SEJ-BMCR 53rd Annual Meeting Program

FRONT

THE SEJ-BMCR

BISHOP, VIRGINIA

FROM THE PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH

BISHOP, MISSISSIPPI

FROM MAYOR

OF RICHMOND, VIRGINIA

E. SWANSON

LEVAR M. STONE

FROM THE BMCR, INC. CHAIRPERSON

FROM THE SEJ-BMCR

SPEAKER

JONATHAN

AMERICAN

AFRICAN

BLACK COLLEGE

PAIN COLLEGE

GUEST SPEAKER

PASTOR, CASCADE

KEVIN

ANTONIO

AMIRI B. HOOKER

MURRIEL

WATSON

TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)

SECTION 4

CLOSING SPEAKER … REV. DELISHIA ANDREA DAVIS

SENIOR PASTOR, CALLOWAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

DAILY BIBLE STUDY LEADER FOR SEJ-BMC … REVEREND AGNES R. HARVEY ASSOCIATE PASTOR, CASCADE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

FACILITATORS

CHURCH HALL 1

CHURCH HALL 2

HALL 3

SECTION 5

PANELISTS

CHURCH HALL 1

REV. ALBERT SHULER BIO

REV. DR. BYRON THOMAS BIO

REV. JAMES L. FRIDAY BIO

REV. VANCE ROSS BIO

REV. NATHALIE NELSON PARKER BIO

REV. DR. WALTER STRAWTHER BIO

MOLLIE STEWART BIO

CHURCH HALL 2

REV. DR. MICHAEL BOWIE………. UMC CLERGY

REV. ILETHA WASHINGTON …….. AME CLERGY

REV. KEVIN AGEE ………………... CME CLERGY

REV. SCOT C. MOORE …………… AMEZ CLERGY

CHURCH HALL 3

BISHOP JAMES SWANSON…MISSISSIPPI CONFERENCE ……………………………….

BISHOP SHARMA LEWIS…...VIRGINIA CONFERENCE …………………………………. 27 REV. MILLIE N. SMITH…….S.C. DIRECTOR OF CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES ……... 28 MR. ALBERT S. WEAL JR.….UMM VIRGINIA CONFERENCE PRESIDENT …………… 29

to the upcoming 53rd gathering

Black

Brown pastors, District Superintendents,

members,

Jurisdiction of The United Methodist

This soon to be realized goal has our executive team energized for the churches in the Southeastern Jurisdiction as it is our vision to improve the ministry and kingdom building footprint of Black Methodism. As your BMCR Coordinator, I understand the need to wake the sleeping giant of Advocacy and activism that is the Black Church. My understanding comes from my hands-on experience serving as pastor of Wesley Chapel UMC in the Deep River Community of Lake City South Carolina – a church with a membership of 499 and a pandemic worship attendance of seventy-five. In light of our current climate, our church consistently falls below our needed weekly budget amount three of the four Sundays of the month. Can you relate to this reality? Then you won’t want to miss the Annual Meeting of BMCR!

The theme for this 53rd annual meeting of BMCR, A Woke Black Church: Reminiscent, Intergenerational, and Resilient. In Romans 5:3-5 The Apostle Paul teaches us that trauma and drama are God's great proving ground for the awakening of faith, and God graciously takes us through trials so that our faith will be genuine and so we will have the hope that does not disappoint! What Paul is saying is that the gospel strengthens us through the Spirit to see things in our society that others cannot. We are called, as the people of God, to wake up and to show up! This is a call for BMCR in the Southeastern Jurisdiction to be A Woke Black Church, one that encourages the Body of Christ to utilize the mind of Christ and to be fully awake to the issues of race and injustice in this country.

Pan-Africanists and Black Nationalists use the term “woke” to refer to no longer being naïve nor in mental slavery. Hopefully, in 2022 SEJ BMCR can borrow the term and redeem it to be used in the context of being awakened from deadened, sinful thinking. Being woke has to do with seeing all the issues and connecting cultural, socio-economic, philosophical, historical, and ethical dots. I watch the recent movie “The Beast” with Idris Elba wherein he stars as recently widowed Doctor who visits a South African game reserve with his two teenage daughters. Whilst on the trip the family must fight to survive when stalked by an injured lion. At a turning point in the movie, they take shelter a small chapel. What caught my theological imagination was the prophetic idea that when life was at its most traumatic, when the family was about be consumed by the raging lion - seeking to steal, kill and destroy them, the place they found safety was the church. The Church, even when broken and abandoned, is still the place of refuge, resilience, repair, renewal, and for revival!

As your coordinator, I hope to celebrate and demonstrate what it looks like to be A Woke Black Church – one that is resilient in the face of major cultural shifts facing The Methodist Church specifically, and our society as a whole. I pray that you will meet me at the gathering! You are Invited…

Shalom, Amiri B. Hooker

SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION

BLACK METHODISTS FOR CHURCH RENEWAL

ANNUAL MEETING AGENDA

OCTOBER 13-15, 2022

“A Woke Black Church: Reminiscent, Intergenerational, and Resilient”

Which reminds us that there is more to come.

There’s more to come: We continue to shout our praise even when we’re hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we’re never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary—we can’t round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit Based on (Romans 5:3-5, The Message)

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2022

1:00 PM – 5:00PM

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2022

8:00AM—5:00PM

9:30AM—11:00AM

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING LIBRARY

REGISTRATION

OPENING SESSION

GATHERING MUSIC

PRE-FUNCTION AREA NEAR RENOIR

RENOIR A, B, & C

MR. JARVIS R. WILSON M

11:10AM — 12:00PM

REV. AMIRI B. HOOKER C , SEJ-BMCR GREETINGS

CALL TO ORDER

SCRIPTURE

PRAYER

MEMORIAL RECOGNISTION

INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKER

MUSIC

KEYNOTE ADDRESS

10 MINUTE BREAK

CHURCH HALL 1 INTERGENERATIONAL

BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS R B V C

REV. HYO LEE D S T N ’ D

MR. HANK DOZIER (WNC) V C , SEJ-BMCR

MRS. AUDREY PANKEY (WNC) H , SEJ-BMCR

REV. DR. ZACHARY BEASLEY (MS) P , SEJ BMCR

REV. AMIRI B. HOOKER (SC) C , SEJ-BMCR

MR. JARVIS R. WILSON M

BISHOP JONATHAN HOLSTON R B S C C

FACILITATOR—REV. ALBERT SHULER

“WAKE UP EVERY GENERATION IN THE CHURCH” WHAT DOES THE INTERGENERATIONAL SEJ-BMCR LOOK LIKE?

