Presiding Elder Dr. Wardell Henderson called the North Charlotte District clergy and laity to meet at the Union Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church in Cornelius, NC early afternoon on April 19-20, 2024. The spring weather was surpassed only by the beautiful setting and gracious hospitality of the Union Bethel A.M.E. Zion Church pastor, Dr. Anthony Davis, his beautiful first lady Mrs. Ron’Jent Davis, and the welcoming spirit of the members of the church.
The culinary ministry kicked the gathering off by serving a refreshing lunch with joyful smiles. Afterward, Elder Henderson held a Lunch and Learn session with the pastors. Dr. Sheldon R. Shipman and Dr. Dwayne A. Walker each gave a presentation on the conference theme, “Believers Walking in Maturity” Ephesians 4:13-15. Growth in Christian maturity requires growth which is evident knowledge of God and experience with God which leads to holiness and sanctification through prayer, Bible study, meditation, and fellowship. Maturing in Christianity leads us to become witnesses and to make disciples. Growing by grace through excellence in ministry where God is Glorified, Jesus is Magnified, People are Edified, Faith is Fortified and Ministry is Multiplied.
Presiding Elder Henderson made remarks and asked if there were any questions for him. After a delicious dinner, the evening worship service took place with the Rev. Cathy Henderson, Pastor of Dayspring AME Zion Mission bringing the Word. She delivered an energetic sermon on Christian maturity, “The Walk of Maturity is The Walk of Victory.” To mature in Christianity requires us to receive the revelation, repent and renew our minds, and to run after God. He will then raise us up to rule and reign.
Ms. Castella Conner, Life Member’s Chairman gave the report for the District Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society and Ms. Carolyn Hubbard, President of the District Lay Council gave her report after which Rev. Cathy Henderson gave the benediction.
After breakfast, Saturday morning began with the “Morning Glory” time of prayer and praise led by the evangelism committee. Six sermonettes were delivered by during the “Local Preacher’s Hour.” The local preachers were Sis. Jonnecia Alford, and Sis Nakisha DeShields (Columbus Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church), Bro. Donald Lewis (Caldwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church), Bro. Charles Verner (Rockwell A.M.E. Zion Church), Sis. Vanessa McQuire (Jonahville A.M.E. Zion Church and Sis. Cassandra Moore (Greenville A.M.E. Zion Church). Rev. Dr. William McKenith, Dean of the District Conference Studies recommended they all be referred to the Annual Conference admissions committee for admission to the Western North Carolina Conference studies.
Then, the conference attendees were divided into four groups for a “Believers Walking in Maturity-Jeopardy Edition”. The categories were the A.M.E. Zion Church, the North Charlotte District, the North Charlotte District Churches, Maturity Scriptures, and Believers Walking in Maturity. This brought about much excitement and the competitive spirit was high! This proved to be a fun learning experience!
The conference was organized with the election of the Secretary, Mr. Gilbert McRae, and the Assistant Secretary Ms. Doris Chisholm. After the roll call, and the appointment of the timekeeper, the reports of the Ushers, Women’s Ministry, Men of Zion, Christian Education, Evangelism and Home Missions departments were received with thanks.
Pastors and lay delegates reports were received for each of the nineteen churches comprising the North Charlotte District, and the character was passed. Many expressions of thanks and love were presented to Presiding Elder Henderson and Mrs. Myrtle Henderson on behalf of the members of the district, the WH&OMS, and the Lay Council.
Presiding Elder Henderson and Mrs. Myrtle Henderson thanked everyone for their kind expressions of love, being “on the team” and for support of ministry this past year. A closing hymn was sung followed by the benediction pronounced by Presiding Elder Henderson.
To God be the Glory!!!
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