus of the 5th Episcopal District WMS has been Alzheimer’s Awareness.

• The 5th Episcopal District WMS works in cooperation with the Southern California Alzheimer’s Association and the National Alzheimer’s Association.

• Workshops have been held with physicians who presented general information about Alzheimer’s and how it affects, not only the patient, but family members who are also CAREGIVERS. • Ms. Tia Delaney, Director, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, of the Alzheimer’s Main California Southland Chapter, has provided a wealth of printed information regarding inclusion of family members in the lives of Alzheimer’s patients and distributed helpful literature which included resources.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Fifth Episcopal District

Some local WMS societies have become trained as “Alzheimer Advocates,” where Caregivers who need a “safe place” to vent may go to find resources for assistance.

The 5th Episcopal District WMS has raised over $8,000 for the Alzheimer’s Foundation, so far in 2023.

*Note: The 5th District WMS also continues to participate in the following: Walk for the Cure (Breast Cancer), creating videos for exercise, the importance of hydration, and preparing healthy family meals.

GOAL & OBJECTIVE I (SDG’s supported) – GOAL 1 & 2 – No Proverty / Zero Hunger ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • The 5th District WMS continues with feeding, food distribution programs at several local churches within the District.

• We continue distribution of clothes and bottled water.

GOAL & OBJECTIVE I (SDG’s supported) – GOAL 4 – Quality Education ACCOMPLISHMENTS: • For the past four (4) years, the 5th Episcopal District WMS – Desert Mountain Conference has sponsored a “free” store at an elementary school in Phoenix, AZ, where children can go and “freely” get items needed for school and even food items to carry their families over the week-end.

• The WMS receives steady contributions from local WMS societies to purchase school supplies, personal care items, clothes, and food.

• In Denver, CO, the late Supervisor Mildred E. Primm Enrichment Program, continues each summer to help elementary school students on subjects they need one-on-one assistance.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Sixth Episcopal District

Bishop Reginald T. Jackson, Presiding Prelate Supervisor Mrs. Christy Davis Jackson, ESQ Supervisor(s) Retired Supervisor Dr. Dolly Adams Supervisor Dr. Dorothy Jackson Young Supervisor Dr. Wilma Webb Williams Connectional Officers: Ms. Janita Ferguson - Member-at-Large Ms. Joyce Johnson – YPD President Mr. Michael Webb – YPD Worship Director Appointed Connectional Officers: Dr. Linda Fraizer - Health and Wellness Mrs. Lisa Johnson-Whigham - Political Action Mrs. Rosemarie Rhodes Miller – Credentials Chair Mrs. Shirley T. Washington – Prayer Team District WMS President Dr. Sylvia Moore District YPD Director Mrs. Lorilei Johnson District YPD President Mr. Josiah Browne Statistical Data: Number of: Conferences: Six (6) Members 3843 New Members 60 New Associate Members 5 YAMs (ages 18 – 40) 62 Foundation Members – 558 GOAL & OBJECTIVE I - SDG# 3 Good Health and Well-Being Ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well-being of all ages is essential to sustainable development; working in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia within the African-American community has been a primary focus.

Ensuring the conversation about memory and the importance of a knowledgeable care plan are accessible tools. Promoting the inclusion of African Americans in the research and trials for new treatments.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS o The WMS observed Purple Sunday the second weekend in November.

• Over 50 churches participated in the district.

• congregations wore purple in support of ALZ. • Societies planned and executed ALZ health fairs.

• ALZ speakers were invited to share their knowledge and experiences.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Sixth Episcopal District

• ALZ pamphlets and paraphernalia were distributed. o WMS societies strengthened their relationships with ALZ. • ALZ representatives were invited to every annual conference.

• 2nd VP in each conference began to strengthen their relationships with ALZ representatives.

• WMS planned, executed and/or participated in ALZ workshops and programs. o Several Conferences participated in ALZ 5K Walks across the state.

• There were four teams registered and activated.

• Over 100 WMS members participated.

• Over $7K was raised Goal & Objective 2: SDG#4 – Quality Education A quality education is the foundation for improving people’s lives and sustainable growth and development. To ensure inclusive, equitable quality education, promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS The 6th district is committed to supporting education in our school system. More than 80% of the churches in the area have adopted a school and are helping with tutoring, school supplies, and lunch programs. Our primary objective is to ensure that students receive proper essential educational tools in classrooms, especially for students who cannot afford school supplies. We have a team of dedicated tutors who assist to encourage students and help them feel comfortable with the learning process.

• We have teamed up with other organizations to work alongside a Community Church to help assemble backpacks filled with nutritious food for the kids in nearby schools. These backpacks, called "backpack buddies," are meant to provide the students with lunch and snacks for the weekends. The local organizations are responsible for distributing these backpacks; they typically get filled up during the school term. The request is to fill around 300 backpacks every three months.

• Bottle Water has been made available to the schools to ensure fresh water is received.

• During the school year, tutors are available to help our students understand their studies.

Additionally, they volunteer to read to the students during reading months.

• Ensuring that our studies have the necessary school supplies has always been our top priority. We make sure that paper, pencils, scissors, glue, and other essential items are readily available for distribution.

We are committed to achieving sustainable goals for the quadrennial and beyond. Our focus is on the mission and working towards it with dedication. We aim to serve our school system and ensure new members understand our purpose. Success is impossible without a clear goal. We strive to maintain focus on the church's mission so that we can make a meaningful impact in the community and support those in need, including local churchgoers.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Seventh Episcopal District

Episcopal District Bishop Supervisor Ret. Supervisor District President YPD Director InterimYPD President Statistical Data

Seventh Rt. Rev. Samuel L. Green, Sr. Mrs. Phyllis N. Green Mrs. Carrie R. Grady Mrs. Sandra A. Anderson Ms. Tara Simmons Bro. Deontre’ McCray

Number of: ▪ Conferences ▪ Local Societies ▪ YAMs ▪ Life Members ▪ Associate Members ▪ Members (TOTAL) ▪ Foundation Members

6 479 895 109 7 9428 1150

OBJECTIVE I ▪ ▪

Goal:

#17 Partnerships for the Goals Establishing partnerships would boost our efforts of services inside and outside the walls of the church. Such collaborations would allow the organizations to join together and make Objectiv bigger strides in serving the communities and improving the world. These collaborations would e: also help our organization expand its current programs and build new ones.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

1. Partnership – SC Council on Aging – we obtained a $900,000 Grant to administer training session and respite for Alzheimer patient Caregivers. Currently, we have helped over 100 families.

2. Partnership – Established a relationship with Mom In Prayer International and have currently organized 120 praying groups for over 120 schools. We also are supporting the B.O.S.I.E. Project. The Blue Ocean Strategy in Education (B.O.S.I.E) project begins with intentional, fervent, and legal PRAYER by the church to seek progress and protection for teachers, students, and parents from outside influences that visibly hinder the social, emotional, and learning experiences in education (Ephesians 6:12). This project will be responsible for setting up a school Prayer Zone near various public schools.

