Rt. Rev. James Levert Davis Presiding Bishop Rev. Johnny R. Calhoun Host Presiding Elder
I greet you with Jesus’ joy and hallelujah praise!
Up front, let me say that it is with the utmost gratitude and humility, that I thank GOD for the privilege to be a Presiding Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. With heartfelt thanksgiving, I honor our Episcopal leader - Bishop James Levert Davis, for the incredible opportunity to serve and provide leadership to the forty churches that comprise the esteemed Washington Conference Capital District. I am inspired and filled with gratitude, over what the LORD has done, is doing and going to do.
The 2020 Capital District Conference, because of the impact of COVID-19, is being conducted this year on a virtual basis. However, it is our prayer and determination that it will be a spirit-filled, thought provoking, and dynamic worship and learning experience. One that will glorify the LORD beyond all measure and be exceedingly, abundantly above, all we could ever ask or think, according to the power that works in us.
We gather today, as pastors, preachers, elected delegates, officers, members & friends. Together, we represent the Body of Christ. The fellowship of believers. The Church. Being such, even in the midst of a pandemic, we have been called and sent to fulfill our purpose: restoring hope, empowering people, advancing the Kingdom of GOD and leaving a Kingdom legacy. To be the real church, that rises to the challenge of serving the LORD with gladness. Even in the midst of COVID-19.
That is our Glorious Crusade. To be the church GOD has ordained us to be. #4REAL!
In closing, let me express my profound thanks for our Co-hosts - Pastors Gerald Folsom and Derrick Brown. As well as, our Conference Coordinator - Pastor Daryl Kearney Also, I want to express my appreciation for the GOD sent Planning Committee, that has diligently met to orchestrate and bring to fruition what we pray will be the best District Conference ever. Rev. Patricia and I thank for all of the churches, delegates/alternates and persons who thought it not robbery to support and participate in this year’s virtual conference. Special thanks go out to my Rev. Alicia Hudnall, my Executive Assistant. As well as our media team: Jon Moody, Hanna Jones and Stacy Holmes, who together did an amazing job and producing our virtual gathering. We trust GOD that your hope will been restored, and that you have will be encouraged and empowered to advance the Kingdom of GOD. And purposely be motivated to bear much fruit, such that we together will leave a Kingdom legacy. Hallelujah!
Your brother & friend in Christ,
Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun
Rev. Patricia R. Calhoun, First Lady
Washington
Conference
2020 DISTRICT CONFERENCE SCHEDULE Held Virtually
A Glorious Crusade for a New Decade – “RISING TO THE CHALLENGE”
CONFERENCE at a GLANCE
Friday, November 13rd: 9:00am – 9:15am 9:15am – 9:45am 9:45am – 10:00am 10:00am – 11:15am 11:15am – 11:30am 11:30am – 12:30pm
12:30pm – 1:30pm 1:30pm – 2:30pm
2:30pm – 3:00pm 3:00pm – 4:30pm
4:30pm – 4:45pm 4:45pm – 6:00pm 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Praise & Worship Devotional/Bible Study Advancing the Kingdom – Presenter: Rev. Anna E. Mosby Leaving a Legacy – Presenter: Rev. Brenda White Conference Opening Business Sessions Break Workshop Title: Embracing our Diversity for a New Reality Presenters: Rev. Dr. Ruth J. Travis & Bro. Duane Josey Moderator: Rev. Vernon Ware Lunch Break Workshop Title: Keeping the Family of God Connected Presenters: Rev. Luke J. Robinson; Rev. Karen Myers; Bro. Matthew Douglas; Bro. Jarrell L. Pridgen Moderator: Sis. Donna M. Lacy Break Panel Discussion with the Bryant’s Topic: Doing Ministry in a Virtual World Panelists: Bishop John R. Bryant Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant Rev. Dr. Jamal H. Bryant Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis Moderator: Rev. Dr. Michael Bell Rev. Dr. William Campbell Announcements Dinner Break Closing Worship Experience Preachers: Restoring the Hope – Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown Empowering the People –Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom Advancing the Kingdom – Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney Leaving a Legacy – Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr.
2020 CAPITAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE COMMITTEES District Conference Planning Committee: Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun – Chair Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown– Conference Host Rev. C. Michelle Langston – Treasurer Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. Rev. Etoria V. Goggins Rev. Anna E. Mosby Rev. Vernon Ware Sis. Francine Sutton Sis. Selerya O. Moore Finance Committee: Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock, Jr. – Chair Rev. C. Michelle Langston – Treasurer Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney Rev. Etoria V. Goggins Rev. Vernon Ware
Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney – Conference Coordinator Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom – Conference Host Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock, Jr. Rev. Dr. William Campbell Rev. Dededrick Rivers Rev. Jonathan Davis Rev. Colin Figueroa Sis. Patricia Matthews Sis. Krisie Williams
Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. – Vice Chair Rev. Dr. William Campbell Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown Rev. Raymond Edmonds, Jr.
