THE SECOND PRESIDING ELDER’S REPORT Reverend Greg Harris

Presiding Elder of the Greensboro/Demopolis District

Cahaba Conference Alabama-Florida Episcopal District AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL ZION CHURCH 104TH SESSION OF THE CAHABA CONFERENCE

Nov 9-12, 2016

Jackson Chapel AME Zion Church 4885 Coosada Road § Coosada, Al 36020

Rev. Greg Harris, Host Pastor Rev. Greg Harris, Presiding Elder Greensboro/ Demopolis District Rev. William Scott, Presiding Elder Selma District Rev. Vernell G. Lewis Presiding Elder (Emeritus) Rev. Dr. Claude Shuford, Chief Administrator Mrs. Jacqueline Inez Williams-Lartey, Missionary Supervisor The Right Reverend Dr. Seth O. Lartey, Presiding Prelate The Alabama Florida Episcopal District

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To:

Bishop Seth O. Lartey, Mrs. Jacqueline Inez Williams Lartey, Chief Administrator Rev. Dr. Claude Shuford, Presiding Elders, William F. Scott and Vernell G. Lewis (Emeritus), Pastors, Ministers, Conference and District Officers, Delegates, Members and Friends of 104th Session of the Cahaba Conference. It is with joy unspeakable that I greet you in the Name that is above every name, Jesus The Christ. It is with the peace of God that I offer my second report as Presiding Elder of the Greatest District in all of Zion Methodism. Another Annual conference has arrived and we are blessed to yet be alive. What an awesome journey it is. The challenges we have faced have demanded our best. The LORD has shown our challenges to be mere opportunities to demonstrate that nothing is too hard or impossible for God. This report will provide a snapshot of what God is doing through me as presiding elder, as well as, what God is doing in and on the Greensboro/Demopolis District. In addition to my daily responsibilities with district work, I am very proud to report that I have done the following: • Attended the Presiding Elder’s Council Meeting at the Mid-Winter Christian Education Convention, New Orleans, Louisiana • • • • • •

Presiding Elder’s Council in Rock Hill South Carolina Attend Lay Convention In Rock Hill South Carolina Taught Workshop in Buffalo New York District Conference Visited all of the Churches during Sunday services Chaired the Bishops Testimonial Banquet for Bishop Dennis V. Proctor Travel to Western West Africa Episcopal District

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» MY REPORT It has been challenging to compose this report. What do I say? What do I report? Will it matter once it is over? The latter is yes, because as the Presiding Elder, I must make it matter. Not for my good only but for the good of us all. The storm of challenges have moved through the work, but in spite of everything, we are still here. I pray we have learned from the lessons taught over the past year, both good and bad. Still, my assurance rest in knowing that if it had not been for the Lord on our side what would we have done? We need to see, observe, and analyze our work for the good of all. While there is need for honest discussion concerning the work, the questions arise, “How much work can we handle? How committed are we to make things better?” As we come to a close of this conference year, we must realize and accept the reality that as our churches go…so goes the district; and as the district goes…so goes the Annual Conference. The unity of our district is critical to the health and welfare of us all. From my view, we need better, we can do better, we must want better; both ministers and laity. To merely coexist is no longer enough. We must work together for the better that all of us become spiritually, temporarily, and financially healthier. Therefore, the strength we seek lies in the foundation of the work, as we build brick by brick together, which interprets to mean each and every church in the Conference is engaged in one vision for the whole as each fulfills its individual mission. I am happy to report that the district is holding its own. The Greensboro/ Demopolis District has been blessed to maintain the work escaping the need to do the same. The wave of interest seen on my entry as Presiding Elder has continued and enthusiasm remains to provide the energy we need to make it to Conference. But I see us moving forward not to get to Annual Conference, but beyond. However, I must pause here to applaud the laity, because you are the vital element in the work of this district and you have given much needed support. I also thank those pastors and supernumerary ministers who have thought it not robbery to stand with me and work to make the work stronger and better. Your leadership is appreciated. I thank all of you for all you have done. I know where my help comes from and I am grateful to our LORD Jesus and you.

