Bermuda Annual Conference .................................................................................................... Delaware Annual Conference .................................................................................................... New England Annual Conference .......................................................................................... New Jersey Annual Conference ............................................................................................... New York Annual Conference ................................................................................................... Western New York Annual Conference .............................................................................. Philadelphia Annual Conference ............................................................................................ Congratulations ................................................................................................................................. Upcoming Events .............................................................................................................................. 2 3 4 5 6 8 9 11 14 Engage TABLE OF CONTENTS Peace and blessings, Reverend Dr. Jacquita Praise God from whom all blessings flow! As we reflect on the awesome spirit-filled 2024 Annual Conferences, it is indeed my pleasure to present the third edition of The WIM Connector, our quarterly newsletter. Review each article to capture the essence of each Annual Day and the uniqueness of each Conference. Congratulations to the newly elected and appointed officers! As we embark upon this new conference year, let us embrace the moment as we utilize every opportunity to define, enhance, expand, and support the presence of women in ministry in leadership in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. THE WIM CONNECTOR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER June 2024, Volume 3 1 S T E P I S COPAL DI S TRI C T A M E W O M EN IN M INI S TRY Empower Edify ANNUAL CONFERENCE EDITION “THE CHURCH IS MOVING ON” Bermuda • Delaware • New England • New Jersey • New York • Western New York • Philadelphia A Messagefrom Our President
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE Rev. Betty Furbert-Woolridge & Rev. Dr. Wright-Henderson Presiding Elder Sturdivant & E. David Burt, Premier of Bermuda Evangelist Karen Hurdle Rev. Judith Gardner, Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson, & Rev. Ruth VanLowe Smith Presiding Elder Sturdivant Rev. Dr. Jacquita, Rev. Dr. Emilygail Dill, and Rev. Joyce Hayward Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson, Guest Preacher Rev. Joyce Hayward 2 REV. JUDITH GARDNER, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
DELAWARE ANNUAL CONFERENCE Evangelism Workshop Presenters Presiding Elder Sturdivant Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford Rev. Belinda Boyer preaching the Annual Sermon Rev. Karen Washington Rev. Idola Batson Rev. Dr. Iola Williams Rev. Dr. Erika D. Crawford Rev. Shanika Dickerson, Rev. Dr. Erika, & Rev. Baynard Rev. Kim Billups-Harrington & Rev. Dr. Wright-Henderson REV. KIM BILLUPS-HARRINGTON, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
II RR OO NN SS HH AA RR PP EE NN SS II RR OO NN PP RR OO VV EE RR BB SS 22 77 :: 11 77 NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE Rev. Janine Dailey, Rev. Dr. Jacquita, & Rev. Bria Belim Rev. Janine Dailey & Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson Rev. Dr. Wright-Henderson & Presiding Elder Lovelace Presiding Elder Janet J. Sturdivant & Rev. Dr. Wright-Henderson Rev. Donna Minor Rev. Dr. Marjorie Jones 4 REV. JANINE DAILEY, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE Rev. Dr. Myra Billips Presiding Elder Sturdivant Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson with Rev. Dr. Deborah Blanks, NJ Coordinator Honoring Rev. Dr. Myra Billips with Rev. Dr. Mary White Williams Rev. Dr. Mary White Williams giving greetings 60 Years of Faithful Ministry: Rev. Dr. Mary White Williams, Itinerant Elder/Retired Pastor Rev. Dr. Jacquita and Rev. Dr. Williams Rev. Dr. Blanks showing appreciation to Rev. Dr. Mary White Williams REV. DR. DEBORAH K. BLANKS, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR Rev. Dr. Deborah K. Blanks
Presiding Elder Kim Anderson Preach, PreacHER! NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE 6 REV. ALICIA BAILEY, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE REV. ALICIA BAILEY, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
2024 - 2026 Officers Rev. Donna Minor, Rev. Makeeda Brooks, & Rev. Dr. Jacquita WESTERN NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE 8 Rev. Jeanette Presiding Elder Johnson Sturdivant Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson REV. SHEDLYN ST. FLEUR, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR Evangelism Day
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE REV. LOIS M. WILKINSON, CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
MINISTRYOF EVANGELISM PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE 10 REV. DR. JACQUELINE CAPERS, MOE CONFERENCE CHAIR
“Well done, good, and faithful servants .” Rev. Dr. Elaine M. Flake New York Rev. Viola Morris-Buchanan New England Rev. Francena Orr Delaware Rev. Bernadette Hickman-Maynard New England Rev. Deborah Tull Speakes Philadelphia Rev. Dr. Iola E. Williams Delaware CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RETIREES! Rev. Gloria Jimpson Western New York
12 Philadelphia Conference, South District Women’s Missionary Society honored Presiding Elder Janet J. Sturdivant and the Pastors of the South District for their leadership and commitment to thework ofmissions on Saturday 6/1/2024 attheOaks BallroominGlenolden, PA. All South District Pastors were honored. (Some WIM photos were not available.) Phyllis Ruffin presenting Presiding Elder Sturdivant the 2024 Sarah Allen Leadership Award Phyllis Ruffin, Tanisha Thomas, Rev. Dr. Janet and Rev. Michael Sturdivant CONGRATULATIONS!!
