Baltimore District Holds Missionary Mass Meeting

The Baltimore District Women's Home and Overseas Missionary Society held its first Mass meeting of the new conference year on Saturday, August 17, 2024, at Patterson Asbury A.M.E. Zion Church in Baltimore, Maryland, where the Rev. Beverly Jones serves as its Pastor and the Rev. Dr. Evalina Huggins, Presiding Elder.  Under the stellar leadership of its Bureau of Supply Secretary, Mrs. Francine Jefferson, began the meeting with members of the Executive Board, Pastors, Ministers, Laity, and a cadre of young people from across the district participating in a brief devotional period led by the Supply Secretary and members of her team. 

Following a brief devotional period, the host church welcomed all who gathered, followed by greetings from the Presiding Elder Huggins. Mrs. Francine Jefferson introduced the new WHOMS theme of equity and justice, which was more than befitting as the inner city of Baltimore faces these challenges daily. The supply department came ready and prepared to support the host church's community outreach project by collecting water bottles, T-shirts, and socks given to the host church to continue its ministry in the community. The department eagerly shared with those in attendance their desire to assist the local churches in the district with supplies to further the work of the ministry.

The department, in keeping with its theme, invited Mr. Thomas Anderson, Executive Director of the Manumission House, to be the guest speaker. He shared his personal experiences of incarceration and the need now “not to take from the community but rather to reinvest in the community.”  Mr. Anderson highlighted the root causes of mass incarceration, emphasizing the importance of education and economic opportunities in reducing incarceration rates, especially among black and brown men. He is now operating a transitional facility that helps to equip people to re-enter the community as productive, contributing members of society. The discussion that ensued was very informative and provided a necessary resource for Pastors and leaders who were present.

Rev. Donna Richardson, who serves on the Executive Board as the Mission Educator, presented a mission study lesson on equity and justice from a biblical perspective. To top things off, Mr. Charles “Chuck” Williams, the district’s voter registration coordinator, discussed voter registration and Project 100. He encouraged attendees to research Project 2025 and vote. Mr. Williams actively engaged those present to ensure their addresses were correct, and he had voter registration cards for first-time voters or those uncertain if their names were on the voter registration rolls where they resided.

The meeting concluded with final comments by the Baltimore District’s Missionary President, Ms. Sharon Hassan. Announcements were made, and the Presiding Elder closed with the Missionary Benediction. The host church prepared and served a wonderful meal as people departed.