annual conference guide and worship services -...
TRANSCRIPT
September 17-20, 2015
115th Session of the East Tennessee Annual Conference
Warren Chapel AME Church 501 Market Street Chattanooga, TN 37405
Annual Conference Guide and Worship Services
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath Presiding Bishop Dr. Susan J. Leath Supervisor, Women’s Missionary Society The Reverend Dr. Terence Mayes Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden Host Pastor
17 September 2015
Presiding Elder & Mrs. Mayes, Pastor & Rev. Basden, Clergy, Laity
and Friends of the 115th Session of the East Tennessee Annual
Conference,
We greet you with the Grace and Peace of Jesus, who
commissions us to bring in the harvest!
Thanks to Warren Chapel AME Church and the Chattanooga
community for receiving us with loving hospitality. We
appreciate the provisions and sacrifices you have made to
accommodate this season of business, revival and inspiration.
We salute clergy and laity for loyal leadership and fruitful service.
You worked diligently, and you remained faithful to the tasks.
Praise God for your perseverance!
The Harvest of Discipleship is our theme for this year. Addressing
the “harvest” is not the same as the “fruit” of discipleship. The
fruit is that which happens to us as we pursue a life of personal
devotion. The harvest is the focus of our evangelism as we
witness through broad service in the world. As discipleship
produces a different me, it encourages me to be an agent of
ministry to make a different world by reaching others.
The fruit is what discipleship has done for me. The harvest is what
discipleship leads me to do for others. Jesus calls us to both grow
in grace and be laborers to bring the harvest. We walk closer to
God as we spread the gospel of hope and righteousness to the
unsaved.
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Let us heed the words of Jesus as we pursue holiness and shine a
light in a dark world.
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful
but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the
harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his
harvest field.” Matthew 9:37-38
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man
remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit;
apart from me you can do nothing.” John
15:5
The challenge before the true disciples is: are you bringing the
harvest?! Let us be mindful of this call on our lives. We continue
to emphasize literacy and ministry to those once incarcerated.
Let us witness through social justice and ministries of caring. We
need laborers for the harvest.
Dr. Susan joins with me in prayer for a wonderful annual
conference. Let us find healing and strength for the journey
ahead. Let us depart with a determination to serve with love and
bring in the harvest of souls God prepares.
Faithfully,
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
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ANNUAL CONFERENCE AGENDA East Tennessee Annual Conference
THURSDAY – DAY ONE
8 am – 5 pm WMS Annual Day
7:30 pm OPENING WORSHIP
FRIDAY – DAY TWO
8:45 am Devotions
9:00 am BUSINESS SESSION I
Roll Call
Organization
Board of Examiners
PE Report
Pastor Reports
11:15 am MEMORIAL SERVICE
11:30 am HOUR of POWER
12:30 pm Lunch
(Meeting for MSWAWO & WIM)
1:30 pm BUSINESS SESSION II
Pastor Reports
Chaplain Reports
2:45 pm BUSINESS SESSION III
Committee Reports
13th District Budget
13th District Audit
Conference Trustees
Treasurer’s Report
Missions, Circuits and Stations
Pastor & Charge Classification
Budget Committee
PE Support
4:15 pm BUSINESS SESSION IV
Christian Stewardship
Social Action
CDMC
Christian Education
Church School
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MSWAWO
Evangelism
Lay
MCAM (Music)
RAYAC
Sons of Allen
WIM
WMS
YPD
5:30 pm Dinner/Break
7:00 pm RETIREMENT SERVICE
7:30 pm COMPONENT NIGHT
SATURDAY – DAY THREE
8:30 am Devotions & Church School Lesson
9:00 am BUSINESS SESSION V
Minutes
Ministerial Efficiency
9:30 am Health & Wellness Committee
10:00 am Literary Committee Reports
State of the Country
State of the Church
Enrichment Moment
GC Delegate Election Organization
11:00 am ORDINATION / COMMUNION
1:00 pm Lunch
2:30 pm BUSINESS SESSION VI
Election of GC Delegates
District Reports
Camp Primm – Simmons
Believe Rept. & Present.
Summaries & New Organization
Finance Committee
Elect Conference Trustees
Appoint District Trustees
Believe Board Reps
Statistician’s Report
Ministerial Efficiency
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Ministerial Training
Disciplinary Questions
4:30 pm YPD/RAYAC PRESENTATION
7:30 pm BUSINESS SESSION VII (if needed)
SUNDAY – CLOSING DAY
9:30 am UNFINISHED BUSINESS
RESOLUTION
10:15 am CLOSING WORSHIP SERVICE
Appointments
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OPENING WORSHIP Presiding Elder Terence L. Mayes Sr.
Worship Leader
The Prelude
The Procession Come, We That Love the Lord Hymn No. 520
Come, we that love the Lord, And let our joys be known, Join
in a song with sweet accord, Join in a song with sweet
accord, And thus surround the throne, And thus surround the
throne.
REFRAIN:
We are marching to Zion, Beautiful, beautiful, Zion; We're
marching upward to Zion, The beautiful city of God.
Let those refuse to sing Who never knew our God; But children
of the heavenly King, But children of the heavenly King, May
speak their joys abroad, May speak their joys abroad.
The hill of Zion yields A thousand sacred sweets Before we
reach the heavenly fields, Before we reach the heavenly
fields, Or walk the golden streets, Or walk the golden streets.
Then let our songs abound, And every tear be dry; We're
marching through Immanuel's ground, We're marching
through Immanuel's ground, To fairer worlds on high, To fairer
worlds on high.
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all
creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host,
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Call to Worship The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden
Leader: I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into
the house of the Lord, our feet shall stand within Thy
gates, O Jerusalem.
People: For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I
had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
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Leader: We come to give an account of our discipleship.
We praise God for a testimony of faithful service.