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» THE DISTRICT It is my desire to see more activity with the District Leadership getting into the churches to evaluate the work and offer assistance where needed. Pastors must become willing to accept the district Lay leadership, if we are to be stronger and ONE. Each district leader must be visible and interacting with her or his local counterpart. The momentum of the district has remained consistent. The Tri Departmental Meetings continues to do well. The challenge to make each meeting worthwhile and meaningful has remained the focus point of the team’s (WHOMS, CED, Lay Council) energy. Teaching, encouraging, building up each ministry in order to make disciples, within and without, continues to be the driving force of this endeavor. The WHOM Society continues to do well. They have started off running strong as they entered into their new quadrennial. It is my prayer that they continue to keep the pace. Our new district president continues to give her best work and the work has responded by bringing its best. This is evident in the Life Member’s activity, the work of the Yams Coordinator, and the renewed energy that it really needed. Thank you, Sister Carolyn Oliver and department heads for all you do. The Home Missions department has been outstanding. They continue to meet their financial obligations and give assistance to churches that have financial struggles. Thank you, Sister Elmira Smith and Local Home Mission Presidents for your faithful service. The Christian Education Department has held steady from last year. I looked for this department to keep the ministry of our area relative as it relates to making disciples, and up to date with technology so that our outreach may actually reach out and impact the community. I feel the need to ensure that the younger department members that our dreams and visions will be manifested. The Lay Council continues to bring new and exciting dimensions to the work, while this department remains a key player in the Tri Department Meetings, it also is engaged in ensuring the laity of the district is both involved and informed. They have used their financial resources to aid and assist the work of the district. Thank you Brothers Leonard Thomas, Eddie Smith and the Local Lay Council Presidents for your commitment and energy to the Kingdom of GOD and the A.M.E. Zion Church. 5

THE DISTRICT CHURCHES JACKSON CHAPEL The leader that serves this church is the Reverend Greg Harris, P.E. He has entered his twelfth year as the pastor and congregation continues to work toward developing effective and dynamic ministry. The church continues to connect with the community; it continues to provide an active food bank that serves several hundred families. Thanks be to God this congregation has liquidated its mortgage. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

BAY SPRING The pastor-in-charge is the Reverend Jimmie Haywood. During his time at this charge, he has done an awesome job in taking the worship service to another level. Keeping the debts of the church current, this congregation was also able to pay the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

WALLS CHAPEL Rev. Muriel Brown is a tour of a second duty. The reunion of the pastor and congregation has done well. The sinking of this ministry has been averted. There have been several successes, completed tasks, and persons added to the church. Not only adults but children are joining the church. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Checkup Meeting.

HICKORY STAND The Reverend Dorothy Smith serves as the new pastor of this church. We ask that you continue to pray for her as she meander through these unchartered waters. This church ministry is forging forward with new and exciting visions. The excitement of ministry is presented in this work. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Checkup Meeting.

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BIRDINE The Reverend Alexion Ray Chaney is pastor. What a great ministry! The pastor and congregation work in concert with each other. The Church has rebound and is moving forward. Under her leadership, not only adults but children are joining the church and seeking to be baptized. This church had the entire rafters replaced and metal roof installed. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

SIDNEY CHAPEL The pastor and committed servant to the kingdom is the Reverend Joseph Finch; he has done a remarkable job. Reverend Finch takes care of the church day in and day out. He is a faithful, committed, spirit filled servant. What an awesome job he does! This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

MT. ZION The Rev. Linda Bender serves this congregation. I praying that conversation between pastor and members would strengthen this church’s work. I see some restoration, but I am praying for more unity between the pulpit and the pew. This Church has replaced its roof and has installed a visible church sign. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

PETTY’S MEMORIAL Great is thy faithfulness! The Rev. Greg Harris, the link of the pastor and congregation continues to be strong. This team forges ahead this congregation has renovated the entire nave of the church. Their use of technology demonstrates how effective technology is impacting the community and connecting with persons outside of its walls. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting for the 2016 and 2017 years.

LILLYS CHAPEL The Rev. Shirley Martin is the dedicated pastor. The congregation is showing some life and a desire to live as living witnesses of the Kingdom of God. The programming of this church has shown signs of success. This church paid the Annual Conference and Connectional Budgets at the First Check-up Meeting.

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WESTERN WEST AFRICA EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

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PRESIDING ELDERS APPRECIATION

MISC.

Bishop

Hickory Stand

Hickory Stand

Lay

Sidney

Birdine

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» NECROLOGY We pause here to give reverence to the spirit of those who have transitioned from labor to reward during this year and reaffirm our hope. 1. Mrs. Georgia Harris, May 14, 2016, Sidney Chapel 2. Mr. Albert “June” Haywood Jr. May 19, 2016 Birdine 3. Mr. Joseph C. Murphy July 31, 2016 Pettys Memorial

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore, comfort one another with these words.” 1 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 NKJV “Let us not become weary in during good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up” 1 Galatians 6:9 NIV

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GRATITUDE To Autavia Porter-Harris, my wife, who has walked by my side in good times and times of challenge, I say thank you and may God bless you in the sunset of your career as a public school teacher. I also want to acknowledge the rest of my family who have made my life complete. Greg Harris Jr. Secoya, Kaelin, Deontavious, and my daughter Charlayne and her husband Vaughn and our three and grandchildren. An our newly addition to our family Miley Rucker. I want to also acknowledge my brother from another mother the Rev. Dr. Stephen Faulk. You have been more than a friend and confidant you've been a true brother. To the pastors, I say treasure your family for truly they are all that you have. When the church is finished with us either because of age or infirmity the family will be there. Love your family.

Humbly submitted, Greg Harris The Reverend Greg Harris Presiding Elder~ Greensboro/Demopolis District.

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