Critical Pastoral Concerns from the 8th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Office of the Bishop
The Rt. Rev. Ronald M. Cunningham

MEMO
To: Members and Friends of the Eighth Episcopal District

and the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

From: The Office of Bishop R. M. Cunningham

Re: Recent Critical Pastoral Concerns

Date: April 14, 2009

For your information, this memo refers to three, reported, recent critical pastoral concerns which have had an impact on persons and families in the “Magnificent Excellent Eighth.”

Friday night, April 10, 2009, the nephew of Mrs. Clarice (Lady Clarice) Cunningham, William Flake, age 36, was killed in an automobile accident in Gibson County, Tennessee. Mr. Flake is the father of 4 young children. He is the grandson of Mr. James Flake and Mrs. Pandora Flake, members of Phillips Chapel CME Church, Milan, Tennessee. Mrs. Flake presently serves as president of the East Tennessee Region Stewardess Board. Mr. Flake’s funeral will be, Thursday, April 16th, 2:00 PM, at Phillips Chapel
CME Church, 4023 Cates Street, Milan, Tennessee 38358. Lady Clarice may be reached at 901-338-4978.

Funeral arrangements are in the hands of Baskerville Funeral Home, 802 N. 9th Avenue,
Humboldt, TN 38343, phone 731-784-9994.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009, Rev. W. E. Lockett, long time pastor of Metropolitan CME Church, Houston, Texas, underwent major surgery. Rev. Lockett is physically and spiritually stable, and is recovering at his residence in Houston. His primary caregiver is Mrs. Lillie Lockett, his wife of more than 44 years.

Please know that on Sunday, April 5, 2009, one of Mrs. Lockett’s sisters died. Her name is Mrs. Willie Jean Jackson, of Pine Hill, New Jersey. The funeral will take place Saturday, April 18, at Bethel AME Church, Quitman, Georgia, Stevens McGhee Funeral Home, 301 E. Green Street, Quitman, Georgia, 31643. The Lockett’s may be reached at 713-524-9556; address: 2521 N. Macgregor Way, Houston, TX 77004.

Editor Jones' Note: Please, let us be in prayer for the families of Bishop Cunningham/Flake and Lockett/Jackson during their hours of bereavement and recovery.

The Homegoing of Mrs. Jarutha Thompson
We regret to inform you of the passing of Mrs. Jarutha Echols Thompson, Wife of Rev. V.T. Thompson,former Presiding Elder of the Gloster-Hattiesburg District, South MS Region, 4th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Homegoing service as follows:

Tuesday, April 14, 2009, 11 am
(Pre-viewing, 9 am-11 am)
Rose Hill Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
15 Rose Hill Road
Columbia, Mississippi 39429
601-731-7666
Rev. Johnnie Porter, pastor

Body entrusted to:
Smith Funeral Home
519 Owens Street
Columbia, MS 39429
601-736-2257
Mr. David Smith, Director

Please keep Rev. Thompson and his family in your Prayers. Rev. Thompson can be reached at 601-943-5361.

Submitted by Pene' Long Woods

Hallelujah! He has Risen from the Dead!
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" (Matthew 28:5-7).

Romans 5:6-8
"You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (NIV).

Passing of Presiding Elder Floyd English
Reverend Floyd English, Presiding Elder of the Minden District, Louisiana Conference, 4th Episcopal District and pastor of Union CME Church, passed away late Sunday evening in Shreveport, LA.

Home Going Service will be held:
Friday, April 3, 2009, 1 PM.
Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
414 E. Union Street
Minden, LA 71055
Pastor, Reverend Jeffrey Whitmore
Presiding Prelate, Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
(Brunch will be held at the church between 11 PM and 12:45 PM prior to the service.)

His body has been entrusted to:
Winnfield Funeral Home
3701 Hollywood Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71109
318-631-0203

Interment: 

Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Keithville, LA.
Please keep Mrs. Carrie English, the children and grandchildren in your prayers.

Submitted by Pene' Woods

Lewis Chapel Pastor Reed Awarded Citizen of the Year
Rev. Charles A. Reed, Sr., pastor of Lewis Chapel CME Church in Santa Barbara, California (The Miracle by the Beach) was awarded the "Citizen of the Year for 2008" for his outstanding work in the community. "Brother Chuk" as he is known, is the Police Chaplain for the department and very active.
Pastor Reed was appointed to Lewis Chapel in the fall of 2007 and relocated to the city from Los Angeles. After being pulled over by the police four times in three months, Pastor Reed made an appointment with S.B. Police Chief Cam Sanchez to discuss the matter. But, Pastor Reed did more than just talk about the problem facing Black men in Santa Barbara, Pastor Reed got involved. He joined the Police Citizens Academy and finished in April of 2008. During his background investigation, Bishop Williamson said, Pastor Reed would be "proactive" in his work with law enforcement. This has proven to be quite an understatement.
Pastor Reed's first call to duty as Chaplain was to the aid of a woman who's 11-year old daughter had died. It would not be the last time he would come face to face with death. On the 4th of July 2008, Pastor Reed decided to go out in the field with his sergeant, Sgt. Riley Harwood, instead of staying at home and enjoying the holiday with his family. That night, Pastor Reed was one of the first to arrive on the scene of a gang-related homicide. Pastor Reed assisted in stabilizing the victim on a back-board, only realizing some time later the teenage victim bled on him. Pastor Reed also assisted in the investigation by escorting traumatized witnesses to the Police Station and comforting them until they could be interviewed by detectives.
In November, he assisted with a death investigation. In December, Pastor Reed was called out to help in another homicide—a stabbing that occurred at a halfway house. There, Pastor Reed counseled a very distraught witness for nearly two hours until he was calm enough to provide a statement to detectives. But the role of a Police Chaplain consists of more than just helping with death investigations, as Pastor Reed's other activities demonstrate. During this past year, he has graduated from the Department's Citizen Academy, he met frequently with the Chief and Deputy Chief, served as a liaison with the Interfaith Ministerial Alliance, rode along with the Tactical Patrol Force and made contacts with the homeless, assisted with a runaway juvenile case and a warrant service, represented the Department at the funeral of a City Official, counseled SBPD employees facing personal challenges, and helped with the Special Event Unit with issues concerning the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King rally.
Pastor Reed has been married to his beautiful wife Joyce for almost thirty years. His son Charles Jr., is the drummer at Amos Memorial in Los Angeles. His daughter Shalen sings with Joyce in the singing group "Called." In his spare time he is a talented artist, lifeguard, and is the Head Swim Team Coach at the Montecito YMCA. The team has won many swim meets and a League Title under his leadership. Pastor Reed has even worked hard on the shooting range, and is an excellent marksmen.
During his brief tenure as a Police Chaplain Pastor Reed has had a tremendous impact on the Department. He has proven to be a great asset to the SBPD personnel and a positive influence in their relationship with the community. For these reasons "Brother Chuk"/Pastor Charles A. Reed, Sr. has been awarded by City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Police Department as the "Citizen of the Year" for 2008.

Arrangements for Bro. Charles Thompson

The funeral of Mr. Charles Thompson, brother of Greenwood-Jackson District Presiding Elder Rev. Eddie J. Wilson, will be held on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at 11 AM, Faith Memorial Baptist Church, 2520 Mount Lebanon St., Gibsland, LA 71028, (318) 843-9910.  A wake will be held on Friday evening, March 20, 2009, 6-7 PM, at the Paradise Westside Chapel Funeral Home, 3201 6th St., Arcadia, Louisiana, (318) 263-2368.

Loss of Mr. Wallace Hull
Mr. Wallace Hull, long time member of the Calvary CME Church, Buffalo, NY, passed away on Saturday, March 7, 2009. Mr. Hull was the long time companion of Sis. Nellie B. King, former president of the New York-Washington Region Women's Missionary Society.

