The passing of Bro. Warren Bryant
To my brothers and sisters in Christ

It is with sadness but joy in my heart that I inform you of the passing of my brother, Warren Bryant. Warren has had a number of health issues including congestive heart failure.  On Tuesday, the Lord called him home to be with Him.

Please keep my mother and the rest of the family in prayer. Here are the funeral arrangements for my brother, Warren Bryant.

Services:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Family hour:  10:30 a.m.
Service:  11 a.m.
Lane Metropolitan CME Church
2131 East 46th Street
Cleveland, OH  44103

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to:
Calhoun Funeral Home
17010 Lakeshore Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44110
(216) 738-0600
Words of comfort and expressions may be sent to Nonnie Bryant
or Atty. Juanita Bryant at 3675 Runnymede Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121-1333
Phone:   216-382-3559

Persons who may require overnight accommodations arrangements have been made at
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-658-6400
Group Rate:  Bryant Funeral  (Please indicate this group for rate)
Rate:   $79.00 plus tax

Again, Thank you.
God Bless you.

Juanita Bryant

The Passing of Mrs. Carrie Cole

The Mother of Rev. Eddie Cole, pastor of

Good Hope CME Church of Toomsuba, Ms.

Homegoing Services: Saturday, February 18, 2012, 11 a.m. Shiloh Baptist Church

Vimville-Causeyville Clark Road, Meridian, Ms. 39301

Her body has been entrusted to: Berry & Gardner Funeral Home

1300 George F. Sims Ave., Meridian, Ms. 39301 (601) 485-8521

Visitation: Friday, February 17, 2012, 6-8 p.m.

Please keep Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Cole and family in your prayers. 

Rev. Cole can be reached at 601-483-3643.

“A Few More Days to Take Advantage of CYYAW12 Early Bird Registration:

2012 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference CYYAC12

$100 Registration Extended until February 15, 2012”

(http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Home.aspx) 

 

February 13, 2012— Due to responses and requests from local churches and leaders, we have extended the early bird registration fee of $100.00 to February 15, 2012.  This will mean a little more work for our conference team, but this is well worth it if everyone keeps signing up. Many thanks to all who have already signed up!! It is clear that everyone is excited about the event and it looks like we are READY to Make "IT" Essential.  If you have a friend is considering attending--you now have until February 15, 2012 to take advantage of the $100 registration pricing.  Thank You!!!  Visit us at http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Registration.aspx.

 

Feel free to forward this email to everyone in your Christian Education circle.

 

Remember our MISSION Formula:

 

Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION  

 

Our goal is to make disciples through "events that form and transform."

Bishop Snorton to Speak at Pan Methodist Service of Word and Table
January 28, 2012

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Please join the Candler School of Theology (1531 Dickey Drive, Atlanta, Georgia, 404-727-6324), for a Service of Word and Table sponsored by the Pan Methodist Commission on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, 11:05 a.m., at the Cannon Chapel.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, will be the guest preacher.


In His Service,

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Presiding Prelate
6th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church


Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

A Few More Weeks to Take Advantage 

Of CYYAW12 Early Bird Registration:

2012 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference CYYAC12

$100 Registration Extended until February 15, 2012”

(http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Home.aspx) 

January 27, 2012— Due to responses and requests from local churches and leaders, we have extended the early bird registration fee of $100.00 to February 15, 2012.  This will mean a little more work for our conference team, but this is well worth it if everyone keeps signing up. Many thanks to all who have already signed up!! It is clear that everyone is excited about the event and it looks like we are READY to Make "IT" Essential.  If you have a friend is considering attending--you now have until February 15, 2012 to take advantage of the $100 registration pricing.  Thank You! Visit us at http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Registration.aspx.

Feel free to forward this email to everyone in your Christian Education circle.

Remember our MISSION Formula: Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION

Our goal is to make disciples through "events that form and transform."

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
General Secretary, Christian Education

Passing of Bro. Philip Thompson
Brother Philip Thompson passed on Sunday, January 15, 2012. Arrangements are as follows.

Funeral:  
Tuesday, Janaury 24, 2012 at 11 a.m.
Blue Springs CME Church
1608 Gates Road
Columbia, MS 39429
Rev. Eddie Dixon, pastor

Funeral Arrangements:
Johnson Funeral Home
Prentiss, MS

Please be in prayer for the Thompson family and the Blue Springs CME Church family

Be One of the 1,000 on Prayer Conference Calls
“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  —2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Bishop James B. Walker

A Call to Prayer for the 9th Episcopal District

Tuesday, January 17th at 6:00 PM

Be one of the 1000 in the Prayer Conference Calls
Dial-In Number 1-712-432-0075
Access Code 100124 then press the # key
Tuesday, January 17th
6:00 PM

Clergy and Laity-Please Spread the Word: It is Prayer Time in the Ninth!
Will you call one friend and invite them to join us?

Question: How will I know when to call? The Ninth Episcopal District has four time zones.
Answer: When the clock strikes 5:58 PM where you live, you should call. The  calls will take place at 6:00 PM in each time zone in the Ninth Episcopal District.

Question: Can I join the conference call in a time zone other than my own?
Answer: Yes! As long as you call in at the 6:00 PM hour for that time zone.

Question: How long will the calls last.
Answer: The prayer time will last approximately 20 minutes, please be on time.

