Approximately 50 persons from across the 13th Episcopal District met in Nashville for the Annual District Lay Convention in June. There were several presentations of interest, but of particular interest to me was the presentation on the Class Leader system that used to be an integral part of all AME churches. The presenter was Sis. Jo Anne Gaunt of the East Tennessee Conference, who led a most informative and participatory session about the Class Leader system of old, and of the present age.

We were reminded that although one of the functions of the class leader system of old was to collect dues to augment the Pastor’s salary, it was also a method by which members of the congregation were instructed in the doctrine of African Methodism. New members were instructed by their class leaders, who also made sure that their members were always informed about the activities and programs of the church.

It was the duty of the class leader to contact each member on his/her roll on a regular basis to inquire of their well-being, pray with them, and offer their personal assistance as well as that of the church when needed. It was of particular note that although it is believed that the Class Leader system was first introduced in African Methodism, other denominations have adopted the system for their congregations and it is working very well, while it is all but totally defunct in AME churches. Some call the classes “wards”; others, “cells” or “zones”. In any case, individual members can rest assured that when they need the church, it will be there — in sickness, bereavement, — and their ward or zone leader will always know what it is going on with them. The thought of a congregation of folk being concerned about the well-being of each other is a most provocative one.

On Saturday, May 3, members of our Lay Organization met in the parking lot of the Nashville Rescue Mission at 4:45 a.m. to prepare to serve breakfast at 5:30

a.m. Although the breakfast crowd is smaller than the lunch crowd, the work was just as rewarding. We were joined by a group of young people (approximately 18-23 years old) from another church in the city. We are committed to serving either breakfast or lunch one Saturday a quarter and would love to have others join us. Contact Erskine Lytle for more information.

While at the Mission, we learned that a chapel service is held nightly at 7 o’clock, with volunteer preachers and singers. Our pastor has agreed to volunteer to preach, and a group of interested persons will come together to provide music. The date will be announced later.

Plans for the Tennessee Conference Lay Organization’s 13th Annual OLP Awards are well underway. On Friday, August 15 at 7 p.m. at the Millennium Maxwell House Hotel, our outstanding layperson of the year, Lonnie Chandler, will be honored with other adults and young adults from the Conference. As has been true for the last five years, outstanding pastors will also be recognized. As always, we encourage members of St. John who feel that our Pastor is deserving of recognition to complete and return the nomination form. It may be obtained from the Lay Organization mail slot in the Conference Room and returned there by Sunday, July 20. Comments will be compiled for submission to the Conference Lay Organization by Saturday, July 26. If there are any questions, please contact me.

St. John has 40 tickets to sell for the OLP Awards Banquet. The donation is $40 adults; $30 children 10 years and younger. We pray that St. John members will plan to attend in support of our outstanding layperson and Pastor. Please see Walretta Chandler for your ticket!

Lastly, on Sunday, July 6, Charlotte West and I will leave for the Lay Biennial in New Orleans. Charlotte is a TN Conference delegate. I am the delegate from the local church.

God Bless!