Services are as follows:

Wake and Masonic Service
Thursday, March 12, 2009
7 PM - 9 PM
Calvary CME Church

Homegoing Service
Friday, March 13, 2009
11 AM
Calvary CME Church
Rev. Regina Reese-Young, pastor

You may send condolences to:

Sis. Nellie B. King
20 Treehaven Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14215
(716) 832-7542

New Date for 14th Connectional Lay Institute

September 19-21, 2009

(Prior to the 23rd CME Convocation)

St. Louis, MO

Mrs. Evelyn G. Williams Speaks at Museum's Black History Observance
Longview, TX—On Thursday, February 5, 2009, Mrs. Evelyn Garrett Williams spoke at the Gregg County Historical Museum in observance of Black History Month. Mrs. Williams was asked to reflect on the many changes she’s seen in her 85 years. The information below is from the Longview News Journal, written by Jamaal E. O’Neal.
For more than a half century, Mrs. Evelyn Garrett Williams worked and lived in the shadows of segregation and discrimination in Longview. Riding in the back of the bus, going to segregated schools, sitting the balconies at the movie theatres and being forced to enter at the back of the Gregg County Courthouse – it’s a vivid period, which, at the age of 85, Williams has not forgotten.
“Things were different then,” Williams said.
“People had their place, knew their boundaries, but thank God, it didn’t stay that way.”
Williams, a historian at St. Mark CME Church, Longview, TX, reminisced about growing up Black in Longview with a handful of other residents at the Gregg County Historical Museum. Her speech is part of the museum’s salute to Black History Month. One of 13 brothers and sisters, Williams has called South Longview home all her life and can remember when much of the area was rural.
“We lived on Green Street, but back then it was called Route 3,” Williams recalled. My father, Jack Garrett, bought a farm on the road, and we had 110 acres. We later bought 86 acres down on Lilly Road, which was a mud road back then.”
Williams said her family nearly lost their farm after a local white banker refused to take her father’s last payment for the property. “I remember how he paced the floor. Oh, how he worried. We could have lost everything, but luckily we were able to pay the mortgage with another bank.”
It wouldn’t be the last time her family and others would experience bigotry in Longview. The Klu Klux Klan was on the rise in Longview after World War I, and poll taxes—high taxes Blacks had to pay to vote—also were increasing.
After the death of her father in 1943, an editor at the Longview Journal refused to publish her father’s obituary because he was Black. “I called up there and asked him why,” Williams said. “He told me they didn’t print Black obituaries, and he had thrown it in the trash.”
Williams said all people should remember how people of color were treated in the past so society learns never to revert to discriminatory practices. “This is part of our history,” Williams said. “It’s painful, but I think it helps us progress. I’ve let it go, but I’ll never forget. I think we’ve come a long way in East Texas, but there is still much work to do.”
Mrs. Williams is the widow of Sam Williams and mother of four, Carolyn (Houston), Garrett (Shreveport, LA), Cedric and Tracey (Longview), and grandmother of nine, Carol (Dallas), Kasha, Cedric Jr., Frenchmon, Shelby and Daniel (Longview), Garrett, Jr. (Tampa, FL), Frederick (Grambling, LA) and Kirbye (Northwestern University in Louisiana).
Submitted by daughter, Carolyn Williams, Metropolitan CME Church, Houston, TX.

Loss of Mr. Frank Duncan

Dear CME Family:

I regret to inform you of the death of Mr. Stanley Frank Duncan the husband Mrs. Leola Duncan the Kansas Missouri Region Missionary President. Please keep her lift up in prayer.

The arrangements are as follows:

Tuesday, Feb 24, 2009
Visitation 9 am - 10 am

Service 10 am
Place: Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel
1800 E. Linwood Blvd. KC MO 64109-2097

Phone: 816-921-1800 Fax: 816-924-2113

Mrs. Leola Duncan - Home address Leola Duncan

4239 E. 68th Terrace, KC MO 64132
816-523-0401

Link to article on burning of Alabama CME Churches

(copy and paste in your browser)

http://www.wsfa.com/global/story.asp?s=9847244

Loss of Dr. Vivian U. Robinson

Dear CME Family:

I regret to inform you of the passing of Dr. Vivian U. Robinson, Past Region President of Georgia Women’s Missionary Society and Department Secretary of the Women’s Missionary Council on Friday, February 13, 2009.

Home Going Services are as follows:

Family Hour and Viewing:
Friday, February 20, 2009 – 5  PM– 8 PM

Williams Funeral Home – Mrs. Mildred Williams Contact Person
1765 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone Number: 706-722-5551
Fax Number: 706-722-8999

Funeral Service:

Saturday, February 21, 2009
Viewing: 1- 2 PM

Funeral Service: 2 PM
Paine College – Dr. George C. Bradley, President
1235 15th Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone Number: 706-821-8200

Condolences can be sent to her daughter, Mrs. Gwendolyn Durnell
703 Low Meadow Drive
Evans, Georgia 30809
Phone Number 706-951-0773

Or 1256 Hernlen Street
Augusta Georgia 30901
Phone Number: 706-722-8593

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, Missionary Council President

Lenten Books Available

Dear CME's

The Lent “Liberation and Unity books are available. This is a joint effort of the departments of Christian Education from the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The Cost is 2.00 each for orders of less than 50 books; for orders of 50 or more books the cost is $1.80 each and plus shipping cost.

Please provide a valid shipping address for your order. We need responses by Monday February 16, 2009.

Thanks

Loss of Matthew Bouknight
The Reverend Joseph Bouknight, a retired pastor in the Michigan-Indiana Region and father of Attorney Barbara Bouknight and Miss Jeanette Bouknight, recently lost his brother and nephew.
The funeral arrangements for Matthew Bouknight, brother of Rev. Joseph Bouknight, and Matthew's son, Richard Bouknight, are as follows:
Funeral:
Thursday, February 12 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethel AME Church, 635 E. Main Street, Wytheville, Virginia.
Arrangements entrusted to Barnett Funeral Home, 325 Church Street, Wytheville, VA 24382 (276) 228-3121.
Condolences may be sent to Rev. & Mrs. Joseph (Dorothy) Bouknight at 18103 Schaefer Hwy, Detroit, MI 48235. Their phone number is (313) 861-1274.

Please keep the Bouknight family in prayer.

Home-going Services for Mrs. Willie Arlene Williams
The funeral services for the late Mrs. Willie Arlene Williams, the mother of Presiding Elder H. Leon Williams and Presiding Elder Wayne A. Williams, will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 10 AM at:
Greenwood CME Church
3311 Kimball Avenue
Memphis, TN 38111
(901) 744-7531 (Office)
(901) 744-7664 (Fax)

Her body is entrusted to:

Henderson Funeral Home
2746 South Panola Street
Hernando, Ms 38632
Office: (662) 429-9443
Fax: (662) 429-2434
Email Address: cedricburnett@hedersonfuneralhome.org
Contact Person: Mr. Cedric Burnett

If you are going to send condolences, resolutions or flowers (live flowers please), send them to the Henderson Funeral Home.

The Family Hour will be held on Friday, January 30, 2009, from 6 to 8 PM at:
St. Paul CME Church
7420 West Goodman Road
Walls, MS 38680

Rev. Dr. H. Leon Williams, Sr. (337) 842-8856 (Cell)
(337) 439-8622 (Home)

Rev. Dr. Wayne A. Williams (318) 469-8269

CME Reflections

On the Historic Inauguration

Of President Barack Obama

Dear CME Members and Friends,

Greetings in the Name of Jesus Christ!

This week, we will witness the historical inauguration of President Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States and first African-American elected to the office. A blog (Web journal) has been established on the official CME Web site for you to share your personal account, stories and experiences of this historical event.