PANELISTS

REV. VANCE ROSS

REV. NATHALIE NELSON PARKER REV. DR. WALTER STRAWTHER MS. MOLLIE STEWART

10 MINUTE BREAK

12:00PM—1:00PM

CHURCH HALL 2 REMINISCENT

“

FACILITATOR—REV. DR. BYRON THOMAS

WAKE UP EVERY PAN METHODIST AND BLACK CHURCH”

WHAT DOES THE BLACK CHURCH LOOK LIKE NOW AND INTO THE FUTURE FROM A PAN METHODIST PERSPECTIVE?

PANELISTS

REV. DR. MICHAEL BOWIE UMC CLERGY REV. ILETHA WASHINGTON AME CLERGY

REV. KEVIN AGEE CME CLERGY REV. SCOT C. MOORE AMEZ CLERGY

12:30PM—2:00PM LUNCH MONET D & E

SPEAKER:

2:00PM—4:00PM

SPONSORED BY PEOPLE OF THE AMERICAN WAY (PFAW)

REV. LESLIE W. WILSON D A A R A , PFAW

RENOIR A, B, & C REPORTS

PLENARY

CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS

MINUTES

TREASURER REPORT

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

NOMINATIONS

HARAMBEE

CAUCUS ROLL CALL

REV. DR. ZACHARY BEASLEY (MS) P , SEJ BMCR

MS. ROYYA JAMES (TWK) S , SEJ-BMCR

MS. MOZELL STARKS (TWK) T , SEJ-BMCR

MS. SHERRIE WILSON (NGA) F C , SEJ-BMCR

MS. DORIS BLUITT (NC) N C , SEJ-BMCR

MS. AUDREY PANKEY (WNC) MS. CHRISTAL HERBIN (WNC) C -C , SEJ-BMCR

REV. AMIRI HOOKER (SC) C , SEJ-BMCR

UNITED METHODIST COMMUNICATIONS

MS. ROYYA JAMES S . M U.S. C R

AFRICAN AMERICAN METHODIST HERITAGE CENTER

MS. MOLLIE STEWART AAMHC P

GENERAL BOARD OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND MINISTRY DR. CYNTHIA BOND HOPSON A G S T B C F

5:45PM

6:30PM—8:00PM

DEPART FOR WORSHIP AND PRAISE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3006 E. LABURNUM AVE., RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23223 ( )

COMMUNION SERVICE

BISHOP SHARMA LEWIS R B , V C

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2022

8:30AM—5:00PM

8:30AM—9:30AM

9:30AM—10:00AM

REGISTRATION

BREAKFAST

BIBLE STUDY

10 MINUTE BREAK

10:10AM—11:45AM

CHURCH HALL 3 RESILIENT

PRE-FUNCTION AREA NEAR RENOIR

GAMMON BREAKFAST (ticketed)

RENOIR A, B, & C

REV. AGNES R. HARVEY A P , C UMC

FACILITATOR—REV. JAMES L. FRIDAY

“WAKE UP EVERY ANNUAL CONFERENCE”

WHAT DOES CREATING RACIAL HEALING CIRCLES/ANTI-RACIST CONVERSATION / JURISDICTION CONFERENCE STRATEGIES LOOK LIKE IN RESPONSE TO CURRENT REALITIES?

PANELISTS

BISHOP JAMES SWANSON R B M C

BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS R B V C

REV. MILLIE NELSON SMITH D C M , S C C

MR. ALBERT S. WEAL JR. P , U M M , V C

11:45AM – 1:30PM

SPEAKER:

1:30 PM -3:30PM

PLENARY

REPORTS CONT’D

BLACK COLLEGE FUND LUNCHEON MONET D & E

DR. CHERYL EVANS JONES, PRESIDENT PAINE COLLEGE—AUGUSTA, GA

FEATURING PAINE COLLEGE CONCERT CHOIR - AUGUSTA GA.

RENOIR A, B, & C

REPORTS

SBC21

REV. DR. MICHAEL BOWIE (CONT’D) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

GULFSIDE ASSEMBLY

AFRICA UNIVERSITY

MRS. CHERYL THOMAS

INTERIM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MR. JAMES H. SALLEY PRESIDENT/CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER AFRICA UNIVERSITY

DISCIPLESHIP MINISTRIES

GENERAL BMCR

BUDGET ADOPTION

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

7:00PM BANQUET MONET D & E

BANQUET SPEAKER

SOCIAL GATHERING

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2022

9:00AM—9:30AM

BIBLE STUDY

9:30AM—10:00AM PLENARY

REGISTRAR’S REPORT

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS

MR. JEFF CAMPBELL INTERIM GENERAL SECRETARY

REV. ANTONIO C. LOVE CHAIRPERSON, BMCR

MS. SHERRIE WILSON (NGA) CHAIRPERSON, FINANCE COMMITTEE

MS. DORIS BLUITT (NC) CHAIRPERSON, NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE

REV. DR. KEVIN MURRIEL, SR. PASTOR CASCADE UMC ATLANTA, GA

10:00AM—12:00PM

CLOSING WORSHIP

RENOIR A, B, & C

REV. AGNES HARVEY, ASSOCIATE PASTOR CASCADE UMC ATLANTA, GA

RENOIR A, B, & C

MS. EDNA BONNER (TWK) REGISTRAR, SEJ-BMCR

BISHOP JONATHAN HOLSTON RESIDENT BISHOP SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE

REV. DELISHIA A. DAVIS, SR. PASTOR CALLOWAY UMC ARLINGTON, VA

CLOSING SELECTION

BENEDICTION AND ADJOURNMENT

MR. JARVIS R. WILSON MUSICIAN

REV. AMIRI HOOKER (SC) COORDINATOR, SEJ-BMCR

KEYNOTE SPEAKER THURSDAY KEYNOTE ADDRESS

BISHOP L. JONATHAN HOLSTON

Bishop L. Jonathan Holston is the resident bishop of the Columba Area, which includes the South Carolina Conference in the Southeastern Jurisdiction of The United Methodist Church. He was elected to the episcopacy in 2012.

In addition to his episcopal assignment: 2022-COB Secretary as of April 29, 2022, twoyear term

Bishop Holston earned his Master of Divinity in biblical studies from The Interdenominational Theological Center, Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Ga., in 1983. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from the University of Georgia in Athens, Ga.

