The Indiana statewide Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church recently held its 64th Annual Convention at Bethel AME Church in Richmond, where Rev. Barbara L. Harris is the pastor and Robert Johnson is the lay president.
Convention highlights began with the opening service on Thursday night, when the combined Bethel Richmond Youth and Adult Choirs brought a wonderful praise and worship service. That segment was followed by a powerful message delivered by Rev. Samuel L. Sumner, presiding elder of the South District. He spoke on the convention theme, “Refocusing Our Ministry to Serve the Present Age.”
The following morning was highlighted by a workshop conducted by lay activities director Olivia McGee-Lockhart, which addressed the topics of “Money: Its Uses and Misuses” and “How to Manage Properly and Be Able to Save.” All in attendance had an opportunity to express their concerns and opinions.
Friday was Youth Night, and the youth were in complete charge of the program with piano solos, drums, dances, choirs and the featured speaker, a former scholarship winner named Brandon K. Gainer, who is now attending Cornell University. He encouraged youth to continue their education and to give God the glory and credit for any achievements.
Ten scholarships are expected to be awarded to youth this year.
A surprise dinner tribute was held for retiring state Lay President Pearla Gholston, honoring her for more than eight years of superb leadership. Many arrived to express their love and appreciation for Gholston’s service.
The newly elected president is Annie Robinson of St. Paul AME Church, Indianapolis.
The lay person of the year award went to Barbara J. Morgan of Bethel AME Church, Indianapolis.
The 2012 Lay Convention will be hosted by Robinson AME Church of Indianapolis, with the Fall Executive Board Meeting following at Bethel AME Church, also in Indianapolis. In May, another meeting of the board will take place at Turner Chapel AME Church in Fort Wayne.
The convention was pleased to have in attendance Madge White, president of the Fourth Episcopal District Law Organization, whose convention convenes on Aug. 12 in Detroit at St. Paul AME Church.
