Rejoice, for the Savior is Born!
“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

Loss of Rev. B.R. Udosen 
We are saddened to announce the passing of Rev. B. R. Udosen, Missions Supervisor for the Nigerian Regions of the 10th Episcopal District. He transitioned to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM Nigerian Time.

We ask your prayers for his family and the 6 regions of Nigeria.

Submitted by Rev. Alfred L. Harrison
Executive Assistant to Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Life of Rev. R.C. George, Jr.
Rev. R.C. George, Jr., passed away December 12, 2008 at Methodist University Hospital. He was born in Carrolton, MS on September 10, 1934, the first of four children born to the late Rev. Richmond C. Sr. and Mrs. Irene George.
During his 43 year tenure as a pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, he was one of the founding Directors of the CME Church, First Episcopal District housing for the Elderly, Exum Towers, Memphis, TN and Smith Keys Garden, Texarkana and Eldorado, AR. He was considered a preacher’s architect and was instrumental in the rebuilding, upgrading, and construction of many churches in Tennessee under the leadership of Bishop B. Julian Smith, Bishop J. Madison Exum and Sr. Bishop William H. Graves. Some of the Tennessee churches he served as pastor were Mt. Tipton, Grady Chapel, Bartlett Chapel, New Hope, Pillow Street, Watkins Chapel, Smothers Chapel, Winrow Chapel (now Winrow CME), St. Paul, and Zion Hill. In Mississippi, he served as pastor of Bates Chapel, Bethlehem and Cooper Chapel. Other cities and churches where he served as pastor were Parrish Temple in St. Louis, MO; St. James in Flint, MI; and St. Vestal (now Hashaway Community) in Long Beach, CA.
In 1972, Rev. George began his tenure as the presiding elder of the Memphis District, West Tennessee Conference, where he held this position for a decade.
Rev. George leaves four daughters, Mary Jean George, Irene Woods (Glen), and Yvette George of Memphis, and Adrianne Guice (Robert) of Houston; two brothers, Rev. William E. George and Tanner George and one sister, Robbie George-Greer, all of Memphis. His immediate family also includes seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one aunt, Inez Cooper,, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The visitation for Rev. R.C. George, Jr. will be Friday, December 19th at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home, 1165 Airways Blvd., 6-8 PM. The home-going services will be Saturday, December 20th, 2008, Greenwood CME Church, 3311 Kimball Avenue, Memphis, TN, Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson, pastor. Visitation, 10-10:50 AM, funeral at 11 AM. Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Popular Ave., Memphis, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the George Family is requesting that you please send memorials to the Collegiate Scholarship Fund, Winrow St. Paul CME Church, 5865 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, TN 38115. Arrangements: M.J. Edwards Funeral Home: 901-327-6390.

Loss of Rev. R.C. George, Jr.
The brother of CME Publisher Dr. William E. George, Rev. R.C. George, Jr. are as follows:
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Greenwood CME Church
(901) 743-1188
3311 Kimble Avenue
Memphis, TN 38114
Rev. Dr. Travis C. Robinson, pastor

Visitation — 10 AM
Celebration of Life — 11

Contact Reverend Dr. William E. George, 525 Harwood Cove, Memphis, TN 38120 at
(901) 683-7883 (home)

Loss of Mrs. C. Voncile Travis
Arrangements for Mrs. C. Voncile Travis, the aunt of General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis are as follows:

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Phillips Memorial CME Church
(513) 281-2059
839 West North Bend Road
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Rev. Kai Cole, pastor
(513) 545-5062

Visitation — 11 AM
Celebration of Life — Noon

Saturday, December 20, 2008
New Purchase CME Church – (251) 789-2226
Beatrice, AL 36425
Reverend Dr. Dixie L. West, Pastor – (251) 244-0044

Arrangements for 

Rev. Dr. Eugene McLemore
Homegoing Services 
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 11 AM
Blacks Chapel Church
3425 Robinson Road
Jackson, MS 39209

Family Hour
Friday, December 19, 2008 6-7 PM

Blacks Chapel

Jackson, MS

Loss of Rev. Dr. Eugene McLemore
We are very sad to advise of the passing of Dr. Eugene McLemore, 66, current Pastor of Little Bethel CME Church, Terry , MS, former Pastor of Lynch Street CME Church, Jackson, MS ,former Hinds County Administrator and top Mississippi Development Authority official, who died today at home. Dr. McLemore grew up in the small north Mississippi town of Walls. Like his older brother, City Councilman Dr. Leslie Burl McLemore, his career revolved around public service and community leadership.
Please keep Mrs. McLemore and the rest of the family in your prayers. Further arrangements will follow.

Pene' Woods

A Time of Great Anticipation

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4-5, New International Version).

Merry Christmas

From The Christian Index Online

Services for Mrs. Joanna Small. It is with regret that I inform you of the death of Mrs. Joanna Small the mother of Mrs. Evelyn Gosey, the Chair of the Women's Missionary Council Compilation and Statistics Committee.

Please keep Evelyn and her family lifted up in prayer.

The Homegoing Services are as follows:
Funeral Home
Good Samaritan Funeral Home
2200 Laurel Street
Shreveport, Louisiana 71103
Phone Number: 318-221-7361
Fax Number: 318-221-8697

Family Vistation Hour
Friday Night, December 5, 2008 - 7-8 PM

Funeral Service

Saturday, December 6, 2008 - 12:00 Noon
Bracks Chapel CME Church
Rev. Larry G. Williams, Pastor

Please send condolence to: Mrs. Evelyn Gosey
3212 Darien Street
Shreveport, LA 71109
Phone Number: (318)635-4471
Fax Number: 318-631-2705


Rejoice,

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb
Women's Missionary Council President

Happy Thanksgiving

from

The Christian Index Online

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor

Passing of Shreveport District Lay Leader Thomas. Our prayers go out to the family of Bro. Robert Thomas, Shreveport District Lay Leader, who will be funeralized on Saturday at St. Luke CME Church, 2110 Martin Luther King Drive, Shreveport Louisiana at 11 AM. The remains can be viewed Friday, November 28, 2008 at JS Williams Funeral Home, 1104 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana, 3–7 PM. On December 1, 2008 at 11 AM, Bro. Thomas will be laid to rest at the Louisiana Veteran Cemetery in Keithville, LA, with full military honor (the public is invited.)
Submitted Paula L. Wiley-Boutté

