AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WOMENS

AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT WOMEN’S MISSIONARY SOCIETY TRANSFORMING LIVES, BUILDING COMMUNITIES IMPACTING THE WORLD

MISSIONARY THEME 2019: THIS IS US!!! FIFTH DISTRICT WMS / YPD 2019 MID-YEAR MEETING MARCH 6 -8, 2019 Rt. Reverend Clement W. Fugh, Presiding Prelate Mrs. Alexia B. Fugh, Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Mary Mayo Mayberry, Fifth Episcopal District WMS President Mrs. Richelle Fry-Skinner, Episcopal YPD Director Mr. William Cordier, Episcopal District YPD President

FROM A DISTANCE ARTIST: BETTE MIDLER RELEASED: SEPTEMBER 4, 1990 From a distance the world looks blue and green, and the snow-capped mountains white. From a distance the ocean meets the stream, and the eagle takes to flight. From a distance, there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. It’s the voice of hope, it’s the voice of peace, it’s the voice of every man. From a distance we all have enough, and no one is in need. And there are no guns, no bombs, and no disease, no hungry mouths to feed. From a distance we are instruments marching in a common band. Playing songs of hope, playing songs of peace, they’re the songs of every man. From a distance you look like my friend, even though we are at war. From a distance I just cannot comprehend what all this fighting is for. From a distance there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. And it’s the hope of hopes, it’s the love or loves, it is the heart of every man. And God is watching us, God is watching use, God is watching us from a distance.

THIS IS US!!! The television series “This is Us” premiered on September 27, 2016. The series follows the lives of three siblings, Kevin, Kate, and Randall (also knows as the “Big Three), and their parents Jack and Rebecca Pearson. It takes place in the present and uses flashbacks to show the family ‘made it’ and how the various family members reacted and remembered the various moments in the past. Kevin and Kate are the two surviving members of a triplet pregnancy, born six weeks premature on Jack’s 36 th birthday in 1980. The third baby, a boy, was stillborn. Believing they were meant to have three children, Jack and Rebecca (who are white) decide to adopt Randall, an African American child born the same day and brought to the same hospital after his biological father abandoned him at a fire station. Jack dies when his children are 17. To summarize: this is a story about all the things a family goes through, the joys, the pains of everyday life, and the lessons learned from each experience. It shows family resilience and strength. It shows how all that binds us as “family” makes us stronger with each experience and how LOVE keeps us together, no matter how difficult the situations are that we face. I thought “This Is Us” was an excellent theme for us, as Missionaries, during this Pentecost season. We are family. We each experience joy and pain. We help those in our family. We each gain valuable lessons learned from our various experiences and these experiences serve to strengthen us and make us better, as individuals and family members. During this season of Pentecost, we, too, look for the Holy Spirit to perform miracles, signs and wonders, in our everyday lives, to find spiritual renewal in everyday moments that keep us focused on God. The Holy Spirit comes to teach and guide us so we can become strong, while also teaching us that we cannot make it through this life alone. Our family bonds are strengthened in the process of everyday life. THIS IS US!!!

THE YEAR OF PENTECOST 2018 -2019 THE SEASON OF SPIRITUAL RENEWAL/REVIVAL THEMES 1. THE GREAT COMMISSION 2. THE PENTECOST EVENT 3. PAUL’S MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE 4. SEEKING THE LOST 5. INTENTIAL ABOUT EVANGELISM THIS YEAR’S COLOR: RED LOGO: WIND & FIRE OUR PRAYER FOR PENTECOST: ‘THY KINGDOME, COME!’

DURING THE SEASON OF PENTECOST 1. WE REALIZE WE ARE A FAMILY OF BELIEVERS IN GOD OUR FATHER, JESUS CHRIST, OUR REDEEMER AND THE HOLY SPIRIT, OUR COMFORTER. 2. WE SEEK THE GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT DAILY IN OUR LIVES. 3. WE REALIZE WE EACH BRING SOMETHING (TALENT/GIFT) TO THE TABLE. 4. WE WORK TOGETHER AS A COHESIVE BODY (TO SERVE GOD AND HIS PEOPLE) AND NOT TO FULFILL OUR OWN FEELINGS OF SELF-WORTH. 5. WE WILL SHOW RESPECT AND TREAT EVERYONE WITH DIGNITY. 6. THIS IS THE SEASON OF PENTECOST – WE SEEK SPIRITUAL RENEWAL. WE WILL BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT SPREADING THE MIRACLES, SIGNS AND WONDERS THAT HAPPEN

