3 Historically Black Churches Formally Launch HIV Testing Campaign with Balm In Gilead
(Richmond, VA) The senior bishops of the nation’s oldest Black church denominations are launching a national crusade to engage churches of all denominations to support The Balm In Gilead’s 9th Annual Our Church Lights the Way! HIV Testing Campaign. Each senior bishop: The Rt. Rev. John Bryant, of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME); The Rt. Rev. George W.C. Walker, Sr. of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AME Zion) and The Rt. Rev. William H. Graves, Sr. of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) has produced a public service announcement to be used by churches, community and civic organizations and individuals, as well as all media outlets to encourage African Americans to take the HIV test.
The 2009 Our Church Lights the Way Campaign also includes a public service announcement with the combined leadership of The Rt. Rev. Yvette Flunder, Senior Bishop of The Fellowship and Senior Pastor of The City of Refuge United Church of Christ; and Dr. Katie G. Cannon, Professor, Union Theological Seminary in Richmond, VA along with the senior bishops of the AME, AME Zion and CME denominations.

According to Pernessa C. Seele, Founder/CEO of The Balm In Gilead, Our Church Lights the Way HIV Testing Campaign is a Call to Action from pulpits across our nation to encourage and support individuals to take the HIV test and to seek immediate care and treatment if test results are positive and for everyone, with positive or negative results, to live responsibility regarding sexual and emotional behaviors.

In 2007-08, the campaign resulted in a 300% increase in the number of African American churches conducting HIV testing programs at their places of worship. Faith-based testing programs often report a 100% return rate of persons receiving HIV test results. “The significance of faith-based HIV testing programs cannot be under estimated”, states Ronald V. Dellums, Mayor of Oakland, CA and former US Congressman. “These institutions are respected cornerstones in the community and have a great role to play in the AIDS pandemic. The Balm In Gilead’s model for engaging faith institutions in addressing HIV/AIDS is a successful global model for community mobilization”.

Our churches must do far more to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in our communities. We have been so misled and misinformed about this disease. It is time for all of us to be led by facts and unconditional love regarding HIV/AIDS, states, Bishop William H. Graves Sr.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, approximately 2% of the African American population is presently living with HIV/AIDS. It is believed that 20,000 to 30,000 African Americans become newly infected with the virus that causes AIDS every year. “Most people in our communities do not know they have the virus in their bodies. Our churches must begin to realize its role in getting people tested and caring for all persons who are HIV positive”, states Rev. Katie Cannon.

In 2005, The Balm In Gilead in partnership with the Women’s Missionary Societies of the AME, AME Zion and CME denominations launched its African American Denominational Leadership Health Initiative. Today, this partnership has resulted in the establishment of a strong network of health ministries that support the service delivery of disease prevention and health promotion activities to local communities across the US, Africa and the Caribbean.

For your free copy of the public service announcements and other materials on how your church and community can participate in Our Church Lights the Way HIV Testing Campaign visit www.balmingilead.org or 888-225-6243.

The 2009 Our Church Lights the Way HIV Testing Campaign is supported by The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National HIV Testing Mobilization Campaign. 

Photo shows Senior Bishops Walker, Graves and Bryant of Three Historically Black Church Denominations, along with Pernessa Seele, Founder/CEO of the Balm In Gilead, Call on Churches to Support HIV Testing Month in June.

