ZION CHURCH A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE WH&OM SOCIETYWOMEN’S HOME AND OVERSEAS MISSIONARY SOCIETYPRESIDENT’S REPORT – 13 DECEMBER 2011As we embark on the final sojourn of another Conference Year in observance of The fourth component of our Quadrennial Theme “Purpose and Power”, we have engaged, embraced and celebrated the Scriptural Declaration of our Annual Conference theme: “Seek ye First the Ki
ngdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”, as mandated by our Episcopal Father, Bishop George E Battle in our sojourn to the honor and glory of God. Presiding Elder, Reverend Dr. Darin W. Moore, Host Pastor, Elder Madeline Olivia Wells, venerable members of the clergy, District Officers, Local Officers, Zionites and friends, It’s Christmas, a time to celebrate the Birth of the Christ Child, to honor him with our hearts, our praise and our service. I am especially obliged to acknowledge that the leadership brought to this conference is awe inspiring and has aroused a renewed commitment to Kingdom Building. Accordingly, this year we embarked upon a strategic program in our Quest to “Win the World for Christ.” It is with sincere passion that the Missionary Society of the Bahamas Conference, Buds, Youth, YAMS, Parent body, Bureau of Supply and Life Members, demonstrate our influence over the life of the church, wider community and the world. I hasten to add, that we are blessed with stalwart Missionary leaders in Zion, Elder Madeline Olivia Wells, sister Joan Dean, Elder Mary Louise Barr, who are among those “Deborah’s” who have laid the foundation, upon which we take the Missionary to unprecedented levels. Accordingly, we are united toward reviving the spirit of servant-hood with distinction in the Missionary Society, through innovative programs, workshops, training, mentorship, mission outreach, conference exposure and inclusion. I am therefore pleased to provide this august body with a synopsis of our labors in the WH&OM Society. Indeed, our labors are unto the Lord, for He is our strength and our very present help, equipping us to serve with great passion and commitment in realization of departmental programs and initiatives, enabling our report as follows to the honor and Glory of GOD!:DISTRICT OFFICERSJENNIFER CAREY ………………. DISTRICT PRESIDENTREV. MARY LOUIS BARR ……… FIELD WORKERRUTH NEWBOLD ……………….. ELECTED DELEGATEGAIL MCKENZIE…………………. DISTRICT YAMS CORDINANTORUNA ROMER ……………………... DISTRICT YOUTH SECRETARYDESIREE BARR ROLLE ………... DISTRICT SUPRINTENDANT OF BUDSNICOLA FORBES ………………. . DISTRICT SECRETARY BUREAU OF SUPPLIESLINDA COLEBROKE ……………. DISTRICT CHAIRMAN LIFE MEMBER COUNCIL A YEAR IN THE LIFE OF THE WH&OM SOCIETY District Events: Parent Body- The Observance of our District Mass Meeting under the direction of District Officers Teaching the concepts of Christian Mission, Providing opportunity for Mission Outreach designed to equip the church toward Missionary service, through worship, exciting workshops, and opportunities to educate, on matters of ecumenical and social concerns. Registration received was $320.00- The Annual Observance of Emma Clariissa Clement Mother’s Day Honors, Held at Holy Trinity in a majestic celebration of the mothers of our church and community, for their altruistic service to family, vocation, church and community. Recipients received, plaques, awards, certificates fruit baskets, flowers and gifts galore. The Highlight of the Celebration was the presentation of the highest decoration of the ceremonies the naming of the recipients of The Emma Clarissa Clement Mother’s Day Honors, presented by Representatives of the US Embassy on behalf of the US Ambassador Nicole Avant. Moreover to our wonderful surprise we learned that the representative were also Zionites. Missionary chosen epitomized exemplary characteristics of service and leadership. The offering in the sum of $850.00 supported our Missionary travel to 27th Quadrennial Convention.