Arrangements for Mrs Julius F. Goodman

This is to inform you of the death of Sis. Cathy Goodman's mother, Mrs. Julius F. Goodman, on Thursday, February 24. The funeral will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 1, at Bruce Chapel CME Church, Bruce, MS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Belle Memorial Funeral Home, 138 Washington Street, Bruce, MS  38915.

The phone number is 662-983-7778. If additional information is needed, please call Sis. Cathy at 601-927-9479.

Please share this information with other members and friends across the Connection, and do remember the Goodman family when you pray. Thank you.

Submitted by Gloria Scott

Passing of Bro. James Waugh
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The following information was disseminated this morning.

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mr. James Waugh, husband of Rev. Ulyee Waugh of the Florida Region and father of Rev. Mark J. Hill, pastor of Cleaves Memorial CME Church in Denver, Colorado, Kansas-Missouri Region.

The service will be held at Noon on Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at:
Mount Olive CME Church
745 Woods Avenue
Orlando, FL  32805
Rev. Jermaine Marshall, Pastor
407-425-7303

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Postell’s Mortuary
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
407-295-3857
407-295-0307 Fax (Condolences may be faxed to this phone number)
Toll Free 1-866-Postell (767-8355)

Condolences may also be sent to the family at 381 Iowa Wood Circle West, Orlando, FL 32824.

Please keep the Waugh Family in prayer during this time of bereavement.


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

Celebration of Life of Mrs. Charlee McNeil
The “Too Blessed to be Stressed” Celebration Service for Mrs. Charlee McNeil, the mother of Dr. Jerome E. McNeil, Jr., Pastor of Christian Chapel Temple Of Faith CME Church (Dallas, Texas) and the Connectional Prayer Coordinator of the CME Church, will be held on:

Friday, February 25, 2011, 11 AM
Christian Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church
14120 Noel Road
Dallas, TX 75254
972-239-1120

Reflections may be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCTOF .

Please be in prayer for Pastor McNeil and his family.


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

Services for Mrs. Irma Brown
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Irma Brown, the sister of Mrs. Yvonne Gilmore and sister-in-law of Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore.

Funeral Services:
Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Mount Tabor Baptist Church
2102 Cambridge Avenue
Greenwood, SC  29646
Phone: (864) 229-0723

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Robinson & Son Mortuary
534 Maxwell Avenue
Greenwood, SC  29646
Phone: (864) 223-5125
Fax: (864) 223-3405

Condolences may be sent to Bishop and Mrs. Gilmore at 683 Beacontree Court, Concord, NC  28027

Please keep the Gilmore and Brown families in your prayers that God will provide the strength they need during this time of bereavement.


Linda K. Whitlock
President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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

Information to Assist Persons Traveling into Tennessee 
for the Funeral Services of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The following information from the First Episcopal District Office (Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate) may be helpful to persons traveling into Tennessee for the funeral services (or family hour) for Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, the wife of our General Secretary of Christian Education, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield.

For Persons Flying into Memphis, Tennessee:
(1)-Memphis is approximately 90 miles from Jackson.
(2)-Hotel/Motel Possibilities:    

Memphis Marriott East
2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Memphis TN  38118
901-369-5960; 800-228-9290
Rate:  $89.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Memphis Marriott Downtown
250 N Main St
Memphis TN  38103
901-527-7300
Rate:  $89.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Peabody Hotel
149 Union Avenue
Memphis TN  38103
901-529-4000
Rate:  $109.00 plus taxes

For Persons Flying into Nashville, Tennessee:
(1)-Nashville is approximately 120 miles from Jackson.
(2)-Hotel/Motel Possibilities:

Holiday Inn
1111 Airport Center Dr
Nashville TN
615-883-1366
Rate:  $79.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

In Jackson, Tennessee:
Hotel/Motel Possibilities:        
Jameson Inn
1292 Vann Dr
Jackson TN  38305
731-660-8651
Rate:  $72.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Courtyard by Marriott
200 Campbell Oaks Dr
Jackson TN  38305
731-421-8151
Rate:  $109.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Funeral Home:                              
Bledsoe Funeral Home Inc
256 Middleton St
Jackson TN  38301
Telephone:  731-427-1521
Fax:  731-427-1522
Family Hour:  6 PM-8 PM – Monday, Feb 21, 2011

Church Address:                            
Mother Liberty CME Church
Rev. Dr. Daryll H. Coleman, Pastor
456 S. Highland St.
Jackson TN  38301
Telephone:  731-424-1099
Funeral Service:  11 AM – Tuesday, Feb 22, 2011


