Ministers
Conference
We were opened with
devotion by Reverend Carter. Our opening hymn was #191 "Glory to His Name."
Scripture was taken from
In the absence of our
President, Dr. Linda Beale, Reverend Joseph Nance, Second Vice-President
presided. He greeted the Conference and called for the minutes of the last
meeting. No minutes were presented.
.
Reverend Nance then called for the inspirational talk delivered by Dr. Serenus Churn. His subject was
"The Perfect Prayer" and the scripture was taken from St. Luke 22:29.
Some of the main points made by him were, "I know some of you have decided
and made up your minds-it's the model prayer; the high priest prayer-but that's
not the perfect prayer. The perfect prayer is recorded in St. Matthew, St. Mark
and St. Luke. I like St. Luke 22:39. The perfect prayer is "Father if it
be your will," The perfect prayer comes out of agony of the spirit. It is
the perfect prayer because it is somebody., "Our Father-it is the perfect
prayer because it's not made up but it reflects Jesus' confidence in God.
The Findings Committee ,
Mrs.
Andrea Kutz presented a ten-year plan to end chronic homelessness. She stated
that a Blue Ribbon Task Force had been appointed under the leadership of Mayor
Allen Joines, and that she was here today to ask for help with the ten_ year
plan to end homelessness.
Response from the conference was:
1) it looks like the
Committee has already decided on what it plans to do. 2) This Blue Ribbon Task
Force on Homelessness-I don't see where African-American Pastors were included.
We know you were asked to come here and make the presentation after the facts.
3) Reverend Nance asked at this time if it is
possible that our President submit a person from this Conference to serve on
this Blue Ribbon Task
Force and the answer was "it is possible." ,
Dr. Churn 'mentioned that we need to plan for our
"Last Seven Words" service. Next week, there will be an outline and
persons may sign up for each word.
Call was made for the order of the day. Dr. Churn presented Reverend
Nance. The hymn before the sermon was "Pass Me Not a Gentle Savior,"
The scripture was
Number of persons in attendance: 15
Offering total: $48.00.
The closing prayer was offered by Reverend Gilliam and the benediction
was given by Reverend Nance. Motion was made and seconded to adjourn.
Re:
Devotional
Rev. Carter, opened devotion by the singing of Hymn #191, "Glory to His Name." Reading of Scripture, from Luke 22: 7-13, Prayer by Rev. Carter. Closing Hymn #164 "j have decided to follow Jesus."
Call to Order & Inspirational Talk
President Beal opened the conference with a call of order and welcoming the body to thi week's conference and business session.
Dr. Sid Kelly provided
the morning mediation and inspirational. Reflecting on "Worship: Dr. Kelly
used quotes from Schleiemacher and an article written by Prof Stephen C. Finely
of Rice University. Both theologians made comparison of women and men's
participation in Worship. Both writers felt that women were more actively
involved in worship than men because of the emotionalism. Finely using research
found the reason to be in the Black church was because women were more
submissive than men. Kelly also stated that this existed in white churches
also. Indicating that worship in general seems to suggest weakness. Men don't
see emotionalism as manly. Kelly continued by saying that Worship should be
about empowerment and less emphasis on submission or feminine characteristics
in worship.
The March 20th
conference minutes were read and accepted with proper corrections.
Reports New/Old Business
Review of Conference Calendar
April 6th 12noon -
April 6th
Rev. Eversley reported on the continued struggle to maintain the name
Lawrence Joel Coliseum
Sick Report
No report from committee
Community
Presentations
Shernell Thompson of
Consumers Credit Counseling Services announced services were available to the
community and urged faith community of encourage their parishioners to utilize
these services. She also asked faith communities to allow the an allotted time
for the staff to set-up infonnation tables at their churches on special days to
make the faith communities aware of the availability of services.
Sylvia Pinyan appealed
to the conference on Voter Registration. Ages 18-35 showed low numbers of
registered voters and actual voting practices.
Marilyn Baird of
Southern Faith & Community Alliance high-lighted the continued struggle for
justice for the "least of these" in labor. .She also announced and
encouraged faith communities to participate in a Protest March on
The preaching order of
the day was Rev. Calvin Runnels, pastor of First Calvary Baptist Church,W-S.
Rev Sanders led hymn 191, "Glory to His Name".
Rev. Runnels text was
taken from Matt. 27:17-18, theme: Jesus or Barabbas? Whom do You Chose? This
arousing message stirred our hearts and quicken our spirits. Rev. Runnels
pointed out the unique differences between Barabbas 3..'1d Jesus. However, Bad
reps have a great following or liking referring to Barabbas. Runnels reminded
us that Jesus gave his life for us bur everyday we are fearful to take the risk
to step-out on Jesus. He continued by asking the question 'Who is Jesus?"
If we use the name of Jesus which we do then we must use His method and His
method is Love. It is a tough methodology. Runnels reminded us that a lot of
people use the name of Jesus however, they do not know Jesus. In comparing
Barabbas to Jesus Runnels stated, "Unlike Barabbas, Jesus did not need to
use violence to exhibit his power. He climaxed with these questions:
Whom do you Chose:
Love or hate?
Riches or eternal life
Do you chose serving
or serving because of the financial package?
Do you chose being saved
or living a life like Barabbas?
The body rose to give
Rev. Runnels a rousing vote of thanks forhis message.
Announcements: '
Rev. Mendez appealed for the support
of one hour at the protest march at Harris Teeters on
Attendance & Offering
Attendance - 30
Offering - $91.00
Membership - $40.00
Rev. Jim Ouman,
Chaplain of
Rev.
Angela Prams
Donation to Golf
Tournament:
Adjournment (Prayer
& Benediction)
Having no further
business the conference was adjourned with prayer & benediction.