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Appreciation Services for “Our Hero”

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Louisville, KY – On September 15, 2017, the Kentucky Conference Lay Council recognized and gave an appreciation of “Thanks” to a legend, Mrs. Lula K. Howard.

The service was opened with the introductions of Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. and Mrs. Camille C. Starnes, Missionary Supervisor, along with the Presiding Elders of the Kentucky Conference and the pastor of her home church, Rev. Marcia J. Cole-Morton, Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church. Special guests were Mrs. Mary Matthews, Connectional Lay Council General President, and Ms. Rhandi Stith, Editor of The Connection (much to her surprise). Presiding Elder Rev. Anthony K. R. Gibson, President of the Presiding Elder’s Council was also in attendance.

The program theme was established from Mrs. Howard’s love of a song titled, “Pass It On” by Kurt Kaiser, which she introduced to the conference. The words of the song speak for her when it says:

“I’ll shout it from the mountain top

I want the world to know

The Lord of love has come to me

I want to pass it on.”

Mrs. Howard, accompanied by her husband Mr. William Howard and her family, was showered with gifts of appreciation and heartfelt thanks from the Louisville Metro Council; the Western Kentucky District of the Kentucky Conference, by Mrs. Oneida McCoy and Rev. Batavi Combs, Presiding Elder; the Louisville District of the Kentucky Conference by Mr. Timothy Taylor and Presiding Elder Rev. O. Lacy Evans and Rev. Brenda Evans; the Bardstown District of the Kentucky Conference by Ms. Michael Meaux and Presiding Elder Rev. Erich V. Shumake; and Ms. Lynn Johnson, Kentucky Conference Lay Council President. Mrs. Howard is well-deserving of all the gratitude and thanks of appreciation for her service, commitment and dedication to the Laity of the Kentucky Conference. She has touched so many lives bringing others to Christ and teaching them that lay people are indeed ministers, too.

Mrs. Lula K. Howard’s journey of life has been very impressive throughout the AME Zion Connection. A life-long member of Stoner Memorial AME Zion Church, she has served as a Sunday School teacher, Trustee Board chairperson, and sung with various choirs. Currently, she is a Deaconess, the Coordinator for Children’s Church, the local Lay Council President, and a member of the Missionary Society. She holds the office of President in the ecumenical group Church Women United of Louisville and was honored with the Valiant Woman award.

Mrs. Howard became active on the Connectional level through the Connectional Lay Council serving as Education Chair, First Vice-President and the seventh General President of the Connectional Lay Council. In July, 2017, she was honored to become “President Emeritus” and serves on the Restructuring Commission. Besides her service on many committees and commissions, she is currently the First Vice President of the International Ministers and Lay Association.

The service concluded with a presentation of thanks from Sis. Camille Starnes and Bishop Darryl B. Starnes, Sr. In Mrs. Howard’s closing remarks, she stated that her joy comes from serving the Lord and that she has tried to reach everyone – from the little children to the mature adult. The celebration was held at Hughlett Temple AME Zion Church, Rev. Valerie J. Washington, Pastor. A reception followed.

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