Washington District Holds First Quarterly Mass Meeting

The Washington District of the Philadelphia and Baltimore Conference of the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District held its First Quarterly Mass Meeting of the Conference Year on August 24, 2024.  The host church was Lomax A.M.E. Zion Church in Arlington, Virginia, where the Rev. Dr. Adrian V. Nelson II is the pastor.

The meeting opened with greetings from the former District President, Mrs. Wilhelmina T. Frazier, who then passed the torch to Mrs. Annette Chisolm, the new District President.  Mrs. Chisolm introduced the new executive team, and a charge was given by the Rev. Dr. Alvin T. Durant, Presiding Elder of the Washington District.  Presiding Elder Durant’s charge was to “Be strong in the Lord and His Mighty Power, Put on the full armor of God that you may be able to withstand against the wiles of the Devil.” Eph. 6:10-11.  He charged the team to encourage all missionaries (Adults, Young Adults, Youth, and BUDS) to be the best missionaries that they can be for Christ, communicating the gospel of Christ in the communities where we serve. To reach the masses that they might know the living Christ; that they might join in changing the world, knowing that the Holy Spirit will be with us even to the end of the age.  Following the charge, greetings were given by Mrs. Renee Pullen, former Connectional Second Vice President, Mrs. Georgia McNair Thompson, former Missionary Supervisor, and the Rev. Dr. Rita J. Colbert, Episcopal Elder for the Mid-Atlantic Episcopal District. 

We had a FANTASTIC mission study presentation from our Mission Education Director, Mrs. Alisa DeVerteuil.  It’s the end of summer vacation for most students, children, and adults.  The focus was “Being a Christian in a Toxic Environment.”  Certain supplies are needed when returning to school/work.  Her scripture was taken from Proverbs 41:23-24. 

            *A Ruler which is used for measuring. We sometimes find ourselves trying to measure up or comparing ourselves with other people.  When we do that, we focus on their strength and put our strength down.  God has given US a gift to use for His Kingdom.           

            *Eraser-We all make mistakes and we have to take responsibility for our mistakes and internalize lessons made so that we don’t repeat mistakes.  We have to forgive ourselves so that we can move forward.  We have to remember that God washes away our sins and erases them forever through the blood of Jesus.

            *Pencil-Used for writing.  To use a pencil it has to be sharpened.  The most important part of the pencil is the lead inside of it.  The lead helps us to write.  Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the inside of us and is going to use whatever is on the inside of us.  When we come in contact with toxic people, we have to pour good things into our spirit.  We must pray, stay in the Word, build genuine relationships, care for people by engaging in honest conversation, and speak vision, purpose, and possibility into people in order to sharpen each other.  We have to continue to sharpen our pencils so that we can be usable Christians.

            *Glue Stick- We have to make sure the right stuff is sticking to us.  We can’t let negativity stick to us.  We have to make sure the right things are sticking to us: love, peace, long-suffering, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control, and not toxic people or toxic things.  We have to spend time with positive people, and control our thoughts, and master our emotions.

            *Crayons- Crayons have many colors that represent different relationships and cultures, but when they come together, they make a beautiful picture.  We have to make sure that we are mixing with positive people who can promote us.

            *Scissors- Used for cutting.  Sometimes, we have to use our scissors to cut ties between negative people and things.  We have to cut the influences that they have over us.

Valuable information was given by our Health Coordinator, Mrs. Tracy Spann-Downing.  Her scripture reference was from John 5:1-9.   She stated that vaccinations and immunizations are important throughout life.  Vaccinating is the simplest and most effective way to protect us from infectious diseases before coming in contact with infectious diseases.  Vaccinations boost our immune system.  Vaccinations and immunizations are interchangeable.  When vaccinated, we are receiving a vaccine; immunization is becoming immune through the use of the vaccine.  The following vaccines were recommended: COVID-19, Flu Shot, RSV, TDAP, Chicken Pox, and HPV.  She also recommended that we become engaging with our children regarding drugs and guns and negative situations.  Ask what happened in school.  In keeping with the Quadrennial Theme of Equity and Justice, Mrs. Spann-Downing stated that equity and justice mean providing people with what they need to access the same level of care regardless of their social determinant of health, regardless of their environment or income.  People should be able to have access, which means valuing ALL people equally.  Health care and justice means eliminating the barriers that prevent people from accessing the same level of care.  EVERYONE should be able to receive quality health care.

As a District we supported the Lomax food pantry with grocery store gift cards, canned and dry goods.  It was a WONDERFUL Day in missions.