Elizabeth City, NC. July 2025… The 115th Annual Session of the Albemarle Conference convened from June 19–22, 2025, under the leadership of Bishop W. Darin Moore and the direction of Presiding Elders Reverend Donald L. Jones (Elizabeth City District) and Reverend Fondella A. Leigh (Edenton District).
Held across several days of worship, teaching, reports, and planning, the session brought pastors, laity, and leaders together around one central theme, “A Comeback Church,” drawn from Ezekiel 37. This powerful biblical image, the valley of dry bones brought back to life shaped the message, the tone, and the urgency of this year’s conference. It was clear from the opening worship to the final reading of pastoral appointments that the Albemarle Conference is preparing for spiritual renewal, deeper community engagement, and stronger church leadership in challenging times.
Who Came and Why It Mattered: Clergy and lay members from across northeastern North Carolina gathered to take part in the sacred and strategic work of the conference. Hosted by the Bay Branch A.M.E. Zion Church, and host pastor Rev. Joseph Walton, and supported by district music ministries, the spirit of unity was palpable. Bishop Moore’s leadership emphasized that now is the time for the Albemarle Conference to rise up, reclaim its voice in the community, strengthen its spiritual roots, and answer the call to serve. Attendees gathered not just to fulfill their duties, but also to seek divine direction, grow in spiritual understanding, and recommit to Methodism’s sacred calling to be salt and light in the world. Throughout the weekend, clergy and lay leaders lifted their voices in unity, calling for a renewed sense of intentionality, courageous leadership grounded in faith, and a return to the spiritual disciplines that anchor the mission of The A.M.E. Zion Church. Their collective witness reminded all present that the church exists not for personal comfort, but for God’s kingdom purpose.
What Happened: Worship, Teaching, and Realignment. The conference opened Thursday with a worship service that included Holy Communion and preaching, setting a reverent tone for the work ahead. Reverend Fondella A. Leigh gave the Communion Meditation, and the Bay Branch Music Ministry led the congregation in worship. That afternoon, official business began. The Credentials, Rules, Nominations, and Finance Committees presented their reports.
One of the key actions voted on was the scheduling of the 116th Session of the Albemarle Annual Conference for November 14–15, 2025. The Friday evening session will include the first-ever Freedom Awards Banquet, where one clergy and one lay member from each district will be honored for exceptional service to both church and community. On Saturday, November 15, the conference will reconvene for business in a structure similar to a Check-Up Meeting, concluding with the reading of pastoral appointments. Conference leaders scheduled the 117th session for November 12-15, 2026. In preparation for the upcoming conference year, the 2025–2026 Check-Up Meeting dates are also set. The first will take place on February 28, 2026, at Pleasant Grove A.M.E. Zion in Edenton. The second follows on April 25, 2026, at St. James A.M.E. Zion in Elizabeth City. The third and final check-up will be a hybrid district-wide gathering on July 11, 2026, hosted at Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church in Washington, NC.
On Thursday evening, Education Night was celebrated with the teaching ministry of the Church. Mr. Julius Walker, Albemarle Lay Council President, led the Albemarle Conference Lay Hour Program. Mr. Seth Boyd of St. James A.M.E. Zion Church provided the youth message entitled, “The Role of Youth in Securing the Future of The A.M.E. Zion Church.” Following the Lay Hour, Education Night continued with Reverend Michael Gaddy. His sermon entitled “So, That” was preached with conviction about the need to remain grounded in biblical literacy and spiritual growth. Mrs. Gloria P. Spence, Conference Director of Christian Education, offered reflections on the progress and plans of the year’s educational work.
On Friday morning Bishop Moore’s Episcopal Address blended encouragement with challenge. He preached, “Certain Trust in Uncertain Times begins with strong spiritual roots. Churches must invest in deepening the faith and discipline of their members and re-evaluate their local mission through thoughtful re-envisioning. However, the action does not stop with hearing the Word.” Bishop Moore urged congregations to become more engaged in community and civic life, educating members about economic preparedness and voter rights, including supporting faithful members who feel called to public leadership. He also emphasized the importance of communication and visibility. Local churches need to improve how they share their message internally and externally, and more importantly, must be willing to address the real-life needs of the communities they serve. Whether dealing with food insecurity, housing, mental health, or justice issues, the church must be present and active. “Act with intentionality” became a recurring conference-wide refrain.
