2011 Christian Education Congress

Once again our Annual Christian Education Congress was held at the University of Southern brought a Mississippi (USM) in Hattiesburg, Mississippi on July 18-21, 2011. The Congress kicked off with the Opening Night Worship Service where Rev. Archie Smith, Presiding Elder of the Greenville-Greenwood District, brought a dynamic message.

The Christian Debutantes and Masters Commission sponsored a beautiful Christian Debutante and Masters Ceremony on Tuesday.  We were blesses to have four (4) Masters and seven (7) Debutantes to participated in the ceremony.  The Subdebs, Submasters, and Allenites presented tributes to the honorees through awesome music and speeches.  Mrs. Audreye Hall and the Conference Commisioners worked hard and created a ceremony that was blessed, as they welcomed our young ladies and gentlemen to the Adult Christian Society.

The Women's Missionary Society followed the CDMC that night as they presented their Annual Gala.  There were five beautiful participants, who were queens from their various conferences.

Our Eighth Episcopal District Richard Allen Young Adult Council (RAYAC) was in charge of the daily Midday Worship Services. We heard inspiring and vibrant messages each day.  Rev. Allen Williams, Louisiana conference spoke on Tuesday and Rev. Jeffery Powell, North Mississippi Conference spoke on Wednesday. The spirit remained high within the auditorium during each of the services. 

The Church School Department was instrumental in creating and presenting Church School Biblical Classes each morning at 6:45.  The attendance was great, showing the importance of having Christian Educators a viral part of each local church, as well as presiding elder’s district and conference.

Once again our District's Church School Department offered Certification classes. Dr. L.A. Gatewood, Dean of the AME Church Department of Christian Education was the presenter for the classes.

The District was also honored to have Bishop Paul J. M. Kawimbe- Presiding Prelate of the 17^th Episcopal District, who gave a motivating message to our graduates on Wednesday night of the Congress.  We were also privileged to have Dr. Darryl Ingram, Executive Director of the Department of Christian Education of the AME Church.

Our Congress ended on Thursday Morning with our Youth on Parade as they demonstrated their talent.  The Liturgical Dance Classes, the Karate Classes and “Step” Classes also demonstrated their training they received during the Congress.  Several of our young people showed their talents through dance, singing, and dramatization.

 We thank all the Facilitators for their enriching presentations, as well as timely discussions.

Click on this link to see a slide show of 2011 Christian Education Congress:

http://www.slide.com/r/1CBu4NSVwD-Vii3SGOYGb7wyFD-cfAvh?previous_view=mscd_embedded_url&view=original