Statement of Commission on Social Justice - '09 General Board
To Senior Bishop William H. Graves, Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, Chair of the College of Bishops, the College of Bishops, General Officers, Judicial Council, Heads of Connectional Institutions, and Members of the General Connectional Board.
The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns met on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 and made the following recommendations:
1. We are proud to salute the election of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. We recognize that this significant milestone is the result of the improvement in race relations in the United States of America as it gives us more hope for positive change as we move toward a more perfect union.
2. We continue to support a universal health care system for all Americans that would provide adequate health care resources to more than 45 million Americans. We support President Barack Obama's health care expansion of the State Children's Health Insurance Program and other health initiatives underway. We also support participation in the 50 Million Pound Initiative started by Dr. Ian Smith, awareness of issues regarding African-American men and prostate cancer, and removal of the stigma regarding issues of mental health. It is OK to ask for help.
We support President Obama's proposal yesterday to ask Congress for 63 billion dollars over six years to battle chronic global health crises, including AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis.
3. We must re-direct and re-focus our attention on major health issues facing African Americans: the HIV/AIDS crisis and proper drug and mental health treatment. Therefore, we recommend that our CME churches lift up and educate our black men and women about the HIV/AIDS crisis and other major health issues, and support, coach and mentor our black youth and young adults to ensure that they are spiritually, physically and mentally healthy! We salute the Balm in Gilead and the Women's Missionary Council for their efforts in this area and encourage participation in this endeavor.
4. We encourage every CME church to be engaged in voter registration efforts and partner with the NAACP to register members within the church and persons within the community.
5. We support the One Church One School community partnership program that encourages every church to partner with a public school to improve academic achievement, social behavior, and personal development of all students. We applaud the efforts of the College of Bishops supporting One Church One School by appointing Episcopal directors in each District, to coordinate and increase the number of church school partnerships across our nation.
The National One Church One School Conference will be held in Memphis, Tennessee, October 21-23, 2009.
6. We support the National Urban League's report, The State of Black America 2009: Message to the President, that examines the critical challenges -such as unemployment, home foreclosures, education and health care reform - that President Obama's new administration must address. The message encourages and inspires us to join in working to help President Obama fulfill the promise he made to us last summer "to build a nation worthy of our children's future."
7. We recognize that the greatest civil rights challenge facing black America in the 21st century is the economic line between Blacks and whites, rich and poor, the haves, have-nots, and have mores. We recommend that our connectional churches in our communities focus on our Black males, Rites of Passage programs, educational and economic opportunities, and developing ministries in the churches and communities to meet their needs.
8. We continue to call for prison reform, drug rehabilitation efforts, and the abolishment of the death penalty because it has been proven to be discriminatory against people of color and particularly our African American males.
9. We encourage and support Bread for the World 2009 Offering of letters to end hunger both in our nation and around the world.
10. We support all efforts to address and end domestic violence, and support for victims of domestic violence.
11. We must continue to , For the end of the Iraq war, and pray for the safety and security of our men and women who are serving in the Armed Forces to protect America!
12. We encourage all CME congregations to be proactive in learning all of the facts regarding the federal economic stimulus package and how it will impact and help our communities.
13. We want to remind every CME that 2010 in addition to being a General Conference year is also the year of the Census. It is important that we become involved in the process through education and participation individually as well as collectively. If we are not counted, we will not count!
14. We salute Rev. James T. Morris of the 3rd Episcopal District and a member of this Commission on his recent election to the Missouri State Legislature.
Finally, we salute Senior Bishop William H. Graves for being selected again as one of the 100 Most Influential African Americans by Ebony magazine in its May 2009 issue.

Respectfully submitted,

The Commission on Social Justice and Human
Concerns

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chair
Rev. Amariah McIntosh, Secretary
Rev. L.K. Allen
Rev. Larry Brown
Rev. Paul Freeman
Rev. James Morris
Rev. Brian Reese
Rev. Regina Reese-Young
Rev. Anthony Ware

Passing of Mrs. Juanita Fuller, Aunt of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The aunt of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Mrs. Juanita Fuller of Gary, Indiana, passed last evening. Mrs. Fuller was the sister of Bishop Williamson’s mother, Mrs. Alma Carvin. She was a member of Israel CME Church in Gary, Indiana.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2009, 11 AM, at Israel CME Church, 2301 Washington Street, Gary IN, 46407. Telephone: 219-883-3859 / Fax : 219-886-9860. Dr. Essie Clark-George, pastor.