District Management & Administration Committee: Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun – Chair Rev. C. Michelle Langston – Treasurer Rev. Alicia Hudnall – Executive Assistant Rev. Collin Figueroa – Leadership Development Consultant Preachers to the Annual Conference Committee: Rev. Dr. Mary C. Newton – Chair Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. Rev. Dr. William Campbell Rev. Dr. D. K. Kearney Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes Rev. Dr. Ronald Owens Rev. Anna E. Mosby Rev. Etoria V. Goggins Rev. C. Michelle Langston Preachers for Local Orders Committee: Rev. Jonathan Davis – Chair Rev. Dr. Stanley Fuller Rev. Raymond F. Edmonds Jr. Rev. Yolandra Johnson
Rev. Vernon Ware Rev. Dr. Anthony Young Rev. Dr. Melynda Clarke
Social Action & Community Development Committee: Rev. Dr. Wendell O. E. Christopher – Chair Rev. Dededrick O. Rivers Rev. Dr. Ronald Owens Rev. Andra Hoxie Rev. Dr. Anthony Young Rev. Brenda White Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes
2020 CAPITAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE PARTICIPANTS CHURCH Adams Inspirational Allen (Baltimore) Allen Chapel Bethany Bethel (Dale City) Cowdensville Davis Memorial Dickerson Emmanuel Faith Faith Mission Falls Road First (Manassas) Gaines Chapel Hemingway Memorial LaPlata Lee Memorial Metropolitan (Cumberland) Mt. Gilboa Mt. Olive Mt. Pisgah Mt. Zion (Knoxville) Mt. Zion (Severn) New Creation New Hope Pilgrim Quinn Chapel Reid Temple St. James St. Jude St. Mark St. Paul (DC) St. Paul (Dickerson) St. Stephens Star of Bethlehem Turner Memorial Union Bethel Ward Memorial Wayman (Frederick) Wayman Good Hope
PASTOR Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Rev. Brenda White Rev. Dr. Michael Bell Sr. Rev. David Robinson Rev. Dr. Melynda Clarke Rev. Ashley Davis Rev. Roxanne Parson Rev. Meredith Hudson Rev. Herman Gladney Rev. Dr. Wendell Christopher Rev. Andra Hoxie Rev. Raymond Edmonds Jr. Rev. Etoria V. Goggins Rev. Karen Myers Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom Rev. Aisha Johnson Rev. Dr. Mary Newton Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Josey Rev. Garland Owens Rev. Dr. Ronald Owens Rev. C. Michele Langston Rev. Yolandra Johnson Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes Rev. Dr. Anthony Young Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown Rev. Vernon Ware Rev. Luke Robinson Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock Jr. Rev. Richard McNair Rev. Anna Mosby Rev. Jonathan Davis Rev. Wanda London Rev. Richard Allen Brown Rev. Wayne Bennett Rev. Dr. Stanley Fuller Rev. Dr. Daryl K. Kearney Rev. Dr. William Campbell Rev. Dededrick Rivers Rev. Robert Ray Rev. Joseph Brown Sr.
