New Address for The Christian Index

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Dr. Ore Spragin, Jr., Editor
The Christian Index
Suite 300
4466 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Memphis, Tennessee  38116
Or
Email: Ospragin@yahoo.com

Thank You CME Church - It was great!
On Wednesday, July 2, 2014, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church elected Dr. Ore Spragin, Jr. as the next editor of The Christian Index, the official publication of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. His election ended my 16-year tenure as editor. Please accept my appreciation for the countless expressions of love and support for Frances and me. You are our joy.  We wish nothing but the utmost success for Dr. Spragin and his wife, Phyllis. We know they will do a great job with your support. God bless all of you.

—Dr. and Mrs. Kenneth E. Jones

Praying for 2014 General Conference

The Connectional Prayer Ministry (CPM) invites all members and friends of the CME Church to continued prayer for the 37th Quadrennial Session and 38th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

The 2014 General Conference will be held Saturday, June 28 to Friday July 4, 2014 in Baltimore, MD.  The gathering of our laity and clergy from across the church will begin on Friday, June 27, 2014 with registration and the Episcopal District Caucuses.

Please join us in our various opportunities for corporate prayer:
·        A Week of Consecration.  The CPM is calling on all churches and individual members to a week of Consecration with prayer and fasting leading up to the General Conference.
·        General Conference Prayer Call.  We will hold a special prayer call on Tuesday, June 24, 2014 at 8:00 PM (CST), leading up to the General Conference.  Please see call information below.
·        Opening Day.  The CPM will hold special prayer directly following the Caucus meetings in the assigned prayer room.  Please stop in for a moment of prayer.

·        Prayer Room & Prayer Walkers.  The Prayer Room will be open for prayer throughout the Conference’s daily operational hours.  In addition, intercessors will cover the General Conference daily in prayer both in the Prayer Room and walking across the Convention Center.  You will be able to identify Prayer Workers with a special badge or ribbon.

Additional plans are be worked to keep those who will not be available to attend engaged in prayer throughout the General Conference.

The Pre-Conference Prayer Call for the General Conference will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2013 at 8:00 PM (CST).  The call-in number is (605) 475-4700, Access Code 824541#.
All delegates, alternates, candidates, leaders, and members are invited to join in prayer for the life and witness of the Church for the glory of God.

We offer this prayer on behalf of our Church:
“Lord God, thank you for the CME Church.  Please use us as a vessel of your glory and grace to the world.  As we gather together for General Conference, please remind us of Your special call on our church.  Help us to remember who You have called us to be and what You have called us to do.  As we come, let us be humbled by Your presence, guided by Your wisdom, guarded by Your power, and lifted by Your love.  Help us to keep the main thing, the main thing and use this time to honor Your Will and lift this Church to Higher Heights.

We pray for our Bishops, General Officers, Judicial Council, delegates, alternates, and all our attending CME family and friends, for divine health, divine strength, and divine direction.  We pray especially for our brothers and sisters offering themselves for service in the Church, for them to receive the grace and strength to walk in whatever service is given them by the Church.
We lift up those who are retiring and ending their season of service in whatever position they may be in.  We pray for the spouses and families of those in service to the General Church who moved from labor to reward as we celebrate their lives.

Lord God, we pray to do what is Biblical, moral, and meaningful in the upholding or amending of our laws and principles.  Give us clarity of heart and mind.
We thank you for all these things in Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

THE CONNECTIONAL PRAYER MINISTRY
Rev. Kwesi R. Kamau, Coordinator

Funeral arrangements for Brother Bert Thomas 

Visitation/Public Viewing will take place on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 from 6-8 p.m. at Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 2930 Glenn Hills Drive, Augusta, GA.

Homegoing Services will take place on Thursday, June 19, 2014 at 11 a.m at the Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

For more information you may contact the church at 706-796-2550 or W.H. Mays Mortuary at 706-722-6401.

Mr. Donnell Holt
Augusta-Sparta District
Administrative Assistant to the Elder

Why Do I ‘Still’ Go To Sunday School?

Carmichael Crutchfield, Ph.D.

General Secretary, 

Department of Christian Education 

June 2014

All of my siblings tell the story of our growing up at Barrs Chapel CME Church in Como, Tennessee where all seven of us were lined up on a pew each Sunday morning for Sunday school and worship.  For as long as we can re
member our daddy, the deceased Mr. W.T. Crutchfield (much later became Rev.), who was the adult teacher and our momma Mrs. Zora Crutchfield faithfully took us to Sunday school.

After college, as a young adult, I still went to Sunday school and often taught.  After I got married I still went to Sunday school.  When I accepted the call to preach I still went to Sunday school.  When I became a pastor I still went to Sunday school.