Coming to South Carolina from the North Georgia Conference, Bishop Holston served as senior pastor of St. James United Methodist Church in Atlanta for seven years before his episcopal election. Prior to that, he served as superintendent of the Atlanta-DecaturOxford District from 1997 to 2005.

Bishop Holston has served on numerous boards and committees of The United Methodist Church at the conference and general church level. Holston served as a member of the General Council on Finance and Administration, chair of the General Conference Finance and Administrative Legislative Committee, and as a member of The United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, the Southeastern Jurisdictional Committee on Episcopacy, Hinton Rural Life Center, Appalachian Development Committee and the Southeastern Jurisdictional Association for Native American Ministries, among other noted roles.

Bishop Holston was a delegate for General Conference in 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012. He served as a delegate for Jurisdictional Conference in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, and 2012. In 2001 and 2005 he was a delegate for the World Methodist Conference.

Bishop Holston is married to the former Felecia Brown. They have two grown children: son Karlton and daughter Brittany.

SPEAKER FOR THURSDAY

PEOPLE FOR THE AMERICAN WAY LUNCHEON

REVEREND LESLIE WATSON WILSON DIRECTOR OF AFRICAN AMERICAN RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Reverend Leslie Watson Wilson is the director of African American Religious Affairs (AARA) at People For the American Way and People For the American Way Foundation. Representing 2,200 women and men from various Christian traditions across the country, AARA endeavors to build a strong association of progressive clergy, theologians, seminarians and ministry lay leaders who encourage African American churches and communities to become more civically engaged and promote social justice programs and policies.

Recognized by the Center For American Progress as one of “15 Faith Leaders to Watch in 2015,” Reverend Wilson is the former national policy director for Balm In Gilead and served for nine years as the director of the Multicultural Programs Department of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. She also served as the national coordinator and field director for the National Rainbow/PUSH Coalition. Reverend Wilson is a master trainer, and has provided training to over 25,000 leaders within the African American faith community for over 28 years.

Reverend Wilson’s work has been featured in a number of national outlets, including NBC, Cosmopolitan, and The Huffington Post.

SPEAKER FOR FRIDAY BLACK COLLEGE FUND LUNCHEON

DR. CHERYL EVANS JONES

Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones has over 26 years of experience in higher education at Paine College. During her tenure at Paine, she has held several positions. Dr. Jones joined the faculty in January 1993 as a full-time Assistant Professor of Psychology. In 1999, she was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor and in 2001, she earned Tenure status. Dr. Jones was twice recipient of the "Evelyn Berry Teacher of the Year" Award (in 2002 and 1998). She was a recipient of the Vulcan Materials Company "Teaching Excellence Awards-2001" presented by Vulcan Materials Company and the Georgia Foundation for Independent Colleges, Inc. "in recognition of outstanding contributions to undergraduate education, student learning, and campus life." While at Paine College, Dr. Jones has held the positions of Coordinator of the Department of Psychology. She was recently recognized by Perry Broadcasting of Augusta as the "Education Professional of the Year."

For five years prior to joining the faculty of Paine College, Dr. Jones was employed as a Clinical-Child Psychologist in Columbus, Ohio.

A native of Augusta, Dr. Jones received the Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology summa cum laude from Fisk University (Nashville, Tennessee). While at Fisk University, she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa, the nation's oldest honor society for the liberal arts and sciences. She received the Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Clinical-Child/Development Psychology from The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio).

Dr. Jones is an active member of Christ Presbyterian Church where she serves as a Ruling Elder on Session and Treasurer of the Ellis-Harris Presbyterian Women; she is one of two people who presents the Children's Talk during Sunday worship. In the Augusta community, Dr. Jones is Vice President of Membership for The Augusta (GA) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated and Treasurer of The Friends of The Augusta Chorale. Dr. Jones was initiated into the Zeta Xi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated in 1979. She is a 2009 graduate of Leadership Augusta and also served on its Board of Directors. Dr. Jones was married to the late Dr. George Evans Jones, a Paine College alumnus.

FRIDAY NIGHT

BANQUET GUEST SPEAKER

REVEREND DOCTOR KEVIN R. MURRIEL

The Reverend Doctor Kevin R. Murriel serves as the senior pastor of Cascade United Methodist Church, a multi-site ministry that includes campuses in midtown and southwest Atlanta, Georgia. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Jackson State University, his Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology, and his Doctor of Ministry from Duke University. An insightful preacher, avid reader, and social activist, Dr. Murriel’s research focuses on translating the methods of the Civil Rights Movement into a modern strategy for social justice. In 2018, he was appointed by Dean Jan Love as Assistant Professor in the Practice of Practical Theology and Director of the Black Methodist Seminarian’s Program at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. Dr. Murriel is a community leader and faithfully serves on several boards which include, the Andrew and Walter Young Family YMCA, the North Georgia Board of Ordained Ministry, Murphy–Harpst, The Foundation for Wesley Woods, and The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute. Dr. Murriel is a member of the 100 Black Men of Atlanta and the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2019. For leading innovative change and being a conscious voice for social justice, Gammon Theological Seminary named him as the 2016 Emerging Prophetic Leader. In 2021, he was inducted into the Martin Luther King Jr. College of Ministers Board of Preachers through Morehouse College, named a Man of Influence by the Atlanta Business League, and inducted into the National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame. Dr. Murriel was named as one of Emory University’s 2018 Forty under Forty and S.C.L.C. Women recognized his community work and social activism by naming him the 2019 Drum Major for Justice Luminary Award recipient. Dr. Murriel has received numerous other awards and honors for his servant-leadership including being named as one of Atlanta’s 2019 40 under 40 Movers and Shakers by the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Dr. Murriel is the author of Breaking the Color Barrier: A Vision for Church Growth through Racial Reconciliation. He is married to Dr. Ashleigh Murriel and they are the proud parents of Scarlett Grace and Anderson Blake.

SPEAKER FOR SATURDAY CLOSING WORSHIP

REVEREND DELISHIA ANDREA DAVIS

The Reverend DeLishia Andrea Davis is the distinguished pastor of Calloway United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. She was born in the nation’s capital and has lived in several areas of the United States of America and abroad for the purpose of religious education and evangelism.

