Session of the Southern California Annual ConferenceAfrican Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate, 5th Episcopal DistrictMrs. Mary L. Kirkland, Episcopal Supervisor, WMS

Rev. Norman Copeland, Host Presiding ElderRev. Roosevelt Lindsey, Co-Host Presiding Elder

Rev. La Grant Moore, Co-Host Presiding Elder

First AME Church of Los Angeles2270 South Harvard BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90018

(323) 730-7750 Phone(323) 735-1251 Fax

WWW.FAMECHURCH.ORG

HOSTS:Reverend Dr. John J. Hunter and First Lady Denise Hunter and the faithful congregation of First AME Church of Los Angeles

Hilton Los Angeles Airport5711 West Century BoulevardLos Angeles, California 90045

ORDINATION SERVICE10:30 AM

Saturday, October 29, 2011

THE GENERAL CONFESSION

Congregation: Almighty God, Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all people, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word, and deed against Your Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us.

Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for Your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ’s sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Your name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. (Choral)

THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

Bishop: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who for Your tender mercy did give Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to su�er death on the cross for our redemption, who made thereby His oblation of Himself, once o�ered; a full, perfect and su�cient sacri�ce, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute and in His holy gospel command us to continue a perpetual memory of that, His precious death, until His coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly ask You, and grant that we receiving these Your creatures of bread and wine, according to Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of His death and passion, may be partakers of His most blessed body and blood: who in the same night that He was betrayed, took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and give it to His disciples saying, “Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me.” Likewise after supper He took the cup and when He had given thanks He gave it to them saying, “Drink all of it, for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins; do this, as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

THE ELEMENTS SHARED“THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD”

Hymn # 255

THE FELLOWSHIPChoir & Congregation

THE DOXOLOGY & BENEDICTION

THE PROCESSIONAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Clergy & Ordinands

Hymn #25NICAEA“HOLY! HOLY! HOLY! LORD GOD ALMIGHTY”

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!Early in the morning our song shall rise the Thee;Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty:God in three persons, blessed Trinity!

Holy, holy, holy! All the saints adore Thee,Casting down their golden crowns around the glassy sea;Cherubim and seraphim falling down before Thee,Which wert, and art, and evermore shall be.

Holy, holy, holy! Though the darkness hide Thee,Though the eye of sinful man Thy glory may not sea;Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee,Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

Holy, holy, holy! Lord God Almighty!All Thy works shall praise Thy name in earth and sky and sea;Holy, holy, holy! Merciful and mighty;God in three persons, blessed Trinity!Amen.

THE DOXOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Old 100th“PRAISE GOD, FROM WHOM ALL BLESSING FLOW”

Praise God, from whom all blessings �ow;Praise Him, all creatures here below;Praise Him, above ye heavenly hosts;Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

THE CALL TO WORSHIP

L: Brothers and sisters, everything has been made ready for ordination and consecration and, the table is spread!

P: We have come to meet the Living God, who is beyond our intellectual comprehension and is yet as close as our breath.

L: Everything has been made ready, we will lay on hands, break the bread and pour the wine.

P: We have gathered to celebrate the risen Christ, who is God with us and, nevertheless, the One to come.

L: Everything has been made ready! The corrective, encourag-ing and prophetic Word will be preached.

P: We have assembled to be revived by the life-renewing Holy Ghost, who empowers our search for shalom in this unfriendly world.

L: In the preached Word, the ordination, the consecration and the bread and wine we will receive strength for the journey.

All: Everything has been made ready. Thanks be to the risen Christ. Hallelujah!

THE ORDINATION WORSHIPTHE ORGAN PRELUDE

THE HYMN OF WORSHIP & PRAISE

“HOW GREAT THE WISDOM” #91Cambridge New, Common Meter

How great the wisdom, power and graceWhich in redemption shine!

The heavenly host with joy confessThe work is all divine.

Before His feet they cast their crowns-Those crowns which Jesus gave-

And with ten thousand, thousand tonguesProclaim His power to save.

They tell the triumphs of His cross,The su�erings which He bore;

How low He stooped, how high He rose,And rose to stoop no more.

O let them still their voices raise, And still their songs renew;

Salvation well deserves the praiseOf men and angels, too.

Amen.

THE INVOCATION

THE CHORAL RESPONSE

“WE NEED TO HEAR FROM YOU”by Andre’ Crouch

We need to hear from You. We need a Word from You.If we don’t hear from You, what will we do?

Wanting You more each day, to show us Your perfect way-There is no other way that we can live!

