First Area Meeting of 2010-11 Conference Year

The Flint Area WMS and YPD will meet on Saturday, September 25, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at Newman - Pontiac. Sis. Valerie Bates is the host president and Rev. Lila R. Martin, the host pastor.

We would love to have representatives from all of our local churches in attendance as we organize for the Conference year, plan our strategy for eradicating domestic violence, and plan for attendance at the upcoming WMS Quadrennial Convention in 2011.

Please come out, bring your YPD, give us your suggestions, volunteer for committees, and help us to make this another productive year.

Bus to 4th District Planning Meeting

There will be a bus traveling to the 4th District (AMEC) Planning Meeting at the Crowne Plaza in Rosemont, Illinois, October 21 - 23, 2010. The bus will leave Quinn Chapel AME Church in Flint, MI on October 21, 2010 at 5:00 a.m. and return on October 23, 2010.

The cost is $90 round-trip (which includes a non-refundable $25 deposit) with the deposit due on September 25th and the balance due October 4, 2010.

Please make checks payable and mail with the attached form to:

Quinn Chapel AME Church
2101 Lippincott Blvd.
Flint, MI 48503

For more information contact: Mary Wilson - (810) 238-6739

Quinn Chapel AME Church
Rev. Stanly U. Sims, Pastor

Cook Missionary Society Annual Tea

The Cook WMS of Vernon Chapel AME Church in Flint, MI brings you their ANNUAL TEA on September 18, 2010 at 12 noon in the church's Family Life Center.

The Cook WMS is looking forward to having you join us as we "Embrace the Ties That Bind: Faith, Family and Friends"

Contact Estella Simpkins, Program Publicity, for additional information at 810-252-5437.

Sis. Loretha Roberts
Program Chairperson

Sis. Birdie Brown
Local President

Rev. Ernest Garrison
Local Pastor

Area Meeting - 10.17.09

Just a reminder that the Flint Area WMS will meet this Saturday, October 17, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Vernon Chapel - Flint. Sis. Birdie Brown is the Host President and Rev. Ernest Garrison, the Host Pastor.

We would love to have representatives from all of our local churches in attendance as we organize for the Conference year, plan our upcoming activities, and continue those agenda items from last year. Our Conference WMS president, Sis. Jackie Mitchell-Robinson, and other Conference officers will join us.

Please come out, give us your suggestions, volunteer for committees, and help us to make this another productive year.

Tips for a Successful WMS

Here is the first in a series of tips from MI Conference WMS president, Sis. Jacqueline Mitchell-Robinson:

Tip #1: Doing Nothing is Not Acceptable

Oftentimes we get overwhelmed and become paralyzed. The things that are being asked of you seem more than you can handle and so instead of doing something, you chose to do nothing and just stare at it.

God’s people are hurting. They need Jesus. They need deliverance. God wants to use you to draw His wounded to Him.

Don’t look at problem or size of the task, but keep your eyes focused on God. He is a big God who can handle big problems. Just pray and ask the Father what He wants you to do. Keep asking until you receive an answer.

And he will answer because there’s a lot of work to do. You can

- start a prayer meeting
- raise money for a Global Mission project
- encourage your friends to sign up and attend the Prayer Convocation in Toronto
- sponsor a child to attend the Sons of Success/Daughters of Destiny Youth Leadership Retreat at Camp Baber

- read a book off of the reading list to a sick and shut in member
- start a bible study class on the Book of John with young women
- change your diet so that you can become more physically fit to walk the 2K for Women Waging Peace

- gather some young kids together and make preparation to plant a garden and teach them how to appreciate what God has created.

God is calling you. Your gifts and talents are needed. Don’t ignore the call. Do something to make a difference in your community, your church, your job, your home and in your own life.

And to God Be the Glory!

Blessings and love to all,

Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson
President, Michigan Conference WMS

YPD meeting 03.21.09

From Sis. Ola McMillan, Flint Area YPD Director:

An important Flint Area YPD meeting will be held:

Saturday, March 21, 2009
11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Quinn Chapel A.M.E.C.
2101 Lippincott Blvd.
Flint, MI 48503
ph.810 - 238 -5636

Lunch will be served.
Please contact Sis. Ola McMillan with a count of those attending from your church (needed for lunch preparation), and if you have questions.

