Christian Education
Leadership Congress
July 14-16, 2025

Schedule ...
Monday, July 14, 2025
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1:00 pm
- 5:30 pm Registration (Kroger Gymnasium) and Dorm Check In
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2:00 pm WMS Institute & Pageant (Holmes Hall)
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3:00 pm Presiding Elder’s Meeting (BGT Conference Room)
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3:00 pm Pre-Conference Clergy Workshop (Woodworth Chapel) Presenter: Rev. Raquel Lettsome, PhD
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7:00 pm The Opening Worship Service (Kroger Gymnasium) Preacher: Rev. Raquel Lettsome, PhD
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8:30 pm Movie Night, (BGT Auditorium)
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10:00 pm Dorm Meetings
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
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7:00 am The Morning Glory Meditation (Woodworth Chapel) Morning Meditation: Dr. Shirley Davis
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8:00 am Grab and Go Breakfast – Cafeteria (Meal Ticket Required)
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9:00 am Session #1
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Clergy – Woodworth Chapel - Presenter: Rev. Raquel Lettsome, PhD
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Lay – Kroger Gymnasium - Understanding The Five Conferences of the AME Church, Presenter Bishop Crawford
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Victory: We Will Win
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Youth – Owens 212A - Ages 5-9 Presenter: Sister Yolanda Anderson
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Youth – Owens 212B Ages 10 -14 – Presenter: Rev. Phoenicia Witherspoom
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Youth – Owens 223 Ages 15-18 – Presenter: Dr. Rhalanda Jackson
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10:15 am Session #2
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Clergy – Woodworth Chapel - Presenter: Rev. Raquel Lettsome, PhD
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Lay – Kroger Gymnasium - Understanding the Purpose and Power of Legislation - Presenter: Dr. Jay Augustine
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Victory: We Will Win
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Youth – Owens 212A Ages 5-9 Presenter: Sister Yolanda Anderson
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Youth – Owens 212B Ages 10 -14 – Sister Stephanie Burks
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·Youth – Owens 223 Ages 15-18 – Presenter: Rev. Marques Smith
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11:30 am Mid-Day Hour of Power Worship Experience - Kroger Gymnasium - Preacher:
Rev. Amanda Washington
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12:45 pm Lunch – Food Trucks - Vendors will accept Meal Tickets or Cash payment.
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2:15 pm Session #3
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Clergy – Woodworth Chapel - Presenter: Rev. Raquel Lettsome, PhD
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Lay – Kroger Gymnasium – Becoming an intercultural and welcoming congregation, Rev. Robert Payne
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Victory: We Will Win
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Youth – Owens 212A Ages 5-9 Presenter: Sister Yolanda Anderson
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Youth – Owens 212B Ages 10 -14 – Presenter: Brother Courtney Gordon
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Youth – Owens 223 Ages 15-18 – Presenter: Ylani Hayes
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3:45 p.m. Session #4
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Youth Recreation
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E-Sports
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Swimming
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Outdoor Activities
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Liturgical Dance
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CDMC Rehearsal
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Adult Session – Sexual Misconduct Training - Presenter: Dr. Jay Augustine, J.D.
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All adults are welcome. Conference registration is not required;
click here to sign up for the class
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5:30 pm Episcopal District RAYAC Elections (Owens 212A)
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5:30 pm Cookout (Warren Hall) - Meal Ticket Required
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7:00 pm The Christian Debutante and Master's Ceremony (Woodworth Chapel)
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8:00 pm CDMC – Reception (Woodworth Chapel Overflow)
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8:30 pm Youth Social Meet & Greet – Holmes Hall (Open to all registered youth. Pizza included
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
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7:00 am The Morning Glory Meditation (Woodworth Chapel) Meditation : Brother Courtney Gordon
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8:00 am Grab and Go Breakfast - Cafeteria (Meal Ticket Required)
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8:30 am Intergenerational Choir Rehearsal
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9:15 am Session #5 - Kroger Gymnasium. All Attendees. Celebration of Academic Achievements
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9:45 am Session #6 – Kroger Gymnasium. All Attendees. Know Your Church-Culture-Community
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11:00 am Closing Intergenerational 7- Up Service Worship Service (Kroger Gymnasium)
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1:00 pm Dorm Clean Up and Check Out
Dress Code and Decorum
Dress Code and Decorum
Females:
Modest walking shorts, capri pants, jeans, or other pants
No shirts exposing your midriff (stomach), tube tops or halter tops
No t-shirts with vulgar or sexually suggestive language or images
Appropriate dress for worship services (dresses/skirts are optional)
Males:
No sagging pants that result in underwear being exposed
No t-shirts with vulgar or sexually suggestive language or images
Please be aware that youth are attending a church sponsored program. Therefore, we expect that all young people dress and act in a way that is respectful to themselves and others in attendance.
Clergy:
Business casual/casual attire; casual suits for worship
Robes/collars if participating in worship service
Decorum:
No use of vulgar language
No teasing or bullying behavior
Respect the instruction and direction of adults
Chaperones:
Please make sure that the youth you are chaperoning have their badges on at all times. Youth will not be able to participate in classes, eat meals, or participate in other activities without their badges. Please be with the young people you are chaperoning to ensure that they are where they should be at all times. Curfew is 12 midnight. Young people may not be sleep, but they must be in their ASSIGNED ROOMS at midnight.
Background Checks:
Each church is responsible for the background check of chaperones who will be attending the CEYLC with their youth.
Off Campus Lodging Options
Prado Hotel (Host Hotel)
610 E County Line Road
Ridgeland, MS 39157
https://www.pradohotelinternational.com/
Please Call 769.209.4838 and ask for the following Group:
Group Name: 8th District Christian Edu
Arrival Date: Sunday, July 13, 2025
Departure Date: Friday, July 16, 2025
Group Rates: $89.00+tax (1 King Bed or 2 Queen Beds)
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Includes parking, breakfast, dinner, drink tickets, and wifi
*Fixed Cut Off Date: Friday, June 20, 2025
After this date, rooms will return to Hotel Inventory and Group Rate may not be available.
Guarantee Policy Your reservation has been placed on a Credit Card Only hold.
Cancellation Policy Please cancel any group room reservations by 4 PM local hotel time, 1 days prior to arrival to avoid a cancellation penalty.
Wingate by Wyndham (Ridgeland)
6485 Interstate 55 North Frontage Rd,
Ridgeland, MS 39157
Phone: (601) 208-0136
Group Name: 8 Episcopal District
Arrival Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
Departure Date: Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Group Rates: $109.00+tax (1 King Bed Non-Smoking or 1 King Bed, Mobility Accessible Non-Smoking or 2 Queen Beds Non-Smoking)
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Includes breakfast, wifi, parking
*Fixed Cut Off Date: Friday, June 13, 2025
After this date, rooms will return to Hotel Inventory and Group Rate may not be available.