Declaring a “season of Pentecost,” Bishop Clement W. Fugh, presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the AME Church, and Episcopal Supervisor Alexia Butler Fugh, will emphasize spiritual renewal and revival during the 94th Session of the Southern California Annual Conference.
The five-day symposium, which opens Wednesday, Oct. 17, and concludes Sunday, Oct. 21, brings together hundreds of AMEs representing 50+ churches in Southern California and Nevada to participate in the business sessions, workshops and worship services held at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport Hotel, 5711 W. Century Blvd., in Los Angeles.
Inviting people of all faiths to attend, Fugh said the conference will highlight the “age of the professing church. We will explore the significance of Jesus’ meeting with His disciples following the crucifixion when they were in hiding,” he explained. “Next, we will delve into the rich treasures that unfold when the day of Pentecost is fully come.”
The Rev. Roosevelt Lindsey, Jr., and the Rev. Dr. Allen Williams, Sr., are the host and co-host presiding elders, respectively. Also, for the first time in their church history, Pastor Dwaine Jackson and the members of Bryant Temple AME will serve as conference hosts.
“We are excited to play such an important role in this conference and we are confident that everyone who attends will be energized and rejuvenated in their walk with Christ,” Jackson said.
Activities began on Oct. 17, at 8 a.m., with the Women In Ministry and the Women’s Missionary Society conventions. At 7 p.m., the WMS will host the worship service.
Fugh will convene the business session on Oct. 18, at 9 a.m., featuring the roll call of ministers and delegates along with reports by various committees. The Opening Worship Service takes place at 7 p.m., with preaching by the Rev. Dr. J. Arthur Rumph, pastor of Grant AME Church in Los Angeles.
On Oct. 19, Fugh will expand on his “season of Pentecost” vision for the new conference year. Also, pastors will deliver reports on their churches’ accomplishments during 2017-2018. The Conference Lay Organization will sponsor a community education town hall at 7 p.m.
The agenda on Oct. 20 includes sessions for members of the Young People’s Division as well as the Ordination Service at 10 a.m., with preaching by the Rev. Dr. Dennis Dickerson, a retired general officer of the AME Church and professor at Vanderbilt University.
The conference ends on Oct. 21, at 3 p.m., with the Closing Worship and Commissioning Service. Bishop Fugh will preach the sermon and announce the pastoral appointments for 2018-19.
To learn more, call Bryant Temple AME Church at (323) 293-6201.
