Page 27 - Bethel Annual 2019 Report

Congregational Care and Christian Fellowship

C
ongratulations to Julius H. McAllister, III, whose speech, “When We All Vote,” was published
in the November 12 issue of The Christian Recorder. The speech was made at a voting rally at
Spellman College before the 2018 election, where he appeared along with CNN analyst and political ad-
vocate, Angela Rye. Julius implored fellow students to become actively involved in the political process.
“As students,” he said, “we must not let people assume that we don’t care about our nation’s issues. The
time is now for us to become politically active and astute. Take time to read, think, and process the issues
that our local, state, and national governments are facing. Then, we will realize how our actions and vot-
ing help to secure our futures. Everyone has a reason to be involved.” Julius, III, the eldest son of Rever-
end Dr. and Mrs. McAllister, is a sophomore political science major at Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA.

Bethel was privileged to serve as the Host Church and Host Site
of the 154 Session of the Florida Annual Conference; and Rev-
th
erend Dr. McAllister was honored to deliver the Annual Ser-
mon at the Opening Session. He blessed a grand assembly of
Episcopal leaders, clergy lay delegates, and guests, from
throughout the Connection, with a powerful message, “I Didn’t
Sign Up For This,” based on Exodus 16: 1-4. He advised wor-
shippers to always thank God and follow the path He chooses
for us, trusting that He knows what is best. This is wise counsel
for all, but especially useful for pastors and delegates who
would be returning to their local churches to seek God’s direc-
tion as they make plans for the 2019-2020 Conference Year.
Many thanks to the overwhelming number of volunteers who
contributed to this mammoth effort. And again, special thanks
to the Bethel Parking Team whose members braved extremely
high temperatures, blazing sun, high humidity, and occasional
unpleasant temperaments while meeting the parking needs of
hundreds of attendees. Thanks, also, to Reverend Dr. McAllister
who acknowledged the work of volunteers and expressed his
heartfelt gratitude by providing each volunteer a World’s Best
Annual Conference Volunteer Certificate and a delicious, full Julius H. McAllister, III and Angela Rye,
course dinner. CNN Analyst

Dinner honoring Annual Conference volunteers

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