Congratulations!! 2024 - 2026 ANNUAL CONFERENCE COORDINATORS Rev. Judith Gardner, Bermuda Rev. Kim Billups-Harrington, Delaware Rev. Janine Dailey, New England Rev. Dr. Deborah K. Blanks, New Jersey Rev. Alicia Bailey, New York Rev. Shedlyn St. Fleur, Western New York Rev. Stephanie M. Atkins, Philadelphia 2024 APPOINTMENTS Nominating Committee: Presiding Elder Faye Banks Taylor, Chair Rev. Cassandra R. White, NJ Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus, NY Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not human masters. Colossians 3:23 Election Committee: Rev. Cassandra R. White, Chair Presiding Elder Faye Banks Taylor, WNY Rev. Omotayo Cole Cineus, NY
UPCOMING EVENTS 14
IT’S ELECTION TIME! The Nominating Committee: Presiding Elder Faye Banks Taylor, Chair Reverend Cassandra R. White, NJAC Reverend Omotayo Cole Cineus, NYAC Greetings! The year 2024 is an important year as the November presidential election will capture the attention of all who care about the well-being of this nation. Whoever is elected will establish the direction of this country going forward over the next four years. November will also be an important time for First District AME Women in Ministry (WIM), as the election of officers will establish the direction of WIM going forward over the next four years. Great strides have been made in supporting and uplifting women in all aspects of ministry. The leadership of WIM is central to continuing this legacy of excellence. When the information regarding nominations for the upcoming election is announced, please consider lending your gifts and talents to advance the mission of AME/WIM in the First Episcopal District. Respectfully yours,
CONNECTIONAL NEWS 16
Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer Worship Leader Herstoriographer Statistician Rev. IvyBerry Rev. LaGretaB. Brown Rev. Dr. Angela Battle THE EXECUTIVE BOARD Rev. Dr. Jacquita Wright-Henderson President 1st Vice President 2nd Vice President Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lynch Rev. Diana M.O. Bracy Rev. Dr. Adunnola Waterman-French Rev. Tamesha Mills Vacant ANNUAL CONFERENCE COORDINATORS Rev. JudithGardner Bermuda Delaware Rev.Kim Billups-Harrington New England Rev. Janine Dailey New Jersey Rev. Dr. DeborahK. Blanks New York Rev. AliciaBailey Western New York Rev. Shedlyn St. Fleur Philadelphia Rev. Stephanie Atkins SPECIAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN Rev. Kamaria Byrd-McAllister, Technology Committee Chairman Rev. Lisa Williams,Technology Committee Co-Chairman ”to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up“ Ephesians 4:12 W A L K I N G I N S T R E N G T H S : I R O N S H A R P E N I N G I R O N P R O V E R B S 2 7 : 1 7 W A L K I N G I N S T R E N G T H S : I R O N S H A R P E N I N G I R O N P R O V E R B S 2 7 : 1 7 1ST DISTRICT AME WIM EMPOWERS, ENGAGES, AND EDIFIES SUBMIT ANNOUNCEMENTS, EVENTS, AND PICTURES FOR THE WIM CONNECTOR QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER BY THE END OF EACH MONTH. [email protected]