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC

THE SCRIPTURE READING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Colossians 3: 1-17 NIV

THE GLORIA PATRI

THE PRESENTATION OF THE BISHOP

THE PRESENTATION OF THE PREACHER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bishop Theodore Larry Kirkland

THE MINISTRY OF MUSIC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . The Choir

THE ORDINATION SERMON

THE INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP

THE WORSHIP THROUGH GIVING . . .The Conference Finance Ministry

THE ANNOUNCEMENTS

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THE PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEACONESS

Elder: Reverend Father in God, I present these holy women to be consecrated Deaconess.(Name the Candidates)Bishop: Take heed that these women you present be proper persons to perform the work of Deaconess, and that they be of sober minds, modest in all their ways and possessed of large charity.

Elder: They have been examined and are believed to be well quali�ed to enter upon the sacred duties of Deaconesses.

The names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say to the people:

Bishop: It becomes the Deaconess that she shall be pious, chaste, and temperate in all things, modest, humble, industrious, and devout, as she is to serve the Church of God and to His praise and glory. Throughout the history of the Church, God has been pleased to call and qualify certain women for the gentle and holy service of ministering to the Church and the ministry. Such women were Deborah, Mary, the Holy Mother, Eunice, Lois Priscilla, Lydia, and Phoebe. And in the latter day He has been pleased to own and bless the labors of Sister Sarah Gorham, Sister Rosa Parks and many others. May the Lord bless and acknowledge these persons according as He has blessed the ministration of all holy women. May they withdraw themselves from all worldly cares and vocations and give themselves up entirely to the ministrations of the Church and to su�ering humanity.

THE CONSECRATION OF THE DEACONESS

THE QUESTIONSThen shall the Bishop inquire of the candidate(s) as follows:

Bishop: Have you duly considered the sacredness, the exactions and responsibilities of the o�ce of which you have come to enter?

Candidate: I have considered them all.

Bishop: Are you determined to observe all the rules for a Deaconess, give yourself up to such life and duties as these rules require, and keep yourself unspotted from the world, and all its vanities and frivolities?

Candidate: I am so determined.

Bishop: Will you be governed by the Discipline of the A.M.E. Church and subject to the direction given in the discharge of the duties of your o�ce?

Candidate: I will be so governed.

THE ACTThen shall the person(s) to be consecrated kneel. The Bishop, taking each candidate

by the hand, shall say to her:

Bishop: Be thou consecrated to the o�ce and work of a Deaconess in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Then shall the Pastor place the bonnet on the head of the candidate.

THE PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR DEACON

Elder: Reverend Father in God, I present to you these persons to be admitted Deacons.

Bishop: Take heed that the persons whom you present to us be apt and meet, by their godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church.

Elder: We have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them so to be.

The names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say to the people:

Bishop: Members of the conference, if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of these persons presented to be ordained Deacons for which they ought not be admitted to that o�ce, let them come forth in the name of God and show what the crime or impediment is.

THE COLLECT

Elder: Almighty God, who by Your Divine Providence has appointed diverse orders of minister of Your Church, and did inspire Your Apostles, to choose to the order of Deacons the �rst martyr, St. Stephen with others, mercifully look at these Your servants now called to the like o�ce and administration; replenish them so with the truth of Your doctrine and adorn them with the innocence of life that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve You in this o�ce to the glory of Your Holy Name, and the edi�cation of Your Church, through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost now and forever. Amen. (Choral)

THE EPISTLE Ephesians 5:15-17, 20-21; 6:11-18

Elder: See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is; giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ; submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against �esh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take the whole armor of God that you may be able to withstand in the evil days, and having done all, to stand. Stand, therefore, having your loins gird about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; and your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith wherewith you shall be able to quench all the �ery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance and supplications for all saints.

THE ORDINATION OF DEACONSTHE QUESTIONS

Then shall the Bishop examine every one that is to be ordained, in the presence of the people, in the following manner:

Bishop: Do you trust that you are inwardly moved by the Holy Ghost to take upon you the O�ce of the Ministry in the Church of Christ, to serve God for the promotion of His glory, and the edifying of His people?

Candidate: I trust so.

Bishop: Do you unfeignedly believe all the canonical Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments?

Candidate: I do believe them.

Bishop: Will you diligently read and expound the same to the people, whom you shall be appointed to serve?

Candidate: I will.

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Bishop: It appertains to the o�ce of a Deacon to assist the Elder in Divine Service. And especially when he or she administers the Holy Communion, to help him or her in the distribution thereof and to read and expound the Holy Scriptures; to instruct the youth, and in the absence of the Elder, to baptize. And furthermore, it is his or her o�ce to search for the sick, poor and impotent, that they may be visited and relieved. Will you do this gladly and willingly?

Candidate: I will do so, by the help of God.

Bishop: Will you frame and fashion your own lives and the lives of your families according to the doctrine of Christ and to make both yourselves and them, as much as in you lieth, wholesome examples of the �ock of Christ?