Rev. Davis has been formally educated in the areas of Pastoral Care and Counseling, Political Science, and Christian Education. She is a fifth generational clergyperson in her family, and she has served in international missions and local church ministries for twenty -two years.

Pastor DeLishia A. Davis a national board member of People for the American Way Inc., raising awareness for social justice and voter education. She is also the chaplain of the National Council of Negro Women, a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, African American Ministers Leadership Council and the National Council of Churches.

Pastor DeLishia currently serves as a senior pastor in the Methodist tradition. Also, she has served as an international missions evangelist in South Africa, West Africa, Haiti and Honduras.

Rev. Davis is the recipient of numerous awards to include the Sojourner’s Award from the International Missionary Society (2009), the Rosa Parks Community Service Award from the Methodist Council (2011) and the Humanitarian Award from the NAACP (2019).

Rev. Davis is the founder of New Beginnings, a non-profit organization that provides assistance to domestic violence victims and their families in times of need in the Washington, DC Metropolitan office. Pastor Davis ministers weekly at the domestic violence shelter, and frequently advocates for victims in Arlington, Fairfax, Prince William and Prince George’s Counties. In addition, Rev. DeLishia Davis is the coordinator of Prayer ministries and she travels throughout the nation to preach, teach and encourage others. She is also the author of several books to include Word of Life Family Bible Study, A New You: 21 Days of Personal Transformation and Spiritual Success. The latest book “Morning Manna” will be released in May 2021.

Pastor Davis is the mother of Maya Alexis and Mycah Alexandrea Davis. Her favorite quote is “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” Her favorite scripture is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

DAILY BIBLE STUDY LEADER FOR SEJ-BMCR

REVEREND AGNES R. HARVEY

I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will bring it to completion by the Day of Jesus Christ Philippians 1:6

Reverend Agnes R. Harvey was born the seco nd of five children in Macon, Georgia to Mary and the late Charley E. Harvey. She received her early education in the Bibb County School system. Education was always the focal point in the Harvey household with equal emphasis placed on Su nday school and secula r education. Rev. Harvey earned a BA in English from Valdosta State University in 1990 and a Master of Divinity from The Interdenominationa l Theological Center in 2005. She has completed seven units of Clinical Pastoral Education under The College of Pastoral Supervision and Psychotherapy (CSPS) and The Association for Clinical Pastoral Education (ACPE) serving as a Pastoral Fellow through Emory Spiritual Health Services as a Chaplain Resident at the prestigious Emory University Hospital Midtown. Before answering the call to ministry, Rev. Harvey was a social worker for the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services in Lowndes and Fulton (Grady Hospital) counties. While in Lowndes County, she also worked as a House Parent for the Depa rtment of Mental Health. She also taught English as a Second Language with Berlitz in Atlanta, Georgia allowing her to share Christian warmth with people from all around the world. God’s call to servanthood and service has always been a part of her spirit. Rev. Harvey answered her Call to Ministry out of Ben Hill UMC serving as Children, Christian Education, and Care Minister respectfully from 2006 through 2010. As a Local Pastor, she served as lead pastor at Popular Spring UMC and Rocky Head UMC both in the Atlanta, Georgia. As a Provisional Elder in the North Georgia Conference, she served the as lead past or of Lithonia First UMC. As an Elder in Full Connection, she is appointed as the Associate Pastor at Cascade UMC where Reverend Dr. Kevin R. Murriel is the Senior Pastor.

Rev. Harvey loves Gospel music. She sang with th e VSU college choir, recorded with Georgia Mass Choir in 1985, and recorded with the late Rev. Lewis E. Cobb Jr. Community Choir in 1993. She loves spending time with family, friends, and especially with her niec es and nephews: Nayah, Louie, Noah, Jay, Antionette, Caleb, Aria, and Amiyah. Rev. Harvey is a prou d member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

REV. DR. ALBERT SHULER

Rev. Dr. Albert Shuler is a native of Calhoun County, South Carolina. He is a graduate of Claflin University and Duke Divinity School, Duke University. Rev. Dr. Shuler served as pastor, program director and district superintendent in the North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church for 44 years. During that time, he gave leadership to the General Conference as a delegate six times and the Jurisdictional Conference seven times. He has served on national and international boards and agencies of the United Methodist Church and Ecumenical bodies. Rev. Dr. Shuler is currently serving as the retired supply pastor of Mount Carmel UMC, Bamberg, a Master Coach for Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century (SBC 21), and chairperson of Business and Finance for the North Carolina Council of Churches. He is married to Jimmie Blake Shuler, MD (first female Claflin graduate to become a medical doctor) and one daughter Melissa Danielle Shuler who resides in Charlotte, North Carolina.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #1

REV. DR. VANCE P. ROSS

The Rev. Dr. Vance P. Ross currently serves Senior Pastor of the Historic Central United Methodist Church, Atlanta GA.

Ross founded the United Methodist Convocation for Pastors of Black Churches and served as its Design Team Chairman for 22 years. He worked in the denomination’s Discipleship Ministries Agency as Deputy General Secretary, Associate General Secretary, Director of Annual Conference Relationships and Director of Evangelism.

In addition to serving at Central, Ross is a Doctor of Ministry Faculty Mentor at United Theological Seminary, Course of Study Faculty at Candler School of Theology, a member of Concerned Black Clergy of Atlanta, Atlanta and North Georgia Black Methodist for Church Renewal. He also serves as Chairman of the North Georgia Annual Conference Commission on Religion and Race.

From 2011-2015 Ross served as Senior Pastor of the Gordon Memorial United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN. From 1998-2004 he pastored the First UMC of Hyattsville, MD.

A native of Bluefield, WV, Ross has the B. A. degree, Government/Youth Services from West Virginia Wesleyan College. He received the M.Div. degree at Gammon Theological Seminary (ITC) and the Doctor of Ministry degree at United Theological Seminary. A contributor to several books, including I’m Black, I’m Christian, I’m United Methodist, he is also working on two projects for 2022 publication.

Ross is the husband of the Rev. Bridgette D. Young Ross, former Dean of the Chapel and Spiritual Life at Emory University, Atlanta, GA. He has three adult children: Kristina, Alyssa and Bryant. He has two grandchildren, Christopher and Jaylie.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #1

NATIONALLY RENOWNED SPEAKER AND EDUCATOR INSPIRES YOUNG LEADERS AND ORGANIZATIONS TO LEAD, INNOVATE AND TRANSFORM.