- - The Introduction of Emmaus Walk of The Bahamas Island Conference welcoming Nicola Forbes, District Secretary Bureau of Supply into the Emmaus Family, joining Elder Kendal Mackey, Missionary District Advisor and yours truly Jennifer Carey, District President. It is important to note that the Late Reverend Randolph Barr was a founding member of the Emmaus Walk in The Bahamas and was strategic in the initial stages of its organization and planning, together with Mrs. Joy Sargent, coordinator of the Bahamas Sonshine Walk, now in its third year of existence, And so we proudly salute a gallant Missionary of Valor, the late Reverend Randolph Barr for his insight and vision as a forerunner in evangelism. And in the words of Pilgrims around the world …De Colores Zion beams with pride! - The inauguration of “the Daughters of Zion, a Ministry of the W.H.& O.M Society was official launched by our distinguished Presiding Elder, Rev, Dr. Darin Moore on Monday 6th December 2010, Established to effectively meet the spiritual and physical needs of women of all faith, we continue to form connections with women throughout The Bahamas, who are strategically placed in their myriad of portfolios to cause to come to fruition, matters pertaining to Church and State, establishing a voice in government. We endeavour to utilize our resources, to influence, to empower, and transform lives with special emphasis on Women and Children, to the Honor and Glory of God.- The Establishment of Missionary Partnerships and fellowship with Methodists across the Bahamas and the Caribbean, participating and celebrating in district and local observances across the Methodist Faith. COORDINATOR OF YAMS – GAIL MCKENZIE Young Adult Missionary Society- YAMS Walkathon in aid of Missionary Travel to the Quadrennial Convention raising $950.00 in sponsorships. Well done YAMS Lead by effervescent Mrs. Gail Mckenzie, the YAMS department worked arduously this year in realization our successful participation and presentation of a beautiful banner depicting the conference theme of the 129th Quadrennial Convention of the Women’s home and Overseas Missionary Department held in Houston Texas. The Banner depicted the Quadrennial theme, utilizing a myriad of textile and ornaments to illustrate an impressive representation of the theme. Youth worked day and night over the course of two months to ensure that the banner was completed to perfection. In what can only be described as a labor of love, the theme was dissected, and ideas presented, in realization of a magnum opus “Work of Art”, inspired of The Lord. I am obliged to acknowledge the extraordinary hard work of KC Ann the mastermind behind the masterpiece, Mrs.Gail Mckenzie, whose particular efforts as Coordinator of the Young Adults Missionary, having established a stupendous Banner Ministry, catching the eye of a very wise Missionary Supervisor, Mrs. Iris Miller Battle, affording The Bahamas Island Conference a golden opportunity to create the Banner that would represent the entire North Eastern Episcopal District. Indeed it was a golden opportunity that produced a GOLDEN BANNER to the utmost honor and glory of GodSpecial thanks are extended to the youth of Shaw Temple, Holy Trinity, Varick Memorial and Smith’s Chapel, with special thanks to Reverend Ordette Wells Simms, Sister Una Romer, Deaconess Norma Hield, Brother Patrick Carey, Brother Michael and Brother Butler for their individual efforts ensuring the celebrated “Banner” that represented the North Eastern Episcopal District. . DESIREE BARR ROLLE – DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT OF BUDS Buds of Promise- The Bud’s of Promise under the direction of Mrs. Tina Johnson the fastest growing body of the church. This was indeed a splendid year as our Buds Bloomed all for Jesus in their Preparation for the Crowing of Little Miss and Master Buds of Promise on the District, held in aid of Missionary Travel to 27th Quadrennial Convention in Houston Texas. And a celebration it was as Zion entered Nine participants, Holy Trinity entered six out of a total of nine contestants, who absolutely wooed the audience with exemplary performances, and who can forget the float parade as our Buds simply outdid themselves. And Yes Holy Trinity swept the competition raising a whopping $4,704.66. And the Winners of the Little Miss and Master Buds of Promise on the District from the great Holy Trinity are: From Holy Trinity the Queen Bud Gabrielle Bosfield 24 sheets