Funeral arrangements will be coordinated by Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home, 4209 Grant Street, Gary IN, 46408. Telephone: 219 887-1852.

Please keep Bishop and Mrs. Williamson, Sr., Mrs. Alma Carvin, and the Fuller family in your prayers.


The 9th Episcopal District Office
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Annual Conference and CME Events Schedule (update)

May 31–June 3, 2009: Northwest Texas Region Annual Conference, Holiday Inn, Lubbock, Texas.

June 14-18, 2009: Arkansas Region Annual Conference, Wyndam Hotel, North Little Rock, AR.
June 21-24, 2009: Southeast Texas Region Annual Conference, Houston Marriott North at Greenpoint; host churches, Beebe Tabernacle and Redeemed Chapel.
June 21-25, 2009: East & West Tennessee Annual Conference, Holiday Inn Select Hotel, Memphis, TN.
June 22-25, 2009: Arizona-New Mexico Region Annual Conference.
June 23-26, 2009: South Georgia Region Annual Conference, Hines Memorial CME Church, Albany, GA; Rev. Kenneth McMillian, host pastor.
June 28 – July 1, 2009: East Texas Region Annual Conference; Maude Cobb Convention Center, Longview, TX; host church, St. Mark, Longview, TX.
June 28-July 1, 2009: South Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Trinity CME Church, 315 Polk Street, Lafayette, LA (337) 234-1364, Rev. Leslie Dugas, pastor.
July 5-10, 2009: Kansas-Missouri Region Annual Conference, hosted by Cleaves Temple CME Church, Omaha, NE, Marriott Hotel and Resort, 10220 Regency Circle, Omaha, NE (402) 399-9000.
July 7-10, 2009: West Georgia Region Annual Conference, Hosley Chapel CME Church, Columbus, GA; Rev. Allen Page III, host pastor.
July 7-10, 2009: Florida Region Annual Conference, Carter Tabernacle CME, Orlando, FL.
July 12-15, 2009: Louisiana Region Annual Conference, Clarion Hotel, 1419 East 70th Street, Shreveport, LA 71108, Rev. Larry Anders, host pastor.
July 12-17, 2009: Michigan-Indiana Region Annual Conference, hosted by Grace CME Church, Detroit, MI.
July 12-17, 2009: Carolina Region Annual Conference, hosted by Russell Memorial CME Church -Durham, NC, Rev. Dr. Lloyd Watkins, pastor; Sheraton Hotel- Durham, NC.
July 14-17, 2009: Central Georgia Region Annual Confernece, Holiday Inn Conference Center, Macon, GA; Hosley Temple CME, host church; Rev. Durtis Russell, host pastor.
July 14-17, 2009: North Alabama Region Annual Conference, Bailey Tabernacle CME, Tuscaloosa, AL.
July 14-18, 2009: The Kentucky Region Annual Conference, Brown Memorial, Louisville, KY.
July 19-22, 2009: Central Texas Region Annual Conference; host church, St. James, Tyler.
July 19-22, 2009: Mississippi-South Region Annual Conference, hosted by Lynch Street CME, Rev. Dr. Charles Holbrook, pastor.
July 19th-24th, 2009: New York-Washington Region Annual Conference, hosted by St. Paul CME Church -Chester, PA; Rev. Aaron Donnelley, pastor; Doubletree Hotel- Wilmington, Delaware.
July 21-24, 2009: Georgia North Region Annual Conference, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Atlanta, GA; Butler Street CME, host church, Dr. Anthony M. Alford, Sr., host pastor.
July 21-24, 2009: Southeast Alabama Region Annual Conference, St. Paul CME, Gordonville, AL.
July 26-29, 2009: Oklahoma Region Annual Conference.
July 26-29, 2009: North-East Mississippi Region Annual Conference, Bancorpsouth Conference Center, 387 W. Main Street, Tupelo, MS (662) 718-5555. Lodging, Hilton Garden Hotel, 363 E. Main Street, Tupelo, MS (662) 717-5500 or The Summit Hotel, 852 North Gloster Street, Tupelo, MS 38804 (602) 844-4343. Rev. Dr. Clementine Mays and Poplar Springs CME, hosting.
July 26-29, 2009: Dallas-Fort Worth Region Annual Conference; Hilton Garden Inn, Dallas/Duncanville; host church, Kirkwood Temple, Dallas
July 26-31, 2009: Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region Annual Conference, hosted by St. Matthew CME Church, Milwaukee, WI.
July 27-31, 2009: Birmingham Region Annual Conference, Southside CME Church, Birmingham, AL; Rev. Cheryl Goliday, pastor.
July 28-August 1, 2009: The Ohio-Central Indiana Region Annual Conference, Phillips Temple CME, Trotwwod, OH (Marriott Hotel, Dayton, OH).
August 9-12, 2009: Northern California Region Annual Conference.
August 23-26, 2009: Southern California Region Annual Conference.
September 19-24, 2009: The 23rd CME Convocation and the Connectional Lay Institute, Hyatt Hotel, St. Louis, MO.
October 21-23, 2009: One Church One School Annual Conference, Memphis Marriott, 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Memphis, TN.
December 3-5, 2009: The 2nd Episcopal District Mid-Winter Council, Hotel Inn, Sharonville, OH.