People: We visited the sick. We were present with those
who mourned. We celebrated with those who
rejoiced.
Leader: We heard the cry of the poor and the oppressed.
We ministered with benevolence as we called for
justice.
People: We praise God as we come to another Annual
Conference. We rise from the grief of Charleston
and Prairie View. We seek justice at our door and
around the world. We thank God for our service
and our deliverance.
ALL: Let’s sing, shout and dance before God who has
kept us. We will pray, listen and be inspired as we
receive the Holy Word and heavenly healing. God,
make us mature and strong disciples for the task of
seeking the harvest! Praise the Lord!
The Hymn of Praise The Reverend A.J. Holman
And Are We Yet Alive Hymn No. 304
And are we yet alive, And see each other's face? Glory and
praise to Jesus give For His redeeming grace.
Preserved by power divine To full salvation here, Again in Jesus'
praise we join, And in His sight appear.
What troubles have we seen, What conflicts have we passed,
Fightings without, and fears within, Since we assembled last.
But out of all the Lord Hath brought us by His love; And still He
doth His help afford, And hides our life above.
Then let us make our boast Of His redeeming power, Which
saves us to the uttermost. Till we can sin no more.
Let us take up the cross Till we the crown obtain; And gladly
reckon all things loss, So we may Jesus gain.
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The Invocation The Reverend Fred Blackwell
Almighty and Eternal God, Our Creator! We invite your
presence into this Annual Conference. We come to worship,
fellowship and give an account of our stewardship. Remind us
of our purpose in you. Bless us with fruitful discipleship. Plan our
course for harvesting souls ready for transformation. Renew us
with Your Power. Anoint us with Your Holy Spirit!
Illumine the path of holiness. Draw those whom you have
called to the way of salvation. All honor and glory belong to
you. Amen.
The Choral Response Thank you, Lord
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. I just want
to thank you, Lord.
Been so good. Been so good. Been so good. I just want to
thank you, Lord.
Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Lord. I just want
to thank you, Lord.
The Old Testament Reading The Reverend Chris Gizzard
Psalm 148
The New Testament Reading The Reverend Archie Griffin, Jr.
John 13:34-35
The Introit Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy
name. (repeat) He has done great things, He has done great
things, He has done great things, bless His holy name.
The Decalogue The Reverend Coleman March
(An Affirmation of God’s Law)
Leader: Let us express our commitment to keep God’s law.
People: God of our salvation, only You are God. We will make
no idols.
We will not invoke with malice your name, O God.
We will remember the Sabbath Day and keep it holy.
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We will honor our father and our mother. We will not
commit murder.
We will not commit adultery. We will not steal. We will
not be a false witness.
We will not covet anything that belongs to our
neighbor.
Leader: And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God
with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all
your mind. This is the great and first commandment.
And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor as
yourself. On these two commandments depend all the
law and the prophets.
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world
without end. Amen. Amen.
The Selection ETN Conference Choir
The Prayer The Reverend Anthony Carter
The Presentation of the Bishop Presiding Elder Terence L. Mayes
The Presentation of the Preacher Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Presiding Bishop
13th Episcopal District
The Sermonic Selection ETN Conference Choir
The Annual Sermon The Reverend William H. Smith
The Invitation to Accept Christ
The Announcements
The Benediction The Reverend William H. Smith
The Recession
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MEMORIAL SERVICE The Reverend Alma Herbert
Worship Leader
The Call to Worship
Leader: Jesus said, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Those
who believe in me, even though they die, yet shall they
live. Whoever believes in Me shall never die. I am Alpha
and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and
the end. Because I live, you also shall live.”
People: O God of both the living and the dead, we praise Your
Holy Name for all Your servants who have finished their
course in faith. Encouraged by their example and
strengthened by their fellowship, we pray that we may
share with them the inheritance of the saints.
The Opening Hymn The Reverend William H. Smith
O God our Help In Ages Past Hymn No. 61
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our
shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home!
Under the shadow of Thy throne Still may we dwell secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone, And our defense is sure.
Before the hills in order stood, Or earth received her frame, From
everlasting Thou art God, To endless years the same.
A thousand ages, in Thy sight, Are like an evening gone; Short as
the watch that ends the night, Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever rolling stream, Bears all its sons away; They fly
forgotten, as a dream Dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come; Be
thou our guide while life shall last, And our eternal home!
The Prayer The Reverend Tylan Orr
The Scripture The Reverend Barbara Arter
1 Corinthians 15:55-58
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The Memorial
Leader: This evening we celebrate and remember those
members of the annual conference and connectional
leaders who have died since we last gathered
together.
Bishop: We give thanks to You O God for this bishop and
general officer of the church who this year has finished
their labors… Absent from the Body.
People: Present with the Lord.
(Names of Deceased Clergy & Other Members of the Annual
Conference)
Leader: We give thanks to You O God for our ordained clergy
who this year have finished their labors… Absent from
the Body.
People: Present with the Lord.
Bishop: We give thanks to You, O God, for those whom we
name in our hearts and who have been faithful to Your
call and glorified You with their life and work… Absent
from the Body.
People: Present with the Lord.
ALL: O God, we thank You for all those remembered here.
Let us cherish their memory, celebrate their ministries,
continue their work, and live in hope that we shall once
again meet face to face. Amen.
The Closing Hymn When We All Get To Heaven Hymn No. 511
Sing the wondrous love of Jesus, Sing His mercy and His grace; In
the mansions bright and blessed He’ll prepare for us a place.
Refrain
When we all get to heaven, What a day of rejoicing that will be!
When we all see Jesus, We’ll sing and shout the victory.
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While we walk the pilgrim pathway Clouds will overspread the
sky; But when traveling days are over, Not a shadow, not a sigh.
Let us then be true and faithful, Trusting, serving every day; Just
one glimpse of Him in glory Will the toils of life repay.
