5th Episcopal District - Alabama Disaster Relief

Bishop Teresa Snorton, Presiding Prelate

April 30, 2011


Thanks to everyone across the CME Connection who has expressed concern and lifted prayers for the people of Alabama. The effects of the tornado damage done on April 27 to several communities in the Southeast, particularly in the state of Alabama, are massive.  The death count is now around 300 and there are still a number of persons missing. Search and recovery efforts are still underway.  A number of CME families have been impacted directly or indirectly by these tragic deaths. Schools remain closed and power is gradually being restored.  We solicit your continued prayers.

Cash Donations
The College of Bishops is asking CME individuals and congregations to collect and send an immediate offering for disaster relief in Alabama and other affected areas during the month of May. Checks should be made payable to “CME Department of Finance”, noting it is for Disaster Relief.  These donations and future contributions should be mailed to the Presiding Bishop of your Episcopal District.

The following disaster relief efforts have been organized in the 5th and welcome your support:

Birmingham District
Individuals and congregations (local and from nearby states) are asked to donate the following items:
Bottled water, tooth paste, tooth brushes, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, disposable razors, shampoo, body lotion, combs, sanitizer, Kleenex tissue, toilet tissue, and new or clean, gently worn folded clothing (men, women and children, socks, and underwear (new) for all ages.
The presidents of each Missionary Society are to supply the following items to Mrs. Geraldine Odom, Birmingham Regional Missionary President: wash cloths, diapers, and female sanitary items.
All items can be dropped off at the Metropolitan CME Church, 1600 Avenue K, Ensley, Birmingham, AL, Rev. Jacob Colbert, Pastor, Phone # (205) 520-4209.

Drop Off times are as follows: beginning Saturday, April 30, at 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Sunday, May 1, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., Weekdays (Mon – Fri) from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m.

The distribution centers for the communities with the greatest needs are:
1. Trinity CME Church, Pratt City, Rev. George Hill, Pastor, 124 Page Avenue,   Birmingham, AL 35214 and
2.  St. John CME Church, Ensley, Rev Eddie Richardson, Pastor, 1710 Slayden Avenue, Birmingham, AL 35224

For additional information, contact:
Rev. Geraldine Daniels – Southside CME Church, Birmingham, AL
(1:00-5:00 pm Eastern) 205-252-5673
Email address: gadaniels1056@sbcglobal.net

Tuscaloosa District
Bailey Tabernacle CME Church (Rev. Dr. W. Clyde Jones, pastor) is providing meals for the community.  Food donations (canned goods, non-perishable items, frozen items) can be taken to the church at 1117 23rd Ave, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401-2941.

Bailey Tabernacle is also serving as the host site for the American Red Cross’ Spiritual Response Team’s Condolence Center, where families who have lost a loved one can go and receive spiritual/pastoral care and other forms of support.

Matthew 25:  35-36 reminds us “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me.”

Let us work together for the good of our community by showing the love of God to our neighbors in this time of pain and loss.  Thank you for all your support!

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Bishop
Fifth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Loss of Mrs. Carrie Loftin
Mrs. Carrie Loftin passed away Friday morning, April 29th, at University Hospital in Jackson. Mrs. Loftin is the widow of the late Rev. Arthur Loftin , the mother of Rev. Linda Loftin, Pastor of Shady Grove, Lexington, MS and the Aunt of Presiding Elder Earnest Thompson of the Gloster-Hattiesburg District.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time. You can reach Rev. Linda Loftin at (601) 624-4892 and Rev. Thompson at (601) 319-7970. Please keep the family in your prayers.
Submitted by Pene' Woods

Bishop Snorton Updates Status of 
CME Churches in Alabama After the Storms
 
April 28, 2011


Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The storms and tornadoes in Alabama have caused widespread damage and significant loss of life.  In conversations with the Presiding Elders, I have gathered the following information about our churches and members.  The CME Church is blessed in that, so far, we are unaware of any death of any of our members. Trinity  Church in Pratt City has some damage and a number of church members there have damage to their homes.  A member of Porter-St. Paul Church in Northport lost her home. A number of members of Southside CME Church in Birmingham have damage to their homes.  A couple of churches in the Mobile District have minor damage. Just about everyone statewide is still without power. Telephone service, even cell phone service, is sporadic.  Authorities estimate 3-4 days for power to be restored. We will update you on any additional information we receive.