Candidates for Bishop Who Participated in the CYAM Forum
Group A – J.J. Jackson, Wayne Williams, Wendell Oldham, James Walker and Charles King
Group B - Robert Peoples, Shirley Fletcher, Anthony Alford, and Eddie Jumper
Group C - Darryll Coleman, Jerry Christian, Joseph Gardner, Tyrone Davis and Sylvester Williams
Group D - Willie Champion, Theresa Snorton, Johnnie Dollarhide, Manuel Henderson and Kenneth Jones
Group E - Bobby Best and Arthur Green

2009 CYAM Focus Retreat Begins at Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY.

Rev. Dr. B. Emmanuel Luther, pastor of the Brown Memorial CME Church, Louisville, KY and opening service preacher, and Brian Magwood, president of the Connectional Young Adult Ministry, at the 2009 Connectional Young Adult Ministry Retreat being held at the Galt House, Louisville, KY.

Loss of Mrs. Ruby C. Smith
Dear Colleagues, Connectional Members, and Friends,

It is with deep regret to inform you that Mrs. Ruby C. Smith, the wife of retired Presiding Elder Rev. James E. Smith, Sr. of the Alaska-Pacific Region, and the mother of five children including the Rev. James E. Smith, Jr. of the Carolina Region, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2009.

Mrs. Smith was a faithful and devoted Christian, ministers’ spouse, mother, and grandmother. She served faithfully at Christ Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Tacoma Washington and at other churches where Rev. Smith pastored in the Ninth Episcopal District. The Smiths recently celebrated 54 years of marriage.

Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be held on Friday, May 22, 2009, 1:00 p.m., at Curry Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 172-123rd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98122. Telephone 206-325-9344. The Rev. Barry Ray, pastor. The Rev. Carolyn A. Thomas, pastor of Christ Temple CME Church, will be officiating.

Cards, flowers (plants), condolences and other expressions may be sent to Rev. James E. Smith, Sr., 1329 Goldenrod Drive S.E., Lacey, WA 98513. Telephone: 360-455-0367. Please keep Rev. Smith, Sr. and his immediate family in prayer.

In His Service,

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

AME Bishop McKenzie Inspires Carter Tabernacle CME in Orlando, FL

Orlando, FL—Bishop Vashti McKenzie is a very busy woman. Watching over the 13th AME district, as well as being a bestselling author can tend to put a heavy demand on ones time, especially when you have been elected as the first woman bishop of the AME Church.
“I pray a lot more,” said McKenzie in a brief pre-sermon interview, as she reflects on her position within the church, as well as her schedule. “I am concerned about several congregations, and about several communities,” referencing her district, which encompasses Tennessee and Kentucky. As the first female elected bishop amongst the AME ranks, McKenzie said she sees herself as a “reluctant” role model.
“Role models tend to try and be perfect,” she said. “But if anyone can look at me and say ‘if God did that for you, then he can do it for me’, then I am satisfied with that.”