Question: What are the time zones in the Ninth Episcopal District?
Answer: Alaskan Time (AST), Pacific (PST), Mountain (MST) and Central (CST).

Example of Time Zone Differences in the Ninth Episcopal District:
What time is 6:00 PM Alaskan Time in the other three time zones?
•  7:00 PM Pacific Time is 6:00 PM Alaskan Time
•  8:00 PM Mountain Time is 6:00 PM Alaskan Time
•  9:00 PM Central Time is 6:00 PM Alaskan Time


For additional information and resources for the prayer conference calls and the "Poised for Progress": 100 Day Journey Webcast, visit: www.ninthdistrictcme.org .

In His Service,

Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate

2012 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference CYYAC12

$100 Registration Extended until February 1, 2012

http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Home.aspx 

January 7, 2012— Due to responses and requests from local churches and leaders, we have extended the early bird registration fee of $100.00 to February 1, 2012.  This will mean a little more work for our conference team, but this is well worth it if everyone keeps signing up. Many thanks to all who have already signed up!! It is clear that everyone is excited about the event and it looks like we are READY to Make "IT" Essential.  If you have a friend is considering attending--you now have until February 1, 2012 to take advantage of the $100 registration pricing.  Thank You!!!  Visit us at http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Registration.aspx.

Feel free to forward this email to everyone in your Christian Education circle.
Remember our MISSION Formula:
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION

"Our goal is to make disciples through "events that form and transform."

Rev. Lewis Jay funeral Changed to West Mitchell CME Church

Funeral services for Rev. Dr. Lewis Jay will be held at West Mitchell Street CME Church, 560 Martin Luther King, Jr., Drive SW, Atlanta, Georgia 30314.

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,


It is with heartfelt sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Jay,
a long-time pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Service:
Friday, January 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m.
West Mitchell Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
560 Martin Luther King, Jr. SW
Atlanta, GA  30314
Telephone: 404-525-2337   Fax:  404-525-1575
Rev. Manuel Henderson, Pastor
Eulogist: Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District

Note: There will not be a family visitation hour.

Funeral Home:
Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.
3000 Martin Luther King, Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA  30314
Telephone: 404-691-3810

Cards and condolences may be sent to Mrs. Hattie Jay, 1321 Cascade Falls Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA  30311-3656.  Telephone: 678-973-2204.

Please keep Mrs. Hattie Jay and the family of Rev. Dr. Jay in your prayers.


Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Presiding Prelate
Sixth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry

Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Jay
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with heartfelt sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Rev. Dr. Lewis W. Jay,
a long-time pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Funeral Service:
Friday, January 6, 2012, 11:00 a.m.
Westside CME Church
2114 Martin Luther King, Jr. SW
Atlanta, GA  30310-1137
Telephone: 404-696-5351   Fax:  404-691-4099
Rev. Reginald G. Barnes, Pastor
Eulogist: Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District

Note: There will not be a family visitation hour.

Funeral Home:
Alfonso Dawson Mortuary, Inc.
3000 Martin Luther King, Dr. SW
Atlanta, GA  30314
Telephone: 404-691-3810

Cards and condolences may be sent to Mrs. Hattie Jay, 1321 Cascade Falls Dr. SW, Atlanta, GA  30311-3656.  Telephone: 678-973-2204.

Please keep Mrs. Hattie Jay and the family of Rev. Dr. Jay in your prayers.

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Presiding Prelate
Sixth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry

Arrangements for Mrs. Barbara Mitchell Braxton
Dear Members and Friends of 9th Episcopal District,

It is with sadness that I must inform you of the passing of Mrs. Barbara Mitchell Braxton, the sister of Rev. Sterling Mitchell, Sr., pastor of Amos Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, 11 a.m. at People's Church, 800 East Britton Road, Oklahoma City, OK, under the direction of Pollard Funeral Home.

Cards and condolences may be sent to Rev. Sterling Mitchell, 6129 Southeast 58th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73135. Telephone: 405-455-1723.  E-mail: fsgtmitchell@aol.com

Please keep Rev. Mitchell and the family of Mrs. Barbara Mitchell Braxton in your prayers.


In His Service,


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District

         “So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:16-20 NIV

Merry Christmas from 

The Christian Index and The Christian Index Online

Message from General Secretary Clifford Harris
DATE:              December 21, 2011

TO:                The Loyal Laity, Pastors, and Presiding Elders

May the joy of the Lord be yours!

As we complete the work for this calendar year allow me to share with you briefly:

1)   The first semester awards to the Graham-Webb Scholarship awardees were delivered in good order; the remaining amounts for the second semester are due to be mailed in late January or early February, 2012.  Thank you so very much to the churches and individuals who sent contributions for 2011 over the past several months (amount mailed thus for during 2011 to the  Department of Finance for deposit in the fund is $4,045.69).  Any additional contributions received will be mailed in a timely manner.  Again, thank you.

2)    We are diligently working to complete the draft for the new and revised Lay Manual by the close of the calendar year.  After completing the first draft it will be submitted to our Chair, Bishop Teresa Snorton and the Standing Committee on Lay Ministry, as well as the College of Bishops for review.  I will keep you updated on the process and the progress.

3)    Most of you know that the Pastors' Conference will be convening during the second week in January 2012.  As laity, let’s encourage and assist our pastors in attending this very beneficial conference.  Even as a lay person, if you have the opportunity to attend,  do so. I dare say that you will be strengthened and uplifted!