For Further Information:
Mrs. C. Denise Brooks
First Episcopal District Office
901-345-4114

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
205-515-7322


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

Arrangements for Mrs. Cora Crutchfield
Dear Connectional Members and Friends:

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, the wife of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield  who is General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education.  Mrs. Crutchfield passed on Tuesday, February 15.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Bledsoe Funeral Home
256 Middleton Street
Jackson, TN  38301
(731) 427-1521

The Family Hour is scheduled for Monday, February 21, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The life of Mrs. Crutchfield will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at:

Mother Liberty CME Church
456 S. Highland Avenue
Jackson, TN 38301
Rev. Dr. Daryll H. Coleman, Pastor
(731) 424-1099

Condolences may be sent to the family at 7 Goldmyth Cove, Jackson, TN 38305. Telephone: 731-423-9182.

Please keep Dr. Crutchfield and the family in prayer during this time of bereavement.

Yours in His Most Precious Name,

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

Sudden Loss of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield
        It is with deepest regret that I inform you of the passing of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, wife of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the CME Church.  Mrs. Crutchfield passed Tuesday night (February 15, 2010) due to complications following surgery on Tuesday morning.  Please be in prayer for Dr. Crutchfield and his family.  I will disseminate arrangements as soon as they are available.

Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
CME Church

Presiding Elder Lee Awarded at Winter Council

           On December 4, 2010, Presiding Elder Albert Lee, III received the Lucius H. Holsey Leadership Award and the Randall Carter Membership Award at the Bishop’s Winter Council at Warner Robins CME, Warner Robins, GA, where Rev. Lindsey Napier is pastor.
   The leadership award is in honor of Bishop Lucius Henry Holsey. As a leader of the denomination for the establishment of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America, Holsey traveled and ministered throughout the southern states to recruit Georgia Black Methodists to join. Other congregations in Georgia were founded under his leadership. Holsey served as the secretary of the College of Bishops for over 20 years. He was also the statistician and the corresponding secretary for the denomination. Paine College in Augusta, GA, was the brainchild of Bishop Holsey.  He was first to express an idea for the college in 1869. In 1882, Bishop Holsey and other leaders of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church founded Paine College. He also founded the Holsey Industrial Institute in Cordele, Georgia, and the Helen B. Cobb Institute for Girls in Barnesville, Georgia. (http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/4302/Holsey-Lucius-Henry-1842-1920.html)
    The membership award is in memory of Bishop Randall A. Carter who was born in Fort Valley, GA.  Before becoming Bishop, he was presiding elder in the Georgia Conference for 16 years. During his leadership, he is credited with leading the way for the purchase and building of over 250 churches that provided a haven for CME members and extended it bounds during the great migration of Afro-Americans from the South to the North after WWI (The Journal of Negro History © 1954). The awards denote that our district is represented and recognized with high esteem and honor under the leadership of Presiding Elder Albert Lee, III.
    Elder Lee was appointed presiding elder of the Elberton/Gainesville District in August of 1998. He provides leadership and guidance to 30 churches.
    As usual, Presiding Elder Lee reported round for all 30 churches on the district at the Bishop’s Winter Council.
                 Submitted by Lunita Mayfield and Hilda Stuckey.

What is Love?
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Reflections on Black History Month 

Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns

The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, in observance of Black History Month, recognizes the significant contributions made by African Americans and our denomination in the history of America. We are requesting that our local churches celebrate the achievements of the Black church and the accomplishments of the CME Church during the Sunday School and worship service hour on the Fourth Sunday of this month (February 27, 2011). A special Litany is available at:
www.c-m-e.org/Announcements/Black_History_Litany.pdf

We honor the work and legacy of Dr. Carter Woodson, who initiated the annual celebration of Black History Month to recognize the achievements of African Americans and their contributions to the world.  As we celebrate Black History, it is also important for us to remember and share the 140-year history of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  Since 1870, the CME Church has led the way in a three-fold ministry of Salvation, Education, and Liberation, and shared the good news around the world that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

We encourage our members to learn our history and read the timeless books by our living African American icons, President Barack Obama, Dr. Maya Angelou, Lerone Bennett, Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Toni Morrison, and Tavis Smiley; and our late legendary trailblazers including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Alex Haley, Dr. John Hope Franklin, Barbara Jordan, James Baldwin, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Langston Hughes.
Additionally, let us encourage our members to learn about the history of our Zion by reading such books as The Soul of the Black Preacher by Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, The History of the CME Church by Bishop Othal H. Lakey, A History of the Women’s Missionary Council of the CME Church by Dr. William C. Larkin, and The History and Heritage of African American Churches by Dr. L.H. Whelchel, Jr.
During Black History Month, let us take this opportunity to recognize President Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States, and Michelle Obama, our First Lady! We are grateful for the leadership of President Obama. His journey, values, and Christian beliefs are quite amazing, and should inspire our young people to fulfill their dreams and destiny.

