The College of Bishops of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Calls for Health Care Reform with a Public Option
St. Louis, MO - The ability of every citizen of our nation to receive adequate and affordable Health Care is a moral imperative. As a matter of justice and fairness for all, we can no longer allow for big business and special interest to derail the process of meeting this critical need of the American people. Most of us know that something must be done soon to protect our children, our elders, our sick and all who need immediate attention for their health care needs. There are nearly 50 million Americans without health care insurance. We need a plan that would end discrimination against people with pre-existing conditions and prevent insurance companies from dropping coverage when people are sick and need it most. The public option will provide the uninsured with a cost effective choice. This is why we support the Health Care Reform Bill with a public option as expressed by President Barack Obama.
The vast majority of people with existing health care services are underinsured with extraordinary deductibles. The increasingly transitional job market and the need to address general public wellness and disease prevention on an individual basis compound the problem. This translates into the rise of chronic disease among children as early as eight years old and causes their elderly grandparents to have to choose between food and medicine. This state of affairs in one of the wealthiest and most advanced nations in the world is immoral and unacceptable. As the United States is the only industrialized nation without a comprehensive health plan for every citizen, we know that we can and we must provide fair and affordable health care for every American.
For nearly a century, national leaders have called for an overhaul of the health care system. Yet, instead of significant change, we have received stagnation and compromise. We have expended billions of dollars to protect American interests abroad and corporate interests at home. We must now recognize the significant potential return on the investment in our health care system.
After one hundred years of trying, we are yet left saying like Jeremiah the prophet, “The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.”
We ask all CME’s and other concerned Americans to write and call their congressional representatives both in the House and the Senate to express support for a Health Care Reform Bill with a Public Option.
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop William H. Graves and its College of Bishops, is a 138-year old historically African American Christian denomination with more than 800,000 members across the United States, and has missions and sister churches in Haiti, Jamaica, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. For additional information about the CME Church, visit www.c-m-e.org .

Senior Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., CEO
Bishop Othal H. Lakey
Bishop Edward Lynn Brown
Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr.
Bishop L. L. Reddick, III, Secretary, College of Bishops
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chairman of Social Justice & Human Concerns
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Chairman, College of Bishops
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr.
Bishop Marshall Gilmore
Bishop Nathaniel Linsey

The 2009-10 Liturgical Calendar

THE CHRISTMAS CYCLE (ADVENT AND CHRISTMASTIDE, THROUGH EPIPHANY)

2009

Advent

Nov 29, 1st Sunday of Advent, Jer. 33:14-16. Ps. 25:1-10. 1 Thes. 3:9-13. Luke 21:25-36. Purple

Dec 6, 2nd Sunday of Advent, Mal. 3:1-4. Luke 1:68-79. Phil. 1:3-11. Luke 3:1-6. Purple

Dec 13, 3rd Sunday of Advent, Zep. 3:14-20. Is. 12:2-6. Phil. 4:4-7. Luke 3:7-18. Purple

Dec 20, 4th Sunday of Advent, Mic. 5:2-5a. Ps. 80:1-7 or Luke 1:47-55. Heb 10:5-10. Luke 1:39-55. Purple

Christmastide

Dec 24, Nativity of our Lord (Eve I), Is. 9:2-7. Ps. 96. Titus 2:11-14. Luke 2:1-20. White

Dec 24, Nativity of our Lord (Eve II), Is. 62:6-12. Ps. 97. Titus 3:4-7. Luke 2:1-20. White

Dec 25, Nativity of our Lord (Day), Is 52:7-10. Ps. 98. Heb. 1:1-12. John 1:1-5,9-14,16-18. White

Dec 27, Sunday in Christmastide, 1 Sam. 2:18-20,26. Ps. 148. Col. 3:12-17. Luke 2:41-52. White

2010

Jan 3, Epiphany of our Lord (Observed), Is. 60:1-6. Ps. 72:1-7,10-14. Eph. 3:1-12. Matt. 2:1-12. White

