On April 26-27, 2024, the Distinguished Detroit Western Michigan District Conference, where the Presiding Elder is Rev. Dwight L. Gutridge and Lady Mia Gutridge, was hosted by Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church Pastor Rev. Michele Tucker and St. Peter A.M.E. Zion Church Rev Kenya C. James Pastor. This was our Inaugural (very first) District Conference since the two districts were merged into one by our Bishop Rt, Rev. Michael A. Frencher Sr.
Friday night, our Holy Communion Service was a blessing with visiting Presiding Elder Rev. Anthony K.R. Gibson, President of the Presiding Elders’ Council of the A.M.E. Zion Church and also the Presiding Elder of the Indianapolis District and Rev. Dr. William L. Johnson III of Southern Indiana District of the A.M.E. Zion Church, preached our souls happy from Matthew 9:35-38 subject “Help Is On The Way.” He stated that to increase our harvest, we must: (a.) Call upon God first (b.) Pray, talk to God out loud about the harvest (leave social media), (c.) prepare for help, (d.) plan for help, and finally, PRAISE God for the help he’s providing for the harvest. This was an enlightening, powerful, Holy Spirit-filled sermon.
Saturday, School of the Prophets was taught by Rev. Dr. Willian L. Johnson III. The topic was “Help for the Harvest.” Dr. Johnson gave us clear, concise data on how to harvest and what to do in order to obtain harvest in our local churches. The main thing he stated was to make sure seeds sown will bring back a harvest. He also said, “The heart of God is to be a prophet to tell the people God is still in charge.” We must prepare and end with prayer. Rev Dr. Johnsons’ teaching was sincere and impactful.
At our First Distinguished Detroit Western District Conference, we had two local Preachers preach from the depths of their souls, sharing the good news. Sister Kailla Ogunnupe from Acts 9, topic “Ignorance is Bliss,” and Brother Edward Heard preached from Matthew 5:16, “I Know Who Has The Lights On.” God poured His anointing upon these two servants, and it flowed upon each of us. Our hearts burned with the Holy Spirit and joy as they brought to the waiting congregation the commanding Word of God. The delegates and committees gave their reports.
Presiding Elder Dwight L. Gutridge gave us the Charge from Matthew 9:37: “What Do you Do While We Wait?” He told us we all want to see spiritual and numerical growth. ” People are looking for a word that will change their lives. Our harvest must be about healing the hurt people, and we must be ready to receive the harvest. Let God do what only God can do. We must be prepared and persistent, realizing God is in charge. We must be compassionate and pray to the Lord to make us loving neighbors for our harvest.” During our harvest, Gutridge charged us to be encouraging and uplifting, giving people words of love and life, purposely repenting, and not sowing bad seeds but sowing good seeds to reap a great harvest.
Our First Inaugural Charge was inspiring and persuasive. We are completely motivated to harvest for the building of God’s kingdom for the edification of our Lord and Zion. The Distinguished Detroit Western Michigan District presented our Presiding Elder and Mrs. Gutridge with gifts to show our appreciation for the fantastic job they are doing. We love them deeply, and we are blessed to be a part of their vision. To God be the glory for the things he has done and will continue to do as we labor together to have a full harvest. View pictures from our Distinguished Detroit Western District Conference