Candidate: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop: Will you reverently obey them to whom the charge and government over you is committed, following with a glad mind and with their godly admonition?

Candidate: I will endeavor to do so, the Lord being my helper.

THE ACTThen shall the Bishop, laying his hand upon every one of them severally, say:

Bishop: Take thou authority to execute the o�ce of a Deacon in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen (Choral)

Then shall the Bishop deliver to every one of them the Holy Bible, saying:

Bishop: Take thou authority to read the Scriptures, and to preach the same in the Church of God in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen (Choral)

THE CHORAL INTERLUDE “I THANK YOU, JESUS”

I thank you, Jesus-I thank you, Lord-

For you brought me from a mighty long way…

THE PRESENTATION OF CANDIDATES FOR ELDER

Elder: Reverend Father in God, I present to you these persons to be ordained Elders.

Bishop: Take heed that the persons whom you present to us be apt and meet, by their godly conversation, to exercise their ministry duly to the honor of God and the edifying of the Church.

Elder: We have inquired concerning them, and also examined them, and think them so to be.

Then, their names being read aloud, the Bishop shall say to the people:

Bishop: Members of the conference, these are they whom we propose, God willing, this day to ordain Elders; for after due examination we �nd not the contrary, but that they are lawfully called to this function and ministry, and that they are persons meet for the same. But if there be any of you who know any impediment or crime in any of them, for which they ought not be received into this holy ministry, let them come forth in the name of God and show what the crime or impediment is.

THE COLLECT

Elder: Almighty God, giver of all good things, who by the Holy Spirit has appointed diverse orders of ministers in Your church, mercifully look on these Your servants now called to the o�ce of Elders and replenish them with the innocency of life, that both by word and good example they may faithfully serve You in this o�ce to the glory of Your name and the edi�cation of Your Church, through the merits of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, world without end. Amen (Choral)

THE EPISTLE Ephesians 4:7-13

Elder: To every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore He said, when He ascended upon high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men. (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended �rst in the lower parts of the earth? He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens that He might �ll all things.) And He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, and some Evangelists, and some Pastors, and Teachers for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ; till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect human, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.

THE GOSPEL John 10:1-16

Elder: “Verily, I say to you, they that enter not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and robber. But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter opens, and the sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. And when he puts forth his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep will follow him for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will �ee from him; for they know not the voice of strangers.” This parable spoke Jesus to them but they did not understand what He was saying.

Then Jesus said to them again, “Verily, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers; but the sheep did not hear them, I am the door; by Me if any person enter in, they shall be saved and shall go in and out, and �nd pasture. The thief comes not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the Good Shepherd who gives His life for the sheep.

But he that is a hireling and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and �ees and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep. The hireling �ees because he is a hireling and cares not for the sheep. I am the Good Shepherd and know My sheep, and I am known of mine. As the Father knows Me, even so I the father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice; and there shall be one fold and one Shepherd.

Bishop: You have heard of what dignity and how great the importance of this o�ce is of which you are called. And now, again, we exhort you in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that you remember how weighty an o�ce you are called into; that is, to be messengers, watchers of the �ock, and stewards of the Lord: To teach, to admonish, to feed and to provide for the Lord’s family. To seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad and for His children who are in the midst of this evil world that they may be saved through Jesus Christ forever. And now that this present congregation of Christ here assembled may also understand your mind and will in these things. And that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties; you shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God and His church shall demand of you, touching the same.

THE ORDINATION OF ELDERS

Bishop: And now that this present congregation of Christ here assembled may also understand your mind and will in these things. And that this your promise may the more move you to do your duties; you shall answer plainly to these things which we, in the name of God and His church shall demand of you, touching the same.

THE QUESTIONS

Bishop: Do you think in your heart that you are truly called, according to the will of our Lord, Jesus Christ, to the order of elder?

Ordinand: I do so believe.

Bishop: Are you persuaded that the Holy Scriptures contain su�ciently all doctrines required of necessity for eternal salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Are you determined out of the said Scriptures to instruct the people committed to your charge, and to teach nothing as required of necessity to salvation, but that which you shall be persuaded may be concluded and proved by Scriptures?

Ordinand: I am so persuaded, and have so determined by God’s grace.

Bishop: Will you then give your faithful diligence always so to minister the doctrine and sacraments and discipline of Christ as the Lord has commanded?

Ordinand: I will do so, by the help of the Lord.

Bishop: Will you be ready with all faithful diligence always to banish and drive away all erroneous and strange doctrines contrary to God’s Word, and to use both public and private monitions and exhortation as well to the sick as to the whole within your charge as need shall require and occasion shall be given?

