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The Lighthouse of the South

The Celebrated Central District is the Lighthouse of the South Conference. It is the nucleus, the center,

the heart of the South Conference, providing guidance and information to the entire body.

The LIGHTHOUSE navigates, motivates, fosters, provides, directs, guides, and stimulates so that

the South Conference can move forward and soar to places it has never been. The light radiated

throughout the conference shows that we are of UNITY, LOVE, PEACE, and HAPPINESS.

Greetings Celebrated Central District! It

is with great pleasure that we present to

you Volume 10 Issue 2 of the Grapevine

Newsletter. We would like to thank

everyone for your help and support as

we work collectively to shine light on

the Celebrated Central District.

Remember, as events occur, don’t

forget to share your achievements, mission projects, and other

activities. If you would like your ministry published in the

next issue (September), please email your submission to

amegrapevinenews@gmail.com by August 31, 2017.

Peace & Blessings, Grapevine Newsletter Staff

Grapevine Newsletter Celebrated Central District Volume 10 Issue 2 June 2017

“But God hath revealed [them] unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searched all things, yea, the deep things of God.”

~ 1 Corinthians 2:10

Reverend Adam J. Richardson Resident Bishop

Dr. Connie S. Richardson Supervisor of Missions

Reverend Vincent F. Mitchell Presiding Elder

Sis. Magdalene Mitchell District Consultant

Sis. Krystal Byrd Editor

Sis. Tamika Moore Assistant Editor

Bro. Jimmy Woodbury Photography Submissions Coordinator

Greetings from the Grapevine

Newsletter Staff ~ RAYAC

Greetings from Presiding Elder and Consultant Mitchell

WMS – YPD

Grapevine Spotlight

King & Queen Pageant Important Dates to Remember

In This Issue

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“LIGHTS ON

Praise, Purpose, Prayer, and Proclamation

LIGHTS ON”

I am confident that the “Celebrated” Central District is MOVING FORWARD in engaging RAYAC and Young Adults into Leadership Ministry to fill a belonging and ownership in effort of unity about Intentional Ministry -Generation to Generation of Kingdom Building. The GRAPEVINE NEWSLETTER is one of the main sources to bring component ministries to REASON

together, to help us to exercise “Unity in the Community,” to help demonstrate how there can be “Strength in Diversity,” and to help us publicize how there can be a greater “Fellowship within Variety”. If we can reason together, four (4) things are guaranteed to take place: 1) clear communication, 2) better understanding, 3) greater cooperation, and 4) increased productivity. Magdalene and I are excited about the format offered by the team in producing the

Grapevine. We pray that this method of production will increase our use of

technology.

The Grapevine can be a great motivational, informational, and evangelical resource if

we all have an all-inclusive participation of all ministry leaders.

We encourage complete involvement of every facet of the Fabulous Twenty (20) who

have noble, creative, and innovative news to enhance God’s Kingdom through this

mission for the better of all endeavors of the District. We welcome your input.

The Celebrated Central District is one big family and we celebrate by telling the world

that we serve an Awesome GOD and to the upmost Jesus saves.

“LIGHTS ON”: Praise, Purpose, Prayer, and Proclamation, “LIGHTS ON”

Greetings from Presiding Elder Vincent F. Mitchell and District Consultant Magdalene Mitchell

The Presiding Elder’s Corner Presiding Elder Vincent and Consultant Magdalene Mitchell

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South Conference Spring Luncheon Honoring Men of Distinction

For the second year, the South Conference Women’s Missionary Society

(WMS) Spring Luncheon was held at the Signature Grand. This event attracted over 400

members and friends of the South Conference of the 11th Episcopal District. The theme for this

year was “MEN ON A MISSION”. Members of the Women’s Missionary Society were

encouraged to submit names of men who have assisted

their local Women’s Missionary Society in mission

projects during the conference year. As a result, over

100 men were recognized for their assistance. In

support of the honorees, attendees were asked to wear

Burgundy, Gray, and White.

The event started with a processional of the honorees from each district. Each ‘Man of

Distinction’ was gifted a royal blue ‘Man on a Mission’ cap. The honorees were greeted with a

standing ovation and applause. The honorees and attendees were serenaded with gospel songs

and tributes from program participants. The program included a three-course meal presentation

from the Signature Grand Staff. Before leaving the event, a spirit-filled, soul stirring prayer was

given to cover all in attendance.

The Celebrated Central District of the South Conference was

represented well in the honorees and the attendees. The honorees

included Central District Pastors, Sons of Allen Members, and

Dedicated Church & Community Members. Area WMS Members

created a display to highlight the honorees from the Central District. Pictures of the honorees

were accented in this display as well as in the souvenir program. Many attendees ventured to

the display to view our unique Central District presentation of our honorees. We want everyone

to know how proud we are of our honorees and we want to express our appreciation for their

continuous support. We give God all the Glory and the Praise for the Great things that He has

done through the Anderson/Kelly/Morgan/Stebbins Area Men on a Mission.

