Celebrating God’s Blessings
By Rev. Jessica Durr, M.Div., 9th Episcopal District
The Planning Meeting for the Ninth Episcopal District was held November 1-3 at the Marriott’s Renaissance Hotel and Spa. It culminated in a celebration fit to honor God. Recognition was given for all the District accomplished through God’s anointing and vision.
Alabama has been needled in the thread of African Methodism for 150 years. We are blessed to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us and laid the foundation so that we can boldly declare, “look at how far we’ve come!”
AMEs gathered from the mountains of Huntsville to the bay area of Mobile, the Wiregrass area of Dothan, and the Magic City of Birmingham in our State’s Capital: Montgomery, Alabama. Attendees were not only given the opportunity to serve and plan for a new year but to engage in dialogue that challenged everyone to reflect upon the heart of God and strive to be examples of Jesus Christ. Throughout our meetings, various members who served faithfully in the Ninth District were honored. We also presented a history book of Alabama’s 150 years as well as a souvenir booklet capturing almost all of our 285 churches.
Gospel recording artist Dottie Peoples was featured in concert and excited all who were gathered. Our Planning Meeting concluded with a luncheon with Bishop James L. Davis of the 2ndEpiscopal District as our guest preacher, who gave an inspirational message as we enter a new year.
This is not where our story begins. Our 150thCelebration started one year ago during our 2017 Planning Meeting Session where Bishop Harry L. Seawright gave $50,000 back to the churches from the proceeds of property that had been sold. This money was split between 10 presiding elder districts in order to meet the needs of the local churches. The Ninth Episcopal District’s collaborative efforts throughout the year reflect the work of all five conferences. Each conference established a site for items to be collected and given away during the holidays and intend to continue these efforts in 2018. Some of these items included turkeys, clothes, books, games, toys, and bikes that were distributed to needy families.
Bishop Seawright and Alabama AMEs recognized they were far from tired! As our conference year progressed into 2018, Bishop’s vision continued with certification programs that would be in full operation throughout the year. They included food handlers, GED, job readiness, and ITC certificate programs to prepare individuals for a variety of opportunities in church and society.
Bishop Seawright has joined Alabama in recognizing the need for education and empowerment. We are not just talking, we’re working toward change! Our Daniel Payne Legacy Village has not only been a place sanctioned for worship but also for preparation. The Ninth Episcopal District’s first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Empowerment Day Seminar was held. The District worked to lead a mighty initiative in turning Alabama “Blue” by helping to elect the Honorable Doug Jones to the US Senate.
Bishop Seawright has instituted a summer training program for 150 students (75 boys and 75 girls) for grade levels three through five. Alabama wants to make sure that our youth are fully equipped to excel not only in sports but also in academics.
The Connectional Economic Development Summit and the Connectional Women in Ministry Quadrennial were hosted in style by the Ninth District. Both conferences were well attended and left individuals further equipped to continue ministry.
The Ninth Episcopal District is in the process of giving ourselves a well-deserved anniversary gift. We raised $175,000 that will be distributed over the District to continue encouraging people, funding ministries, and repairing buildings.
The story has been well written by God and carried out by His people. We are serving our communities, lifting and encouraging the less fortunate, educating our people, and making full proof of our ministries. In the Ninth Episcopal District, we look forward to continuing the Great Commission as we celebrate each year to come and each milestone that it brings. We can say, “look at what the Lord has done!”
