Re:
Rev. Carter opened devotion with hymn #211, ‘Leaning on the Everlasting
Arm’ and read scripture from I Kings chapter 10:1-7. Devotion was closed with
hymn #164, ‘I Have Decided to Follow Jesus’ and prayer.
Rev. Dr. Linda Beal called the conference to order and welcomed the body
to this week’s conference and business session.
Dr. Sid Kelly provided the morning inspiration with a reflection on yet
another parable. Kelly says Jesus spoke
parables to Jews and Gentiles alike.
Kelly reflected with the parable of “laborers of the vineyard.” Jesus says the ‘
Kelly says this parable is also an allegory of
justice in its simplest form.
The labors that work all day should receive a fair wage for a day’s
work. But, asks Kelly, is not the
laborer hired at the eleventh hour also entitled to a fair wage? The question for Kelly—what then is a fair
wage for someone who has the resources to pay equally no matter how few hours
one labors as long as ones labor is the same?
The minutes of the March 7th conference were read and accepted with
proper correction(s).
Rev. Chris
Stackhouse was the seminarian order of the day last week. Rev. Linda McRae is today’s Women’s Preaching
Order of the Day. Next week is Christian
Education order of the day.
Edwards
distributed federal bill S.1932 that penalizes seniors who tithe if they
receive MEDICAID. S.1932 makes it harder
for many seniors to quality for Medicaid by changing the eligibility standards
when a qualifying senior has made a charitable contribution (including tithe
paying) that surpasses a set amount. We
must stay in touch with this important legislation.
Dr. Eversley
presented a letter of support for keeping
Chris Bauman,
Organizer CHANGE, reported the upcoming events: the Public Education Forum
scheduled on March 23rd at
Rev. Bass
announced the March 30th 2½ day Anti-Racism training will be held at
EBC. Conference members are invited to
participate in this training event.
Sick Report
Rev Carter
reported the death of his brother whose funeral is
Community
Presentation(s)
Keith
Grandberry, introduced himself as the newly appointed President WS Urban
League. Grandberry stated his committed
to summer jobs for youth and encouraged the conference to support the CHANGE
request for $145,000 for youth employment.
Also on the Urban League’s agenda is developing a year-round jobs
program for youth.
Mary Gore,
Reservation Agent w/Southwest Airlines reported a wrongful termination case and
requested the conference support. Rev.
Edwards requested the Social Justice Committee research the matter with Ms.
Gore (767-4816).
Ed O’Conner,
Church and Society Representative, Southern Province of the
Alfreda Floyd,
Logo Logic and Promotions Company introduced this black owned and operated
specialty logo printing/design company.
For more info contact Ms. Floyd at 287-3247.
Betty Meadows,
Representative YWCA Sister Speak Program introduced this women’s breast cancer
prevention initiative. The “Taking it to
the Streets against Breast Cancer” a stroll to promote healthy breast care
takes place on Sundays.
Steven
Hairston, President WS NAACP reported his suspension as president of the local
chapter. The body voted to send a letter
of support to the National on behalf of Mr. Hairston.
Announcement(s):
Rev. Ellis,
Associate Minister St. Mark Baptist Church announced Dr. James Fulwood Pastor’s
and Church Anniversary on March 30th –
Rev Dr John Mendez introduced Rev. Chris Stackhouse as the Seminarian Order of the Day. Rev. Stackhouse is Associate Minister and a WFU Divinity School Student.
(Incomplete)
Attendance – persons
Offering - $00.00
Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)
Having no further business the conference adjourned with prayer and
benediction.