4)     Mrs. Jolinda Dugger, our Connectional Stewardesses president, wants Stewardesses, as well as interested pastors, to visit the Lay Ministry web site at www.c-m-e.org/core/layministry.htm  and find under the Stewardess link, the 2012 Liturgical Calendar.

Look for another communication in early or mid January, 2012.  Let’s work and grow together. . . We must make the Lay Ministry Objectives come alive and become fully engaged in providing ministry for the 21st century.

In closing, I wish you a very special, Merry Christmas.


Sincerely and in Christ I trust,

Clifford L. Harris, General Secretary
Department of Lay Ministry

Homegoing services for Rev. Freddie Magee
Rev. Freddie Magee, retired CME pastor of the Gloster-Hattiesburg District, MS South Region,
4th Episcopal District, will be held December 21st at 1 p.m. at the Cottrell Memorial CME Church, 1001
Edwards Street, Hattiesburg, MS. The body of Rev. Magee will lie in state from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the Cottrell Memorial CME Church, where his son, Rev. James Magee, is pastor.
Please keep Rev. James Magee and the Magee family in your prayers.
Submitted by Pene' Woods

Pastors' Conference Registration Deadline is Friday, Dec. 15th
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The Sixteenth Pastors' Conference & Sixty-Eighth Founders' Celebration will convene January 9-12, 2012 at the Sheraton Gateway Hotel Atlanta Airport located at 1900 Sullivan Road in College Park. The deadline to register for the Conference and make accommodations at the Sheraton Hotel is tomorrow (December 15, 2011).  A registration form is available online at www.c-m-e.org/Announcements/PastorsConference2012registrationform.pdf .

Discount air travel rates to Atlanta are available for Delta Airlines.  The Group Code is NM879.  To book your reservation, you may go online at www.delta.com and enter the Group Code in the Meeting Event Code field, or contact Delta Airlines at 1-800-328-1111.

For additional information about the Pastors' Conference and Founders' Celebration, call 404-527-7768 or e-mail mthomas@itc.edu .

Help 6th Episcopal Dist. bring Christmas to Haitian Children

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Please join the 6th Episcopal District in sponsoring a Haitian child for Christmas. Your sponsorship gift of $100 will provide a child with three toys or gifts and two full sets of clothing. As a sponsor you will receive a photograph of your sponsored child. Your sponsorship gift is very much appreciated!

Please make your check payable to the 6th Episcopal District Haiti and send to 400 Galleria Parkway, Suite 1500, Atlanta, Georgia  30339. For additional information, please contact the Sixth Episcopal District Office at 678-500-3301 or e-mail me at kwcarter@hotmail.com .

May God's richest blessings be yours this Christmas and throughout the New Year!

In His Service, 

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter 

Presiding Prelate, Sixth Episcopal District 

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church 

"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

Passing of Mrs. Esther Parks

My dear Missionary Sisters,Connectional Members and Friends, 

We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Esther Parks.  Mrs. Parks served as the Women's Missionary Council Financial Chair and also the Treasurer.  Arrangements are incomplete at this information.  More information will be given as it becomes available. 

Condolences may be sent to: 1679 West Bruin Street, Los Angeles, CA  90047. Telephone: 323-755-8470.

Please keep the family in your prayers.

  

God's blessings,

  

Princess Pegues, International President

Women’s Missionary Council

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Register for the 2012 Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference (CYYAC) in Orlando, Florida
Greetings CME's:

This email is sent to provide you with pertinent information concerning the 2012 Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences.

Registration for the Conference is now available on-line. To register, go to www.thecmechurchced.org and click on the CYYAC12 Registration Button. After your registration is complete you will be directed to the Shingle Creek Reservation page where you can make your hotel reservation. If you are not using a credit card for your reservation, you must contact the Hotel directly by calling 888-697-7997. You must inform the Reservations Clerk you are making reservations for CME Block or 2012 Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference.

We are in the process of updating our Web site for additional information concerning the Conference. We hope to have detailed information available along with the CYYAC12 Resource Guide by 12/31/2011.

Please pray for the Conference, Leaders, Staff, Volunteers and Attendees as we prepare to journey to Orlando to "Make IT Essential," through Reaching, Teaching, Training and Sending."

For important cost information, please visit:
www.c-m-e.org/CYYAC2012AttendeeCost.pdf

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
General Secretary of Christian Education and
CYYAC12 Conference Coordinator
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

So long pulpit, hello pew

By The Honorable Reverend/Justice (Ret.) Claude L. Johnson, 

President, CME Church Association of Retired Ministers

         If you are a retired minister, congratulations! You are now probably freer to arrange your time and life in new and creative ways. There are many opportunities for the talents and skills you have gathered throughout your ministry.
        Retirement is a condition that offers an opportunity to re-examine the routine that we have followed for scores of years. No more daily grind, no more demanding schedules, no more endless meetings. Will this new independence - outweigh the losses? As retired ministers we are in charge of crafting our own schedule without reference to the expectations of any work place. There are no clocks to punch and no congregational demands (exception Annual Conference) that put us in a particular place at a certain time. We now have priorities to set and choices to make, and - taking account of family needs - We are the ones to make them.
        The temptation to "stay the course" in order to remain "active" might be the wrong choice for us. Exploring new alternatives can be very stimulating, and if physical health permitting, keep us active.
As retired ministers, we need to determine how to make the rest of our lives the best of our lives. Nothing stays the same forever. Hence, retirement is a major change in our lives. Our bodies have started to complain and our energy level is not what it once was. We feel pain in joints that we have always taken for granted. Life is just not quite like it was a few years ago.
         Changes are happening in every aspect of our lives. Therefore, we must learn to make adjustments if we are going to make the most of what we have to work with. Yes, we can resist change and live a rigid "I refuse to adjust" life if we choose. However, we need to know that every day we live will be different from the day before. Changes are taking place. Retired ministers who learn to adjust can continue to enjoy life. Those who do not adjust, slowly but surely become miserable.