The Bishop spoke at Carter Tabernacle for the annual Women’s Day celebration on March 22.
Armed with an insightful word, and enough energy light a room, McKenzie’s electric sermon brought the house down, all in the name of the Lord.
“I want up,” McKenzie shouted. Her sermon, focused on succeeding in these times of tribulation, as well as creating a better quality of life, all through your relationship with Jesus Christ.
After worship, the Carter family prepared a reception for McKenzie. She was showered with gifts from congregation members, as well as the local alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta.
As McKenzie prepared to leave the city of Orlando, she stopped briefly and said a brief prayer for Carter Tabernacle.
“Come back soon, Bishop,” a Carter member yells as her car pulls away. She waves as the car pulls off. She may be headed back to her duties in Nashville, but Bishop McKenzie left a lasting impression on the hearts of Christians throughout Orlando. Photo shows Pastor Dr. Vanessee Burns and Bishop Vashti McKenzie.

10th Episcopal District Expands into Sudan and Egypt
Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter, presiding prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, announced today the expansion of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church into Sudan and Egypt. Members of the former Independent Episcopal Church of Sudan, Northern Sudan Province, have offered themselves for membership in the CME Church.“This is one of my greatest moments as a bishop,” said Bishop Carter. “The CME Church continues to grow.”
Under the leadership of former Bishop Peter Elbersh Kwa, the Church of Sudan brings over 20,000 new CMEs to the denomination, encompassing 50 churches, with one church located in Egypt. The Sudanese church also has affiliation here in the United States: Dallas, TX; Oklahoma City, OK; and Denver, CO, as well as in Ontario, Canada. Bishop Peter Elbersh Kwa relinquishes his order as bishop and now assumes the title of mission supervisor of churches in the Sudanese region.
In addition to Sudan, the 10th Episcopal District consists of churches in Ghana, Haiti, Jamaica, Liberia and Nigeria (Eastern, East Mainland, Lagos, Northern, Southern and Western) and DR Congo/Rwanda.

A Very Busy Day at General Board

Memphis, TN—Today is the last day of General Board. But yesterday was very busy as expected. Even so, this year’s meeting continues to be very tame when compared with General Boards from the past. As usual, Wednesday’s sessions were all held at the Greenwood CME Church, Dr. Travis Robinson, pastor. Right off the bat, let me say that Greenwood must be commended for so efficiently receiving the delegation to the 2009 meeting. They do it every year. In fact, in his moment of introductions and announcements at Communion Service last night, Bishop L.L. Reddick, III, took special privilege in thanking the 1st Episcopal District for hosting the meeting 22 years in a row.
Wednesday morning’s session began with a devotional service, including meditation by Dr. Louis Parham, pastor of the Martin Temple CME Church here in Memphis. This was followed by the Standing Committee Reports from meetings from the previous day. All reports were received and accepted by the General Board. The Noon speaker was Bishop Thomas Louis Brown, Sr., 4th Episcopal District, who was installed as the chairman of the College of Bishops for 2009-10. After lunch, the General Board heard a special presentation by Dr. Pernessa Seale, founder and CEO of Balm and Gilead. Dr. Seale announced a new media campaign promoting HIV screening. One of the featured spokespersons in the videos presented was Senior Bishop Wiliam H. Graves, Sr.
The Service of Holy Communion last night was well attended by Memphis-area CMEs and members of the General Board, Senior Bishop William Graves presiding. The 1st Episcopal District Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Charlotte Pope, rendered the music, which was outstanding. The Communion speaker was Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, 8th Episcopal District. A sumptuous repast followed, including shrimp, meatballs, chicken wings, and homemade ice cream. I have to go now. Pick up the May issue of The Christian Index for more detailed information regarding the General Connectional Board meeting and departmental reports.