3. Partnership – Established a relationship with Moms Demand Action, Inc. and are working with the South Carolina Chapter rallying at the Statehouse trying to encourage the lawmaker to pass common sense proposals.

4. Partnership – Westpoint Home, Inc., where we were sent truckloads of bed linen, towels, pillows, duvets, blankets, etc., to distribute to people in need and other nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, various shelters, etc.

5. Partnership – Compassion International, Inc., where we established a village of 9 children and their families in the Dominican Republic and Haiti rendering them complete support.

6. Partnership – SC Department of Juvenile Justice offering mentorship

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Seventh Episcopal District

OBJECTIVE II ▪ ▪

Goal: #3 Good Health and Well-Being Objectiv e: Ensure healthy living and promote the well-being of all, including caregivers

ACCOMPLISHMENTS We continued the Alzheimer program through the end of the grant in September.

We conducted various workshops pertaining to grief, mental health, promoted heart awareness, mammography, lupus awareness, prostate screening, and other screening to bring awareness to good health.

Other accomplishments 1. in addition to our partnerships, we have continued to concentrate on the following Sustainable Development Goals: #2- Zero Hunger; #3-Good Health and Well-Being, and #4-Quality Education 2. We have continued to serve meals to the unhoused in our churches and communities, provide donations to and volunteer at local Food Banks and donate non-perishable items to school pantries for the children who may need food after school and on the weekends when meals at school are unavailable.

3. We have continued to make our own health and well-bring a priority and then create and implement programs and projects for increasing the health and well-being of others. Continued to support health fairs, and secure donations for the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, and local programs in your community. Continued to put together health and hygiene kits for women exiting the prison system and re-entering society.

4. Lastly, the United Negro College Fund’s slogan: “A Mind is a Terrible Thing to Waste” still holds true. As we continue to Support SDG #3—Quality Education, we are staying visible in the schools by serving as volunteers and classroom parents and grandparents; assist our college students with Resumé writing, interview prep work, and the J.C. Penny “Dress for Success” Program. Our partnership with Allen University is rewarding for the Administration, Staff and Students. Students of all ages need our presence, and they help us stay viable and connected.

5. In November, the WMS & YPD donated $150,000 to Allen University.

6. During the Connectional WMS 2023 Quadrennium, we received the following recognitions: Highest Number of Quadrennial Convention Registrations; had the youngest missionary in attendance (Kiara Lint – Columbia Conference); we had the second highest report of Foundation Membership; and one of our Life Member, Sis. Vermel Taylor, came in as the Second Place Winner in the Mission Walk.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Eighth Episcopal District

Episcopal District 8th Bishop Rt. Rev. Stafford J. N. Wicker Supervisor Rev. Dr. Constance B. Wicker Connectional Officers Dr. Shirley H. Davis, Ms. Sherry L. Peyton Retired Supervisor(s) None Episcopal District WMS President Mrs. Sandra C. Womack Episcopal YPD Director Ms. Stephanie Burks Episcopal YPD President Mr. Roger Robertson, Jr. Statistical Data Number of: ▪ Conferences 4 ▪ Local Societies 167 ▪ YAMs 72 ▪ Life Members 67 ▪ Associate Members 45 ▪ Members (TOTAL) 1656 ▪ Foundation Members 643 SDG GOAL ADDRESSED #2: ZERO HUNGER End hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Objective: To create and maintain partnerships with feeding centers, food banks and other community meals programs for those with special needs or food insecurities.

Accomplishments: *Donated/volunteered at feeding centers, Food Banks, Salvation Army, and Red Cross Shelters, *Financially supported church feeding programs * Prepared and delivered meals to homeless and sick/shut in, etc. * Sponsored Community Gardens *Assisted individuals in home care * Gave Food Backpacks to school children during breaks* Daily/Monthly meals served * Financial Support for family food purchases * Ongoing Food Baskets to families* Supported Bread for the World

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Eighth Episcopal District

SDG GOAL ADDRESSED #3: GOOD HEALTH & WELL-BEING Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

Objective: To work collaboratively with existing community, church, and governmental programs addressing various health concerns.

Accomplishments: *Filled medical prescriptions* Blankets to the elderly* Personal Care Bags* Prison Ministry Support * Financial support to Breast Cancer survivors *Diabetes Awareness Programs/Walks * Eyeglass Recycling donations * Financial and personal gifts to Men’s/Women’s/Children’s Shelters * Illness, Bereavement and Distress support * Healthy Heart - Wear Red Day * Wear Orange (Mask-Up) Gun Sense Control *NGO Support * Get Out the Vote Awareness campaigns * Hurricane and other storm relief support Workshops: Human Trafficking * Hospice* Caregiver Stress * Diet & Exercise* Alzheimer’s * Sexual Trauma * Hypertension* Diabetes Awareness * Domestic Violence * Battling Burnout, * Healthy Heart Connectional WMS Financial support: * MOM * Fistula *Disaster Relief *Foundation SDG GOAL ADDRESSED #4: QUALITY EDUCATION Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.

Objective: To provide financial and material assistance to students on all levels of education Accomplishments: $6,000.00+ Scholarships/Book Stipends to High School graduates * S.T.E.M. workshops and support * Reading to children in centers/classrooms *Uniforms, School supplies & paid school fees for students * After School tutoring/Mentoring *Technology Assistance * Supported Literacy programs* Career Clothes Closet donations. * Voter Registration/Education

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Ninth Episcopal District

Bishop Harry Lee Seawright Supervisor Rev. Sherita Moon Seawright Connectional Officers: Dr. Monica Dillihunt, Historiographer, Dr. Djuana Paden, Worship Director, and Tra’Nyce Jones, YPD, Communications Secretary District WMS Newly Elected President, Ms. Sherryl Whiting District WMS's Immediate Past President, Mrs. Susie Bonner District YPD Director, Mrs. Debra Weatherspoon District YPD President, Ms. Kiera Giles Statistical Data Number of: Conferences - Five ▪ Members 1,889 ▪ New Members – 25 (April 2023 – December 2023) ▪ New Associate Members - 5 (April 2023 – December 2023) ▪ YAMs - 75 (ages 18 – 40) ▪ Foundation Members - 125 – (Paid) GOAL & OBJECTIVE I Goal: To eradicate extreme poverty and hunger Objective: To develop compassionate care programs in each conference 1. Provided personal care items annually to over seven hundred women incarcerated at Julia Tutwiler Prison.

2. Sponsored over eight hundred children and provided Christmas gifts through Prison Fellowship – Angel Tree Ministry.

3. Provided fresh fruit and vegetables to families through the Farm to Family USDA program.

4. Implemented Healthcare awareness of chronic disease and prevention to achieve Good Health and wellbeing. Health and safety are a priority – participated in sponsoring a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and distributed three hundred backpacks filled with school supplies.