Onward to the prize before us! Soon His beauty we’ll behold;
Soon the pearly gates will open, We shall tread the streets of
gold.
The Benediction The Reverend Donna Perkins
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HOUR OF POWER
The Call to Worship
Leader: Come, let us worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness.
People: For great is the Lord and greatly to be praised.
The Hymn of Praise
I am on the Battlefield for My Lord Hymn No. 390
Refrain:
I am on the battlefield for my Lord, I'm on the battlefield for my
Lord And I promised Him that I would serve Him till I die. I'm on
the battlefield for my Lord.
I was alone and idle, I was a sinner, too; I heard a voice from
heaven Say there is work to do. I took the Master's hand, And I
joined the Christian band; I'm on the battle field for my Lord.
I left my friends and kindred, Bound for the Promised Land, The
grace of God upon me, The Bible in my hand. In distant lands I
trod, Crying sinners come to God; I'm on the battlefield for my
Lord.
Now when I met my Savior, I met Him with a smile; He healed my
wounded spirit, And owned me as His child. Around the throne
of grace, He appoints my soul a place; I'm on the battlefield for
my Lord.
The Prayer
The Scripture
The Introduction of the Preacher
The Sermonic Selection
The Sermon
The Invitation
The Announcements
The Benediction
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RETIREMENT SERVICE Order for the Retirement of Preachers
The Statement of Purpose Bishop Leath
In the Name of God, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, let
us enter into this service of the retirement of preachers from
active work in the ministry of the church. Let us pray.
The Invocation
Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with your most gracious favor,
and further us with Thy continual help, that in all our work,
begun, continued and ended in you, we may glorify your Holy
Name, and finally by your mercy obtain everlasting life, through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Presentation of Preacher Annual Conference Secretary
Bishop Leath, The East Tennessee Annual Conference desires
formally to recognize at this session the completion of the active
service of one minister. As secretary of the Annual Conference,
I present to you this faithful minister for this service of recognition
and honor, in appreciation of his untiring labors in the Christian
ministry.
The Response
Those who go out weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall
come home with shouts of joy, carrying their sheaves. (Psalm
126:6)
The Statement of Achievement Presiding Elder Terence Mayes
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of
things not seen. Indeed, by faith our ancestors received
approval. (Hebrews 11:1, 2)
The Tribute Bishop Leath
The Response of the Retiree
The Closing Remarks
The Benediction
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Unity Night:
Many Components - One Church
The Reverend Beryl Basden
Director of Christian Education
Worship Leader
The Announcements
The Call to Worship The Reverend Beryl Basden
Leader: The Mission of the AME Church is to minister to the
social, spiritual, and physical development of all
people.
People: We fulfill that mission through the programs of the local
church and the joint efforts of our connectional
components.
Leader: Let us come and worship God in celebration of our
diverse ministries through our component bodies. Let
us show unity of purpose as we have received one
spirit of salvation and service. Let us work as one
people of God.
People: Let us rededicate ourselves to seek out and save the
lost, and to serve the needy. Let us embrace God’s
holy Word and recommit to the order of The Discipline.
ALL: AS WE WORSHIP MAY WE BE RENEWED IN THE POWER OF
LOVE, COMMITTED TO THE CAUSE OF JUSTICE, FILLED
WITH THE JOY OF SALVATION AND CHALLENGED TO BE
WORKERS TO BRING IN THE HARVEST OF CHRIST.
The Opening Hymn There's a Sweet, Sweet Spirit
There's a sweet, sweet Spirit in this place, And I know that it's
the Spirit of the Lord; There are sweet expressions on each
face, And I know they feel the presence of the Lord.
Refrain
Sweet Holy Spirit, Sweet heavenly Dove, Stay right here with
us, filling us with Your love. And for these blessings we lift our
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hearts in praise; Without a doubt we'll know that we have
been revived, When we shall leave this place.
There are blessings you cannot receive Till you know Him in
His fullness and believe; You're the one to profit when you
say, "I am going to walk with Jesus all the way."
If you say He saved you from your sin, Now you're weak,
you're bound and cannot enter in, You can make it right if
you will yield, You'll enjoy the Holy Spirit that we feel..
The Prayer Sister Eula Masengill
East TN WMS Conference Branch
The Selection Warren AME Church Mass Choir
The Scripture Brother Jarman Watts
East TN Conference Lay Organization
The Introduction of the Speaker Sister Angel Wilson
President, 13th Episcopal District
RAYAC
The Selection Warren AME Church Mass Choir
Evening Message Ms. Martinique Mix
President, Connectional RAYAC
The Invitation to Commitment to Service
The Closing Word Bishop Leath
The Closing Song
The Benediction
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Component Mission Statements Women’s Missionary Society We are called to strengthen our faith and sent to continue the ministry of Jesus Christ by service and witness in the world. Lay Organization The Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church is commissioned to teach, train and empower its members for lay ministry, global leadership and service following the tenets of Jesus Christ. RAYAC The mission of the RAYAC is to minister to the intellectual (mind), physical (body) and spiritual (spirit) needs of the members of the AME Church through Discipleship, Leadership Training, Fellowship and Networking. Women In Ministry (WIM) The mission of the AME/WIM is to define, enhance, support and expand the presence of women in ministry in leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Health To promote health as a part of our faith and to care for our congregations by advocating health as a right not a privilege, by forming collaborative relationships with International, National, State, County and City health programs or projects as well as Health Associations and Community Agencies To empower our congregations to advocate for improved access
to affordable health care To provide Health Education and identify health resources To assist with first aid for Connectional Meetings To collaborate with Ecumenical Health Projects.