Let us remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Dubois, Julian Bond, Dr. Dorothy Heights, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congressman John L. Lewis, Andrew Young, and other leaders in the civil rights movement who fought for justice, freedom and equal opportunities for African Americans.  Let us also remember the CME clergy and lay who worked with the Civil Rights movement, fought for full citizenship rights for African Americans, marched, legislated, bled and died to bring justice and freedom to our nation.

As we share our history, let us remember that nearly all of our historic Black colleges and universities were founded by the Black church and have helped us to educate millions of African Americans over the past 100 years.  Let us share our story of how the CME Church developed educational institutions after slavery, and still maintains four fully accredited colleges:  Lane (Jackson, TN); Miles (Birmingham, AL), Paine (Augusta, GA), and Texas (Tyler, TX), and one seminary, Phillips School of Theology, which is an affiliate member of the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA).

As we fight for justice, let us remember to support the abolishment of the death penalty that discriminates against minorities and the poor. After DNA testing, many minorities on death row have found to be innocent who often were imprisoned for lengthy periods of time.

The C.M.E. Church must continue to be active in ensuring the civil rights of our people and working collaboratively with organizations that fight for our human rights.  We encourage voter registration and education drives in our local churches around the United States. Additionally we encourage our members to renew their memberships in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Rainbow PUSH, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the National Urban League (NUL), the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and other affiliate organizations.

We join with Dr. Marian Wright Edelman and the Children’s Defense Fund’s mission to ensure that every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. We encourage local churches to establish One Church One School and Freedom School partnerships to nurture, strengthen and fortify our children for our global society.

We call upon President Obama, United States Congress, elected officials, and world leaders to support the humanitarian efforts to end the world crises in Haiti and Darfur.  Let us continue to support the rebuilding efforts of Haiti after its devastating earthquake, and the CME Church’s mission project to purchase water filters to provide fresh clean drinking water.  We must support every effort to end the suffering of the people of Darfur, Sudan. We are grateful for the work of Bishop Teresa Snorton, our first female Bishop, for guiding the Eleventh Episcopal District. Let us support Bishop Snorton with contributions to continue her efforts to build churches and schools, and provide health services. Additionally we are grateful to Bishop Gordon T. Umoette, our first indigenous Bishop, for his work in the Tenth Episcopal District.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. and its College of Bishops, is a 140-year old historically African American Christian denomination with more than 1.2 million members across the United States, and has missions and sister churches in Haiti, Jamaica and fourteen African nations. For additional information about the CME Church, visit
www.c-m-e.org .


Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO
Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr.
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.,
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop W. Edward Lockett
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Bishop Teresa Snorton
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette
Bishop William H. Graves, Retired
Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired
Bishop Edward Lynn Brown, Retired
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, Retired
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr., Retired
Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired
Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Retired

2011 Jamaican Annual Conference 
April 18-22, 2011 
to St. Elizabeth Island Jamaica

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III, along with a delegation of CMEs, will travel to St. Elizabeth Parish in Jamaica on April 18-22, 2011 to hold the Jamaican Annual Conference, as the First Episcopal District welcomes Jamaica to its fold (having been assigned to the First during the recent General Conference in June 2010).

This Jamaican Annual Conference will be historical.   We welcome all CMEs to join Bishop Reddick.  D and D Travel is handling all reservations for travel and rooming.  They can be reached at (276) 805-2358 to make room reservations.

We will travel with Air Tran Airline out of Memphis to Atlanta and on to Montego Bay.  Land travel will be by bus to St. Elizabeth Island.  The host hotel is Treasure Beach Hotel on the Ocean.  Rooms are $84.00 for a Garden View and $108.00 for an Ocean View.  This includes taxes and service fees. Rooms are on hold, but must be booked soon.

Round trip airfare is $492.22 out of Memphis as of 1/31/11.  Airfare payments should be made to the First Episcopal District c/o Bishop L. L. Reddick III at 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Suite 222, Memphis, TN  38116.  All airfare must be received by February 18, 2011.  Airline seats are on hold, but must be reserved soon.

If you have any questions or need further information, please call Willie Mae Willett at (901) 751-8551 or (901) 301-8097 or email her at willettw@bellsouth.net.