Honoring Unsung Heroes During Black History Month: CME Velma Lois Jones honored

During Black History Month, we pause to salute and reflect on the contributions African Americans have made to the rich fabric that makes up the United States. There are many untold stories that reveal the best of Americans who stepped up when duty called, broke color barriers, or quietly made their communities better one person at a time.
In tribute, President Obama recently invited six special senior citizens to visit the White House to honor as unsung heroes. These unsung heroes are individuals who strengthen their communities through extraordinary everyday acts of service done with reliability and commitment, but who seldom receive recognition.
Among those who visited with President Obama were pioneers in the struggle for racial equality, educators who changed their communities through the classroom, and people who believe that a lifetime serving others is a life well spent.
The honorees were:
Theodore Peters, one of the first African Americans to enter the U.S. Marines and train at Montford Point, NC, after the corps desegregation and a community leader in his South Side Chicago neighborhood.
Gladys Reid, a Cleveland, OH, volunteer who feeds the hungry twice a week and volunteers at local hospitals, often caring for patients who are 20 years her junior.
Velma Lois Jones, the first black classroom teacher elected to serve as president of the Tennessee Education Association and a local leader in the areas of civil rights, politics, community service, and education.
Columbus Preston Holmes,  a former class valedictorian, World War II veteran, postmaster, sports commissioner, Selective Service board member, community leader, and active member of Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Mound Bayou, MS, since joining the church 84 years ago.
James “Alley Pat” Patrick, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen during World War II, radio and television broadcaster, and Atlanta bail bondsman who came to the aid of many jailed activists during the Civil Rights movement, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Marguirette Levere, a church missionary, volunteer, adviser, and role model to her rural Maryland community – roles she filled while tending to daughter Barbara, who has cerebral palsy and has been severely disabled since her birth 77 years ago. Remarkably, Marguirette doesn’t wear glasses or take any medicines at the age of 106.
Stories of African Americans like these honorees do not have a singular narrative, but most contain common threads of resilience and perseverance. These Americans are shining examples of a legacy that keeps our nation strong and makes our country great.
To learn more about these amazing individuals, check out the Root’s “Salute to Unsung Heroes”

Posted on Whitehouse.gov by Joshua Dubois on February 28, 2012 at 10:28 AM EST

Connectional Lay President Barbara Christian Campbell 

Offers Black History Litany

The passing of Bro. Warren Bryant
To my brothers and sisters in Christ

It is with sadness but joy in my heart that I inform you of the passing of my brother, Warren Bryant. Warren has had a number of health issues including congestive heart failure.  On Tuesday, the Lord called him home to be with Him.

Please keep my mother and the rest of the family in prayer. Here are the funeral arrangements for my brother, Warren Bryant.

Services:
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Family hour:  10:30 a.m.
Service:  11 a.m.
Lane Metropolitan CME Church
2131 East 46th Street
Cleveland, OH  44103

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to:
Calhoun Funeral Home
17010 Lakeshore Boulevard
Cleveland, OH 44110
(216) 738-0600
Words of comfort and expressions may be sent to Nonnie Bryant
or Atty. Juanita Bryant at 3675 Runnymede Boulevard, Cleveland Heights, Ohio 44121-1333
Phone:   216-382-3559

Persons who may require overnight accommodations arrangements have been made at
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 Carnegie Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
216-658-6400
Group Rate:  Bryant Funeral  (Please indicate this group for rate)
Rate:   $79.00 plus tax

Again, Thank you.
God Bless you.

Juanita Bryant

The Passing of Mrs. Carrie Cole

The Mother of Rev. Eddie Cole, pastor of

Good Hope CME Church of Toomsuba, Ms.

Homegoing Services: Saturday, February 18, 2012, 11 a.m. Shiloh Baptist Church

Vimville-Causeyville Clark Road, Meridian, Ms. 39301

Her body has been entrusted to: Berry & Gardner Funeral Home

1300 George F. Sims Ave., Meridian, Ms. 39301 (601) 485-8521

Visitation: Friday, February 17, 2012, 6-8 p.m.

Please keep Rev. and Mrs. Eddie Cole and family in your prayers. 

Rev. Cole can be reached at 601-483-3643.

“A Few More Days to Take Advantage of CYYAW12 Early Bird Registration:

2012 Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference CYYAC12

$100 Registration Extended until February 15, 2012”

(http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Home.aspx) 

 

February 13, 2012— Due to responses and requests from local churches and leaders, we have extended the early bird registration fee of $100.00 to February 15, 2012.  This will mean a little more work for our conference team, but this is well worth it if everyone keeps signing up. Many thanks to all who have already signed up!! It is clear that everyone is excited about the event and it looks like we are READY to Make "IT" Essential.  If you have a friend is considering attending--you now have until February 15, 2012 to take advantage of the $100 registration pricing.  Thank You!!!  Visit us at http://thecmechurchced.org/CYYAC12Registration.aspx.

 

Feel free to forward this email to everyone in your Christian Education circle.

 

Remember our MISSION Formula:

 

Formation + Nurture + Leadership = MISSION  

 

Our goal is to make disciples through "events that form and transform."