Re: February 7, 2006 Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity

Devotional

Rev. Carter opened devotion with hymn #329, ‘I Am Thine O Lord’ and read scripture from II Kings chapter 5:1-8. Devotion was closed with hymn #164, ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ and prayer.

Call to Order & Inspirational Talk

Rev. Moses Edwards called the conference to order and welcomed the body to this week’s conference and business session. Rev. Dr. Serenus Churn provided the morning inspiration and said the bible is pregnant with hope and honor for God’s servants and Jesus is the Mid-wife. Churn read scripture from Deut. 34:5-7 and said it is good and appropriate to honor those who have labored well on earth. For example, Moses is honored in this passage and Coretta Scott King who died last week and is being honored for her contributions to the Civil Rights Movement.

Churn says Moses was a prophet who could see ahead—he saw the promise land hundreds of miles off in the distance. Moses also, lived a complete life because he lived one hundred and twenty-five years—at a time when God said man would live one hundred and twenty. And, he accomplished the tasks God called him to do—he was a leader, prince and a husband. He performed extraordinary acts thru God—he calls to heaven and manna fell as food—he raised his hands and battles were won. Moses is surely one of a kind prophet because he saw God’s glory—knew God face-to-face! [God’s servants desire to be honored when they do God’s work and live complete lives].

Reading of the Minutes

The minutes of the January 31^st conference were read and accepted with proper correction.

Reports New/Old Business

A. Review of Conference Calendar

Brother Phillip Martin is the seminarian order of the day and Rev. Beatrice Murray is next Tuesday’s Women’s Preaching order of the day.

B. Review of Conference Projects

Rev. Edwards spoke briefly about the MLK Golf fundraiser and invited Rev. Ronald Fisher Pastor, Dreamland Baptist Church to enter his church and join the conference. Rev. Sanders reported over 10 churches have committed to participate in the MLK Golf fundraising event scheduled Friday, May 19, 2006 at Reynolds Park Golf Club. Conference members are invited to support this fellowship event by bringing a team and/or with your presence.

Community Presentation(s)

Kenneth Williams, Duty Treasurer reported the following NC State campaigns:

• “One Dollar More Campaign,” to raise the minimum wage from $5.15;
• “NC Cash” Campaign,” to connect individuals to unclaimed money and property held by the state;
• ‘BizWorld,” a real world simulation of business and government role-plays for students. The program teaches youth business life skills;
• “North Carolina Saves,” is a partnership between a statewide coalition of non-profits, corporations and government groups that encourage individuals to develop good savings habits.

Dr. Seth Lartey, Pastor Goler Memorial AME Church announced the Banking and Investing for Balance Campaign. This economic development plan increases the deposits for Mechanics And Farmers Bank and BB&T in order to secure $5MM in development financing for the black community. The kick-off is scheduled Tuesday, February 13, 2006.

Order of the Day

Rev. Dr. James Fulwood, Pastor St Mark Baptist Church served as the Order of the day with sister Fulwood singing the hymn ‘The Lord Will Make a Way.’ Dr. Fulwood lifted scripture from Mark’s Gospel 4:35-41 and chose as a subject, “Does Jesus Really Care?”

Dr. Fulwood says Peter a temper-filled, sword-swinging disciple of God found that Jesus even cared for him. Jesus taught caring through his ministry and that we as Christians must not put their light—the light of truth—under a bushel but instead display our light where the world can see it. Jesus was a leader by example—he fed five thousand and prayed for then before he left to go to the other side of the lake—Jesus cared!

The disciples took Jesus as he was—we should take Jesus as he is and when they called Jesus in the midst of the storm he cared for them by coming to them. When we cry out due to injustice, pain and suffering the question is asked Lord do you care?

When you leave home for work and return when a pink—no more a job—Lord, do you care? What we did not remember was Jesus said, “I will not let you go alone—I’m going with you!” Jesus cares because Jesus always goes with us.

The body rose to give Dr. Fulwood arousing vote of thanks for his encouraging and insightful message.

Attendance & Offering

Attendance – 16 persons

Offering - $54

Membership – $0.00

Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)

Having no further business the conference adjourned with prayer and benediction.