East Conference Lay Organization
Alachua - Central
Serving with Excellence in Central Florida
District Correspondence
Serving Our Communities
Alachua-Central District Coverage
Welcome to the Alachua-Central District
Welcome to the Alachua-Central District of the East Conference Lay Organization of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. We are a devoted body of laypersons committed to supporting the ministry of the Church, strengthening our congregations, and advancing the Kingdom of God through faithful service.
Serving the counties of Alachua, Columbia, and portions of Duval, our district stands united in purpose and mission. In the rich tradition of the AME Church, we are dedicated to educating and equipping the laity through the study of God’s Word, understanding of our Church doctrine and discipline, stewardship, evangelism, and active engagement in the life of the Church.
We believe that a knowledgeable and spiritually grounded laity strengthens the entire Connection. Through prayer, fellowship, leadership development, and community outreach, we seek to exemplify Christ-centered service and uphold the legacy of our foreparents who labored faithfully before us.
Whether you are newly joining the Lay Organization or have served faithfully for many years, we greet you in Christian love. We invite you to grow with us, work with us, and continue steadfast in the faith as we press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
District Officers
District President
Sharon Causey
1st Vice President
Juanita Miles-Hamilton
Financial Secretary
Nichelle Flannory
Treasurer
Filicia Fair
Chaplain
Brenda J. Green
Director of Lay Activities
Delphine Jackson
Events & Meeting Times
Alachua-Central District Meeting
Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM
Pastor: Rev. Raynetta L. Pandley
Church: Union AME Church,
357 NW Queen Road, Lake City, FL 32055
3rd Annual District Convention
August 21-22, 2026
Time: TBD
Pastor: TBD
Church: TBD,
TBD
Our Community in Action
Our District Churches
Find a place of worship near you. Join our community in person or online for fellowship and growth.
St. Paul AME, Jacksonville
Rev. Dr. Willie N. Barnes, Jr.
6910 New Kings Road, Jacksonville, FL 32219
Service Times
Sun: 9:30 AM (In-person & Online)
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 12 PM; 1st Wednesdays at 7 PM (Oct-May).
Greater Bethel AME, Gainesville
Rev. Ron Rawls
701 SE 43rd St, Gainesville, FL 32641
Service Times
Sun: 10:45 AM (In-person & Online)
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
New Bethel AME-Tyler Street, Jacksonville
Rev. Dr. Helen D. Jackson
1231 Tyler St, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
New Mount Moriah AME, Jacksonville
Rev. Sha'Reff A. Rashad
880 Melson Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32254
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
New Mount Pisgah AME, Lake City
Rev. Jon A. Ingraham
345 NE Washington Street, Lake City, FL 32055
Service Times
Sun: 10:00 AM
Bible Study: Tuesdays at 6:00 PM.
Mount Olive AME, Gainesville
Rev. John D. Williams, Sr.
721 SE 8th Street, Gainesville, FL 32601
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
Allen Chapel AME-Swan Street, Jacksonville
Rev. Dr. Leslie C. Washington
1529 Swan Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 12:00 PM.
New Saint James AME, Jacksonville
Rev. Dr. Kimberly L. Shackleford
2128 Forest Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
Mount Zion AME, Hawthorne
Rev. Carl L. Smart
7220 SE 225th Terrace, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
Bethel AME, Lake City
Rev. Jessie L. Steele
838 SW 242 A, Lake City, FL 32025
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
Union AME, Lake City
Rev. Raynetta L. Pandley
357 NW Queen Rd, Lake City, FL 32055
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
Atlas AME, Gainesville
Rev. George C. Pratt
19917 NE 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32609
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Thursdays at 6:00 PM.
Mount Olive AME, Evinston
Rev. David W. Green, Jr.
8216 SE 185th Ave, Evinston, FL 32633
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Tuesdays at 6:30 PM.
AME Church of the Master, Jacksonville
Rev. Lavern D. Glasco
5637 Vernon Rd, Jacksonville, FL 32209
Service Times
Sun: 10:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 7:00 PM.
Allen Chapel AME, High Springs
Rev. Brenda D. McCaslin
10 SE MLK Drive, High Springs, FL 32643
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM (1st & 3rd Sundays)
Part of a circuit with Bethel Lacrosse.
Saint Luke AME, Alachua
Rev. Dr. Debra W. King
14950 MLK Blvd. Alachua, FL 32615
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:30 PM.
Bethel AME, Lacrosse
Rev. Brenda D. McCaslin
670 Water Oak Avenue, LaCrosse, FL 32658
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM (2nd & 4th Sundays)
Circuit church; rotates with Allen Chapel High Springs.
Mount Tabor AME, Lake City
Rev. Dr. Nathaniel Moore
519 SW L M Aaron Drive, Lake City, FL 32056
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
Saint Paul AME Windsor, Gainesville
Rev. John E. Brown
13200 SE CR 1474, Hawthorne, FL 32640
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Community focused rural ministry.
Mount Pisgah AME, Archer
Rev. Michelle Smith-Barton
12351 SW State Rd 45, Archer, FL 32618
Service Times
Sun: 11:00 AM
Bible Study: Wednesdays at 6:00 PM.
Important Documents
Access forms, reports, and district information
Get In Touch
We'd love to hear from you! Whether you have questions, or need support, we're here to help.
Contact the Alachua Central District
Contact Information
11th Episcopal District East Conference Lay Organization - AME Church