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES SCRIPTURE: ST. JOHN 20: 19 -22 (MESSAGE BIBLE) Later on that day, the disciples had gathered together, but, fearful of the Jews, had locked all the doors in the house. Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you. ” Then he showed the his hands and side. The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you. ” Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. ”Receive the Holy Spirit, ” he said. SCRIPTURE: ACTS 2: 1 -21 (MESSAGE BIBLE) - Verses 1 -11 appear on this page When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a strong wind, gale force – no one could tell where it came from. It filled the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different languages as the Spirit prompted them. There were many Jews staying in Jerusalem just then, devout pilgrims from all over the world. When they heard the sound, they came on the run. Then when they heard, one after another, their own mother tongues being spoken, they were thunderstruck. They couldn’t for the life of them figure out what was going on, and kept saying, “Aren’t these all Galileans? How come we’re hearing them talk in our various mother tongues? Parthians, Medes, and Elamites; Visitors from Mesopotamia, Judea, and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phyygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene; Immigrants from Rome, both Jews and proselytes; even Cretans and Arabs! They’re speaking our languages, describing God’s mighty works!”

Scripture Reference (cont) – John 12 -21 Their heads were spinning; they couldn’t make head or tail of any of it. They talked back and forth, confused: “What’s going on here? ” Others joked, “They’re drunk on cheap wine. ” That’s when Peter stood up and backed by the other eleven, spoke out with bold urgency: “Fellow Jews, all of you who are visiting Jerusalem, listen carefully and get this story straight. These people aren’t drunk as some of you suspect. They haven’t had time to get drunk – it’s only nine o’clock in the morning. This is what the prophet Joel announced would happen: “In the Last Days, ” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit on every kind of people: Your sons will prophesy, also your daughters; Your young men will see visions, your old men dreams. When the time comes, I’ll pour out my Spirit on those who serve me, men and women both, and they’ll prophesy. I’ll set wonders in the sky above and signs on the earth below, Blood and fire and billowing smoke, the sun turning black and the moon blood-red, Before the Day of the Lord arrives, the Day tremendous and marvelous; And whoever calls out for help to me, God, will be saved. ”

During our EPIPHANY Retreat, we reviewed Lesson 1 from our 2016 -2020 WMS Constitution and Bylaws: THE MISSION STATEMENT & PURPOSE ARTICLE II, Sections 1 & 2 At this evening’s Mid-Year Meeting: ■ The Supervisor will make the WMS Mid-Year Update Presentation ■ Dr. Jeanette Harris, WMS Connectional Treasurer, will begin “Part I” of our Training Series for WMS Officers

WMS PROJECTS FOR MID-YEAR 2019: 1. Operation Breakthrough – Mission Possible Project 2. Healing Pathways Our Prime Purpose in Life is to Help People and If We Can’t Help Them – then PLEASE Don’t Hurt Them** **From the Movie “Almost Christmas, ” released November 3, 2016 - quote by Dalia Lama

NGO Sustainable Goals ■ Each Conference will choose two or more of the 17 Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs)for their Conference projects – choose carefully and be creative!! Lets see how we can connect our Sustainable Goals to our Pentecost theme!!! Let’s look closely at ‘building strong communities, Peace and Justice, Inequality, etc. Let’s look at some of the really hard issues affecting us now. ■ Each conference will report their Sustainable Goals to the WMS Episcopal President. ■ This information must also be submitted to our Fifth District NGO Liason, Sister Irma Douglas-Lastra ■ Reporting of Sustainable Goals will be included in all Conference Literary Reports – this information will be extracted and placed in our District’s NGO report to the United Nations.

2015 – 2024 The International Decade of People of African Decent ■ Came out of the United Nations Conference on Racism ■ Was created over a decade ago ■ Focus to be on issues affecting the conditions of People of African Decent Everywhere – BUT we will focus on all people of color: Racism, Human Rights, Education, Healthcare, Living Conditions, Economic Barriers, Gentrification of Our Communities, Equal Opportunities, Police Brutality, Reparations – anything that affects the lives and well-being of People of Color.

