Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Apology for Omissions in
April issue of
The Christian Index

They say that whenever you start calling names you always get in trouble because invariably someone will be left out. So, I profusely apologize to my colleague, Dr. W.C. Champion, General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions (8th Episcopal District), and Dr. Joseph Gardner, pastor of Hays Tabernacle CME in Los Angeles, CA (9th Episcopal District), for omitting their names listed among the candidates for bishop in my editorial of the April issue of The Christian Index. Please know that it was an error of omission and certainly not commission.

Additionally, Ms. Estelle Brookes of Memphis, TN, recently announced her candidacy for General Secretary of Finance (CFO) of the CME Church. That announcement had not occurred at the time of the printing of the April 2010 Christian Index.

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor

Friday, May 21, 2010

Arrangements for a true friend
And Missionary Mildred A. White

Mrs. Mildred A. White (former Missionary President of the East Tennessee Region) passed away on May 19th, 2010, at 8:30 p.m. at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Please keep her daughter, Denise, and her two brothers in your prayers.


Visitation Schedule: (Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah location)
Friday, May 21st, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Saturday, May 22nd, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Saturday, May 22nd, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Graham Chapel CME Church


Home Going Services:
Saturday, May 22nd, 1:00 PM
Graham Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
600 Clifton Road
Savannah, Tennessee 38372-9200 (731) 925-3445
Pastor, Reverend Gallian Fulton


Interment: Shiloh National Park Cemetery
Her Body has been entrusted to: Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah
450 Church Street, Savannah, Tn 38372
(731) 925-4000 Office Line; (731) 925-4444 Info
(731) 926-2425 Fax Line Website: www.shackelforddirectors.com


Cards and condolences can be sent to the funeral home or the White residence at:
120 Handy Street, Savannah, TN 38372; (731) 925-5732

Submitted by WMC President Dr. Elnora P. Hamb

Monday, May 17, 2010

Fasting In Preparation for
The General Conference

Dear Saints:

Elmer Towns in his book Spiritual Breakthrough through Fasting outlines these fasts to consider. Please select your area of concern as we approach the General Conference. Along with the Specific prayers for the days, select periods to fast as the Lord directs. We pray his blessings upon the efforts of all in this Zion as we seek the face of God.

Outlining nine different types of fasts, Towns uses Isaiah 58 as the springboard for understanding why we need to fast and how to approach our fasts. He chose nine biblical characters whose lives personified the literal or figurative theme of each of nine aspects of fasting highlighted in Isaiah 58:6-8. "These suggested fasts are models to use and adjust to your own particular needs and desires as you seek to grow closer to God."

The nine fast patterns are:

The Disciple's Fast: Fasting for freedom from addiction
The Ezra Fast: Fasting to solve problems
The Samuel Fast: Fasting to win people to Christ
The Elijah Fast: Fasting to break crippling fears
The Widow's Fast: Fasting to provide for the needy
The Saint Paul Fast: Fasting for insight and decision making
Daniel Fast: Fasting for health and physical healing
The John the Baptist Fast: Fasting for an influential testimony
The Esther Fast: Fasting for protection from the evil one.

In His Name,

Dr. Jerome McNeil
Prayer Coordinator
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Funeral Arrangements for
Mrs. Denetta Hubbard

Arrangements for the widow of the late former presiding elder of the Columbus-Meridian District, Rev. Wesley Hubbard are as follows.

Family Hour:
Monday 6-7 p.m.
Berry & Gardner Funeral Homes
www.berryandgardner.com
1300 34th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301-3615
(601) 485-8521

Funeral Service:
Tuesday, at 1 PM
Newell Chapel CME Church
1400 13th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
Ph: 601-483-2315
Elder James M. Paige, Pastor

Please keep the Hubbard Family in your
prayers. Submitted by Pene' Woods.