5. Adopted domestic violence shelters and provided support and resources.

6. Provided Journey bags to children living in foster care. Luggage and duffel bags were purchased and donated to the Department of Human Resources for children living in foster care.

7. Continuous Voter Registration drives 8. Absentee ballot assistance 9. Clothes Closet donations in five conferences.

10. Supported the Spirit of Luke Charitable Foundation monthly to eliminate health care disparities in the Black Belt by way of a mobile clinic, providing food, clothes, and household items to encourage hope.

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Ninth Episcopal District

GOAL & OBJECTIVE II Goal: To achieve Universal Primary Education Objective: To develop Adopt a School Programs ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1. Developed and Implemented the Adopt a School Program at each annual conference.

2. Provided school supplies to the students.

3. Implemented a literacy program by providing books to the children and participating in Read Across America 4. Adopting a school program was the catalyst for the Backpack Buddies program. Brown bags filled with food and put in children’s backpacks who would otherwise be hungry over the weekend.

5. Developed and implemented Back to Basics (B2B) a virtual tutoring program. The virtual tutoring program is delivered via the Zoom platform. It was developed to assist children in K- 5th grades to excel in reading, math, and science. Children from across the 9th Episcopal District participate weekly. This is made possible through the effort of volunteers, Educators, and members of the society who donate their time and talent.

GOAL & OBJECTIVE III Goal: To Establish Global Partnerships Objective: To improve the quality of life for the underserved and impoverished 1. Baptist Health System 2. State of Alabama Department of Women’s and Minority Health 3. Samford University Congregational Health Program 4. Spirit of Luke Black Belt ministry 5. University of Alabama Health System Minority Health and Research Center 6. Embrace Alabama – foster care organization and advocate.

7. Penelope House – Care for victims of domestic violence 8. Love Lady Center - Care for victims of domestic violence 9. Julia Tutwiler Prison for Women I conclude this report with a vision of God First, Mission Forward, and Love Unconditionally.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Tenth Episcopal District

Bishop: Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Supervisor: Dr. Connie S. Richardson Retired Supervisor(s): Mr. Claytie Davis Connectional Officer: Dr. Deborah Taylor King District WMS President: Mrs. Gerri Earl District YPD Director: Mrs. Romella Jones District YPD President: Mr. Jaelyn Maladdie Statistical Data

Number of: ▪ Conferences: 4 ▪ Members: 1146 ▪ New Members: 28 ▪ New Associate Members :131 ▪ Life Members: 91 ▪ YAM’s: 115 ▪ Foundation Members - 626

GOAL & OBJECTIVE I – Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) supported) We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the Ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness to the world. We will Build, Birth, Bridge, and Brand the WMS as we seek to transform lives and impact the world.

We will continue Transforming Lives, Building Communities, Impacting the World as we are Exalting Christ while Expanding His Church and Empowering His People.

I greet you with the joy of Jesus and humbled to make the report of the Tenth Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society. Thank you to Senior Bishop, Adam J. Richardson, Jr. and Supervisor, Dr. Connie S. Richardson for the opportunity to serve for such a time as this. This has been a good year, and God continues to shower us with great favor and blessing all our work that we have endeavored to do. We will continue to look to Jesus as our source of strength and run on to see what the end will be.

Tenth Episcopal WMS Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Focus for 2023 Goal 1: No poverty. End hunger, achieve food security, improved nutrition and promote sustainable agriculture.

Addressing hunger continues to be a mission priority throughout the Tenth Episcopal District WMS. Thank you to our local WMS Societies for maintaining ongoing community feeding programs and volunteering at local Food Banks. Our own Paul Quinn College also addresses hunger and good nutrition in the surrounding communities. In addition, various churches throughout the Tenth District under the guidance of Elder W. Raymond Bryant have established community gardens to address food shortages.

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Tenth Episcopal District

We are grateful for the overwhelming participation as we continue to impact lives through local mission outreach under AME CARES TEXAS, our branded mission outreach initiative. Missionaries, thank you for leading your local societies during your various initiatives that addressed hunger and a variety of needs.

The Tenth District WMS is committed to the students at Paul Quinn College and with the support of each Tenth Episcopal District WMS Conference Branch --Northwest, North, Southwest, and Texas we help make a difference in the lives of over 400 students. We continue to show our support with our yearly donation of $1000.00 to the school for the students.

Goal 2: Good health. Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being at all ages. The Tenth Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society continues our partnership with the American Red Cross to host various Blood Drives during Sickle Cell Awareness Month. Because of the awareness that needs to be brought forth in the Black community, it is imperative that we are actively engaged.

Our primary goal for this partnership is to increase the number of African American donors and to assist in meeting the needs and demands in hospitals to provide compatible units of blood for patients with the Sickle Cell Disease. By providing these units we seek to help address health disparity and improve patient outcomes.

It is with great appreciation to our Episcopal 1st Vice President Ricci Fuller, Conference 1st Vice Presidents, Annette Sykes, Jennifer Miller, and Rose Broome for their great leadership in leading our Blood Drives. We also want to thank our Conference Presidents, Outgoing President, Ms. Penny Liggins, Mrs. Marchantia Smith, Ms. Cheryl Jones, and Ms. Leslie Jones for their support. Because of our efforts thus far this year and the American Red Cross partnership, we have had outstanding participation. 79 Units of blood collected, 40% African American Donors, 81 Donors, 240 lives potentially impacted by our blood drive efforts. In addition, the 10th Episcopal District received The North Texas Sickle Cell Champion Award from the American Red Cross for our ongoing participation.

The Tenth Episcopal District WMS was excited to participate in re-electing Dr. Deborah Taylor King as Connectional WMS President. Thank you for your continued outstanding leadership.

We are grateful for the excellence in leadership provided by our dynamic Episcopal Team:

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Dr. Connie S. Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor Together they continue to inspire us to greater heights in service in our local and global communities. As they are nearing retirement the Tenth Episcopal District WMS is blessed to have had the opportunity to serve under their leadership. We pray the favor of the Lord will always be with you.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Eleventh Episcopal District

Bishop Supervisor Supervisor, Located Connectional Officers District WMS President District YPD Director District YPD President Statistical Data • • • • • • •

Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III Mrs. Marlaa Meshon Hall Reid Mrs. Carol Messiah Ms. Sanjena Clay, Ms. Wanda Sims Mrs. Laurastine D. Lemon Ms. Timika Fountain-Coney Ms. Alexis Roberson Number of:

Conferences Members (Total) New Members (April 2023-December 31, 2023) Total number of New Male Associates Total number of Life Members Total Missionaries between 18-40 (YAM’s) Total Foundation Members (paid)

6 5,785 60 25 89 400 150

The Eleventh Episcopal District Women’s Missionary Society remains solid and focused. We are committed to empowering women and children and continuing our focus on having a WMS in every local church in the District.