Perhaps you attended the inauguration ceremony, celebration balls, and special events held in Washington, DC. Perhaps you hosted or attended celebration events in your hometown or watched the inaugural events on television. Share your story with our connectional members.
You may submit your reflections on the blog located at: www.c-m-e.org/cmereflections.htm
The journal submissions may be forwarded for publication in The Christian Index.
Note: You may send an article about the inauguration and photographs for inclusion in The Christian Index to: Dr. Kenneth Jones, Editor of The Christian Index, PO Box 16035, Fairfield, AL 35064. (The Editor's office number is 205-929-1410). Please include a $20 fee per photo. All checks should be made payable to the Department of Publication.
A limited number of photographs from inaugural events will be posted on the blog. If you would like for your photograph(s) to be considered for inclusion on the blog, please do the following.
Please send an e-mail message to stating that you are the creator of the image or photograph, and provide permission to publish the photograph on the CME Web site.
You can attach the photograph with the e-mail that you send. For each image, please provide a short description.
How to submit your stories or comments on the blog:

Visit the blog at www.c-m-e.org/cmereflections.htm
Click on Comments. A appears
Write your comments in the box
To submit your comments, click on Submit Comments

Many of our CME members and friends will look forward to reading the stories from this historic event! Thank you for your support of this effort.


Your Servant in Christ,

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Editor, The Christian Index
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

St. Paul Academy (Ga.) 

football team wins 2008 City Championship
Savannah, GA (Nov. 6, 2008)—The Saint Paul Academy Middle School football team recently was crowned champions of the Savannah Private Schools Football League. The Saints finished the season with a perfect 8-0 record and completely dismantled St. Peter's in the championship game by a score of 24-14. Although they got off to a slow start and led 16-14 at halftime, St. Paul coaches made the proper corrections and adjustments at halftime to break the game open.
The margin of victory could have been much greater if three of St. Paul's touchdowns were not called back due to questionable penalties. St. Peter's coaches decided that they did not want St. Paul to completely destroy them so they quit with 5:35 left in the fourth quarter, a poor example of sportsmanship. St. Paul's coaches and team accepted the trophy with little fanfare and returned to the school campus for a private celebration. We used this game as a learning tool for our children showing them that no matter how hard something looks, never quit. Persevere and see it through.
St. Paul has competed in middle school football for seven seasons. They were in the championship game their first two seasons, losing the game both years. The team has always been competitive and has produced star athletes that went on to other high schools to become star student athletes.
St. Paul Academy for Boys was founded in 1993 by Rev. Dr. Henry R. Delaney, Jr., in Savannah, GA. It is housed at 315 West 38th Street, which was a former Savannah-Chatham County school. The St. Paul Academy for Girls was founded in 2002 by Dr. Delaney, Jr. Now both academies are combined into St. Paul Academy and the school's chancellor is Rev. Keith E. Ellison. The football team's head coaches are Mr. D'Angelo Holsey and Mr. Eddie Brown.

Rejoice, for the Savior is Born!
“So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.”- Luke 2:16-20

Loss of Rev. B.R. Udosen 
We are saddened to announce the passing of Rev. B. R. Udosen, Missions Supervisor for the Nigerian Regions of the 10th Episcopal District. He transitioned to his eternal resting place on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 4:40 PM Nigerian Time.

We ask your prayers for his family and the 6 regions of Nigeria.

Submitted by Rev. Alfred L. Harrison
Executive Assistant to Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Presiding Prelate, 10th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Life of Rev. R.C. George, Jr.
Rev. R.C. George, Jr., passed away December 12, 2008 at Methodist University Hospital. He was born in Carrolton, MS on September 10, 1934, the first of four children born to the late Rev. Richmond C. Sr. and Mrs. Irene George.
During his 43 year tenure as a pastor in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, he was one of the founding Directors of the CME Church, First Episcopal District housing for the Elderly, Exum Towers, Memphis, TN and Smith Keys Garden, Texarkana and Eldorado, AR. He was considered a preacher’s architect and was instrumental in the rebuilding, upgrading, and construction of many churches in Tennessee under the leadership of Bishop B. Julian Smith, Bishop J. Madison Exum and Sr. Bishop William H. Graves. Some of the Tennessee churches he served as pastor were Mt. Tipton, Grady Chapel, Bartlett Chapel, New Hope, Pillow Street, Watkins Chapel, Smothers Chapel, Winrow Chapel (now Winrow CME), St. Paul, and Zion Hill. In Mississippi, he served as pastor of Bates Chapel, Bethlehem and Cooper Chapel. Other cities and churches where he served as pastor were Parrish Temple in St. Louis, MO; St. James in Flint, MI; and St. Vestal (now Hashaway Community) in Long Beach, CA.
In 1972, Rev. George began his tenure as the presiding elder of the Memphis District, West Tennessee Conference, where he held this position for a decade.
Rev. George leaves four daughters, Mary Jean George, Irene Woods (Glen), and Yvette George of Memphis, and Adrianne Guice (Robert) of Houston; two brothers, Rev. William E. George and Tanner George and one sister, Robbie George-Greer, all of Memphis. His immediate family also includes seven grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; one aunt, Inez Cooper,, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
The visitation for Rev. R.C. George, Jr. will be Friday, December 19th at M.J. Edwards Funeral Home, 1165 Airways Blvd., 6-8 PM. The home-going services will be Saturday, December 20th, 2008, Greenwood CME Church, 3311 Kimball Avenue, Memphis, TN, Rev. Dr. Travis Robinson, pastor. Visitation, 10-10:50 AM, funeral at 11 AM. Interment, Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Popular Ave., Memphis, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the George Family is requesting that you please send memorials to the Collegiate Scholarship Fund, Winrow St. Paul CME Church, 5865 Knight Arnold Road, Memphis, TN 38115. Arrangements: M.J. Edwards Funeral Home: 901-327-6390.

Loss of Rev. R.C. George, Jr.
The brother of CME Publisher Dr. William E. George, Rev. R.C. George, Jr. are as follows:
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Greenwood CME Church
(901) 743-1188
3311 Kimble Avenue
Memphis, TN 38114
Rev. Dr. Travis C. Robinson, pastor

Visitation — 10 AM
Celebration of Life — 11

Contact Reverend Dr. William E. George, 525 Harwood Cove, Memphis, TN 38120 at
(901) 683-7883 (home)

Loss of Mrs. C. Voncile Travis
Arrangements for Mrs. C. Voncile Travis, the aunt of General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis are as follows:

Thursday, December 18, 2008
Phillips Memorial CME Church
(513) 281-2059
839 West North Bend Road
Cincinnati, OH 45224
Rev. Kai Cole, pastor
(513) 545-5062

Visitation — 11 AM
Celebration of Life — Noon

Saturday, December 20, 2008
New Purchase CME Church – (251) 789-2226
Beatrice, AL 36425
Reverend Dr. Dixie L. West, Pastor – (251) 244-0044

Arrangements for 

Rev. Dr. Eugene McLemore
Homegoing Services 
Saturday, December 20, 2008 at 11 AM
Blacks Chapel Church
3425 Robinson Road
Jackson, MS 39209

Family Hour
Friday, December 19, 2008 6-7 PM

Blacks Chapel

Jackson, MS

Loss of Rev. Dr. Eugene McLemore
We are very sad to advise of the passing of Dr. Eugene McLemore, 66, current Pastor of Little Bethel CME Church, Terry , MS, former Pastor of Lynch Street CME Church, Jackson, MS ,former Hinds County Administrator and top Mississippi Development Authority official, who died today at home. Dr. McLemore grew up in the small north Mississippi town of Walls. Like his older brother, City Councilman Dr. Leslie Burl McLemore, his career revolved around public service and community leadership.
Please keep Mrs. McLemore and the rest of the family in your prayers. Further arrangements will follow.

Pene' Woods

A Time of Great Anticipation

"But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons" (Galatians 4:4-5, New International Version).

