Re: February 6, 2007 Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity

 

Devotional

Rev. Nance, opened devotion with hymn #329, ‘I Am Thine O Lord’ and the reading of Hebrews 11:1.  Devotion was closed with prayer led by Rev. McCullough.

 

Call to Order & Inspirational Talk

Rev. Dr. Linda Beal opened the conference with the call to order and welcoming the body to this week’s conference and business session. 

Dr. Serenus Churn provided the morning inspiration sharing John 11 reflecting on the question “See How He Loved Him?” Churn illuminates several points found in this pericope concerning Jesus and Lazarus that are encouraging for believers. All of these points collectively speak to what love is. 

Churn says loves cares, has no expiration date, overcomes every barrier, prays for me, calls us, and sets free. The love Jesus has in this text is tremendous to the point it lends itself to teach others of God’s greatness. Jesus is sure that God gets the glory by deliberately delaying his arrival. In this the people are taught, as we are today, that God operates on a different plane than us. 

Churn reminds us of the many facets of God’s love for His creation. His love cares, even at times when it doesn’t seem apparent; has no expiration date, unlike many things in this life; overcomes every barrier, moving the stones in our lives that we have not the ability to move ourselves; prays for me, confirming that there is no freedom without prayer; calls us, quickening me even in my dead state; sets free, taking us out of our grave clothes of negativity so we can truly live.

 

Reading of the Minutes

The January 30th conference were read and accepted with proper corrections.

 

Reports New/Old Business

A.     Review of Conference Calendar

February 10, 2007 state wide NAACP march in Raleigh.

 

February 19, 2007 WFU will air Darryl Hunt movie.

 

April 13, 2007 the 2nd annual golf tournament for W-S/MLK/Minister’s Conference will be held in honor of Julius Ray Butler.

 

 

B.                             Review of Conference Projects

 

Dr. Carlton Eversley, Political Action Chairman, followed up on his report that the city’s Marketing Department has begun a marketing campaign that eliminates the use of the name of the Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum.  A new branding campaign uses the WS Sports and Entertainment Center instead. There is, still, unfailing effort to solidify the name Lawrence Joel. Eversley reminded the body of its obligation to Griffith School and that we are still praying for the Darryl Hunt issue as there has been no resolution.      

 

Sick Report

 

The body was asked to pray for Rev. J.T. Walker and Rev. Murray and her husband. Walker and Murray have both been sick.

 

Community Presentation(s)

Application sheets were passed out informing the body that SciTech offers a program for rising 8th graders helping them look at continuing education in math and sciences.

 

Announcement(s):

Miles Harry compelled the body to utilize the minister’s conference website. The site has links, the history of the conference, and is marketing for the minister’s conference. We must use this tool to the best of our ability.

 

A free NAACP luncheon will be held Feb. 23 at noon at the NAACP office. The focus will be on the medical field. More information will be given later.

 

Dr. Churn announced Tavis Smiley to speak at Mt. Zion Baptist Church on Feb. 18 at the 11a.m. worship service.

 

Rev. McCullough announced a citywide revival to be held at Union Baptist May 31 - June 2. There will be a meeting tonight (Feb. 6) at Mt. Zion Baptist Church at 6:30.

 

Rev. Parrish informed the body that special attention should be given to the media on the issue of the death penalty. How, who, and terms upon which people are executed should be carefully considered.  

 

Dr. Eversley announced that Rev. Herbert Miller has extended an invitation to minister’s on behalf of Wake Forest for Feb.13 @ 11am.

 

Pastor Angel asked that we consider viewing the film “Amazing Grace” This film can be viewed on site at www.amazinggracemovie.com. The films’ message is one person can make a difference.

 

 

Order of the Day

The body sang hymn #301“Pass Me Not”. Dr. Rowdy introduced Rev. Squire who was the Preaching Order of the Day. Rev. Squire is the pastor of Greater Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Mocksville, NC. 

Rev. Squire focused on Acts 16:16. The story reminds him that things change yet remain the same. The girl in the text is saying all the right things but has the wrong spirit, just as people do today. Squire says people preach, wear, and say the right things but on the inside they have the wrong spirit. He tells of how important it is that we investigate people because sometimes we see gifts instead of fruit. Squire then asserts that we must evaluate ourselves, asking: am I walking the way or just showing others the way? 

Squire tells of how these faithful men found themselves in trouble for doing the right thing. They dealt with the girl casting that spirit out of her only to find that the people got upset with them. Squire says many of us wonder why following God faithfully causes trouble. What do you do in such a situation? The two directives Squire gives is that you can pray, because prayer brings about a since of safety and sing praises, always have a song in your heart.

          The body rose to give Rev. Squire a rousing vote of thanks for his message.

 

Attendance & Offering

Attendance – 21 persons

Offering - $63.00

Contribution: $00.00

Membership – 40.00

 

Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)

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