Gratitude and Vote of Thanks for the 38th Biennial Session
By MA Makiti, CLO President
I greet you in the matchless name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
As we recap the success of the Lay Organization 38th Biennial Convention of the Connectional Lay
Organization held, on June 26-30, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois. On behalf of the Connectional Lay
Organization, we were excited to see each of you, and thank Almighty God for enabling us to travel
globally to attend the 38th Biennial Session. We are grateful to our Lord and Savior for his traveling.
mercies and protection over us. We are happy that the Lord made it possible, and for that, we give God
honor and glory.
I thank the leadership of the church, Bishops, and Supervisors for their fervent prayers and support of
the Connectional Lay Organization. Your presence was acknowledged, and I extend my hearty thanks.
Special thanks to Clergy, General Officers, Judicial Council Officers, Connectional Officers,
distinguished guests, and our esteemed speakers at the 38th Biennial Convention. I thank God for all of
you who assembled, as officers, delegates, and observers. Together, with all the members of the
Connectional Lay Organization, we thank God for his mercies and the love that he has given us down
through the years. We are indeed grateful for the grace that has kept us together and count it an honor
for the opportunity to serve. We are also grateful that God has given members of the Connectional Lay
Organization in general, the spirit to courageously go out and spread the liberating gospel of Jesus
Christ.
Colossians 1:3 – 8 “We give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, praying
always for you since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love which you have for all the saints,
because of the hope reserved for you in heaven, of which you previously heard in the word of truth, the
gospel……”
This Scripture reminds us that we should forever be dependent on GOD for everything in our lives. The
Scripture should also serve as a foundation of our Christ-Centered approach to all facets of our lives. In
this regard, I thank every one of you for the work that you continue to do toward God’s kingdom building; and to also let you know how much I appreciate your faithful service to the African Methodist
Episcopal (AME) Church in general, and most importantly to the Lay Organization. I am equally
grateful for all who proclaimed His Word – and God anointed them to speak to us about the Gospel of
Salvation. My greatest appreciation goes to our esteemed Speakers, who shared so much knowledge
that when we left, we were fully motivated to continue the work of Lay Ministry. Let me also take this
opportunity to thank the “First-timers” May your coming, and attendance at the Biennial Convention
add growth within your Lay Organizations and add growth in your relationship with God. The
inclusiveness of young adults was phenomenal.
Also, I would like to commend the Episcopal District Presidents, for their commitment to making the
Convention a success. Special thanks go to Director DOLA Patricia Wright, and Young Adult
Representative Jamesha Williams together your plan of action came to life in every area of training for
all present. I commend both of you for your excellent plan and execution of all days during the 38th
Biennial Convention. Director PR Dianne H. Battle the work of the office of Public Relations and staff
comes with high praise and commendations. The “We Speak Newsletters” for each day were highly
informative with the information that transpired each day. The press release announcing the Honorable
“HAKEEM JEFFRIES” House of Representatives Democratic Leader and Representative from New
York was history made for the Connectional Lay Organization with the Live stream from the CLO
Facebook page being available for those who were not able to attend. All the work done by each officer
made the Convention a success as well. I thank each of you for your contributions in every area.
In conclusion, the power of the Holy Spirit took control during the Biennial Convention. I am delighted
that the Worship Services, the Reports on accounts of stewardship as well as the sharing of fellowship
brought us closer to God. Again, thank you for your participation in engaging spiritually in the Biennial
Convention. May the spirit of light, peace, unity, and togetherness continue to guide us.
President Jerry Turner and the entire Fourth Episcopal District displayed excellence in hosting from tart
start to finish. They left no stones unturned. During the 4th Episcopal District Convention, the honoring
ceremony of worthy women icons will be a Her-Story for a lifetime.
