The fourth and final Missionary Mass Meeting for the Hartford District, New England Conference, North Eastern Episcopal District this Conference Year was action-packed with “Self-Care & Wellness” information and activity. The Host Church was Spottswood, New Britain. Although we closed out this study component, we promised to maintain the principles and practices for the rest of our lives.
As this meeting always begins with the Youth Round-up we opened with the Hymn: “Take My Life and Let It Be.”
The song reminds the Youth and all of us that we are the instruments and tools that the Lord uses to pour out His love to His people and to those who are not yet His people.
The extraordinary Youth of the Hartford District, under the leadership of Sis. Shelby Adams, District Youth Secretary, opened with Worship, followed by an impactful role play on the issues of mental health, developed by the Connectional Youth Secretary, Sis. Melva Polk-Wright, “It’s Cool to Refuel.” Youth from all 15 churches participated either virtually or in person. A panel of professionals provided important feedback to help the young people and the rest of us understand how to deal with these extremely sensitive issues. They were: Rev. Frances O. Campbell, LMSW; Salena Willis, Retired Clinical Case Manager State of CT, Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Tim Feeney, Certified Recovery Coach through Advocacy Unlimited; and Ernestine Nobou, Social Worker in the Hartford Connecticut Public School System.
We were also inspired by a solo sung passionately by Ciera Johnson of Walters Memorial and received our Youth Delegate report from the Quadrennial Convention via video from Amanda Greaves of Metropolitan. She is a student at Clark Atlanta University. She reported on her personal experience as a delegate and the unveiling of the theme, Self-care and Wellness. Her personal takeaway from the Convention was to connect, give, and lead with Christ.
After greetings from the host Pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jonathan Counts, Sis. Vanessa Clayton, District President, facilitated the remainder of the meeting beginning with fun movement, then deep breathing exercises. We sang “I’m a Mountain Mover, Get Out of My Way” with vigorous swaying and stretching. It’s important to move daily, whether it’s aerobics, walking, chair exercises, or dance. We practiced deep breathing and were challenged to do it for five minutes every day. Inhaling and exhaling calms the body and relaxes your spirit. Being physically active and implementing all the tenets of self-care and wellness will remain at the forefront of our meetings and personal lives as “The Journey Continues.” By doing so we will be better equipped to “Reach the Masses in [this] Ever-changing World.”
Who better to wrap things up for us than our special guest preacher, Rev. Edith Mayfield, of the New York City District? Not only is she a former District Youth Secretary, but she is currently an Ambassador for Heart Smarts, a program designed to empower people to live heart-healthy lifestyles.
Rev. Mayfield brought a powerful message that included all the elements necessary to be healthy, wealthy, and wise. Not only did she preach with power, but she also demonstrated an active lifestyle by pumping a portable stair stepper without missing a word in her sermon. It was an incredible show of strength that we will always remember. No more excuses! We must put into practice these life-altering principles.
Her Scripture was 3 John:1-13 (Emphasis on verse 2), “Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well.” Her topic was “Self-Care (Soul Care) & Wellness”. She told us that “health is wealth [and] self-care is soul care”. If our health is intact, we should thank God. Regarding mental health, when going through crises, we must keep asking God for strength because He will never leave or forsake us. When we do not maintain a healthy diet, we are showing a lack of self-control and poor stewardship. Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, therefore, to honor God with a nutrient-rich diet is not only our duty, but it will energize us.
Move your body. Exercise regularly. As she spoke, she was using a step exerciser to make her point. This movement is a low-impact cardiovascular exercise that reduces heart attacks, improves blood pressure, boosts fitness, and engages multiple muscles. Remove the things that destroy your health, such as alcohol and tobacco, get proper rest, stay hydrated, unplug from technology, and spend quality time with loved ones. Whatever we do, do it for the glory of God. Be sober-minded and watchful because the devil prowls around seeking someone to devour. Be determined not to let it be you!
The Hartford District is ever grateful to Rev. Mayfield for bringing a Word that not only sounded good but will inevitably DO good in the lives of the pastors, preachers, and missionaries assembled in person and participating virtually. To God be the glory!
As everyone walked briskly to the offering table singing, “I’ve Got Joy Down in My Heart”, they were handed a self-assessment to rate their implementation of the self-care elements we have been studying. All were advised to keep improving at their own pace until they reached a perfect “10” in each area.
Next on the agenda was the presentation of the annual “Offering of Letters by the Local Presidents for Bread for the World. Each local church had written letters to our Senators and their Congresspersons, urging them to pass the Farm Bill which is up for passage again this year. One hundred ninety-two letters were presented with more on the way. The farm bill is legislation that is critical to ending hunger in the U.S. and internationally. It doesn’t just affect farmers. It also impacts every person in the U.S. who eats and buys food, as well as those facing hunger internationally. The letters were prayed over before being sent to each legislator.
To close out the year each church and District Officer submits a written report with pictures of their activities for the year. A video display was shown depicting local missionaries in action. In addition, the District Officers gave brief oral reports. A highlight of Mrs. Clayton’s report was her visiting each church, to bring a set of literature, introduce the theme, determine the status of the local society, offer support where needed, and applaud the positive efforts underway in the new quadrennium. Each church is unique; however, the Constitution and By-laws require certain things to be carried out to the best of their ability. To date, nine churches have been visited with the remaining six to be scheduled before Annual Conference.
Sis. Sally Cunningham, a local liaison to Church Women United, asked each church to get involved. There are good things happening and we need to be represented. We are committed to increasing our participation in not only this organization but all of our ecumenical affiliates.
Next, two missionaries were stoled, Sis. Yvonne McIlwain, presiding, and all were encouraged, to fulfill our motto: “Each one makes one”, before Annual Conference, recognizing that this will be the last time Mrs. D. Diane Proctor will be stoling us as our Missionary Supervisor.
The outreach for this meeting was undergarments for women and children to be given to the Prudence Crandall Center, a support and shelter for victims of domestic abuse. One Thousand one hundred six items were collected.
As this all-encompassing meeting came to an end with the final business of minutes and financial reports, the roll call indicated there were 113 in attendance with the awards going to Walters Memorial, Bridgeport and Archer Memorial, Windsor.
Closing remarks were given by Presiding Elder Moses Harvill who commended all for their dedicated work and participation. A special shout-out to the musicians and tech team for another job well done.