United Nations Sustainable Goals 1. No Poverty – NO one in the United States should live needing basic housing, clean water, access to healthcare. 2. Zero Hunger – Everyone deserves a decent meal 3. Good Health and Well-Being – ALL people deserve affordable healthcare 4. Quality Education – ALL Children deserve the right to a good education 5. Gender Equality - the RIGHTS of all people – HUMAN RIGHTS IS CIVIL RIGHTS 6. Clean Water and Sanitation – there is no reason no one in the US cannot have access to clean drinking water and sanitary environments 7. Affordable and Clean Energy – Look at other forms of affordable CLEAN energy 8. Decent Work and Economic Growth – Decent Pay for a Decent Day’s Work 9. Industry Innovation and Infrastructure – Take advantage of technology innovations – ensure privacy. 10. Reduced Inequalities – Across Race, Class and Cultures

■ 12. Responsible Consumption and Production – Going Green, Recycling, Taking care of the environment. ■ 13. Climate Action – Ensure that we are helping to ‘Save the Planet. ’ ■ 14. Life Below Water – Saving our Planet ■ 15. Life on Land – Saving our Planet ■ 16. Peace and Justice/Strong Institutions - Civil and Human Rights ■ 17. Partnerships for the Goals – Who do we partner with/how do we get sponsors

Missionary Day At Annual Conferences ALL CONFERENCES WILL “GO GREEN!!!” IN 2019 Compressed Schedule – Wednesdays – All Day 1. During the day, each local society will wear casual WHITE with a touch of BLUE for year 2017 -2018 (or Fifth District WMS Rocks white or blue T-shirts) 2. Conference WMS will determine the noon hour program and/or project 3. Dress White for Wednesday Night – Conference will determine program for Wednesday night service – be creative!! We had several interesting programs during the conference series. 4. Tanner Turner Memorial Service (recognized during Planning Meeting), however, each conference may hold their own recognition program at any-time during the year 5. Our focus for the next 4 months: QUADRENNIAL 2019 6. After monies come in for Mid-Year and early May 2019, an WMS Quadrennial Newsletter will be prepared and sent out to all Conference WMS Presidents and posted on the District Website the end of April/first of May regarding sustentations. Until all monies are received, we cannot commit to any bottom line figures. But you will be

QUADRENNIAL 2019 1. Only 4 months until Quadrennial!!! 2. I want to personally THANK Mrs. Lessie Thompson and Mrs. Beverly Thomas, our 5 th Episcopal District Quadrennial Coordinators. They are doing an outstanding job OVERSEEING AND DIRECTING ALL ACTIVITIES of the 2019 Quadrennial. 3. With their experience and knowledge of WMS, they have helped with the coordination and execution of activities required to prepare and lead us into the 2019 Quadrennial. 4. Mrs. Lessie Thompson will assume the role of our Fifth Episcopal District Quadrennial Coordinator, after the 2019 Quadrennial. She will primarily work with all Conference Presidents and Recording Secretaries to keep updated Conference Membership Rolls: Life Memberships, New Members, Associate Members and Deceased Members. 5. She will continue to OVERSEE AND DIRECT ALL ACTIVITIES that specifically pertain to Quadrennial information – that way we will not have to repeat all the exhaustive work we had to perform, leading up to this Quadrennial. We will have easily accessible records! 6. When she contacts you in the future, regarding membership numbers, etc. , PLEASE work with her so she can keep all our records updated.

WMS Finances We continue to operate on a budget that has remained unchanged for since 1998 – that is 21 years!!! 1. WMS / YPD accounts are at First Bank. The Supervisor is owner of all accounts. The Supervisor and Lady Gail Booker, Episcopal District Treasurer, are the only signees on these accounts. 2. Mrs. Gail Booker, our 5 th Episcopal District WMS Treasurer, has done an outstanding job handling all WMS/YPD finances. She has a financial background, and has been trained by the Connectional WMS Treasurer on all WMS Financial matters. 3. Mrs. Booker has proven to be an excellent and conscientious WMS Treasurer. 4. Mrs. Booker reports directly to the Supervisor. Per 2016 -2020 WMS Constitution and Bylaws, Page, Article, Section: The Connectional Treasurer reports to the Connectional WMS President (because there is no Supervisor to oversee the job duties of the Connectional WMS President ).