Now as the managing editor for Sunday school and a General Officer I still go to Sunday school.  Why?  This question came to me while sitting in an adult class recently as I listened to the teacher and class members talk about the lesson.

I often say during classes and workshops that I lead that “all I know about the Bible I learned in Sunday school.”  Although this is not completely true, it is the basis for one of the reasons I still attend Sunday school and why I see it as important.  I go because I want to know more about the Bible.  There is no place available inside or outside the church for a systematic bible study except in Sunday school.

This has become clearer to me over the last 20 plus years as I have been involved in the developing of the Sunday school lesson outlines through the Committee on Uniform Series of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America.  Hours upon hours are put in by a variety of people to develop the lessons we see each week in our Sunday school book.  Before we even read the scriptures for the week and the lessons in our Sunday school books produced by the CME church’s departments of Christian education and Publications, literally hundreds of hours of preparation have taken place in developing these quality lessons.   For the last twelve years some of those long hours have been my personal hours.

I am appalled and most disappointed when I go to churches and the literature being used is not the adult student book that I have added my labor to many other people’s hours of work.  Likewise, I am even more dismayed to see teachers not taking advantage of the richness found in the teacher’s book.  I often wonder why are pastors and members doing this injustice to their denomination and to the people in their local church by using someone else’s literature.  I remind you the first reason I go to Sunday school is to learn more about the Bible in a systematic study.   This has been working for me all of my life.

A second reason I still go to Sunday school is to participate and take advantage of the work of the Holy Spirit.   It is because of the activity of the Holy Spirit that transformation takes place.  This is one of my latest reasons for going to Sunday school.  Around 2003 or 2004 I developed a workshop entitled “Transforming the Church Through Sunday School.”  Sunday school is a place we can change the church through teaching the need to move outside the box of traditionalism as we refer to it.

I argue that traditionalism is not as much our issue as lack of knowledge about learning and learners.  In that workshop I argue that teaching should be transformational.   It is my belief that all of education forms and transforms.  Over a lifetime Sunday school has formed a love of God in me.  Teachers who prepare themselves help Sunday school to continue to be transformational for me.  

Transformation takes place in the lives of students and teachers who take the Bible seriously and see it as the living Word of God.   For the last four years I have provided an online Sunday school outline for the church.  There is a life statement followed by a life question that is answered by the scripture for the lesson.  Life statements and questions are generated based on what happens in many adults life.  This is the focus of the lesson.

Lesson goals are then provided.  The first goal is always given to address the cognizant (head), i.e., what knowledge we are to gain from the lesson.  The second goal addresses the affective (heart) part of our humanity.  It ought to cause some type of reflection within us.  Lastly, the goal of action is given which addresses what this lesson will cause us to do.

The focus or unifying principle and lesson goals come from the Committee on Uniform Series of the National Council of Churches in the United States of America.  This is part of the hundreds who involve themselves in the preparation of the lessons.

Also provided in our online Sunday school outlines are lesson challenges that call for us to take the lesson seriously as we apply it to our lives.  In my teaching at the Seminary I always want students to know something, be something, and then do something.   These are the goals of Sunday school each week that are part of formational and transformational teaching and learning.

When my father taught Sunday school in the 1960-1990 time period his students were primarily those of the silent generation (born between 1925-1945) whose learning characteristics in general included being logical (left-brained) and appreciative of consistency.   The lecturer made sense to them, for the teacher was the subject and the students were the objects.   Today we work primarily in adult classes with boomers (born between 1946-1964) who are more interactive, acquainted with the computer, and can do quick scanning, but appreciate details.  I am not addressing later generations purposely because each one brings its own dimensions.

The box that I refer to often is that we have to lecture and that we have to do what I call passing the book around asking people to read.  To get out of the box we have to familiarize ourselves with learning issues, such as, multi-intelligences, developmental theory, and learning styles.  We have to constantly ask ourselves, “How do learners learn?”

The church can be transformed as we transform the Sunday school.  This requires that we turn our Sunday school conventions into learning labs on best practices and techniques.  I love children, youth, and young adults, but not at the expense of neglecting and ignoring middle age and senior adults.  

The third reason I still go to Sunday school is because it expands my love and reverence for God, therefore, it improves my worship of God.  There was a time I said, “God is Good.”   Now I say, “God is Great.”  As I have learned from the Bible God’s greatness encompasses God’s goodness, whereas, God’s goodness sometimes is self-serving and limiting.  I will illustrate.  In a recent workshop I asked those participants why is God good.  Most of the answers I received were based on what God had done for the individual, e.g., woke us up or gave us limbs to use or got us here safely.  So I ask for the people who didn’t wake up or don’t have use of their limbs or didn’t get here safely, is the God they serve good?  This came very real to me in 2011 when my wife died.  I was not able to say “God is good,” but I could say, “God is great.”

