By Rev. Michele R. Goodloe, 8th Episcopal District
The Eighth Episcopal District Clergy, Spouses, and Widows’ Retreat was held Friday, April 26-28, 2019, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Eighth District’s clergy and spouses had grown accustomed to having separate, exciting annual retreats. Last year, Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr. and Mother Joan Marla McAllister asked the Eighth District Clergy Family Organization to host a one-time combined Clergy, Spouses, and Widows’ Retreat. The combined Retreat was so successful that it was overwhelmingly agreed by the attendees that we should do it again this year.
Friday, April 26, 2019, was the first of a three-day retreat. One could feel the excitement in the air as registrants stood in line.
There were two plenary sessions on Friday afternoon. The first was “Church Security,” which was presented by the Revs. Joe Chaney and Troy Grimes. The second one was “Looking Ahead, Planning for Retirement,” which was presented by the Rev. Russell Obee. The opening worship experience began at 7:30 p.m., with good music, singing, and a powerful sermon delivered by Pastor Julius E. Giddens, IV, from Millry, Alabama.
Immediately after breakfast on Saturday morning, under the power of the Holy Spirit, the Rev. Douglas Taylor, the pastor of Bethel AME Church in New Orleans, Lousiana, conducted a spirited-filled Bible Study. Following, the first of two plenaries was presented. “Dealing with Burnout/Keeping A Balance,” was presented by the Rev. Jonathan C. Augustine, the pastor of Historic St. James AME Church in New Orleans, Louisiana. “Developing the Leader in You” was presented by the Rev. Robert Payne, the pastor of St. Mary AME Church in Shreveport, Louisiana. These two plenary sessions were well presented and received.
After a 15-minute break, concurrent workshops were held. We were blessed to have a very special guest, Mrs. Lula Cleckley, the president of the CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’S. She was introduced by Mother Joan M. McAllister.
The concurrent workshops were “Building Unity in the Family” for spouses and widows, presented by Mrs. Cleckley; “Married Couples Ministering in the Absence of their Spouses” by the Rev. Glenell Lee Pruitt, Ph.D.; “My Partner in Ministry is Gone, Now What?” for widows by Mrs. Brenda Hurst; “Doing Ministry as a Single Female Clergy Person” by the Rev. Karen Porter; “Doing Ministry as a Single Male Clergy Person” by the Rev. Dr. Lorenzo Neal; “Pastoral Team Transiting to a New Assignment” by the Rev. Herman Kelly; and “A Candid Discussion about the Future of the Church in the Eighth District” by Bishop Julius H. McAllister, Sr.
After these exhilarating, engaging, and thought-provoking workshops, a delectable lunch was served. Time was designated for free time, relaxation, and bonding time for spouses and widows.
Everyone returned for an evening of fun and entertainment, which included games such as Family Feud, Conjugal Bliss, Switch Your Role, and the Old Married Couples game. There was competition between conferences as well as between singles and married couples.
The Closing Recommitment Service of the Word and Sacrament was held on Sunday morning. Prior to this 8:30 a.m. worship experience, Bishop McAllister offered space for the Honorable John Bel Edwards, Louisiana’s Governor, to address the worshipers. Bishop McAllister called for the clergy to join with him in prayer for the governor, his family, and his campaign.
The presence of the Lord could be felt throughout the meeting space as the Eighth District’s presiding elders led the congregation in the closing worship. The choir, with its melodious voices, sounded like the heavenly angelic choir. The Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Boyd, Sr., delivered the morning message. After the service, Bishop McAllister offered the prayer of recommitment and benediction.
We thank Bishop and Mother McAllister for providing leadership for this year’s retreat. The retreat coordinators were Presiding Elder Gwendolyn Snearl and Mrs. Eloria James. The executive coordinator was Presiding Elder Michele R. Goodloe. Mrs. Linda Kelly served as the logistics chairperson. In addition to Sister Cleckley, our special guests included the Rev. Julius and Mrs. Sheila Giddens.
There were many persons who served on the steering committee. We thank them for their service. Special appreciation is extended to the presiding elders for their leadership. To God be the glory!