Evangelism and Missions Double "W" at Knoxville Convocation
There are so many ways to get involved in our church by volunteering. Our church survives because of the dedication of all our volunteers.
It is such a good way to get to know others in our church family. During the 22nd CME Convocation in Knoxville, Tennessee the Department of Evangelism and Mission called for members who would be in attendance to volunteer for Project Double "W."
Project Double "W" involved two areas of ministry, Work and Witness. General Secretary Rev. Dr. W. C. Champion lead CME's attending the 22nd Convocation on Project Double "W" focusing on two areas within the Knoxville community which moved CME's from the confines of the Knoxville Center engaging them in outreach ministries. Fifteen members, (Maudeania Screen-Moore, William Brook and Khadijah Screen 1st District; Wesley Massey and Odies Powers 4th District; Presiding Elder Ore L. Spragin 5th District; Teresa Brooks and Dr. Leo Pinkett 6th District; Rev. Sandra Gripper 7th District; Sella M. Ray, Jackie Redwine, Rev. Leroy Redwine, Tonie Johnson, and Vemon Johnson 8th District Presiding Elder Lummie Hearn 9th District) from various CME churches across the Connection volunteered for ministry of work at Mattie E. Coleman CME Church from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. This involved painting seven rooms at the church in an effort to upgrade the cosmetics of the class rooms and fellowship hall.
Members who participated in Project Double "W" were joined by two members from Mattie E. Coleman CME Church, Thurman Kinnebrew and Jasper Pride These two gentlemen prepared a wonderful lunch for the participants who were involved in "Work" ministry.
Presiding Elder Wilma Walden of the Southeast District, East Tennessee Region, is pastor of Mattie E. Coleman CME. The Mattie E. Coleman project represented the "work" of Double "W."
The "witness" of Double "W" took place in the Knoxville community at the Taylor Housing Projects where five members (Rose Locksey and Rev. Sheaneter 4th District; Cheryl 7th District; and Rev. Robert J. Thomas and Rev. Eloise Knox 9th District) from across the CME Connection were involved in door-to-door evangelism from 2 to 4 PM. The goal of the "witness" ministry was to men, women, and young people to Christ. Thurman Kinnebrew accompanied the five members involved in "Witness" ministry. The members involved were excited as they reported that over twenty-five individuals confessed and accepted Christ as their personal Savior.
This was the first time the Department of Evangelism and Mission has involved members attending the Convocation in Mission ministry involving repair and fix-up manual labor. This is the tenth year the Department has taken to the streets to witness. The Department of Evangelism and Mission feels it is very important that wherever the CME Convocation convenes, it is vital that the CME Church have a presence in the city where we meet. This is what Evan-
gelism and Mission is all about.
Praise God. Get ready for St. Louis, MO in 2009.

Pray for Chelsey Gladney

Family, Friends, Colleagues:
       I write to you this evening to request the prayers and financial assistance for a wonderful young lady, Chelsey Gladney, who is 19 years old, a second year student at Jackson State University, and a member of Lynch Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Jackson, MS, where the Rev. Dr. Charles Holbrook is Pastor.
       On Sunday morning, October 5th, Chelsey was on a way to church when she sollided with an 18 wheeler on Interstate 20. The car went underneath the truck and was on fire when the firefighters arrived on the scene. Chelsey was flown to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia where she is now. Chelsey sustained third degree burns over 40% of her body and on last week both of her fee

t were amputated. On yesterday, Oct. 22nd, one of her legs was amputated. She currently has a serious infection that threatens her life.
       A number of blood drives have been conducted in the city. There are a number of ways that you can assist Chelsey and her family. First and foremost, she needs your prayers and due to the mounting medical bills, the family is going to need financial assistance. A fund has been set up for Chelsey at Trustmark National Bank, Jackson, MS. Trustmark has a number of banks in the region. There are branches in every major town in the state of Mississippi and there are branches in Florida(Destin,Lakeland, and Panama City); Tennessee(Arlington, Barlett, Collierville,Cordova, Germantown); Texas (Beaumont, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Katy). If you are in the Augusta, Georgia area you certainly can go by the Burn Center and pray with the family. You can also send donations to the Lynch Street CME Church, 2175 Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39209. For more information you can contact Mrs. Gloria Scott at 601-352-8886 or Pastor, Dr. Charles Holbrook at 601-954-7499.
Chelsey was active in the Youth Choir and Christian Youth Fellowship. Missionaries, Youth Groups, Churches - this is a time that we can help the Gladney Family during this tough time. Thank you so very much and may God Bless you.

In His Name,

Pene' Woods

The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns
Declares a Day of Prayer, a Time to Help, and Emergency Relief Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is asking all CME churches to declare Sunday, November 2, 2008 a day of fasting and prayer for our nation and world. We need to pray because of the following reasons:

• a historic Presidential Election
  
• the need to help our brothers and sisters who were impacted by Hurricane Ike
  
• the economic down turn in our nation
  
• the educational system’s failure to meet the needs of our children
  
• the foreclosure crisis
  
• clergy and lay leadership development in the church
  
• the health care crisis in our nation.
  

We believe that this is a time to cry out to the God of our Salvation to protect us, direct us, provide for us, and to prosper us in difficult times. II Chronicles 7:14 really tells us the position that the church must take in these perilous times “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This scripture should be our Altar Call on Sunday, November 2, 2008 as we share in Holy Communion.

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, we would like to have every CME Church to take up a special offering for the Emergency Relief Fund of our church to address the needs of CMEs and others impacted by Hurricane Ike. A good number of our churches and their properties were lost, damaged or destroyed. In Haiti, more than 1,000 lives were lost. Many of our CME Churches in Texas in the path of Hurricane Ike were severely damaged.

Please make all checks payable to the Department of Finance CME Church and send them to your Presiding Bishop’s office. I truly believe that God will continue to bless and direct our nation if we pray and seek His Divine Will for our world.

Let’s all remind our congregations and community to Get Out and Vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

Reinstatement of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter 

(Expansion Corrected. Click on Image.)

CME Mary Freeman Receives historic TRA Appointment. Mary W. Freeman became the first African American woman to serve as director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. With her appointment on July 1, 2008, Director Freeman will lead an agency responsible for regulating all privately-owned utilities in the state of Tennessee. A joint appointment of Governor Phil Bredesen, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh, Director Freeman will serve a three-year term.
Director Freeman, a Memphis native, grew up in Mt. Pisgah CME Church where the pastor is Rev. Willie Ward, Jr. and is currently a member of St. Luke CME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where the pastor is Reverend Ronald Powe.
Director Freeman serves in various capacities at St. Luke and very active in her community, serving on the advisory board of the Davidson County Community Corrections program; board of directors of the St. Luke Geriatric Center, Inc.; St. Luke Housing Ministry; Creative Artist of Tennessee, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Director Freeman has over fifteen years of legislative and policy experience in state government. Prior to her appointment, she served as legislative director for Governor Phil Bredesen where she assisted the Governor and the Senior Policy Advisor for Legislative Affairs in developing the administration’s legislative agenda. Prior to joining the administration, she served as executive assistant to State Representative Lois DeBerry, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Director Freeman was born in 1966 and is the daughter of Grace Freeman and the late Wiley Freeman. She graduated from Memphis Central High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Tennessee State University.

September 15, 2008

AN ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING AID TO HAITI AFTER HURRICANES

As the bishop presently assigned to superintend the work in Haiti, I am reporting that I have spoken with Reverend Suffrant Vincent, Mission Supervisor, concerning conditions and needs in Haiti.
Food is at a serious shortage. CMEs can help directly with food by sending aid through one of the churches of the Fifth Episcopal District that has direct contact with an agency that delivers food in Haiti. Contributions to Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Dr. Vanessee Burns, Pastor, #1 South Cottage Hill Road, Orlando, Florida 32805. Checks should be made payable to Carter Tabernacle CME Church, marked in the memo "Haiti Support."
If persons would rather write checks to the Tenth Episcopal District, please likewise mark these checks for "Haiti Support" and send to the Fifth Episcopal District Office, 310 18th Street, North, Suite 400-D, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.

For further information you may call the office of the Fifth Episcopal District at 205-252-2587.

Thank you.