(Epiphany ends the Christmas Cycle)

Sundays after Epiphany

Jan 10, Baptism of our Lord, 1st Sunday after Epiphany, Is 43:1-7. Ps. 29. Acts 8:14-17. Luke 3:15-22. White

Jan 17, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany, Is. 62:1-5. Ps. 36:5-10. 1 Cor. 12:1-11. John 2:1-11. Green

Jan 24, 3rd Sunday after Epiphany, Neh. 8:1-10. Ps. 19. 1 Cor. 12:12-31a. Luke 4:14-21. Green

Jan 31, 4th Sunday after Epiphany, Jer. 1:4-10. Ps. 71:1-6. 1 Cor 13:1-13. Luke 4:21-30. Green

Feb 7, 5th Sunday after Epiphany, Is. 6:1-13. Ps. 138. 1 Cor. 15:1-11. Luke 5:1-11. Green

Feb 14, Transfiguration of the Lord, Exod. 34:29-35. Ps. 99. 2 Cor. 3:12~4:2. Luke 9:28-43. White

THE EASTER CYCLE (LENT, HOLY WEEK, AND EASTERTIDE, THROUGH THE DAY OF PENTECOST)

Lent

Feb 17, Ash Wednesday, Joel 2:1-2,12-17 or Is. 58:1-12. Ps. 51:1-17. 2 Cor. 5:20b-6:10. Matt. 6:1-6,16-21. Black

Feb 21, 1st Sunday in Lent, Dt. 26:1-11. Ps. 91:1-2,9-16. Rom. 10:8b-13. Luke 4:1-13. Purple

Feb 28, 2nd Sunday in Lent, Gen. 15:1-18. Ps. 27. Phil. 3:17~4:1. Luke 13:31-35. Purple

Mar 7, 3rd Sunday in Lent, Is. 55:1-9. Ps. 63:1-8. 1 Cor. 10:1-13. Luke 13:1-9. Purple

Mar 14, 4th Sunday in Lent, Josh. 5:9-12. Ps. 32. 2 Cor. 5:16-21. Luke 15:1-3,11b-32. Purple

Mar 21, 5th Sunday in Lent, Is. 43:16-21. Ps. 126. Phil. 3:4b-14. John 12:1-8. Purple

Holy Week (Passiontide)

Mar 28, Passion/Palm Sunday, [Luke 19:28-40. Ps. 118.] Is. 50:4-9a. Ps. 31:9-16. Phil. 2:5-11. Luke 22:14-23:56. Purple

Mar 29, Monday of Holy Week, Is. 42:1-9. Ps. 36:5-11. Heb. 9:11-15. John 12:1-11. Purple

Mar 30, Tuesday of Holy Week, Is. 49:1-7. Ps. 71:1-14. 1 Cor. 1:18-31. John 12:20-36. Purple

Mar 31, Wednesday of Holy Week, Is. 50:4-9a. Ps. 70. Heb. 12:1-3. John 13:21-32. Purple

Apr 1, Maundy (Holy) Thursday, Exod. 12:1-14. Ps. 116:1-2,12-19. 1 Cor. 11:23-26. John 13:1-17,31b-35. White/Purple

Apr 2, Good (Holy) Friday, Is. 52:13~53:12. Ps. 22. Heb. 10:16-25 or Heb. 4:14-16;5:7-9. John 18:1-19:42. Black/Purple

Apr 3, Holy Saturday, Job 14:1-14 or Lam. 3:1-9,19-24. Ps. 31:1-4,15-16. 1 Pet. 4:1-8. Matt. 27:57-66 or John 19:38-42. Black

Eastertide

Apr 4, Resurrection Day (I morning), Acts 10:34-43. Ps. 118:1-2,14-24. 1 Cor. 15:19-26. John 20:1-18. White

