116th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference

The 116th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference (The Big MAC) was hosted at John Wesley A.M.E.Z Church in Southfield, MI. Host Pastor: Rev. Austin Young; First Lady: Aysha Young. Presiding Elder was Dwight Gutridge and Lady Mia Gutridge of the  Distinguished Detroit Western Michigan District, and Presiding Elder Dr. Derrick Simmons and First Lady Debra Simmons of the Advancing Chicago District. The Presiding Prelate of the Midwest Episcopal area, the Rt. Rev. Bishop Daran H. Mitchell and Missionary Supervisor Rev. L. Lynn Mitchell convened from June 25 to June 28, 2026. The John Wesley A.M.E.Z Choir musical selections were: "You've Been So Faithful and Are We Yet Alive?" The Opening day, Thursday, started with a Fireside Chat. Presiding Elder Gutridge talked about thinking of the goodness of God. Indeed, we had to give way to the Holy Spirit, which filled the Temple. Gutridge said the "Seminary didn't teach him that, but living life taught him that God is faithful."

Holy Communion Service: The 10th Bishop in line of Succession of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Bishop Daran H. Mitchell said, "The presence of the Lord is here." Rev. Dr. Derrick T. Simmons Sr. preached from 1 Corinthians 11:24-26, subject "Remember". He stated, "We must remember the awesome love of God. Reflect back into your memory bank: God declares you righteous by His unmerited grace and favor. Dr. Simmons reminded us to remember Jesus promises us a glorious future; we must remember in these critical times when folks are trying to erase our African Heritage, Voting Rights, and Health Care; there is a danger in not remembering." This Communion Sermon was truly impactful with the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

Bishop Daran H. Mitchell gave his Second Episcopal Address. He stated, "We must pray for understanding, have a mind to govern; God's faithfulness is steadfast. We cannot bury our heads in the sand. We have been chosen for this moment. We are anointed for this season." Bishop Mitchell stated, "Zion has a Beacon of Life in the Midwest from Bishop Leake, Bishop Jarrett, and Bishop Walker; many men and women are proof that Michigan produces leaders.

Does the Black Church still matter?" The Black Church matters; we are the institution of liberation. We are the FREEDOM Church, and FREEDOM is in our DNA. We have no business being timid; we are more than conquerors." Bishop Mitchell spoke very clearly and distinctly, not to let anything come between our spirits. Our emotions show up honest, show up present when you feel like it, and when you don't have it, show up and love your brown skin, love ZION on the inside. Build time to be creative in our methods." Bishop Mitchell gave us three points:

We must 1. Dare to step beyond our comfort zone, dare to dream. 2. Prepare tutoring and reading programs for kids. Let go of methods that don't work. Don't despair. We must do the work 365 days a year. Have the courage to trust God and watch God bless. Prepare our purse; stewardship is a way of life. Prepare your building. Prepare not to compare. 3. Declare, don't whisper, what God has done for us. Stand and decree who we are. Declare to our descendants. Recove this year we have a promise that God will be here. Trust God; He will take care of us. Walk and work it out. Don't give up on God; He has not given up on you. The Lord will make a way somehow." This Episcopal Address was so powerful and soul-stirring. There were six Recommendations. Here are a few: (1) Midwest Episcopal Church Assessment by Charles Thurmond, Every Church Must Do. (2) Establish MIACOM 5013C to go after grants, help take misery out of ministry. (3) Build of Sisters in ministry and (4) All Churches set goal of 10% growth. Both Presiding Elders gave stellar reports. Thursday afternoon, the Laity did a Table Reading Skit. Sister Lynda Byrd and committee titled "Committing to Our Mission" from Acts 1:48 must have purpose, preparation, and practice. We must learn to do what benefits the community, the impact on us, and the difference between our goals and our mission. Of course, we must love God and love our neighbor. This was a very informative, delightful presentation.

Sister Deborah Rivers, CED Midwest Director, gave an exceptional report. Brother Ben Howard, Conference Director, and Sister Beverly Tucker, District Director of CED of the Distinguished Detroit Western Michigan District, gave excellent reports. Lifetime Achievement Awards for being Outstanding Christian Education workers were given to Mrs. Natasha Johnson for her dedication and commitment to starting Kids Camp and always having a passion for working with our children for more than 30 years. The Advancing Chicago District Award Presented by District Director of CED, Sister Gwen Johnson. Brother Ben Howard and Sister Beverly Tucker of CED presented Lifetime Achievement and Dedication Award to Rev. Phyllis Mealing-Hightower for displaying decades of work leadership in CED, creatively writing plays, skits, and teaching Night Sunday School- Director of Adults for Detroit District.

Thursday night Christian Education Night: Rev. Todd Jarrett of St. Paul AMEZ Detroit was the Worship Leader. John Wesley Choir Sung "We Come to Praise Thy Name' Scripture was Deuteronomy 6:1-9. The sermon was preached by Rev. Orea Peterson Jr., Pastor of Lomax Temple A.M.E.Z. Church, on the subject "Training for Transformation." Rev. Peterson stated, "Transformation always begins with the truth before victory; there must be training. What you do now becomes somebody else's blessing. Take time to worship God because His plan has always been generational. The word must change how we live.