raising $965.00, from Shaw Temple the King and Master Bud Ceddrick Duvalier with 18 sheets raising $720.00. ` I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the parents of our Buds who worked tirelessly in the success of this float parade and competition in support of their beautiful children and the Missionary Society. I would like to thank the entire membership for their support or our children. May God continue to Bless You as you continue to lend exemplary support of our every initiative? Hooray for the Bud’s Superintendent of the Year and her and Local Superintendents, we are truly grateful for all of your sacrifices.MS UNA ROMER DISTRICT ‘Y’ SECRETARY Youth Missionary- Youth Missionary Adoption of Yellow Elder Home for Seniors. Youth Missionary Annual Celebration of Thanksgiving with the Yellow Eder Home for the aged, providing year round support with donations of groceries, gifts and monetary subsistence volunteering of our time, talent and treasure. Special Thanks to our beloved Mother, Joan Dean who brought words of encouragement in the Thanksgiving Service. A Gift of $200.00 was donated on behalf of the A.M.E. Zion Church Family. - Year round Missionary volunteers to The Bahamas Red Cross Society‘- Annual participation in the Bahamas Red Cross Fair – Where our youth were responsible for the Cake stall raising approximately $1,800,00. Special thanks to Brother Jerome Kelly and Sister Una Romer Y, Secretary for their tirelessefforts in the Red Cross kitchen in the food preparation for the Fair. - Youth Participation in the Red Cross Annual Raffle A CELEBRATION OF ZION’S YOUTH -27th QUADRENNIAL CONVENTION The Youth delegates participated in seven days of exciting Missionary development, representing their Episcopal Districts, in group sessions designed for youth empowerment, reflection, and education, spiritual and social development. Accordingly, youth missionaries interacted with young people from around the world on issues, affecting youth, and were treated to tours of the city. On Wednesday, 27th July, 2011 representing the Bahamas Island Conference in the Youth Missionary Extravaganza, our youth delegates wooed the audience with their outstanding performances that ignited standing ovations and generous applause, including Miss Deandra Rolle, the elected youth delegate, whose liturgical dance performance enthralled the audience and had them on their feet from beginning to end. Master Christian Hield amazed the audience with his rendition on piano, of a Bahamian melody entitled “This We Bahamian”, while Miss Darcy Russell and Master Trei Bethel did us proud in their impressive group renditions. Receiving the coveted “Vicky Award” for Most Outstanding Youth in the Arts, was The Master Himself Christian Hield, following the judges review of nominations received from throughout the Episcopal areas. Congratulations are extended to the most outstanding District Youth Missionary Secretary anywhere, Ms. Una Romer, whose tremendous hard work enabled The Bahamas Island Conference her bragging rights- Adpotion of Unity House a continuation of the vision of Sister Ruth Newbold, past Coordinator of Department of Bureau Supply, providing feeding/clothing/general merchandise and monetary subsistence to the Old Age Ministry- Hospital/Home Visitations - Missionary Seminar and Workshop Training – Conducted by the Mrs. Iris Miller Battle, Missionary Supervisor, in preparation for the Quadrennial Convention of the WH&OM Society. LINDA COLEBROOK – DISTRICT LIFE MEMBER CHAIRMAN AGAPE CELEBRATION – A FELLOWSHIP OF LOVEUnder the Theme “A Fellowship of Love”, the WH&OM Society of the A.M.E. Zion Churches, gathered at Mother Zion to, celebrate Agape Sunday, on Sunday, 21 February 2011 at Shaw Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, under the distinguished patronage of Elder Kendal Mackey Senior Elder and District Advisor of the Missionary Society.In commemoration of the wonderful day the Parent body, Yams, Youth and Buds united in a wonderful celebration of Praise and Worship. Sharing the Good News of our Faith was the District Lifember Chairman Sister Linda Colebrooke who is an anointed speaker. Indeed it was a ‘Fellowship of Love’! Local Events and Observances :- Mother’s/Father’s Day Honors, - Local Missionary Anniversary Observances were held in Shaw Temple, Smith’s chapel, Varick Memorial and Holy Trinity A.M.E Zion Churches of The Bahamas.