The Mosaic of the 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference

The 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference was held October 12-14, 2023, hosted by St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church, Wilmington, NC, pastored by Reverend Dr. Jermaine Armour. Reverend Dr. Alexander Jones was the host Presiding Elder. The 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference compares to a mosaic work of art. A mosaic is composed of finely crafted components with specific functions, space, and hues used to create a beautiful picture or convey a message. In this case, the components are committees and ministries. The purpose of an annual conference is to inspire, motivate, instruct, and report the state or condition of the churches and ministries that comprise the conference. The 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference was held in the 1200-seat venue of Macedonia Baptist Church, 4925 New Centre Drive, Wilmington, NC.

The Cape Fear Conference is comprised of the Wilmington District, led by Reverend Dr. Alexander Jones, Presiding Elder; the Lumberton District, led by Reverend Dr. Terry L. Jones, Presiding Elder; the Wilson District, led by Reverend Dr. Michael Bell, Presiding Elder; and the Goldsboro District, led by Reverend Dr. Andrew D. Brown, Presiding Elder.

It is the tradition of the Cape Fear Conference that the annual conference is hosted by a church on one of the four districts in rotation. The planning of this year’s annual conference began when Reverend Jermaine Armour, pastor of St. Luke, volunteered to be this year’s host. Volunteers were asked a year in advance to redesign their calendars to take three days of vacation or leave time from their jobs to meet the needs of the church. Plans to form the finely crafted and defined ministries for the Annual Conference began when the leaders of the different ministries expanded and tailored their work to this event. Having pastored St. Luke for ten years, this was Reverend Armour’s third time hosting a Cape Fear Annual Conference, but he quickly admitted that there is no ‘cookie cutter phone-it-in’ plan. Plans for the Cape Fear Annual Conference must be tailored to the environment in which it takes place. This year, that environment included not only the theme and program given by Senior Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, but it also included a venue that could accommodate the more than 300 registered attendees in a venue that seats over 1200, rising numbers of the new Covid 19 variant, an inflated economy, and a need for a secure environment. The fifty volunteers who stepped up to the challenges of hosting the 112th  Cape Fear Annual Conference  were galvanized under the mantra “It’s my pleasure (to serve).” This mantra was based on the scriptural foundation of Genesis 11, where the people could accomplish anything as long as they spoke the same language. Rev. Armour said, “When they speak the same language, we can communicate the importance of convening a meeting that demonstrates radical hospitality and glorify God in excellence.” The leaders of each of the committees formed the Annual Conference Operations Team chaired by Sister Pamela Evans. The committees were Security and Safety (Mr. Keith Williams), and Greeters Ministry (Janice Williams), Media (Nathaniel Young, Randall Emerson, and the Macedonia Baptist Church Media Team), Food (Lenora Young), Medical Team ( Juanita Hansley), Maintenance ( Men’s Ministry of St. Luke and the Macedonia Baptist Church Team), Information and Vendors (Pamela Evans), Music Ministry (Reverend Celeste Navarro), and Usher Ministry (Trudy Evans). All St. Luke volunteers were dressed in black and white.

The Security and Safety for the conference became the responsibility of the Men’s Ministry of St. Luke. These duties are certainly in the wheelhouse of Keith Williams, its president, as he is a retired detective and motorcycle police officer of the Indianapolis, Indiana Police Department with 25 years of experience. The 11 volunteers working in 4-hour shifts not only directed traffic into and out of the venue, but they provided shuttle service to and from the Wingate Hotel and to the parking lot, secured the parking area and the building, and with the aid of the Macedonia Baptist Church Team sanitized the building following each of the three sessions. Helping to shoulder the tasks of safety for the conference was Tyrell Hansley, Vice President of St. Luke’s Men’s Ministry.

The Greeters Ministry, comprised of 15 volunteers led by Janet Williams, was on duty inside and outside of the venue to welcome the attendees to the 112th Annual Cape Fear Conference. They set the tone for this conference with their ‘downhome’ welcome to not only the church but to the city as well. The key to their success was flexibility. They were everywhere! They served in 4-hour shifts as runners, assistants to any other committee as well as greeters.

The Media Teams of Nathaniel Young, Randall Emerson, and the Macedonia Baptist Church, through the use of Zoom and social media platforms, made it possible for all of Zion to be present at this 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference. According to the team, the virtual reach was great! Virtual attendees sent chats, messages, or shared responses to the video team. There were many ‘Hallelujahs’ and ‘Amen’ responses to the sermons and teachings presented.

The Medic Ministry, led by Juanita Hansley, composed of 4 licensed nurses, was able to care for any urgent and emergency situation, from a splinter to CPR. The duties of these 4 nurses included having a presence in the congregation. The nurses were on duty 1 hour before the services began and concluded their shift a half hour after the services ended. They were easily identifiable by their blue T-shirts.