To say God is great places no conditions.  Good means something I approve of or welcome.   I don’t approve of death or welcome it, especially to a young wife.   Great on the other hand means something that to the extent or intensely considerably above the normal.   I love the song “How Great Is Our God.”  And I love the song “How Great Thou Art.”  I love these songs because they speak of a God who I love despite the vicissitudes of life, such as, sudden death.

The final reason I state at this time why I still go to Sunday school is the challenge and the opportunities it offers to grow as an individual, Christian, and as a member of the world that I live.  Each week the lesson gives students an opportunity to gain greater knowledge of the Bible and other aspects of being a follower of Jesus Christ.  The lesson also challenges my heart and finally it causes me to take action.  Sunday school presents to us each Sunday the challenge to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God (Micah 6:8 NRSV).

                                                                                                                           

Dr. Logan Hampton Elected Lane College President
Written by The Jackson Sun, June 12, 2014

The Lane College board of trustees has unanimously elected Dr. Logan C. Hampton as the 10th president of Lane College following a recommendation by an eight-member Presidential Search Committee, which was also a unanimous decision, according to a news release today.

“We are confident as a board that God has led
us to a decision that will be reflective not only of the hopes and promise, but will lead to positive results,” said Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, chairman of the Lane College board of trustees.

Prior to his appointment as president of Lane College, Hampton was vice provost for student affairs at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where he led the student affairs division in improved services, programs and facilities, the release said. He earned his bachelor’s degree in biology from Arkansas Tech University, master’s degree from Northwestern State University, and a doctor of education in higher education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Dr. Hampton is also pastor of the Bullock Temple CME Church, Little Rock.

In the news release, Hampton said, “I am humbled and pleased to join this administration, faculty, and staff to assist the students in their matriculation and for them to realize 'The Power of Potential.' A power and a potential that comes from Christ the Lord. It will be my honor to serve in this community, East Jackson, City of Jackson, Madison County, and the State of Tennessee educating those who have earned the right to be educated."

The board of trustees also heard from Interim President Glenn Vaulx Sr., who was commended for his stewardship from Dec. 14, 2013, the date of the funeral of the college's ninth President Dr. Wesley Cornelious McClure, through this present time.

Three West Tennessee residents were part of the presidential search committee. They were William Hamilton, owner of Tom Lawler’s Inc., Clarence Boone, retired educator and businessman, both of Jackson; and Cynthia Rawls Bond, president of Rawls Funeral Home in Brownsville. The search committee was chaired by Bishop William H. Graves, former chairman of the Lane College board of trustees.

Lane College was founded in 1882 by Bishop Isaac Lane.

Loss of Sis. Patricia Jackson

It is with deep regret to inform you of the passing of Sis. Patricia Jackson on Sunday June 1, 2014.  Sis. Jackson was the Arizona District Stewardess President and Secretary and the wife of Bro. Tommy Jackson, the Lay Leader of the Arizona-New Mexico Region.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Viewing: 
Friday, June 6, 2014, 10:00 a.m.
Bethesda Community Baptist Church
901 E. Jones Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85040

Funeral Services:
Friday, June 6, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Bethesda Community Baptist Church (see address above)
Funeral services will be held before transporting Sis. Jackson to Florida.

Final Arrangements Are Entrusted to:
Preston Funeral Home
3800 S. Central Ave
Phoenix, AZ 85040
Telephone: 1-602-304-0083

You may send flowers and condolences to the Preston Funeral Home.

Please keep the Jackson family in your prayers.

In His Service,

Bishop James B. Walker

OFFICIAL NOTICE FROM THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Submitted to The Christian Index on June 1, 2014

In accordance with the provision for reasonable notice in The Constitution of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Division Five – Amendments, ¶130, page 32, of The Book of Discipline, Revised 2010, The College of Bishops hereby gives notice that a proposal to revise the Articles of Religion of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will be presented to the 37th Quadrennial Session and the 38th General Conference of The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, scheduled to meet in Baltimore, Maryland, June 28-July 4, 2014.

Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., Senior Bishop

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair of The College of Bishops

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III, Secretary

Passing of Sis. Lula Givens

Dear CME Members:

It is with deep regret to inform you of the passing of Sis. Lula Givens, the mother of Rev. Fedro Givens (Pastor of Beebe Memorial CME, Muskogee, OK) and Rev. Robert Givens (Pastor of Pettie Chapel CME, Bixby, OK).

