West Coast Conference ANNUAL LAY CONVENTION

“Leading the Way to Greater” - John 14:12

Victory AME Church, Progress Village 5202 S. 86th Street * Tampa, FL 33169

March 27-28, 2020

The Right Reverend Adam J. Richardson, Jr., Presiding Bishop Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson, Episcopal Supervisor

The Reverend James O. Williams, Sr., Host Presiding Elder The Reverend Jimmy Thompson, Associate Presiding Elder

The Reverend Joyce J. Moore, Associate Presiding Elder The Reverend Michael B. Price, Host Pastor

~Adapting to Change in Uncertain Times ~ Brother Matikane Abednego Makiti, Connectional Lay President

Sister Ametta Reaves, Connectional Director of Lay Activities Sister Patricia Wright, Episcopal District Lay President

Sister Teresa White, Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities Sister Lolita Brown, West Coast Conference Lay President

Sister Linnell Baker, West Coast Conference Director of Lay Activities

Tele Conference

August 28-29

Greetings to President Brown and The West Coast Conference Lay Organization!

Here we are in the third Month of 2020 and at the start a New Decade.

God has surely brought us a mighty long way!

I believe that our journey has not yet reached its pinnacle.

In the early seventies, Johnnie Nash had a hit song called “I Can See Clearly Now.”

The verse says, I can see clearly now the rain is gone. I can see all obstacles in my way. Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind. It's gonna be a bright (bright) bright (bright) sunshiny day.

Nash’s ‘sunshiny day’ is the forecast for the West Coast Conference Lay Organization as you

participate in this Annual Lay Convention. I salute you, President Lolita D. Brown, and your team. Your hard work and planning are evident in the programs and learning experiences we will enjoy this weekend. The example you have set with an intentional focus on teaching and training aligns with our organizational objective to love and honor our AME history and traditions.

In this new season...this ‘sunshiny day,’ I greet you with 20/20 Vision of Promise and

Possibility, for both qualities lie within us. I encourage you to ‘Never become weary in well-doing as you ‘Lead the Way to Greater.’ The work you so freely and excellently offer here will be rewarded in heaven.

May the road ahead of you in 2020 provide VISION to enlighten your minds, open your hearts,

and harness any blind ambition that seeks to hinder your growth!

Greater Works Than These Are Ahead….

P. H. WRIGHT

Welcome to the Annual Convention of the West Coast Conference Lay Organiza-tion! We are honored to have Presiding Elders, Pastors, Ministers, Lay Persons, and guests join us for this special occasion in the life of our Conference. These two days of worship and praise, teaching and training, and conversation with col-

laboration will exemplify and demonstrate our chosen theme of “Leading the Way to Greater”.

Many weeks of planning and preparation have preceded this convention. We have fervently prayed for the success of the worship experience, the business meeting, the workshops and training, the special activities and the shared fellowship we will enjoy. Although there are many unique challenges facing our churches in the 21

st

Century, it is our belief that the laity of the West Coast conference in partnership with our clergy will lead the way to greater opportunities and solutions.

I extend a hearty and sincere thank you to the convention committees who have done exemplary work under the leadership of Sister Sandra Mitchell and the Steer-ing Committee. They have done all in their power to make your convention experi-ence pleasant and enjoyable.

Thank you for coming and joining the Lay persons of the West Coast Conference in Leading the Way to Greater! Lolita D. Brown, President West Coast Conference Lay Organization