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.” Colossians 2:6-7 NIV

Happy Thanksgiving

from

The Christian Index and The Christian Index Online

Arrangements for Bro. Isaac Benjamin Honeysucker III

The following are arrangements for Mr. Isaac Benjamin Honeysucker III, father of Dr. Leela Pearl Miller, and brother of Dr. J.W. Honeysucker, presiding elder of the Greenwood Jackson District.

Wake
Friday November 25th, 2011
3 - 7 p.m.
Northwest Funeral Home
6630 West Hampton Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218
414-462-6020

Funeral
Saturday November 26th, 2011
11 a.m.
St. Matthew CME Church
2944 North 9th Street
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53206
414-562-7580

Please keep the Honeysucker family in prayer during their hour of bereavement.

Loss of Mrs. Catherine Polk-Wigley
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Mary Catherine Polk-Wigley, the sister of Mrs. Annie Williams, co-chair of the Mississippi-South Region EUTHU (Empowering Us to Help Us) and past president of the Mississippi-South Region Women's Missionary Society. Mrs. Wigley passed away on Monday, November 7, 2011, while visiting with her mother in Bassfield, MS. Mrs. Wigley was a resident of Pascagoula, MS, the widow of the late Mr. Daniel Wigley and the mother of three children.

Her body has been entrusted to:
Unity Funeral Home
4900 Main Street
Moss Point, MS 39563
228-475-2538
(Unity Funeral Home is located in downtown Moss Point, MS next door to the Dickie Scruggs Building.)

Arrangements are as follows:
Family Hour and Visitation
Friday, November 11, 2011
6 - 8 p.m.
Unity Funeral Home
Homegoing Services
Saturday, November 12, 2011
11 a.m.
St. Paul United Methodist Church
3724 Davis Avenue
Moss Point, MS
         Expressions of sympathy can be forwarded to Mrs. Annie Williams at 121 Black Polk Road, Prentiss, MS 39474. Mrs. Williams can be reached by phone at (601) 943-8044 or (601) 270-9942.
Please keep the Polk, Williams, and Wigley families in your prayers.

Submitted by Pene' Woods

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton to travel to Holy Land on Pilgrimage in delegation of 11 Women Bishops

WASHINGTON, DC — Eleven ecumenical women bishops from the United States, West Indies and Africa will leave Nov. 12 for a 10-day trip to Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. The trip is sponsored by the United Methodist General Board of Church & Society (GBCS) and the denomination’s Council of Bishops.   Goals of the trip are to stand in solidarity with women from Christian, Muslim and Jewish traditions working for peace in the region; gather facts and stories to equip the delegation members as educators and advocates for peace after returning; and to explore partnerships for ongoing education and advocacy to affect positive change.   Four Christian denominations will be represented in the delegation: United Methodist, Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal and Christian Methodist Episcopal.   United Methodist Bishop Deborah Kiesey (Dakotas), president of GBCS’s Board of Directors, is leading the delegation. "This pilgrimage will not only inform each of us as bishops regarding the complexity of the region,” she said, “but it will also allow us to stand in solidarity with, and work alongside those women who are daily working to bring about peace."   United Methodist missionary Janet Lahr Lewis, a missionary of the General Board of Global Ministries who serves in the Middle East as liaison between ecumenical groups, Israel and Palestine, will accompany the delegation.   Other staff support is being provided by Linda Bales Todd, GBCS Women’s Advocate, and Alex Baumgarten of the Episcopal Office of Government Relations.   The women bishops in the delegation are: ·  United Methodist: Bishop Violet Fisher, Wilmington, Del.; Bishop Jane Middleton, Mechanicsburg, Pa.; Bishop Joaquina Nhanala, Maputo, Mozambique; Bishop Mary Ann Swenson, Pasadena, Calif.; and Bishop Hope Morgan Ward, Jackson, Miss. ·  African Methodist Episcopal: Bishop Sarah Davis, Jamaica, West Indies, and Houston, Texas; Bishop Carolyn Tyler Guidry, Jackson, Miss.; and Bishop Vashti McKenzie, Nashville, Tenn. ·  Christian Methodist Episcopal: Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Birmingham, Ala., and ·  Episcopal: Bishop Laura Ahrens, Hartford, Conn.   Itinerary: The itinerary includes stops in Nazareth, Bethlehem, Capernaum, Haifa, Jerusalem/Ramallah and Gaza. Besides meeting with women working for peace in the region, there will also be tours of Holy Christian sites.   Among many briefings, the delegation expects to meet with Altufula Women’s Rights Organization, Israeli/Arab Women’s Initiative, Jericho YWCA, Lekiya-Bedouin Women’s Project and Wi’am Conflict Resolution Center’s Women’s Project — Bethlehem.   The delegation will return Nov. 21.   The General Board of Church & Society is one of four international general program boards of The United Methodist Church. The board’s primary areas of ministry are Advocacy, Education & Leadership Formation, United Nations & International Affairs, and resourcing these areas for the denomination. It has offices on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., and at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York City. From Wayne Rhodes, Director of Communications General Board of Church & Society 100 Maryland Ave., N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 488-5630 /wrhodes@umc-gbcs.org

