Dr. Hamb Sends Out Thanks for Gala Support

Dear CME Members, Missionaries and Friends,

The Gala 2011 Celebration, sponsored by the Balm in Gilead, was held last Friday evening at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Hotel in McLean, VA.  I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported and/or attended this wonderful event that paid tribute to the effective collaborative partnerships with the Balm in Gilead by the Missionary presidents of the three African American Methodist denominations: Dr. Jamesina Evans (African Methodist Episcopal Church); Dr. Barbara Shaw (African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church) and yours truly (Christian Methodist Episcopal Church).

The highlights of the Gala Celebration were the outstanding collection of songs performed with exuberance by the legendary Mr. Richard Smallwood and Vision, and the phenomenal liturgical dance performance by our own Claudina Pearl Harrison.  You may view the photographs from the Gala Celebration at The Christian Index Online (thanks to Dr. Kenneth E. Jones).

Many thanks to Dr. Pernessa Seele, CEO of the Balm in Gilead, for her leadership and vision for the Gala 2011 Celebration, and my family for their support and attendance.  I am grateful that four of our CME Bishops were in attendance at the Celebration: Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Patron Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III,  Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Chair of the CME College of Bishops, and Retired Bishop William H. Graves, Sr.   Thanks to all of our Presiding Prelates and Episcopal Districts for their support.  I am grateful for the sponsorships that were provided by the Seventh Episcopal District; General Officers of the CME Church; Women's Missionary Council Executive Committee; Lane College; the Missionary Societies of the First Episcopal District, Fourth Episcopal District, Carolinas Region, New York-Washington Region, Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Region; and the Episcopal Districts that purchased individual tickets. A special thank you is extended to Ms. Theresa Duhart and Mrs. Emma Cox-Lovelace for serving as the CME coordinators of the Gala 2011 Celebration.

Thanks again for your support of me and the Gala 2011 Celebration!  May God continue to bless you and our great Zion!

Rejoice,


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