DELEGATE Carla Cash Althea Clark Denise Lomax Rev. Maggie Johnson Kirk Johnson Brenda Brown Wilmetta Pollard Leticia Shelton Anita Burrell Nicole Rochester Yvonne Mason Richard Davis Wesley Pinckney Kathleen Seeney Mary E. Coates Rev. Erica Bennett Marie Lee Garland Kearney Ty Inyamah Patricia Dean Marc Fleming, Sr. Gale Barbour James Watkins Rosie Pointer Demetria Brown Janice Bennett Patricia L. Pinnix Brandon Adams Marci Corbin Jacquelyn Rhone Shelia Peacock Kimberly Jackson Carolann Wright Terrence Bradshaw Christine James Cozette L. Jackson George Ingram Patricia Lowery Brian Wilson Andrea Darden
ALTERNATE Nichelle White Kevin Jones, Sr. Argelene McQueen Rev. Colette Robinson Rosalind Thomas Shawan Davis Mary Pollard Darlene Shelton Gwendolyn Felder Ernest Dolison Deborah Williams Joseph Melton, Sr. Retha M. Fulmore Ethel Collic Ellis Strawder Brian Johnson Betty Greene Luavina Anthony Doris Kelly Muriel Hicks James Tarver Gwen Hoy Mark Stallworth Michelle Ducan-McDuffie Cassandra Moses J'Nevelyn Woodson Dionna Ali Lawson Walker Wanda Naylor Valerie Barnes James Brown Marie Blake Bonnie Beard Charles Watkins Saundra Forney Joseph S. Fulmore, Jr. Beverly Johnson Odessa Cade Maurice Boyd Sherman Watts
PANELISTS Bishop John Richard Bryant Retired Senior Bishop African Methodist Episcopal Church Bishop John Richard Bryant is the son of the late Bishop Harrison James Bryant and Edith Holland Bryant. He was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland and is a graduate of Baltimore City College High School and is a graduate of Morgan State University in his hometown. After college, Bishop Bryant joined the Peace Corps and served as a volunteer in West Africa from 1965 to 1967. He has taken seriously the words "study to show thyself approved‌" Bishop Bryant received his B.A. in 1965 from Morgan State University, Master of Theology in 1970 from the Boston University School of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree in 1975 from the Colgate Rochester Divinity School. He also received several Honorary Doctoral Degrees from Wilberforce University, Paul Quinn College, Payne Theological Seminary, the Southern California School of Ministry, Virginia Seminary and his alma mater, Morgan State University. In addition, he was honored as an outstanding alumni of Boston University School of Theology and was inducted into the Baltimore City College High School Hall of Fame. Bishop Bryant was a Martin Luther King, Jr. Fellow and while pursuing his doctoral studies at Colgate Rochester Divinity School, he completed special studies at the University of Lagos [Nigeria] and the University of Ghana at Legon and served as a Peace Corp volunteer. "The spirit of the Lord is upon me‌" is reflected in the witness of John Richard Bryant. He has pastored three churches, Bethel A.M.E. Church, Fall River, MA; St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Cambridge, MA; and Bethel A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, MD. Under his pastoral ministry, 103 men and women have entered the Christian Ministry. With an emphasis on church growth, community development and political empowerment, he has preached and/or taught on more than 35 college campuses and across five continents. Bishop Bryant has served on several denominational, academic, community, ecumenical boards and was the recipient of many awards. In 1988, John Richard Bryant was elected and consecrated the 106th Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church at the General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. He was assigned to serve in the 14th Episcopal District (West Africa) where he presided over 101 churches and 25 schools. During his administration, he expanded the A.M.E. Church to include the first Francophone, the Ivory Coast. While in West Africa, he was given the additional assignment of the 10th Episcopal District (Texas) in January 1991. At the 1992 General Conference he was officially assigned to the 10th Episcopal District, where he presided over 300 churches and served as the Chairman of the Board of Paul Quinn College. Under his leadership, this historically Black institution moved from probationary status to full accreditation and successfully raised $29 million dollars for the Capital Fund Drive. In July 2000, the Episcopal Committee of the 46th General Conference assigned Bishop Bryant to the 5th Episcopal District, where he presided over the A.M.E. churches in 14 states west of the Mississippi. Under his episcopacy, the 5th District partnered with businesses and banking institutions that resulted in the purchase of new homes by the members of the district valued at more than $100 million dollars.
In addition, Bishop Bryant’s economic development initiatives resulted in several creative ventures, which included the construction of a new hotel in the St. Louis, MO area. In 2008, at the 48th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference, Bishop Bryant became the Senior Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and presided over the 4th Episcopal District which included seven (7) mid-western states, Canada and the AME India Annual Conference where the Lord allowed him and his wife, Reverend Cecelia Bryant, to officially bring the India Conference into the African Methodist Episcopal Church. At present, there are one hundred and sixty (160) churches in the AME India Annual Conference. Bishop Bryant is the recipient of many honors and awards including Ebony Magazines’ Honor Roll of Outstanding AfricanAmerican Preachers and was recognized on their list of the 100 Most Influential Black Americans. He has published a collection of sermons entitled, "God Can: Sermons of Encouragement from the Life of Elijah." He and his wife, The Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant are both the authors of "Healing For Wounded Vows." Bishop Bryant has been a faithful servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. He preached the gospel for over 55 years and in July 2016 at the Historic 50th Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Bryant’s request for retirement from the episcopacy of his beloved church was granted. Even though retired from active administrative duties he is still serving the Lord with gladness. Bishop Bryant is currently on staff at Payne Theological Seminary as a Mentor for the Doctor of Ministry Degree Program and he continues to preach the length and breathe of this nation. He loves to proclaim the Good News of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and to compel men and women to acknowledge Jesus Christ as their personal Savior. Bishop John and Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant are the parents of The Rev. Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant and The Rev. Dr. Thema Simone Bryant Davis and both are proud grandparents.