Merry Christmas

From The Christian Index Online

Services for Mrs. Joanna Small. It is with regret that I inform you of the death of Mrs. Joanna Small the mother of Mrs. Evelyn Gosey, the Chair of the Women's Missionary Council Compilation and Statistics Committee.

Please keep Evelyn and her family lifted up in prayer.

The Homegoing Services are as follows:
Funeral Home
Good Samaritan Funeral Home
2200 Laurel Street
Shreveport, Louisiana 71103
Phone Number: 318-221-7361
Fax Number: 318-221-8697

Family Vistation Hour
Friday Night, December 5, 2008 - 7-8 PM

Funeral Service

Saturday, December 6, 2008 - 12:00 Noon
Bracks Chapel CME Church
Rev. Larry G. Williams, Pastor

Please send condolence to: Mrs. Evelyn Gosey
3212 Darien Street
Shreveport, LA 71109
Phone Number: (318)635-4471
Fax Number: 318-631-2705


Rejoice,

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb
Women's Missionary Council President

Happy Thanksgiving

from

The Christian Index Online

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor

Passing of Shreveport District Lay Leader Thomas. Our prayers go out to the family of Bro. Robert Thomas, Shreveport District Lay Leader, who will be funeralized on Saturday at St. Luke CME Church, 2110 Martin Luther King Drive, Shreveport Louisiana at 11 AM. The remains can be viewed Friday, November 28, 2008 at JS Williams Funeral Home, 1104 Pierre Avenue, Shreveport, Louisiana, 3–7 PM. On December 1, 2008 at 11 AM, Bro. Thomas will be laid to rest at the Louisiana Veteran Cemetery in Keithville, LA, with full military honor (the public is invited.)
Submitted Paula L. Wiley-Boutté

Evangelism and Missions Double "W" at Knoxville Convocation
There are so many ways to get involved in our church by volunteering. Our church survives because of the dedication of all our volunteers.
It is such a good way to get to know others in our church family. During the 22nd CME Convocation in Knoxville, Tennessee the Department of Evangelism and Mission called for members who would be in attendance to volunteer for Project Double "W."
Project Double "W" involved two areas of ministry, Work and Witness. General Secretary Rev. Dr. W. C. Champion lead CME's attending the 22nd Convocation on Project Double "W" focusing on two areas within the Knoxville community which moved CME's from the confines of the Knoxville Center engaging them in outreach ministries. Fifteen members, (Maudeania Screen-Moore, William Brook and Khadijah Screen 1st District; Wesley Massey and Odies Powers 4th District; Presiding Elder Ore L. Spragin 5th District; Teresa Brooks and Dr. Leo Pinkett 6th District; Rev. Sandra Gripper 7th District; Sella M. Ray, Jackie Redwine, Rev. Leroy Redwine, Tonie Johnson, and Vemon Johnson 8th District Presiding Elder Lummie Hearn 9th District) from various CME churches across the Connection volunteered for ministry of work at Mattie E. Coleman CME Church from 10 A.M. until 2 P.M. This involved painting seven rooms at the church in an effort to upgrade the cosmetics of the class rooms and fellowship hall.
Members who participated in Project Double "W" were joined by two members from Mattie E. Coleman CME Church, Thurman Kinnebrew and Jasper Pride These two gentlemen prepared a wonderful lunch for the participants who were involved in "Work" ministry.
Presiding Elder Wilma Walden of the Southeast District, East Tennessee Region, is pastor of Mattie E. Coleman CME. The Mattie E. Coleman project represented the "work" of Double "W."
The "witness" of Double "W" took place in the Knoxville community at the Taylor Housing Projects where five members (Rose Locksey and Rev. Sheaneter 4th District; Cheryl 7th District; and Rev. Robert J. Thomas and Rev. Eloise Knox 9th District) from across the CME Connection were involved in door-to-door evangelism from 2 to 4 PM. The goal of the "witness" ministry was to men, women, and young people to Christ. Thurman Kinnebrew accompanied the five members involved in "Witness" ministry. The members involved were excited as they reported that over twenty-five individuals confessed and accepted Christ as their personal Savior.
This was the first time the Department of Evangelism and Mission has involved members attending the Convocation in Mission ministry involving repair and fix-up manual labor. This is the tenth year the Department has taken to the streets to witness. The Department of Evangelism and Mission feels it is very important that wherever the CME Convocation convenes, it is vital that the CME Church have a presence in the city where we meet. This is what Evan-
gelism and Mission is all about.
Praise God. Get ready for St. Louis, MO in 2009.

Pray for Chelsey Gladney

Family, Friends, Colleagues:
       I write to you this evening to request the prayers and financial assistance for a wonderful young lady, Chelsey Gladney, who is 19 years old, a second year student at Jackson State University, and a member of Lynch Street Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Jackson, MS, where the Rev. Dr. Charles Holbrook is Pastor.
       On Sunday morning, October 5th, Chelsey was on a way to church when she sollided with an 18 wheeler on Interstate 20. The car went underneath the truck and was on fire when the firefighters arrived on the scene. Chelsey was flown to the Joseph M. Still Burn Center in Augusta, Georgia where she is now. Chelsey sustained third degree burns over 40% of her body and on last week both of her fee

t were amputated. On yesterday, Oct. 22nd, one of her legs was amputated. She currently has a serious infection that threatens her life.
       A number of blood drives have been conducted in the city. There are a number of ways that you can assist Chelsey and her family. First and foremost, she needs your prayers and due to the mounting medical bills, the family is going to need financial assistance. A fund has been set up for Chelsey at Trustmark National Bank, Jackson, MS. Trustmark has a number of banks in the region. There are branches in every major town in the state of Mississippi and there are branches in Florida(Destin,Lakeland, and Panama City); Tennessee(Arlington, Barlett, Collierville,Cordova, Germantown); Texas (Beaumont, Houston, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and Katy). If you are in the Augusta, Georgia area you certainly can go by the Burn Center and pray with the family. You can also send donations to the Lynch Street CME Church, 2175 Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39209. For more information you can contact Mrs. Gloria Scott at 601-352-8886 or Pastor, Dr. Charles Holbrook at 601-954-7499.
Chelsey was active in the Youth Choir and Christian Youth Fellowship. Missionaries, Youth Groups, Churches - this is a time that we can help the Gladney Family during this tough time. Thank you so very much and may God Bless you.

In His Name,

Pene' Woods

The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns
Declares a Day of Prayer, a Time to Help, and Emergency Relief Sunday, November 2, 2008

The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is asking all CME churches to declare Sunday, November 2, 2008 a day of fasting and prayer for our nation and world. We need to pray because of the following reasons:

• a historic Presidential Election
  
• the need to help our brothers and sisters who were impacted by Hurricane Ike
  
• the economic down turn in our nation
  
• the educational system’s failure to meet the needs of our children
  
• the foreclosure crisis
  
• clergy and lay leadership development in the church
  
• the health care crisis in our nation.
  

We believe that this is a time to cry out to the God of our Salvation to protect us, direct us, provide for us, and to prosper us in difficult times. II Chronicles 7:14 really tells us the position that the church must take in these perilous times “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” This scripture should be our Altar Call on Sunday, November 2, 2008 as we share in Holy Communion.

On Sunday, November 2, 2008, we would like to have every CME Church to take up a special offering for the Emergency Relief Fund of our church to address the needs of CMEs and others impacted by Hurricane Ike. A good number of our churches and their properties were lost, damaged or destroyed. In Haiti, more than 1,000 lives were lost. Many of our CME Churches in Texas in the path of Hurricane Ike were severely damaged.

Please make all checks payable to the Department of Finance CME Church and send them to your Presiding Bishop’s office. I truly believe that God will continue to bless and direct our nation if we pray and seek His Divine Will for our world.

Let’s all remind our congregations and community to Get Out and Vote on Tuesday, November 4, 2008.