We continue to show love and offer financial support to the four children in Ocala, Florida, whose mother was shot and killed through a locked door by a white neighbor in their apartment complex.

This was a horrific occurrence where one of the children witnessed the murder of his mother. The Ocala community and the Eleventh Episcopal District have kept our arms around these children and their grandmother, who is now responsible for raising them.

Every Conference Branch WMS in the Eleventh District has initiated mission projects that provide food, access to pantries, and gift cards to households and agencies that provide for our brothers and sisters who are in need. We realize that food insecurity is real, but we are on a mission to stamp out hunger in our communities. We have several societies in the District that feed weekly and monthly, one of which is in Ft. Myers, Florida, feeding an average of 5,000 persons a month.

We are pleased to share only a snapshot of the service given by the awesome missionaries of the Eleventh Episcopal District. Our primary focus will be on the following platforms for this conference year: WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Eleventh Episcopal District

1. To collaborate with our YPD and Sons of Allen Ministry in launching “The Black Gardening Project” by initiating at least 1-2 community gardens in each of our six Annual Conferences. We believe if more people supported community gardens, not only would we support ourselves through growing and learning about food, but we would also have healthier options accessible to us. It has been proven that black-owned community gardens can expose communities to everything a community garden should provide: healthy eating habits and how to grow our own food. This initiative also offers wholesome fellowship with community members and will add a place to relieve stress.

2. It is also our plan to implement the “CARE-E-ING Bag Project” as our outreach initiative for our Mid-Year Meeting, bringing new or nearly new purses for ladies and shaving kits for men filled with Bibles, toiletries, and emergency resources for shelters for women and men, and suitcases for children in foster care.

3. We will continue our support for the WMS-owned Dorcus Adams Young Safehouse in Nassau, Bahamas, as they provide a safe place for families that are victims of domestic violence. We have also continued supporting Florida Impact, advocating for our children, and providing meals for them during the summer and throughout the year. We will continue the fight to end Human Sex Trafficking and Domestic Violence by lending support and services to victims and their families and to agencies that provide for them.

4. Voter’s Empowerment and Education – We plan to expand and promote voter education and advocacy for voting rights in every WMS Conference Branch. This includes hosting, collaborating with others, and promoting voter education workshops, voter registration drives, candidate and ballot forums, and other Get Out The Vote Initiatives. This also includes encouraging the passage of voters’ rights legislation and other measures to eradicate voter suppression. We welcome the opportunity to work with the Connectional and our District’s Social Action Committees.

Finally, we thank God for our Supervisor, Mrs. Marlaa Meshon Hall Reid, for her stellar leadership.

Supervisor Reid realizes that with great leadership comes great responsibility. So, she leads, serves, encourages, and loves with compassion and understanding. As she approaches retirement, we want her to know we are grateful for the time we have spent together in the Electrifying and Empowering Eleventh Episcopal District! We love you, SUPERVIZA! Live Your Best Life!

The Work Is All Divine!

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Twelfth Episcopal District

District Name of Bishop & Supervisor Name(s) of Retired Supervisors Name(s) of Connectional Officers Name of Episcopal District WMS President Name of Episcopal District YPD Director Name of Episcopal District YPD President Number of Conferences Total number of Members New Members (April 2023 – December 31, 2023) Total number of New Male Associates Total number of Life Members Total missionaries between the ages of 18 and 40 (YAM’s) Total number of Foundation Members (paid)

Twelfth Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Supervisor Cordelia D. Mitchell Mrs. Flossie W. Green Mrs. Charolett B. Martin Mrs. Thelma Y. Denton Ms. La Rhonda Collins Miss Ra’Veon Ward 4 1658 23 6 65 123 800

Sustainable Development Goal # 4 – QUALITY EDUCATION Accomplishments: As Shorter College students journey on their educational “Path to Possible” the missionaries of the 12th Episcopal District are continuing to share the goodness of God by providing interview attire in the Lamb-Nelson Clothes Closet, hygiene packets, gift cards and Thanksgiving Food Baskets. In the recently dedicated Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Dormitory one of the 11 Common Areas was completely furnished by the 12th Episcopal District WMS. Seven High School graduates who are members of the YPD were awarded Sarah Allen Youth Scholarships ranging from $2,500.00 to $500.00 during the 12th Episcopal District Christian Education Congress held in July 2023. A total of $10,000.00 was awarded.

Children in the communities of the 12th were provided with school supplies through “Back-to- School Drives and Adopt-a-School programs.

Apply your heart to instruction and your ear to knowledge. Proverbs 23:12. The Training and Equipping of an Army of Missionary Soldiers began with the pre-quadrennial delegation training sessions where the Constitution and Bylaws Proposed Amendments 2024-2028 were discussed in detail.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Twelfth Episcopal District

Sustainable Development Goal #3-GOOD HEALTH AND WELL BEING Accomplishments: • Christmas gifts were provided for children of incarcerated parents in Arkansas and Oklahoma through the 2023-Angel Tree Project.

• Funds for six (6) fistula surgeries and an additional contribution of $450.00 was contributed to the Connectional WMS “Stop Fistula Campaign”. A total of $4,050.00 was contributed from the Mother’s Day 2023 appeal.

• Fans were donated to local community agencies during the summer of 2023 for seniors.

• Supported mission projects in District 14-20 by reporting $4000.00 for WMS Foundation Memberships.

• Provided free back-to-school haircuts, braids and clothing for youth.

• Prepared daily breakfast and dinner for the homeless through partnerships with local churches.

• Partnered with agencies such as Arkansas Food Bank, Northeast AR Food Bank to provide food for those in need. Cash donations exceeded $7,000.00.

• 5000 boxes of cereal contributed to area food banks during Summer Cereal Drive.

• Prom dresses, make-up and hair styles were provided for prom night.

• Monthly Twelfth District Prayer Call held via Zoom.

• Partnered with the Dorcas House in Little Rock, AR, Compassion Foundation in Magnolia, AR and other shelters for battered and abused women throughout Arkansas and Oklahoma.

• Supported Voter Registration activities by volunteering on Saturdays distributing voter registration material during Community Festivals and events.

• Increased awareness on Breast Cancer, Sickle Cell, Healthy Eating, Autism, World Aids Day, Diabetes, Bullying, and Stop Gun Violence through the distribution of monthly flyers prepared by Connectional 1st Vice President.