Rev. Roderick “RJ” Stevenson is a young trailblazer in music, media and ministry! His love for Christ and people is the driving force behind his approach to preaching and teaching the gospel and presenting ministry in unique and engaging ways! The son of the late Bishop L.L. Stevenson and Mrs. Cassandra Stevenson. “Pastor RJ” as he is affectionately called, is the proud father of two daughters, Jumaiya (13) and O’Lanna (9). Having accepted Christ at an early age, it was his love for music that assist-ed in developing his personal relationship with Christ. By college, his musical skill had af-forded him an opportunity to serve as Minister of Music at Faith Worship Christian Center under the leadership of Bishop Tiff McCarter. Stevenson moved to Northern Virginia and served in music ministry at various notable churches and with choirs throughout the DMV area . It was in 2004 that RJ returned to his hometown of Goldsboro, NC and assisted in the establishment of Tehillah Church Ministries under the leadership of Archbishop Anthony W. Slater. He served faithfully there and was ordained as a minister in 2005 and later as an Elder in 2007. While there, he served as an adjutant to the Bishop and as a member of the Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops, participated in the preparation of numerous services of Episcopal Consecration and elevation for leaders across the nation. In August of 2012, Stevenson launched The Infinity Church in Raleigh, NC. In 2013, he estab-lished the second location of The Infinity Church (a ministry of the AME Church) in Conway, AR. In June of 2017, Stevenson relocated to Tampa, FL to serve as Executive Pastor of Allen Temple AME Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Glenn B. Dames. On October 26, 2019, Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson appointed Stevenson to pastor New Saint Paul AME Church - Tampa, FL during the 78th West Coast Annual Conference. Accomplished Writer, RJ is also a published writer having served as a columnist for The Christian Recorder, a monthly newspaper for AME Church. An avid blogger, he shares his in-sights on an array of topics via the kreativesuite.com and mychurchcangrow.com. Stevenson is currently seeking to publish his first book, “Designing the Best YOU in 30 Days” which is scheduled for release in 2020. Having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Economics and a Master’s Degree in Divinity, RJ Stevenson is actively working to achieve “The Good Life”,”...exceeding abundantly above all you can ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us. (Ephesians 3:20)”

WEST COAST CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION ANNUAL CONVENTION

Friday, August 28, 2020

7:00 P.M. - 8:00 P.M.

AGENDA

6:15 P.M. - 6:50 P.M.

PERSONS ENTER THE CONFERENCE 6:50 P.M. - 7:00 P.M.

OPENING DEVOTION Rev. Kenny Irby, Pastor Historic Bethel AMEC

St. Petersburg

7:00 P.M.

GREETINGS Ms. Lolita Brown, WCCLO President

Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Senior Bishop, AMEC

Bishop E. Earl McCloud, Lay Commission Chairman

INTRODUCTION OF MODERATOR Ms. Linnell Baker, DOLA

“An Evening with the Elders”

Ms. Ashley Blakely, 11th Episcopal District Lay Organization Young Adult Representative, Moderator

THEME: “LEADING THE WAY TO GREATER” Adapting to Change in Uncertain Times:

(Social, Physical, and Spiritual Change)

INTRODUCTION OF THE ELDERS AND OPENING STATEMENTS

Presiding Elder James O. Williams, Tampa District

Presiding Elder Joyce J. Moore, St. Petersburg District

Presiding Elder Jimmy J. Thompson, Lakeland District

THE DISCUSSION

WRAP-UP

ANNOUNCEMENTS

CLOSING REMARKS Ms. Lolita Brown, WCCLO President

Ms. Patricia Wright, EEDLO President

WEST COAST CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION ANNUAL CONVENTION

Saturday, August 29, 2020

9:00 A.M - 12:30 P.M.

AGENDA

PERSONS ENTER THE CONFERENCE 7:45 A.M. - 8:30 A.M.

OPENING DEVOTION AND MEDITATION 8:30 A.M. - 8:50 A.M. Laymen’s Song

Opening Prayer E. Carver Lee, Chaplain, Tampa District

Scripture Isaiah 43:18-19 E. Carver Lee, Chaplain, Tampa District

Meditation Shirley K. Morgan, Chaplain, SP District

“God’s Method of Doing A New Thing”

(penned by Rev. Jessica Ingram, First Episcopal District Supervisor)

9:00 A.M.