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Sons of Allen The purpose of the Sons of Allen of the African Methodist Episcopal Church shall be: to lead men to an acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior to organize men into units and empower them to meet men’s
needs in such areas as Evangelism and Stewardship to teach the men of our denomination the history, doctrine and
polity of our denomination with focus on the life, mission and ministry of our ancestral father, Richard Allen
to teach the men to witness their faith in daily living, such as in the workplace, the community, and the home
to encourage men to engage in outreach and service as a part of Christian servanthood
to seek resources and support of men as husbands and fathers to empower men to serve as role models to young men and to
develop youth ministries such as scouting ministries, in local units
to encourage men to share in ecumenical relations Christian Debutante-Master Commission (CDMC) To promote growth and development by conducting workshops,
training programs on all levels for youth and adults To acquaint young people with the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ
and His ministry To provide wholesome recreation and fellowship for youth and
adults in the Christian Debutante-Master Commission (CDMC) To interact with other youth organizations such as YPD and
RAYAC To hold culminating religious ceremonies for the Debutantes
and Masters on all levels To organize a Christian Debutante-Master Commission in all
A.M.E. Churches throughout the connectional church To recruit and train leaders to serve in the Christian Debutante-
Master Commission
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Minister’s Spouses, Widows and Widowers Organization (plus) Preachers’ Kids CONN-M-SWAWO + PK’s is a network/support system for those families who serve the church in the preaching/pastoral ministry
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The Service of Word, Ordination,
and Holy Communion The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr.
Worship Leader
The Procession
The Doxology
The Call to Worship The Reverend Fred Blackwell
Leader: O Give thanks to God for all the goodness we are
shown! God’s steadfast love endures forever!
People: We present ourselves, our souls and bodies as a
reasonable sacrifice.
Leader: God calls us from our lofty ambitions and our
occupation with marvels and matters beyond our
scope.
People: We present ourselves, our souls and bodies as a
reasonable sacrifice.
Leader: We have come to witness that these are servants of
Christ entrusted with the secret things of God.
ALL: Come, Christ Jesus, be our guest. Bless us through the
power of your Spirit, and give us the courage to live as
Your disciples day by day as a reasonable sacrifice.
Amen and Amen!
The Opening Hymn The Reverend Kenneth D. Love, Sr.
My Hope Is Built Hymn No. 364
My hope is built on nothing less Than Jesus blood and
righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame, But wholly lean
on Jesus' name.
REFRAIN:
On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; All other ground is sinking sand,
All other ground is sinking sand.
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When darkness veils His lovely face, I rest on His unchanging
grace; In every high and stormy gale, My anchor holds within the
veil.
His oath, His covenant, His blood Support me in the whelming
flood; When all around my soul gives away, He then is all my
hope and stay.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, O may I then in Him be
found! Dressed in His righteousness alone, Faultless to stand before
the throne!
The General Confession The Reverend Dr. Eva Settles
Minister: Let us humbly confess our sins unto Almighty God
People: Almighty God, Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, Maker of
all things, Judge of all people, we acknowledge and
bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we
from time to time most grievously have committed by
thought, word and deed against Your divine Majesty,
provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation
against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily
sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of
them is grievous unto us.
Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most
merciful Father for Your Son our Lord Jesus Christ's sake;
forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may ever
hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, to the
honor and glory of Your name, through Jesus Christ our
Lord. Amen.
The Declaration of Pardon The Reverend Randy Brown
Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who of Your great Mercy
has promised forgiveness of sins to all them that with hearty
repentance and true faith turn unto You, have mercy upon us;
pardon and deliver us from all our sins; confirm and strengthen us
in all goodness; and bring us to everlasting life through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen
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The Interlude Hymn Take My Life and Let it Be Hymn No. 292
Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to Thee. Take my
hands, and let them move At the impulse of Thy love, At the
impulse of Thy love.
The Collect The Reverend Dr. Charles Holsey
Almighty God, unto whom all hearts are open, all desires known,
and from whom no secrets are hid, cleanse the thoughts of our
hearts by the inspiration of Your holy spirit that we may perfectly
love You, and worthily magnify Your holy name through Jesus
Christ, our Lord. Amen
The Collect The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden
We do not presume to come to this Your table, O merciful Lord,
trusting in our own righteousness, but in Your manifold and great
mercies. We are not worthy so much as to gather crumbs under
Your table. But You are the same Lord, whose property is always
to have mercy. Grant us, therefore, Gracious Lord, so to eat the
flesh of Your dear Son Jesus Christ, and to drink His blood that our
sinful souls and bodies may be made clean by His death and
washed through His blood, and that we may evermore dwell in
Him and He in us. Amen.
The Interlude Hymn
Take my feet, and let them be Swift and beautiful for Thee; Take
my voice and let me sing, Always, only, for my King, Always, only,
for my King.
The Scripture Lesson The Reverend Keith Mayes
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost;
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,
world without end. Amen. Amen.
The Selection East Tennessee Conference Choir
The Presentation of the Preacher Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
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The Hymn of Preparation
I’ve a Message from the Lord, Hallelujah! Hymn No. 215
I’ve a message from the Lord, Hallelujah! This message unto you
I’ll give; ’Tis recorded in His word, Hallelujah! It is only that you
“look and live.”
Refrain
“Look and live,” my brother, live, Look to Jesus now, and live;
’Tis recorded in His word, Hallelujah! It is only that you “look and
live.”
I’ve a message full of love, Hallelujah! A message, O my friend,
for you; ’Tis a message from above, Hallelujah! Jesus said it, and I
know ’tis true.
Life is offered unto you, Hallelujah! Eternal life thy soul shall have,
If you’ll only look to Him, Hallelujah! Look to Jesus, who alone can
save.
I will tell you how I came, Hallelujah! To Jesus when He made me
whole: ’Twas believing on His name, Hallelujah! I trusted, and He
saved my soul.