MI Conf. WMS CD & WMS Constitution

If you were unable to attend the Michigan Conference WMS Executive Board Meeting last weekend in Lansing, you missed a wealth of information, including Conference & District programs and registration forms. But don't worry, everything you missed is available on CD-Rom: Programs, Flyers, Registration Forms (including one for the Annual Convention in August), Reading Information, Calendars, Rosters and more - over 100 pages! You will also get a complimentary WMS mini-EcoBag with your order.

And... the newest version of the WMS Constitution and By-laws are available with legislation passed at the 2007 WMS Quadrennial and ratified at the 2008 AMEC General Conference (includes YPD, too).

Click on the form needed to order both the CD and EcoBag ($15) and the Constitution booklet ($12) included in this post. Deadline for orders for the Constitution booklets (inc. payment) is Friday, March 27, 2009.


Send the completed form to: Orletta E. Caldwell, MI Conf. Treasurer, at the address indicated on the form. Check should include "Conf. CD" and/or "Constitution" in the memo

All orders include shipping and handling, so you will receive them by mail. Constitutions and CDs will be shipped in separate packaging. CDs will be shipped within one week of receipt of payment. Please contact Karen A. Davis with any questions.

Don't miss out!

How to use your Michigan Conference WMS CD

After inserting the CD, open it from your designated DVD/CD drive. There will be (4) items:

- Folder entitled “Roster-xls”
- 2009-02-MI CONF WMS.pdf document
- 2009-WMS-Conn-ExecBD-Presentation
- 09 Annual Conference registration form

Open the 2009-02-MI CONF WMS.pdf document first.

o You must have Adobe Reader to access the file. If you do not have Adobe Reader software on your computer, you can download it for free at http://get.adobe.com/reader/

o When you open the .pdf file, you should see the Table of Contents.

o Look over to the left and you should see a “Bookmark” tab. Click on it, and you’ll notice that the same items listed on the Table of Contents are listed in order.

o You can read the documents in the order you’d prefer by clicking on each item in the Bookmark list.

o Print pages only as needed (part of our Eco-Initiative). You will need to print registration and pledge forms. To print only the pages you need:

- Click on the “Pages from” circle in the Page Range section of the Print box
- Type in the same page number in the “from” and “to” boxes (i.e., if you want to print the 7 Prayer Initiatives – p. 13 – type 13 in the “from” and “to” boxes and click “OK”).

Back to the Table of Contents: Listed under “4th District Information” is the 4th District Missions Presentation. This information is not included in the .pdf document, but is the separate PowerPoint presentation listed above.

o Open the PowerPoint presentation from the CD folder.
o When it opens, you should see the “Slide Sorter” page.
o Go to the bottom left corner of PowerPoint and click the “Slide Show” icon. The presentation should run automatically without having to click the slides forward. Each slide lasts 9 to 13 seconds, even if you see no movement/animation.

o This would be a great presentation to show your local society and church to inform them of WMS activities.

o Click the “Esc” key on your computer to end the Slide Show.

The registration form for the August 2009 Annual Convention is included on the CD.
o Open it and print out the number of copies needed.

The “Roster-xls” folder contains two (2) officer directories in MS Excel format. They are included because Excel software makes sorting the included information easier. Common uses include: making labels, hiding unnecessary information, making a phone directory, or sorting by office or location.

Missionary Emphasis Day at Vernon Chapel-Flint

The Cook Missionary Society of Vernon Chapel A.M.E. Church in Flint will celebrate it's Missionary Emphasis Day this Sunday, March 15, 2009, morning service. Michigan Conference WMS president, Sis. Jacqueline Mitchell-Robinson, will be the speaker.

Please support our sister society and our president, and join in a glorious time in the Lord!