Please keep the members of our church and all of those who have been impacted by these events in your prayers in the days ahead.



Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Prelate, Fifth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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

'He is not here; 
he has risen, just as he said...'


The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you” (Matt. 28:5-7, NIV).

Happy Easter

from

The Christian Index Online

The Loss of Mrs. Ester Larkin
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The funeral services for Mrs. Ester Larkin, wife of Rev. Dr. William Larkin, pastor of the First CME Church, Montgomery, Alabama, will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Home, 1800 E. Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, 64109. Telephone: 816-921-1800.  Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Expressions can be sent to Rev. Dr. Larkin at 2341 Wentworth Drive, Montgomery, AL 36106. Telephone: 334-279-6063.  Email: williamlarkin@yahoo.com.

Please keep Dr. Larkin and the family in your prayers.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Prelate, Fifth Episcopal District

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

Arrangements for Mrs. Cynthia Haynes
Dear Ninth District Members and Friends,

Here are the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cynthia Haynes, the wife of Rev. Dr. Leroy Haynes Jr., the Presiding Elder of the Alaska District and Oregon-Washington District of the Alaska-Pacific Region, and Pastor of Allen Temple CME Church in Portland, OR.

The Homegoing Celebration Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  The  Viewing will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

The Homegoing Celebration Services and Family Viewing will be held at:

Maranatha Church of God
4222 N.E. 12th Avenue
Portland, OR   97211
Telephone: 503-288-7241
Eulogist: Bishop James B. Walker

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Terry Family Funeral Home
2337 N. Williams Avenue
Portland, OR  97227
Telephone: 503-249-1788
Fax:  503-249-1791


You may send cards and condolences to Dr. Haynes and the Jenkins family at Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 N.E. 8th Avenue, Portland, OR  97211.
E-mail:  allentemple@qwestoffice.net .

Please continue to keep Dr. Haynes, the Jenkins family and the Allen Temple Church family in prayer as they seek comfort in their loss.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District

2011 CME Calendar (Update)

Click to Expand

Loss of Mrs. Cynthia Haynes
Dear 9th District Members and CME Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mrs. Cynthia Haynes, the wife of Rev. Dr. Leroy Haynes Jr.  Dr. Haynes is the Presiding Elder of the Alaska District and Oregon-Washington District of the Alaska- Pacific Region.  Mrs. Haynes passed at midnight on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

Homegoing Celebration Services are pending.  Please keep Dr. Haynes, the Jenkins family and the Allen Temple Church family in prayer as they seek comfort in their loss.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

Arrangements for Rev. Joseph B. Davis
Dear 9th District Members and Friends,

The Homegoing Celebration Services for the Rev. Joseph Bethlehem Davis will be Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 11 AM.  The Family Hour and Viewing will be Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 5 PM to 9 PM.

The Homegoing Celebration Services and Family Viewing will be held at:
St. Stephen Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
2301 North Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
Rev. David C. Isom, Pastor
Telephone: 925 432-3411
Fax: 925 425-6268

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to:
Bryan-Braker Funeral Home
1850 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Telephone: 707 425-4697

Cards and words of comfort may be sent to: Family – Rev. Joseph B. Davis, c/o St. Stephen CME Church.  The Family has requested the in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in memory of Rev. Davis to St Stephen CME Church.

Please continue to pray for the Davis Family as they celebrate the life of this “man of God.”