Lawrence L. Reddick III
Fifth Episcopal District

Funeral Arrangements for Dr. James Faulk

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Funeral services for Dr. James Faulk, who passed away on September 11, 2008, will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Beebe Memorial Cathedral, 3900 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.  Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr. is pastor. Contact information for Beebe Cathedral: Telephone: 510-655-6114 / Fax: 510 655-6170 / e-mail: thecathedral@beebeonline.org
Please keep in prayer Dr. Sylvia Faulk, daughter, Heidi and son, Shannon. You may contact the family at 623 San Fernando Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, telephone: 510-526-5536, e-mail hfrann@comcast.net


In His Service,

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
9th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, President
Women's Missionary Council
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Passing of Dr. James Faulk
The 9th Episcopal District and the Northern California Region is saddened by the passing of one of it's stalwart leaders, Dr. James Faulk. Dr. James Faulk was a life long advocate for Social Justice and Human Concerns changes. A member of Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland he leaves his wife, Dr. Sylvia Faulk, President Emeritus of the Women's Missionary Council of the CME Church; daughter, Heidi and son, Shannon to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Please lift the family up in prayer. Additional information will be passed on as received.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, President
Women's Missionary Council
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

The Passing of Rev. Wesley Hubbard
We regret to inform you of the passing of a former presiding elder serving in the Mississippi South Region and pastor of the Holly Springs CME Church, Rev. Wesley Hubbard, on September 1, 2008 at the Anderson Memorial Hospital, Meridian, MS.

Rev. Hubbard's body has been entrusted to:
Berry & Gardner Funeral Home
1300 34th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 485-8521

Arrangements are as follows:
Homegoing Service: Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Noon
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., presiding prelate, 4th Episcopal District will serve as eulogist.
Newell Chapel CME Church
1400 13th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
Rev. Troy Miller, pastor
Reviewing of the body from 8 a.m. to Noon

For further information regarding arrangements or hotel information,
please contact Mr. Henry Granger at 601-917-6712, or hgranger2000@aol.com.

Please keep Mrs. Dennetta Hubbard and the rest of the family in your prayers. Expressions of condolence can be sent to her at 4801 23rd St., Meridian, MS 39307.


Submitted by Pene' Woods

Letter to the Editor on Raising Pastors' Salaries

Percy O. Norwood, Jr.
Carrollton, MS 38917
August 11, 2008

Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Editor, The Christian Index
P.O. Box 431
Fairfield, AL 35064

Dear Rev. Jones:
Congratulations on the quality of the Christian Index. You and your staff have made significant improvements to this publication during your time as Editor. However, after reading your Editor's message in the June 2008 issue of The Christian Index on "Increasing Pastors' Salaries" I decided to write this letter to help clarify something about responsibilities for setting Pastors' salaries.
As a former steward, treasurer, recording steward and trustee in various CME churches around the United States, I agree that local churches need to increase pastors' salaries. But, you misstated in your editorial how the salary should be set. The Discipline does not call for "consultation with the pastor" in setting his/her salary. Section 511.2.1 of the Discipline states, "It shall be the duty of the stewards to make, in conjunction with the stewardesses, an estimate of appropriations for the pastor." It goes on to spell out what that appropriation shall include where possible. A similar provision is spelled out in 513.1.6 of the Discipline concerning the duty of the Stewardesses. Consultation with the pastor is required when "Educational paid leave for a full-time pastor is being considered." (See section 511.2.16). Since the Church Conference handles the business of the church, the Stewardesses and Stewards bring a recommendation to the Church Conference where it is discussed and-voted on. I have seen several instances where pastors attempted to get involved in setting their salaries. In each of those cases, the process got messy and heated resulting in strained relationships between members and the pastor - to put it mildly. Pastors simply need to stay out of the salary setting business!
Now back to how we can go about increasing Pastors' salaries. I am reminded of something Bishop Thomas Brown said during the Mississippi-South Region Annual Confer'ence this past July. He said that, "we talk a lot about stewardship but we practice ownership when it comes to the resources that God has blessed us with." He went on to say that "our wallet is the last thing that gets converted on our Christian journey." If we, members of the local churches, want our churches to prosper we must become better stewards over the resources that God has blessed us with. We have to teach members how to make personal budgets and how to tithe. We have to teach people that giving more to their local church means paying less in taxes to the federal and state governments. We (officers, pastors and members) have to do a better job of encouraging and teaching people how to give back. If 50 percent of the membership would tithe regularly, most churches can meet their day-to-day operational expense (salaries, utilities, mortgages, etc.) and then some. The church can then supplement these gifts with funds raised from special askings and various programs (Women's Day, Men's Day, Church Anniversary and Homecoming, Family and Friends Day, Youth and Young Adult activities, etc) to meet the church's entire budget. Increasing the number of people tithing increases the amount of revenue that the church receives. Then, and only then, will churches realistically look at substantially increasing pastors' salaries.

Respectfully submitted,

Percy O. Norwood, Jr.
Captain-Retired, U.S. Coast Guard
Member of Helm Chapel CME Church

Editor's Note:  Chapter 30, "Support of Preachers in Charge," Para. 451., Sec.1. The compensation and traveling expenses of Pastors-in-Charge of charges shall be estimated by their respective Stewards and Stewardesses in joint deliberations, with the Minister sitting in for consultation without a vote...," page 133, The Book of Discipline of the CME Church, 2006.

The Curriculum for the 

22nd Annual CME Convocation

September 30 – October 3, 2008

Knoxville, TN

     Senior Bishop William H. Graves (Host Bishop), Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart (Convocation Chairman) and Bishop Thomas L. Brown (Program Chairman) along with the members of the Convocation Committee are working diligently in anticipation of this year’s Annual Convocation in Knoxville, TN. While planning for the many summer activities on our schedule of events, Dr. Tyrone Davis (Convocation Director) is also encouraging early registration for the Convocation in September. In light of the increased emphasis on the curriculum and class topics and themes, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield (Convocation Curriculum Director) has provided the following overview of what you can expect in the classes.
     The front cover of “Rev!” magazine reads ‘Is the American Church in Crisis’? The article goes on to delineate the decline of the American Church by examining attendance trends in several mainline denominations. It then gives some suggestions for reversing this movement.
     Although the aforementioned article is worthy of consideration, the 22nd Convocation has decided rather than dwell on crisis and decline to offer classes that lift up ideas for transforming our faith. We have chosen a textbook as the basis for our study. It is entitled “Christianity for the Rest of Us” written by Diana Butler Bass.
     The book is a story of the research and findings of Bass as she listened to congregations. She asks the question, “Why do some succeed?” (p. 9) She is interested in spiritual community and the local expression of such community in congregations. Our classes will delve into her interest and look for ways to strengthen our own congregations.
     Bass uses the metaphor pilgrimage throughout her book with the idea that there is a destination. She says on page 11, “Emerging Christianity is about change—about changing from spiritual tourists to pilgrims—about transforming ourselves, our congregations, and our communities.
     Echoing the sentiments of Bass’ book, if you are satisfied with your local congregation, if you like the kind of Christianity that offers certainty and order in an age of change, if you think church is about closing your eyes; then the classes below are not for you. They are not for the comfortable, the certain, and religiously content. You are invited to pilgrimage through the classes at the convocation. You are encouraged to purchase the book that will be available to you at a discounted rate this summer. There are churches finding new life in the face of change.