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Public Viewing
Friday, May 23, 2014
Dyer Chapel
1610 East Apache Street
Tulsa, OK  74106
Telephone: 918-425-5549

Funeral Services
Saturday, May 24, 2014 10:00 a.m.
Beebe Memorial CME Church
700 S. 7th
Muskogee, OK  74401
Telephone:  918-682-2063

Missionaries have been asked to serve as Flower Bearers and to dress in white.
Please continue to keep the Givens family in your prayers.

In His Service,

Bishop James B. Walker

College of Bishops Releases General Conference Program

Dear Connectional Members and Friends:

The 37th Quadrennial Session and 38th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will be held June 28 through July 4, 2014 at the Baltimore Convention Center located at 1 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, MD.  Bishop and Mrs. Marshall Gilmore and the members of the 7th Episcopal District will host the General Conference.

The General Conference Program is available here:  2014 General Conference Program

Additional information about the General Conference including the arrival date for delegates and alternates, general registration and hotel lodging, the Commemorative Souvenir Journal, discounted travel rates on Delta Airlines, airport transportation and the rental of electric mobility scooters is available here: The 2014 CME General Conference

In His Service,


Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III
Secretary of the College of Bishops

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

Arrangements for Rev. Kenneth McKindra Services

Greetings In the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

It is with a blessed assurance that we acknowledge the passing of the Rev. Kenneth McKindra, Sr., retired pastor of Porter Memorial (San Antonio) CME Church in the Eighth Episcopal District.  Rev. McKindra also served in the Fourth, Seventh and Ninth Episcopal Districts.

The Homegoing Celebration for Rev. Kenneth McKindra, Sr. is as follows:

Friday, April 18, 2014
Visitation: 5 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Memorial Service: 6 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Porter Memorial CME Church
817 Iowa Street
San Antonio, TX 78202
(210) 534-5136 Ofc.
Rev. Ramon Stripling, Pastor

Saturday, April 19, 2014  
Lying in State: 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Funeral Service:   11:00 a.m.
St. Paul United Methodist Church
Rev. Dr. Marcus Freeman III, Senior Pastor (spumcsa@yahoo.com)
508 N. Center Street
San Antonio, TX 78202
(210) 227-2525 Ofc.
(210)227-7621 Fax

Rev. Ramon Stripling, Officiating
Bishop Henry M. Williamson Sr., Chief Celebrant
Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to:
Lewis Funeral Home Inc.
811 S. WW White Road
San Antonio, TX 78220
(210) 227-7281 Ofc.
(210) 532-6464 Fax
www.lewisfuneralhome.com

Burial
Monday, April 21, 2014
Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery
1520 Harry Wurzbach Road
San Antonio, TX  78209
(210) 820-3891

Hotel Accommodations:
Holiday Inn Riverwalk
217 N. St. Mary’s
San Antonio, TX 78205
(210) 224-2500 Direct
(877) 863-4780 Toll Free
$119 & up per night plus tax

Transportation from San Antonio International Airport:
Please contact one of the following with your itinerary - Mrs. Brenda Square (210) 288-9135 or Rev. Ramon Stripling (936) 615-9173.

****The family has requested that worship participants and clergy dress in robes with white stoles.

Condolences may be sent to the Porter Memorial CME Church, 817 Iowa Street, San Antonio, TX 78293.

Please keep wife Lady Delores, their two adult sons (Kenneth Jr. and William); host of grandchildren; family members; the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church family and friends in your prayers, during this trying time.


"Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me."  Psalm 23:4

Yours in Christ,

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District

Bread for the World Announces Opening of Position 

Currently Held by Bishop Don DiXon Williams

Bread for the World, Inc., a collective Christian voice urging our nation’s decision makers to end hunger at home and abroad, is actively recruiting an Associate for National African American Church Engagement. The associate will help deepen the engagement with national African American church leaders, denominations, mission societies and para-church networks that are committed to advocate on domestic and international hunger and poverty issues and which can lead their constituencies toward using the powerful advocacy voice to influence Congress and the administration. To apply please submit a cover letter and resume to Careers.CR@bread.org by April 25, 2014. Please visit www.bread.org for the full listing.

Announcement for Candidates

Notice to Candidates for Bishop and General Officer in the CME Church

All persons offering themselves for the office of Bishop or General Officer at the 2014 General Conference are requested to submit to Bishop James B. Walker the following information by May 15, 2014. Please send both email as well as regular mail.

• Name as you wish it to appear on the ballot.
• Your address, telephone number, and email address.
• Your annual conference (region).