Ordinand: I will, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop: Will you be diligent in prayer and in reading the Holy Scriptures and in such studies as help to the knowledge of the same, laying aside the study of the world and the �esh?

Ordinand: I will endeavor so to do, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop: Will you be diligent to frame and fashion yourself and your family according to the doctrine of Christ and to make both yourself and them, as much as in you lies, wholesome examples and patterns to the �ock of Christ?

Ordinand: I shall apply myself thereto, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop: Will you maintain and set forth, as much as lies in you, sweetness, peace, and love among all Christian people, and especially among them that are or shall be committed to your charge?

Ordinand: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.

Bishop: Will you reverently obey your chief ministers unto whom is committed the charge and government over you, following with a glad mind and will their godly admonitions, submitting yourself to their godly judgments?

Ordinands: I will do so, the Lord being my helper.

THE VENI CREATOR SPIRITUS

Bishop: Come, Holy Spirit, our hearts inspirePeople: And lighten with Celestial Fire

Bishop: Thou the Anointing Spirit artPeople: Who doth Thy Sevenfold Gifts impart Bishop: Thy Blessed Function from abovePeople: Is comfort, light, and �re of love

Bishop: Enable with Perpetual LightPeople: The dullness of our blinded sight

Bishop: Anoint and cheer our soiled facePeople: With the abundance of Thy grace

Bishop: Keep far our foes, give peace at homePeople: Where Thou art guide no ill can come

Bishop: Teach us to know the Father, SonPeople: And Thee of both to be but One

Bishop: That through the ages all alongPeople: This may be our endless song

Bishop: Praise to Thy Eternal MeritPeople: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit

THE ACT Then shall the Bishop and seven Elders lay their hands upon the head of everyone that

receives the order of Elder

Bishop: The Lord pour upon you the Holy Ghost for the o�ce and work of an elder in the Church of God, now committed to you by the imposition of our hands. You are to be a faithful dispenser of the Word of God and of God’s Holy Sacraments in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (Choral)

The candidates will place their hands and their face in the open BibleBishop: Take thou authority to preach the Word of God and to administer the Holy Sacraments in the congregation in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen. (Choral).

THE SERVICE OF HOLY COMMUNION

THE CONGREGATIONAL SONG“I KNOW IT WAS THE BLOOD”

THE INVITATION TO THE TABLEBishop: You that do truly and earnestly repent of your sins, and are in love and charity with your neighbor, and intend to lead a new life, following the commandments of God, and walking from henceforth in His holy ways, draw near with faith and receive this holy sacrament to your comfort, and make your humble confession to Almighty God, meekly kneeling.

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First AME Church of Los Angeles2270 South Harvard Boulevard

Los Angeles, California 90018(323) 730-7750 Phone

(323) 735-1251 Fax

WWW.FAMECHURCH.ORG

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THE GENERAL CONFESSION

Congregation: Almighty God, Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, Maker of all things, Judge of all people, we acknowledge and bewail our manifold sins and wickedness which we from time to time most grievously have committed by thought, word, and deed against Your Divine Majesty, provoking most justly Your wrath and indignation against us. We do earnestly repent and are heartily sorry for these our misdoings; the remembrance of them is grievous to us.

Have mercy upon us, have mercy upon us, most merciful Father, for Your Son our Lord, Jesus Christ’s sake; forgive us all that is past, and grant that we may hereafter serve and please You in newness of life, to the honor and glory of Your name, through Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen. (Choral)

THE PRAYER OF CONSECRATION

Bishop: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, who for Your tender mercy did give Your only Son, Jesus Christ, to su�er death on the cross for our redemption, who made thereby His oblation of Himself, once o�ered; a full, perfect and su�cient sacri�ce, oblation, and satisfaction for the sins of the whole world; and did institute and in His holy gospel command us to continue a perpetual memory of that, His precious death, until His coming again. Hear us, O merciful Father, we most humbly ask You, and grant that we receiving these Your creatures of bread and wine, according to Your Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ’s holy institution, in remembrance of His death and passion, may be partakers of His most blessed body and blood: who in the same night that He was betrayed, took bread and when He had given thanks, He broke it, and give it to His disciples saying, “Take, eat; this is My body which is given for you. This do in remembrance of me.” Likewise after supper He took the cup and when He had given thanks He gave it to them saying, “Drink all of it, for this is My blood of the New Testament, which is shed for you and for many for the remission of sins; do this, as often as you shall drink it, in remembrance of me.”

THE ELEMENTS SHARED“THERE IS A FOUNTAIN FILLED WITH BLOOD”

Hymn # 255

THE FELLOWSHIPChoir & Congregation

THE DOXOLOGY & BENEDICTION