Rev. Kendra Walker Jacobs, 9th Episcopal District
A new chapter began as Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr., the 144th Elected and Consecrated Bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal Church led the Northwest Annual Conference (NWAC) into its fifteenth session, emphasizing the theme “We Are Better Together.”
The Rev. Maurice Wright, II, and the members of St. John AME Church in Huntsville, Alabama, hosted the conference. The Rev. Bruce W. Hunter was the host Presiding Elder. The associate Presiding Elders are the Rev. Gloria A. Hall and the Rev. Dwight E. Dillard, Sr. We gathered for worship and meetings at the Embassy Suites Huntsville Hotel & Spa from September 25, 2024, to September 27, 2024.
After reviewing the attendance of all clergy members, laity, and officers on the Annual Conference and Ninth District, Bishop McAllister, Jr. received those who transferred into the conference and Connectional visitors both in person and virtually.
The Reverend Dr. Ronald D. Sterling, pastor of St. John AME Church in Downtown Birmingham, uplifted our spirits during the opening worship service with a sermon titled “Do You Hear What I Hear?” Following a year devoted to the mission of salvation, we shared in Holy Communion, renewing our commitment to our Lord and Savior.
Bishop McAllister, Jr. conducted business sessions professionally, adhering closely to the agenda as pastors presented their annual reports. These reports highlighted the spiritual, financial, and ministry blessings we have received from God. We were inspired by the word being ministered to us throughout the conference by the following:
Lay Night – The Rev. A. DeVonta Anderson
Pastor of St. Luke AME Church – Fultondale
Behind the Back Faith – Psalm 90:17
Thursday Morning Glory – The Rev. Randy Rhodes
Pastor of St. Matthews AME Church – Oxmoor
Aftermath – Genesis 8
Women in Ministry Annual Service – The Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Long
Pastor of St. Thomas AME Church – Greensboro
May Your Worship Speak Louder Than Your Words – Mark 14:3-9
Sons of Allen Service – Bro. Jeremy B. Joseph
New Allen Temple AME Church – Harriman Park
Unusual Company
Friday Morning Glory – The Rev. Dr. T. E. Nathan
Pastor of Grant Chapel AME Church – Birmingham
Unmute Yourself: Use Your Voice – Psalm 19:14
Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Jr. lifted our spirits even higher as he preached from Exodus 3:19-20 a message entitled, “Whose Hands Are You In?” He assured us, “It’s mighty good to be in the hands of God.” We remembered that God is more significant than our circumstances as we went to our assignments! We stood declaring with Bishop, each saying, “I know that I know that I know he will take care of me!
We were encouraged and energized as we received our pastoral appointments for the 24-25 conference year. We all left with hope and a fresh anointing.
Rev. Kendra Walker Jacobs is the pastor of St. Paul AME Church in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Great article Rev. Jacobs.