CHANGES!! Passing of Rev. Edward L. Swillis
Dear CME Members and Friends:

It is with sadness that I must inform you of the passing of Rev. Edward L. Swillis. Rev. Swillis made his transition on Friday, October 28, 2011 in Fresno, CA.
Rev. Swillis worked in the vineyard for the Lord for over forty years and spent twenty-eight of those years as the pastor of St Paul CME Church in Fresno, CA (Northern California Region). Fresno is the city in which he will be remembered for his dedication, devotion and faithfulness to his Lord, Jesus Christ, his family, his Church and his Community.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Wake: Sunday, November 6, 2011
4:00 PM to 7:00 PM
Saint Paul CME Church
2191 South Eunice Avenue
Fresno, CA
559-266-1669

Funeral Service: Monday, November 7, 2011
10:00 AM
Saints Rest Baptist Church
15501 East Reverend Chester Riggins Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706
Phone No. 559 237-5551


Funeral Home:
Jesse E. Cooley, Jr. Funeral Home
1830 South Fruit Avenue
Fresno, CA 93706
Phone No. 559 268-8048


Please keep the Swillis family lifted in prayer.

Peace,


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District

Passing of Elder B.S. Gregg
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with heartfelt sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Presiding Elder Emeritus B.S. Gregg who served many years in the Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Region before retiring.

The following events will take place at St. Matthew CME Church, 2944 North Ninth Street, Milwaukee, WI.  Office: 414-562-7580  Fax: 414-562-758.


Memorial Service:
Friday, November 4, 2011, 6 p.m.

Visitation Hour:
Saturday, November 5, 2011, 9-10 a.m.

Funeral Service
Saturday, November 5, 2011, 10 a.m.

St. Matthew CME Church www.stmatthew-cme.org
Pastor Richard D. Shaw  pastorshawcme@aol.com
Cell: 708-856-9106


Please send condolences to the funeral home:
Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home
5665 North Teutonia Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414-358-0538  Fax: 414-358-0452


Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr.,
Presiding Prelate, Third Episcopal District

Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

Arrangements for Rev. B.S. Gregg
Greetings:

It is with deep sympathy that I announce the passing of Reverend B.S. Gregg. Many of you are aware of his transition on Thursday, October 27, 2011. Please find below information regarding services. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or the office.

St. Matthew CME
Office: 414-562-7580
Fax: 414-562-7584
www.stmatthew-cme.org

Pastor Richard D. Shaw
Cell 708-856-9106
pastorshawcme@aol.com

Memorial Service
Friday, November 4, 2011 at 6 p.m.
St. Matthew CME Church
2944 North Ninth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53206

Visitation Hour
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 9-10 a.m.
St. Matthew CME Church
2944 North Ninth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53206

Funeral Service
Saturday, November 5, 2011 at 10 a.m.
St. Matthew CME Church
2944 North Ninth Street
Milwaukee, WI 53206

Reid's New Golden Gate Funeral Home
5665 North Teutonia Ave
Milwaukee, WI  53209
Phone: 414-358-0538
Fax: 414-358-0452
*Please send condolences to the funeral home.

“2012 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference CYYAC12 Online Registration Available”

(http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Home.aspx) 

 

October 24, 2011— CYYAC12 is the connectional youth and young adult gathering for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  It is an event that only happens every four years and is the largest single gathering of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. This five day conference in Orlando, Florida will bring together top Christian Methodist Episcopal Church leaders as well as the best ecumenical speakers and talent with thousands of youth from all around the nation and beyond for what is sure to be a life-changing event.  We continue our tradition and commitment to online self-service and are announcing that CYYAC12 Online Registration is now available via our website.  Visit us athttp://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Registration.aspx.

 

Feel free to forward this email to anyone in our Christian Education circle.

 

Remember our MISSION Formula:

 

Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION  

 

Our goal is to make disciples through "events that form and transform."

Arrangements for Rev. Merley Brown
I regret to inform you of the passing of Reverend Merley Brown, one of our pastors in the Greenwood-Jackson District of the Mississippi South Region, 4th Episcopal District.