Rev. Dr. Cecelia Williams Bryant Retired Episcopal Supervisor African Methodist Episcopal Church "Rev. C" is a Spiritual Director, Missionary and Women’s Empowerment Leader with a Global Vision. She has responded to the Jeremiah Mandate for “the healing of the nations." Her visionary Leadership has heightened the awareness and response of the African and Diasporic church to Health, Ecological wellness, development, cultural and peace issues. "Rev. C" is founder of the A.M.E. Church in the Ivory Coast and co-founder with her husband, Senior Bishop John Richard Bryant, of the A.M.E. Church in India. "Rev. C’s" devotion to the uplift of women covers a field that includes New England, Maryland, Texas, the U.S. West Coast, the Caribbean and South America, West, Central and Southern Africa, Western Europe, Asia, Australia, Bermuda and Canada. She has been an advocate and teacher of Prevailing Prayer. A “worldly” mystic who seeks to incarnate the Beatitudes. "Rev. C’s" heart has been broken for the poor and suffering. She is an author, an intercessor and a lover of children worldwide. She is founder of primary schools in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Dallas, Texas, Grand Bassa, Liberia and an orphanage in Mohotlong Lesotho. An Early Childhood Development Center in Seattle Washington has been named in her honor. With undeniable faith in the Healing Power of God, "Rev. C" has mobilized health professionals (over 200) to serve in Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Zambia and the Kingdom of Lesotho. She has also equipped and mentored Youth for Missions in Alaska, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Her entire house is in service to the uplift of the Kingdom of God. Her husband of over 40 years, Rt. Rev. John R. Bryant was the Senior Bishop of the A.M.E. Church. Their son, Dr. Jamal H. Bryant was the founder and pastor of Empowerment Temple A.M.E. Church, Baltimore Maryland. Dr. Thema Bryant Davis Ph.D, the youngest child, is a Psychologist and minister to women and liturgical dancer.
Visionary. Civil rights activist. Community organizer. Dr. JamalHarrison Bryant combines sound Biblical teaching, business acumen and political insight to propel the Body of Christ to action and greater levels of faith. Since his youth, Dr. Bryant has prevailed against the odds – rising from G.E.D to Ph.D. Prior to pastoring, he served as the national youth and college director of the NAACP for six years, where he helped to mobilize over 70,000 youth worldwide in non-violent campaigns. Dr. Bryant, a third-generation minister, was the founding pastor of Empowerment Temple AME Church in Baltimore, Maryland, acclaimed as the fastest-growing African Methodist Episcopal church in the denomination’s 200-year history. With an undeniable gift to bridge generations from the Civil Rights movement to the Black Lives Matter era, Dr. Bryant incites change in the faith community. His ability to reach across social, economic and political barriers has helped people to not only experience the lifechanging gospel of Jesus Christ, but to activate success in their everyday lives. His ministry has become an incubator for entrepreneurs, homeowners, and the like. Additionally, programs under his guidance have aimed to spread the Gospel, develop strong leaders, empower the economically disadvantaged, and challenge social injustices. In December 2018, Dr. Bryant was appointed the Senior Pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Lithonia, Georgia. His leadership efforts have already begun to strengthen the multi-generational bond among members, expand community outreach, cultivate families and expand the church’s cultural significance.
Rev. Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis Associate Professor Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis is a licensed psychologist, ordained minister, and sacred artist who has worked nationally and globally to provide relief and empowerment to marginalized persons. Dr. Thema, a professor at Pepperdine University, is a past president of the Society for the Psychology of Women. Her contributions to psychological research, policy, and practice have been honored by national and regional psychological associations. Dr. Thema earned her doctorate from Duke University, completed her post-doctoral training at Harvard Medical Center, and is a past American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations. She has served as a mental health media consultant for numerous print, radio, and television media outlets, including but not limited to the Huffington Post, NPR, CBS, Oxygen, CNN, BET, TV One, Lifetime, and We TV. Dr. Thema has edited and co-edited books on recovery from sexual violence, spirituality and religion in women’s lives, and womanist and mujerista psychologies. She is the author of the critically-acclaimed books Tweets for the Soul: When Life Falls Apart, Thriving in the wake of trauma: A multicultural guide, Mangos and Manna and The Birthing of a Lioness and is the recording artist on the CD Sky: An upbeat black girl’s song. Her work is based in an interdisciplinary understanding of spirituality, gender, culture and psychology. Dr. Thema received her doctorate from Duke University in Clinical Psychology with a focus on the cultural context of trauma recovery, as well as the intersection of gender and racial identity. She completed her postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical Center’s Victims of Violence Program. From 2001-2004, she served as Senior Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of the Princeton University SHARE Program, a counseling, education, training, and policy program aimed at addressing assault, harassment, and abuse. She is a contributing author in the books The Psychology of Racism, The Complete Guide to Mental Health for Women, and Featuring Females: Feminist Analyses of the Media. Dr. Thema served for three years as an American Psychological Association representative to the United Nations where she advocated for mental health and human rights globally. In addition, she was appointed the Global and International Issues Chairperson for the Society for the Psychology of Women. She later became president of the Society for the Psychology of Women, creating the society’s first film, CEU online program, task force on the trafficking of women, and task force on spirituality and religion in women’s lives. Dr. Thema is a trained dancer and actress, having completed studies at The Baltimore School for the Arts, The Peabody Institute, The Liberian National Cultural Arts Center and the Boston University Theater Institute. In addition, Dr. Thema is an accomplished playwright. Her play entitled Upbeat was performed in New York at the Urban Arts Theater Festival in 2003. Using artistic expression, spirituality, psychology and culture, Dr. Bryant-Davis is an internationally recognized lecturer, performer, and minister. She has presented at conferences, universities, churches, community centers, schools and prisons throughout the United States as well as in South America, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean. Dr. Bryant-Davis is an ordained minister in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She leads a community mental health bible study at Walker Temple AME Church in Los Angeles and lives by words from her mother, Rev. Cecelia Williams Bryant, who states “God is speaking. My life is God’s vocabulary.”