Vernon Chapel AMEC
5802 DupontFlint, MI 48505
(810) 785-5721

Sis. Birdie Brown, president
Cook Missionary Society

Rev. Ernest Garrison, Pastor

REMINDER: 50 Large-print Bibles Needed

The Michigan Conference WMS is continuing its support for the Prison Ministry started under the leadership of our immediate past Michigan Conference President Sis. Patty Gray. And whenever Chaplain Leroy White makes a request, I can’t say no.

Prison Chaplain Rev. Rev. Leroy White needs 50 Large Print Bibles for the Prison Ministry and we would like to deliver them in time for Bishop John Bryant to bless. He will be visiting the Prison on Saturday, February 14th.

I have (already) ordered the Large Print Bibles. The hard-bound books cost $15.00 each. If you, your society or church is interested in donating books to the Prison, please make your check payable to the Michigan Conference WMS (with Prison Ministry in the memo) and send it to WMS Conference Treasurer:


Orletta E Caldwell
65 Cadillac Square
Suite 2200
Detroit MI 48226

Please bring or send your check to Founder’s Day (02/15/2009) or mail it by Feb. 28. Just let me know as soon as you can how many books you pledge to donate. Individuals, societies and churches that contributed to this effort will receive a letter from the WMS for your tax deductible donation.


Thank you in advance and please share this information with others.


Blessings,
Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson
President, Michigan Conference WMS

MI Conference Executive Board Meeting & Travel Info

Greetings to All from Trinity A.M.E. Church and Lansing MI:

We are excited and looking forward to seeing all of you at your Capital City for our very jammed packed Executive Board Meeting on February 27th and 28th. Registration will be at the church and will be $15, which includes lunch and an information CD.

Friday night, officers and other interested members will gather to bond in readiness for a very full Saturday meeting that will start on the with a Continental Breakfast meet and greet from 8:00 A.M. until 9:00 A.M. and Board meeting will end at 3:00 P.M.

We have reserved rooms at the SpringHill Suites Marriott Hotel for Friday and Saturday nights. The rate is $79 per night plus tax. It includes a full hot breakfast. When booking your room, ask for the MI Conference Missionary rate. If you have trouble, ask for Brad, or call Sis. Ruby Frazier, MI Conf. 1st VP.

The Conference must have 4 rooms occupied on Saturday night to also receive the same rate or the second night will be $10 more. We welcome all of you to stay over for service at Trinity on Sunday morning - either at 7:30 or 11:00 A.M. Services.

Directions to SpringHill Suites:
Highway I-69or I-96 to exit 93 A (MI-43? W Saginaw Highway). Turn left on Saginaw St., then turn left onto Commercial Drive (at the BP Station). You will pass the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. Turn left onto N. Marketplace Blvd. Follow Marketplace past Shake N Bake, Michaels, Lowe’s and finally past the LAFCU Credit Union. It is the next beige building. You need to go into the driveway that is just past LAFCU and drive around. It is tucked in there.

Directions to Trinity AME Church:
Take the highway again towards Lansing and take Waverly Road going south. Take Waverly about 4 miles to Holmes Rd. Turn left and Trinity will be on your left about 1 block east of Waverly Rd. The address is: 3500 Holmes Rd.

A PEEK AT THE SATURDAY AGENDA:
8:00 - 9:00 a.m.: Meet and Greet Continental Breakfast
8:30 - 9:00 a.m.: Prayer Time in the Throne Room (all who will gather at the altar for prayer in the sanctuary)

9:00 - 9:30 a.m.: Opening Meditation from the Gospel of John
9:30 - 10:00 a.m.: Welcomes and Greetings
10:00 - 12:00 noon: MISSIONS IN 2009: What are we doing? Where are we going? This session will include: Connectional Updates, 4th District Directives and our Conference Local Response to Ecological Awareness, Enhancing our Destiny, Global Impact, Faith Formation, Women in Wellness, YWI Initiatives

12:00 noon: Lunch With A Purpose

1:00 p.m.: Presentation of the Budget
1:30 p.m.: Open Discussion
3:00 p.m.: Adjournment

We are praying that the P.M.E. Books will arrive so that we can distribute the books at this meeting. Please bring your correct order information so area receives the correct number of books.