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

Delta Airline Discount for CYAM Retreat 

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer airfares for travel to Atlanta for the 2011 FOCUS Retreat. Please contact Delta at 1-800-328-1111 for reservations and ticketing assistance.  Refer to Ticket Designator/NM7F3 to purchase your ticket and your negotiated discount may be applied. You may begin travel as early as May 23 and end your travel by June 1. You must call the Delta Meeting Desk to make reservations.  Reservations cannot be made using the discount at Delta.com.


Sincerely,

Brian L. Magwood, Sr., President
Connectional Young Adult Ministry Ministry

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

Passing of Rev. Joseph B. Davis


Dear 9th District Members and CME Friends,

It is with great sadness that we are reporting the death of Rev. Joseph Bethlehem Davis.  Rev. Joe Davis died this morning (April 13, 2011).  Rev. Davis was the founding pastor of St. Stephen CME in Fairfield, CA (Rev. David C. Isom, pastor).   Funeral arrangements are pending.

Keep the Davis family in your prayers, as well as his St. Stephen Church family.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

A Message from the Commission 

on Social Justice and Human Concerns

Regarding Potential Cuts in U.S. Domestic Programs

Dear Friends of Christ:

Presently, our U.S. Congress is considering a budget plan that would make a 9 percent cut in discretionary spending while giving a 2 percent increase for military spending. This would be devastating for domestic programs that provide basic nutrition, health, and opportunity to poor children and international aid programs that save lives every day.

As a country, we face difficult financial choices, but one thing that should not be on the table is to abandon the poor and vulnerable while allowing more military spending.

The CME Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns asks you to tell Congress to get its budget priorities in order. Please take time, right now, to send the below letter either by Email or First Class Mail to: Your Senators and Your Representative.  LETTER WRITING MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

See the Sample Letter Below: (Be sure to personalize your letter)

Dear Congressman ________________ or Dear Senator___________

As a person of faith, I believe that the moral  test of any society is how it treats its poor and most vulnerable. Our federal budget should reflect our best national values and priorities, so in regard to your upcoming budget vote I ask myself, "What would Jesus cut?"

As your constituent, I ask you to oppose any budget proposal that increases military spending while cutting domestic and international programs that benefit the poor, especially children.

Programs we need to invest in during these tough economic times include:

1. Critical child health and family nutrition programs
2. Proven work and income supports that lift families out of poverty
3. Support for education, especially in low-income communities
4. International aid that directly and literally saves lives

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

As Chairman of the Social Justice and Human Concerns Commissions of the CME Church, I urge you to write your letter right away, and I thank you for practicing responsible voter responsibility. Also please take time to commence a heavy Voter Registration Drive. It won’t be long before it is time to vote again.


Yours for a more just society,


Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

Mississippians Remember Life and Legacy of Bro. Floyd Miller

The Town of Coldwater, MS and Holly Springs, MS, colleagues, clergy,
 and former students gather to remember Bro. Floyd Miller.

The Town of Coldwater concluded its Black History Month Celebration Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1 PM in the Coldwater Cultural Center with a salute to the Life and Legacy of Floyd Miller. Mr. Floyd Miller (1927-2011), the teacher, school principal, Jeanes supervisor, school administrator, pioneer, trailblazer, and community leader, died on January 17, 2011 at his home in Holly Springs. He began his teaching career in the fall of 1952 as a classroom teacher in the Lafayette County School System after graduating from Mississippi Industrial College in the spring of that year. He came to Tate County in 1953 as a classroom teacher at Coldwater Junior High.

In 1956, he was promoted to the principalship at Coldwater Junior High. In 1958, he was promoted to Jeanes supervisor, in charge of the supervision of Negro education in the Tate County Schools. In 1960, he became the “Founding Principal” of Tate County Colored High School. In 1970, he was assigned as the “Founding Principal” of Coldwater Elementary School, and retired in 1987.

Mr. Miller attended Laws Hill Elementary School in Marshall County. He attended as a boarding student Junior high school at the Rosenwald School in Holly Springs. Mrs. Earlean Gilmore, a former student at Tate County High, gave a brief overview of the Rosenwald Schools. She stated the Rosenwald Schools were established by the philanthropic Julius Rosenwald to aide Negro Education in the South. More than 600,000 Negros attended these schools between 1914 and 1950. Mr. Miller was one of these students. Rosenwald spent more than $4 million dollars of his personal fortune to aide Negro education. By today’s standards this would be about $42 million dollars.

