Commissioning Service: Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me

As we end this CYYAC12, let us depart remembering the words Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt read from the hymn, Jesus, Savior, Pilot Me, a Sailor's Hymn by Edward Hopper:

Jesus, Savior, pilot me
Over life’s tempestuous sea;
Unknown waves before me roll,
Hiding rock and treacherous shoal.
Chart and compass come from Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

While th’Apostles’ fragile bark
Struggled with the billows dark,
On the stormy Galilee,
Thou didst walk upon the sea;
And when they beheld Thy form,
Safe they glided through the storm.

Though the sea be smooth and bright,
Sparkling with the stars of night,
And my ship’s path be ablaze
With the light of halcyon days,
Still I know my need of Thee;
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When the darkling heavens frown,
And the wrathful winds come down,
And the fierce waves, tossed on high,
Lash themselves against the sky,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me,
Over life’s tempestuous sea.

As a mother stills her child,
Thou canst hush the ocean wild;
Boisterous waves obey Thy will,
When Thou sayest to them, “Be still!”
Wondrous Sovereign of the sea,
Jesus, Savior, pilot me.

When at last I near the shore,
And the fearful breakers roar
’Twixt me and the peaceful rest,
Then, while leaning on Thy breast,
May I hear Thee say to me,
“Fear not, I will pilot thee.”

Meet the Crew

We were so busy running around capturing you, that we didn't take a picture ourselves!  But still, here we are!  Thank you for tuning in!

Photographers:

Rev. Dr. Twana Harris, Chair 

Brandon Beaty 

Rev. Rob Guy

Keria McKinley

Rev. Kornelius Neal

Twitter:

Tia Esters, Chairs (ImABlkButterfly)

Terrance Adkins (@iroqkkicks)

David Pinner (@ElectronikGEEK)

Roger Privett  (@RP3_RogerDat)

Terrell Turner (@terrellisdope)

 

Blog:

Rev. Mildred Watson, Chair

Kristen Grant

Rev. Jaime Melton

Victor M. McIntyre

 

Facebook:

Rev. Maria Muse

Rev. Amina S. McIntyre, Coordinator

Evon Peterson, Assistant Coordinator

Special Thanks to Rev. Dr. Harris, Tia and the Indy Zone YAMs for their hard work on the pre-conference commercials.

"Everyone who attended the conference, take a moment to reflect on all the the things that occurred." 

~ Dr. Willa Ross, Conference Planner 

#CYYAC12 Commissioning Service

"[This conference] is just halftime...it's time for us to go and play the rest of the game at home."

~ Brian Magwood, 2008-2012 CYAM President #CYYAC12

Bible Study, Young Adult Style

During the week, Bishops Thomas L. Brown and James B. Walker presented bible study for the Young Adults.  Each morning, the Bishops took 30 minutes to discuss Acts 2: 42-47, the CYYAC12 and encourage Young Adults in their own ministry walks. The official notes from Bible Study are found on http://www.c-m-e.org/CYYAC/Biblestudy2.pdf

CME Trivia

While waiting on the main worship services and sessions to begin, CYYAC12 trivia questions were displayed across the screen, courtesy of the Social Media Crew.  Here are just a couple of the questions - the rest can be found in the CYYAC12 Handbook!

"May God interrupt the comfort of this day and move me to great service according to the will of the Holy One."

~ Rev. Charlton L. Johnson,  2008-2012 CYAM Vice President

Encountering God: Post PraiseFest Praise

The Praise Fest held July 4, 2012 was a wonderful experience of 9 districts coming together to present original and prerecorded work, dance, and orchestral pieces, showing the best their district has to offer.  Toward the end, a group of persons came up for prayer and to express their excitement for music.  Little did they know that a praise session lasting until 4 in the morning would ensue.  People prayed, confirmed visions, sought counsel, accepted their callings and were caught up in worshiping God on a real level.  Hear Rev. Antonia Pea’s reflections of this experience:

Banner Parade

What better way to celebrate our Freedom than with a Banner Parade and Praise Fest!  See the photo album to get the full experience!  Have more? Post them in the CYYAC12 facebook group and share with everyone.

This free digital slideshow personalized with Smilebox

College Fair

Dr. French, President of Miles College

Ms. Dawn Carter, 7th District, representing Coppin State

Throughout the week, and especially on Wednesday, yuth had an opportunity to meet representatives of different college and consider possibilities for the future during #CYYAC12.  The College Fair featured Miles College, Texas College, Coppin State University, Lane College, FAMU, Bethune-Cookman College and the University of Florida.

Communion

On Tuesday, July 3, 2012, a communion service was held, a tradition kept at all CME Church meetings.  During the service, there was a combined Young Adult and First District Choir to offer music.  The word was brought by Bishop Lawrence Reddick.  See a few pictures below and even more from Theresa DuHart's collection at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=oa.442553262442597&type=1.