This information should be sent to:

Bishop James B. Walker
3844 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 1
Los Angeles, CA  90043
Email: ninthhq@SBCglobal.net

Apply for the Graham/Webb/Kennedy Scholarship

Holsey Temple CME (Pa.) Honors Othie Lee Rowser 

— 100th Birthday Celebration —

         Philadelphia, PA—Mrs. Othie Lee Rowser, affectionately known as “Lee Mama” celebrated her 100th Birthday on February 2, 2014.
Mrs. Rowser was born in Madisonville, Kentucky, on February 2, 1914. She attended the public schools there and graduated from the Ross Delmont High School. Her church membership was with the Wesley Chapel CME church.
The family moved north and settled in Philadelphia, Pa, where she furthered her education at the Apex School of Cosmetology graduating as a licensed Cosmetologist. She met and married Harold C. Rowser and they were blessed with one son, Lendal Alvin Rowser Sr. (deceased) and one daughter Wilma Rowser Byrd.
Mrs. Rowser was employed with the Lord and Taylor Company and retired in 1976 after 21 years of service. She has been an active member of Holsey Temple church for 84 years, after joining in 1930 under the pastorate of Rev. J.A. Walker.
She was selected “Mother of the Year” in 1989, and honored by the Holsey Temple family for over 50 years of service. The late Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt Jr., honored her in 2007, as part of a group of church members 80 years and over.
Surrounded by many church members, family and friends, the celebration was held in the James Arthur Jones Fellowship Hall of the church.  The weather during that week had been cold and stormy, but we were blessed with a beautiful, sunny day for the celebration.
The Fellowship Hall was colorfully and elegantly decorated with balloons, the tables were covered in gold and white tablecloths, with gold centerpieces. Every guest received a heart shaped keepsake filled with chocolate candy. Some of the men of the church served as waiters dressed in black suits with black bowties.
Albert P. Black Jr., who served as Master of Ceremonies, set a fitting tone in his opening remarks when he said “Today may be Super Bowl Sunday, but today we are having a “Super Birthday” celebration. Rev. Williams, Pastor at Holsey provided the Table Blessing , noting that we have an awesome God who provided Mrs. Rowser with long life, and prayed that she will continue to be active and involved at Holsey. Referring to the honoree, Rev. Alfred W. Jones Jr.  read from Proverbs 31, verse 10 when it states..."Who can find a virtuous woman, for her price is far above rubies..."
Jadyn Henderson welcomed all the guests, saying “we have all been touched” by Ms. Rowser.   This was followed by “The Lord’s Prayer” sung by the rich and stirring soprano voice of Tanya Olivia  Thompson.
Mrs. Bessie Williams, Mrs. Rowser’s sister, told of the families’ beginnings in the coal-mining town of Madisonville where they grew up. She described how the family migrated to Philadelphia and continued the CME tradition by joining Holsey Church.  Like her sister, Mrs. Williams has also been blessed with longevity: She will be 98 years old in July, has been a longtime member of Holsey, and held membership on many boards and organizations.
Their parents were Rev. Ebenezer and Mary Merritt.  Theirs is an amazing family history. Rev. Merritt was an associate pastor at Holsey. He was 87 yrs old when he passed and Mrs. Merritt was 99 when she died. Mrs. Merritt’s sister, Mrs. Annie Christian died at the age of 103.  Mrs. Christian was also a member of Wesley Chapel in Madisonville, and has a day named in her honor.
Mrs. Alma Cooper, President of the Cathedral Choir, congratulated Mrs. Rowser as an Emeritus member, having served for 60 years, as a dedicated and committed member, and that it was a blessing to know her smile that exuded a special kind of love. Mrs, Elizabeth Truesdale, Stewardess Board President, presented Mrs. Rowser, with a plaque citing her 50 years’ service as a Stewardess that we are “all standing on your shoulders”, and it was an honor to be in her presence. Dr. Judith Grant, Missionary President, paid homage to Mrs. Rowser, saying that she truly exemplified the Missionary Spirit, by unselfishly taking on responsibilities.  She gave $100 to the Lena Jones Rice March for more than 30 years in memory of her son, Lendal. She also serves as the Hunger Meals for Millions Secretary, mentored new members, and regularly attends all meetings.
Rev. Williams then led the audience in singing Stevie Wonder’s version of “Happy Birthday” then sang “He’s The One” as a loving testimony to Mrs. Rowser, describing her as an excellent church member in every way. She taught us to celebrate life, and that he was proud to have her family as members.
Mrs. Carol Henderson read a Proclamation from the office of PA Governor Tom Corbett, extending congratulations and well wishes.
Mrs. Rowser’s remarks were very brief—saying merely—“I am blessed…” Several in the audience responded back “And we are blessed because of you…”
Her daughter Wilma Rowser Byrd, was the final speaker on the program. Mrs. Byrd has been a devoted, and loving caregiver and companion to her mother and aunt, and was the organizer of this wonderful occasion.  She expressed her delight towards all who shared this special day with her mother and thanked every one who took part in it.
Mrs Rowser is a strong Christian woman who believes that prayer and a strong faith in God is the foundation for building a Christ- centered life. Her favorite scripture verse is from Romans 8:31, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us?
            Submitted by Eva Grant, Holsey Temple CME, Philadelphia, Pa.