Because there were no public high schools in Mississippi for Negros, in 1946 he entered the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Mississippi Industrial College Preparatory School at Holly Springs and graduated in 1945. In 1945, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a medic. He was honorably discharged on November 5, 1946.  He entered CME Church-related Mississippi Industrial College in 1948, and received Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Studies and Business Administration in 1952.

Mrs. Wilma Jean Moore, a former teacher who worked under his administration gave an overview of the Mississippi Industrial College Preparatory School and Mississippi Industrial College. She stated that because all funds for Negro secondary schools were cut by the Mississippi legislature in 1902, Bishop Elias Cottrell (1853-1937) the seventh bishop of CME Church, established both the preparatory school and the college in 1903.  This preparatory school and college served as a beacon of hope for the Negro race for more than 75 years. Mr. Miller benefitted from the labors of the sainted Bishop.

Mrs. Hattie Wooten, a former student at Coldwater Junior High School in the 1950’s, stated that Mr. Miller instilled pride in his students, the school, and the community at-large. Mrs. Cassandra Robinson, who attended elementary school at Coldwater, gave an overview of what Mr. Miller’s role as a Jeanes supervisor must have entailed. She stated that he played a huge role in family involvement, consolidation of Black schools, providing resources, and increasing grade levels. Mr. Charles Crouther, a former teacher, spoke about Mr. Miller as a high school principal. He stated that, “Mr. Miller established the school.” He gave it its culture, and definition. “Let me tell you something mister, “Tate County High School was the flagship school of all schools in North Mississippi.” Mrs. Rosetta Edwards spoke about Mr. Miller as her elementary principal in her initial years as a teacher. She stated that Mr. Miller was a very orderly person; you had to be on time for school, for meetings, dress professionally, be in your classroom and do your job.
    
Other former students who gave expressions were Wayne King, Charles Wooten, George McGhee, and Winson King. Expressions were also given by his nieces, Ms. Beverly Rose Phillips, and Mrs. Bernice Howell. An expression was given also by his church pastor, Rev. Denise Modest, pastor of Anderson Chapel CME Church, in Holly Springs.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Clen D. Moore, Jr., former assistant principal to Mr. Miller. Mr. Moore spoke from the subject, “Education to the rescue: Along came a man from Holly Springs.” He stated that, “Mr. Miller's push was to have the best teachers on his team, meeting the challenges and opportunities of the new day. He built a very competitive school in academics, sports and other activities. His school was second to none. He wanted his school to be the best in everything. His school was always clean, just like the man in charge of it. He was opened to innovative practices and gave teachers a chance to work outside the box. As a result, he had an excellent turn-out with his students. The majority of them studied hard, preparing for college, and many went on after graduation to become teachers, lawyers, librarians, engineers, community, civic and church leaders. He concluded by saying, “Certainly, Mr. Miller, because of his many contributions to the Tate County Family, will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Mrs. Georgia Vera Carr-Davis served as the song leader for the program, and led the collect in singing:  The school song, "Hail to Tate County High," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "Steal Away to Jesus," and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

It was announced that a scholarship has been set up in honor of Mr. Miller. Mrs. Shirley Hankerson, Mrs. Nancy Dandridge, and Mr. Charles Crouther are serving as co-chairs. If you would like to make a contribution to this fund, contact Mr. Crouther at (662) 292-2105. Also, a Gravesite Tombstone Fund, and a Memorial Marker Fund (to be placed in Coldwater) has been established. If you would like to make a contribution to these efforts, contact Ms. Mollie Lane at (901) 337-0376 or Mr. George McGhee at (901) 438-4872.
Submitted by Jessie J. Edwards, Ph.D., Mayor, Town of Coldwater.

Click on image to expand.