FORMER ENGLISH EDUCATOR, RENOWN SPEAKER AND AUTHOR, NATHALIE NELSON PARKER IS ON A MISSION.

As the nation's leadership and funding strategist she's aiming to put an end to the academic failure epidemic, rising student retention rates, and trillion dollars student loan debt crisis sweeping across America's schools and colleges.

The leaders that go through her "Transformational Leadership" program are seeing improvement in student performance, engagement and leadership. Campus Leaders are more fired up today, and schools are retaining more leaders due to her resource guide "Transformation Starts with Me: Bold Strategies for Innovative Leadership.

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science and English Literature from Adelphi University (Garden City, NY), a Master of Arts degree in Secondary English Education from Columbia University's Teachers College (New York, NY), a Master of Divinity degree from Gammon Theological Seminary (Atlanta, GA), and as an ordained minister with the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church, Nathalie is passionate about holistic leadership that inspires both people's heart and mind.

Nathalie's career includes developing new national initiatives for the United Methodist Church, raising multiple six-figures in grants and scholarships, as well as improving student performance in both public and private school sectors in the states of New York and Georgia.

Nathalie specializes in strategies for transformational leadership, college/career readiness, and cultural responsive teaching.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

REVEREND WALTER STRAWTHER

Walter Strawther served as Associate Pastor at Hibben UMC from 2015-2021. He previously served as Pastor of Wesley UMC-Aiken for three years from 2012-2015. He currently serves as Congregational Specialist for Columbia and Hartsville districts as well as African American Ministries.

He has served as the chairperson of the Charleston District Committee on Ordained Ministry and a member of the Charleston District Connectional Ministry. He currently serves on the SC Conference Board of Ordained Ministry.

Walter is a graduate of Winthrop College (BA History, 1992), University of SC (MAT History, 1996), and Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary (M.Div., 2015). He is a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.

Walter is married to the former Toni Morgan and they have two daughters, Morgan (Bayron) and Maegan. The family would be incomplete with their cat, Deek.

Walter enjoys reading both fiction and non-fiction history, thrillers, mystery, and science fiction. He stays active by walking and weight training. He is always ready to share the reason for his faith in Jesus Christ.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #1

Mrs. Mollie M. Stewart

Mollie M. Stewart is a dynamic lay person and is highly regarded as a workshop leader and motivational speaker. She is Founder and President of Stewart & Associates, Inc. and a former Meeting Planner with the United Methodist Church. Mollie has had many first in her life and has many accomplishments. She has served in several capacities within the UMC and has received many accolades from within the church, and private sectors. Her service and achievements are far too numerous to list. She is a native of Talucah, Alabama where she is a proven leader and active member in her local church (Mt. Mariah); and her community. Mollie was elected President of the United Methodist Women and Lay Leader of the former Huntsville District, which is now the NE District of the UMC. She was the first Black to be elected to both positions, where she served two terms.

Mollie served as the Chairperson of the North Alabama Conference Council on Ministries for two terms. Mollie was the first black to Chair the Commission on General Conference of the UMC. She has also Chaired the North Alabama Delegation to General and Jurisdictional Conference. She has served in the position of Coordinator for the Southeastern Jurisdiction of Black Methodists for Church Renewal Inc. (BMCR). Mollie retired as the President/CEO of Gulfside Association Inc. in Waveland, Mississippi. Currently Mollie serves as President of the African Methodist Heritage Center Board of Directors in Baltimore, Maryland.

Mollie was married to the late Mr. Walter E. Stewart. She is a mother of two sons, a grandmother and greatgrandmother.

REVEREND BYRON THOMAS

Byron E. Thomas is a native of Aliquippa, Pennsylvania. A veteran of the United States Air Force, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion and Philosophy from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia and a Master of Divinity degree from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. He also holds a Certificate in Executive Leadership from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois. In 2016, Pastor Thomas graduated from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools (ACTS) program with a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Preaching through McCormick Theological Seminary.

Pastor Thomas served as Senior Pastor of Ben Hill United Methodist Church in Atlanta, Georgia from June 2013-June 2021. Placing a premium on discipleship as opposed to membership, he emphasized the importance of spiritual formation as foundational for faithfully executing the ministry God has entrusted to the Church. He also strongly believes that United Methodist churches operate best when the mission of the church is being carried out by laity who are Christ- centered and demonstrate a love for God, for themselves, and for the people of God.

Pastor Thomas has previously served as the Pastor of Central United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA, Associate Director in the Office of Connectional Ministries for the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church where his primary area of concentration was Advocacy, and as Pastor at the Fort Street United Methodist Church in Atlanta, GA. He also served in various capacities within the North Georgia Conference and the Southeastern Jurisdiction including Chairperson of the Committee on Related Agencies, Chairperson of the Committee on Ethnic Local Church Concerns, Chairperson of the Advocacy Committee, and Member of the Board of Directors of the Hinton Rural Life Center in Hayesville, North Carolina. In May 2015 Pastor Thomas was elected as the President of the North Georgia Black Methodists for Church Renewal (NGBMCR). In October 2015 he was elected as the Coordinator for the Southeastern Jurisdiction Black Methodist for Church Renewal (SEJBMCR). At the 2015 North Georgia Annual Conference in Athens, Georgia, Pastor Thomas was elected as a Clergy Delegate to the 2016 General and Jurisdictional Conferences. In 2019 he was elected to lead the North Georgia Conference Delegation to General Conference. Dr. Thomas was appointed as the Central South District Superintendent effective July 1, 2021.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #2

Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr., National Executive Director SBC21

Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr. is the National Executive Director of the United Methodist Strengthening the Black Church for the 21st Century. Since July 1, 2020, Dr. Bowie has utilized more than 20 years of experience as a United Methodist Elder to offer strategic, transformative leadership to clergy and lay that will strengthen black congregations. Dr. Bowie, has developed and launched “The Black Church Matters” initiative that endeavors to strengthen congregations and ultimately transform communities. He echoes the sentiments of Dr. King, “the local church is still the Hope of the world.” July 1, 2014, Dr. Michael L. Bowie, Jr. was appointed to St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church in Dallas Texas. He served sixth years as Senior Pastor. Upon Dr. Bowie’s arrival, the church experienced momentum in every facet of ministry. Dr. Bowie’s preaching, teaching and leadership increased St. Luke’s attendance by 38%. Dr. Bowie previously served as Senior Pastor of Love United Methodist Church in Houston, Texas, where he was responsible for rebuilding and revitalizing a church in a declining community. Under his six-year leadership, Dr. Bowie empowered Love UMC’s membership to grow from 100 to 800 by providing pastoral care, prophetic teaching, and counseling, and creating and implementing new programs. While in Ohio for 10 years, Dr. Bowie served as teaching pastor of Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church in Tipp City from November 2004 to June 2008, and shared preaching responsibilities with the Lead Pastor to a congregation of more than 5,000 members. Dr. Bowie became the first African American in 2010 to serve as Lead Pastor of Stonybrook United Methodist Church, in Gahanna, OH. Dr. Bowie holds a Doctor of Ministry from United Theological Seminary, specializing in church administration and congregational development; a Master of Divinity from Saint Paul School of Theology, graduating cum laude, and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Texas Southern University. He and his wife, Jeannette, have been married for more than 20 years and have two children, Lauren and Trey and two grandsons, Karter and Cade.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

REVEREND ILETHA WASHINGTON

Iletha Washington currently serves as the Program Director for The United Methodist Neighborhood Center of Memphis, Inc. where she manages The Miriam Child Development Center, The Junior Leadership Team, and other outreach programs. Iletha has served in several leadership positions in various advocacy and civic organization which include the following: Chaplain for the Student Senate at Memphis Theological Seminary, Chaplain for the Iota Lambda Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Immediate Past President of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Memphis Chapter, Past Southeastern Region Parliamentarian for Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Past President of the Memphis Metropolitan Area PanHellenic Council, to name a few. Currently, she serves on the Ministerial Staff at St. Andrew African Methodist Episcopal Church where she is involved in the Social Justice Ministry, a member of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH), and Shelby County Voter Alliance (SCVA). She is a proud graduate of Overton High School, Shelby State Community College, The University of Memphis, and is currently a student in the Masters of Divinity Program at Memphis Theological Seminary. After the untimely death of her parents, Iletha was the caretaker for her sister Roxie and her brother Dakedion. Iletha is the wife of Mr. Ronald Washington. The scripture that she keeps in her heart is” to whom much is given, much is required” (Luke 12:48).

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #2

REVEREND KEVIN JEROME AGEE

Reverend Kevin Jerome Agee is a native of Washington, DC. He has served as Pastor of churches in Halifax, Virginia, Waterbury, Connecticut, Bridgeport, Connecticut, Jersey City, New Jersey, Syracuse, New York, Washington, DC, Baltimore, Maryland. and Front Royal, Virginia. Reverend Agee has also served as Presiding Elder of the Philadelphia District and as Chairman of the New York-Washington Region Committee on Ministerial Examination. He has also served as an Instructor in the ITC Certificate of Theology Extension Program. Reverend Agee presently serves as Presiding Elder of the WashingtonVirginia District and Pastor of Russell Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia. He is also a member of the General Connectional Board and a Clergy Alternate to the Judicial Council of the CME Church.

Presiding Elder Agee has a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Maryland in College Park and a Master of Divinity Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC. He has also done postgraduate studies at Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut. Pastor Agee also received a Certificate of Administration and Management from the Institute of Church Administration and Management, and a Certificate of Pastoral Crisis Intervention from the Critical Incident Stress Foundation and the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

Reverend Agee has received awards for his social justice advocacy from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs Waterbury Club (Humanitarian Award), the Jersey City Branch NAACP (Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major for Justice Award), the Syracuse chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity (Community Service Award).

Presiding Elder Agee is married to Gwendolyn Jean Wallace-Agee. They have two adult sons, Toby and Derrick, a daughter-in-law, Jasmine, and five grandchildren, DaMonique, Kaishon, Dovon, DAVIN, AND JACOB.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

PASTOR SCOT C. MOORE

In Washington, Pastor Moore immersed himself in the ministry of the A.M.E. Zion Church. His first sermon was in 1994 and by 1995 he was ordained a Deacon by Bishop Milton Williams. Within three years of dedicated service, Pastor Moore was ordained an Elder on May 24, 1997, receiving full authority to consecrate the elements for communion and perform all rites and rituals within the A.M.E. Zion Church.

In 1996, Pastor Moore was presented with the challenge of expanding the presence of the A.M.E. Zion Church in the much needed area of Mitchellville. With three months of devoted prayer, perseverance, and meticulous planning, Pastor Moore founded a brand new church and named it Judah Temple. The first service in this house of praise was held in August of 1996 with an astounding 550 people in attendance. Judah Temple became a “Church with a heart of praise and a mind to serve.” 120 people became active members by the end of the year.

Membership steadily grew until all available space was exhausted. In response, the church purchased a 23-acre piece of land to build a campus to be known as the “Land of Judah.” Planning and construction began and by July of 2004 the sanctuary was completed and dedicated for worship. Pastor Moore’s commitment to seeing the dream of a “house of praise” was rewarded with the first service held in the new sanctuary on March 12, 2006.

In July 2016, Pastor Moore was appointed as the Connectional Director of Men for the A.M.E. Zion Church. His focused attention is on creating and expanding a support network for men to learn to become better Christians, husbands, fathers, and workers. Pastor Moore continues to impact lives through active leadership and participation in ministries, workshops, conferences, and classes. He travels extensively through America, Europe, South Africa and the Caribbean to preach and guide.

In October 2018, Pastor Moore was appointed Presiding Elder of St. Vincent and Barbados. He strengthens the foundation of the Church with a philosophy that says if you minister to the people, people will change the world.

FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

Reverend James L. Friday

Pastor James L. Friday is a native of the Cartersville Community near Timmonsville, S.C. He is the third child of Monroe and Margie Friday of Timmonsville, SC. He received his early formal education in the Florence County District Four Public Schools where he graduated from Timmonsville High School in 1977.

Upon accepting the call to Christian Ministry, James entered college at Francis Marion University, Florence, S.C., in 1988. He graduated in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science Degree with a major in Sociology and a minor in Psychology. He matriculated in the fall of 1994 at Duke University School of Divinity. He graduated in the fall of 1997 with a Master of Divinity Degree. He was ordained as a full elder in 2000. He attended the Royce and Jane Reynolds School on Church Leadership at Duke Divinity School in 2005.

He has served four appointments as a local pastor in the South Carolina Annual Conference: St Michael UMC (1992-1997), Kingstree, SC; Easley Charge (1997-2004) (Easley Chapel/John Wesley UMC’s), Easley, SC, John Wesley UMC (2004-2008), “Downtown” Greenville, SC; and Francis Burns United Methodist Church (2016-2019) in Columbia, SC. In 2019, he was appointed by Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, and currently serves as director of Congregational Development.

