General Connectional Board Concludes. The first meeting of the General Connectional Board of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in the wake of the 2006 General Conference came to an end Thursday, May 3, 2007. From every indication, this was a very good General Board. Wednesday, May 2, was highlighted by the reports of each of the Standing Committees in open session held at the Greenwood CME Church, Dr. Travis Robinson host pastor. And while there was no information that caused reason for concern in the church, there was good news from certain departmental camps. General Secretary of Finances and Chief Financial Officer Dr. Joseph C. Neal, Jr. informed the Board that several of the church’s larger open accounts have been satisfied and that its largest obligation incurred on behalf of Texas College is on schedule to be fully paid as early as 2011. In fact, the church’s cash flow has increased by nearly $400,000 and long-term debt has decreased by well over a half-million dollars. More news of note came from General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis who informed the church that there has been a positive return for the CME Church Retirement Plan over the last year in the amount of 7.17 percent. He also informed the Board that, thanks to help from General Secretary Neal, retirees who take their pension will also now hold a $10,000 life policy for themselves and $5,000 life policy for their spouse through age 99. Other reports were also noted, such as planning for the 2008 Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference in Orlando, FL by the Department of Christian Education and planning for the Missionary General Assembly in Atlanta, GA in August of this year. Following the business session of the General Board was the installation service of the chairman of the College of Bishops, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
The evening Service of Holy Communion was also held at Greenwood CME. The Communion speaker was Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., 3rd Episcopal District. Music was provided by the 1st District mass choir.
The 2007 General Connectional Board meeting closed on Thursday morning, May 3. The meditation speaker was Rev. Dr. Clementine Mays, St. Paul CME Church, Easley, MS. New this year in the closing service was “A Service of Renewal” for the General Board. In a Litany for the Church, the floor of the Board was divided into two groups. Then adding a third group, consisting of the College of Bishops, there were three voices that read words of dedication. It was a wonderful experience.