The 113th session of the Michigan Annual Conference convened at the Sheraton Airport Grand Rapids Hotel from June 21 – 24, 2023. Bishop Michael A. Frencher, Sr. presided and Bishop George W.C. Walker, Jr., (retired) assisted. The conference also welcomed Mrs. Gelenia A. Frencher and Mrs. Geraldine J. Walker, Missionary Supervisors.
The conference began with intercessory prayer led by the Rev. Shirley Sparks followed by the opening service with Presiding Elder Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge presiding. The Martin Temple church choir provided music with scripture and prayer presented by Rev. Dr. Lori K. Holmes and Rev. Todd Jarrett.
Bishop Walker presented Bishop Frencher, who reminded the conference that the morning speaker, Rev. Dr. James E. Davis, had a two-fold task: to deliver both a Communion message and the Annual Sermon. Dr. Davis titled his message “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner?” and outlined the various participants at the last supper as well as the “gifts that each brought to the table.” As the participants used these gifts, they changed the atmosphere of the event. He reminded us that ALL can sit at Jesus’ table and that we ALL can change the atmosphere with OUR gifts.
Communion was followed by the organization of the conference. Reports from the Rules and Nominations Committee were approved followed by the report of the Credentials Committee and naming of the delegates and alternates from each church. The Roll call of the ministers was held. After investigation and trial, Rev. Ronald Bailey was dropped from the roll of the Michigan Conference. The roll call of conference officers was followed by the official opening of the 113th session of the Michigan Conference by Bishop Frencher.
Bishop Frencher introduced Associate Bishop George WC Walker, Sr., who greeted the conference.
Bishop Frencher announced that he was considering a Mega Conference in 2024. (Information has since been received that the Mega Conference will be held May 28 – June 2, 2024, in Indianapolis.
Bishop Walker introduced Bishop Frencher for his 2nd Episcopal Address to the Michigan Annual Conference. He briefly reviewed the quadrennial theme and indicated that “Sharing Our Faith” was the theme for this year. In a stirring address, the Bishop reminded us to go back to basics and return to the foundation of our faith and its core values. We must know why we exist, must know our beliefs, and show those to others. What is the role of the church today? The emphasis should be placed on what is right with the church. He cited many of the things that are right with the church: the church has a mission that’s right (see the Great Commission), and every member must share in that mission. He suggested that all should re-read the mission of the A.M.E. Zion church, know it, and be intentional about supporting it. The church also has a method that’s right. That is one of the reasons that many faiths are ‘borrowing” parts of it.
The Bishop set five goals for the conference year:
- Set up ministries to reach more people
- Place stronger emphasis in the teaching/training of our members. Be ready to ask for help; no one can do this alone.
- Review/renew Sunday School and Bible Study
- Participate in social organizations to help our people
- Use technology to help in our outreach ministries: including on-line giving, virtual church, don’t lose your on-line audience.
Bishop Frencher indicated that he would “check-up” on these recommendations at the First Checkup meeting!
Thursday morning began with reports from the Presiding Elders Rev. Dr. Joel D. Miles, the Detroit Presiding Elder Committee – Rev. Todd Jarrett, Rev. Orea Peterson, Rev. Austin Young and Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge. This was followed by the Pastors and Delegates’ Reports.
The Memorial Service followed with the message preached by Rev. Jasmine Brewster. Speaking from Psalm 30:5 she titled her remarks “Weeping Endures Only for a Night but Joy Comes in the morning.” She reminded us that Grief is only temporary, and that sorrow won’t have the last word. Jesus has the last word. Sorrow isn’t forever but love is! The Necrology Report was read by Rev. Rosalind Brown.
The Sexual Misconduct Workshop was conducted by Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Anthony K.R. Gibson of the Indianapolis District, Indiana Conference. This workshop was mandatory for “anyone in leadership doing pastoral care” for the church. He reinforced that attention to the policy of the AME Zion church on this matter is mandatory and designed to protect others as well as to protect the church. Attendance was verified by a sign-in sheet.