He has also served a four year term (2008-2012) as the District Superintendent of the Florence District and a four year term (2012-2016) as District Superintendent of the Greenwood District of the United Methodist Church of the South Carolina Annual Conference.

In addition to James’ work in local churches, he served in many ways, including on district and conference boards and committees on Congregational Development, Ordained Ministry, Connectional Ministries, Church and Society, and Conference Journal.

In the community, James has worked with ministerial groups, local schools, and civic organizations in various communities throughout the state of South Carolina and beyond.

James is married to Deborah Clemmons of Florence, S.C. He enjoys reading, golf and fishing.

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #3

JAMES EDWARD SWANSON, SR.

James Edward Swanson Sr., elected to the episcopacy in 2004, is the resident bishop of the Mississippi Conference of The United Methodist Church. His tenure in the Mississippi Conference began Sept. 1, 2012, with his first public appearance one day earlier to the conference’s Seashore District.

Swanson listened to the people of Mississippi and discovered values deep within their hearts— love, generosity, justice and apprenticeship—thus, becoming the Core Four Values of the Mississippi Conference. Conference teaching, “We are one Church in 1,030 locations.”

His contagious spirit of hospitality, a determination to excel at being “the you” God created each person to be and spirited preaching has helped bring life, laughter and light to congregations in the Mississippi Conference and beyond. He continues to emphasize that winning people to Christ requires risk-taking love, and crossing old boundaries to discover where the Holy Spirit is at work. He is modeling with the extended cabinet how coaching can revolutionize ministry.

Swanson was elected a bishop of The United Methodist Church during the 2004 Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference. He was assigned to the Holston Conference where the episcopal office is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. Swanson served the Holston Conference for eight years. Under his leadership, the Sudan Mission initiated. The number of United Methodist congregations in Sudan grew from three to 30 between 2006 and 2012. Swanson serves as the president of the General Commission of United Methodist Men for 2017-2020. He was re-elected to the post following his service for 2012-2016. Swanson is a member of the International Association of Methodist Schools, Colleges and Universities (IAMSCU). He serves on the board of trustees for Emory University, Rust College and Millsaps College. He is also the chairman of the board of trustees at Gammon Theological Seminary. Swanson is a sought after preacher, workshop leader and lecturer. He has presented to people in Japan, Korea, Brazil, Russia, Estonia, Chile, Canada, the Holy Land, Egypt, Liberia, Sudan, Uganda, South Africa, Zimbabwe and throughout the United States.

Bishop Swanson is the son of the late Carl Swanson and Arnola Triplett. He is married to Delphine Yvonne Ramsey Swanson. They have the joy of being parents to six adult children, Karen Latrese Swanson Jones married to Earl Jones Jr.; James Edward Swanson Jr. married to Yaki Bryant Swanson; Shondell Swanson married to Angela Drain; Carlton Eugene Swanson married to Ivis Rosario; Janae Evonne Swanson Brown married to Vernon and Joshua Emile’ Swanson married to LaShay. The Swansons are blessed with 15 grandchildren.

2022 HOST BISHOP & PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL #3

BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS RESIDENT BISHOP, RICHMOND AREA VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

BISHOP SHARMA D. LEWIS, RESIDENT BISHOP OF THE RICHMOND EPISCOPAL AREA, BECAME THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN WOMAN TO BE ELECTED BISHOP IN THE SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN 2016.

PRIOR TO HER EPISCOPAL ASSIGNMENT, SHE HELD A DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF SERVICE IN THE NORTH GEORGIA CONFERENCE INCLUDING HER APPOINTMENT AS DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ATLANTA-DECATUR-OXFORD DISTRICT IN 2010. IN 2007, BISHOP LEWIS’ REMARKABLE PASTORAL LEADERSHIP AT WESLEY CHAPEL, A THREE YEAR TENURE, LED TO OVER 600 NEW AND RESTORED MEMBERS AND WORSHIP ATTENDANCE DOUBLED. WHILE THERE, HER VISIBILITY AS A STRONG SPIRITUAL AND PASTORAL LEADER PROPELLED HER INTO NUMEROUS LEADERSHIP ROLES IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING HANDS ON HENRY COUNTY AND MANY HEARTS, MANY HANDS MCDONOUGH. HER MINISTRY HERE CULMINATED AS SHE RECEIVED THE HARRY DENMAN AWARD FOR EVANGELISM IN 2010 AS WELL AS THE G. ROSS FREEMAN LEADERSHIP AWARD. PRIOR TO THESE ROLES, BISHOP LEWIS WAS APPOINTED IN 1999 AS THE ASSOCIATE (AND SUBSEQUENTLY SENIOR ASSOCIATE) PASTOR OF THE 8,000-MEMBER BEN HILL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN ATLANTA AND AS SENIOR PASTOR OF THE POWERS FERRY UMC, A CROSS RACIAL ASSIGNMENT IN MARIETTA, GA. BISHOP LEWIS HAS OFFERED HER GIFTS TO THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN A VARIETY OF WAYS. SHE IS CURRENTLY THE VICE AND PERSONNEL CHAIR OF THE GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES. SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE BLACK CLERGYWOMEN AND BLACK METHODIST FOR CHURCH RENEWAL (BMCR) OF THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH. BISHOP LEWIS HAS ALSO BEEN APPOINTED AS THE LIAISON TO THE INTERAGENCY SEXUAL ETHICS TASK FORCE (IASETF), A TASK FORCE OF THE GENERAL COMMISSION ON THE STATUS AND ROLE OF WOMEN. SHE SERVES ON THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS FOR WESLEY THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AND AS EX-OFFICIO OF THE FIVE UNITED METHODIST COLLEGES IN THE VIRGINIA CONFERENCE. SHE IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE SOUTHEASTERN JURISDICTION (SEJ) COMMITTEE ON COORDINATION AND ACCOUNTABILITY (CCA) AND A MEMBER OF THE STUDY COMMISSION MINISTRY (GBHEM). THE NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE HONORED BISHOP LEWIS BY ELECTING HER AS THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN FEMALE TO LEAD THE DELEGATION TO THE 2012 GENERAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCES. IN 2015, SHE WAS ONCE AGAIN VOTED TO LEAD THE DELEGATION TO THE 2016 GENERAL AND JURISDICTIONAL CONFERENCES.

