THE week long 122nd Session of the Bermuda Annual Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church came to an end on Sunday at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Resort. It was highlighted by the presiding bishop, Rt. Rev. Richard Norris reassigning for another year Presiding Elder Malcolm Eve as well as pastors to all eleven of their previous charges.

Spirited singing, powerful preaching and liturgical dancing preceded the appointments.

The pastors and district officers had previously given full reports on their stewardship during the 2007 Conference Year. And the delegates unanimously adopted the report of a specially appointed Committee on Resolutions, headed by the Rev. Milton Burgess. Among other things, the resolutions call on the denomination in this technological age to look effectively towards utilizing technology in the enhancement of ministry inside and outside the church.

Bishop Norris stressed the importance of the churches to be on the cutting edge of change and development. He called on every member to aggressively participate in lifting up the good stuff at the church where they worship. Every church on the Island, he noted was doing "some good stuff and too often we amplify and talk about something that does not address our best representation. We have to stop doing that."

The conference resolved that the AME Churches support and encourage Government in its efforts towards providing a better quality of life for Bermuda's seniors and that every effort be made by the AME Church "to reach out to those who are not of our same ethnic persuasion."

And it was resolved that the AME Church make every effort to foster better race relations in the Island by encouraging and participating in meaningful dialogue intended to unite the people of Bermuda.

In an effort to address prevalent health care issues, the conference adopted the resolution calling on a partnership with the appropriate agencies to provide education and assistance to combat many of the concerns borne out in the recent health surveys; as well as support its members in their personal and professional development.

A major point of the resolutions committee was that the eleven AME Churches aggressively engage in fund raising to facilitate the construction of Phase Two of the Matilda Smith Williams Seniors Residence.

Bishop Norris amplifying on the resolutions said there is not another church in Bermuda that has the kind of facility that the Matilda Smith Williams Residence offers to the community. The possibility of it not only being self-supporting, but far more important being able to meet the needs and challenges of the upcoming realities of life.

"I am committed moving forward aggressively with you to do the things to raise the funds to make completion of Phase Two a reality," Bishop Norris declared.

"We have the possibility to access support and funding from outside corporate and other that are waiting to see what we do ourselves."

The bishop thanked the churches for what they have been doing on a monthly basis to support the Residence, but a greater commitment was needed to securing the initial seed money if Phase Two is to get out of the ground. Enabling the facility to increase from 30 beds to 60 and even more according to the land and footprint there.