The 127th Lott Carey Annual Session, held from August 12-15 in Memphis, TN, brought together a diverse group of attendees, with 958 people registered, including 913 in-person and 45 virtual participants.

Mission service projects were a key component of the Annual Session, with strong attendance reported. The Bread of Life Initiative provided meals to the unhoused and those facing housing insecurity. Volunteers engaged in food preparation, setting up serving stations, ministering to individuals, and serving meals with compassion.

Those who went to the Fishes and Loaves Food Pantry packed emergency food boxes, sorted food pallets, and ensured the packing area was clean and organized. They also conducted a distribution event, breaking down pallets, bagging items, greeting families, assisting with paperwork, and placing items in vehicles.

Participants sorted and packed donated food items and repackaged bulk products into smaller, distributable sizes at the Mid-South Food Bank Volunteer Hub.

At the Purdue Center of Hope, volunteers taught Bible study, led children’s activities, supported women’s development programs, engaged in clean-up activities, moderate repairs, and administrative tasks such as file shredding.

During the Sound the Alarm Event, in partnership with the American Red Cross, volunteers installed smoke alarms, created escape plans, and shared fire safety information with homeowners near Christ Missionary Baptist Church, whose senior pastor is Lott Carey’s immediate past president, Rev. Dr. Gina M. Stewart.

Lott Carey also partnered with the Red Cross in its 2024 blood drive, collecting 32 units of blood, potentially saving 92 lives, with 25 whole blood units and seven power red units, achieving 106 percent of the target. The drive highlighted the importance of blood donations for individuals with sickle cell disease, particularly encouraging African American donors to participate.

These mission events made a deep impression and left a lasting impact on the city of Memphis and those who attended or participated.