Re: Jan 3, 2006 Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity

 

Devotional

Dr. James Fulwood opened devotion with hymn ‘I Will Trust in the Lord,’ the body recited the 23 Psalm and devotion was closed with prayer.

 

Call to Order & Inspirational Talk

Rev. Dr. Linda Beal opened the conference, welcomed the body to this week’s conference and business session.  Dr. Sid Kelly provided the morning inspiration by speaking about “Christmas Music.”

Dr. Kelly stated he misses those ‘good old’ Christmas song that spoke in the true tradition of the birth of Christ.  For him, Christmas has lost its true meaning because of too much emphasis on songs like, ‘Here Comes Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and Frosty the Snowman.’

Kelly says yes Christmas lost something when Christmas Carols, the authentic joyous music of the birth of Christ, are no longer song by Christians.  Christmas stories possess the power of the mystery of God’s coming and being in the world—through the divine presence in a baby’s birth.  Such stories signify the awesomeness of “God With Us!”  Yet, God is also communicating God’s an ordinary presence.

Kelly says, “I want to hear Carols like—Away in a Manger, We Three Kings of Orient I, O Come All Ye Faithful and Hallelujah Chorus.”  It is in these songs that we see and experience the true Christmas—the time of our Savior’s birth!

 

Reading of the Minutes

The minutes of the Dec 27th conference were read and accepted with the following correct noted:  Rev. Ira McCullough instead paid his 2006 dues not Isaac McCullough.

 

Reports New/Old Business

A.     Review of Conference Calendar

The 2006 program calendar is not available.

 

B.     Review of Conference Projects

Dr. Fulwood announced 2006 membership dues are now due and being accepted.

 

The 2006 MLK Day celebration of the Ministers Conference will focus on education and worship against capitol punishment.  The event theme is “Renouncing Death and Embracing Life.”  Rev. Dr. John Mendez is the preacher for worship at 7pm at St. Stevens Missionary Baptist Church.

 

Chris Bauman reported meeting with city officials Wednesday, Jan 4th to discuss the need for summer jobs for youth.  The conference was invited to attend this meeting in support of this important youth issue.

Dr. Eversley stated conference support continues at Griffith Middle School Academy.  And, encouraged ministers to commit to a Friday presentation for the mostly African American and Latino students in this mentorship project sponsored by the Ministers Conference.

 

Community Presentation(s)

Rev. Joan White introduced her south main street ministry to the conference.

 

Rev. James Wright reported a dispute with the city concerning building codes and property setbacks with his property.  Wright requested assistance from the conference in gaining resolution in the matter.  Wright was referred to Chris Bauman and Attorney Alan Doorsamey.

 

Jim Warren, Promotions Director ‘The Light Radio” introduced Sherrod Radio Productions and announced sponsorships as radio announcement are available for the MLK celebration time period as well as Black History Month.  Sherrod owns and operates two AM radio stations in the Triad—one in W.S. 1340AM and the other in Greensboro 940AM.  36 Spots are available for $500 and will run from 6am to 5pm over the 8-week period.

 

Announcements

Dr. A.T. Griffey announced the General State Baptist Convention will be held in W.S. on January 13, 2006 at the Benton Convention Center.  Dr. Arlie Griffith is the Keynote preacher for the event.

 

Order of the Day

Brother David Crumpton, Wake Forest Divinity School seminarian provided the order of the day.  Brother Crumpton read scripture from Matthew the 23 chapter verses 1-8 and chose as a subject, “Understanding Your Role in a Familiar Setting.”

          Crumpton says this Matthew passage reminds him of his upbringing—in the “woods” of Yadkins County.  You see in the country, if you were the first the rise up you had to go to work—work like getting the wood stove burning on those cold winter mornings.  No one wanted to be this first one out of bed because it was so cold in the early morning hours.

          But, on this particular day, Crumpton was stirred awake, got up early and went outside.  He noticed his mother sitting on the front porch with her face in her hands.  You see, the crops did not produce enough this season to pay all the bills and she was now worried about what to do.  Her only response and a response Crumpton now remembers to this day is ‘don’t worry, God has our back.’  Mother having done all she could to till the soil and nurture the crops her work was done and the rest is left to the Lord.  She accepted her duty and did the best she could and now she had faith in the Lord to provide the rest.  Just as Matthew says Jesus expects his disciples and followers to be examples of work themselves not stand around and criticize everyone else.

          Crumpton ends by singing ‘Because He Lives,’ he can face tomorrow and because He lives we too can face tomorrow!

          The body voted to give Brother Crumpton a rousing thank you for his inspiring remembered and presented with an offering of $50.

 

Attendance & Offering

Attendance – 16 persons

Offering - $50.00

Membership – $60.00 (Reverends Alan Doorasamey, Dr. Linda Beal and Rev. Crawford)

 

Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)

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