By Sharon Carmichael, DOPR, First Episcopal District Lay Organization
Hats off to newly elected First Episcopal District Lay Organization (FEDLO) President Linda Gant, new Director of Lay Activities (DOLA) Dr. Eyerce Armstrong-Poston, and host, newly elected President of the Philadelphia Conference Lay Organization (PCLO) Kevin D. Lamb. Together, they delivered a well-planned, successful Mid-Year Convention held February 21 – 22, 2025, at the Marriott Delta Airport Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Utilizing the theme “Embrace, Encourage, and Empower,” President Linda Gant and DOLA Armstrong-Poston orchestrated a phenomenal 2-day Lay Mid-Year Convention experience.
Mornings started with the energetic Dr. Cheryl Hammond-Hopewell’s “First Fitness” to get our bodies going, followed by Devotion and interactive Bible Study with FEDLO Chaplain Catherine Combs-Smith to get us spiritually going. Brother Earl Knight, FEDLO Music Director, also blessed us with inspirational songs.
FEDLO Second Vice President Robin Batson conducted the First Timers’ Seminar. She provided handouts and a comprehensive overview of the AME Church, the Lay Organization, and First Episcopal District history, structure, leadership, mission, purpose, objectives, themes, and logos.
The Convention attendees enjoyed four informative workshops that featured several young adults:
- “Embrace the Vision: General Conference & Beyond,” Moderator PCLO President Kevin Lamb, with panelists Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson (Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church, Darby, PA), Sister Daysha Smith (Bethel AME Church, Downington, PA Local Lay President) and Brother Shawn James Lee (FEDLO Third Vice President)
- “Encourage Laity Participation: We Are the Total Church,” Moderator Sister Susan Butler (First Episcopal District Director of the YPD), with panelists Brother Terrill Carney (Jones Tabernacle AME Church, Philadelphia, PA Local Lay President), Sister Marie L. Butler (Marshal – FEDLO), and Sister Aaronica Burrell (Waters Memorial AME Church, Philadelphia, PA)
- “Encourage Laity and Clergy To Work Together: A Unified Body,” by Reverend Alberta Jones, Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Reading, PA
- “Empower Next Level Laity: Where Do We Go From Here?” by Sister Starsha Frierson, Philadelphia Conference Young Adult Representative
Topping off the workshops, Bishop Samuel L. Green, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District, joined the Convention for a “Conversation with the Bishop.” Attendees asked inquiring minds’ questions, and Bishop Green addressed them with openness, candor, and grace.
For the Friday evening worship, Bishop Green ignited the packed ballroom with the thought-provoking sermon, “But I Never Stopped Praying, “using Samuel’s triumphant story in Judges 16:27-28. We must not be people of “seasoned faith” whose belief in God’s promises depends on circumstances of their season. We must have genuine faith and never stop praying, regardless of our season.
In an after-worship interview, an elated President Gant exclaimed, “I am overwhelmed and excited looking at what God can do. I’m just truly, truly excited.”
Saturday’s Business Session concluded with President Gant’s appointment of Immediate Past President and advisor Dr. Cheryl Hammond Hopewell, to President Emeritus of the FEDLO. Congratulations, Dr. Hopewell!
We came away with President Gant’s mandate, “Our purpose is not only to teach and train but to make sure that we maximize the gifts that God has given us to build His kingdom.” Amen!
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