Her arrangements are as follows:
Homegoing Services:
Saturday, October 22, 2011, 11 a.m.
Asia Baptist Church
224 Church Street
Lexington, MS

Her Body has been entrusted to:
Century-Hairston Funeral Home
116 Yazoo Street
Lexington, MS 39095
662-834-2617

You may contact family members at the numbers listed below:
Mrs. Dorothy Harris (sister): 601-317-0593
Mr. Stanley Brown (oldest son): 601-405-9809
Mr. John Brown (youngest son): 662-897-4034

Submitted by Pene' Woods

THE 16th ANNUAL ONE CHURCH ONE SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 20-21, 2011, BIRMINGHAM, AL

The 16th Annual One Church One School (OCOS) Conference will convene next week, October 20-21, 2011, in Birmingham, Alabama.  The OCOS Conference will be hosted by the Fifth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Host Bishop.  This message will provide you with information about pre-conference radio interviews, service projects, OCOS Conference registration and hotel information, events and workshops, and student scholarships being awarded at the Conference.   Radio Interviews Bishop Snorton and Mrs. Diana Chambliss, the OCOS Episcopal District Director, will be interviewed tomorrow (Friday, October 14, 2011) on various local radio stations according to the following schedule:   9:00 a.m. ABC 33/40 - The Talk of Alabama   10:00 a.m. COX Radio Group, WBHK - Isis Jones 10:15 a.m. COX Radio Group, WAGG   Service Projects We are asking conference attendees to bring school supplies or money to support South Hampton Elementary School and Wylam School. OCOS will award a monetary donation to the schools at the luncheon.   OCOS Scholarships Miles College (Birmingham, AL) will award a $5,000 scholarship to a student (Rev. Christopher Parham) in the name of OCOS.  Additionally,  the Students of the Year will be awarded $1,000 scholarships.   Conference Registration  The registration fee of $95 includes the Award Luncheon.  After October 10, the registration fee increases to $105.   You may register online for the 16th Annual One Church One School Conference at:www.onechurchoneschool.org . Additionally, a registration form is available at the Web site. Please bring the registration form to the registration table at the Conference.   Hotel Registration The OCOS Conference will convene at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel located at 2101 Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard North, Birmingham, AL 35203.  The Conference rate is $99 per night and you must reserve your room by October 16, 2011.  You may make hotel reservations via the One Church One School Web site:www.onechurchoneschool.org, or by calling 205-324-5000 and requesting the One Church One School meeting rate.   Airport Shuttle Transportation The Sheraton Birmingham Hotel provides round trip airport shuttle service. To arrange for transportation, please contact the Sheraton Hotel at 205-324-5000 after you arrive at the airport. Conference Events    OCOS Student Empowerment Seminar Thursday morning, October 20 - Miles College   Keynote Presenter: Professor Lance Williams Assistant Director Northeastern Illinois University’s Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies       Lifetime Achievement Awards Thursday evening, October 20   Keynote Speaker: Bishop Teresa E. Snorton Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District of the CME Church  Lifetime Achievement Awardees: Rev. Carrell K. Cargle, Sr.  Rev. Dr. W. Clyde Jones Mrs. Mattie Mashaw Jackson Religious Leader of the Year: Rev. Larry Batie Educator of the Year: Mrs. Katie Reynolds Volunteer of the Year: Mr. Jack C. Brown Students of the Year: Both students will each receive $1,000. Asha Branch Jordan Rainery     Opening Plenary Session Friday morning, October 21   Keynote Speaker: Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District of the CME Church St. Louis, MO       Workshop Leader: African American History and Culture Friday morning, October 21   Dr. Love Henry Whelchel  Professor of Church History Interdenominational Theological Center Atlanta, GA   Other Workshops: Stop the Bullying: Mrs. Lee Watkins Church+Home+School=Student Success: Mrs. Mechelle Rice-Fields Hip Hop and Student Empowerment: Professor Lance Williams   We look forward to seeing you at the Conference.  For additional information concerning the Conference or One Church One School, call 773-651-0071 or visit www.onechurchoneschool.org . In His Service, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Founder Dr. Phedonia Johnson, National Director

2011-12 CME Liturgical Calendar
(As printed in the September 2011 issue of The Christian Index)

November 27, 2011 [Purple]
First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 64:1–9
Psalm 80:1–7, 17–19
1 Corinthians 1:3–9
Mark 13:24–37

December 4, 2011 [Purple]
Second Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 40:1–11
Psalm 85:1–2, 8–13
2 Peter 3:8–15a
Mark 1:1–8

December 11, 2011 [Purple]
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Psalm 126
1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
John 1:6–8, 19–28

December 18, 2011 [Purple]
Fourth Sunday of Advent
2 Samuel 7:1–11, 16
Luke 1:47–55
Romans 16:25–27
Luke 1:26–38

December 24, 2011 [White]
Christmas Eve
Isaiah 9:2–7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
Luke 2:1–20

December 25, 2011 [White]
Christmas Day
Isaiah 52:7–10
Psalm 98
Hebrews 1:1–4 (5–12)
John 1:1–14

December 31, 2011 [White]
Watch Night/New Year
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Revelation 21:1-6a
Matthew 25:31-46

January 1, 2012
New Year's Day [White]
Ecclesiastes 3:1-13
Psalm 8
Revelation 21:1-6a
Matthew 25:31-46

Epiphany Sunday,  [White]
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

January 6, 2012 [White]
Epiphany of the Lord
Isaiah 60:1-6
Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14
Ephesians 3:1-12
Matthew 2:1-12

January 8, 2012 [White]
Baptism of the Lord
First Sunday after the Epiphany
I Genesis 1:1-5
Psalm 29
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11

January 15, 2012 [Green]
Second Sunday after the Epiphany
1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20)
Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
John 1:43-51

January 22, 2012 [Green]
Third Sunday after the Epiphany
Jonah 3:1-5, 10
Psalm 62:5-12
1 Corinthians 7:29-31
Mark 1:14-20