WORSHIP EXPERIENCE PREACHERS Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. Senior Pastor Allen Chapel AME Church, Washington, DC Reverend Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. is the Pastor of Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, in Southeast, Washington, D.C. He is married to Lena Michelle Bell, the father of Michael Jr., Kristen Nicole and Dominique Emanuel. He is also the proud grandfather of four boys and one girl. Rev. Bell began his undergraduate schooling at the University of Maryland, College Park where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology in 1984. He continued on to receive a Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University, School of Divinity in 1995. Rev. Bell went on to do post-graduate work at the Interdenominational Center in Atlanta, Georgia and the Houston School of Theology in Houston, Texas. Dr. Bell received his Doctorate of Ministry from Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University located in Dallas, Texas. He was selected as one of the "Outstanding Young Men of America" in 1998. Pastor Bell, a 3rd generation preacher, was called to preach in 1985, while a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, Baltimore, Maryland, where Bishop John R. Bryant served as pastor. His first pastoral assignment was at Bazil A.M.E. Church, in Cockeysville, Maryland. Pastor Bell received three additional assignments before being assigned as pastor of Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, in July 2005, by Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. Pastor Bell is an anointed preacher, whose gifted style of preaching has taken him across the United States, Bermuda, and Africa. On April 4, 2010, Pastor Bell had the honor of preaching before the 44th President of the United States, President Barack Obama and his family, when they worshipped at Allen Chapel for Resurrection Sunday. Pastor Bell saw a “Vision of Victory” for the city of Washington D.C. and the community Allen serves. In 2006, Pastor Bell established a non-profit organization and dubbed it “Vision of Victory.” On March 10, 2013, Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church, Vision of Victory and other partners cut the ribbon on The Roundtree Residences, a $16 million senior living affordable housing project, named in honor of the legendary Dovey Roundtree. This project put 91 affordable housing units back into Washington, D.C., a city, which has now become one of the most expensive cities in America. Pastor Bell saw a need to provide assistance to people in the church and community in need of food, shelter, counsel, and financial assistance. He worked with members of Allen to establish a Ministry of Help caters to those needs. Due to his community commitments throughout the district, The Capitol newspaper, a local Washington, DC newspaper, recognized Rev. Bell as 2013's "Man of the Year." Rev. Bell and the Allen Chapel food pantry serves the largest number of individuals (7,000 in 2016) and households (2,000 in 2016), under the umbrella of the National Capital Area Food Bank. In addition to Allen Chapel’s food pantry, Pastor Bell is actively involved as an Executive Board member of the Capital Area Food Bank. In March 2017, Pastor Bell and the Allen Family partnered with Dr. Raymon K. Nelson and The Gift of Giving Medical Missions medical staff, to provide FREE healthcare screenings to homeless individuals or those who could not afford to go to the doctor. He was also appointed to Washington D.C.’s Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Inter-faith Commission for Washington D.C. Pastor Bell humbly gives thanks and honor to God and His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for all he is or ever hopes to be. Rev. Michael Bell Sr. is just at the starting point of all the visions God has placed in his heart.
Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown Senior Pastor New Hope AME Church, Waldorf, MD Reverend Derrick Nathan Brown was born and raised in Maryland. He received a Baccalaureate of Science Degree in Human Resources Management with a minor in Management Studies at the University of Maryland University College and obtained a Masters of Divinity Degree from Howard University’s School of Divinity (May 2006) and received his Doctorate of Ministry from Payne Theological Seminary in 2020. Pastor Brown is a devoted husband and loving father to our two daughters. He also serves as the Deputy Assistant Inspector General for management and administration with the Office of the Director for National Intelligence which is a cabinet level organization under the White House. Pastor Brown is anointed by God and appointed as an Itinerant Elder within the African Methodist Episcopal church. He accepted his call to preach in 1999; was licensed by the African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church in July 2001; and was ordained by the A.M.E. Church as an Itinerant Deacon in April 2003 and as an Itinerant Elder in April 2006. In recognition of his academic excellence, Reverend Brown was awarded an Academic Scholarship by the A.M.E. Church in 2003. In April 2011, at the 61st session of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Washington Annual Conference, Reverend Brown received his 2nd pastoral appointment to New Hope A.M.E. Church located in Waldorf, Maryland, where he preaches and teaches the Gospel with all the power, conviction, and humility of Jesus Christ. Reverend Brown loves preaching the Gospel and has a passion and desire for winning souls to Christ. The Lord has blessed and poured out His Spirit upon New Hope A.M.E. Church bountifully. Many new and rewarding ministries have been instituted under Reverend Brown’s leadership to create a strong and competent body of believers. New Hope is taking the Word of God outside of the walls of the church through outreach and evangelistic efforts of physically serving food and holding worship services at assisted living and correctional facilities, throughout Charles County as well as partnering with the social services, Charles County Public Schools, non-profit organizations, state and local agencies to provide support and supplies to families in the county. Reverend Brown’s ministry is based on the E-3 principle of Empowering, Encouraging, and Enabling individuals to live life to its fullest potential. His favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” and lives a life knowing that “with God all things are possible”. He is on fire for the Lord and is excited about ministry. He resides in White Plains, Maryland with his lovely wife, First Lady Lorraine Brown. They have two beautiful daughters—Tiara and Tiffany.
Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom Senior Pastor Hemingway Memorial AME Church, District Heights, MD Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, son of late Mary Nell and George Thomas Folsom, is originally from Quitman, Georgia and recently retired from the U.S. Department of Transportation as a Division Chief, Senior Transportation Specialist in Washington, D.C. He served on the ministerial staff of Community of Hope AME church under the direction of Rev. Tony Lee in Hillcrest Heights, MD. He served as ministry leader of Community of Hope’s Social Justice and Public Service Ministry and Men’s Ministry leader. On Friday, April 11, 2014, Pastor Folsom was ordained as an itinerant elder in the AME Church at the Washington Annual AME Conference and on April 2016 was appointed the 20th Pastor of Wayman Memorial AME, “The Miracle on Washington Boulevard” at the Washington Annual AME Conference by Bishop William DeVeaux. On May 19, 2018, Bishop James L. Davis appointed Rev. Folsom as Pastor of St Stephens AME Church, “The Community Church,” in Elkridge, MD. On September 22, 2019, he was then appointed as Pastor of Hemingway Memorial AME Church in District Heights, MD. He attended Clark College (now Clark-Atlanta University) in Atlanta, GA. He holds the following academic degrees: Ph.D. in Communication and Culture from Howard University in Washington, D.C., Master of Divinity from Howard University, M.A. in Organizational Communication from Bowie State University in Bowie, MD, and B.S. in Liberal Arts from Excelsior College in Albany, NY. He is a life member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Pastor Folsom served as the Co-Chairman of the Public Engagement Committee on the Transition Team for the Honorable Rushern L. Baker III, County Executive, Prince George’s County, MD. On November 7, 2012, he was appointed by the Prince George’s County Executive as a Commissioner on the County’s Human Relations Commission (County’s Civil Rights Agency). On April 12, 2016, he was just re-appointed to the Human Relations Commission for another 3- year term. He is married to Joyce Folsom and they reside in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney Senior Pastor Turner Memorial AME Church, Hyattsville, MD Dr. D. K. Kearney is the beloved Pastor of Turner Memorial AME Church in Hyattsville, MD. D K. Kearney is known as a powerful preacher of the Gospel, cutting edge leader of God’s people as well as a Leadership Coach. He has helped many to reach their fullest potential and restore their life and community. Dr. Kearney has courageously refused to accept mediocrity in ministry. He is biblically based and Holy Spirit led which has exhibited transformations in the lives of the congregations he has served. Rev. Kearney’s extraordinary vision, unconventional leadership and prophetic calling has the congregations to grow in worship, mission and service, faith development, stewardship and fellowship. Dr. Kearney is the founder and president of INpower Ministry Group LLC. Distinguishing himself as an author, D. K. Kearney uses INpower Ministry Group as a mechanism to continue spreading his ministry gifts through relevant, timely, and