The Sermon Bishop John Hurst Adams
87th Bishop, AME Church
The Invitation
The Renewal of Ordination Vows
Bishop: We exhort you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
to remember into how high a dignity and to how
weighty an office you are called; that is to say, to be
messengers, watchers, and stewards of the Lord; to
teach and to admonish, to feed and provide for the
Lord’s family; to seek for Christ’s sheep that are
dispersed abroad, and for his children who are in the
midst of this evil world, that they may be saved
through Christ forever.
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The Elder: I accept the call to care for the sheep of Christ which
he bought with his death, and for whom he shed his
blood. The church and congregation, whom I serve,
are Christ’s Spouse and Body. I will serve them with
respect and love.
Bishop: Will you remain diligent to do all that lies in you to
bring those under your care to agreement in the faith
and to ripeness and perfectness of age in Christ?
The Elder: I am duty bound to encourage faith and maturity in
Christ that there may be no place left in our hearts for
either error in religion or for viciousness in life.
Bishop: The will and ability to do these things are given of
God alone; therefore, we pray with you for the Holy
Spirit to enable you to accomplish this mission. Will
you now reaffirm the vows of your order?
The Elder: The Lord being my help, I will continue in my vows as
an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
I will faithfully minister the doctrine, sacraments and
discipline of Christ as the Lord has commanded.
I will banish and drive away all erroneous and strange
doctrines contrary to God’s word, and use both
public and private monitions and exhortations to
those within my charge as need shall require and
occasion shall be given.
I will be diligent in prayer and in reading of the Holy
Scriptures, and in such studies as help to the
knowledge of the same.
I will be diligent to frame and fashion myself and my
family according to the doctrine of Christ, and I will
strive to be a wholesome example and pattern to the
flock of Christ.
I will maintain and set forth sweetness, peace, and
love among all Christian people, and especially
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among them who are committed to my charge.
I will reverently obey my chief ministers to whom is
committed the charge and government over me,
following with a glad mind and will their godly
admonitions, submitting myself to their godly
judgments.
Bishop: Almighty God, who has given the will to do all these
things, grant your servants the strength and power to
perform the same. Send upon these, your servants,
your heavenly blessings that they may be clothed
with righteousness and that the word spoken by their
mouths may never be spoken in vain. Amen
The Bishop’s Blessing:
The Lord renew within you the Holy Spirit for the office and
work of an elder in the Church of God. Be a faithful dispenser
of the Word of God and the holy sacraments, in the name of
the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Prayer of the People (In Unison)
Let Us Pray
O God, we praise and worship you. Thank you for those who
commit themselves to the order of elder in our church. May
your holy name be forever glorified and your blessed
kingdom enlarged through their ministry.
Grant us grace to hear and receive what they shall deliver
out of your holy Word as the means of our salvation. Fill us
with respect for their office, and align us with a single mind to
do your will. In all our words and deeds may we seek the
glory and the increase of your kingdom through Jesus Christ,
our Lord. Amen.
The Announcements
The Celebration of the Holy Communion
The Passing of the Peace
Minister: The Peace of the Lord be always with you.
People: And also with you.
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The Communion Hymn
There Is a Fountain Filled with Blood Hymn No. 255
There is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Emmanuel’s
veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty
stains. Lose all their guilty stains, lose all their guilty stains; And
sinners plunged beneath that flood lose all their guilty stains.
The dying thief rejoiced to see that fountain in his day; And there
may I, though vile as he, wash all my sins away. Wash all my sins
away, wash all my sins away; And there may I, though vile as he,
wash all my sins away.
Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood shall never lose its power
Till all the ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more. Be
saved, to sin no more, be saved, to sin no more; Till all the
ransomed church of God be saved, to sin no more.
E’er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply,
Redeeming love has been my theme, and shall be till I die. And
shall be till I die, and shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been
my theme, and shall be till I die.
Then in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save, When
this poor lisping, stammering tongue lies silent in the grave. Lies
silent in the grave, lies silent in the grave; When this poor lisping,
stammering tongue lies silent in the grave.
The Prayer of Consecration Bishop Leath
The Elements Shared
The Lord’s Prayer The Reverend A. J. Holman, Sr.
The Benediction
The peace of God which passes understanding keep your hearts
and minds in the knowledge and love God and of His Son, Jesus
Christ, our Lord; and the blessings of God Almighty the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit, be among you and remain with you
always.
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CLOSING WORSHIP SERVICE
The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden
Worship Leader
The Prelude
The Procession All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name Hymn No. 4
All hail the power of Jesus’ Name! Let angels prostrate fall; Bring
forth the royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of all; Bring forth the
royal diadem, and crown Him Lord of al l .
Ye chosen seed of Israel’s race, Ye ransomed from the fall, Hail
Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all; Hail
Him who saves you by His grace, And crown Him Lord of all.
Sinners, whose love can ne’er forget the wormwood and the
gall, Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of
all; Go spread your trophies at His feet, and crown Him Lord of
all.
Let every kindred, every tribe, On this terrestrial ball,
To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all;
To Him all majesty ascribe, And crown Him Lord of all.
O that, with yonder sacred throng, We at His feet may fall! We’ll
joint the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all; We’ll join
the everlasting song, And crown Him Lord of all.
Closing Business
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures
here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father,
Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Call to Worship The Reverend Kenneth Love
Leader: I was glad when they said unto me, let us go into the
house of the Lord, our feet shall stand within Thy
gates, O Jerusalem.
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People: For a day in Thy courts is better than a thousand. I
had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.
Leader: We have gathered from every corner of the Annual
Conference to praise God and witness the
commissioning of our leaders.
People: We come to ask God’s blessing on those who shall
lead and those who will follow the call of Christian
service.
Leader: We prepare to preach a saving, healing and
liberating gospel. We seek to be more loving and
faithful to Jesus as we call disciples in His name.
People: We come to sing praise to the Almighty.
All: As You receive our praise, Gracious God, bless the
congregations we represent. Let us go from this
place filled with the Holy Spirit and mature in love.
