A.P.C.E. Holds Annual Meeting in Birmingham

On January 31st more than 1000 Christian Educators arrived in Birmingham for the annual meeting of the Association of Christian Educators held at the Sheraton Civic Center. It was both an honor and a major responsibility for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley to be the hosting body for this large gathering.

The theme for the event, "Living into God's Gift of Community," was woven through the entire event. Conference leadership included Eugenia Gamble, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Birmingham.

The opening banquet on Wednesday evening featured entertainment by "Three on a String" and the crowd was soon aware that Birmingham was not only a place of historical significance, but one that produced great entertainers, as well. Many in attendance believed it to be the best opening night banquet and entertainment in recent APCE history.

Those participating in the event had opportunities to visit the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church and hear stories about life in the south during turbulent Civil Rights times told by Eugenia Gamble and Mary Newbern-Williams. Conference participants also had speakers from the Civil Rights Institute and then visited the Institute for a special tour.

One of the features of this APCE was the unique offering of Friday evening and Saturday morning workshops for those who volunteer in our area local churches. Sunday School teachers, youth advisors, mid-week teachers, and many others took advantage of the wealth of leadership and resources available at this exceptional event. This local ministry track was highly praised by those in attendance and is sure to be seen at future APCE events.

Banquet table decorations are a huge chore for each Local Committee at APCE each year. Sheppards and Lapsley's Local Committee did an amazing thing—churches in the presbytery were contacted about purchasing flowers for the tables in honor of the people who work in education in their churches—not only educators who are paid, but volunteers as well. There was an incredible response and the tables were resplendent with beautiful blooming plants that those honored could take home after the conference. Cards in each plant named the one(s) being honored as well as their church's name. The honoring of those who work in educational ministry in Sheppards and Lapsley was a very meaningful way to decorate the tables and it was certainly appreciated by those who were being honored!

The Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley was represented with powerful worship offerings from the Stillman College Choir, The Covenant Ringers of Shades Valley and liturgical movement by Shauna Silmon and members of the Presbytery Youth Council.

Lee Laack and Phyllis Ward
Two of nearly 1000 Educators attending APCE 2001