The Classes

1. Where Everybody Knows Your Name
What are the practices of the local church that welcome others? Hospitality sometimes is relegated to a committee who seems to have as its goal to gain members for the church. This class is designed to examine the local church practice of hospitality and seek ways that improve the practice and lead to renewal and transformation of the local church.

2. Paying Attention
“Discernment requires that we pay attention,” writes Catholic theologian Wendy Wright; it “is about feeling texture, assessing weight, watching the plumb line, listening for overtones, searching for shards, feeling the quickening, and surrendering to love.” You have to pay attention when you are not entirely sure where you are going. This class is designed to visit the ancient church practice of Discernment with the purpose of discovering how hearing, seeing, touching and feeling God leads to church renewal and transformation.

3. Do you want to be healed?
We are all broken and in need of God’s healing. All sickness is not physical. Brokenness comes from the damage and power of sin. Healing is not always instant, but more often takes place over a process of transformation. The design of this class is to delve into the ancient practice of healing and seek ways it has relevance today in the local church in regards to bringing transformation and renewal in the local church.

4. Let all the earth keep silent
In the 21st century we spend a tremendous amount of money, time and energy to be connected. We use the Internet and many technologies, such as Blackberries, I Phones, and wireless networks, to connect with others. But how good are we as people of faith in connecting to ourselves, families, our communities and with God? The design of this class is to investigate the practice of contemplation and being silent and how this practice might transform and renew the local church.

5. Talk it Out
The entire New Testament is a testimony, a record of the experiences that early Christians had with the transformative power of God. Our early church experiences in the United States put great emphasis on testimony. This class is designed to evaluate the power of the practice of testimony to transform and renew the local church.


6. A Piece of the puzzle
As the demographics of our land changes what are we to do in our local churches? Are we to ignore that our neighbors are changing in their cultural outlook and maybe their race isn’t black? How diverse is the local church? Is our local church or denomination the whole puzzle or a piece of it? This class is designed to help us acknowledge the power of diversity in transforming and renewing the local church.


7. Let Justice Roll
Theologian Walter Wink writes, “The Powers That Be are not, then, simply people and their institutions, as I had first thought; they also include the spirituality at the core of those institutions and structures. If we want to change those systems, we will have to address not only their outer forms, but their inner spirit as well.” This class is designed to address how practicing justice, being the hands and feet of Christ, transforms and renews faith in a local church.

8. Merry, Merry, Merry
What is worship? What is its purpose? The design of this class is to look at how “worship needs to be an experience of God, rather than a reflection about God,” and how it moves from the head to the heart. In particular this class is designed to see how worship as celebration transforms and renews the local church.

9. All My Mind
All people of the church are theologians. The trouble comes when we do not activate our theological intellect. This class is designed to see that God calls us to love God with our entire mind, thus, thinking theologically is essential to the transformation and renewal of the local church.

10. Spiritual Revolution

     The summer of 2005 Newsweek magazine claimed in a cover story that Americans are looking for “spirituality” and not “religion.” The design of this class is to flesh out what this means and if it is true, what are the implications for the transformation and renewal of the local church?

You may inquire about additional information at (901) 345-4100.

We look forward to seeing you in Knoxville for the 2008 Annual CME Convocation!

     Submitted by General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis.

***** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *****

Mississippi Industrial College Properties Sold to Rust College

On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, in Holly Springs, MS, the 63-acre plot that formerly housed the Mississippi Industrial College and surrounding properties, was sold to Rust College (a United Methodist institution) by officials of the General Board of Personnel Services, Inc. acting under the auspices of the CME CDC (Community Development Corporation) after holding the property for approximately 25 years.
After soul searching and prayerful consideration, it was decided to sell the property to the 142 year-old Rust College, a fellow institution sharing the same main street in Holly Springs with Mississippi Industrial College for 103 years, which bolsters the opportunities for higher education in the Holly Springs/north Mississippi area. The two colleges, arms of two sister denominations, have shared similar mission objectives for all of the years of their existence. Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District and Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., Chair of the General Board of Personnel Services and a graduate of MI College, have both expressed their desire that these newly acquired properties by Rust College become part of a plan for increased educational opportunities for young people.
The decision to sell the property was influenced by several factors including 1) the continued depreciation, decline and deterioration of the property, 2) the continued cost to service the debt on the property, 3) the inability to continue to secure property and casualty insurance (fire insurance and liability insurance) because of the deterioration of the property, 4) the limitations of the use and restoration of the property because of the historic status of the property, and 5) the inability to generate and/or secure funding for the restoration of the property.
In the early 1980’s, the General Board of Personnel Services (acting on behalf of the CME Church) proceeded to redeem the properties when the College went into bankruptcy and made the first investment in the reclamation of the properties. Several options were proposed for the use of the land such as a health rehabilitation center and, more recently, a housing development plan which would include low and moderate-income single family housing, senior housing, rental housing, and commercial units. After considering a myriad of unsuccessful funding proposals including the sale of Church sponsored bonds, solicitation of a bond proposal through the City of Holly Springs, partnerships with investment entities, and funding from philanthropic entities over this 25 year period, the increased cost of maintaining the property coupled with investments to qualify for certain funding opportunities led to an accumulated debt of approximately $1.8 million (including a $975,000 mortgage with a current balance of $685,811 and accrued interest of $27,752). The $1.1 million sale of the property leaves approximately $700,000 in outstanding unsecured debts owed to entities, Episcopal Districts and individuals.
  Although the property was deeded in the name of the General Board of Personnel Services, the Board, serving primarily as fiscal agent for the properties, lent its financial and credit history to the support of the project, but at the request of the College of Bishops and the Board of Directors of the CME Church, it was delegated to the CDC the responsibility of developing strategic funding proposals and other important decisions regarding the MI College Properties. After considering the magnitude of the potential liabilities that would threaten the CDC and the CME Church because of the insurance exposure, the increasing costs to service the debt and pay down principal, and the additional impact of such losses on the operational ability of the General Board of Personnel Services to perform day-to-day operations, the CDC approved the sale to Rust College and directed the General Board of Personnel Services to conclude the transaction. Both entities, the CDC and the General Board of Personnel Services were pleased that this resulting transaction allows this historic property, which is dear in the memory of the CME Church, to continue to be used for educational purposes for the benefits of persons in the Northern Mississippi and surrounding areas.
At the sale and representing the CME CDC Chairman, Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore, was Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Vice Chairman of the CME CDC. Signing on behalf of Rust College was Dr. David L. Beckley, President. Signing on behalf of the General Board of Personnel Services were Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Chairman of the Board and Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District, Mr. Matthew R. Davis III, Secretary of the Board and Reverend Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, General Secretary of the Board.

Submitted by General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis.

Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Dr. Charles H. Belcher

Services in St Louis, MO

St. John AME Church
1908 North Kings Highway Blvd
Saint Louis, Mo 63113
(314) 361-8236

Presiding Elder, C. Jessel Strong, Presiding Officer
Rev. Donald Hunter, Eulogist
Viewing 10:00 - 11:00
Services 11:00 AM

Austin Layne Mortuary
7239 W. Florrissant Ave
Saint Louis, Mo 63113 (314) 382-1214

Services in Berkeley, CA

Monday, August 18, 2008
Family Hour: 6 - 8 PM

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Services 10:00 AM
St. Paul AME Church
2024 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, California 94703
(510) 848-2050

Rev. Dr. Allen L. Williams, Pastor
Presiding Elder, Vernon S. Burroughs, Presiding Officer
Rt. Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
5th Episcopal District, Eulogist

Fouches Hudson Funeral Home
3665 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, Calif. 94609
(510) 654-8558

Cards and correspondences can be sent to
Mrs. Doris Marie Denson-Belcher
4324 W. Pine Blvd
Saint Louis, Mo 63108-2206

Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Zora Bell Crutchfield

The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Zora Bell Crutchfield, mother of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield is as follows:

Visitation, Friday, August 8, 2008, from 6 to 8 PM
RAWLS Funeral Home
790 Highway 69 N
Paris, TN 38242
Phone 731-642-1515
FAX 731-642-8368

Funeral is Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Barrs Chapel CME Church
5560 Briarpatch Lake Road
Paris, TN 38242
(actually located about 10 miles west of Paris in Como community with the above listed address)

Mrs.Zora Bell Crutchfield was 79 years of age. She had been ill for the last six months. Dr. Crutchfield is one of seven children (three brothers and three sisters.)

Please keep the Crutfield family in your thoughts and prayers.

Juanita Bryant
Executive Secretary
CME Church

CMES Urged to Be Aware of Money Scam

Dear Colleagues and Members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church:

Greetings in the Wondrous Name of Jesus the Christ!

This message is being sent to all members throughout our Connectional Church regarding an extortion scam that is circulating around the country.

Please be aware that there is a scam going on at this time requesting money from our pastors and churches to aid family members of the CME College of Bishops. There is no truth to this information. At no time should you send money to these persons. Before you respond to any general request for such aid, please contact your Presiding Prelate or Presiding Elder.

Please pass this information on to as many of our Connectional members as possible.

Your prompt attention to this message is appreciated.


In His Service,


Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Chairman of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns
of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District
Telephone: 323-294-3830 Fax: 323-294-4167
E-mail: ninthhq@sbcglobal.net
Internet: http://www.ninthdistrictcme.org

Funeral Arrangements

Mr. Otis Brown, son of Mrs. Evelyn D Brown, SE Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Missionary

Condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home.
Funeral Home
W.H. Mays Mortuary
1221 James Brown Blvd
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Telephone Number: 706-722-64011
Fax Number: 706-722-7018

Visitation Service 6:00-7:00 PM
Friday, July 25, 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008 – Funeral Service – 1:00 PM
Williams Memorial CME Church
1630 Fifteenth Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone: 706- 733-3593

Rev. Paul W. Gardner, Pastor

Please keep Evelyn and Toni in your prayers.
Mrs. Evelyn D. Brown – Home Address
1349 Aniwaka Street SW
Atlanta, GA. 30311
404-755-7170

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, WMC President

A General Prayer for the CME Church

Dear Lord:

We come to you for forgiveness and seek the ultimate trust of your will upon our lives. Search our hearts and remind us of our dependency upon you. If we have neglected you we ask for a greater desire and reliance upon you to be our priority as your people. Father remind us through the demonstrations of your divinity that you are still sovereign and your promises are true. If we have dishonored you in any way bring conviction upon us and abolish the pride that has shackled us to the uncertainties of our own agendas. Garner in us a greater resolve to consult you in the matters of our kingdom building and never relinquish our desire to seek your face in all things. Father we need you to be our restorer. 

Please let us recognize your unfathomable presence that is available to be released upon us if we only surrender to you in everything. Direct each and every church in our connection Lord to prioritize your presence in our worship experience in a manner never seen before. May our connection be enhanced by the embodiment of undiluted praise and worship. Wherever their is despondency let it be replaced with the spiritual sightings of your uplifting Grace. Grant all of our leaders the necessary humility and dependency upon you and you alone for direction and guidance in everything they do. Keep us all rooted and grounded in you. 

Place the burden of righteousness upon our shoulders as we seek not to tear down but to build up your kingdom. May the issues of our lives that have become strongholds no longer overpower us but allow us to recognize the strongholds that empower us. Bring us to the point that you are our fortress and refuge and our salvation from the enemies of doubt and fear that assail us (paraphrase Psalm 27:1). Despite what we see and know you are still God let us never, never forget that upon this rock you said I will build my church. This rock we rely upon now and forever more. Bless now all your humble servants and congregations that need to hear from you. We pray with passion and gratitude that you hear us even now.

In Jesus Name we Trust and Believe

Amen and Amen

Dr. Jerome Mcneil,Jr.
Denominational Prayer Coordinator C. M. E. Church

Official Announcement from The College of Bishops

(Double click to expand)

Loss of Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr.
Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr., the father of Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III and
Rev. Pansy Washington, passed on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. The funeral
arrangements are as follows:
Memorial Service:
Thursday, July 3, 2008
St. Phillips CME Church
1920 Lillie St
Fort Myers, FL 33916
239-334-2987

Funeral Service:
Saturday, July 5, 2008 / 11:00 AM
Phillips CME Church
200 Davis Circle SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-534-2007

Mortuary:
Royal Funeral Home, Inc.
4315 Oakwood Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35810
256-534-8481

The family requests that in lieu of flowers any donations should be made to:
Helping Hands Scholarship Fund
in the name of Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr.
Miles College of Institutional Planning & Development
P. O. Box 3800
Birmingham, AL 35209

Please keep the Reddick family in your prayers.

Passing of Mr. Leonard Hinton
Dear Members:

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the Passing of Mr. Leonard Hinton the husband of the Mrs. Linda Hinton Missionary President - Central Texas Region.

The Funeral will be Saturday July 5, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Benson Memorial CME Church
211 Ellis Street
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
Telephone: 903-568-3331
or 903-592-7037

FUNERAL HOME
Mercy McGowan - 415 North main Street
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Telephone Number: 903-586-4698 - Fax# 903-586-3682

Mrs. Linda Hinton - Central Texas Region Missionary President
404 Selman
Jacksonville, TX. 75766
Telephone Number: 903-586-1389

Please send condolence to Linda and keep her close in your Prayers.


Rejoice,

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb
Women's Missionary Council President

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

Congratulations Dr. Stevie McKinney. Dallas, TX—On May 17, 2008, the Doctor of Ministry Degree was conferred upon Rev. Stevie D. McKinney from Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University) in Dallas, Texas. The commencement sermon was delivered by Bishop William B. Oden of the United Methodist Church at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Bishop Oden challenged the students in his message to remain faithful and stand strong in the face of opposition.
Dr. Stevie D. McKinney's area of study was Parish Leadership. The title of his professional project (dissertation) was "Are the Leadership Styles of Jesus, as Reflected in the Gospels, Applicable for Christian Lay Leaders that Work Both in Congregations and Small Businesses?" Dr. McKinney's goal is to use this model of leadership as a tool to enhance and strengthen leadership styles within the church. Dr. McKinney's professional team consisted of Dr. Evelyn L. Parker, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Perkins School of Theology (SMU); Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; Dr. Paul W. Gardner, pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church, Augusta, GA; and Mrs. Delores T. Roberts of Warner Robins, GA.
Dr. McKinney is currently serving as pastor of the Lane Chapel CME Church in Tupelo, MS. On the Sunday following his graduation, we, the Lane Chapel Church family, honored Dr. McKinney with a congratulatory reception to show our love and support in his academic accomplishments. Dr. McKinney has already written one book "When Shepherd and Sheep Walk Together" (2002) and is currently working on a second book. Dr. McKinney is the husband of Deborah (Doss) McKinney and the father of Savannah Renee McKinney.
Submitted by Lane Chapel CME Church family.