Miles College President French Named Alternate Negotiator


Dr. George T. French, Jr., president of Miles College, has been named by the U.S. Department of Education to be the alternate negotiator for minority serving institutions in the upcoming rulemaking on Parent PLUS loans.

With Dr. David Swinton as the primary negotiator and Dr. French as the alternate negotiator at the table, we have an extraordinary team representing UNCF member institutions and, indeed, all HBCUs.

Congratulations Dr. French!

Submitted by The Government Relations Team
United Negro College Fund

Loss of Mrs. Montine Webb
It is with heart-felt sympathy that we announce the passing of Mrs. Montine Webb, a former president of the West Tennessee Region Women's Missionary Society, the president of the South Memphis District Women's Missionary Society, and the sister of Mrs. Jacqueline I. Scott, the Vice President of the Women's Missionary Council.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Visitation
Thursday, February 13, 2014, 4:00-7:00 p.m.
M.J. Edwards Funeral Home Whitehaven Chapel
5494 Elvis Presley Boulevard
Memphis, TN 38116
Telephone: 901-332-3164

Funeral Services
Friday, February 14, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Mt. Pisgah CME Church
2490 Park Avenue
Memphis, TN  38114
901-324-4812

Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Jacqueline I. Scott, 7255 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN   38125. Telephone:  Telephone: 901-737-7675.

Please keep Mrs. Scott and the family of Mrs. Montine Webb in your prayers.

In His Service,

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III
Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District

Dr. Princess A. Pegues
International Women's Missionary Council President

Rev. William D. Hobbs

Rev. William Devon Hobbs, age 70, of Harrisburg, Pa., went home to be with the Lord on January 25, 2014. Survivors: His wife, Rev. Bonita R. Collins Hobbs, son - William Michael Hobbs, many other relatives and friends. Service was Monday, February 3, 2014, at Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 701 Felton Ave., Sharon Hill, Pa. Prayers go out to the Hobbs family.

Passing of Rev. Dr. Welborn Preston, Jr.

I regret to have to inform all of you that our beloved brother in Christ and God's faithful servant, the Rev. Dr. Welborn A. Preston, Jr., made his transition from labor to reward this evening after a long and courageous battle with Cancer. We thank God for his faithfulness and diligence even in the midst of all the adversity of his illness. We also thank God for his devoted wife, the Rev. Aretha Preston, who has been a pillar of strength as she faithfully balanced her pastoral and ministerial duties with being a loving helpmate and caregiver to her husband. Please lift up Rev. Aretha Preston and all of the members of the Preston family in prayer. Psalm 46:1 reminds us that "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." We are trusting the Lord to keep this family in His loving care!

Yours in Christ,

Presiding Elder Kevin Agee
Washington-Virginia District
7th Episcopal District

Message From Bishop L.L. Reddick III

As I went through the Litany on Sunday prepared by the Department of Christian Education for Youth and Young Adult Week - a litany that emphasized the ministries that are made possible by digital advances and technological awareness - I realized how short-sighted my "Thanks" were at the end of Bishop Isom's funeral.  I thanked the ushers, the stewardesses, the missionaries, the choir, the clergy, Greenwood Church ... and others for making the service possible.

Forgive my short-sightedness.  I also thank you - Ms. Duhart, Dr. Jones, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Bouknight - for making use of the CME Church's web page, the Christian Index blog, the internet in general to communicate with the CME Church throughout the world, and for the live-streaming of the service made possible by CME-TV.

Also, I erred in stating that "all" of the bishops of the CME Church were present. Bishop Godwin T. Umoette of Nigeria was not able to attend.  (Had I simply read my written "script" before me, I would have said that.)

Thank you.

Lawrence Reddick
Presiding Bishop, 1st Episcopal District

Funeral of Bro. Clarence Melvin Heath
The funeral service for Bro. Clarence Melvin Heath, father of Rev. Clarence K. Heath, pastor of the Greenwood Cathedral CME Church, Memphis, TN, and president of the Alumni Association of Phillips School of Theology, is Saturday, February 1, 2014, at 2 p.m. at Miracle Fellowship, Woodbury, GA.

Passing of Mrs. Minnie Thomas Brown
We are saddened by news of the loss on Thursday evening of Mrs. Minnie Thomas, mother of Dr. Marvin Frank Thomas, President-Dean of the Phillips School of Theology/ITC (Atlanta, Georgia), the CME seminary. Arrangements are pending.