spirit-filled messages, devotionals, postings, and encouraging moments of meditation. Furthermore, Rev. Kearney utilizes and pushes others through the leadership-based ministry to grow the leader withIN. D. K. Kearney is a spiritual advocate, sought after for his transformational leadership approach to ministry. He is a gifted preacher and teacher. Dr. Kearney was born March 16, the only son to Denise Kearney and Donald Williams. He was licensed and preached his trial sermon at the age of 16. Rev. Kearney was educated in the Durham & Orange County public schools. On April 24, 2015 D. K. Kearney was assigned to serve as the illustrious pastor of Turner Memorial AM.E. Church in Hyattsville, MD. His 30 years of ministerial experience has prepared Rev. Kearney for innovative, cutting edge ministry and leadership for Hyattsville, MD, which will bring healing, restoration, vitality and empowerment to the people of Prince George’s County, MD and surrounding areas. Dr. Kearney has prepared himself educationally, having received a Bachelor of Science in Education from Morris Brown College; a Masters of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. He earned a Doctorate of Ministry degree with a focus in Liberation Theology in the inaugural class at Payne Theological Seminary. Rev. Kearney is a certified Leadership Assessment Coach, specializing in Executive Dimensions Benchmark, Prospector 360 by Design, & Skill Scope. Personally, Rev. Kearney is father of two daughters Ve’Andra and Janelle. He is a member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Dr. Kearney has embraced one of his favorite scriptures as the motto of his life. “I had fainted unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, and be of good courage- wait I say on the Lord.”
2020 CAPITAL DISTRICT CONFERENCE WORSHIP EXPERIENCE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2020 6:00 PM Rev. Etoria V. Goggins, Worship Leader
PRAISE AND WORSHIP GREETINGS FROM THE PRESIDING ELDER .............................Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun GREETINGS FROM THE BISHOP ....................................................... ... Rt. Rev. James L. Davis WELCOME AND CALL TO WORSHIP ...............................................
Rev. Etoria V. Goggins
SELECTION PRAYER OF INVOCATION .................................................................................... Rev. Wanda London CHORAL RESPONSE READING FROM THE HOLY SCRIPTURES .................................... ............ Sis. Krisie Williams MINISTRY OF MUSIC PRESENTATION OF THE PRESIDING ELDER INTRODUCTION OF THE PREACHERS ...................................Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun SERMONIC SELECTION PROCLAMATION OF THE WORD
Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr.
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP ................................. ........ Rev. Etoria V. Goggins WORSHIP OF GIVING ....................................................................... Rev. Dr. Derrick N. Brown ANNOUNCEMENTS ........................................................................... Sis. Pamela King Williams CLOSING REMARKS ..............................................................Presiding Elder Johnny R. Calhoun BENEDICTION
2020 Capital District Conference Committee on Itinerant Preachers for the Annual Conference November 6, 13, 2020 Rev. Dr. Mary C. Newton, Chair Rev. Dr. Valdes J. Snipes, Secretary The Committee on Preachers for the Annual Conference met virtually on Saturday, October 17, 2020 to interview persons to be recommended for admission to the ordained Itinerant Ministry track in the Washington Conference. The following persons were examined: Itinerant Order(s) 1) Sis. Tennille Lynn Blackwell, age 39, DOB 12/27/1980. Married. Member of Hemingway Memorial, Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Pastor. She earned in 2015 a Bachelor of Science degree in Bible from Lancaster Littleton, Colorado. She is a budget analyst at the Federal Aviation Administration. 2) Sis. Donna S. Durham, age 50, DOB 05/13/1970. Married. Member of Hemingway Memorial, Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Pastor. She earned in 1993 a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from Bowie State University. She is a retired Federal Government employee who owns a cosmetology and barber training company (Elitist Training Center,LLC) located in Hyattsville, MD. 3) Sis. Shawn Annette Jackson, age 53, DOB 12/27/1966. Single. Member of Reid Temple, Rev. Dr. Mark Whitlock, Pastor. She earned in 1988 a Bachelor of Arts degree from American University. She also earned in 1988 a Juris Doctorate Law degree from John Marshall Law School in Atlanta, GA. She earned a Master of Divinity Degree in 2020 from Howard University School of Divinity. She is a litigation specialist. 4) Bro. Devan Martin, age 32, DOB 09/07/1988. Single, Member of Hemingway Memorial, Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Pastor. He earned in 2020 a Bachelor of Professional Studies from The George Washington University in Washington, DC. He has been accepted in the Howard University School of Divinity and will begin classes in the Spring, 2021 semester. He is the Chief of Police and the Deputy City Manager of the City of Seat Pleasant, MD. 5) Sis. A. Michele Matthews, age 39, DOB 06/13/1981. Married. Member of Hemingway Memorial, Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Pastor. She earned in 2017 a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Coppin State University in Baltimore, MD. She is a clinical research manager at a Sleep Disorders Center for the Mid-Atlantic. 6) Bro. Eddie DaVante Scott, age 28, DOB 02/11/1992. Single. Member of Falls Road, Rev. Raymond Edmonds, Pastor. He earned in 2015 a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Wilberforce University. He is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity degree from Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. He works in the Mayor’s Office in Baltimore, MD.
