Lay organization honors bishop, clergy and members at West Coast Annual Conference

The West Coast Conference Lay Organization was well-represented at Allen Temple, Tampa, on Oct. 22-25 for the 79th Session of the West Coast Annual Conference. The WCCLO has several members serving as officers in the Eleventh Episcopal District Lay Organization.

During some historic moments, the Conference bid farewell to Senior Bishop Adam Jefferson Richardson, Jr. and Episcopal Supervisor Mrs. Connie Speights Richardson and welcomed WCCLO President Lolita Brown as she gave her first report to the Conference in her new leadership position.

On the first day of the gathering, the Lay Electoral College met to elect delegates to the 51st Quadrennial Session General Conference, to be held July 8 – 15, 2020, in Orlando. The organized Lay is well represented in the delegation. Delegates to the General Conference in order of election are: Teresa White, Wanda Berry, Hugh Yancy, Jr., Beverley Nolton, *Robbyn Hopewell, Douglas Thomas, Sandra Mitchell, Emily Davis and Joyce Pink. Alternates in order of election are: Carolyn Robinson, G. Penny Demps, Isabell Williams, Beverly Jordan. Rebecca Williams, Shirley Morgan, *ViDonica Skipper and *Bevin James. (*Young Adult)

Rev. Kirk Bogen, pastor of St. Luke AMEC in Tampa treated worshipers to a sermon entitled “Called for a Purpose: It’s an Inside Job” on Thursday, which was Lay Witness night. Rev. Bogen’s Scripture reference was Exodus 35:31-36:1.

On Friday, WCCLO Director of Lay Activities Linnell Baker, who chaired the Resolutions Committee,  offered a concise summary of the entire week’s activities. Bishop Richardson gave the ultimate compliment when he asked for ONLY a single word change.

Eleventh Episcopal Lay Organization President Patricia Wright, who calls the West Coast Conference home, continues to be a presence at each Annual Conference.  

Next year, the West Coast Annual Conference will hold its 80th Session at Greater Mt. Zion in St. Petersburg. Under strong, innovative and spiritual leadership, the Lay Organization is already preparing to give an account of its work as it trains, teaches and instills a love for African Methodism into its membership.