After Meetings:
- The Battle Creek Area will meet following the Executive Board Meeting—Area Chairperson, Sis. Rosa Moss-Hargrove

- The 100 Daughters of the Nile Committees will meet following the Exec Bd. Meeting—Sister Ruby Frazier, MI Conf. 1st VP

Local Mission Project:
Trinity’s Josephine Brown’s WMS invite you to help us with our Personal Needs Project. We contribute toiletries, toothpaste, feminine needs, etc. to the homeless and those in economical crisis. Please bring items to help us fill these very essential needs of others.

Conference Projects: Remember the Conference Projects

PLEASE REMEMBER TO REGISTER FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S PRAYER CONVOCATION TO BE HELD IN TORONTO, CANADA.

Yours in Christ,
Ruby Frazier,
1st Vice President, Michigan Conference WMS

Battle Creek Area Meeting Postponed

The Battle Creek Area Meeting scheduled for Sunday, October 12, 2008 has been postponed per Conference president, Sis. Jacqueline Robinson. The meeting will be rescheduled at a later date. Please watch for upcoming details.

A Message from our New Michigan Conference President

September 30, 2008

Dear Pastors, WMS and Michigan Conference Officers,

Greetings is the Mighty and Magnificent name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. It is with the Joy and the abundant Love of Jesus that we, the Women’s Missionary Society and Young People’s Division of the AME Church, send this communication of introduction.

On August 19, 2008, the Elections for the Michigan Conference WMS were held. Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant, Supervisor of the 4th Episcopal District, presided. Several new officers were elected on that day. The new President is Jacqueline Mitchell Robinson, a long-time member of St. Matthew AME Church in Detroit where Rev. Gloria J. Clark is Pastor. Jackie has served in the WMS and YPD on the District, Conference, Area and local levels of the WMS and YPD. We thank Almighty God for the return of Rosita Brockington as YPD Director. As many of you know, she is a long-time member of St. Stephen AME in Detroit, where Rev. Michael Cousin is Pastor.

It is with joy that we introduce the new 1st Vice President, Joyce Keys Garrison, First Lady of Vernon Chapel AME in Flint. We are blessed to have Joyce Johnson, First Lady of Bethel AME in Detroit, return as 2nd Vice President. And the 3rd Vice President -- also new -- is Tywanna Johnson, who serves faithfully at Oak Grove AME in Detroit.

The Area Chairpersons appointed for the 2008-09 Conference Year are:
Carolyn Graves (Union Memorial AME) returning as Niles Area Chairperson, Karen Davis (Quinn Chapel AME)returning as Flint Area Chairperson, newly appointed Bonita Cowan-Tucker (Bethel AME), Ann Arbor Area Chairperson; and newly appointed Carol Griffin (Ebenezer AME), Central Detroit Area. The Battle Creek Area Chairperson will be in place on or before Oct. 1.

Our Area Chairpersons are excited and on fire for God! We invite you to check out the Flint Area Blog at http://flintwms.blogspot.com and Battle Creek Area Blog at http://battlecreekwms.blogspot.com, where you can receive current information on District, Conference and Area news.

For the first time ever, the Michigan Conference has an elected Web Master, Diana Psalms, who is a member of Quinn Chapel in Flint. She is overseeing a team that includes Shaunese Cable (Greater Quinn AME in Detroit); they will post the Michigan Conference WMS Blog next week and produce a Website shortly thereafter.

We are excited to serve as the Michigan Conference Branch WMS officers for 2008-09. We ask for your prayers as we seek to serve Almighty God, and to serve Him, and only Him, in a More Excellent Way! We know that God can do all things and that if we submit to His will and His power, we can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us.

A more complete and detailed Roster will be sent to you shortly but we have included contact information for the officers.

To God Be the Glory for the things He has done and for the great things He will do!

In His Service,

Jackie Robinson
President, Michigan Conference Branch WMS

(Sis. Jackie included a list of Michigan Conference officers with this letter; I will forward a roster separately and the contact info will be available at our Flint Area meeting. - K.A.D.)