Newport News, VA - The 157th Session of the Virginia Annual Conference was held June 22 - 26, 2023, at the Marriott Hotel in Downtown Newport News, Virginia. Bishop W. Darin Moore serves as the Presiding Prelate. Mrs. Devieta Moore serves as the Missionary Supervisor. There are three districts under the Virginia Conference: the Newport News District (under the leadership of Host Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Vincent Jones), the Norfolk District (under the leadership of Presiding Elder Rev. Kenneth Crowder), and the Petersburg District (under the leadership of Presiding Elder Rev. T. Kenneth Venable).
The Communion Service ushered in a special anointing that filled the room. Rev. Sharon Hall, Pastor of Greater Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church, delivered the communion meditation, “Scars of a Servant (Galatians 6:17-18).”
The Lay Council Luncheon was held in the afternoon hour, and officers were installed. New members received their stoles during the special ceremony led by Mr. William English, the Virginia Conference Lay Council President.
Bishop W. Darin Moore challenged the pastors and lay with a powerful word, “A Pastor’s Prayer for the Church (Ephesians 1: 15-23),” during the Episcopal Address. He shared that the church is under attack and asked those present - physically and virtually- to prioritize prayer.
The Christian Education Service was held on Thursday evening. Rev. Samuel Warren, pastor of Hood Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, delivered the sermon - “You Were Made for This (Ephesians 2:4).” The Stoling Ceremony was held for Christian educators, led by Rev. Dr. Sandi B. Hutchinson.
On Friday morning, Rev. Sheryl Murdaugh, pastor of Madison Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, delivered the morning meditation, “Are you Running on Empty (1 Kings 17:1,7).”
The Missionary Convocation was held on Friday afternoon. Mrs. Sandra B. Crowder, the International President of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society, shared a preview of the Quadrennial Convention. Ms. Renee F. Pullen presented on Parliamentary Procedures.
The Missionary Candlelight Service was held on Friday evening. Evangelist J.E. Harrison delivered a powerful message, “Don’t Burn Out (Matthew 25 6:9).”
Saturday morning, the Christian Educators hosted the Christian Education Convocation led by Rev. Dr. Sandi B. Hutchinson, Mid-Atlantic Co-Episcopal Director and Virginia Conference Director. Each district shared reports celebrating women in various industries leading the way.
Lay Council recognized the scholarship winners from each district. Each recipient received $5,000 for the academic year.
The scholarship recipients are:
Ms. Aniyah C. Hicks, Petersburg District, member of the Zion Chester A.M.E. Zion Church
Mr. Brandon T. Ross, Newport News District, member of Greater Walters A.M.E. Zion Church
Mr. Bobby B. Sutton, Jr., Norfolk District and, member of the St. Thomas A.M.E. Zion Church
The Home Missions Banquet was held on Saturday night. The theme was "Celebrating an Evening of Thankfulness - Showcasing a Sneaker Ball.” “Zionites” of the Virginia Conference showed up in bling sneakers and casual denim. It was a Home Missions Banquet to remember.
"This was my first year serving as Virginia Conference Home Missions President,” said Mrs. Regina Rivera, President of the Virginia Conference Home Missions. “We had an awesome time during our Sneaker Ball. It was good to see everyone having lots of fun. The food was good, the decorations (Mrs. Lynette Feely) looked great, and the atmosphere was filled with happiness in knowing that we had reached our goal."
Bishop Darin W. Moore shared a powerful message during the Sunday worship service. The multigenerational Ushers shined during the Grand March and had everyone on their feet, led by Dr. Cynthia Hurdle. The conference wrapped up with the reading of appointments. The closing hymn was “God be with us until we meet again.”
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