Greetings from the Host Pastor and Church

Grace and peace be unto you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

On behalf of the officers and members of Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, it is my distinct honor and heartfelt joy to welcome you to the 205th Session of the New York Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

We count it a sacred privilege to serve as your host during this significant gathering in the life of Zion. For over two centuries, our conference has stood as a beacon of faith, resilience, and prophetic witness—advancing the mission of Christ, strengthening the body of believers, and shaping leaders for such a time as this. As we convene once again, we do so with gratitude for our rich heritage and great expectation for what God will yet do among us.

We warmly welcome our presiding Bishop, conference leadership, clergy, delegates, and visitors. Your presence here enriches this moment and strengthens our conference bond. It is our prayer that during your time with us, you will experience not only the excellence of our planning, but the warmth of our fellowship, the power of our worship, and the movement of the Holy Spirit in every session.

May this conference be a time of renewal, vision, and divine alignment. May the work accomplished here bear fruit in our churches, communities, and beyond.

Thank you for allowing Rush Temple to serve you. We are honored to host you, and we welcome you with open hearts.

Yours in Christ’s service,

Rev. Xavier E. Hunter, M. Div.
Host Pastor
Rush Temple A.M.E. Zion Church

xhunter@amezion.org

716-310-0960

GREETINGS FROM THE BISHOP

To my New York Conference Family, Supervisor Crenshaw and I are most appreciative of the manner in which we have been recieved in New York.

As your Episcopal leadership, we are excited about the vision God has given us for the North East Episcopal Area, and it is refreshing to see that New York Annual Conference is already “lifting the standard” in serving this present age.

As your Bishop, I stand before you with a heart full of gratitude and joy as we gather to conduct the business of the 205th Session of the New York Annual Conference.

We anticipate, with great expectation, Holy Ghost–driven worship services, practical, powerful and informative teaching, and the warmth of fellowship among the body of believers.

As we commence holy conferencing, let us celebrate the rich tapestry of our annual conference traditions, woven together with fresh insights, faith, and the love we have for the work of the church and for one another.

The times in which we are living are trying at best; however, let us never forget the strength within us that comes from unity and the power of our shared purpose in serving our risen Savior, Jesus the Christ.

May we continue to uplift one another and shine our lights brightly in a dark world as we continue to walk in faith.

From Your Chief Pastor,

Bishop George D. Crenshaw

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