Apr 4, Resurrection Day (II morning), Is. 65:17-25. Ps. 118:1-2,14-24. Acts 10:34-43. Luke 24:1-12. White

Apr 4, Resurrection Day (evening), Is. 25:6-9. Ps. 114. 1 Cor. 5:6b-8. Luke 24:13-49. White

Apr 11, 2nd Sunday of Easter, Acts 5:27-32. Ps. 150 or Ps. 118:14-29. Rev. 1:4-8. John 20:19-31. White

Apr 18, 3rd Sunday of Easter, Acts 9:1-20. Ps. 30. Rev. 5:11-14. John 21:1-19. White

Apr 25, 4th Sunday of Easter (Good Shepherd Sunday), Acts 9:36-43. Ps. 23. Rev. 7:9-17. John 10:22-30. White

May 2, 5th Sunday of Easter, Acts 11:1-18. Ps. 148. Rev. 21:1-6. John 13:31-35. White

May 9, 6th Sunday of Eas ter, Acts 16:9-15. Ps. 67. Rev. 21:22~22:5. John 14:23-29 or John 5:1-9. White

May 13, (Thursday) Ascension of our Lord, Acts 1:1-11. Ps. 47 or 93. Eph. 1:15-23. Luke 24:44-53. White

May 16, 7th Sunday of Easter, Acts 16:16-34. Ps. 97. Rev. 22:12-21. John 17:20-26. White

May 23, The Day of Pentecost, Last Sunday of Easter, Acts 2:1-21. Ps. 104:24-34,35b. Rom. 8:14-17. John 14:8-17,25-27. Red (The Day of Pentecost ends the Easter Cycle)

Sundays After Pentecost

May 30, Trinity Sunday (1st Sunday after Pentecost), Prov. 8:1-4,22-31. Ps. 8. Rom. 5:1-5. John 16:12-15. Red

Jun 6, (2nd Sunday after Pentecost), 1 Kings 17:8-24. Ps. 146. Gal 1:11-24. Luke 7:11-17. Red

Jun 13, (3rd Sunday after Pentecost), 1 Kings 21:1-21a. Ps. 5:1-8. Gal. 2:15-21. Luke 7:36~8:3. Red

Jun 20, (4th Sunday after Pentecost), 1 Kings 19:1-15a. Ps. 42 and 43. Gal. 3:23-29. Luke 8:26-39. Red

Jun 27, (5th Sunday after Pentecost), 2 Kings 2:1-2,6-14. Ps. 77:1-2,11-20. Gal. 5:1,13-25. Luke 9:51-62. Red

Jul 4, (6th Sunday after Pentecost), 2 Kings 5:1-14. Ps. 30. Gal. 6:1-16. Luke 10:1-11,16-20. Red

Jul 11, (7th Sunday after Pentecost), Amos 7:7-17. Ps. 82. Col. 1:1-14. Luke 10:25-37. Red

Jul 18, (8th Sunday after Pentecost), Amos 8:1-12. Ps. 52. Col. 1:15-28. Luke 10:38-42. Red

Jul 25, (9th Sunday after Pentecost), Hos. 1:2-10. Ps. 85. Col. 2:6-19. Luke 11:1-13. Red

Aug 1, (10th Sunday after Pentecost), Hos 11:1-11. Ps. 107:1-9,43. Col. 3:1-11. Luke 12:13-21. Red

Aug 8, (11th Sunday after Pentecost), Is. 1:1,10-20. Ps. 50:1-8,22-23. Heb. 11:1-3,8-16. Luke 12:32-40. Red

Aug 15, (12th Sunday after Pentecost), Is 5:1-7. Ps. 80:1-2,8-19. Heb. 11:29~12:2. Luke 12:49-56. Red

Aug 22, (13th Sunday after Pentecost), Jer. 1:4-10. Ps. 71:1-6. Heb. 12:18-29. Luke 13:10-17. Red

Kingdomtide

Aug 29, (1st Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 2:4-13. Ps. 81:1,10-16. Heb. 13:1-8,15-16. Luke 14:1,7-14. Green

