The West Central NC Annual Conference Convenes in Greensboro

The 114th Session of the West Central NC Annual Conference came together on May 29, 2024, at the Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC.  Bishop Darryl B. Starnes Sr. continues to teach and pour into this conference and our Piedmont Episcopal District. Stating that the Christian Faith is not pretty, but it is beautiful.  To follow Christ means that we will experience pain and, at times, even defeat.  It means that we often will not look successful, but the life of faith described by Jesus in Matthew 16 offers a view that eyes have not seen, nor ears yet heard.  And that is beautiful. 

 Bishop and Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Camille Starnes, continue to pray for us and ask God to strengthen our walk with Him.  We are always encouraged to have the passion to be the disciple needed to reach all.  Under Bishop Starnes’ leadership, Prayer Coordinators were always in place and set the atmosphere for the day’s activities, and they were faithful to their position.

Our Opening Service on Wednesday morning was the return of Communion Service for the conference since COVID-19 precautions.  The messenger was the Presiding Elder of the Rockingham District, Rev. Michael Massey, with the Rockingham District Choir rendering music.  Lesson Text: I Corinthians 11: 23-25, subject “Remembering Jesus.”   And the afternoon brought the Episcopal Address from Bishop Starnes.

During the Wednesday Night Service, we were again blessed by the Rockingham District Choir and the soul-stirring singing from the Wesley Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church (Asheboro, NC). Rev. Derinzer Johnson delivered the Annual Sermon, citing Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, and John 14:26, with his message, “We Need the Power, and We Need the Helper.”

Thursday morning, after the prayer coordinators set the tone for our day, the Rev. Wanda Merriweather presented the “Sexual Misconduct Prevention Workshop.”  Much-needed information was given, with much discussion and questions following.  The Lay Council Scholarship Luncheon followed with our guest speaker, Mr. Jerry McCombs, the Chaplain for the Connectional Lay Council.  He spoke from the theme, “Securing Our Faith Thru Evangelism,” using scripture from II Timothy 4:1-5.  The Lay Hour followed, and we heard the report from our Conference Lay President, Ms. Minnie McCrae.  A Stoling Ceremony was held, and we were grateful to have our guest, Dr. Mary Ponds, and Connectional Officer, Mrs. Connie Bell-Wright, to assist.

The Christian Education Department took their place on Thursday night, and following the evening devotion, the Conference Director of Christian Education, the Rev. Dr. Reginald Boyd, Jr., gave his Annual Report.  The Marvin A.M.E. Zion Church Choir was present and set our souls on fire as they rendered music.  The Stoling Ceremony was held, and then the preached word came from the Rev. Dr. Haven O. Anderson.  He used Galatians 5:22-23 for his text and message, “The Change that Needs to Be Made.”

The Missionary Convocation began after morning prayer on Friday, and the Rev. Dr. Margo Gaddy gave the Meditation.  Sharing boldly from John 15:18, “Are You Being Cut Off - Are You Being Cut Back - Just Remain.”  The General Director of Communications, Ms. Camryn Ivey, presided over the service.  A powerful Liturgical Dance by Marissa Power was done to the song “Seasons” and prepared us for Sis. Starnes delivered her Missionary Address using the theme - “It’s Pruning Season,” and each district wore T-shirts with the theme on them, bringing it more to life.  The Spirit used Sis. Starnes mightily with her message and as she went into prayer.  We were blessed with the move of God.

The Memorial Moment - Necrology Service followed the Convocation with the Rev. Cynthia Ransom, Chair, and Rev. Shirley McConnell, presiding.  We were favored with a song from Ms. Cynthia Brown and the Rev. Dr. Daran H. Mitchell.

 The Luncheon on Friday afternoon was a time to cheer on the various Queens from across the conference and crown our Home Mission winners. Conference Chair Mr. Bruce Stanback presided, and the Winners were from Level Three—Ms. Diane Baker from the Wadesboro/Monroe District, Level Two—Ms. Phyllis Harris from the Concord District, and also from the Concord District—Miss Madison Miller!!! Congratulations!!!

The Ordination Service was held during the afternoon, where 5 Ministers were Ordained Deacon: Karina Whitaker, Caylen Mitchell, Demetra Manns-Marsh, Krystal Isaac, and Phyllis Deese.  Rev. Wayne Taylor was ordained an Elder.

Four were retired from the conference: Rev. Marvin Pearson, Rev. Columbus Kiser, Rev. Luther McClendon, and the Rev. Dr. Sherwin O. Greene. 

Friday Night was the Missionary Candlelight Service; Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Camille Starnes, led the procession with “Walk In The Light.”  We were blessed to hear songs of praise from the Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church and the St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, both from Greensboro, NC.  The Life Member Chairmen from each district called their candidates to be stoled and pinned, and they were grateful for those who had made the extra step for Overseas Missions.  The message was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Lisa Caldwell, preaching "The Journey Continues" from Mark 6: 45-52.  It's our tradition on West Central to receive the offering by district, and the bragging rights go to the Mighty Concord District for having the highest total on Missionary Night.

Registration for CED Youth Day took place following morning prayer and Workshops for each age group.  The service followed with the Concord District Choir rendering music, and the Rev. Solomon McAuley brought the message, "God Specializes In Lost Things," from Luke 15:1-10.  The Call to Prayer brought a Powerful Move of the Spirit; souls were delivered, and God was Glorified.  The afternoon brought the Final Service with Bishop Starnes sharing from II Cor. 4:8-18, "Becoming Resilient Disciples of the Risen Lord."

After the appeal, 78 persons Secured their Salvation!!!  We were then delighted to see the Grand Ushers March of West Central.

The Courtesy Committee report was given, highlighting the powerful spirit-filled time that was held during the week.  Chair - Rev. Lynn Mitchell concluded by thanking Bishop and Mrs. Starnes for their Leadership and, as we heard throughout the week, that.......They Wrote A Song About - You Wanna Hear It?...... How Can We Say Thanks, For the Things That You've Done?  And we say, To God Be the Glory!!!