Reinstatement of Bishop Kenneth W. Carter 

(Expansion Corrected. Click on Image.)

CME Mary Freeman Receives historic TRA Appointment. Mary W. Freeman became the first African American woman to serve as director of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority. With her appointment on July 1, 2008, Director Freeman will lead an agency responsible for regulating all privately-owned utilities in the state of Tennessee. A joint appointment of Governor Phil Bredesen, Lieutenant Governor Ron Ramsey and Speaker of the House Jimmy Naifeh, Director Freeman will serve a three-year term.
Director Freeman, a Memphis native, grew up in Mt. Pisgah CME Church where the pastor is Rev. Willie Ward, Jr. and is currently a member of St. Luke CME Church in Nashville, Tennessee where the pastor is Reverend Ronald Powe.
Director Freeman serves in various capacities at St. Luke and very active in her community, serving on the advisory board of the Davidson County Community Corrections program; board of directors of the St. Luke Geriatric Center, Inc.; St. Luke Housing Ministry; Creative Artist of Tennessee, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Director Freeman has over fifteen years of legislative and policy experience in state government. Prior to her appointment, she served as legislative director for Governor Phil Bredesen where she assisted the Governor and the Senior Policy Advisor for Legislative Affairs in developing the administration’s legislative agenda. Prior to joining the administration, she served as executive assistant to State Representative Lois DeBerry, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Tennessee House of Representatives.
Director Freeman was born in 1966 and is the daughter of Grace Freeman and the late Wiley Freeman. She graduated from Memphis Central High School and holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Tennessee State University.

September 15, 2008

AN ANNOUNCEMENT CONCERNING AID TO HAITI AFTER HURRICANES

As the bishop presently assigned to superintend the work in Haiti, I am reporting that I have spoken with Reverend Suffrant Vincent, Mission Supervisor, concerning conditions and needs in Haiti.
Food is at a serious shortage. CMEs can help directly with food by sending aid through one of the churches of the Fifth Episcopal District that has direct contact with an agency that delivers food in Haiti. Contributions to Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Dr. Vanessee Burns, Pastor, #1 South Cottage Hill Road, Orlando, Florida 32805. Checks should be made payable to Carter Tabernacle CME Church, marked in the memo "Haiti Support."
If persons would rather write checks to the Tenth Episcopal District, please likewise mark these checks for "Haiti Support" and send to the Fifth Episcopal District Office, 310 18th Street, North, Suite 400-D, Birmingham, Alabama 35203.

For further information you may call the office of the Fifth Episcopal District at 205-252-2587.

Thank you.

Lawrence L. Reddick III
Fifth Episcopal District

Funeral Arrangements for Dr. James Faulk

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Funeral services for Dr. James Faulk, who passed away on September 11, 2008, will be held on Friday, September 19, 2008, at 11 a.m. at Beebe Memorial Cathedral, 3900 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, CA 94609.  Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Jr. is pastor. Contact information for Beebe Cathedral: Telephone: 510-655-6114 / Fax: 510 655-6170 / e-mail: thecathedral@beebeonline.org
Please keep in prayer Dr. Sylvia Faulk, daughter, Heidi and son, Shannon. You may contact the family at 623 San Fernando Avenue, Berkeley, CA 94707, telephone: 510-526-5536, e-mail hfrann@comcast.net


In His Service,

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
9th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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

Passing of Dr. James Faulk
The 9th Episcopal District and the Northern California Region is saddened by the passing of one of it's stalwart leaders, Dr. James Faulk. Dr. James Faulk was a life long advocate for Social Justice and Human Concerns changes. A member of Beebe Memorial Cathedral in Oakland he leaves his wife, Dr. Sylvia Faulk, President Emeritus of the Women's Missionary Council of the CME Church; daughter, Heidi and son, Shannon to mourn his passing and celebrate his life.
Please lift the family up in prayer. Additional information will be passed on as received.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Presiding Prelate
9th Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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

The Passing of Rev. Wesley Hubbard
We regret to inform you of the passing of a former presiding elder serving in the Mississippi South Region and pastor of the Holly Springs CME Church, Rev. Wesley Hubbard, on September 1, 2008 at the Anderson Memorial Hospital, Meridian, MS.

Rev. Hubbard's body has been entrusted to:
Berry & Gardner Funeral Home
1300 34th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301 (601) 485-8521

Arrangements are as follows:
Homegoing Service: Saturday, September 6, 2008 at Noon
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., presiding prelate, 4th Episcopal District will serve as eulogist.
Newell Chapel CME Church
1400 13th Avenue
Meridian, MS 39301
Rev. Troy Miller, pastor
Reviewing of the body from 8 a.m. to Noon

For further information regarding arrangements or hotel information,
please contact Mr. Henry Granger at 601-917-6712, or hgranger2000@aol.com.

Please keep Mrs. Dennetta Hubbard and the rest of the family in your prayers. Expressions of condolence can be sent to her at 4801 23rd St., Meridian, MS 39307.


Submitted by Pene' Woods

Letter to the Editor on Raising Pastors' Salaries

Percy O. Norwood, Jr.
Carrollton, MS 38917
August 11, 2008

Rev. Dr. Kenneth E. Jones
Editor, The Christian Index
P.O. Box 431
Fairfield, AL 35064

Dear Rev. Jones:
Congratulations on the quality of the Christian Index. You and your staff have made significant improvements to this publication during your time as Editor. However, after reading your Editor's message in the June 2008 issue of The Christian Index on "Increasing Pastors' Salaries" I decided to write this letter to help clarify something about responsibilities for setting Pastors' salaries.
As a former steward, treasurer, recording steward and trustee in various CME churches around the United States, I agree that local churches need to increase pastors' salaries. But, you misstated in your editorial how the salary should be set. The Discipline does not call for "consultation with the pastor" in setting his/her salary. Section 511.2.1 of the Discipline states, "It shall be the duty of the stewards to make, in conjunction with the stewardesses, an estimate of appropriations for the pastor." It goes on to spell out what that appropriation shall include where possible. A similar provision is spelled out in 513.1.6 of the Discipline concerning the duty of the Stewardesses. Consultation with the pastor is required when "Educational paid leave for a full-time pastor is being considered." (See section 511.2.16). Since the Church Conference handles the business of the church, the Stewardesses and Stewards bring a recommendation to the Church Conference where it is discussed and-voted on. I have seen several instances where pastors attempted to get involved in setting their salaries. In each of those cases, the process got messy and heated resulting in strained relationships between members and the pastor - to put it mildly. Pastors simply need to stay out of the salary setting business!
Now back to how we can go about increasing Pastors' salaries. I am reminded of something Bishop Thomas Brown said during the Mississippi-South Region Annual Confer'ence this past July. He said that, "we talk a lot about stewardship but we practice ownership when it comes to the resources that God has blessed us with." He went on to say that "our wallet is the last thing that gets converted on our Christian journey." If we, members of the local churches, want our churches to prosper we must become better stewards over the resources that God has blessed us with. We have to teach members how to make personal budgets and how to tithe. We have to teach people that giving more to their local church means paying less in taxes to the federal and state governments. We (officers, pastors and members) have to do a better job of encouraging and teaching people how to give back. If 50 percent of the membership would tithe regularly, most churches can meet their day-to-day operational expense (salaries, utilities, mortgages, etc.) and then some. The church can then supplement these gifts with funds raised from special askings and various programs (Women's Day, Men's Day, Church Anniversary and Homecoming, Family and Friends Day, Youth and Young Adult activities, etc) to meet the church's entire budget. Increasing the number of people tithing increases the amount of revenue that the church receives. Then, and only then, will churches realistically look at substantially increasing pastors' salaries.