7) Sis. Bobbi Walston McCoy, age 54, DOB 11/24/1965. Married. Member of Mt. Zion Laurel/ Severn, Rev. Dr. Valdes J. Snipes, Pastor. She earned a Bachelor of Science in 2004 in Organizational Management from Nyack College in Nyack, NY. She also earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Baruch College in New York, New York. She is an Administrative Director for Medstar. 8) Sis. Kelly Waters, age 37, DOB 05/27/1983. Single. Member of Hemingway Memorial, Rev. Dr. Gerald Folsom, Pastor. She earned in 2004 a Bachelor of Business Administration/Health Care from Strayer University in Herndon, VA. She works for a Home Health Agency as a senior billing specialist. The Committee voted that all of the 8 candidates be referred to the Washington Conference Board of Examiners for admission to the ordained itinerant ministry track in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The Committee also examined Rev. Timothy Lucas and found that due to the lack of educational and church tenure requirements, Rev Lucas will not move forward in the itinerant ministry track in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Respectively Submitted, The Committee on Preachers for The Annual Conference Rev. Dr. Mary C. Newton, Chair Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr. Rev. Dr. William M. Campbell, Jr. Rev. Etoria V. Goggins Rev. Dr. D.K. Kearney Rev. Anna E. Mosby Rev. Dr. Ronald Owens Rev. Dr. Valdes J. Snipes, Secretary
2020 Capital District Conference Committee on Preachers for Local Orders October 26, 2020 We the Committee on Preachers for Local Orders present the following candidates: Sis. Tamika Johnson: A member of Mount Zion AME, Severn, MD. Her Pastor is Rev. Dr. Valdes Snipes. She is 46 years old and a resident of Lusby, MD. She is married and the mother of 6 children. She serves with the Marriage Ministry, the Intercessory Prayer Ministry and the Comfort and Hope Ministry. In addition, she serves as a Bible Study facilitator and Church School teacher. She will lead the Intercessory Prayer Ministry, and Youth and Young Adult Ministry. Sister Johnson has been voted to receive Local Orders by the Mount Zion AME congregation. Bro. Ivan Makell: A member of Mt. Olive AME Church, Annapolis, MD. His Pastor is Rev. Dr. Ronal L. Owens. He is 55 years old and a resident of Crownsville, MD. He is single. Bro. Makell serves with the Steward Board, Men’s Ministry, Lay Organization and the Missionary Society. He also participated in the Sunday Outreach ministry to the Nursing Homes. He will be leading and establishing a Sons of Allen Ministry at Mt. Olive. Brother Makell has been voted to receive Local Orders by the Mount Olive AME Church congregation. Sis. Katrina Norfleet: A member of Wayman AME Church, Frederick, MD. Her Pastor is Rev. Robert A. Ray. She is 58 years old and as resident of Frederick, MD. She is single and the mother of 2 children. Sister Katrina serves with the Stewardess Board, the Women’s Missionary Society and the Sisterhood in Christ Women’s Fellowship. She facilitated a three-week workshop series, empowering women to write faith testimonies, to share their stories of faith and finding their voices to talk about the healing power of God. Sister Katrina also works with a team of church leaders to further develop and implement a more impactful social media presence. She will be focused and concentrating on supporting the Women’s Ministry. Sister Katrina has been voted to receive Local Orders by the Wayman AME Church congregation. We the members of the Committee on Preachers for Local Orders, after careful examination and review, make the following recommendation: That Sister Tamika Johnson, Sister Katrina Norfleet and Brother Ivan Makell be advanced and presented to the Washington Annual Conference Board of Examiners as a candidate for Local Orders. Respectfully Submitted, The Committee on Preachers for Local Orders Rev. Jonathan Davis, Chair Rev. Vernon Ware, Secretary Rev. Dr. Melynda Clarke Rev. Yolandra Johnson Rev. Dr. Anthony Young Rev. Dr. Stanley Fuller Rev. Raymond Edmonds