Humbly Submitted, Sis. Shirley W. Paramore Anderson/Kelly/Morgan/Stebbins WMS Area Chair

Anderson/Kelly/Morgan/Stebbins Women’s Missionary Society

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Missionaries in Action

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Young People’s Department

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Allen Chapel AMEC, Immokalee

For this issue, the “Grapevine Spotlight” is on Rev. Lori Snell of Allen Chapel AME Church in Immokalee, FL. Rev. Snell is an innovating and dynamic Preacher, Teacher, Wife, Mother, Missionary, and All-Around Woman of God! She disseminates monthly email announcements to keep Allen Chapel family and friends

informed of the great things they’re doing in their community!

As busy worker in God’s Kingdom, we get busy and overwhelmed. But we all need to take time out of our busy schedules to attend Bible Study regularly. Rev. Snell conducts weekly Phone Bible Study! That’s right, Phone Bible Study! Central District RAYAC loves the idea and opportunity this brings to many members to participate in learning the Word of God “on-the-go”! Her lessons are equipped with a theme, scripture, devotional reading, along with essential questions to delve deeper into the lesson.

Allen Chapel has been active in the community through feedings and providing clothes to the needy. Recently, Allen Chapel donated subs, snacks, and homemade cheesecakes from Larry’s Cheesecakes to three local elementary schools! For Mother’s Day, they recognized a Young Mother of the Year, a Senior Mother of the Year, and a Mother of Valor!

When Rev. Snell was appointed to Allen Chapel AMEC in 2010, she told God that she wanted to establish a daily feeding ministry and a grocery store. Guess what? Allen Chapel AME have feedings on the streets of Immokalee daily! In fact, over the last several months alone, they have served over 6,000 bowls of free, hot food. They continue to feed approximately 50-70 people every 2nd Saturday of each month at the church, through their Lillian’s Kitchen Feeding Ministry. Now, they have Food & Personal Care and Household Items Pantry in full gear!

Rev. Snell loves ministering to people of all ages! Please join the Grapevine Newsletter and Central District RAYAC is sending a special shout-out of Love, Peace, and Blessings to awesome and beautiful Pastor Lori Snell!

Congratulations Rev. Lori Snell! We See You – Job Well Done – We Love You!

Grapevine Spotlight

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King & Queen Pageant

Greetings! Words of gratitude are extended to the Director of Christian Education, Rev.

Alvin Jones and the District Superintendent Sis. Mae Grubbs, all the local directors and

superintendents for a job well done on the Annual King & Queen Pageant. This pageant

started over 20 years ago under the leadership of our Episcopal Christian Education

Director Rev. James Givens to assist our youth financially as they prepare for college. We

salute you for your hard work on making this better every year. We know the best is yet

to come. I also want to thank the parents of the royal court for allowing their child to be a

part of such an amazing event.

Introduction of the Royal Court: Prince Jessey Mikeal LecConte & Princess Zaiya Akinsete, Mt. Hermon, MG Prince Kamari Kendrick & Princess Rhiana Brenae White, St. Stephen, MG Prince Isaiah Johnson & Princess Camryn Perry, Greater Mt. Zion, Dania Beach Prince Quyis Daley & Princess Keimya Latia Lee, Mt. Hermon, Ft Lauderdale Prince Ronnie Dupree & Princess Dajah Dupree, Mt. Zion, Oakland Park Prince Kandrich Barnes & Princess Korria Barnes, Mt. Olive, Ft. Myers Prince Devin Nelson & Princess A'Kyuriah Wilson, Greater Bethel, Pompano Beach

The Winners Circle:

1st place Mt. Hermon, Ft. Lauderdale $2,462 2nd place St. Stephen, Miami Gardens $1,101

3rd place Greater Bethel, Pompano Beach $1,021 Greater Mt. Zion, Dania Beach $1,010

Mt Zion, Oakland Park $667 Mt. Olive, Fort Myers $500

Ward Chapel, Hallandale $200 Mt. Pleasant, Hollywood $350

St. John, Collier City $100

Greater Bethel, Deerfield $200 New Bethel, Clewiston $200

Mt. Hermon, Miami Gardens $803 Mt. Zion, Miami Gardens $200

Grand total: $8,814

Celebrated Central District King & Queen Pageant

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Sons of Allen Retreat

Sons of Allen

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June 14-16: Celebrated Central District Church School Convention ~ Bethel, Pompano

June 20-23: 73rd EEDLO Convention at the Sheraton Hotel (Central District Host)

June 24: CDMC Annual Talent Show and Luncheon, Community Service Scrapbook

Competition ~ Mt. Hermon, Ft. Lauderdale

July 8: District Lay Meeting (TBA)

July 15: AKMS Area Meeting ~ Greater Bethel, Deerfield Beach

August 5: WMS/YPD Conference Branch Meeting ~ Hurst Chapel, Riviera Beach

August 12: District Lay Meeting (TBA)

August 27: District Leadership Team Appreciation ~ Mt. Zion, Miami Gardens

September 13: Third Reporting: Financial Obligations Due (Annual Conference)

September 18: Pastor’s Annual Written Report Due

September 23: South Conference YPD Annual Day ~ Hurst Chapel, Riviera Beach

September 25: South Conference WMS Annual Day ~ Hilton, Palm Beach Airport

September 26-29: 127th Session South Annual Conference ~ Hilton, Palm Beach Airport

Celebrated Central District Dates to Remember