Give us holy fire to take where we labor with the
mercy of God. Amen! Praise the Lord! Amen!
The Hymn of Praise Hymn No. 1
O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing
O for a thousand tongues to sing, My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King, The triumphs of His grace!
My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To
spread through all the earth abroad The honors of Thy name.
Jesus! the name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows
cease; ’Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ’Tis life, and health, and
peace.
He breaks the power of canceled sin, He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me.
He speaks, and, listening to His voice, New life the dead receive,
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice, The humble poor believe.
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Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb, Your loosened tongues
employ; Ye blind, behold your Savior come, And leap, ye lame,
for joy
The Prayer The Reverend Fred Harris
The Choral Response
Sentence and The Lord’s Prayer Hymn No. 634
The Old Testament The Reverend Dr. Charles Holsey
Psalm 1
The New Testament The Reverend Ruby Mason-Crum
James 3:13–4:3, 4:7–8a
The Introit Bless the Lord, O My Soul
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me bless His holy
name. (repeat) He has done great things, He has done great
things, He has done great things, bless His holy name.
The Decalogue (Summary) The Reverend Keith R. Mayes Sr.
And He said to him, You shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the
great and first commandment. And the second is like it, you
shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two
commandments depend all the law and the prophets.
The Gloria Patri
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost; As
it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without
end. Amen. Amen.
The Selection ETN Conference Choir
The Benevolence Offering The Finance Committee
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The Offertory Response All Things Come of Thee
All things come of Thee, O Lord; and of Thine own have we
given Thee. Amen.
The Sermonic Selection ETN Conference Choir
The Sermon Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
The Invitation to Accept Christ
The Hymn A Charge to Keep I Have Hymn No. 242
A charge to keep I have, A God to glorify, A never dying soul to
save And fit it for the sky.
To serve the present age, My calling to fulfill; O may it all my
powers engage To do my Master's will!
Arm me with jealous care, As in Thy sight to live, And O, Thy
servant, Lord, prepare, A strict account to give!
Help me to watch and pray, And on Thyself rely Assured, if I my
trust betray, I shall forever die! Amen
The Commissioning of Officers
The Sending Forth Go Preach My Gospel Hymn No. 220
"Go, preach My gospel," saith the Lord. "Bid the whole earth My
grace receive. Explain to them My sacred word; Bid them
believe, obey, and live.
"I'll make My great commission known, And ye shall prove My
gospel true By all the works that I have done And all the wonders
ye shall do.
"Go, heal the sick; go, raise the dead; Go cast out devils in My
name; Nor let My prophets be afraid, Though Greeks reproach
and Jews blaspheme.
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“While thus ye follow My commands I'm with you till the world
shall end; All power is trusted in My hands; I can destroy and can
defend."
He spake, and light shone round His head, On a bright cloud to
heaven He rode. They to the farthest nation spread The grace of
their ascended God.
The Commissioning Prayer (In Unison)
Wise and Powerful God, you have been present with us as we
worshipped, worked and witnessed during our Annual
Conference. Send us into the world with the authority and power
of the Holy Spirit. Protect us from all evil. Increase our love for
those who are committed to our care. Give us wisdom for
advising, teaching and administration. Grant us fruitful labors in
the harvest of disciples. Bless us and the people we serve in your
name. Amen and Amen!
The Commissioning Scripture Matthew 28: 19-20 (KJV)
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy
Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the
end of the world. Amen.
The Appointments
The Doxology
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him all creatures
here below; Praise Him above, ye heavenly host, Praise Father,
Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
The Benediction Bishop Leath
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Bishop John Hurst Adams 87th Elected and Consecrated Bishop
Saturday, Communion Service Preacher
The Right Reverend John Hurst Adams is the 87th
Elected and Consecrated Bishop. He graduated from Booker T.
Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina and in 1947
earned an A.B. degree in history from Johnson C. Smith University in
Charlotte, North Carolina. Subsequently, he earned his Bachelor of
Sacred Theology (S.T.B.) degree and Master of Sacred Theology
(S.T.M.) degree from Boston University School of Theology in 1952
and 1956, respectively. Adams also studied at Harvard University
and Union Theological Seminary, as well.
As a seminary student, Adams was assigned to the pastorate of
Bethel AME Church in Lynn, Massachusetts. Upon graduating, he
served on the seminary teaching faculty at Payne Theological
Seminary, Wilberforce University in Ohio. In 1956, Adams was
selected to serve as President of Paul Quinn College, Waco, Texas
during which time he also served as campus pastor to all the
students. In 1972, Adams was elected and consecrated as the 87th
Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church after a prophetic
ministry at First AME Church in Seattle, Washington and Grant AME
Church in Los Angeles, California. At the time of his retirement in
2004/2005, Adams had served as Bishop of five separate Episcopal
Districts to include his home district of South Carolina from 1992 to
2000. He was Senior Bishop of the AME Church from 1988 until his
retirement.
Adams served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the
Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC), Allen University,
Edward Waters College and Morris Brown College. In addition, he
served as transitional Chairman of the Board of Trustees at the
Atlanta University Center. He founded and was the Chairman
Emeritus of the Congress of National Black Churches, Inc. (CNBC).
He has been active with the Joint Center on Political and Economic
Studies, Transafrica, National Black United Fund, King Center
Development Board and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE PREACHERS & SPEAKERS
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The Reverend William Howard Smith Pastor, St. Paul AME Church, Fayetteville, Tennessee
Thursday, Opening Worship Service Preacher
The Reverend William Howard Smith, an Itinerant Elder, is the Pastor
of St Paul-Agnew in Pulaski, Tennessee. He is a graduate of
Columbia Central High School, Columbia State Community College
and Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN. On May 9,
1981, he received the Master of Arts Degree in Evangelism from
Scarritt College for Christian Workers, Nashville, TN.