CALL TO ORDER President Lolita Brown

WELCOME AND GREETINGS Rev. Michael Price, Pastor Victory A.M.E. Church-Tampa District

ROLL CALL OF OFFICERS Emma McGriff, Assistant Rec. Secretary

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

STANDING RULES FOR VIRTUAL SESSION

REGISTRATION REPORT Wanda Berry, Registration Chairperson

MEETING MINUTES G. Penny Demps, Recording Secretary

CORRESPONDENCE Rebecca Williams, Corresponding Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF GUESTS & VISITORS

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS REPORTS: St. Petersburg District Alicia Cotton

Lakeland District Beverley Nolton

Tampa District Sandra Mitchell

10:00 A.M. - 10:10 A.M. WELLNESS BREAK

10:10 A.M. “ADAPTING TO CHANGE: WHY, WHEN, AND HOW”

INTRODUCTION OF PRESENTER Linnell Baker, Director of Lay Activities

LAY LEARNING LAB Rev. Roderick J. Stevenson, Pastor New St. Paul A.M.E.C., Tampa District

VICE-PRESIDENTS REPORTS: MEMBERSHIP Alicia Cotton, 1

st Vice-President

STRATEGIC PLANNING Robbyn Hopewell, 2nd

Vice-President

EVANGELISM UPDATE Brenda Lindsay, 3rd

Vice-President

FINANCIAL REPORT McArthur Carpenter, Treasurer

11:20 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. WELLNESS BREAK

SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS Emily Davis Program & Activities Commission Chair

Teresa White * Robbyn Hopewell

ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATES President Lolita Brown

MEMORIAL SERVICE Carolyn Robinson & Benevolent Committee

CLOSING REMARKS President Lolita Brown, WCCLO President Patricia Wright, EEDLO President Matikane Makiti, CLO

ADJOURNMENT/LAY BENEDICTION

WEST COAST CONFERENCE LAY ORGANIZATION AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

2020 ANNUAL CONVENTION

The following are the Standing Rules governing the 2020 West Coast Conference Annual Convention con-vening virtually via Zoom August 28-29, 2020: RULE #1 The program outlined and adopted by the Steering Committee shall be the official program for this 2020 Convention. RULE # 2 There shall be a registration process adopted by the Steering Committee for this virtual session. All dele-gates must register either online on the West Coast Conference website or through their District of the An-nual Conference and pay the appropriate fee of $50 established by the Steering Committee. Registration deadline was extended to August 1, 2020. RULE #3 The “order of business” for the convention shall be the first item of business at the opening session of the convention. All Convention reports shall be transmitted electronically to the Chair by the designated dead-line. The convention shall be conducted in accordance with the West Coast Conference Lay Organization Constitution and By-Laws, the standing rules, and pertinent provisions established for the Convention. Cases not specifically covered otherwise shall be governed by Roberts’ Rules of Order, latest revised edi-tion. RULE #4 The presence of a quorum shall be established by registered delegates participating on the Zoom platform either by video or phone call. RULE #5 All delegates’ devices should remain on mute while not speaking. While away from your device, your vid-eo should be in the off position. The Chair may cause or direct the disconnection or muting of a member’s connection if it is causing undue interference with the meeting. The Chair’s decision to do so shall be an-nounced during the meeting and recorded in the minutes. RULE #6 No delegate shall speak until recognized. To be recognized on the Zoom platform using your computer, please use the raised hand option or post in the chat room. To by recognized by using your phone, please speak your name and wait to be recognized by a facilitator who would then alert the presiding officer. A delegate shall not speak in debate more than once to the same question, or longer than two (2) minutes, until every delegate desiring to speak on the question has had an opportunity to do so. SUSPENSION OF RULES Any part of these Standing Rules may be suspended, provided 1) A proper motion to suspend the desired section is presented; 2) The motion is properly supported by a second; and 3) The Convention approves the motion with a majority vote of those delegates present and voting.