Monday, May 10, 2010

116th Church Anniversary
And Mortgage Burning
At Israel Metropolitan CME, Greenville, SC
On Sunday, April 11, 2010, God showed His Greatness and Mercy to the Israel Metropolitan CME Church, Greenville, SC, with its theme “Celebrating the Goodness of the Lord in 2010” in observing its 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning for both the Church and the Parsonage, under the dynamic leadership of the renowned Rev. Dr. J.J. THUNDERBOLT Jackson, III. We held week-long celebrations like none other in the history of the church.
Our celebration officially began Wednesday, April 7th, with a Prayer Vigil and Memorial Service chaired by Mrs. Carrie M. Sullivan, chairman of the Prayer Committee. Special Prayer Ships were given, such as Relationship, Sis. Mary W. Jackson, Discipleship, Bro. Ray Chappell, Membership, Sis. JoAnn Rainey, Worship, Sis. Brenda Springs, Leadership, Sis. Carrie Sullivan, Stewardship, Sis. Cheryl Berry and Mentorship, Bro. Hiram Springle. The music was rendered by the Combined Choirs and a solo was performed by Sis. Annie Cureton. Rev. Jackson spoke words of encouragement to us as he spoke from the subject, “Promises for Believers,” taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. As always, our pastor preached a powerful word.
Sunday morning was certainly the day the LORD had made with Israel in His plans 116 years ago when the first foundation was laid. The program was beautifully outlined by Program chairperson, Sis. Cheryl Berry. A processional, led by the Combined Choirs, began promptly at 11 a.m., and Rev. Jackson served as the Worship Leader. The pastor used his gavel to officially declare the 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Celebration. Call to Worship was given by Rev. Robert Chandler, followed by the Hymn of Praise, “Lead Me, Guide Me.” The Affirmation of Faith was led by Robert Morrow, a member of the Children's Department. The Prayer of Praise was given by Bro. Calvin Williams, chairman of the Steward Board, followed by the Scripture, St. Matthew 16:13-19, read by Sis. Gail McBee.
The never seen before, very unique Welcome Address was administered by the Children’s Department. This was one of the many highlights of our celebration. Mrs. Lavelle Marshall gave the Response. Church historian, Sis Eunice Coakley, gave a brief synopsis of the church History.
Special proclamations were presented to Israel from Mayor of Greenville Knox White, Greenville County Council Member the Honorable Xanthene Norris, and South Carolina State Senator Ralph Anderson. The Honorable Lottie Gibson from the Greenville County Council was also in attendance, along with numerous other guests and visitors.
The appreciation of visitors and announcement were given by Bro. Jon Michael Harmon, and a powerful Ministry in Dance was performed by Israel Praise Dancers who represented the Youth Department. The Prayer of Deliverance was given by Rev. Samuel Moses. The Introduction of the Speaker was given by our Pastor Rev Dr. J. J. Jackson III, followed by a selection from the Choir.
The speaker for this monumental occasion was Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., the 48th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Hoyt brought a message to Israel that will long be remembered. He reminded us of our Methodist Doctrine and certain guidelines and principals as Methodists we are called upon to adhere to.
Following the Invitation to Discipleship, The Historic Ministry of the Mortgage Burning Ritual for the Church and the Parsonage began. This was a very solemn ceremony for it marked the retiring of tremendous debt that was now behind us and for that “TO GOD BE THE GLORY.”
The Words of Appreciation were then expressed and special presentations were given by the General chairperson, Sister Jacqueline L. Clark and Co-chairperson Bro. Charles Vereen. Rev. Dr. Jackson gave the Pastoral Remarks and following the Doxology the Benediction was given by Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
The Israel Church family and guest journeyed to the Freetown Community Center to enjoy a delicious catered meal hosted by the Hospitality Committee chaired by Sis. Georgia Crawley. A beautiful Souvenir Journal chaired by Sis. Mary W. Jackson was distributed to members and friends of Israel who supported and purchased ads. The fellowship and food was heartwarming as this brought to a climax the end of a glorious day and one that will longed be remembered as we celebrated our Historic 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration.
Special thanks are also given to our Finance Committee Chair, Sis. Kimberly Smith-Publicity Chairperson, Sis. Randolyn Harmon, Trustee Board Chairman, Bro. Michael Harmon, Music Chair, Bro. Mark Brock and all Committee Members, Church Members and everyone who helped to make this celebration a huge success.
Respectfully Submitted by Mrs. Jacqueline L. Clark, Genera, chairperson, Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration. Photo shows Dr. and Mrs. J.J. Jackson and Bishop and Mrs. Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

Wednesday, May 05, 2010


40 Day Prayer Calendar for the General Conference