Re: May 2, 2006 Ministers Conference of Winston-Salem & Vicinity
Rev. Willa Reid opened devotion with hymn #211, ‘Leaning on the
Everlasting Arm’ and read scripture from Psalm chapter 147. Devotion was closed
with 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 the
words of the new Episcopal Bishop Steven Curry whose spoke on the subject ‘What
is it to Believe?’
The Christian Credo, ‘to
give ones heart to God,’ was the challenge—Bishop Curry stated if you believe
then you give yourself--your heart to God and to those in need. Kelly says dogma sometimes causes faith to
over emphasize the Word of the creator, such as Islamic fanatics. This kind literalism sometimes causes us to
fail to acknowledge the God in the world and therefore, the God in us.
Kelly concludes God’s commitment is exemplified
through Christ’s love of people, of the disenfranchised, sick and ill. This is the same God of forgiveness of past
sins. This is the Beloved God who gives
and loves us all!
The minutes of the April 28th conference were read and
accepted with proper correction(s).
Rev. Prince
Rivers, Pastor United Metropolitan Baptist Church is the Order of the Day. Next week is Women’s Preaching Day with Rev.
Willa Reed, of Hannah Ministries.
Eversley
reported the Consent of the Governed, a group whose focus is the study of the
continued presence of drugs in the black community, is ongoing for those
interested. Also, Ms. Mary Gore’s
wrongful termination complaint with Southwest Airlines has been mediation, the
outcome pending.
Chris Bauman
reported the CHANGE Delegates Assembly was a success with more than 1200
attendees. The event was scored a B+ by
CHANGE leadership. The event is an
example of the power that resides in our community to affect positive change.
Rev. Sanders
reported the status of the May 19, 2006 MLK Golf Fundraiser being held at
Reynolds Park Golf Club on May 19, 2006.
The stated total funds received to-date is: $6,200.
Rev. Edwards
and Rev. Bass reported the Southern Province of the Moravian Church ratified an
official apology statement for their participation in the slave trade. The Moravian Synod body unanimously passed
the statement in March and a follow-up article appeared in an April addition of
the Journal newspaper.
Dr. Eversley
reminded the conference of its position on school bonds and stated last year
the Ministers Conference did not support the school bonds because of the
resegregation of our schools and the inequities of education as it relates to
children of color.
Also,
an organizing meeting of church surrounding Carver High School is scheduled
Thursday, May 4, 2006 at Grace Presbyterian Church. The focus is to find out how churches can
assist the successful academic turn-a-round of Carver High School.
Sick Report
Community
Presentation(s)
Sam Gomez,
Owner SSG Enterprises introduced his insurance business to the body and invited
members to consider his health insurance programs. Gomez also reminded the conference of the
upcoming deadline for seniors to enroll in the federal prescription program.
Francis
Taylor, Marketing Coordinator Partners for Homeownership formally the Housing
Partnership of WS/FC, Inc. announced National Homeownership Month event with
ticket at $30.00 each. The conference is
invited to support this community program by referring individual to this
education and homeownership initiative.
Burgi
Hutchison, Representative Universal Peace Federation announced the ‘Blessing
the Family and Nation’ event to be held Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the Benton
Center. Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon is the
keynote speaker for the event.
Rev. Marian
Skinner, Associate Pastor EBC announced the Peace Sunday Event May 7, 2006 at
EBC. This worship event calls on all
God’s People: Beyond Race, Color, Creed, and Religion Together to Pray. The conference was invited to support this
service.
Ms. Meredith
Kay Hatton shared a complaint to regain custody of her three (3) children from
DSS. A DSS representative and advocate
for Ms. Hatton reported what she felt to be a system-wide effort to separate
the family. The matter is referred to
the Social Action Committee for further review.
The Darryl
Hunt Freedom Project held a film premier of the documentary of Mr. Hunt’s
journey to freedom on Thursday, April 27, 2006.
The event was well attended and supported as a fundraiser.
Ravonda
Dalton-Rand, Vice Provost WSSU invited the conference to support sending the
WSSU Choir to Prague in the Republic of Czechoslovakia. The choir was selected to perform new musical
scores with conductor Julius P. Williams and the renowned Tvorak Symphony
Orchestra. The trip will cost $1,775 per
student. The conference voted and
endorsed this event important event.
Announcement(s):
The NAACP
Annual Freedom Fund Banquet is Thursday, May 4, 2006 at the Benton Convention
Center.
Griffey concluded by stating they all
continue to need our help!
Attendance – 20 persons
Offering - $00.00
Membership
– 0.00 (Rev.????, Associate Pastor First Baptist Church Lexington was
introduced by Dr. Eversley and accepted as a new member of the conference).
Adjournment (Prayer and Benediction)
Having no further business the conference adjourned with prayer and
benediction.