- lead by Local President Gail Mckenzie Shaw Temple held a wonderful celebration under the theme Smith’ Chapel held three Holy ghost filled days of Celebration under the theme “Woman Thou Art Loose” lead by a dynamic Local President Linda Colebrooke. On Friday, yours truly was the moderator for a grand praise-a-thon, where the talented youth of Smith’s Chapel made me proud. I want to especially thank you Smith’s Chapel for the handsome monetary gift that I received as your Moderator. On Thursday Night, Rev. Betsy Clarke spoke prolifically in her presentation of an empowering topic. On Sunday the celebration came to a close in impressive celebration of events. Congratulations Linda for a job well done and for your department’s hard-work. Keep the invitations coming. Love You Missionary!- Under the Banner “Let Your Light Shine” Varick Memorial held a wonderful commemorative service, with an inspiring Message from our professor and dearest Senior Elder, Pastor Kendal Mackey. Sis Joan Dean taught on the history of the Missionary Society in an enlightening presentation, Lead by the Local President, Sister Esther Brown, in a pleasant surprise, I was honored and given a monetary gift for benevolence on the District. Love You Missionary! - Holy Trinity celebrated five days of Anniversary Celebration under the Theme, “Destined for Queenship” in what could only be described as a divine assignment. God show up as our, parent Body, Yams, youth buds Department of Bureau of supply where all given charge over a night of service. Exhorting on YAMS Night was, Sister Natasha Bosfield Sister Poitier and Sister Sherry Sands, and even the Angels in heaven rejoiced for God inspired dissertations. In our Youth and Buds extravaganza none other than our youth Minster, local preacher, Brother Carlton Green, blessed the house. On Saturday morning, in a glorious prayer breakfast, with mouthwatering dishes, and Life changing testimony by Sister Yvonne Rolle, the Missionary of Holy Trinity did a superb job in the planning and organizing of a Prayer breakfast that was a Tribute to God! Taking the stage, in theater style, yours truly exhorted, having adorned myself as Queen Esther in all her jewels for a meeting with the King. On Sunday, Reverend Ordette Wells Simms, set the house on fire in a prophetic voice that blessed the people of God. Special thanks to our decorators for transforming the tent into a vision of beauty, under the direction of Sister Natasha Bosfield.. I Love You Missionary- Counseling and Prayer Ministry: - Hospital Visitation/Street Mission and Witness - Active Youth Ministry in The Bahamas Red Cross Society - Buds Round up and Monthly Meetings - Feeding Ministry – (LOVE FEASTS) Monetary and Material Subsistence: - Department of Bureau of Supplies- Donations to Freeport Grand BahamaTo you the better that all the rest Presiding Elder, who is never late, and always on time, your support is always appreciated. We Love You in the Missionary Society! I would also like to thank our Missionary Corporate Sponsors, Kerzner International, Sanpin Motors, Dan Knowles Tours and Super Value Food Store , whose contributions totaled $3,500,00.A word to our dearest sponsors, of whom afforded us the opportunity to travel to Houston Texas on Mission assignment, you are good stewards and are truly kingdom builders, in your myriad of portfolios. We are truly grateful of your support. Thank you! May the blessings of the Lord overtake you!In my conclusion I would like to thank My Pastor for her guidance and vision that has transformed our very lives, and for supporting me as we are committed to establishing the most influential and effective missionary society our country has yet to see!Inasmuch as our labours are unto the Lord, we tarry on, one day at a time, through the grace, mercy and strength of a loving Heavenly father to the honor and Glory of God. Humbly SubmittedJennifer Carey (Mrs.)District Missionary PresidentWH&OMS District PresidentBahamas Island ConferenceNorth Eastern Episcopal District