The Choir

Bishop Kenneth Carter delivering the appeal for the Offering

Bishop Henry Williamson offering the Invitation to Christian disicipleship

The Choir

The Bishops at the table.

"Wisdom come from old age, but I know some gray-haired fools."

~ Rev. Caroline Carlisle, #CYYAC12 session

Divorced (WTH Do I Go From Here?)

"Go back to where [your relationship] got started...intend on being a success in marriage and not a statistic."

~ Rev. Charles and Nancy Winfrey, #CYYAC12 session 

"Why Did I Get Married?"

"If you don't have youth in your church, your church is ALREADY dead."    

~ Rev. Dr. Lisa Allen, #CYYAC12

ANNOUNCEMENTS: (morning 07/03/12)

*Volunteers are needed for Thursday from 10am-1pm in Sebastian _________. Please go to the clerical office to sign up.
Areas of need:
Banner Parade
Men-Conference Aids
Tonight for Youth Activities
Runners

*The Episcopal District Banners will be displayed during the Graduate luncheon. All other banners will be in the banner parade Wednesday evening during the Praise Fest Celebration. All banner particatpants need to sign up at the Gatlin Registration desk. See Rev. Jackie Yates.
*The will be two Mission Projects conducted on Thursday before the Fun day events.*Arkansas Region T-shirts can be picked up near the pre-registration desk.
*ATTENTION ALL HIGH SCHOOL GRADS: Please submit your name, high school name, year of graduation and your city your state, and church name to clerical by 4:00pm (EST) today located in St. John’s registration.
*Conference presentations and events will be held tonight at 7pm. If you signed up to participate or present in one or more of these presentations (bible verse or hymn memorization, poetry, bible history etc.), please check the reader boards for room assignments
*Choir rehearsal, lyrical dance rehearsal, and orchestra rehearsal will be held tonight between 10pm and midnight, location to TBD.*Disney, Graduate luncheon and July Fest tickets can be picked up beginning this afternoon. Episcopal Districts 1-5 need to pick up their tickets between 3-6pm, Episcopal Districts 6-11 will able to pick up their tickets from 8:30pm-midnight at the Sebastian registration desk. Only persons who ordered or whose name was given can pick up the tickets.

ALL ANNOUNCEMENTS NEED TO GO TO THE CLERICAL OFFICE AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND MUST FIRST BE APPROVED BY DR. CRUTCHFIELD!!!

Youth Nurture Groups

Over the course of the week, youth are broken down into groups named after books in the bible (including Genesis, Numbers, Jonah) and lead into discussions surrounding ministry with seasoned Pastors and Ministers throughout the connection.  In these Youth Nurture session, held in the mornings in place of Bible Study, leaders would introduce role playing and exercises to encourage reflections on prayer and spiritual life.  The goal was to develop and train youth to understand their role in ministry and how they, as young as they are, can bring their talents to their churches.  One leader, Rev. Kai Cole, mentioned that over the course of the week, while she was teaching what she could to the youth, they also ministered to her with their insights. See pictures below from Rev. A. Anthony Robinson's class.

Bishop Sylvester William

By Mildred Watson

Mark 5: 1-20

            Bishop Sylvester Williams brought an outstanding opening message on Monday, July 2, 2012 to our youths and young adults on opening night. In Bishop Williams opening he emphatically assures us that if we are going to make the Church Essential all of us have our parts to play in making the Church what God has called the Church to be.

            The Church is not just a social gathering to gather for a few hours on Sunday. When we look at ourselves and think about our own flaws, do you ever wonder whether you are worthy: and truly know that God has a plan for you?

            Many of us could relate to the message as we hear Bishop Williams say, “It looked like everybody had given up on this demoniac, in Mark 5. Why?  Because as we look at ourselves sometimes it looks like, feels like everybody has given up on us. But when we understand that God is the only one who can change a maniac to a Missionary, we know that God can and will do the same thing for us. Irrespective of whom we are, where we come from, God has not only a plan, but a place for you.

            My God, in this text it appears that the folk were more concerned about their “pork chops and their sausage,” than they are about this man, as the hogs are being drowned. “We share the Word with our mouth but we also share the Word with our lives.” When we look at ant think about the awesomeness of God, “Sometimes our flaws can be our attributes used for Gods’ service.

Bishop challenged the youth and young adults to “know who you are.” Stop letting folk define you. Begin by saying “I am somebody because God didn’t make no junk.” Jesus wants somebody who knows who you are.

            If the Church is going to be Essential we have to put our priorities in order. Bishop William concluded with three things necessary to becoming the Essential Church. 1. Positive self-perception; 2. Proper priority; and 3. Good praise!

            If the Church is going to be Essential, the Church can’t be dead; you have to get your praise on now. If the Church is going to be Essential, we can’t wait until we get to the Church, or get home we have got to use these gadgets we have. “Text somebody, Tweet somebody, Facebook somebody and tell them that the Lord has been good to you! If God could use a man possessed with many demons, certainly God can use anybody. God can use you. God can use me.