General Board: Let the Work Begin

Memphis, TN—The 2009 General Connectional Board meeting formally opened Tuesday afternoon, May 5th, at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel. Senior Bishop Wiliam H. Graves presided. The meditation speaker was Dr. Martha Granger, presiding elder of the

 Evansville/Hopkinsville District, Kentucky Region, with the title, “Wash Day” (John 9). Other than the excitement of the spoken Word, the opening plenary of the General Board was without a lot of fanfare. Following the calling of the roll of Board members, Executive Secretary of the CME Church Atty. Juanita Bryant read her yearly report. The report was approved by the General Board. When Senior Bishop Graves 

excused himself due to an emergency, Vice Chairman of the General Board Bishop Othal Hawthorne Lakey assumed leadership of the session. Little discussion or business ensued, except for the assigning of orderlies from each Episcopal District. The assembly was then released to go to departmental meetings. Most meetings met around a meal.

The meeting of the Editorial Board of The Christian Index was held at 5 p.m. in room 7 of the hotel, chaired by Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. In addition to Board members, several guests were present: Dr. Louise Baker Brown, Bishop and Mrs. L.L. Reddick, III, Mrs. Frances W. Jones, Connectional Spouses’ President Mrs. Maggie C. Banks, Dr. Wardell Bonner, pastor, St. John CME, Washington, DC, and others. I gave the editor’s report, which received the approval of the Board, with high commendations. Following the meeting, I hosted a very nice supper for the Board members, if I must say so myself. We dined on ribs, baked chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad, slaw, baked beans, bread, and a wide assortment of desserts. After the meal, Secretary of the Editorial Board Kenneth McMillian and I worked on the Editorial Board’s report, which will be presented in today’s open session at Greenwood CME.
The evening ended with a praise and worship program, sponsored by the Ministers’ and Laymen’s Council, Dr. Eddie Jumper, president.
Today will be the busiest day of the General Board. I’ll let you know what happened.

From the General Connectional Board
Memphis, TN (May 5, 2009)—Hello fellow CMEs. As part of my ministry of information sharing, I will attempt to keep you somewhat abreast of what’s going on here as we begin the 2009 version of the CME General Connectional Board. As you know, the General Board is mandated by the Church to come together at this time each year to hear reports on the connectional departmental ministries. The General Board consists of representatives from each Episcopal District who are assigned to an individual departmental board convening at this meeting. As editor of The Christian Index, and one of 10 general officers, I am making my eleventh report to the General Board, and while so far each report has been well received, I never really relax until this meeting is over.
As I write this entry mid-morning on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, it’s still somewhat quiet around the Holiday Inn Select Hotel. Because I was on travel yesterday from Washington, DC to preach at my former church, Russell Temple CME, Alexandria, VA, I missed the General Officers’ Council meeting Monday morning. I heard that all went well.
As the newest member to the CME Convocation Committee, I sat in on its meeting this morning at 7 AM in the hotel restaurant. It was a very interesting meeting. Chaired by Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., and including Bishops Brown and Brown, and Bishop Hoyt and Williamson, Sr., the committee is not lacking in good Episcopal leadership. Also on the committee are several other general officers, including Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, director of the Convocation; and Doris Herring, Convocation registrar.
The harkening message of this morning’s meeting was how each CME leader must do more to promote the CME Convocation. Several strategies were put on the table. In fact, one of the reasons the Committee invited this editor to be present was to help strengthen promotion through the use of the Index and the Missionary Messenger. We will be working closely with the committee to strike a consistent, uniform message to all CMEs on how they cannot afford to miss the “Ships” that will be sailing “From Good to Great” when we come together in St. Louis in September.
The 2009 General Board formally kicks off this afternoon at 2 PM, with Senior Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., presiding. We then will go into individual departmental meetings after 4 PM. I’ll let you know what happened. Peace.

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.