January 29, 2012 [Green]
Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Psalm 111
1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Mark 1:21-28

February 5, 2012
Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany (Green)
Isaiah 40:21-31
Psalm 147:1-11, 20c
1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Mark 1:29-39

February 12, 2012 [Green]
Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany
2 Kings 5:1-14
Psalm 30
1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Mark 1:40-45

February 19, 2012 [White]
Transfiguration Sunday/Last Sunday
After the Epiphany
2 Kings 2:1-12
Psalm 50:1-6
2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Mark 9:2-9

February 22, 2012 [Purple]
Ash Wednesday
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Psalm 51:1–17
2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10
Matthew 6:1-6, 16–21

February 26, 2012 [Purple]
First Sunday in Lent
Genesis 9:8-17
Psalm 25:1-10
1 Peter 3:18-22
Mark 1:9-15

March 4, 2012 [Purple]
Second Sunday in Lent
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Psalm 22:23-31
Romans 4:13-25
Mark 8:31-38

March 11, 2012 [Purple]
Third Sunday in Lent
Exodus 20:1-17
Psalm 19
1 Corinthians 1:18-25
John 2:13-22

March 18, 2012 [Purple]
Fourth Sunday in Lent
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21

March 25, 2012 [Purple]
Fifth Sunday in Lent
Jeremiah 31:31-34
Psalm 51:1-12
Hebrews 5:5-10
John 12:20-33

April 1, 2012
Passion/Palm Sunday [Purple]
Liturgy of the Palms Mark 11:1-11
Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29

Liturgy of the Passion
Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Philippians 2:5-11
Mark 14:1-15:47 or Mark 15:1-39 (40-47)

April 2, 2012 [Purple]
Monday of Holy Week
Isaiah 42:1-9
Psalm 36:5-11
Hebrews 9:11-15
John 12:1-11

April 3, 2012 [Purple]
Tuesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 49:1-7
Psalm 71:1-14
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
John 12:20-36

April 4, 2012 [Purple]
Wednesday of Holy Week
Isaiah 50:4–9a
Psalm 70
Hebrews 12:1–3
John 13:21–32

April 5, 2012 [Purple]
Holy Thursday
Exodus 12:1–4 (5–10) 11–14
Psalm 116:1–4, 12–19
1 Corinthians 11:23–26
John 13:1–17, 31b-35
April 6, 2012
Good Friday
Isaiah 52:13–53:12
Psalm 22
Hebrews 10:16–25
John 18:1—19:42

April 7, 2012 [White/Gold]
Holy Saturday/Easter Vigil
Exodus 14:10–31; 15:20–2
Isaiah 55:1–11
New Testament Reading and Psalm
Romans 6:3–11
Psalm 114
Gospel Reading
Mark 16:1-8

April 8, 2012 [White]
Easter Day
Acts 10:34-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
1 Corinthians 15:1-11
John 20:1-18 or Mark 16:1-8

April 15, 2012 [White]
Second Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:32-35
Psalm 133
1 John 1:1-2:2
John 20:19-31
or Matthew 28:1–10

April 22, 2012 [White]
Third Sunday of Easter
Acts 3:12-19
Psalm 4
1 John 3:1-7
Luke 24:36b-48

April 29, 2012 [White]
Fourth Sunday of Easter
Acts 4:5-12
Psalm 23
1 John 3:16-24
John 10:11-18

May 6, 2012 [White]
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 8:26-40
Psalm 22:25-31
1 John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8

May 13, 2012 [White]
Sixth Sunday of Easter
Acts 10:44-48
Psalm 98
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17

May 17, 2012 [White]
Ascension of the Lord
These readings may also be used on the
Seventh Sunday of Easter.
Acts 1:1-11
Psalm 47
Ephesians 1:15-23
Luke 24:44-53

May 20, 2012 [White]
Seventh Sunday of Easter/Ascension Sunday
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
Psalm 1
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19

May 27, 2012 [Red]
Day of Pentecost
Acts 2:1-21
Psalm 104:24-34, 35b
Romans 8:22-27
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15

June 23, 2012 [Red]
Trinity Sunday/First Sunday After Pentecost
Isaiah 6:1-8
Psalm 29
Romans 8:12-17
John 3:1-173

June 10, 2012 [Red]
Second Sunday after Pentecost
1 Samuel 8:4-20 (11:14-15)
Psalm 138
2 Corinthians 4:13-5:1
Mark 3:20-35

June 17, 2012 [Red]
Third Sunday After Pentecost
1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
Psalm 20 or Psalm 92
2 Corinthians 5:6-10 (11-13), 14-17
Mark 4:26-34

June 24, 2012 [Red]
Fourth Sunday After Pentecost
1 Samuel 17:(1a , 4-11, 19-23), 32-49
Psalm 9:9-20
2 Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41

July 1, 2012 [Red]
Fifth Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
Psalm 130
2 Corinthians 8:7-15
Mark 5:21-43

July 8, 2012 [Red]
Sixth Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 5:1-5, 9-10
Psalm 48
2 Corinthians 12:2-10
Mark 6:1-13

July 15, 2012 [Red]
Seventh Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19
Psalm 24
Ephesians 1:3-14
Mark 6:14-29

July 22, 2012 [Red]
Eighth Sunday After Pentecost
G2 Samuel 7:1-14a
Psalm 89:20-37
Ephesians 2:11-22
Mark 6:30-34, 53-56