The Election of delegates to the General Conference was conducted by Rev. Dr. J. Elvin Sadler, General Secretary-Auditor of the AME Zion Church. Results:
Delegates
Clergy Lay
Rev. Todd Jarrett Susan Fitzpatrick
Rev. Dr. Lori K. Holmes Dawn Walker
Rev. Dr. Joel D. Miles Allen Young
Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge Janice Bibbs
Rev. George Walker, Jr. Sandra Gadsen
Rev. Dr. Derrick T. Simmons Gwen Johnson
Rev. Austin Young Rise Rankin
Rev. Orea Peterson Barbara Bryant
Rev. James E. Davis, III Latreasha Williams
Alternates
Clergy Lay
Rev. Johngerlyn Young Kaila Oguneep
Rev. Mellody Bowen-Hall Mary Lee
Rev. April Sumrow Cynthia Revels-Young
Rev. David Williams Cynthia Jones
Rev. Johnny Johnson, Jr. Mia Gutridge
Rev. Todd Jarrett presided over The Christian Education Worship Service. The John Wesley Southfield Choir provided the music and the sermon was delivered by Rev. Al C. Hamilton, CFO, AME Zion Church and former pastor of John Wesley Southfield. He spoke of his long friendship with Bishops Frencher and Starnes and Rev. George McKain. He titled his message “The Ministry of Reconciliation” and compared it to his position in accounting. Things are supposed to add up, but sometimes things “just don’t add up.” Citing the three Hebrew Boys, the fishes and loaves among other Biblical references, he reminded us that only Jesus could rescue us from being lost forever and that Jesus understood the concept of reconciliation. We all will be called to account for our record to God. He won’t ask for the amount of claims we collected but how many souls we saved or led to Christ.
The service continued with the ACE stoling ceremony and a stirring tribute to Sis. Deborah Rivers, former Conference Director of Christian Education now the director for the Midwest ED. She was quite moved by the numerous tributes and presentations and surprised by a visit and tribute from Rev. Patrick Barrett Christian Education Director for the AME Zion Church. Present were the Central Region ACE Leaders Rev. Tanisha Durett-Simpson and Susan Fitzpatrick and Rev. Johngerlyn Young, President of the Assembly of Christian Educators. A new commission was named for Young Adults with the Rev. Lakesha Fitzpatrick as leader.
Friday morning began with Intercessory prayer followed by the Lay Convocation presided over by Lay Council Conference President Lynda Byrd. After introductory remarks and a recap of the CLC Evangelistic Retreat held in October, 2022, the three districts of the conference presented information about their work during the year. Detroit, under the direction of Ms. Elsie Harbour, presented information on “Spiritual Gifts,” Chicago under the direction of Mrs. Peggy Bryant, reviewed their calendar and programs from the past year and Mrs. Yunorma Moore (recovering from surgery) sent slides of some of the work of the Western Michigan District illustrating the laity using their gifts in Christian service.
The Missionary Convocation followed led by Mrs. Mia Gutridge, presiding. Marching in to “Marching to New Orleans” (site of the 2023 WHOMS Convention), after the devotion Missionary Supervisor Gelenia A. Frencher, delivered her address urging those present to carry out the great commission by mentoring with agape Love. She indicated that mentoring others is the best way to grow your faith, that mentoring begins at home and extends abroad, and that mentoring a few is called discipleship. Mentoring puts faith in action by training mentees to train others. (Mentoring with Agape Love). She reminded the audience of her three favorite sayings: You have to connect before you correct, if you know better you do better and work smarter not harder! Train and mentor to develop future leaders and then use the “brains” of our young people to fully participate in the organization. She suggested that we be enthused about our work and accept, value, care for others and erase all offenses. Responses were given by Mia Gutridge and Retired Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Geraldine J. Walker.
Following this address the districts creatively reported on their activities this past year.