BISHOP LEWIS WAS BORN AND RAISED IN STATESBORO, GA. IN A LOVING METHODIST FAMILY WHERE INDIVIDUALS HAVE ANSWERED GOD’S CALL TO SERVE THE CHURCH AND TO MINISTER TO GOD’S PEOPLE. A GRADUATE OF MERCER UNIVERSITY (B.S., BIOLOGY, 1985), THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST GEORGIA (M.S., BIOLOGY, 1988), AND GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY AT THE INTERDENOMINATIONAL THEOLOGICAL CENTER (M.DIV., 1999), BISHOP LEWIS WORKED AS A RESEARCH BIOLOGIST AND CHEMIST PRIOR TO SURRENDERING TO GOD’S CALL UPON HER LIFE. SHE HAS LED MISSION EXPERIENCES TO JAMAICA, KENYA, AND THE PHILIPPINES

BISHOP LEWIS IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE WESLEYAN THEOLOGICAL SOCIETY AWARD AND THE SCOUTING SILVER TORCH AWARD. SHE IS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2014 GAMMON THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DISTINGUISHED ALUMNA AND TRAILBLAZER AWARD GIVEN BY THE NATIONAL COALITION OF 100 BLACK WOMEN INC., METROPOLITAN ATLANTA CHAPTER. BISHOP LEWIS IS A MEMBER OF THE ATLANTA ALUMNAE CHAPTER OF DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY. SHE HAS RECEIVED THE DELTA SIGMA THETA PINNACLE AND TORCH AWARD. SHE IS THE AUTHOR OF JOURNEY TO TRANSFORMATION,(2020, 2021, AND 2022 LENTEN STUDY).

PANELIST FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH HALL

REV. MILLIE NELSON SMITH

Rev. Millie Nelson Smith South Carolina Annual Conference Director of Connectional Ministries. The Rev. Millie Nelson Smith, was born in Camden and graduated from Columbia College in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She was ordained in 2012 after graduating from Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary in 2010 with a Master of Divinity degree.

As a congregational specialist for the past 14 years, Nelson Smith has consulted with local churches to engage, equip and empower them to fulfill their mission of making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world. She worked with churches in the Florence and Marion districts from 2006 to 2016. Since then, she has worked with congregations in the Columbia and Hartsville districts, while also serving as the conference African-American Ministries specialist.

Before answering a call to ordained ministry, Nelson Smith served as operations manager of WCTG Lighthouse Radio, a Columbia station with a Christian/talk format, and as supervisor of major accounts for Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina.

In addition to her work in local churches, she has served in many ways, including six years as the conference secretary of Global Ministries for Connectional Ministries, six years as South Carolina’s representative to the Southeastern Jurisdiction Conference Secretaries of Global Ministries, two years as coordinator of administration and administrative assistant to the director of Connectional Ministries, and five years as program coordinator of the conference’s Fostering Families Ministry.

Nelson Smith’s service has extended into the community, having served as the family readiness coordinator for a U.S. Army Reserve unit, and as secretary and public relations chairperson for the Kershaw County First Steps Partnership Board.

She is married to Dr. James P. Smith, pastor of St. Paul United Methodist Church, Camden. They have six adult children and eight grandchildren. She enjoys writing, singing, camping, boating, gardening and traveling with her spouse.

FOR SEJ-BMCR CHURCH

MR. ALBERT S. WEAL JR.

I am the First Africa American to be Elected to the Position of President of the Virginia Conference United Methodist Men. We have over 1600 Churches in the Virginia Conference and African Americans make up about 1%.

I am married to my Wife Linda with one Daughter, Latoya Banks; two sons, Albert III and Alex Weal, one Daughter-in-Law, Doreal Weal; four Grand Children: Gwendolyn, Ricki, Keyonte and Mallory, and one Great Grand Son, Ricky.

I was raised a Methodist in a small Methodist Church in Bridgeville, DE.

I Graduated from Delaware State University with a Degree in Business Administration in May 1974 and Master’s Degree from Central Michigan University with a concentration in Business Management and Public Policy

After an Honorable Discharge I spent the Next 41 years in the Insurance Industry. I began my career as a Property & Casualty Adjuster and rose to the Rank of Claims Manager with two different Companies. I retired as a Litigation Consultant with Avis/Sedgwick.

In 1981, We joined St. Marks UMC in Laurel, MD. We were very active at St. Marks UMC. I Chaired the Finance Committee and was in three of the Five Choirs/Choruses. I mentored twenty-three student of which 17 of the 23 went to College and 7 of them Graduated with Honors. In 2000 we moved to the Tidewater Area. We joined Martin Luther King UMC in Portsmouth, VA. I became a member of the UMM in the Norfolk, VA District. At Martin Luther King UMC.

I was later Elected Secretary of the Local UMM Fellowship. Later, I was elected to the position of President. This placed me on the District Board. I was elected as the Secretary of the Elizabeth River District UMM then two years Later, I was elected to the office of the President/Team Leader of the Elizabeth River District UMM. It has been almost 10 years and I followed the Immediate Past President for a year before being elected to the Position of President for the Virginia Conference United Methodist Men. I am also on the VAC Board of Laity; The Board of Missions and The Heart Board of Directors.

“Congratulations SEJ BMCR" from Rev. Dr. Clarence R. Brown, Jr., Lead Coach, Spirit Bridges Coaching, LLC. Speak the promises of God’s word over every area of BMCR and Take Action. Things are going to Change!

THE VIRGINIA CHAPTER OF BMCR EXTENDS GREETINGS TO THE SOUTHEAST JURISDICTION OF BMCR FOR A SUCCESSFUL 54TH ANNUAL CONFERENCE AND WE WELCOME ALL THE BISHOPS, DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENTS, PASTORS, AND CHAPTER MEMBERS OF THE SEJ BMCR.

President: Rev. Ellis Crum

Secretary: Rev. Elaine Brown

Treasurer: Albert S. Weal, Jr.

Event Coordinator: Rev. Dr. Donna Taylor

Chaplain: Rev. Ber na Westley

Advisors: Rev. Dr. Clarence Brown, Jr. (Re red); Rev. Dr. Sherry; Rev. Lyle Morton; Rev. William Freeman (Re red)

CONNECTIONAL MINISTRIES

Thriving Through Connection