July 29, 2012 [Red]
Ninth Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:1-15
Psalm 14
Ephesians 3:14-21
John 6:1-21

August 5, 2012 [Red]
Tenth Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a
Psalm 51:1-12
Ephesians 4:1-16
John 6:24-35

August 12, 2012 [Red]
Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost
2 Samuel 18:5-9, 15, 31-33
Psalm 130
Ephesians 4:25-5:2
John 6:35, 41-51

August 19, 2012 [Red]
Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost
1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14
Psalm 111
Ephesians 5:15-20
John 6:51-58

August 26, 2012 [Green]
Kingdomtide
1 Kings 8:(1,6,10-11), 22-30, 41-43
Psalm 84
Ephesians 6:10-20
John 6:56-69

September 2, 2012 [Green]
Second Sunday of Kingdomtide
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 or Psalm 72
James 1:17-27
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23

September 9, 2012 [Green]
Third Sunday of Kingdomtide
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Psalm 125 or Psalm 124
James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17
Mark 7:24-37

September 16, 2012 [Green]
Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Proverbs 1:20-33
Psalm 19
James 3:1-12
Mark 8:27-38

September 23, 2012 [Green]
Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Proverbs 31:10-31
Psalm 1
James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a
Mark 9:30-37

September 30, 2012 [Green]
Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22
Psalm 124
James 5:13-20
Mark 9:38-50

October 7, 2012 [Green]
Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
World Communion Sunday
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Psalm 26 or Psalm 25
Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12
Mark 10:2-16

October 14, 2012 [Green]
Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Job 23:1-9, 16-17
Psalm 22:1-15
Hebrews 4:12-16
Mark 10:17-31

October 21, 2012 [Green]
Ninth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c
Hebrews 5:1-10
Mark 10:35-45

October 28, 2012 [Green]
Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8 (19-22)
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52

November 1, 2012 [Green]
All Saints Day
Eleventh Sunday of Kingdomtide
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44

November 4, 2012 [Green]
All Saints Sunday
Twelfth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Isaiah 25:6-9
Psalm 24
Revelation 21:1-6a
John 11:32-44
Ruth 1:1-18
Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:11-14
Mark 12:28-34

November 11, 2012 [Green]
Thirteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17
Psalm 127 or Psalm 42
Hebrews 9:24-28
Mark 12:38-44

November 18, 2012 [Green]
Fourteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide
1 Samuel 1:4-20
1 Samuel 2:1-10 or Psalm 113
Hebrews 10:11-14 (15-18) 19-25
Mark 13:1-8

November 22, 2012 [Green]
Thanksgiving Day
Joel 2:21-27
Psalm 126
1 Timothy 2:1-7
Matthew 6:25-33

November 25, 2012 [Green]
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-12 (13-18)
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37

Rev. Harlan Jones appointed Presiding Elder 

Of the San Francisco District

Dear Members of the 9th Episcopal District and Connectional Friends:

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ!

Presiding Elder Harlan and Mrs. Sheila Jones

Please join me in welcoming Rev. Harlan Jones and his wife, Mrs. Sheila E. Jones, as the new Presiding Elder and First Lady of the San Francisco District.  Rev. Jones replaces Rev. Harry Redds whose term was filled by Rev. Thurston Callier, due to Rev. Redds illness. We are grateful for the contributions of Rev. Redds and the dedicated and faithful role that Rev. Callier played in completing his term.

Additionally, Rev. Jones has been appointed as the new pastor of Missionary Temple C.M.E. Church.  On behalf of the Ninth Episcopal District and myself, I wish to thank Rev. Dr. LeRoy and Mrs. Simmie Johnson for their many years of Servant Leadership at Missionary Temple CME Church and throughout the entire Ninth Episcopal District.

I look forward to creating new paths for Dr. Johnson to share in the leadership of the Northern California Region.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District

Consolidated Committee finalizes plans for 

An annual ‘Unity Summit'

        At the CME Convocation in Atlanta, Ga., the CME Committee to plan for a Consolidated Connectional Meeting concluded the first phase of preparation for the first meeting together of key departments and ministries of the church, beginning next year. Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Convocation Chairman, along with Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., and Bishop Teresa Snorton, led the Committee in finishing the business of laying the cornerstone for the future.

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. Convocation Committee Chairman

          Since the conclusion of the last General Conference in July of 2010, the Committee, consisting of the College of Bishops, General Officers and Connectional leaders, has met at scheduled, regular connectional meetings to bring structure to an effort designed to streamline the fiscal and programmatic activities of the church by reducing the number of annual connectional meetings.  Meeting at the 25th Convocation, the Committee made decisions regarding core registration, format and planning team, date of the event, and name. Additional parameters and deadlines for going forward were also set.
The name of the consolidated meetings will be The CME Unity Summit, which is scheduled to first convene in New Orleans, Louisiana, September 25-29, 2012. Scheduled to conduct business at the Unity Summit are the General Connectional Board, the Women’s Missionary Executive Board, Ministry to Men and Young Adult Retreats, and the activities of what is currently known as the CME Convocation, including departmental meetings and training. Committees which will now move forward with the planning process are Finance and Budget (including registration/operations/scheduling and sponsorship subcommittees); Program Committee (including plenary, workshop and education subcommittee, and worship subcommittee); a host committee, and Public Relations Committee.