Quadrennial Banquet for Mrs. Gelenia A. Frencher, Missionary Supervisor
A regal event was held in honor of Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Gelenia A. Frencher on Friday, June 23, 2023 at the Sheraton Grand Rapids Airport Hotel the site of the 113th session of the Michigan Annual Conference. Patterned after a real coronation, this regal event featured ladies wearing fascinator headpieces, gloves and bearing tributes to the first lady of the Michigan Annual Conference. Each presenter bore a royal title. The dais included Bishops Frencher, honored guest Mrs. Frencher, Bishop Walker, Mrs. Walker, Dr. Sandra Gaden, Mrs. Cynthia Revels-Young, Rev. and Mrs. Dwight Gutridge, Rev. Dr. and Rev. Joel D. Miles. Tributes were presented by representatives of the Christian Education Department, Laity, Women’s Home and Overseas Mission Society, Ministers’ Spouses, Presiding Elders and Retired Missionary Supervisor Mrs. Geraldine J. Walker. Musical tribute was given by violinist Vanessa Allen and a video tribute from the Frencher children and grandchildren.
A heartfelt response was given by Mrs. Frencher and special tribute from Bishop Frencher. It was a beautiful evening, a true royal tribute to a queenly supervisor, Mrs. Gelenia A. Frencher.
Saturday morning began at Zion University with a panel of youth and young adults speaking on “Sharing our Faith, Proclaiming God’s Power and Moving Forward.” Centered around II Timothy 1:8, the panel was led by Rev. LaKesha Fitzpatrick and included Rev. April Sumrow, Audrey Robinson and Aaron Harris. A lively discussion followed with the panel providing thoughts on several questions and concerns and ending with the all-important: “What do the churches need to do to recapture Gen Z and Gen X’ers?”
Election and installation of VICYC Officers followed.
Mr. Ben Howard presided over the Youth Worship Service. He summarized the activities that the youth engaged in during the conference and urged the audience to continue to lift schools and colleges especially HBCU’s!
The Youth Worship Service followed with the report of the outgoing president Haleyah Gist, selections by the Michigan Conference Youth Choir and a stirring address by Rev. Rhonda Hollins of St. Andrew in Gary. Rev. Hollins selected II Samuel 4:4 as the scripture and titled the address “Who Dropped You?” She ended by admonishing the audience to remember that life will throw curves at you and you may be dropped but you get up, show up and let God restore you. You will have a seat at the king’s table! The message was enthusiastically received!
The business of the conference continued with reports from the Budget, Finance, MAC Treasurer, Home Missions, Conference Workers, Conference Studies, and Holy Orders Committees.
Three persons are scheduled to be ordained Deacons and one as Elder at the first Checkup Meeting. One person requested retirement: Rev. Dr. Jean Hope of Grace AME Zion Church in South Bend, Indiana. The conference attendees thanked her for her service.
Presiding Elder Dwight L. Gutridge presided over the appointment service. Bishop Frencher preached from Matthew 28:19 – 20 titling his message “The Mandate for Missions.” He reminded us that Jesus trusted his disciples to evangelize the world. It starts where we are, at home and then spreads abroad. How many people do we witness to? We have been given the power to do the work of Christ because we have the power of Christ. Every believer has the power; it only needs to be activated. We therefore have the divine power and plan for missions to make disciples. Bishop Frencher reminded us that it is important to show whose side you’re on. Feed new believers with the word of God; don’t try to carry out the mission with inferior materials! We want new disciples to make it to the kingdom. Jesus promised us that he would be with us always. We therefore have both the power and the promise of Jesus and the mandate to “reach the masses.”
Prior to the appointments the Courtesy Committee reported. The report was received with enthusiasm and thanks.
Appointments and Changes:
The Detroit District is to be combined with the Western Michigan District; Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge was appointed Presiding Elder of the “Detroit Western Michigan District.”
Other changes: Rev. Darren Overton appointed to St. Paul Toledo
Rev. David Williams to Blackwell Flint
Rev. Michelle Tucker to Metropolitan
The 113th session of the Michigan Annual Conference was concluded with all present looking back on a spirit-filled meeting. To God Be the Glory!
Lynda N. Byrd
Conference Reporter