CONVENTION STANDING RULES

West Coast Conference Lay Organization Virtual Zoom Quarterly Meeting

Lolita Brown – WCCLO President Linnell Baker – Zoom Host

May 30, 2020

The Minutes

The Zoom meeting was called to order by President Brown at 10:30a.m. President Brown thanked everyone for all they have done to keep things going through these unusual times. She expressed that it was a joy to see everyone’s face and hear their voices. She acknowledged we are do-ing a new thing that is different. President Brown gave instructions on what we needed to do during this meeting. President Brown welcomed Presiding elder Joyce Moore and Rev. Derrien Bonney and all other guests to our quarterly meeting. The Devotion – Sis. Marva Moreland Song: Glory, Glory Hallelujah Prayer by Sis. Marva Moreland. Scripture: Psalm 100. Roll Call – Sis. Emma McGriff - Assistant Recording Secretary

EPISCOPAL OFFICERS PRESENT ABSENT

Patricia Wright – Episcopal President Present

Evelyn Graham – President Lay Economic Development Program Present

Teresa White – Episcopal District Director of Lay Activities Present

Hugh Yancy – Episcopal Treasurer Present

Robbyn Hopewell – Episcopal YAR Present

CONFERENCE OFFICERS

Lolita Brown - WCCLO President Present

Alicia Cotton – WCCLO 1st Vice President Present

Robbyn Hopewell – WCCLO 2nd Vice President Present

Brenda Lindsay – WCCLO 3rd Vice President Present

G Penny Demps – WCCLO Recording Secretary Present

Emma McGriff - Assistant Recording Secretary Present

Rebecca Williams – Corresponding Secretary Present

McArthur Carpenter – WCCLO Treasurer Present

Dr. Brenda Satchel – WCCLO Financial Secretary Present

– WCCLO Chaplain

Demetria Bell– WCCLO Parliamentarian Present

Linnell Baker - WCCLO Director of Lay Activities Present

– WCCLO YAR

Joyce Pink – WCCLO Historiographer Present

Shirley Thomas – WCCLO Director of Public Relations Excused

Carolyn Robinson – WCCLO Director of Lay Benevolence Present

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS

Alicia Cotton –St. Petersburg District President Present

Sandra Mitchell – Tampa District President Present

Beverley Nolton – Lakeland District President Present

ADVISORS

Douglas Thomas Present

Evelyn Graham Present

Hugh Yancy Present

James Honors Excused

ADOPTION OF AGENDA – President Brown It was moved by Sis. Rebecca Williams and seconded by Bro. McArthur Carpenter that the Agenda be ap-proved as the working document for today’s meeting. Motion carried. THE MINUTES – G. Penny Demps WCCLO Recording Secretary President Brown gave everyone a chance to peruse the minutes that were being shared on the screen. Presi-dent asked if there were any correction to the minutes. There were no corrections. It was moved by Sandra Mitchell and seconded by Emma McGriff that the minutes be accepted as printed. Motion carried. TRAINING – Linnell Baker Managing Change in the Local Church. Change is not easy. Digital first - where are we with online wor-ship? Positive change starts with organizational culture, local churches. Question, will the covid-19 crisis change the way we think of online worship. There were several thoughts about online worship from per-son’s in the meeting. The church and Technology: Technology keeps members connected, can improve fundraising efforts and saves time. What does the Bible say about Technology: Obstacles to change and take a risk, uncertainty, natural diffusion of commitment stress, how to encourage change, how may we en-courage our leaders to experiment with new methods. When people are uneasy with change, how can we reassure them. Sis Baker gave examples of dos and don’ts of video Conferencing. DISTRICT PRESIDENTS REPORTS Lakeland District: Sis. Beverley Nolton. The district quickly adjusted to having meetings via conference calls. Plans for the district are still being done and focusing on change. Thanked the district for meeting their financial obligation. Sis. Nolton gave a report on what has happened in the district. St. Petersburg District: Sis. Alicia Cotton. Sis Cotton announced this would be her last report as St. Petersburg District President. Sis. Cotton gave a report on the activities that happened in the St. Petersburg District. Sis Cotton also thanked the District for their support not only this quarter but for the last four years. Tampa District: Sis. Sandra Mitchell. Sis. Mitchell thanked the Presiding elder, Pastors, District Officers and members for their support. Sis. Mitchel gave a report on the activities that happened in the District. Each District paid their quarterly budget of $1050.00.