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20th Quadrennial Convention

Thirteenth Episcopal District “A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

By his everyone will l know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35 TLB)

Episcopal District Bishop Supervisor District President YPD Director Statistical Data

13th Episcopal District Bishop E. Anne Henning Byfield Mr. Ainsley M. Byfield Ms. LaTanya Germany Mrs.Tonya Beaird Brown Number of: ▪ Conferences ▪ Local Societies ▪ YAMs ▪ Life Members ▪ Associate Members ▪ Members (TOTAL) ▪ Foundation Members

4 125 70 69 25 1676 1252

We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world. (WMS Mission) Acknowledging Scripture and Mission, we the Thirteenth District elevated the Sustainable Development Goals to stay true to a Society of Communities with “Zero Hunger (GOAL #2):end hunger, achieve food security and improve nutrition; with “Quality Education (GOAL #4): ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and prompting lifelong learning opportunities; and with “Sustainable Cities and Communities (GOAL #11): making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

We aimed our WMS and Churches to be a complement to the lives being impacted and to calibrate visible and viable results. We became a positive force for good in all our four (4) Conferences – Kentucky (KY), East Tennessee (ETN), West Tennessee (WTN), and Tennessee (TN), across two States, in many Communities, and with Love in its Missionary Societies. Our community is defined as a Group of People living in the same place, having Particular Characteristics and a Feeling of Fellowship with others because of sharing Common Attitudes, Interests, and Goals).

And herein we share how we made a small difference within each of the Sustainable Goals we serviced in the Thirteen District WMS. Goal 2: Zero Hunger Sustainable Development Goal 2 is about creating a world free of hunger. Also, staggering were moderately or severely food-insecure communities, lacking regular access to adequate food.

• According to the USDA, more than 34 million people, including 9 million children, in the United States are food insecure.

• A malnutrition crisis grips the Communities of America — the result of the region's worst in decades, an effect of the pandemic and climate change — endangering millions of children's lives.

• Every community in the country is home to families who face hunger. But rural communities are especially hard hit by hunger.

• Many households that experience food insecurity do not qualify for federal nutrition programs and visit their local churches and food banks for extra support.

• Hunger in African American and Communities of Color are higher because of systemic racial injustice. To achieve a hunger-free America, we must address the root causes of hunger and structural and systemic inequities.

Hunger in Kentucky: Food insecurity exists in all 120 counties. Kentucky has the 8th highest rate of overall food insecurity in the United States. Reports show that children are more likely to be food insecure, with the child food insecurity rate at 18.9 percent compared to 14.8 percent for the overall population for Kentucky.

Hunger in Tennessee: Seventeen percent, 17% of households in Tennessee are food insecure. Tennessee is one of 12 states with a food insecurity rate higher than the national average by a statistically significant amount. The prevalence of food insecurity varies greatly across the state – from 8% of all households in Williamson County to 23% in Haywood County.

The Conference WMS reported: Sister Sandra Griffin, East Tennessee; Sister Vada Shelton, Kentucky; Sister Pauline Guyton, West Tennessee; and Sister Gladys Brock/Sister Ramona Young, Tennessee. Highlights of the Conference Presidents' Reports are shown herein: Goodie Bags to the Boys-Girls Club, Food/ Dinners to the Sick and Shut-in, YPD Gift Bags to Postal Workers. Mission Projects feeding the Hungry and Homeless. Celebration of Postal Workers with gift bags, and Mission Projects feeding the Hungry and Homeless. It was reported that $1,000 Donation was given to the Mercy Ship, Delivered fruit baskets to the sick and shut in, as well as baskets to those in needs, gave monetary gifts to those in need who were hospitalized, donated pajamas to nursing facilities, gave donations to make Easter Baskets, Donations were made to the Memphis Food Bank, toys to the neighborhood and day care for Christmas, Provided gifts to 60 kids of the Angel Tree Prison Ministry Christmas Program. Provided Christmas baskets, blankets, gift cards, and fruit baskets to the sick and shut in. Supported the Boy Scouts by providing 450lbs of food for the Mid-South Food Bank and supported their fruit drive. There are several ongoing Outreach Projects including the Support of the KY and WTN Disasters and held a Great Day of Sharing. Faith in Action Project which is a vision by Bishop E Anne Henning Byfield where we leave a blessing at each Episcopal District Meeting.

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Connectional Women’s Missionary Society African Methodist Episcopal Church 20th Quadrennial Convention

Thirteenth Episcopal District

Goal 4: Quality Education Sustainable Development Goal 4 is about providing quality education, for it is fundamental to creating a peaceful and prosperous world. Education gives people the knowledge and skills they need to stay healthy, get jobs and foster tolerance.

We think the four biggest problems facing education today in Kentucky and Tennessee are the same ones we have identified in the last decade.

1. The learning crisis was made worse by COVID-19 school closures Low quality instruction is a major constraint and prior to COVID-19, the learning poverty rate in low- and middle-income countries was 57% (6 out of 10 children could not read and understand basic texts by age 10). Several analyses show that the impact of the pandemic on student learning was significant, leaving students in low- and middle-income countries way behind in mathematics, reading and other subjects. Some argue that learning poverty may be close to 70% after the pandemic, with a substantial long-term negative effect in future earnings. This generation could lose around $21 trillion in future salaries, with the vulnerable students affected the most.

2. Communities are not paying enough attention to Early Childhood Care and Education At the pre-school level about two-thirds of communities do not have a proper legal framework to provide free and compulsory pre-primary education. And remember that Early Childhood Care Education is not only preparation for primary school. It can be the foundation for emotional wellbeing and learning throughout life; one of the best investments a country can make.

3. There is an inadequate supply of high-quality teachers Low quality teaching is a huge problem and getting worse in many low- and middle-income countries. In our Communities and Globally, teachers for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects are the biggest shortfalls.

4. Decision-makers are not implementing evidence-based or pro-equity policies that guarantee solid foundations It is difficult to understand the continued focus on non-evidence-based policies when there is so much that we know now about what works. wo factors contribute to this problem. One is the short tenure that top officials have when leading education systems. The second and more worrisome deals with the fact that there is little attention given to verifiable by observation or experience rather than evidence when designing education policies.

The Conference WMS reported. Highlights of the Conference Presidents' Reports are: Celebration of Breast Cancer Month in October with Pink Out Sunday, Partnering with the Sons of Allen for AME Works Day, and other Mission Projects. Creation of a WMS Spotlight to showcase WMS across Kentucky, Attendance with YPDers to the Connectional LTI, YPD Officers Training, Upcoming KY WMS/YPD Fellowship Day, Celebration of Breast Cancer Month with Drive-Thru Parade and a Pink Out Sunday. Trained Staff for Jefferson County Public Schools System in Louisville for the Every0ne-Reads Program. Created Free Little Library in front of Louisville Church with 24hrs/7days availability – giving away more than 200 books per year. Signed youth under 5 years up to participate in the National Reading Program sponsored by Dolly Parton. Held an annual backpack giveaway for youth, filled with school supplies. Supported elimination of bullying in neighborhoods, schools and community, Card Ministries sending Christmas, Birthday, get well, and bereavement cards. Supported “Sista Strut 2022” to raise money and bring awareness to breast cancer. Continued support of the adopt a school program at A. B. Hill Elementary School. WTN publication 'The WTN Anvil' is in its third edition, Legendary WMS we're honored for Black History Month, a Training/ Graduation at the Police Academy for ClergyWMS-YPDers. Planned Day of Service, Creation of a WMS Church Directory, partnering with the Sons of Allen in projects, held a Great Day of Sharing, and a New Project to publish a WMS Lenten Devotional.

Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities Sustainable Development Goal 11 is about making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. Today, more than half the world’s population lives in cities. The deep inequalities exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other cascading crises highlight the importance of sustainable urban development. Strengthening the preparedness and resilience of cities is crucial in responding to future crises.

However, you feel homelessness, it’s a very complex problem and one that shouldn’t exist in the richest country in the world. There isn’t one answer because there isn’t just one problem. Key facts and data points include: • Homelessness has been on the rise since 2017 in many communities, Kentucky and Tennessee as well, experiencing an overall increase of 6 percent.

• In 2023, counts of individuals (443,367 people) and chronically homeless individuals (127,768) reached record highs in the history of data collection. Every day at least 55 homeless people become homeless.

• Unsheltered rates are also trending upward, impacting most racial, ethnic, and gender subgroups.

• Homeless services systems continued to expand the availability of both temporary and permanent beds in 2023, but these resources still fall short of reaching everyone in need.

Homeless in Kentucky: In Kentucky, 70,996 people are facing homelessness (Data in 2022: 4,011 adults-youth/ 221 youth alone/ 928 unsheltered/ 399 VETS) Homeless in Tennessee: In Tennessee, 99,163 people are facing homelessness (Data in 2022: 7,256 adults-youth/ 353 youth alone/ 2,784 unsheltered/ 570 VETS).

The Conference WMS reported. Highlights of the Conference Presidents' Reports are: Projects and activities have been Food for the Homeless, Water donations to the AME Disasters, Celebration of Breast Cancer Month in October with Pink Out Sunday, Partnering with the Sons of Allen for AME Works Day, and other Mission Projects. Mission Projects feeding the Hungry and Homeless. Giving a Homeless Food Pantry monthly, jars of Peanut Butter and cereal. Support Church Women United in their homeless drive. Collect Pull-tabs for support of a Youth Cancer Camp Program, where youth attend free. Set up a Voter Registration Program, partnering with the Lay Organization. Held annual Felons Forum to inform how to regain Voting Rights. Participate in the YPD Souper Bowl of Caring. Held a Senior Car Parade where donations are made to senior facilities of food, books, hygiene supplies. Homeless Outreach a donation of $1,000 has been shared in gift cards, the WTN Angel Tree Project was given a donation of $1,500. Blessed the homeless with baskets and blankets, supported storm victims in Mayfield, KY. Provided gifts to 60 kids of the Angel Tree Prison Ministry Christmas Program. Provided Christmas baskets, blankets, gift cards, and fruit baskets to the sick and shut in. Provided clothes, shoes, toys, and baby diapers for Disaster Relief to St. James AME Church in Mayfield, KY. Donated toys and diapers to the 13th District WMS special project. Donated suits, dresses, and shoes to “Dress for Success”. Donated children’s clothes and shoes to the Red Door Ministry at New Horizon Apts.

Outreach Projects including the Support of the KY and WTN Disasters, a Partnership with the Alzheimer's Association.

The Thirteenth District Women’s Missionary Society Thanks All the Conferences, Churches/ Clergy for Their Leadership, And Missionary Sisters for Their Continued Commitment to Missions; And the Success of the 13th District WMS And YPD In Sustainable Development Goals. To God Be the Glory!

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20th Quadrennial Convention

Fifteenth Episcopal District

Name of Bishop & Supervisor: Silvester Scott Beaman & Renée Palmore Beaman District WMS President: Crystal Jantjies District YPD Director: Karmen Links District YPD President: Ambher Williams Statistical Data Number of: • • • • • • •

Conferences: 7 Total number of Members: 5454 New members (April 2023 – December 2023): 414 Total number of New Male Associates: 0 Total number of Life Members: 49 Total missionaries between the ages of 18 and 40 (YAM’s): 547 Total number of Foundation members (paid): 94

Goal and Objective I SDG 1-No Poverty SDG 2-No Hunger Accomplishments

➢ Collaboration with the Cape Conference and the 13th Episcopal District (Tennessee) to sustain nine (9) soup kitchens in the Cape Conference area. The Tennessee Conference is still supporting the Cape Conference financially to feed the hungry, with their support the following Churches were assisted Vinton Anderson-Eerste, Klein Vlei, Ming Chapel Saldanah, Ebenezer Bellville, Easter and Cecilia Gordon Macassar, St. Matthew Church-Eureka Estate Elsiesriver, Robinson Chapel Bonteheuwel, David R. Daniels, Leliesfontein Namakwa, Metropolitan Mitchel’s plain, McKinley Young-Khayelitsha and Rehoboth Delft. ➢ They have received a donation of R66 000 for the upcoming year to help other Churches with the feeding schemes. ➢ Food parcels and toiletries have been distributed to vulnerable children and communities throughout the District. ➢ Church and backyard vegetable gardens were developed in several conferences.

•

District Projects NGO support programme: 1. We adopted the Edward Fredericks Hostel in Namibia and distributed of food parcels valued at R10 000.

2. Toiletries and PPE supplies were donated to the Orlando Union Rescue Mission at the 20th Quadrennial Convention.

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Goal and Objective II SDG 3–Good Health and Wellbeing SDG 4-Quality Education Accomplishments • Pink Cancer Awareness was achieved by cancer walks, services and the Knitted knockers District initiative during October 2023. One hundred and twenty pairs (120) were handed over to the Cancer Association by Namibia.

• Mental Health- Workshops on suicide, depression was extensively done throughout the district.

• Our 1st ever YAM Summit was held in Swakopmund Namibia, March 2023. What a highlight it was!

• Gender Based Violence (GBV): The 15th District Episcopal WMS and YAM’s marched in the streets during their Summit (March 2023) against Gender Based Violence and in solidarity with a GBV victim in Swakopmund.

• Creative Arts Projects and awareness programs were presented and implemented throughout the 15th District. Awareness raising regarding SDG 13, Climate Change, SDG14: Life below the sea, SDG 15: Life on Land were extensively covered, and activities were included during the YAM Summit (March 2023), with the emphasis on Re-duce, Re-use and Re-cycle and Up-cycling efforts. Most of the conferences implemented by recycling of plastic bags and plastic cool drink bottles. The Episcopal implemented this by using recycled bags as part of the registration kit in December 2023.

•

• •

Skills Bank: A Skills Bank Audit was developed and shared within the District by the Eastern Cape Conference 3rd Vice President, Sis Thozina Kota. Other conferences have also followed suite and have collected a list of skills audit, with names and skills recorded. Among the skills that our members possess, are medical doctors, state accountants, clinical psychologists, make up artists, musicians, IT Cadres-each bring quality skills to our Dsitrict. This is a useful data base from which we can tap human capital to realize projects and programs.

History and Coffee Table Booklet- “A generation which ignores history has no past and future.”

We are superproud of our contribution towards the Connectional History and coffeetale booklet.