Mrs. Brown was member of the Bailey Tabernacle CME Church, Tuscaloosa, AL. Dr. W. Clyde Jones is the pastor.

Submitted by Bishop L.L. Reddick, III, secretary, The College of Bishops

TRANSPORTATION ARRANGEMENTS FOR HOME GOING CELEBRATION FOR

RETIRED BISHOP DOTCY I. ISOM, JR.

(Please click on the link below.)

http://www.thecmechurch.org/Announcements/TransportationArrangements_HomegoingCelebrationBishopDotcyIsom.htm

Statement and Prayer Regarding Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.

The Connectional Prayer Ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is calling all members and friends to join together in prayer for the family of Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr., after his passing this week.

Bishop Isom passed from labor to reward on Monday, January 20, 2014.  Our thoughts and prayers for strength and grace continue now for his beloved wife, Mrs. Esther L. Isom; his sons Dotcy (Vanessa), Jon (Tonya), and David (Stephanie); and his grandchildren and extended family.
Bishop Isom was the 43rd Bishop of the CME Church.  He presided over the Fifth Episcopal District and the Third District during his episcopal ministry.  He was beloved in a very special way across the Church for his humor, generous spirit, gregarious wit, and practical wisdom.  He will be dearly missed, but he leaves a legacy of indefatigable love for God and God’s people that will live on in us.

We offer this prayer on behalf of
Mrs. Esther L. Isom and Family:

“Gracious God, we thank You for Your love and faithfulness, and for blessing us to know, love, and be loved by Bishop Dotcy Isom.  We commend into Your divine care his wife, Mrs. Esther Isom, and his family for healing and comfort.  Please shed abroad Your miraculous love into all our hearts by the power of the Holy Spirit, and turn our sadness to joy as we realize his present peace with You.
Thank You now God in Jesus’ Mighty Name.  Amen.”

THE CONNECTIONAL PRAYER MINISTRY
Rev. Kwesi R. Kamau, Coordinator

Update of Bishop Dotcy I. Isom's Funeral Arrangements

CME Church Family:

The following is my most current information on the funeral arrangements for Bishop Isom.

FUNERAL HOME:

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to M. J. Edwards Funeral Home, Whitehaven Chapel - 5494 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee  38116 - 901-332-3164.

WAKE:

There will be a wake on Friday night, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM, January 24th, at Zion CME Church, 4183 Hickory Hill Road, Memphis, Tennessee  38115 (telephone 901-365-0135). 

FUNERAL SERVICES:

          Saturday, January 25, 2014
          10 a.m.
          Greenwood CME Church
          3311 Kimball Ave.
          Memphis, TN

HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS:

Persons needing rooms should contact the Memphis Marriott East, 5795 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee  38119.  Call 1-800-228-9290 or 901-682-0080.  Ask for the CME Church Room Block.  The rate is $89.

FAMILY:

Mrs. Esther L. Isom's address is 4326 Richwood Place, Memphis, Tennessee  38125.

Thank you.

Bishop L.L. Reddick, III

Arrangements for Mrs. Sarah Washington
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

I regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Sarah Washington, the sister of Mrs. Elizabeth Coleman and aunt of the Rev. Dr. Daryll Coleman on Thursday evening, January 16, 2014.

Funeral Arrangements have been entrusted to:
J.F. Brittenum & Sons Funeral Home
125 North Memphis Street
Holly Springs, MS 38635

Homegoing Services:        
Thursday, January 23, 2014, Noon
Greenwood Baptist Church
4854 Lamar Road
Lamar, MS  38642

Please keep Mrs. Coleman and family in your prayers. Mrs. Coleman can be reached at: 8172 Walnut Knoll Cove, Memphis, TN 38018; (901) 754-8563 or (901) 484-2849.

In His Service,

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District

Dr. Princess Pegues
President, Women's Missionary Council
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Services for Bishop Dotcy I. Isom

Funeral services for Bishop Dotcy I. Isom will be held Saturday, January 25, 2014 at 10 a.m., at Greenwood CME Church, 3311 Kimball Ave., Memphis, TN. Information on room block is pending.

Submitted by Bishop L.L. Reddick III, for the  College of Bishops

Passing of Bishop Dotcy I. Isom

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with deep regret that we inform you of the passing today of Retired Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.  Bishop Isom was elected the Forty-Third Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in 1982 at the General Conference in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bishop Isom was married to Mrs. Esther L. Isom, and was the father of three children, Dotcy Isom III, Rev. Jon M. Isom, and Rev. David C. Isom.

Additional information regarding arrangements will be disseminated when they are completed.
Please keep Mrs. Isom, their children and the members of the Isom family in prayer.