YA Presidental Address

On Tuesday, July 3 the committee members of the 2008-2012 Connectional Young Adult Ministry gave their closing address. It is rare to witness a group of individuals that are truly grateful to serve. It is easy to say you are grateful, but it is better when it shows. You can see it flowing from the eyes of the exiting executive board members, President Brian Magwood, Vice President Charleton Johnson, Secretary Netta Stampley, Assistant Secretary James Blackmon, Treasurer Katheryn Bass and Chaplain Benjamin Lewis.

As I listened to each member speak, it was as if they realized how much they learned while serving. Ones journey as a young adult is a constant learning experience, not always learning new things but also the application of things learned and personal strengths. For example, the exiting treasurer, Katherine Bass, expressed her gratitude to all her board members. She spoke about how she has been a perfectionist about the small things such as making sure everyone turned their bills in the same direction when they turned in money. Also the exiting secretary, Netta Stampley, referred to all the long nights she put in doing everything from making changes and editing countless documents and speeches to teaching somebody how to order a pizza online.

These examples speak to the little things individuals bring to a group to better an organization and the hard work it takes to run it. We bid Farewell to the 2008-2012 committee members who define commitment in every way. May God continue to use them in building and maintaining his kingdom.

~ Victor M. McIntyre

Opening with the Essential

 

           On Monday, July 2, 2012  Bishop Sylvester Williams brought an outstanding opening message to our youths and young adults. In Bishop Williams opening he emphatically assures us that if we are going to make the Church Essential all of us have our parts to play in making the Church what God has called the Church to be.

            The Church is not just a social gathering to gather for a few hours on Sunday. When we look at ourselves and think about our own flaws, do you ever wonder whether you are worthy: and truly know that God has a plan for you?

            Many of us could relate to the message as we hear Bishop Williams say, “It looked like everybody had given up on this demoniac, in Mark 5:1-20. Why?  Because as we look at ourselves sometimes it looks like, feels like everybody has given up on us. But when we understand that God is the only one who can change a maniac to a Missionary, we know that God can and will do the same thing for us. Irrespective of whom we are, where we come from, God has not only a plan, but a place for you.

            My God, in this text it appears that the folk were more concerned about their “pork chops and their sausage,” than they are about this man, as the hogs are being drowned. “We share the Word with our mouth but we also share the Word with our lives.” When we look at ant think about the awesomeness of God, “Sometimes our flaws can be our attributes used for God’s service.

Bishop challenged the youth and young adults to “know who you are.” Stop letting folk define you. Begin by saying “I am somebody because God didn’t make no junk.” Jesus wants somebody who knows who you are.

            If the Church is going to be Essential we have to put our priorities in order. Bishop William concluded with three things necessary to becoming the Essential Church. 1) Positive self-perception; 2) Proper priority; and 3) Good praise!

            If the Church is going to be Essential, the Church can’t be dead; you have to get your praise on now. If the Church is going to be Essential, we can’t wait until we get to the Church, or get home we have got to use these gadgets we have. “Text somebody, Tweet somebody, Facebook somebody and tell them that the Lord has been good to you! If God could use a man possessed with many demons, certainly God can use anybody. God can use you. God can use me."

~ Rev. Mildred Watson

Gospel Commedian shares experiences

On Monday Evening, for the opening service, we were blessed to have in attendance, Miz T.  She sat down with us for a few minutes to discuss her comedy and her inspirations.  Listen below.

"Stress puts us in bondage. So God is wanting and willing to give us rest as long as we trust Him to hand over the chains to Him"

~  Rev. Lavisha Williams, #CYYAC12

"I'm a Christian So Why Am I Stressed?"

More Pictures: Monday, July 2, 2012

Here's another Smilebox album, this time with pictures from the Opening Day and includes the Opening Prayer and Registration.

Enjoy!

http://secure.smilebox.com/ecom/openTheBox?sendevent=4d7a49304d4445334f5446384e6a6b314d5441324f44593d0d0a&sb=1

Welcome and Registering

In case you missed it, see a brief video on how to register for the conference. Registration 101

Sunday Evening Worship

One Sunday Evening, the 5^th Episcopal District under Bishop Theresa Snorton and the host church, Carter Tabernacle CME Church (Pastor Vanessee Burns) lead a praise and worship service with music and dance for early arrivals. See the pictures below for a recap.      Sunday Evening Worship

Commercials!

For CYYAC12, the 2nd Episcopal District, Indy Zone YAs shot a series of videos to get us ready for the big event.  Here they are for you to keep to all to yourself!

"OnStar"

"Regrets"

"Indy Zone Greetings"

"CYYAC12 Youth and Young Adults"

"Keepin it Real"

"Real Talk"

Welcome to CYYAC12! The conference starts in just a few days...are you ready?