The Food Team was led by Lenore Young. The food was catered by Middle of the Isle Catering of Wilmington, NC, and served by a volunteer Food Team from St. Luke for breakfasts for the bishop, his guests, and cabinet and one luncheon for the entire conference.

The Information Table  provided the answers to the ‘How do I get to . . . ?’ ’ Where is the nearest . . ?’   ‘Do you have . . . ?’  ‘And When will the Food Truck be here?’ Questions are usually asked by out-of-town visitors. The vendors included the Varick Bookstore, Novant Health, The NC Department of Insurance, The American Red Cross, Weebo’s and Cheesesteak, Etc. Food Trucks. The Bookstore made available resources for all departments of the church as well as the tools for pastoral care. Novant Health provided information on prostate cancer screening. Novant Health also provided an on-site ambulance. The NC Department of Insurance provided information on the changes to Medicare and how these changes may affect us. The American Red Cross was visible to ask for blood donations from African American donors as there is a great need in this area. They provided information on where blood could be donated and answered questions that may have prevented one from becoming a donor.

The 360 photo Booth was there to capture selfies or groups of friends who wanted to memorialize their presence at the 112th Annual Cape Fear Conference.                                                                                 

Weebo’s and Cheesesteak, Etc. Food Trucks added to the variety of food available to the attendees without having to leave the conference area. Their menus included everything from a lite sandwich to ox tails with rice and gravy.

The music for this event was the responsibility of the Wilmington District Choir, with assistance from Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church Choir, Riegelwood, NC (Lumberton District), and St. James A.M.E. Zion Church Choir, Goldsboro, NC (Goldsboro, District). The Wilmington District Choir was directed by Reverend Celeste Navarro. The Wilmington District Choir (a.k.a. the presiding elder’s choir) was organized in January 2023 by appointment of Rev. Navarro by Presiding Elder Dr. Alexander Jones. Reverend Navarro brings her more than 15 years of experience as the director of the Warner Temple Choir. The 27-member choir, composed of both lay and clergy, has had four appearances to date. Reverend Navarro draws from the catalog of songs that the choir members already know to create a comfort level from which she works in introducing new music to the group. She builds on the established leadership roles that the members have in their local church choirs. “The work of directing the choir is made easy by trusting the direction of the Holy Spirit; the excitement and joy in being a part of this new ministry; and the choir’s trust in my ability to lead.” The musicians are Reverend Juan Hankins, keyboardist; Rick Middleton, guitarist; Ronnie Williams and Brent Faison, percussionists.  

This newly ordained energetic minister says that the choir is not an addition to her schedule; it is an extension of what she does. She is also the Director of Music at Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Wilmington, NC. She says the only requirement for membership in this choir is to be “a member of the Wilmington District and to be able to make a joyful noise.” The introduction of the Wilmington District Youth Choir brought waves of praise as these 27 youths ranging in age from 6 to 20 sang: We’ve Come To Lift Him Up in three-part harmony. Reverend Navarro is anointed to work with adults and with youth.

The Usher’s Ministry was led by the Cape Fear Conference Director of Ushers and Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District Director of Ushers, Trudy Evans. Trudy Evans is a veteran director of ushers as this is her 4th Cape Fear Annual Conference directorship and more than 30 years serving the local, district, and episcopal area in the Usher Ministry. The Usher Ministry was comprised of 14 ushers from across the Cape Fear Conference, both veterans and first-time annual conference ushers. The ‘doorkeeper’ duties of the ushers were expanded to giving directions to locations not only in the venue but in the city, extended time standing, guiding attendees to specified seating areas, and maintaining decorum in meetings. The ushers served on a rotating schedule, with some ushers serving as reserves.

The planning for this most successful Cape Fear Annual Conference started with a small group of leaders who brainstormed ideas; then, the teams were expanded to share the vision and assign tasks. The planning process was at times intense because not only was it necessary to have Plan A, but Plan B in case Plan A faltered and, in some instances, a Plan C to cover eventualities and details not covered in Plan A or B. Presiding Elder Jones served as a consultant to the Annual Conference Operations Team. The presidents of the ministries, teams, and as many volunteers as were available were given a walk-through of the venue one month prior to the Annual Conference. Their stations were set up the Wednesday before the Annual Conference began.

The presidents of each of the committees and ministries reported to the Chair of the Annual Conference Operations (ACO) their questions, comments, ideas, and needs to execute their portion of the plan;  the chair communicated to the pastor issues as they arose. The ACO Chair and the pastor arrived at a solution with input from the committee or ministry president. The committee or ministry president communicated the solution or any changes to the members of the committee or ministry. The ACO Chair communicated any changes to the other committee and ministry presidents, and they, in turn, to their members. This allowed volunteers to serve in areas other than their primary area when necessary. Funding was handled by the Finance Chairperson for the Annual Conference.

