Greetings

Connectional Women’s Missionary Society and Young People’s and Children’s Division

EpiscopalGreetings

Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. Senior Bishop

July 25, 2023

It is my high honor and privilege to serve as Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. It is in this role that I extend greetings to the Women’s Missionary Society of the AME Church. Supervisor Richardson and I are pleased to recognize Episcopal Supervisors (active and retired) for the impactful role they play in the work of missions. We are all the more elated to salute our own Dr. Deborah Taylor King who hails from the Tenth Episcopal District. We are very proud of her as she excels as president of Connectional/International WMS.

We honor the extraordinary friendship we have had with Commission Chair and Supervisor, Bishop Michael Leon and Supervisor Cordelia Mitchell; Director of Global Witness and Ministry, Dr. John F. Green; Director of the Young People’s Division, Ms. Wanda T. Ringgold; and Connectional YPD President, Brother Richard F. Norris, III. We recognize all of the executives who provide leadership at every level of missionary endeavor. And, with the love of our great Lord and Christ, we greet each Delegate and Observer as you gather in Orlando for the 20th Quadrennial Session of the AMEC WMS and YPD Quadrennials for Christian fellowship, consideration of legislation, elections, devotional reflections, and inspiring worship.

Supervisor Richardson and I also salute “Team Reid,” Bishop Frank Madison Reid, III and Supervisor Marlaa Hall Reid, as they lead the people of Florida and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas. Thus, we also honor Episcopal President, Mrs. Laurastine D. Lemon; YPD Director, Mrs. Timika Fountain-Coney; and YPD President, Ms. Chandrea Bethea.

We pray that our gracious God will bless our time together with His wondrous presence as we continue to work to “enlarge our territory” in the great and saving name of God in Christ around the globe. By the end of the Convention, it is our expectation that we will have captured the paramount lessons from the theme derived from Ephesians 4:12 “Exalting Christ - Empowering Missionaries - Equipping the Saints for Greater Impact.”

Yours in His Service,

A.J.Richardson

Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Senior Bishop

To: Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop

Bishop Stafford J.N. Wicker, President, Council of Bishops

Bishops and Supervisors

Reverend Dr. John F. Green, Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry

Dr. Deborah Taylor King WMS Global International Connectional WMS President

Ms. Wanda Ringgold, Global International Connectional YPD Director

Mr. Richard Norris, III, Global International Connectional YPD President

General and Connectional Officers; Former Connectional WMS Presidents, Clergy and Spouses; Delegates; Missionaries, Young People; Laity; Ecumenical Guests; and all assembled at this 20th WMS/YPD Quadrennial Convention.

I am grateful and thankful for this opportunity to greet each of you as we celebrate the 20th Quadrennial Convention of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AMEC.

As we share during these next few days, I am anxiouslyanticipating a spirit-filled, productive time planning ourmission work for the future. Our theme, “Exalting Christ, Empowering Missionaries and Equipping the Saints for Greater Impact,” is profoundly appropriate to encourage our hearts in the face of daily news reports that expose the widespread prejudices and unfairness in our world. There continues to be a blatant disregard for the rights of those who are different from us. Even so, we cannot be deterred. The trick of the enemy is to paralyze us with fears and insecurities. However, the Quadrennial theme scripture states, “Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Paul’s letter to the church at Ephesus should remind us, “A charge to keep, we (I) have, a God to glorify.” We honor this charge by lifting Jesus up as He said, “If I be lifted up, I will draw all people unto me.” We are challenged to be a voice for the voiceless by lifting Jesus. We are challenged to be strength for the weak by lifting Jesus. We are challenged to be love for the unloved by lifting Jesus.

Congratulations and heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Deborah Taylor King, International WMS President, for her outstanding leadership. I pray that as you embark upon the 20th Quadrennial Convention of the Women’s Missionary Society of the AMEC, you will do so in love, faith and service. I pray God’s protection for traveling mercies, both to and from, for all who attend. I believe that the best is still yet to come as we continue to glorify God!

Peace, Michael L. Mitchell

Grace and

Bishop Michael L. Mitchell Commission Chair of Global Witness and Ministry

SENATOR JASON BRODEUR 10th District

February 10, 2023

The Florida Senate

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1100

COMMITTEES: Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government, Chair Health Policy, Vice Chair

Appropriations Appropriations Committee on Health and Human Services

Children, Families, and Elder Affairs

Community Affairs

Regulated Industries Rules

JOINT COMMITTEE: Joint Legislative Auditing Committee

Dear Members of The Women’s Missionary Society,

Welcome to Orange County! I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for attending the Quadrennial Conference for The Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.

As the Florida Senator for District 10, I appreciate your dedication to the Central Florida community. Your attendance at this conference is an excellent example of what working together can do for our state.

You have done a great job representing the State of Florida. We will continue to do our part in supporting The Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in the years to come.

If I or my staff can ever be of any assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Kindest Regards,

Senator Jason Brodeur – District

10

KATHLEEN PASSIDOMO

DENNIS BAXLEY President of the Senate President Pro Tempore

Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church

20th WMS Quadrennial Convention

Rosen Centre Hotel

9840 International Dr. Orlando, FL 32819

Greetings Women’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church,

We know you could have had your convention anywhere else, but we thank you for coming to spend time with us!

I am so pleased to have your organization here in Orange County for your 20th Women’s Missionary Society Quadrennial Convention. With a record of 131 years of committed service to winning souls to Christ, health, economic, peace, and justice issues, I am thrilled to welcome you to the county. The Foundation you all have established to support education through scholarships and social and economic development for the diversified constituencies we are privileged to serve is inspiring.

Your Global Vision, how you all are dedicated to building strong partnerships, birthing new and innovative initiatives, bridging the gaps for women in education, and branding yourselves as a powerful force for advocacy and actions is relatable.

Welcome to Orange County, and I hope you enjoy your stay and have a great conference! Sincerely, Senator Geraldine F. Thompson Senate District 15