Respectfully submitted,

Percy O. Norwood, Jr.
Captain-Retired, U.S. Coast Guard
Member of Helm Chapel CME Church

Editor's Note:  Chapter 30, "Support of Preachers in Charge," Para. 451., Sec.1. The compensation and traveling expenses of Pastors-in-Charge of charges shall be estimated by their respective Stewards and Stewardesses in joint deliberations, with the Minister sitting in for consultation without a vote...," page 133, The Book of Discipline of the CME Church, 2006.

The Curriculum for the 

22nd Annual CME Convocation

September 30 – October 3, 2008

Knoxville, TN

     Senior Bishop William H. Graves (Host Bishop), Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart (Convocation Chairman) and Bishop Thomas L. Brown (Program Chairman) along with the members of the Convocation Committee are working diligently in anticipation of this year’s Annual Convocation in Knoxville, TN. While planning for the many summer activities on our schedule of events, Dr. Tyrone Davis (Convocation Director) is also encouraging early registration for the Convocation in September. In light of the increased emphasis on the curriculum and class topics and themes, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield (Convocation Curriculum Director) has provided the following overview of what you can expect in the classes.
     The front cover of “Rev!” magazine reads ‘Is the American Church in Crisis’? The article goes on to delineate the decline of the American Church by examining attendance trends in several mainline denominations. It then gives some suggestions for reversing this movement.
     Although the aforementioned article is worthy of consideration, the 22nd Convocation has decided rather than dwell on crisis and decline to offer classes that lift up ideas for transforming our faith. We have chosen a textbook as the basis for our study. It is entitled “Christianity for the Rest of Us” written by Diana Butler Bass.
     The book is a story of the research and findings of Bass as she listened to congregations. She asks the question, “Why do some succeed?” (p. 9) She is interested in spiritual community and the local expression of such community in congregations. Our classes will delve into her interest and look for ways to strengthen our own congregations.
     Bass uses the metaphor pilgrimage throughout her book with the idea that there is a destination. She says on page 11, “Emerging Christianity is about change—about changing from spiritual tourists to pilgrims—about transforming ourselves, our congregations, and our communities.
     Echoing the sentiments of Bass’ book, if you are satisfied with your local congregation, if you like the kind of Christianity that offers certainty and order in an age of change, if you think church is about closing your eyes; then the classes below are not for you. They are not for the comfortable, the certain, and religiously content. You are invited to pilgrimage through the classes at the convocation. You are encouraged to purchase the book that will be available to you at a discounted rate this summer. There are churches finding new life in the face of change.

The Classes

1. Where Everybody Knows Your Name
What are the practices of the local church that welcome others? Hospitality sometimes is relegated to a committee who seems to have as its goal to gain members for the church. This class is designed to examine the local church practice of hospitality and seek ways that improve the practice and lead to renewal and transformation of the local church.

2. Paying Attention
“Discernment requires that we pay attention,” writes Catholic theologian Wendy Wright; it “is about feeling texture, assessing weight, watching the plumb line, listening for overtones, searching for shards, feeling the quickening, and surrendering to love.” You have to pay attention when you are not entirely sure where you are going. This class is designed to visit the ancient church practice of Discernment with the purpose of discovering how hearing, seeing, touching and feeling God leads to church renewal and transformation.

3. Do you want to be healed?
We are all broken and in need of God’s healing. All sickness is not physical. Brokenness comes from the damage and power of sin. Healing is not always instant, but more often takes place over a process of transformation. The design of this class is to delve into the ancient practice of healing and seek ways it has relevance today in the local church in regards to bringing transformation and renewal in the local church.

4. Let all the earth keep silent
In the 21st century we spend a tremendous amount of money, time and energy to be connected. We use the Internet and many technologies, such as Blackberries, I Phones, and wireless networks, to connect with others. But how good are we as people of faith in connecting to ourselves, families, our communities and with God? The design of this class is to investigate the practice of contemplation and being silent and how this practice might transform and renew the local church.

5. Talk it Out
The entire New Testament is a testimony, a record of the experiences that early Christians had with the transformative power of God. Our early church experiences in the United States put great emphasis on testimony. This class is designed to evaluate the power of the practice of testimony to transform and renew the local church.


6. A Piece of the puzzle
As the demographics of our land changes what are we to do in our local churches? Are we to ignore that our neighbors are changing in their cultural outlook and maybe their race isn’t black? How diverse is the local church? Is our local church or denomination the whole puzzle or a piece of it? This class is designed to help us acknowledge the power of diversity in transforming and renewing the local church.


7. Let Justice Roll
Theologian Walter Wink writes, “The Powers That Be are not, then, simply people and their institutions, as I had first thought; they also include the spirituality at the core of those institutions and structures. If we want to change those systems, we will have to address not only their outer forms, but their inner spirit as well.” This class is designed to address how practicing justice, being the hands and feet of Christ, transforms and renews faith in a local church.

8. Merry, Merry, Merry
What is worship? What is its purpose? The design of this class is to look at how “worship needs to be an experience of God, rather than a reflection about God,” and how it moves from the head to the heart. In particular this class is designed to see how worship as celebration transforms and renews the local church.

9. All My Mind
All people of the church are theologians. The trouble comes when we do not activate our theological intellect. This class is designed to see that God calls us to love God with our entire mind, thus, thinking theologically is essential to the transformation and renewal of the local church.

10. Spiritual Revolution

     The summer of 2005 Newsweek magazine claimed in a cover story that Americans are looking for “spirituality” and not “religion.” The design of this class is to flesh out what this means and if it is true, what are the implications for the transformation and renewal of the local church?

You may inquire about additional information at (901) 345-4100.

We look forward to seeing you in Knoxville for the 2008 Annual CME Convocation!

     Submitted by General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis.

***** FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE *****

Mississippi Industrial College Properties Sold to Rust College

On Wednesday, August 13, 2008, in Holly Springs, MS, the 63-acre plot that formerly housed the Mississippi Industrial College and surrounding properties, was sold to Rust College (a United Methodist institution) by officials of the General Board of Personnel Services, Inc. acting under the auspices of the CME CDC (Community Development Corporation) after holding the property for approximately 25 years.
After soul searching and prayerful consideration, it was decided to sell the property to the 142 year-old Rust College, a fellow institution sharing the same main street in Holly Springs with Mississippi Industrial College for 103 years, which bolsters the opportunities for higher education in the Holly Springs/north Mississippi area. The two colleges, arms of two sister denominations, have shared similar mission objectives for all of the years of their existence. Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District and Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., Chair of the General Board of Personnel Services and a graduate of MI College, have both expressed their desire that these newly acquired properties by Rust College become part of a plan for increased educational opportunities for young people.
The decision to sell the property was influenced by several factors including 1) the continued depreciation, decline and deterioration of the property, 2) the continued cost to service the debt on the property, 3) the inability to continue to secure property and casualty insurance (fire insurance and liability insurance) because of the deterioration of the property, 4) the limitations of the use and restoration of the property because of the historic status of the property, and 5) the inability to generate and/or secure funding for the restoration of the property.
In the early 1980’s, the General Board of Personnel Services (acting on behalf of the CME Church) proceeded to redeem the properties when the College went into bankruptcy and made the first investment in the reclamation of the properties. Several options were proposed for the use of the land such as a health rehabilitation center and, more recently, a housing development plan which would include low and moderate-income single family housing, senior housing, rental housing, and commercial units. After considering a myriad of unsuccessful funding proposals including the sale of Church sponsored bonds, solicitation of a bond proposal through the City of Holly Springs, partnerships with investment entities, and funding from philanthropic entities over this 25 year period, the increased cost of maintaining the property coupled with investments to qualify for certain funding opportunities led to an accumulated debt of approximately $1.8 million (including a $975,000 mortgage with a current balance of $685,811 and accrued interest of $27,752). The $1.1 million sale of the property leaves approximately $700,000 in outstanding unsecured debts owed to entities, Episcopal Districts and individuals.
  Although the property was deeded in the name of the General Board of Personnel Services, the Board, serving primarily as fiscal agent for the properties, lent its financial and credit history to the support of the project, but at the request of the College of Bishops and the Board of Directors of the CME Church, it was delegated to the CDC the responsibility of developing strategic funding proposals and other important decisions regarding the MI College Properties. After considering the magnitude of the potential liabilities that would threaten the CDC and the CME Church because of the insurance exposure, the increasing costs to service the debt and pay down principal, and the additional impact of such losses on the operational ability of the General Board of Personnel Services to perform day-to-day operations, the CDC approved the sale to Rust College and directed the General Board of Personnel Services to conclude the transaction. Both entities, the CDC and the General Board of Personnel Services were pleased that this resulting transaction allows this historic property, which is dear in the memory of the CME Church, to continue to be used for educational purposes for the benefits of persons in the Northern Mississippi and surrounding areas.
At the sale and representing the CME CDC Chairman, Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore, was Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Vice Chairman of the CME CDC. Signing on behalf of Rust College was Dr. David L. Beckley, President. Signing on behalf of the General Board of Personnel Services were Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Chairman of the Board and Presiding Bishop of the Third Episcopal District, Mr. Matthew R. Davis III, Secretary of the Board and Reverend Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, General Secretary of the Board.