Rev. Dr. Armour, while earning his Master of Arts in Christian Education and the Master of Divinity Degree at the Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, Georgia, found his strength in Parish Administration, that is, using best practices to help congregations adapt to the systematic change model. This focuses the congregation on the why of what we do rather than on what we do. Dr. Armour credits this training as what served him well in planning and the successful execution of the 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference.

Into this organized and welcoming setting, Reverend Dr. Kenneth Monroe, Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church, Presiding Prelate of the Eastern North Carolina Episcopal District, and the South Atlantic Episcopal District, convened the 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference. On Thursday night, October 12, the Communion

Service was given. The Communion message by Reverend Maria Lacewell of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Zion Church, Elizabethtown, NC (Lumberton District) was from the scriptural foundation Matthew 26: 36-45; the message was entitled It’s All in the Cup. Senior Bishop Kenneth Monroe, Presiding Prelate, and Bishop Eric Leake were the celebrant and Co-celebrant, respectively, for the Holy Communion. Following the Holy Communion Service, Reverend Dr. Kenneth Monroe declared the 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference in session. Reverend Dr. Eric Leake, Bishop of the Southwest Delta Episcopal District, served as the Associating Bishop.

Bishop Kenneth Monroe gave The Episcopal Address on Friday, October 13, centered on the last element of the quadrennial theme, Securing Our Future. Bishop Monroe gave cautions and precautions as to how we can Secure our Future individually and as a thriving church. He concluded with recommendations for transformative leadership of the church, which were received by the conference: Develop systematic plans to attract new members, conduct spiritual gift services, pilot congregational faith demonstrations to bring glory to God, be intentional about financial management, and begin an endowment fund for the church.

Bishop Monroe introduced the concept of the ‘Visionary Moment’ to the Cape Fear Annual Conference 8 years ago. This is a presentation on a topic that is instructive in addressing a current situation based on Biblical teaching. The presenter of the Visionary Moment was Reverend Dr. Jerret Fite, pastor of Robinson A.M.E. Zion Church, Cheraw, SC. And Chair of the Division of Religious Studies, Clinton College, Rock Hill,

1. The two-part presentation on Securing Our Future: A Movement of the Holy Spirit based on the first five chapters of the book of Acts, In Search of the Holy Spirit (part 1) and Knowing What It Looks Like (part2)

2. Friday Evening, Reverend Dr. Eric Leake, Presiding Prelate of the Southwest Delta Episcopal District, 107th bishop of the A.M.E. Zion Church in the line of Succession, continuing the theme “Securing Our Future” gave the Annual Sermon, ‘Pay Attention, Lest We Drift.’ The scriptural focus was Hebrews 2:1. Bishop Leake presented to the conference situations that can cause one to neglect the instructions we have heard in some way, shape, or form either by omission or by commission; therefore, we must practice what we have heard and with sharpened focus, much zeal, and determination keep our attention on the instructions we have heard about the truth of God’s Word until our work is done.

During the session when reports were given, the Dean of Missionary Supervisors, Mrs. Shelia Monroe, introduced the theme of the WH&OMS new quadrennial, “Reaching the Masses in an Ever-Changing World: The Journey Continues”: Health Care and Wellness, Equality and Justice, Leadership and Legacy, and Empathy and Compassion. She thanked the Cape Fear Conference for its untiring support spiritually, financially, and physically to the work of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society. The missionary presidents of the conference presented gifts to Missionary Supervisor Shelia Monroe for her stalwart leadership of the WH and OMS. As the work of the WH and OMS is continuing to reach higher heights, the conference presented a donation to the family of Dahlia, a 10-month-old baby girl who just received a new heart on September 27, 2023, and is recovering with great vim, vigor, and vitality. The Walk for Dahlia was a project begun by Warner Temple of the Wilmington District to help raise awareness of the need for prayers and funds, as Dahlia needed a heart transplant. The response from all over the conference testifies that prayer can change things and to the glory of the God we serve.

The Cape Fear Conference welcomed three new preachers in full connection and admitted one on trial to the conference.

After electing 12 pastoral and 12 lay delegates to the General Conference to be held in July of 2024, making pastoral appointments to the 85 churches of the conference, and appointments to the four presiding elder positions, the mosaic of the 112th Cape Fear Annual Conference was declared adjourned until October 10-12, 2024, when it will be reconvened at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church, Goldsboro, NC. A beautiful mosaic was created, and all involved in its creation were blessed.