Angola Conference-“Building Bridges”: Our Angola Conference is a portugese only speaking conference. This is a noted barrier that we are striving to bridge the gap by building a bridge.

Our District WMS President and YPD Director traveled to the seat of the Angola Conference to meet and share with the WMS/YPD. There was translation support from an Angola minister and Dr. John Thomas, Conectional Officer who is fluent in Portugese and was visiting the conference.

Training and bridge budiling was provided ond their WMS and YPD Day. Mission accomplished as language is no more a barrier to us!

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20th Quadrennial Convention

Seventeenth Episcopal District

The Bishop:

The Rt. Rev. Dr. David R. Daniels Jr

The Supervisor:

Mrs. Irene Moifoi Daniels

NAME(S) OF RETIRED SUPERVISORS:

Nil

Name(S) Of Connectional Officers:

Nil

The Episcopal District WMS President: Mrs. Annie Chanda Bowa The Episcopal District YPD Director:

Mrs. Hilda Mizi Lungu

The Episcopal District YPD President: Mr. David Mulenga Number of Conferences:

12

Total Number of Members:

4,796

New Members (04/ 2023–12/23):

38

Total Number of New Male Associates: 8 Total Number of Life Members:

7

Total Missionaries ages18-40 (YAMs):

583

Total # of Foundation Members (Paid):1,414 Goal - (SDGs supported) -Goal 3 - Good Health and Well-being Objective I To continue promoting and empowering a healthy life style Accomplishments In depth understanding of health steps explained to sisters in order to give good service to those in need.

▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Dressing up and toileting Conducting household tasks Cleaning markets, Health Centers and Police cells.

Conducting health talks and encouraging taking medication on time WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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Encourage washing hands frequently with soap, avoid street food, drink treated purified water and maintain good sanitation to avoid Cholera.

Goal- (SDGs supported) - Goal 16- Peace, Justice and Strong Institution Objective II To recognize the importance of a society that is stable, safe, harmonious, peaceful and just.

Accomplishments ▪ ▪ ▪ ▪

Conducted legal talks to sisters in order to give advice to those in need.

Visited the Correction Facility to provide spiritual and physical substances to help to the incarcerated women and their children Provided necessary healthy pads for incarcerated women and food materials.

Empowered women and young girls to be self-reliant and fight off gender-based violence.

(GBV) to uphold justice at all levels.

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Episcopal District

18th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

Bishop

REV. FRANCINE A. BROOKINS, Esq.

Supervisor

REV. MIRIAM J. BURNETT MD, MPH

WMS President

SIS NTHABISENG JANKIE

YPD Director

SIS SETSHABILE HLOPHE-MSWANE

YPD President

SIS CONNIE LEFOSA

Statistical Data

Number of: ▪ Conferences

5

▪

Total number of Members

1744

▪

New Members (April- Dec)

15

▪

New Male Associates

0

▪

Life Members

14

▪

Total YAM (18-40)

226

▪

Foundation Members (Paid)

OBJECTIVE 1 GOAL: SPIRITUAL EMPOWERMENT FOR ALL WOMEN OBJECTIVE: To spiritually uplift members of the WMS and Communities with the Word of God, especially those affected and taking care of Cancer patients • • •

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Successfully held Worship Services at all levels across the 18 th District in an effort to support the affected and caregivers In collaboration with the Health Commission a Cancer Commemoration Day and Prayer Session was held on 22 nd October, 2023. The event was well coordinated by Sis Thembi Dlaminni –Episcopal Health Coordinator, Sis. Baitsepi Mohapi – Episcopal 2nd Vice President and Sis. Sihle Mkhonta – Episcopal Member at Large.

Successfully celebrated “Women’s Month Celebration” with Young Adult Missionaries collaboratively. The event theme was “Igniting, Empowering and embracing our Generational Missionaries” our speaker Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett – 18thED Supervisor of Missions OBJECTIVE II GOAL: HEALTH AWARENESS AND WELL-BEING (SDG #3) OBJECTIVE: To enlighten and bring awareness to the Missionaries about health-related issues affecting all Women, in the church and respective communities.

ACCOMPLISHMENT: • Frequently shared health related fliers from the Connectional to bring awareness to the Episcopal Missionaries and subsequently Conference and Local Societies (e.g., Breast Cancer,

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Successfully participated and supported the Connectional YAM Cancer Awareness Campaign. #PinkPower#, #YAMGoPink and #WMSLife# Successfully commemorated Cancer Awareness Month, themed “Closing the Health Care Gap. Guest Speaker was Ms. Lomalanga Hlophe – Eswatini Ministry of Health –Cancer Control Unit.

OBJECTIVE IV GOAL: LEADERSHIP TRAINNING INSTITUTE OBJECTIVE: Bridging the gap for Women in education, igniting their knowledge capacity and equipping them through trainings to create a more substantial conversant Intergenerational footprint.

ACCOMPLISHMENT: • Held a successful 2023-2024 Strategic Planning Meeting, officers were empowered by guest speaker Justice Monica Leeuw, 19thED Life Member and Retired Judge President-SA OBJECTIVE VI GOAL: ADHERING TO THE CONNECTIONAL REQUESTS. OBJECTIVE: To respond to the Connectional requests continuously and effectively as per the Constitution and Bylaws.

ACCOMPLISHMENT: • Successfully participated during the Connectional NGO Convention, whereby Sis Teboho Lekalakala was the leader of the delegation as the District NGO Liaison and 4 other members registered and attended the event.

• Successfully participated in the Connectional Mission Education & Interpretation Dialogue and Institute represented by Sis. Elizabeth Maphotsa – Episcopal PMED. • Participated in the Connectional Prayer Call Against Cancer Awareness Month Sis Teboho Mokonenyane ( YAM- LAC ) represented the 18thED OBJECTIVE VI GOAL: Quality Education (SGD 4) OBJECTIVE: To ensure inclusiveness and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunity particularly young people.

• ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Successfully pledged an amount of M20,000 ( eqv $1075) to five young people, each from the 5 Annual Conferences respectively, in support of their financial needs towards their education: Mamba Zwakele – Eswatini Annual Conference Warona Modikele – Botswana Annual Conference Rethabile Leteketoa- North East Lesotho Annual Conference Ezequis Joab Tui- Mozambique Annual Conference Masakia Mokhanoi – Lesotho Annual Conference

A WORD OF GRATITUDE To Presiding Prelate Bishop Francine Brookins Esq. and Supervisor of Missions Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, thank you for your enduring support and insightfulness.

To the International President Dr. Deborah Taylor-King and your Team thank you for your leadership and support to the 18th ED Women’s Missionary Society To the 18th Episcopal Executive and Conference Leadership, thank you for your excellent service in God’s work Luke 1: 45 ‘Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

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Nineteenth Episcopal District

Name of Bishop & Supervisor : Ronnie Elijah Brailsford, Sr. & Rev. Carolyn Elizabeth Brailsford.