Friday afternoon continued with the WHOMS Convocation, where The Honorable Janice McKenzie Cole spoke with clarity and compassion on Equity and Justice. Reverend Dr. Sharon B. Newton followed with the equipping session “Committing to Our Mission,” reminding attendees that vision without application is just talk. Her message pressed home the importance of implementation, getting the work done, not just agreeing on what should be done. Rev. Newton reminded worshipers to be “Kingpins” in their willingness to serve, stepping forward as central figures to carry out God’s purpose with boldness and humility.
Worship and Fellowship in Full Expression: The Missionary Candlelight Service on Friday evening radiated solemnity and celebration as WHOMS marched in on Hezekiah Walker & LFCC’s “Walk in the Light”. Dr. Newton returned to the pulpit, delivering a message rooted in legacy and faithfulness, while Mrs. Devieta C. Moore, Missionary Supervisor, led the service with warmth and direction. The Stoling Ceremony reminded all in attendance that ministry is both a calling and a responsibility. District Missionary Presidents Mrs. Jackie Brown (Elizabeth City) and Mrs. Alice Clagon (Edenton) brought creativity, passion, and innovation to their annual reports, reflecting the vibrancy and impact of missionary work across the conference. Over 30 new missionaries were stoled as Life Matrons and Patrons, symbolizing their commitment to a life of service and discipleship.
Saturday’s Christian Education Convocation brought the full church body together, children, youth, young adults, and adults for a powerful morning of teaching, worship, and fellowship. Over 40 children and youth were present, engaging in educational breakout sessions designed for their age groups. Sessions were also held for young adults and adults, offering opportunities for spiritual growth and practical learning. The Albemarle Conference Youth Choir rendered the music, lifting the atmosphere with spirited praise. Bishop Moore shared a heartfelt message tailored specifically to the youth, offering encouragement, instruction, and inspiration for their journey of faith. The service also featured preaching from Rev. Iasia Collier, whose message challenged all present to remember what God has already done while preparing faithfully for what is yet to come through a fresh fire and anointing.
Following the worship and teaching, the conference transitioned into its final business session. Committee reports were presented with matters related to admissions, disciplinary questions, and the Conference Board of Examiners Report addressed. The conference admitted Brother Ernest McPherson and continued his status as a minister on trial. Rev. Iasia Collier advanced to second-year conference studies. Sister Javita Bryant advanced to third-year studies and received recommendations for full connection and ordination as a Deacon. Rev. Dr. Lopez Scott was also admitted to third-year conference studies. That evening, the Minister Spouses & Widows/Widowers Dinner provided a space of warmth, gratitude, and joyful fellowship. It was filled with connection, appreciation, good food, and just the right amount of fun. A highlight of the evening was the “60-Second Sermons” activity, where participants delivered powerful, playful, and often poignant mini-sermons, bringing both laughter and reflection to those in attendance. It was a fitting reminder that even in moments of levity, ministry and relationships are necessary.
A Benediction and a Charge: The conference closed with a powerful Sunday worship service led by Reverend Dr. Joseph L. Walton and Bay Branch A.M.E. Zion Church choir and ushers. Bishop Moore delivered the closing sermon, reminding the congregation that the same God who brought life to a valley of dry bones is still breathing life into the Albemarle Conference today. It was not a message of nostalgia or retreat, but of bold, Spirit-filled return. He issued a charge to every minister and layperson to go back to their local churches with a renewed spirit, a new attitude, and a deeper trust in God’s power to restore, revive, and rebuild. The Church’s comeback, he emphasized, is not about going back to what was, but moving forward with fresh fire, courageous faith, and an unshakable mission.
With the reading of pastoral appointments, the annual Usher’s March, final committee acknowledgments, and the hymn “God Be with You Until We Meet Again,” the 115th Albemarle Annual Conference came to a close. Now, the Albemarle Conference moves forward fully committed to rising, rebuilding, and becoming the comeback church God is calling it to be.