Transformation begins with God's law; it requires us to be obedient. We must tell our children about the goodness of God. God will grow roots in our children's character and faith. We must spend time training and teaching our children." This was a stimulating, thought-provoking sermon. Our hearts and souls truly did rejoice with the fire from on high. The Stoling Ceremony was a tremendous blessing. There were 35 Stoles from Detroit and 18 from Chicago. God really showered us with his love.

Friday, June 26, 2026 Missionary Convocation Service: Mrs. Patricia Peterson, Detroit District President, presided. Lady Mia Gutridge led the song "You Are My Strength" and a prayer. Missionary Supervisor Rev. L. Lynn Mitchell introduced the speaker; they are both AKA Sorors. Meditation was given by Mrs. Dawn Walker. Rev. Danelle Marsh did a solo, "There is None Like You." Matthew 25:26 topic "Empathy and Compassion." We must be right with God before we can do work to help others. Be mindful of how we do what we do: empathy vs sympathy. Were it not for God, it could be us." Mrs. Walker's 3 points were: 1. Lead with love. (2) Lend a Hand; we are God's hands and feet, and (3) You've Got to Love the Lord. Sister Dawn Walker gave us much food for thought.

The Chicago District and the Detroit District gave their reports in a very stimulating, unique presentation, which was truly interactive. They displayed their talent in a rare form of rapping, music, colorful themes, and video and personal touches along the way. Everyone enjoyed their outstanding reports. Missionary Supervisors Geraldine Walker and Lovetta Holmes were both presented with gifts for having poured so much love into Missionary Supervisor Rev. L. Lynn Mitchell. Supervisor Mitchell also gave gifts to Mia Gutridge, Patricia Peterson, and Dawn Walker. Missionary Supervisor Rev. L. Lynn Mitchell passed out certificates from the Leadership Training Institute. Necrology Report was given by Rev. Dr. Anthony Johnson, pastor of Greater St. Peter A.M.E.Z. Church Detroit. Rev. Dr. Anthony KR Gibson training on Sexual Harassment.

Holy Orders for Deacons and Conference Studies: Jessica Pettigrew admitted to full studies. Full connection into MAC: Jessica Pettigrew. Discussed 315 WHOMS Quadrennial Convention; we will support Sister Dawn Walker as International President to be held in Atlanta, GA, July 24-30, 2027.

Friday Evening Candlelight Service was beautiful. Marched in on "We Are Marching in the Light of God." Presiding was Missionary Supervisor Rev. L. Lynn Mitchell. This was such a lovely Processional with so many Buds and Youth marching. Many of them sang in the Choir. What a magnificent blessing. Missionary Supervisor L. Lynne Mitchell introduced the bishop, who introduced the preacher. Rev. Dr. Jessica K. Ingram of the A.M.E. Church; her husband, Bishop Gregory Ingram, was the 118th Bishop elected in 2000 in The African Methodist Episcopal Church. Scripture Acts 20:17-24 Topic "None of These Things Move Me." The Earl E. Johnson Choir Sung "Help Me Lift Jesus" and "For the Rest of My Life," directed by Sister Crystal Bailey. The Buds and Youth sang a new rendition of "Yes Jesus Loves Me." Rev. Dr. Jessica Ingram had an exhilarating, exciting, spiritually uplifting word for all. Her presentation with humor and profound sincerity was truly a blessing to us all, plus with the choirs singing, our souls were elevated to a higher level. There were many stoles,  many Buds, and even one entire family from Detroit Lomax Temple. Parents and child were stoled. Such a glorious sight to behold.

Saturday, June 27, 2026, CED Workshop Panel Discussion led by Brother Darin Crawford. Children and Youth had Workshop More Reports. Bishop stated he would read reports. Rev. George Walker and Rev Anthony Johnson read their reports, and Susan Fitzpatrick.

Saturday morning, the children and youth formed a choir, and they lifted their voices in melodious fashion. Jessica Pettigrew was ordained a Deacon. Graduates were recognized. Rev. Heather Wills was raised at Greater Walters A.M.E.Z. preached a powerful word.

Sunday, June 27, 2026, Closing Worship was held at Lomax Temple A.M.E.Z. Church Pastor Rev. Orea Peterson. The worship leader was Rev. Austin J. Young. Bishop Mitchell preached a powerful, illuminating message. Scripture was Mark 1:29-39. Conference Choir from Chicago and Detroit sung "Lord We Bless Your Name" and "O Give Thanks," directed by Rev. George Walker Jr. Bishop Mitchell stated, "When the Holy Spirit is the third part of the Trinity, acts along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, regarded as fully God, the Spirit acts as humanity's Comforter and Guides, empowering the believer. Inspiring the scripture and making God's presence known in the world. The only thing you really need to listen to is the Holy Spirit; it will produce fruit, and the spiritual gifts help to build up the community."

Bishop broke every verse and word down to us completely. We left there having received a bold revelation from our heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit was certainly dwelling in the Temple and in our hearts. We thank God for using our dynamic Bishop Daran H. Mitchell to give us a rhema word. Appointments were made: Rev. Orea Peterson of Lomax Temple A.M.E.Z. Church retired, and Rev. Tyquan L. Alston was appointed to Lomax Temple A.M.E. Zion Church. The 116th Session of the Michigan Annual Conference ended with hearts burning from such an inspiring, spirit-filled conference.