Submitted by General Secretary of Personnel Services Dr. Tyrone T. Davis.

Funeral Arrangements for Rev. Dr. Charles H. Belcher

Services in St Louis, MO

St. John AME Church
1908 North Kings Highway Blvd
Saint Louis, Mo 63113
(314) 361-8236

Presiding Elder, C. Jessel Strong, Presiding Officer
Rev. Donald Hunter, Eulogist
Viewing 10:00 - 11:00
Services 11:00 AM

Austin Layne Mortuary
7239 W. Florrissant Ave
Saint Louis, Mo 63113 (314) 382-1214

Services in Berkeley, CA

Monday, August 18, 2008
Family Hour: 6 - 8 PM

CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Services 10:00 AM
St. Paul AME Church
2024 Ashby Avenue
Berkeley, California 94703
(510) 848-2050

Rev. Dr. Allen L. Williams, Pastor
Presiding Elder, Vernon S. Burroughs, Presiding Officer
Rt. Rev. T. Larry Kirkland, Presiding Prelate
5th Episcopal District, Eulogist

Fouches Hudson Funeral Home
3665 Telegraph Avenue
Oakland, Calif. 94609
(510) 654-8558

Cards and correspondences can be sent to
Mrs. Doris Marie Denson-Belcher
4324 W. Pine Blvd
Saint Louis, Mo 63108-2206

Funeral Arrangements for Mrs. Zora Bell Crutchfield

The funeral arrangements for Mrs. Zora Bell Crutchfield, mother of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield is as follows:

Visitation, Friday, August 8, 2008, from 6 to 8 PM
RAWLS Funeral Home
790 Highway 69 N
Paris, TN 38242
Phone 731-642-1515
FAX 731-642-8368

Funeral is Saturday, August 9, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Barrs Chapel CME Church
5560 Briarpatch Lake Road
Paris, TN 38242
(actually located about 10 miles west of Paris in Como community with the above listed address)

Mrs.Zora Bell Crutchfield was 79 years of age. She had been ill for the last six months. Dr. Crutchfield is one of seven children (three brothers and three sisters.)

Please keep the Crutfield family in your thoughts and prayers.

Juanita Bryant
Executive Secretary
CME Church

CMES Urged to Be Aware of Money Scam

Dear Colleagues and Members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church:

Greetings in the Wondrous Name of Jesus the Christ!

This message is being sent to all members throughout our Connectional Church regarding an extortion scam that is circulating around the country.

Please be aware that there is a scam going on at this time requesting money from our pastors and churches to aid family members of the CME College of Bishops. There is no truth to this information. At no time should you send money to these persons. Before you respond to any general request for such aid, please contact your Presiding Prelate or Presiding Elder.

Please pass this information on to as many of our Connectional members as possible.

Your prompt attention to this message is appreciated.


In His Service,


Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Chairman of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns
of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District
Telephone: 323-294-3830 Fax: 323-294-4167
E-mail: ninthhq@sbcglobal.net
Internet: http://www.ninthdistrictcme.org

Funeral Arrangements

Mr. Otis Brown, son of Mrs. Evelyn D Brown, SE Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Missionary

Condolences may be sent to the Funeral Home.
Funeral Home
W.H. Mays Mortuary
1221 James Brown Blvd
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Telephone Number: 706-722-64011
Fax Number: 706-722-7018

Visitation Service 6:00-7:00 PM
Friday, July 25, 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008 – Funeral Service – 1:00 PM
Williams Memorial CME Church
1630 Fifteenth Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
Phone: 706- 733-3593

Rev. Paul W. Gardner, Pastor

Please keep Evelyn and Toni in your prayers.
Mrs. Evelyn D. Brown – Home Address
1349 Aniwaka Street SW
Atlanta, GA. 30311
404-755-7170

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, WMC President

A General Prayer for the CME Church

Dear Lord:

We come to you for forgiveness and seek the ultimate trust of your will upon our lives. Search our hearts and remind us of our dependency upon you. If we have neglected you we ask for a greater desire and reliance upon you to be our priority as your people. Father remind us through the demonstrations of your divinity that you are still sovereign and your promises are true. If we have dishonored you in any way bring conviction upon us and abolish the pride that has shackled us to the uncertainties of our own agendas. Garner in us a greater resolve to consult you in the matters of our kingdom building and never relinquish our desire to seek your face in all things. Father we need you to be our restorer. 

Please let us recognize your unfathomable presence that is available to be released upon us if we only surrender to you in everything. Direct each and every church in our connection Lord to prioritize your presence in our worship experience in a manner never seen before. May our connection be enhanced by the embodiment of undiluted praise and worship. Wherever their is despondency let it be replaced with the spiritual sightings of your uplifting Grace. Grant all of our leaders the necessary humility and dependency upon you and you alone for direction and guidance in everything they do. Keep us all rooted and grounded in you. 

Place the burden of righteousness upon our shoulders as we seek not to tear down but to build up your kingdom. May the issues of our lives that have become strongholds no longer overpower us but allow us to recognize the strongholds that empower us. Bring us to the point that you are our fortress and refuge and our salvation from the enemies of doubt and fear that assail us (paraphrase Psalm 27:1). Despite what we see and know you are still God let us never, never forget that upon this rock you said I will build my church. This rock we rely upon now and forever more. Bless now all your humble servants and congregations that need to hear from you. We pray with passion and gratitude that you hear us even now.

In Jesus Name we Trust and Believe

Amen and Amen

Dr. Jerome Mcneil,Jr.
Denominational Prayer Coordinator C. M. E. Church

Official Announcement from The College of Bishops

(Double click to expand)

Loss of Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr.
Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr., the father of Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III and
Rev. Pansy Washington, passed on Tuesday, July 1, 2008. The funeral
arrangements are as follows:
Memorial Service:
Thursday, July 3, 2008
St. Phillips CME Church
1920 Lillie St
Fort Myers, FL 33916
239-334-2987

Funeral Service:
Saturday, July 5, 2008 / 11:00 AM
Phillips CME Church
200 Davis Circle SW
Huntsville, AL 35801
256-534-2007

Mortuary:
Royal Funeral Home, Inc.
4315 Oakwood Avenue
Huntsville, AL 35810
256-534-8481

The family requests that in lieu of flowers any donations should be made to:
Helping Hands Scholarship Fund
in the name of Rev. Lawrence L. Reddick, Jr.
Miles College of Institutional Planning & Development
P. O. Box 3800
Birmingham, AL 35209

Please keep the Reddick family in your prayers.

Passing of Mr. Leonard Hinton
Dear Members:

It is with deep regret that I inform you of the Passing of Mr. Leonard Hinton the husband of the Mrs. Linda Hinton Missionary President - Central Texas Region.

