The Logo
The Lay Council Logo was accepted during the tenure of Dr. Betty V. Stith and was presented by the late Dr. Coleman DuPont Rippy who was first vice president at the time. The focus is on the Holy Bible of which must be an integral part of our lives and that is why it is placed in the center. “Come With Us to Christ” was our first Quadrennial Convention theme in Charlotte, North Carolina. Black signifies our pride as a race of people.Gold signifies our striving toward purity.

The Theme Hymn
The Theme Hymn was selected also during the tenure of Dr. Betty V. Stith because we always turn to God to guide the daily lives of the Laity of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah

Text: William Williams, 1717-1791; trans. from the Welsh by Peter Williams and the author
Music: John Hughes, 1873-1932
Tune: CWM RHONDDA, Meter: 87.87.87

1. Guide me O Thou great Jehovah, pilgrim through this barren land;
I am weak, but Thou are mighty, hold me with Thy powerful hand;
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more,
Bread of heaven, feed me till I want no more.
2. Open now the crystal fountain, whence the healing waters flow;
let the fiery, cloudy pillar lead me all my journey through;
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield,
Strong Deliverer, be Thou still my strength and shield.
3. When I tread the verge of Jordan, bid, my anxious fears subside;
bear me through the swelling current. land me safe on Canaan’s side;
songs of praises I will ever give to Thee;
songs of praises I will ever give to Thee.

The Theme Song
The Theme Song was written by Mrs. Charlotte Riggins during the tenure of Dr. Betty V. Stith.

Onward Christian Laity

Onward Christian Laity; Working side by side,
Pray God’s blessings on us, And our feet to guide.
Love our neighbor and forgive; Lend a helping hand,
Never be too proud to serve God and our fellowman.
Onward Christian Laity; Working hard for God,
We must tread the same path, that Our Savior trod.
We must bear our crosses, But continue on,
Knowing at the judgment, we’ll receive our, crown.
Refrain
Onward Christian Laity; Working side by side,
Pray God’s blessings on us, and our feet to guide.
Written by Charlotte Riggins, New Jersey Conference

The Affirmation for Laity
We the Active Members of the Connectional Lay Council do solemnly believe, and firmly advocate, and admirably support the following affirmation of Lay Operation.

• We endorse and need an articulate Self Purpose
• We endorse and need open minds, a faith in Christian Religion
• We endorse and need people who understand all sides to questions, for herein is Wisdom
• We endorse and need human decency, good manners, humor and compassion, for each must be considered as blessed as we
• We endorse and need openness, truthfulness and honesty
• We endorse and need courage to stand for each creedal, it is our rock of affirmation

Our mission thus remains as stated that of actively involving more people for Peace, Justice, Christian Teaching and Living for the Brotherhood of Man, Under the Fatherhood of God, and the Leadership of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

The Affirmation For Laity was written by the late Mrs. Alean Rush, Western New York Conference, during the tenure of Dr. Betty V. Stith.

The Scriptural Theme
In All Thy Ways Acknowledge Him And He Shall Direct Thy Paths – Proverbs 3:6
The Scriptural Theme was accepted during the tenure of Dr. Betty V. Stith.

Lay Council Closing Prayer
Oh God, our Father, pour out your steadfast love upon us and keep us in your care, now and forever more. Amen.
The Laity Closing Prayer was written by Miss. Mildred R. Faulkner, New York Conference, during the tenure of Mrs. Lula K. Howard.