CME Calender of Events
June 22-25, 2008: West Tennessee Region Annual Conference, Greenwood CME, Memphis, TN; Dr. Travis Robinson, host pastor.
June 22-25, 2008: South-Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Reeves Temple CME, Lake Charles, LA; Rev. Dr. H. Leon Williams, host pastor and presiding elder.
June 29-July 2, 2008: Arkansas Region Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR.
June 30-July 4, 2008: North Central Alabama Annual Conference Holiday Inn, Sheffield, AL; Rev. David Whittaker, Rev. James Coffey, and Rev. Sarah Williamson, host pastors.
July 7-11, 2008: Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences, Orlando, Florida - Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary.
NEW DATE!! Aug. 3-6, 2008: Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Shreveport, LA.
July 14-15, 2008: Florida Region Annual Conference, Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Orlando, FL - Rev. Dr. Vaneese Burns, host pastor.
July 20-23, 2008: Mississippi-South Region Annual Conference, Regency Hotel, Jackson, MS; Rev. Dr. Charles Holbrook, host pastor (Lynch Street CME, Jackson, MS.)
July 20 - 25, 2008 (New Date) - Michigan-Indiana Region Annual Conference, hosted by The Carter Memorial CME Church, Gary, IN, Holiday Inn Matteson, 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson, Illinois 60443 (708) 747-3500
July 21-25, 2008: Southeast Alabama Region Annual Conference, Phillips Temple CME Church, Phenix City, AL; Rev. L H. Pitts, host pastor.
July 26-29, 2008: Oklahoma Region Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, Christ Temple, Rev. Stacey Cole, Double Tree Hotel-Tulsa Downtown, 616 West 7th St., Tulsa, OK; 918-587-8000.
July 27-30, 2008: North-East Region Annual Conference, Ramada Summit Hotel, Tupelo, MS; Rev. Stevie McKinney, host pastor (Lane Chapel CME, Tupelo, MS).
July 28-August 1, 2008: Birmingham Region Annual Conference, Anniston City Meeting Center/Murray Temple CME Church, Anniston, AL; Rev. Jermaine Marshall, host pastor.
August 3 - 8, 2008 (New Date) - Southeast Missouri, Illinois, & Wisconsin Region Annual Conference, hosted by The Jamison Memorial CME Church, St. Louis, MO. Held at The Renaissance St. Louis Hotel Airport
9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri, Ph. (314) 429-1100.
August 10-13, 2008: Northern California Region Annual Conference, St. Peter CME, El Cerrito, CA; Rev. Frederick Taylor, Hilton Gardens Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge, 1800 Powell St., Emeryville, CA 94608; 510-658-9300.
August 24-27, 2008: Southern California Region Annual Conference, Amos Temple CME, Riverside, CA; Rev. Julio Andujo, Conf. site is Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange St., Riverside, CA, 951-346-4700; lodging, Riverside Marriott, 3400 Market St., Riverside, CA; 951-784-8000.
September 30 - October 4, 2008: 22nd CME Convocation, Knoxville, TN.
October 23-24, 2008: One Church One School, 13th Annual Partnership Conference, Sheraton Dallas North Hotel, Dallas, TX, Christian Chapel CME Temple of Faith, host church; Rev. Jerome McNeil, host pastor.
October 31 - November 1, 2008: - Kansas-Missouri Region Winter Council, hosted by St. Peter CME Church, Kansas City, KS
Nov 6-8, 2008: Arizona New Mexico Mid-Winter Meeting, Phillips Chapel, Tucson, AZ.
November 7-8, 2008 - Michigan-Indiana Region Winter Council, Hosted by St. Luke CME Church, Saginaw, MI
Nov 13-14, 2008: Oklahoma Mid-Winter Meeting, St John Oklahoma City, OK.
November 14 - 15, 2008 - Southeast Missouri, Illinois & Wisconsin Region Winter Council, hosted by Coleman-Wright CME Church, St. Louis, MO
Nov 20-21, 2008: Alaska Pacific Mid-Winter Meeting, Allen Temple, Portland OR.
Dec. 4-5, 2008: Northern and Southern California Mid- Winter Meeting, Curry Temple, Compton, CA; Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside.

Loss of Mrs. Mayola Almond. We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Mayola Almond
(mother of Dr. Elfreda Lakey)

Funeral Services are confirmed for:
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
New Doves Creek Baptist Church
1000 Doves Creek Church Drive
Highway 72 (Athens Highway)
Elberton, GA 30635
(706) 213-0096

Arrangements entrusted to:
McKinney-Neal Mortuary
227 Campbell Street
Elberton, GA 30635-2141
(706) 283-5702
Toll free: (800) 232-3537
Fax: (706) 886-7698
http://msnfuneralhome.com

Local Florist:
Woodson Florist & Vintage
www.woodsonflorist.com
620 Elbert St
Elberton, GA 30635
(706) 283-4061

Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
515 East Suwanee Street - P. O. Box 7
Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750
Telephone: (229) 423-7785
www.cmefitzgerald.org

Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Dumas, Pastor
Rev. Robert L. Yarbrough, Presiding Elder
Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey, Presiding Prelate

Fratina McCraney 1st runner up in Cotillion Court
Fratina McCraney, daughter of Mrs. Joyce Dyer of Omaha, Ne, was recently first runner-up in the royal court for the 49th Annual Cotillion Ball sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of the Links. Twenty area high school seniors shared "Emeralds: Gems of the Future," Sunday, April 27, 2008, as they made their debut. Her cousin, Mr. Tyrone Minton, presented her and Mr. Jordan Nauden was her escort.
Fratina attends Omaha Northwest High School, where she is a three-time letter-winner in track and field, and participates in swimming and volleyball.
She is an honor roll student. She is a recipient of the Omaha Public School African American Achievement Award, Native American Achievement Award, Outstanding Seniors of Nebraska Award, and a Rotary Club of Omaha Honor Roll student. Her community service includes Salvation Army Summer fun Camp volunteer, Ruth K. Solomon member and volunteer, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Fratina is a member of Cleaves Temple CME Church (Omaha, Ne), where Rev. T. Marcellus Thomas is pastor.
She serves as the president of the youth usher board, treasurer of the CYF, church school secretary, youth choir secretary, and member of the mass and youth choirs. Fratina has participated on the Region level of the Christian Youth Fellowship of the Kansas-Missouri Region, 3rd Episcopal District, where she has held numerous offices.
She will attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri to pursue her career of becoming a Family Law attorney. Congratulations Fratina!

Dr. W.R. Johnson. The funeral service for Dr. W.R. Johnson, former General Secretary of Christian Education, is scheduled for 11 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at the Phillips Temple CME Church, 971 East 43 Street, Los Angeles, CA. Arrangements have been given to the Englewood Park Funeral Home.

Please keep Eleanor Johnson, Malcolm (his youngest son) and the rest of the family in your prayers. More information on arrangements is forthcoming.

Juanita Bryant, CME Executive Secretary

Dr. William R. Johnson. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson, Jr., who passed away early Thursday morning, May 15, 2008, after a lengthy illness.

Bill, as he was lovingly known by many, was a pastor of many years. He was also a past General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-San Diego District of the Southern California Region, 9th Episcopal Disrict. He will be greatly missed.