He is a product of St Paul AME Church in Columbia, TN, where he
was groomed to be active at all levels of the Connectional Church,
in the YPD and RAYAC, and served as the church musician at St
Paul, Columbia and later on the staff of St Paul AME Church in
Chattanooga.
His ministry began in 1974 and received Ordinations in 1977 and
1979. Prior to St. Paul-Agnew, Smith has served congregations in
Bowling Green, KY, and the following cities in Tennessee Charlotte,
Clarksville, Springfield, Pegram, Fayetteville, Pulaski, Kelso, Dellrose,
Lynnville, Mt. Juliet, Nashville, Columbia and Mt Pleasant.
He has served on the Board of Examiners and as Conference
Secretary in The West Kentucky and The East Tennessee
Conferences. He has conducted various workshops, training
seminars, and has traveled and preached at various communions of
faith throughout the United States.
He worked as an on the air announcer and newsman at Radio
Stations WKRM/WKOM, Columbia, Tennessee, and WGNS Radio
Murfreesboro, Tennessee. In the mid-1970’s he owned an interest in
a weekly Newspaper in Columbia, TN and later entered the Rent To
Own Business in Columbia, and once owned Bargain Rentals,
Fayetteville, Tennessee. In 1980, he became a Licensed Insurance
agent, which enabled him to becoming trained in the Funeral
Service Industry and served on the staff of Sledge Funeral Home,
Fayetteville, TN and later opened a Funeral Service facility in Pulaski,
Tennessee.
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Ms. Martinique Mix President, Connectional RAYAC
Friday, Unity Night Speaker
Ms. Martinique Mix is the Connectional President of RAYAC.
Martinique Mix is the daughter of Paschell C. Mix, the late Gregory R.
Mix and the granddaughter of Bishop and Mrs. Frank C. Cummings.
A native of Atlanta, Georgia, Ms. Mix is a graduate of North Atlanta
High School. She studied Fashion and Accessory Design at Savannah
College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, GA.
She is currently the graphic designer at her home church, Big Bethel
AME Church in Atlanta, and an assistant to Montanette Jones, owner
of Mon Jon Designs and the Jones Art Project. Martinique also owns
her own graphic design company, Mar Mix Graphic Designs, a
company providing quality graphics for over 5 years. She is also part
owner of Creative Delights, a small catering company, along with
two other partners.
Martinique served as the Atlanta North Georgia Conference Lay
Young Adult Representative (YAR). She was elected as the Sixth
District Lay YAR and still serves in that position. From 2011-2014, she
was the Connectional Public Relations officer for the Richard Allen
Young Adult Council (RAYAC). Ms. Mix served as the Chairperson for
the Young Adult Committee for the 33rd Session of the Connectional
Lay Biennial held in Atlanta. In June 2014, she was elected the
Connectional Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) President.
As President she represents the RAYAC, the Pan-Methodist
Commission, and the World Methodist Evangelism Institute (WMEI).
Within her first year as president, she has also made strong
connections with the Young Adult ministries of the CME and AMEZ
churches.
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EAST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE
PASTORS & DELEGATES
Church Pastors Delegates
(The Reverend)
Warren Chapel, Chattanooga Dr. Pedro K. Basden Retha Newson
Bethel, Knoxville Keith R. Mayes Jan Hitt
St. Paul, Chattanooga Kenneth Love Marlena Toney
Bethel, Chattanooga A. J. Holman Bettye Johnson
St. Paul, Fayetteville Chris Grizzard Mary Coffey
Allen Temple, Chattanooga Fred Harris Jackie Knight
St. Paul, Alcoa Archie Griffin Quentin Anthony
Shorter Chapel, Tullahoma Fred Blackwell Emma Terry
Mary's Chapel, Fayetteville Ernest M. Latham Lynda Croom
St. John, Mulberry Vanessa Holmon Delphene Price
Joseph Chapel, Chattanooga Tarel McClurkin Michael Boggus
Berry Chapel, Lynchburg Dickey Sebastian Jo Anne Gaunt
Campbell Chapel, Pulaski Charles Holsey Linda Wright
St. Paul, Agnew William Howard Smith Willa Smith
Round Hill, Lynnville Randy Brown Mattie Coffey
Phoenix Chapel, Prospect Tylan Orr Keeley Smith
Quinn Chapel, Chattanooga Anthony Carter Myra Cook
Mt. View, Decherd Coleman March Sandra Burnette
Friendship, Pulaski Ruby Mason Crum Willie Young
Clayborn Temple, Knoxville Barbara McKinney Reggie Stewart
Brown's Temple, Fayetteville Lance Shelton Nina Green
St. James, Chattanooga Eva Settles Millie Reeves
Powell Chapel, Pulaski Benjamin Sanderfur Joyce Young
St. Paul , Aspen Hill Benjamin Sanderfur Frances Neal
Trotter's Chapel, Liberty Hill Benjamin Sandefur Paul Sherrell
Suggs Chapel, Dellrose Alma Herbert Beatrice Bush
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EAST TENNESSEE
ANNUAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEES
OFFICERS
President Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath
Recording Secretary
Engrossing Secretary The Reverend Vanessa Holman
Statistician
Treasurer The Reverend Chris Grizzard
COMPONENT OFFICERS
CDMC (Commissioner) Sister Ramona Pratt
Christian Education (Chair) The Reverend Beryl Basden
Christian Education (Director)
Church School (Superintendent) Sister Fordie Franklin
Evangelism (Director) The Reverend Dr. Pedro Basden
Health and Wellness (Director) The Reverend Dr. Charles Holsey
Lay Organization (President) Dr. Jessie Campbell
Minister's Spouses (Chair) Sister Raquel March
Music Director (Chair) The Reverend Kenneth Love
RAYAC (Chair) Sister Sharon Grizzard
Social Action/Community Dev. (Chair) The Reverend Barbara McKinney
Sons of Allen (Chair) The Reverend Chris Grizzard
Women in Ministry (Chair) The Reverend Dr. Eva Settles
WMS (President) Sister Gloria Beverly
YPD (YPD Director) Sister Lawanda Daniel
YPD (President) Sister Maya Rodgers
CONFERENCE TRUSTEES
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath (Chair), The Reverends Dr. Pedro Basden, Chris
Grizzard, A. J. Holman, Sr., Judge John McClarty, J.D., Keith Mayes, Dr.