The Funeral will be Saturday July 5, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Benson Memorial CME Church
211 Ellis Street
Jacksonville, Texas 75766
Telephone: 903-568-3331
or 903-592-7037

FUNERAL HOME
Mercy McGowan - 415 North main Street
Jacksonville, TX 75766
Telephone Number: 903-586-4698 - Fax# 903-586-3682

Mrs. Linda Hinton - Central Texas Region Missionary President
404 Selman
Jacksonville, TX. 75766
Telephone Number: 903-586-1389

Please send condolence to Linda and keep her close in your Prayers.


Rejoice,

Dr. Elnora P. Hamb
Women's Missionary Council President

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.
Philippians 4:4

Congratulations Dr. Stevie McKinney. Dallas, TX—On May 17, 2008, the Doctor of Ministry Degree was conferred upon Rev. Stevie D. McKinney from Perkins School of Theology (Southern Methodist University) in Dallas, Texas. The commencement sermon was delivered by Bishop William B. Oden of the United Methodist Church at Highland Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, TX. Bishop Oden challenged the students in his message to remain faithful and stand strong in the face of opposition.
Dr. Stevie D. McKinney's area of study was Parish Leadership. The title of his professional project (dissertation) was "Are the Leadership Styles of Jesus, as Reflected in the Gospels, Applicable for Christian Lay Leaders that Work Both in Congregations and Small Businesses?" Dr. McKinney's goal is to use this model of leadership as a tool to enhance and strengthen leadership styles within the church. Dr. McKinney's professional team consisted of Dr. Evelyn L. Parker, Associate Professor of Christian Education, Perkins School of Theology (SMU); Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District; Dr. Paul W. Gardner, pastor of Williams Memorial CME Church, Augusta, GA; and Mrs. Delores T. Roberts of Warner Robins, GA.
Dr. McKinney is currently serving as pastor of the Lane Chapel CME Church in Tupelo, MS. On the Sunday following his graduation, we, the Lane Chapel Church family, honored Dr. McKinney with a congratulatory reception to show our love and support in his academic accomplishments. Dr. McKinney has already written one book "When Shepherd and Sheep Walk Together" (2002) and is currently working on a second book. Dr. McKinney is the husband of Deborah (Doss) McKinney and the father of Savannah Renee McKinney.
Submitted by Lane Chapel CME Church family.

CME Calender of Events
June 22-25, 2008: West Tennessee Region Annual Conference, Greenwood CME, Memphis, TN; Dr. Travis Robinson, host pastor.
June 22-25, 2008: South-Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Reeves Temple CME, Lake Charles, LA; Rev. Dr. H. Leon Williams, host pastor and presiding elder.
June 29-July 2, 2008: Arkansas Region Annual Conference, Little Rock, AR.
June 30-July 4, 2008: North Central Alabama Annual Conference Holiday Inn, Sheffield, AL; Rev. David Whittaker, Rev. James Coffey, and Rev. Sarah Williamson, host pastors.
July 7-11, 2008: Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences, Orlando, Florida - Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary.
NEW DATE!! Aug. 3-6, 2008: Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Shreveport, LA.
July 14-15, 2008: Florida Region Annual Conference, Carter Tabernacle CME Church, Orlando, FL - Rev. Dr. Vaneese Burns, host pastor.
July 20-23, 2008: Mississippi-South Region Annual Conference, Regency Hotel, Jackson, MS; Rev. Dr. Charles Holbrook, host pastor (Lynch Street CME, Jackson, MS.)
July 20 - 25, 2008 (New Date) - Michigan-Indiana Region Annual Conference, hosted by The Carter Memorial CME Church, Gary, IN, Holiday Inn Matteson, 500 Holiday Plaza Drive, Matteson, Illinois 60443 (708) 747-3500
July 21-25, 2008: Southeast Alabama Region Annual Conference, Phillips Temple CME Church, Phenix City, AL; Rev. L H. Pitts, host pastor.
July 26-29, 2008: Oklahoma Region Annual Conference, Oklahoma City, OK, Christ Temple, Rev. Stacey Cole, Double Tree Hotel-Tulsa Downtown, 616 West 7th St., Tulsa, OK; 918-587-8000.
July 27-30, 2008: North-East Region Annual Conference, Ramada Summit Hotel, Tupelo, MS; Rev. Stevie McKinney, host pastor (Lane Chapel CME, Tupelo, MS).
July 28-August 1, 2008: Birmingham Region Annual Conference, Anniston City Meeting Center/Murray Temple CME Church, Anniston, AL; Rev. Jermaine Marshall, host pastor.
August 3 - 8, 2008 (New Date) - Southeast Missouri, Illinois, & Wisconsin Region Annual Conference, hosted by The Jamison Memorial CME Church, St. Louis, MO. Held at The Renaissance St. Louis Hotel Airport
9801 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, Missouri, Ph. (314) 429-1100.
August 10-13, 2008: Northern California Region Annual Conference, St. Peter CME, El Cerrito, CA; Rev. Frederick Taylor, Hilton Gardens Inn San Francisco/Oakland Bay Bridge, 1800 Powell St., Emeryville, CA 94608; 510-658-9300.
August 24-27, 2008: Southern California Region Annual Conference, Amos Temple CME, Riverside, CA; Rev. Julio Andujo, Conf. site is Riverside Convention Center, 3443 Orange St., Riverside, CA, 951-346-4700; lodging, Riverside Marriott, 3400 Market St., Riverside, CA; 951-784-8000.
September 30 - October 4, 2008: 22nd CME Convocation, Knoxville, TN.
October 23-24, 2008: One Church One School, 13th Annual Partnership Conference, Sheraton Dallas North Hotel, Dallas, TX, Christian Chapel CME Temple of Faith, host church; Rev. Jerome McNeil, host pastor.
October 31 - November 1, 2008: - Kansas-Missouri Region Winter Council, hosted by St. Peter CME Church, Kansas City, KS
Nov 6-8, 2008: Arizona New Mexico Mid-Winter Meeting, Phillips Chapel, Tucson, AZ.
November 7-8, 2008 - Michigan-Indiana Region Winter Council, Hosted by St. Luke CME Church, Saginaw, MI
Nov 13-14, 2008: Oklahoma Mid-Winter Meeting, St John Oklahoma City, OK.
November 14 - 15, 2008 - Southeast Missouri, Illinois & Wisconsin Region Winter Council, hosted by Coleman-Wright CME Church, St. Louis, MO
Nov 20-21, 2008: Alaska Pacific Mid-Winter Meeting, Allen Temple, Portland OR.
Dec. 4-5, 2008: Northern and Southern California Mid- Winter Meeting, Curry Temple, Compton, CA; Radisson Hotel Los Angeles Westside.

Loss of Mrs. Mayola Almond. We are saddened to learn of the passing of Mrs. Mayola Almond
(mother of Dr. Elfreda Lakey)

Funeral Services are confirmed for:
Tuesday, June 3, 2008 - 1:00 p.m.
New Doves Creek Baptist Church
1000 Doves Creek Church Drive
Highway 72 (Athens Highway)
Elberton, GA 30635
(706) 213-0096

Arrangements entrusted to:
McKinney-Neal Mortuary
227 Campbell Street
Elberton, GA 30635-2141
(706) 283-5702
Toll free: (800) 232-3537
Fax: (706) 886-7698
http://msnfuneralhome.com

Local Florist:
Woodson Florist & Vintage
www.woodsonflorist.com
620 Elbert St
Elberton, GA 30635
(706) 283-4061

Holsey Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
515 East Suwanee Street - P. O. Box 7
Fitzgerald, Georgia 31750
Telephone: (229) 423-7785
www.cmefitzgerald.org

Rev. Dr. Leroy E. Dumas, Pastor
Rev. Robert L. Yarbrough, Presiding Elder
Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey, Presiding Prelate