No additional information is available regarding funeral arrangements.

Passing of Rev. Matthew Trim. Rev. Matthew Trim, pastor of St. Stephen's CME in Valley, AL and former presiding elder of the Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District, received his eternal reward on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at St. Frances Hospital in Columbus, GA. Mrs. Trim may be contacted at 706-687-4215. Her address is 4481 Moline Ave., Columbus, GA 31907

The Loss of Mr. Jesse Parker

Christian Friends:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Honorable Mr. Jesse Parker on Saturday evening, May 3, 2008 at his home in Hattiesburg, MS. Mr. Parker was Lay Leader of the South MS. Conference and a former member of the Judicial Council of the C.M.E. Church. Please keep his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Parker, and his children, Dr. Evelyn Parker of Dallas, Tx, and his son Maurice of Hattiesburg and the rest of his family in our prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

Family Hour 
Thursday, May 8, 2008, 7PM 

St. James C.M.E. Church 
705 Country Club Road 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 545-7827 
Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller 

Homegoing Service

Friday, May 9, 2008, 11 AM

St. James CME Church

705 Country Club Road

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 545-7827

Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller

The body of Mr. Jesse Parker has been entrusted to: 

Century Funeral Home 
622 New Orleans Street 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 583-1761 

Cards and Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Geraldine Parker

405 E. Scooba St.

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 544-3336

Submitted by Pene' G. Woods

(Click on image to view announcement.)

Dr. George Thacker. Services for Dr. George Thacker will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Mother Liberty CME Church, Jackson, TN. The family visitation (wake) will occur on Friday, April 25, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Chambers-McClure Academic Center (CMAC).

Mr. Thacker was a brother of Omega Psi Phi. The Omega service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday,
April 25. The lineup for Omega brothers will commence at 6:30 p.m. This, too, will occur at CMAC.

The address for Stephenson-Shaw Funeral Home is 807 N. Hays Avenue. The local telephone number is 731.427.7411. 

Funeral of Mr. Morris Cannon. Please be prayerful for Rev. and Mrs. David Hoey of the Shreveport District. Mrs. Shelita Hoey’s father, Mr. Morris Cannon, Sr. will be funeralized on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10 AM at Calvary Tabernacle CME Church, 3629 Dryades Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

Arrangements for Mr. B.F. Johnson
(Husband of Mrs. Katie M. Johnson)
The Homegoing Services will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 1:00PM with Family Viewing at 10:00A.M. and Public Viewing from
11 AM -1 PM
at
Blackmon Temple CME Church
423 South Carson Road
Carson, MS 39427
601-943-6631
Pastor Wilhemina Winston, officiating
Rev. V.T. Thompson, eulogist
Body has been entrusted to J & M Funeral Home, Al Gray, director
732 Dixie Avenue,
Mendenhall, MS 39114
601-847-2911
*In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in memory of Mr. Johnson to the Blackmon Temple CME Church
*If flowers are sent please have them sent to the Church.

Greater Cleaves goes 'old fashion' for Black History Month 
Oklahoma City, OK—Sister Carolyn Harris coordinated the Black History month celebration at Greater Cleaves, under the direction of Pastor Bobby R. Best.
The 2008 Black History month's theme was, "The Origin of Multiculturalism." The main effort was to show that multiculturalism of today had its origin in the struggles of African Americans to have their cultural contributions recognized by American society. In breaking through the monocultural vision of America, African Americans were at the foundation of multiculturalism in America. With acceptance of Black people and black culture, other cultures found a way of gaining acceptance, as prefaced by Sister Harris.
Each Sunday during the month of February, a Black History Trivia form was placed in the church bulletin. The insert consisted of trivia questions regarding Black's contributions to American society. Church members had the opportunity to take the trivia question home and return the completed form with the correct answers the following Sunday, The winner from the previous Sunday was announced during the 11 AM service and received a $10 gift certificate.
Inspirational speakers were chosen from the membership not to exceed 10 minutes, focusing on the following topics:
The contribution of Blacks to the arts-Brother Johnny Swanson Men's Department
The contribution of Blacks to Health and Science-Brother Jeff Darby, Young Adult Department
The contribution of Blacks In Religion- Ishmail Parker, Youth Department.
The contribution of Blacks In Education- Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks, Women's Department
The second Sunday in February was designated as African Dress Sunday. Members and visitors were encouraged to express their pride by dressing likewise.
The third Sunday of the month was the Ushers Annual Tea and Fashion show.
Fields to Factories Sunday was the culmination of the celebration. Members and visitors dressed in clothing that depicted the late 1800's - early 1900's. Old time items were displayed, items that were passed down by ancestors. A soul food dinner was served following the 11 service.
The Langston University Choral Choir, Langston, Oklahoma, under the direction of Ms. Bonita Franklin, accompanied by Mr. William Brackeen, was in concert, starting at 4 PM. A full meal was served to the choir following the concert. An information insert in the concert program gave brief commentaries on African American composers whose music or arrangements were used.
The pastor and membership applauded Sister Harris for a job well done and for the high quality of activities of the month. Rev. Dr. Bobby R. Best, pastor; Pearl Reese, reporter.

"He is not here; he has risen,

 just as he said."

Matthew 28:6 

Happy Easter 

from 

The Christian Index 

and 

The Christian Index Online 

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones

Editor

CME Student Joy Martin Studying at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rouen
Joy Michelle Martin, a junior at Indiana University Bloomington's Kelley School of Business, will be studying at the Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Rouen in Rouen, France in the spring of 2008. This is one of France's small, elite grandes ecoles. Her primary department affiliation will be the Institut de Formation Internationale, an undergraduate school of international business. Joy is a member of Laymen Chapel CME Church in South Bend, Indiana. Rev. Terrell A. Jackson is her pastor. She is the daughter of Josephine Thomas who recently transferred from Laymen Chapel to St. John CME Church in Akron Ohio, where Rev. Arthur S. Green is the pastor.
Joy is a 4.0 graduate of Penn High School in Mishawaka, Indiana, where she was a top student in her class of over 600 graduates. She played trombone in the marching band and also used her talents in the 2000 Youth and Young Adult Conference Orchestra. She is currently a member of the Indiana University Marching Hundred band which was the top NCAA marching band in 2006. Joy has a full academic scholarship to study at Indiana University, where she is studying Marketing, along with minors in French and Psychology. She is member of the honors college and maintains a 3.57 grade point average.
At Laymen, Joy was a member of the children's choir, junior usher board and Sunday School, where she served as secretary. She was a member of the CYF and the youth team which took top honors in the Gary district Jammin' for Jesus competition. She was also the recipient of a Harold D. Watson scholarship given by the Michigan Indiana Conference Lay Department.

