Lay Day 2024 is Celebrated on the Wilmington District

Sunday, September 29, 2024, the Wilmington District Lay Council held its Annual Lay Day Celebration at Bowens Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, pastored by Reverend Valarie Robinson with Stacey Robinson, Host President.

The Devotion was a reflection of the present Lay Council theme, “Securing Our Future”. Chaplain Alice Fennell gave the Old Testament Scripture Jeremiah 29:11-12 and prayer; the New Testament Scripture, Romans 15:13, was given by Dorothy Barnett of Bowens Chapel.

The meditation, ‘Get You House in Order: It’s Later Than You Think,’ was brought by Reverend Corine RollsBrown, pastor of Zion Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Wilmington, NC, using the scriptural basis Matthew 24:32-36. Music was provided by the Zion Chapel Gospel Choir.

A pictorial tribute was humbly submitted to the 34 members of the Wilmington District who were called from labor to reward during the 2023-2024 Cape Fear Conference year.

President William Evans retired after 24 years of servant leadership to the Wilmington District Lay Council. Being a pioneer in his own right, Mr. Evans was presented with a 2024 Harriet Tubman coin in appreciation of his service and the designation of President Emeritus by the WDLC under the guidance of Presiding Elder Dr. Alexander Jones, Sr. and the officers of the WDLC. During his presidency, the WDLC presented a visual necrology, instituted the Keeper of the Flame Award, and established a blog, WilmingtonDistrictLayCouncil.blogspot.com, to serve as a vehicle for announcing the activities of churches and organizations of the district. During the pandemic, the Lay Council continued to present its meetings via Zoom. One program presented via Zoom during the pandemic was Christmas around the Wilmington District, which showcased the interiors and exteriors of the homes of members that were decorated for Christmas. Most recently, donations of snacks and water were made to the three Cape Fear Hospice Centers located in our district by individual churches.

 

Mr. Evans has served not only at the district and local level but on the regional and connectional levels as well. His leadership has been earmarked by his willingness to travel to the church to gain information and guidance for those he served directly. Letters of commendation came from the Cape Fear Conference President, Monte Forte, and ENCED Regional Director Hank Dobson. President Forte noted under Mr. Evans's leadership, the Wilmington District led the Cape Fear Conference in memberships, Life Members lay activities and programs. Regional Director Hank Dobson cited Mr. Evans as a disciplined planner who shares his opinion honestly and forthrightly, always in light of doing what’s best for the Lay Council. Mr. Dobson also noted that to successfully lead the WDLC for twenty-four years with great vim and vitality had to be God’s purpose for Mr. Evans.

Beginning the 2024-2025 Cape Fear Conference year, the WDLC will be led by the newly elected president, Darryl Dyson. Mr. Dyson serves as president of the Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church Lay Council of Leland, NC, and has served in this position for the past four years. Mr. Dyson brings accounting skills, interpersonal skills, and planning skills to the position that has been honed through his experience as a US Marine and his experience as a track and assistant football coach for North Brunswick High School.
Re-elected to the other positions of leadership of the WDLC are Reginald Ballard, 1st Vice President; Linda Simpson, 2nd Vice President, LaVerna Hargrove, Secretary; Janice Robbins, Treasurer; and Alice Fennell, Chaplain.

The WDLC also celebrated seven new Life Members: Reverend Dr. Jermaine Armour, Pastor of St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church; Rev. Bettejean Payton of St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, Wilmington, NC; George Clemmons, Jacqualine Ballard, and Ella Beatty of Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, Leland, NC; Belinda Pickett, and Noretta Littlejohn of Evergreen A.M.E. Zion Church, Delco, NC; brings the total number of Life Members to fifty-two.

Reverend Dr. Alexander Jones encouraged the new Life Members to use the gifts God has given them to fulfill their purpose through the Lay Council at the connectional, regional, district, and local level. There is always room for others in the vineyard of the Lord with rewards that are many, many-dimensional, and some are everlasting.

The WDLC provided Absentee Ballot Request Forms, Voter Registration Forms, Voting Sites, and Schedules for the three counties that comprise the Wilmington District via hard copies, the WDLC blog spot, and email in an effort to accomplish the objectives of Project 100 of The A.M.E. Zion Church.

The Lay Council of Bowen Chapel welcomed the WDLC with a delicious repast following the Lay Day Service.