115th West Central NC Annual Conference

The 115th Session of the West Central NC Conference was held at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC, May 28 -31, 2025.  The Opening Night Service could be seen as traditional in our Connectional Zion Way.  But our leaders are Extraordinary, so are all of our services.  Senior Bishop and Presiding Prelate Darryl B. Starnes, Sr., and Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Camille Cullom Starnes are prayer's and planners.  Not just the first service of the conference, but before each day and service prayers are offered, with Prayer Coordinators from each of the four districts, comprised of the West Central NC Conference, covering it all.  With each preacher or presenter that ministered this week, it's evident that our Episcopal Leaders are planners because we truly were ministered to.  We were also graced to have Retired Bishop Michael A. Frencher and Retired Supervisor Gelenia Frencher join us for the week, as they reside in the area. 

Wednesday night was the Annual Sermon, delivered by the Rev. Dr. Timothy Freeman, pastor of the Trinity A.M.E Zion Church in Greensboro, NC.  Using Isaiah 12:2-6, we were encouraged to know that "There Is Still Water In the Well". His message carried us through the week.  Thursday being our first full day, the business of the conference took place, and we then heard The Episcopal Address from Bishop Starnes, "Committing to Our Mission - Serving This Present Age ".  The Lay Council sponsored the S. O. Jones Scholarship Luncheon with our very own, Mr. Bruce Stanback from the Rockingham District delivering the Lay Message.   He does not disappoint and shared several points on "Securing Our Future", we are called to stand in the gap, teach and train the next generation, protect the mission of the church, and remain anchored in Christ.   The Lay Hour followed and included a Stoling Ceremony.  The Rev. Wanda Merriweather from the Western NC Conference joined us and presented the Sexual Misconduct Prevention Workshop.  She emphasized the need for all persons who work with children to have a background check.

The Christian Education Service was held on Thursday Night, and we heard from the Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyd, Jr.  He is the Conference Director, and we heard the activities of all the districts for the year.  One highlight being the Youth Retreat held earlier this year at the Marvin Church on the Wadesboro-Monroe District.  It was for leadership development, public speaking, knowing your duties, and mental health wellness.  Youth Officers were also elected for the 2025-27 period for the conference during the retreat.   A Stoling Ceremony was also held for new Christian Educators, and we were pleased to have the General Secretary-Treasurer, Rev. Patrick Barrett, assist, and the Piedmont Episcopal Director, Rev. Dr. Raymon Hunt also.  It was then time for the word and we received it.  Thankful for Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Laticia Hill Godette of the Wadesboro-Monroe District for her message to us, "I Trust In God" using Genesis 50:15-26.  Speaking to us about Forgiveness, Faith, and Fulfillment.

Friday morning, following prayer, the Missionary Convocation was held, with a concentration on "Equity & Justice".  Missionary Supervisor, Sis. Camille Starnes blessed us with a word and testimony as the Lord allowed her to share.  We also heard from the district officers through a very special "SKIT", as they presented their labors for the year.  Following the convocation was the Memorial Moment.  The report of the Necrology Committee was given with songs rendered by Ms. Cynthia Brown and Rev. Deanna Daniel.

The Annual Home Missions Luncheon was held next, and we were presented with all the queens from all of our churches across the conference.  They gladly strutted their stuff and presented themselves in a queenly manner.  But the Winners from the three-tier groups are.........Tier #1  -  Trinity (Greensboro District) Lillie Redfern

              Tier #2  -  Hood Chapel (Greensboro District ) Wendy A. Clegg

              Tier #3  -  Cedar Grove (Stanly County) (Concord District) Tyana Bryant

 Congratulations to all, and we are Grateful for their hard work.

At the Friday Night Missionary Service, we were blessed again as our messenger was Bishop Eric Leake, Presiding Prelate of the South Atlantic Episcopal District.  Bishop Leake is a son of the West Central Conference and wanted to be there to see his mother receive her Life Patron Stole.  But again, we were blessed that he came our way.  His message from

Acts 8:26-39, "A Mission That Matters", challenged all in attendance. For we have got to be more intentional in leading the lost to Christ.  

Saturday morning, the Christian Education Department coordinated the workshops for all age groups.  With Bishop Starnes teaching the Clergy, Cynthia Brown the Adults, Marquise Scott the Young Adults, Dion Harris the Youth, and Robin Simmons-Blount the Children.  The Lay classes concentrated on "Sharing Jesus, Without Freaking Out".  We then moved from workshops to the Youth Service.  With Miss Danyelle Marsh from the Wadesboro-Monroe District presiding, she led us through a wonderful worship experience.  The new officers that were elected at the youth retreat held earlier this year were installed.  We then heard from the preacher.  The Rev. Krystal Isaac from the Greensboro District spoke to all, young and old alike, "God Wants His Church Back"(This Is A Warning), Romans 13:11-14.  It is time for all of us to Walk Properly and put on the Lord Jesus Christ,

Following the lunch hour was our final service.  Bishop Starnes instructed us through his message, " Becoming Dynamic Witnesses For Christ", using Acts 1:4-8.  His message and all that we heard in our coming together compels us to evangelize all that become in contact with, to save a dying world.  Following the message, we had the Grand Ushers March.

It truly was a remarkable conference.  There was much business that took place that's not listed above. There were three persons admitted into the conference.  Eight persons were ordained Elders and The Rev. Betty Rushing and Rev. J. C. White retired from the conference.  We are grateful for all the visitors who visited us this week. You may have come just to visit or to support one of our preachers, but your presence was appreciated.  One special visitor was the Rev. Franklin Toddle, from the Central NC Conference.  He just wanted to shake Bishop Starnes' hand.   The Courtesy Committee gave their report and expressed the Great, Spirited Filled Conference that we had, and then the appointments were read.  We cannot say enough how grateful were are for the Godly Leadership that we have in Bishop Darryl and Camille Starnes.  And this is the result of beginning each day in prayer.  All Glory to God!!!