Eva Settles, Archie Griffin, Sisters Dr. Jessie Campbell, Gloria Beverly,
Brothers Hardin Franklin, and Reggie Stewart
MINISTERIAL EFFICIENCY
The Reverends Kenneth Love, Fred Blackwell, Ruby Mason Crum, Dickie
Sebastian, and Lance Shelton
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
The Reverends A. J. Holman, Sr. (Chair and Dean), Dr. Charles Holsey, Dr.
Pedro Basden, and Margaret Koontz
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PUBLIC WORSHIP
Bishop Jeffrey N. Leath, Presiding Elder Terence Mayes, The Reverend Dr.
Pedro Basden
MEMORIAL
The Reverends William H. Smith, Barbara Arter, Robert Bailey, and Alma
Herbert, Tylan Orr, Donna Perkins, Sisters Willa Smith and Beatrice Bush
MEDIA/PUBLIC RELATIONS
The Reverend A.J. Holman, Dr. Jessie Campbell, Sisters Jackie Knight,
and Linda Wright
MISSIONS, CIRCUITS AND STATIONS
The Reverends Gloria Maddox, Dickey Sebastian, Ben Sanderfur and
Tarel McClurkin, Brothers Quentin Anthony and Reggie Stewart, Sisters
Joyce Young, and Frances Neal
CLASSIFICATION OF PASTORS AND CHARGES
The Reverends Archie Griffin, Barbara McKinney, Fred Harris, and Beryl
Basden, Sister Jackie Knight, Brother Michael Boggus
BUDGET
The Reverends Keith Mayes, Chris Grizzard, A. J. Holman and Ernest
Latham, Sisters JoAnne Gaunt, Bettye Johnson, and Marlena Toney
PRESIDING ELDERS’ SUPPORT
The Reverends Dr. Pedro Basden, Keith Mayes, Fred Blackwell, and
Kenneth Love, Sisters Mattie Coffey, Jan Hitt, and Retha Newsom
COMMITTEE ON STEWARDSHIP AND TITHING
The Reverends Coleman March, Ernest Latham and Andrea Brabson,
Sisters Sandra Burnette, Delphene Price Keeley Smith and Emma Terry
RESOLUTIONS
The Reverends Vanessa Holman, Anthony Carter, Lance Shelton, William
H. Smith, and Johnny Watson, Sisters Joyce Young, Mattie Coffey and
Nina Green, Brother Michael Boggus
STATE OF THE CHURCH
The Reverends Fred Blackwell, Barbara McKinney, Ronald Glenn, and
Barbara Sanderfur, Sisters Myra Cook, and Jo Anne Gaunt, Brothers
Willie Young and Reggie Stewart
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STATE OF THE COUNTRY
The Reverends Ruby Mason-Crum, Tarel McClurkin, Etta Garth, and
James Owens, Sisters Dorothy Edwards, Lynda Croom, Frances Neal
and Millie Reeves
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13th DISTRICT HONORS
THE SERVICE OF THE 2015 RETIREES
The Reverend Dr. Sylvia Ann Harris
The Reverend Dr. Sylvia Ann Harris, has served as a
pastor in our Zion for 36 years, in the 5th Episcopal
District. She has served various charges throughout
the Kansas City, Kansas area of the Midwest Conference. Dr.
Harris was the Conference Statistician, and Coordinator of WIM.
She is a graduate of Arkansas AM & N University, Pine Bluff,
Arkansas; St. Mary's College, Kansas City, KS, and the University of
America. Dr. Harris was employed for many years as the director
of the Niles Home for Children. She is the sister of the Rev. Fred
Harris, East TN Conference, the Rev. Dr. Sheila E. Harris, Kentucky
Conference and Deacon R. Roland Harris, Rock Island, Ill.
The Reverend Gloria Jean Blackwell Maddox
The Reverend Gloria Maddox, has ministered in the
East Tennessee Annual Conference for over 18 years.
She was ordained an Itinerant Deacon in 1997 by
Bishop H. Brookins and Itinerant Elder in 1999 by Bishop F. Talbot.
She pastored the following congregations in Tennessee, St. John–
Winchester, Round Hill—Lynnville, St Paul-Agnew, and Phoenix
Chapel-Prospect.
Rev. Maddox has a BS in Computer Science from MTSU. She has
2 daughters and 3 grandsons.
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The Reverend Judge John W. McClarty
Judge John McClarty is on the Tennessee Court of
Appeals and an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church. He
went on to receive a Bachelor Degree with Double Majors in
Political Science and History from Austin Peay State University. He
later received a Juris Doctor Degree with Honors from Southern
University School of Law. He also has attended the National College
of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Public Defenders. He has attended
The National Judicial College and the Tennessee Judicial Academy.
John McClarty is licensed to preach in the AME Church. He is the
past Pastor of Joseph Chapel AME Church, has served as a Special
Assistant to Presiding Elders, J. R. Williams and Lawrence Twiggs.
Also, he has served on numerous boards and commissions within the
13th Episcopal District and as District and Conference Trustee. He is
presently Associate Pastor of Warren Chapel AME Church,
Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Judge McClarty was elected to Tennessee Court of Appeals in
August 2010 on Retention Ballot making him the 1st African-
American from East Tennessee to be elected to a statewide
position. He was re-elected for a term of 8 years to the Tennessee
Court of Appeals in August 2014, on retention ballot.