Name(s) of Retired Supervisors: Nil

Name(s) of Connectional Officers: Sis Elizabeth Beauty Mhlongo Name of Episcopal District WMS President : Sis Reshoketswe Mosuwe Name of Episcopal District YPD Director: Sis Mosima Tambani Name of Episcopal District YPD President: Bro Keketso Klaas Number of Conferences: 5 (Five) Total number of Members: 7869 (Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy-Nine) New Members (April 2023 – December 31, 2023): 167 (One Hundred and Sixty Seven) Total number of New Male Associates: 1(One) Total number of Life Members: 14 (Fourteen) Total missionaries between the ages of 18 and 40 (YAMs): 152 (One Hundred and Fifty Two) Total number of Foundation Members (paid): 3000 (Three Thousand) Goals & Objectives (SDGs supported): Eradicate Poverty & Hunger, Healthy Lifestyles, Gender Disparities, Quality Education and Employment opportunities (SDGs 1,2,3,4,5 and 8) ACCOMPLISHMENTS 1: ERADICATING HUNGER, POVERTY AND HEALTH EDUCATION • Distribution of an amount of R10,000 (equivalent to USD 540) to Conferences WMS to buy seedlings and plant food gardens. This leads to selling the produce from gardens thus generating income, promoting of healthy lifestyles and reducing the effects of poverty. Equally, local stations with food gardens share the produce with needy families and therefore minister to the spiritual, health and emotional well-being of the poor. Other local stations WMS use proceeds from the sales to cover their budget payments.

• In collaboration with the Charlotte Maxeke Institute, we donated seedlings to the Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto during the Youth Month commemoration in SA in remembrance of the 1976 youth uprisings against apartheid. This benefitted students in their studies of Agriculture and associated subjects as they started to implement small-scale farming and entrepreneurial activities. The produce of the students' projects was displayed at the 2023 Maxeke Health Walk held on 14 October, at the Freedom Park, Pretoria.

The 19th district WMS is a partner in this programme.

• We prioritised mental health issues and Family Life. The office of the WMS President organised and assembled the Pyscho-Social Team of professionals which includes registered psychologists, counsellors, and social workers in the 19th ED. This ministry continues to be led by the President of the WMS and Supervisor and primarily targets Clergy families and Laity who do not have medical insurance. This is at no cost to the clients that are consulted with. Consequently, this has strengthened collaboration with • WMS-AMEC Executive Board Meeting 2024

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MSWAO+PK, and culminated in a successful first-ever Family Enrichment Seminar in July 2023. A followup seminar will be hosted in January 2024.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 2: QUALITY EDUCATION, GENDER DISPARITIES AND EMPLOYMENT • Annually in April and in collaboration with the Gauteng City Region Academy (an entity of government) we provide fully funded scholarships to freshmen and senior students to study at universities in South Africa. This covers tuition costs, books, and residence accommodation costs. In 2024, we celebrate 4 students who have completed their degree studies; 2 with Medical degrees and practicing as medical interns and community service, respectively, and the others with Bachelors in Accounting and Performing Arts, respectively. We have contributed to quality education and increased employment opportunities for these young people.

• We recognise and empower young talented professionals. The Bishop’s Office also uses these skills on recommendation. The President has used the following skilled young people in various capacities. Sis Mapule Malefetse and Katlego Xaba, both with Multimedia and Marketing degrees to develop the WMS Branding and Marketing tools, Sis Tshegofatso Maxeke, (A qualified Chartered Accountant) as an internal auditor for WMS books, Sis Luyanda Nhlabathi (IT specialist) and Bro Letlhogonolo Mosuwe ( Political Science graduate) as the Technical Team and Social Media team and Bro Gopolang Kgaile (qualified and admitted Attorney of the High Court) to review legal documents. Their contribution has professionalised the work of the WMS and has helped attract young people to the WMS. • We have signed a partnership agreement with ADAPT (NGO) and the government on GBV+F empowerment and gender equality programmes. We have contributed to the draft policy document on addressing GBV+F as a commitment to address this scourge.

• In May 2023, we collaboratively with the Sons of Allen and Charlotte Maxeke Ladies Fellowship, successfully hosted a collaborative seminar themed: “NOT IN MY NAME”.

• Annually in December, South Africa hosts 16 Days of Activism against GBV+F. On 13 December 2023, we held a prayer session in response to the call against GBV+F. 189 persons, which included clergy and laity, including component leaders in the 19th and some of our sister Presidents in the Connection, participated in the prayer session. The Reverend Tebogo Thobane read from 2 Samuel 13: and reminded of the Amnon and Tamar narrative and preached on “WHAT ABOUT ME”. Supervisor Rev Brailsford offered an emotional prayer in GBV+F emphasizing the concept: “NOT IN MY/OUR NAME” • Annually in May we contribute R10 000 (USD 550) to the Thuthuzela Children’s Home caring for children and families affected by the GBV+F phenomenon.

• On December 12, the WMS President and family donated to the Door of Hope Children's Home. They provided supplies in the form of disposable nappies, baby wipes, bathroom towels and other supplies. This is an annual Birthday visit to the home of these abandoned children from victims of GBV+F who have been violated in various forms and are “dropped” in a “post box” of the Home.

CONCLUSION AND GRATITUDE We thank God for the leadership, counsel and love from Bishop and Supervisor Brailsford, the 19th ED College of Clergy, other Component Leaders, the 19TH ED WMS and YPD EXBOs, our Families, the Connectional WMS and All who have helped pray and contribute to the success of our Missionary work. Much Love. LOVE: A MORE EXCELLENT WAY!

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Name of Bishop and Supervisor: Bishop Frederick A. Wright Sr. & Supervisor Jennifer DixonWright 2.

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4.

Retired Supervisors: NONE Connectional Offices: NONE Episcopal District WMS President: Nonkululeko Siwela

5.

Episcopal District YPD Director: Getrude Dandize

6.

Episcopal District YPD President: Artwel Chimuse

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8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Number of Conferences: 7 Total Number of members: 5,946 New Members: 685 Total new male associates: 1 Total Life Members: 4 Total YAMS (14-18 ages): 2,732 Total Foundation Members: NONE

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES (SDG'S Supported) SDG 1. Eradicate Poverty Objective: Providing food distribution to distressed communities Accomplishments: We supported food hampers to 34 under privileged communities.

SDG 2. Good Health and Well Being Objective: Supporting our elderly and mental health institutions Accomplishments: We supported two homes for the elderly and one mental health institution.

SDG 3. Education Training Objective: Provide training for our missionaries and YPDers Accomplishments: Provided retreats for WMS and YPDers training in the Constitution and By-laws of the WMS. Also, we supported our YPD Students attending Africa University located in Mutare, Zimbabwe.

We give thanks to all of the missionary sisters in the 20th Episcopal District for their committed service to the call of mission work.

Humbly submitted.

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