WMS Finances (continued) 5. Therefore, on the Episcopal District level, the Episcopal District Treasurer reports directly to the Episcopal District Supervisor (Bishop), and not to the Episcopal District WMS President, who is also an Episcopal District Officer. An Episcopal District Officer does not report to another Episcopal District Officer! The Bishop/Supervisor are the leaders of the Episcopal District. 6. Unless the Episcopal WMS President is directed by the Supervisor, she has no authority to oversee finances of the Episcopal District. She is to assist in ensuring all Conferences meet their financial obligations. 7. Mrs. Booker, as Episcopal District Treasurer, must have an ’open line of communication’ with all conference WMS Presidents/Treasurers, the Episcopal District YPD Director and all Conference YPD Directors regarding all financial matters. 8. Connectional funds have been ‘earmarked and set aside’ for all WMS/YPD connectional obligations. 9. In the past year and a half, funds have been aggressively deposited into the 2019 Quadrennial Fund Account to make up for a “short-fall. ” 10. The Supervisor and Mrs. Booker have updated a system to keep track of all spending. NOTE: ALL spending must have prior approval by the

WMS Finances (continued) 11. Your Episcopal Leaders want our WMS Delegation (inclusive of Life Members) to be represented in a manner befitting of the Fifth Episcopal District. In order for us to provide reasonable travel/sustentation needs for our WMS Delegation and retired Supervisors, we must realistically look at our Episcopal District WMS Quadrennial Sustentation Budget. 12. The Fifth Episcopal District, upon returning from the 2016 General Conference, recommended and approved a 20% increase in General Conference Delegate Sustentation for 2020 – this was not done for the WMS Quadrennial. We MUST look realistically at increasing our WMS and YPD (Quadrennial) Budgets in order to meet the Quadrennial needs of our WMS/YPD delegations for the 2023 Quadrennial. 13. The Bishop, Supervisor, and Treasurer will create a budget for the WMS (inclusive of all expenditures and a 20% increase), and create a quarterly payment system. This plan will be ‘rolled’ out during the 2019 Series of Annual Conferences. We are also leaning toward Quarterly payments (final payment to be paid at the seat of the Annual Conference.

Fifth Episcopal District WMS Policy and Procedures Handbook This handbook will be available electronically on our Fifth Episcopal District Website by the end of next week– you may print directly from the website or save to your laptop. It will be available in PDF format. This handbook can only be updated by a member of the Handbook Committee or the Episcopal District Supervisor. Some of the items provided include: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Episcopal theme for the year WMS Organizational Chart Episcopal and Conference Officers (along with contact information) Sustainable goals Life Memberships Protocol Guidelines Fifth Episcopal District WMS Expense and Reimbursement Policies District Meetings, Annual Conference Schedules Forms / Sample Forms Other Items to be Added as Necessary

Please NOTE: 1. NO Episcopal District Meeting is to begin or “Called to Order” if the Supervisor is not present, or if the Supervisor has not approved the ‘start of the meeting. ’ ■ The Episcopal District WMS President nor District YPD Director is to enter into any contractual agreements on behalf of the District WMS/YPD. They cannot sign-off on any contracts/BEOs with hotels (rooms, classrooms, meal, AV, etc). Contracts MUST be reviewed and signed by the Bishop or Supervisor. ■ The Supervisor (Bishop) ONLY, will sign-off on such contractual matters of the WMS/YPD. ■ Per our 2016 -2020 Constitution and Bylaws and per Dr. Shirley Reed, WMS Connectional President, ALL YPD monies go through the Conference WMS accounts which are then submitted to the Episcopal District Treasurer. ■ Our Connectional Treasurer will provide more insight on this

YPD Annual Conferences and District Meetings 1. YPD Conferences for 2019 will be scheduled during the Annual Conference series. 2. Mrs. Richelle Frye-Skinner, Fifth Episcopal District YPD Director will provide more insight during the YPD Presentation. 3. This year was an exception, leading up to the YPD Quadrennial. A YPD meeting was approved for this Mid-Year only. During 2020, 2021, and 2022 the YPD will not have separate meeting dates held beyond the dates planned for the Planning Meeting and Mid-Year. If there is a need is 2023, the next Quadrennial Year, we will make allowances.

I KNOW WHAT I’M DOING. I HAVE IT ALL PLANNED OUT – PLANS TO TAKE CARE OF YOU, NOT ABANDON YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU THE FUTURE YOU HOPE FOR. JEREMIAH 29: 11

IN THE NAME OF THE TRIUNE GOD MAY THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTIAN MISSIONS ENTER EVERY HEART THIS WE ASK IN JESUS’ NAME AMEN

THANK YOU!!!