Morning Chapel is Technology Driven. Technology has become a vital part of our daily lives from ATM machines on every comer to PDAs and smart phones. Everyone has contact with technology in today's world. Computer technology continues to change each second with enhancements, improvements and new products. With millions of homes having at least one computer, there are still individuals who are not equipped with the knowledge of how to use a personal computer. Morning Chapel CME Church in Fort Worth, TX, where Rev. Manuel Henderson is the pastor, has taken the initiative in bridging the technology gap by providing various computer classes and an open computer lab for the church family and the community to utilize. Morning Chapel has a fully equipped computer lab for instructional teaching and general use. All of the computer equipment was donated by two companies, church and community individuals.
The classes that have been conducted are: Introduction to Computers, Introduction and Intermediate Word, Introduction Access, and Internet Basics. Participants in the classes vary in age, from young to not so young. Each person who has participated in the classes has taken a wealth of knowledge with them which enables them to be more productive in using the computer.
The computer lab has also been incorporated with the church's vacation bible school. The lab was introduced to the children's department. The class was a hit with the children's department, they enjoyed the opportunity to use the computer and learn about the bible at the same time.
The ability to have a computer lab within the church has allowed the members to have complete access to a computer and all available resources. The computer lab is just one step in allowing the church to be a vital part of the community.

Loss of Birmingham Region Missionary President Lula M. Bowden
The Funeral Services for Ms. Lula M. Bowden, Birmingham Region Missionary President is as follows:

Funeral Home

Arrington Funeral Home
520 Cotton Avenue S.W.
Birmingham, Alabam 35211
Phone Number: 205-786-6288
Fax Number -205-786-2050

Please send all condolences to the Funeral Home.

Visitation will be Friday February 22, 2008 from 1:00pm-8:00pm

Funeral Service will be Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Metropolitan CME Church
1600 Avenue K. Ensley
Birmingham, ALabama 35218
Phone Number 205-787-3295
Rev. George P. Hill Jr. Pastor

Attention All Missionaries please wear white for the Funeral Service.

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, President of the Women's Missionary Council

California One Church One School 11th Annual 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Keepers Workshop 

Over 200 children, youth and adults attended the One Church One School (OCOS) 11th Annual Dream Keepers Workshop on Monday, January 21, 2008. The workshop was located in the Southern California Region of the 9th Episcopal District where OCOS Founder Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. is presiding prelate.
Calvary CME, Pasadena, CA, Rev. Byron Smith, Sr., pastor, hosted the workshop and gave leadership to the theme, "Remember, Celebrate, Act: A Day On, Not a Day Off." First Lady Mrs. Jill Smith served as the program coordinator.
One Church One School has modeled the Dream Keepers Workshop for th[Photo]e past 10 years. The format includes a general session (Harambee), age specific small group sessions, a feedback session and lunch. The curriculum includes the life, work (civil rights movement; six principles of nonviolence) and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Instructional materials published by OCOS support the curriculum. An additional component this year was an adult class taught by Bishop Williamson.
Children and youth (PreK, K-12th grade) came from churches throughout the Southern California Region to learn about Dr. King. In addition, Pastor Smith invited Pasadena city officials and other leaders to participate in this historic experience.
Pasadena's mayor, chief of police, council persons, commissioners, NAACP president, interdenominational ministerial leadership and other community members were in attendance. Bishop Williamson remarked that the variety of denominations, ethnic, professional and age groups was a realization of the dream of Dr. King.
Mrs. Phedonia Johnson, OCOS Director, expressed her appreciation to the dynamic and diverse instructional team that included members of the host church, Calvary CME, other CME churches in the Southern California Region, a Los Angeles County judge, the director of the Boys and Girls Club, staff and students from Claremont School of Theology.
One Church One School expresses its gratitude to the officers and members of Calvary CME Church, Pastor and Mrs. Smith and the Pasadena community for carrying out the legacy of Dr. King, the mission of OCOS Dream Keepers Workshop and significantly enhancing the lives of our children, youth and their families.
For more information about implementing the Dream Keepers Workshop, please call the OCOS office at (773) 651-0071.

The Historic Appointment of Presiding Elder Wilma Walden. Rev. Wilma Haynes Walden was appointed Presiding Elder of the Southeast District, East Tennessee Region of the 1st Episcopal District. This appointment makes Rev. Walden the first female to hold such a position in the history of the CME Church in the State of Tennessee, and in the 50-year history of the Southeast District.
Senior Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., appointed Rev. Walden to this historic appointment during the Tennessee Fall Reporting Meeting on October 20, 2007, at historic Mother Liberty CME Church, Jackson, TN.
She received her early education in her hometown of Henry, TN, and is a graduate of Central High School in Paris, TN. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethel College, McKenzie, TN. Further, she graduated from the Citizens Academy of the Knoxville Police Department, the Knoxville Police Chaplain Corps, the Community Action Committee, and the Knoxville Leadership class. Moreover, she has participated in many training institutions, workshops and courses of the CME Church.
She has three children: Steven (Sheila) Walden, Charissa (Al) Cobb, and Chadwick Walden; eight grandchildren, and a number of “adopted” children and grandchildren.
Rev. Walden accepted her call to preach in 1969 in Asheboro, NC. She began her pastorate in May 1976 when Bishop John Madison Exum appointed her as supply pastor to Hope Hill CME Church in Milan, TN. At the Annual Conference in August of that same year, she was appointed the Pastor of Hope Hill and Hullum Temple (Rutherford, TN) at the recommendation of the late Presiding Elder R.E. Honeysuckle, then Presiding Elder of the Brownsville/ Dyersburg District. In 1978, Rev. Walden was appointed to the Medina Circuit. Her pastoral journey led her to St. James in Dresden, TN, in 1980. She returned to her hometown of Henry in 1995 to pastor Coles Chapel. From there, in 1998, she moved to the extreme eastern part of Southeast District to lead her current charge, Mattie E. Coleman CME Church, Knoxville, where she also organized a Mission at the Isabella Towers Apartment Complex.
She has served the Church in many capacities; most notable as a delegate to General Conferences and as Chairperson of the Annual Conference’s Committee on Ministry for the East Tennessee Region. Presiding Elder Walden is a much sought after speaker, training facilitator, and worship and praise team leader – she is a gifted gospel singer.
Presiding Elder Walden sets a precedent for other firsts: the first female CME preacher to be committed in Full Connection in Tennessee; the first female to serve as chairperson of the East Tennessee Region’s Annual Conference’s Committee on Ministry; the first Black female to be elected to the Board of Alderman in Milan (Gibson County); and the first Black female to be appointed secretary to the United Way Board (Knoxville).
She also serves the City of Knoxville as Chaplain with the Police Department, as well as being employed with the Public Schools system. Moreover, she has served her country in the United States Army, stationed at West Point, NY.
Her commitment to the work of the Kingdom and strong work ethic are hallmarks of her life. She exudes a great love for God, children, people and the Church. Members of the Southeast District are blessed that she is their District Shepherd.

Loss of Rev. Al Jones

The Ninth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is saddened to announce the passing of Rev. Al Jones, Presiding Elder Emeritus of the Arizona District in the Arizona-New Mexico Region. Rev. Jones passed on January 23, 2008. Rev. Jones provided many years of leadership and service in our great Zion!

The Wake and Funeral Service are as follows.

Phillips Chapel CME Church
122 West 4th Street
Tucson, AZ 85705
Telephone number: 502-623-6654
Rev. Brian Reese, Pastor

The Wake will be held on
Thursday, January 31, 2008
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM

The Funeral Service will be on
Friday, February 1, 2008, 11:00 AM

The family is be assisted by
South Lawn Cemetery and Mortuary
5401 South Park Avenue
Tucson, AZ

Please keep Mrs. Junia Jones and the entire Jones' family in your prayers. You may contact Mrs. Jones at 5011 S. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85706. Telephone: 520-741-7325

Submitted by Theresa Duhart