In His Service,

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Senior Bishop and CEO
Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary

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

CME Church Mourns Loss of Bishop Dotcy I. Isom
More information later.

Information Concerning the 2014 General Conference

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The 37th Quadrennial Session and 38th General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will be held June 28 through July 4, 2014 at the Baltimore Convention Center located at 1 W Pratt St in Baltimore, MD.  Bishop Marshall Gilmore and the members of the Seventh Episcopal District will host the General Conference.

Delegates and alternates to the General Conference are requested to arrive on Friday, June 27, 2014 in time to pick up registration materials and check in their hotel room before the Episcopal District Caucus meetings at 7:00 p.m.

This announcement will provide information about registration for the General Conference and hotel lodging. Additional information about the General Conference will be forthcoming.

Registration and Hotel Reservations
Registration is now available for the General Conference. The registration fee for the General Conference is $100.  Many hotels in the local area of the Baltimore Convention Center will be used for housing. Please carefully read information about registration processes.

Registration for Delegates and Alternates
The Presiding Bishops will register delegates and alternates from their respective Episcopal Districts and reserve hotel rooms for them.  Delegates and alternates do not have to register for the General Conference or reserve their hotel room.

Registration for All Other Persons (CME Members, Visitors, Guests and Observers):
CME members, visitors, guests and observers may register for the General Conference.  You may register online and immediately reserve your hotel room.  Or you may download a registration form and mail it in. A hotel registration form will be mailed to you.

Online registration is available at www.thecmechurch.org/GeneralConference2014


Additional information about the General Conference will be provided as it becomes available and posted to the official CME Web site at www.thecmechurch.org/GeneralConference2014 , and sent via e-mail to our connectional members and friends.

Please pray for the planning and the success of the General Conference!
 
In His Service,

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Senior Bishop and CEO

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Chair
College of Bishops

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

Question: What does the Ninth Episcopal District have In
common with the NFL Playoffs?
Answer: Chris Harris, Jr., #25 starting corner back for the Denver Broncos! Chris is one of the Young Adults members of Pettie Chapel CME Church in Bixby, Oklahoma. He is active and involved in his church, the same church as Or. Cliff Harris, (they are not related), our own General Secretary of Lay Ministries.

Chris Harris was one of the speakers for the 2013 9th District Spring Convocation Webcast.
So, as you cheer for your favorite team this playoff season, remember Chris Harris in your prayers. He was born in the CME Church and continues to remain active and loyal 10 Christ and his church family.

To learn more about Chris Harris, visit http://www.nfl.com/player/chrisharris/2530510/profile

Note: If you know of other members of the 9th doing great things in other fields, please let
us know the details. Thanks.

Submitted by Bishop James Walker, 9th Episcopal District

Rev. David Isom Elected President of Fairfield, CA Board of Education


Rev. David C. Isom, Senior Pastor of the St. Stephen CME Church (Fairfield, CA) has been elected to the Office of President of the Board of Education for the Fairfield Suisun Unified School District. His responsibilities include leading the Board of Education and overseeing the operations of the district including a 180 million dollar annual budget, 22,000 students and 3,500 faculty and staff.

Other responsibilities of the Board of Education include the power and authority to develop policies, rules, and regulations to control the operation of the schools, including system organization, school site location, school finance, equipment purchase, staffing, attendance, curriculum, extracurricular activities, and all other functions essential to the day-to-day operation of schools within the district's boundaries.

He is also responsible for insuring that state and federal constitutions, legislative enactments, rules and regulations promulgated by the U.S. Department of Education and the state board of education, and legal interpretations by judges, attorneys general, and administrative agencies are followed.

While the school board functions locally, within the confines of the state's delegation of power and the geographical boundaries of the district, it is a legal agency of the state and thus derives its power from the state's constitution, laws, and judicial decisions.

Rev. Isom's obligations to the constituents and stakeholders are vast but he believes that his many years of service on Boards, Commissions and within other Public and Private institutions will help him to be effective.

Arrangements for Bro. Theodis Maness

Presiding Elder J. Ronzell Maness lost his brother, Theodis Maness on Friday
December 27, 2013. Funeral services will be held in Robbins, North Carolina on Friday, January 3, 2014 at noon.

Funeral home information is as follows:

Simon Funeral Home
151 South Hardin Street
Southern Pine, North Carolina 28387
910-692-3701

Please keep the Maness Family in your prayers.

Mr. Donnell Holt
Augusta-Sparta District
Administrative Assistant to the Elder

Happy New Year 2014 to the CME Church

from

The Christian Index Online

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? 

I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." —Isaiah 43:18-19

Luke 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Merry Christmas

from

The Christian Index

and

The Christian Index Online