Monthly Archives: August 2017
2017 Special Edition WNCCLO Newsletter
Message from Bishop Davis- Helping College Students Finish Strong
Steward and Trustee Training Info from Summer Summit
Council of Bishop Statement – Violence in Charlottesville, VA
The Council of Bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church condemns the violence that exploded in Charlottesville, Virginia. The “Unite the Right” march was sponsored by white supremacists, white nationalists, and the Ku Klux Klan to protest the removal of a statue of General Robert E. Lee. It was responded to by counter protestors.
The result was a face-off between the two groups marked with punching, kicking, water bottle hurling, racial taunting and even the deployment of chemical sprays. A car plowed into a group of peaceful protesters killing one woman and injuring about 19 others. The driver, James Alex Fields is being held on charges including second degree-murder. A helicopter monitoring the rally later crashed killing two Virginia State Troopers.
There are those who argue that white nationalists have the right to free speech, and in a democracy, we support their right. But what was on display before the nation yesterday was more than free speech. It was an unruly event designed to intimidate and provoke violence.
In a word, what happened yesterday was a hate crime and domestic terrorism. It was demonic and does not represent what the United States claims it stands for.
We are also disappointed with the response of President Donald Trump. Let us be clear, this is not a partisan issue, this is a matter of failed leadership. President Trump while condemning hatred and violence, claimed it was on “many sides”, but it wasn’t. This violence was initiated by the white supremacist. We have heard President Trump specifically call out Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Senator Mitch McConnell and come down hard on others, but he did not explicitly condemn white nationalist, supremacist or the Ku Klux Klan. It must be noted that hate crimes have increased since President Trump’s campaign and inauguration.
The Council of Bishops calls upon President Trump at a scheduled Monday press availability, to categorically denounce white supremacist, nationalist and the Ku Klux Klan that threatened to divide our nation. The Council wants to make it clear that he does not want or seeks their support. This would help unite and assure the nation that our president, embraces all the citizens of the United States.
The African Methodist Episcopal Church reaffirms our opposition to hate crimes, racism and anti–Semitism, and calls upon the nation, particularly our national leadership to condemn racism and hatred.
Hate never wins. It never has and it never will.
Bishop McKinley Young, Senior Bishop
Bishop Clement W. Fugh, President, Council Of Bishops
Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, Ecumenical & Urban Affairs
Message from President Valerie Bell, Connectional Lay President!
“Onward to Greater Works”
“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth…Oh magnify the Lord with me, Let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34: 1,3).
To the Bishops and Supervisors of the Church
To the 35th Biennial Session of the Connectional Lay Organization
Praise God! The election is over, and I thank you for electing me to serve as the 12th President of this body.
I wish to thank Bishop James Levert Davis, my Supervisor, Mother Arelis Bevers Davis, and the entire constituency of the Second Episcopal District, especially the Second Episcopal District Lay Organization. I received your unanimous endorsement in February 2017, and the support has never wavered. I am also grateful to my husband Donald, my family and loyal supporters throughout the Connectional Church who walked with and encouraged me.
My Brothers and Sisters who share in the ministry of the Lay Organization, we have a Great work to do. I campaigned on a simple platform :
- Redirect our focus to Evangelism and Discipleship, if souls are not saved, nothing is saved.
- Return to our mission of teaching and training to better equip our Zion to focus on Evangelism and Discipleship
- Rebuilding the team necessary for this assignment. The team of youth and young adults, the team of Clergy and Laity together and the inclusion of Episcopal District Presidents, all Episcopal District Presidents 1-20, because we are a Global Church.
This election reflects a mandate for immediate change, initially in these areas, and later in others in our organization. Jesus said in John 14:12, “If you believe in me and the works I am doing, then you will be able to do GREATER WORKS.”
Please join me on this journey, “Onward to Greater Works.”
Valerie Gary Bell
President, Connectional Lay Organization
clopresident535@gmail.com
Valerie Bell President Campaign Attire and Agenda
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Activity
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Location
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Saturday, August 5, 2017
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2 p.m. – 5 p.m.
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Registration for Biennial starts
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Franklin Foyer
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Sunday, August 6, 2017
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8 a.m. – 11 a.m.
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Local Church Worship Services
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10 a.m. Service (After Morning service)
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Campaign Reception at St.Paul AMEC, Columbus
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4 p.m. – 6 p.m.
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Candidates Forum
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Union Ballroom
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7:30 p.m.
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Welcome and Reception
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Regency Ballroom
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Hosted by the 3rd Episcopal District Lay Organization, Mr. Mark E. Mayo Sr., President
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Towards the end of the reception
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Passing out Bell Candy at the end of the 3rd District Reception
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10 p.m. – Midnight
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Canidate Belling visiting Episcopal District Lay Organizations who will be having a meeting
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Activity
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Location
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Monday, August 7, 2017
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12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
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Lunch (on your own)
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Before Afternoon Session
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Prayer for the canidate and election
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2:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Business II
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Battelle Grand
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ELECTION OF BIENNIAL OFFICERS
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Honorable Patricia Mayberry.
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Chair, Election Commission
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7:30 p.m.
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SERVICE of the WORD AND SACRAMENT
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Battelle Grand
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10 p.m. – Midnight
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Celebration
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Franklin A
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