The Greensboro District Women’s Home and Overseas Missionary Society (WH&OMS) held its Second Mass Meeting of the 2024-2025 Conference Year on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church, Greensboro, NC, where the Reverend Dr. Lisa Caldwell is Pastor. The Young Adult Missionary Society (YAMS) and the Life Members Council were meeting participants. Ms. Robin N. Goins, Assistant Coordinator of YAMS, presided over the first part of the meeting.
The meeting began with devotion, with the YAMS providing beautiful leadership. The Call to Worship was followed by the Invocation by Ms. Goins and the hymn, Our Promise, Praise and Petition. The Scripture – Micah 6:8-16 was read by Ms. LaJuana Sellu. Reverend Krystal Issac delivered a moving and heartfelt prayer, and Mrs. Gale Gaines gave a lovely and gracious Welcome. Mrs. Michelle F. Bell led the Litany. And we were blessed with a beautiful liturgical dance of praise. Following devotion, Ms. Goins provided historical aspects of the Young Adult Missionary Society, including its mission, motto, colors, theme song, and membership.
A special presentation was made on St. Phillip’s Community Garden of Peace. Director of Mission Education Mrs. Nina Ingram highlighted the wonderful work of St. Phillip A.M.E. Zion Church in relation to the 2023-2027 quadrennial theme— “Reaching the Masses in an Ever-changing World, The Journey Continues: Self-Care and Wellness, Equity and Justice, Leadership and Legacy, Empathy and Compassion,” with emphasis on Equity and Justice for this Conference Year. Director Ingram stated that we don’t have to look for large, profound ways to reach the masses. Access and opportunities to help eliminate barriers of inequity and injustice are right before us each day. She noted that St. Phillip has embraced equity and justice through the provision and building of a community garden to help those without access and opportunity for suitable land to be able to learn, grow, and harvest their own vegetables. Ms. Marissa Powell, Project Manager for the Community Garden of Peace, gave a beautiful and informative presentation on the history and work of the vegetable garden, noting that the garden is a very successful endeavor. St. Phillip has teamed with the Guilford Urban Farming Initiative to build a garden in the community. The community garden’s work has included instructions on prepping the ground, building high vegetable beds, building a greenhouse, and creating a children’s vegetable area. Produce from the garden is provided for the congregation and the community.
The Life Members Council extended its educational arm at the Mass Meeting by providing teachable moments. Chair Coley provided historical aspects of the Life Members Council, including its mission, motto, colors, theme song, and membership. Additionally, Chair Coley, along with several fellow missionaries, presented a skit presentation on proper dress etiquette—written and directed by Life Members Council Chair Ms. Vernice M. Coley. The skit was enjoyed and well received by all. Following the skit, there was a Life Members Council Stolling Ceremony.
During the second part of the meeting, presided over by President Dr. Edna Adams-Fulton, the offering was received by Reverend Dr. Timothy Freeman; the Financial Report was given by
Mrs. Linda Goins. The attendance banner certificate recognition remains a highlight of our Mass Meetings. This report was made by Ms. Phyllis Marshall. The following churches received the honors: Trinity, Snow Hill, and Oak Grove. Mrs. Loretta Woodle gave the courtesy report, expressing thanks and appreciation to everyone.
Missionary President Dr. Edna Adams-Fulton formally introduced to the Mass Meeting participants Reverend Dr. Timothy Freeman and Mrs. Kendra Young-Freeman, Trinity A.M.E. Zion Church Pastor and First Lady. Mrs. Kendra Young-Freeman will serve as the new YAMS Coordinator for the Greensboro District WH&OMS. Additionally, Dr. Adams-Fulton and Reverend Dr. Freeman extended heartwarming thanks to all for their presence and participation. Following announcements and other closing remarks, the Second Missionary Mass Meeting adjourned with the Missionary Benediction. Dr. Adams-Fulton invited the congregation to tour the vegetable garden— St. Phillip’s Community Garden of Peace. Lunch was served from the Fellowship Hall.
