November 2024, Cleveland, OH…, On September 28, 2024, the Ohio Conference gathered to report on our labors since the June Annual Conference. The packed-to-the-walls Check-Up Meeting was held at Ruth A.M.E. Zion Church in Sharon, PA (Akron District), where the Rev. Marion Wheeler is Pastor and Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker Sr. is the Presiding Elder.
The morning scripture, John 15:9-17, was read by Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Audie V. Simon I (Cleveland District). Rev. Dr. Curtis T. Walker Sr., introduced and presented the meditation speaker, Bishop Brian R. Thompson Sr.
The Mistress of Ceremonies for the occasion was the Honorable Judge Adele M. Riley, President of the Judicial Council of the A.M.E. Zion Church and member of St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church in Dayton, Ohio. Rev. Rosalyn Mitchell-Martin gave the invocation, and Rev. D’Andre James-Daniels eloquently shared the occasion.
The St. James A.M.E. Zion Church Choir from Massillon, Ohio, under the direction of their pastor, Rev. LeCounte Nedab, blessed everyone with their songs of praise.
Expressions of Welcome were given to Bishop and Rev. Thompson from the Lay Council, Christian Education, W.H.&O.M. Society, Minister’s Spouses & Widows, Ministers, and Presiding Elders.
Bishop Thompson’s meditation, “What Matters Next is What Matters Most” was taken from Matthew 14:25-29, which happens to be his personal theme and now the Mid-Atlantic Theme.
Bishop Thompson painted a picture of wanting to go to a high-rise restaurant and trying to use an elevator that would not reach the necessary floor. He decided to return to the main floor to get better directions and, with the new directions, was then able to reach the high-rise restaurant. He shared that sometimes, we are not willing to go higher. Bishop told us that we are not at our last destination; it is not our last stop; God has something greater for us. He also reminded us that the Gospels were written by four men who told the story from their own view; however, they all had the same ending.
He stated that sometimes we have “stinky” thinking, and believe that God can do for everyone else, but not for ourselves. We, too, can receive a miracle. Sometimes, things may have to get dark (like during the fourth watch) for God to do some things. Our shouting and praising do not mean that you have seen dark times or been through some things. Each one of us has our own personal storm. Bishop Thompson reminded us that Jesus will come to us sometimes, even before we know we need Him.
Bishop’s points were:
- We got to be willing to take some risk.
- We must recollect the radicalization of our redemption.
- Must remember the realized divine reverence.
Following the Expressions of Welcome, the Missionary Supervisor and Bishop gave remarks.
But hold on, we were not finished!
Bishop Thompson said he thought the church would “empty out” following the business session. Bishop Thompson does not know the Ohio Conference yet! Not only did everyone stay for the welcome program, but the Columbus-Cincinnati District rented a bus just to travel to the Check-Up Meeting.
Following worship service, we quickly moved into the business session of the Check-Up Meeting. Reports were given by the District Presidents of the Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (Lucille Gooden, LaVon Moore, Pamela Valentine), Christian Education (Dr. Monica Posey), Conference Studies (Rev. Dr. Curtis Walker), Home Mission and Conference Workers (Sharon Simmons), and Lay Council (Anita Rankin).
Presiding Elder Rev. Dr. Michael Posey (Columbus-Cincinnati District) reported on the Ministry of Kindness, and Rev. George Smith-Whitfield gave an overview of our next Annual Conference.
Our three Presiding Elders, Rev. Dr. Audie Simon I, Rev. Dr. Michael Posey, and Rev. Dr. Curtis Walker, reported on the financial and spiritual state of their respective districts. The Conference Financial report was last. Bishop Thompson gave the benediction.
Bishop Thompson and Missionary Supervisor Rev. Thompson are excited to be with Mid-Atlantic and the Ohio Conference family. They look forward to getting to know each of us and “may stop in” unannounced at any of our churches on any given Sunday.
Welcome, and we look forward to working and fellowshipping together!