VICE PRESIDENT REPORTS Membership Committee - Sis. Alicia Cotton Membership drive was held in January. Some of the activities that organizations had during the drive were: Membership Teas, membership services the use of Litanies during service, one on one interaction with mem-bers. One organization reported an increase of 47 members during this drive and one organization had a mem-bership reception. Strategic Planning -Sis. Robbyn Hopewell Target goals have been set. Goals: 1) The WCCLO will work to add 57 new males and 57 young adult mem-bers by 2025. Progress to be reported at Annual Convention by 1st Vice President. 2) The WCCLO will cre-ate and distribute a survey to all current members and local churches to help tailor its training and education to the needs of membership both current and desired. 3) The WCCLO will increase its Facebook followers to 100 by 2025. Create opportunities for digital training, digital registration and digital engagement for all members and interested parties. PROGRAM & ACTIVITIES COMMISSION - Emily Davis Chairperson Scholarship Sis. Sandra Mitchel is the committee Chairperson for the Conference. There were 4 application forwarded to the episcopal scholarship Committee. The Announcement of the students that receive the Scholarship will be done in July. Awards - Hall of Fame and Anvil Sis. Carolyn Major-Harper is the committee Chairperson for the Awards. There was only one nomination for the Hall of Fame and none for the anvil. The recipients of the award will be announced in July. LAY BENEVOLENT COMMITTEE - Sis. Carolyn Robinson This conference year the conference has reached out to the following members: Illness: Bros. Hugh Yancy, E. Carver Lee, Robert wright, Alfonso Simpson, George Watson, Bro. Greer, Sis. Luella Gardner, Betty King, Mable Ortiz, Mildred Hall, Sis. Greer. Vickie Edwards who travels every other weekend to take care of her Dad in North FL. BREAVEMENT/Grieving: Bro. Hugh Yancy and Sis. Carolyn Major-Harper in the passing of their Brother, Bro. James and Evelyn Honors in the passing of 2 of Sis. Honors Brothers., Robbyn Hopewell in the passing of her Grandmother and Sis. Mary Darby in the passing of her Sister and keep Sis. Frankie Craddock in our prayers. Received Thank you cards from Sis. Robbyn Hopewell, Bro. James and Sis. Evelyn Honors and Bro. Hugh Yancy. UNFINISHED BUSINESS WCCLO Gala – Samuel Scott Bro. Scott Thank God for the opportunity to serve as chairperson. He thanked everyone for their participation. He felt it was a great success. There was a total of 191 tickets sold. St. Petersburg-78 Tampa -86 Lakeland 27. Financial report of the Gala. Total Income: 10185.00 total Disbursement:5033.63 Ending Balance 5151.37 CLO Biennial Convention

