Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Sr., presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church, and Mrs. Mary L. Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor, will convene the 88th Session of the Southern California Annual Conference next week at the Sheraton Gateway LAX Hotel.
The event begins on Sunday, October 21 and continues to Sunday, October 28. Following the conference, the 5th District Planning Meeting will take on Monday, October 29 through Tuesday, October 30.
Thousands of people from 14 western states are expected to attend to participate in worship services, business sessions, and Conference Institute classes. Pastor Darryl Walker, First Lady Yvonne Walker and the members of New Philadelphia A.M.E. Church are hosting the week-long program.
“This conference emphasizes our commitment to ‘Continue to Rebuild the Walls’ of the home, school, church, community and the world. Our societal ills demand that we stand firm on God’s word and that the ‘Church Remains the Church’ —a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, holy and set apart,” said Bishop Kirkland.
“When we think of how God is guiding our steps, blessing our labors, and now anointing our work, we should feel blessed, but aware, that God is not through with us yet and has prepared us to go the next mile.”
Activities begin with the Pre-Conference Musical on Sunday, October 21 at 4 p.m., at New Philadelphia, 19100 South Susana Road in Rancho Dominguez. Professor Ron Lowe, will direct the 100-voice Southern California Conference (SCC) Choir.
New Philadelphia will sponsor a golf tournament on Monday, October 22 at the Lakewood Country Club, 3101 Carson Street in Lakewood. For fees and sign-up contract, call (310) 537-8777.
Also on October 22, the SCC Women In Ministry, coordinated by the Rev. Felicia R. Bagneris, will hold sessions, luncheon, and gospel concert. The theme is ‘The Power of One: Operation Educate and Eradicate.’ Guests include the Rev. Dr. Gwendolyn Byrd and the Rev. Pamela Mason, District WIM President.
On Tuesday, October 23 and Wednesday, October 24, Supervisor Kirkland will oversee the Women’s Missionary Society Convention. Among the activities are business meetings, the pinning of new members, and the WMS Extravaganza program at 7 p.m. Deborah Woods is president of the SCC WMS.
Bishop Kirkland will officially open the Conference Business Session on Wednesday, October 24 at 10 a.m. The Opening Worship Service takes place at 7 p.m., with the sermon delivered by the Rev. Francine Brookins of Bethel A.M.E. Church – Fontana.
Men’s Ecumenical Night and Seminary Support will be celebrated on Thursday, October 25 at 7 p.m. The guest preacher will be Pastor Ticey Brown of Mount Tabor Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles.
Lay Commitment Night will be observed on Friday, October 26 at 7 p.m. Thomas Sutton, 1st Vice President of Connectional Lay, will be the guest speaker. Dorothy Vails-Weber is president of the SCC Lay Organization.
On Saturday, October 27, the Ordination Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. and the Women’s Missionary Society along with the Young People’s Division will present its AcadA.M.E. Awards at 7 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel, 9620 Airport Boulevard in Los Angeles. Janet Harris is director of the SCC YPD.
The Closing Worship and Commissioning Service is set for Sunday, October 28 at New Philadelphia at 3 p.m.. Bishop Kirkland will deliver the message.
The 5th Episcopal District Planning Meeting will feature preaching on Monday, October 29 by Pastor Mark Whitlock of Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church at 12 noon and Pastor Melvin Wade of Mount Moriah Baptist Church at 7 p.m.
On Tuesday, October 30 at 12 noon, the preacher will be Bishop Clement Fugh, presiding prelate of the 14th Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. The meeting will conclude with ministers throughout the 5th Episcopal District receiving pastoral appointments.
For information on all events, call the New Philadelphia church office at (310) 537-8777.