NEW BUSINESS EEDLO and CONNECTIONAL Updates – Pres. Patricia wright Connectional Updates: Connectional Lay meeting will be in 2021. The dates are July 11-12, 2021 There will be an election of Officers. We have a new Connectional President due to the passing of President Valerie Bell, His name is Abe Makiti from the Continent of Africa. Biennial Registration information has not yet been shared. EEDLO Convention: Our 76th Convention will be held on July 11, 2020 Virtu-ally. There will be a business session, election, awards, and scholarships. We will be honoring Front line workers, First Responders. Send the name of the persons you would like honored to Teresa white. Registration is $25.00. WCCLO CONVENTION Planning for our Convention to be August28- 29,2020 Virtually. Sandra Mitchell reported kits, Journal and program were all prepared; will be getting all the information to the churches. Linnell Baker report-ed August 28, 2020 will be an evening with the elders from 7-8 pm. Saturday - the DOLAs are building the agenda and will include a training component. There are 150 people registered. SCHOLARSHIP – Teresa White Scholarship application and process has been updated. Given to graduating high school students and cur-rent college students. College student can explore the cares act. Deadline by June. Hopefully announce winners at convention in August. Appointment President Brown recommended to the executive board that she appoint Sis. Marva Moreland as Chaplain. Sis. Alicia Cotton moved that the appointment of Sis. Marva Moreland be accepted, seconded by Bro. Douglas Thomas. Motion Carried Financial Report - McArthur Carpenter Financial Report December 31, 2019 – May 30, 2020 Balance brought forward $11441.29 Total Deposits $30,134.91 Total Income $41576.20. Total Disbursements $22075.15. Balance as of May 30, 2020 $ 19501.05. Reserved for Scholarship $2283.00.00. Working Balance $17218.05. Offering received reported by Dr. Brenda Satchell - 105.00 President Brown asked that each member give $25.00 offering and $10.00 Benevolent per quarter. Dr. Satchell provided her address and cell number for contact purposes. ANNOUNCEMENTS Presiding Elder Moore announced St Petersburg District will have a Pentecost Service on Sunday May 31, 2020 at 3pm Call in number 605-313-6270 Access Code 526621#. Presiding Elder asked that you do not announce yourself. Remarks Presiding Elder Joyce Moore, President Patricia Wright Attendance 64 Adjourned with Prayer by Rev. Derrien Bonney and reciting the Lay Benediction

West Coast Conference Lay Organization 2020 – 2021 Executive Board

President Lolita Brown

1st Vice President Alicia Cotton

2nd

Vice President Robbyn Hopewell

3rd

Vice President Brenda Lindsay

Recording Secretary G. Penny Demps

Assistant Recording Secretary Emma McGriff

Corresponding Secretary Rebecca Williams

Financial Secretary Dr. Brenda Satchell

Treasurer McArthur Carpenter

Chaplain Marva Moreland

Parliamentarian Dee Merritt Bell

Historiographer Joyce Pink

Director of Lay Activities Linnell Baker

Director of Public Relations Shirley Thomas

Young Adult Representative ******************

Director of Lay Benevolence (appointed) Carolyn Robinson

District Presidents

Beverley Nolton Lakeland District

Alicia Cotton St. Petersburg District

Sandra Mitchell Tampa District

Commission Chairpersons

Program and Activities Emily Davis

Personnel and Procedures Linnell Baker

Organization and Structure Wanda Berry

Statistics and Finance Deborah Thomas

Advisors

Evelyn Graham *James Honors Doug Thomas Hugh Yancy, Jr

Join Your WCCLO History Team on a

Treasure Hunt We’re looking to unearth buried or forgotten gems.

Give us a hand by lending us your

Old Souvenir Journals

and

Special Event Programs,

especially those from the old Tampa Annual Conference.

THE HARDEST WORKING CONVENTION COMMITTEES IN AME LAND

LINNELL BAKER – DIRECTOR OF LAY ACTIVITIES

OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL EFFORTS OF CONVENTION ZOOMMASTERS…

Robbyn Hopewell – WCCLO Strategic Planner Teresa White – Episcopal DOLA

Wallace Dasher – SPDLO Dir. Of Public Relations Linnell Baker – WCCLO DOLA

Rev. R. J. Stephenson – Pastor, New St. Paul AMEC, Tampa

MARIAN KINSEY Excellent Creator, Organizer and Producer of

Literary and Artistic Documents

DISTRICT PRESIDENTS AND

ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE SUPPORTED AND ATTENDED!!!

LEADING THE WAY TO GREATER!