Sep 5, (2nd Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 18:1-11. Ps. 139:1-6,13-18. Philemon 1-21. Luke 14:25-33. Green

Sep 12, (3rd Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 4:11-12,22-28. Ps. 14. 1 Tim. 1:12-17. Luke 15:1-10. Green

Sep 19, (4th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 8:18~9:1. Ps. 79:1-9. 1 Tim. 2:1-7. Luke 16:1-13. Green

Sep 26, (5th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 32:1-3a,6-15. Ps. 91:1-6,14-16. 1 Tim. 6:6-19. Luke 16:19-31. Green

Oct 03, (6th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Lam. 1:1-6. Ps. 137 or Lam. 3:19-26. 2 Tim. 1:1-14. Luke 17:5-10. Green

Oct 10, (7th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 29:1,4-7. Ps. 66:1-12. 2 Tim. 2:8-15. Luke 17:11-19. Green

Oct 17, (8th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 31:27-34. Ps. 119:97-104. 2 Tim. 3:14~4:5. Luke 18:1-8. Green

Oct 24, (9th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Joel 2:23-32. Ps. 65. 2 Tim. 4:6-8,16-18. Luke 18:9-14. Green

Oct 31, (10th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Hab. 1:1-4; 2:1-4. Ps. 119:137-144. 2 Thess. 1:1-4,11-12. Luke 19:1-10. Green; (Oct 31 may be designated “Reformation Sunday.”)

Nov 1, (All Saints’ Day), Dan. 7:1-3,15-18. Ps. 149. Eph. 1:11-23. Luke 6:20-31. White/Green

Nov 7, (11th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Hag. 1:15b-2:9. Ps. 98 or 145:1-5,17-21. 2 Thess. 2:1-5,13-17. Luke 20:27-38. Green

Nov 14, (12th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Is. 65:17-25. Isaiah 12. 2 Thess. 3:6-13. Luke 21:5-19. Green

Nov 21, (13th Sunday of Kingdomtide), Jer. 23:1-6. Luke 1:68-79. Col. 1:11-20. Luke 23:33-43. Green

Nov 25, Thanksgiving Day, Deut. 26:1-11. Ps. 100. Phil. 4:4-9. John 6:25-35. White

'How Do I Find Grace?'

An Essay by Julian James Crump, Contest Winner, Mt. Zion #2 CME Church, Hamilton, AL

Seeking grace is easy once you understand what grace is and what it means. Grace is “unmerited favor” for God (Ephesians 2:8-9). In theology, grace may be described as “enabling power sufficient for progression.” Grace divine is a gift from God for development, improvement, and character expansion, and without God’s grace, there are certain limitations, weaknesses, flaws, and faults that mankind cannot overcome.

As Christians, we believe it is important to increase in God’s grace for added perfection, completeness and flawlessness. More broadly divine grace refers to God’s gifts to all humankind, including life, creation, and salvation. More commonly, grace describes the means by which we are granted salvation (and to some, saved from original sin).

Grace is most important in the theology of Christianity, as well as one of the most important issues in Christian salvation. Grace is often different from mercy in that mercy is seen as not receiving punishment that one deserves to receive, whereas grace is the receipt of a positive benefit that one does not deserve to receive.

Divine grace also can be defined as God’s presence in our lives, enabling us to do and be what we were created for.

Finding spiritual growth and grace fit together. Some people do not understand grace and see it as the license to do what they want and still receive God’s favor. A true understanding of grace will lead to growth and stability.

God uses grace to carry out a process of growth in our lives, but it is not automatic. This is the reason why the number of years a person is a Christian has nothing to do with spiritual maturity. Real maturity comes by cooperating with God’s grace process. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

The ultimate force in salvation is God’s grace. Not material things; not houses, not our money or not our friends. Grace is God’s calming hand over a stormy sea of our lives. The church song that states, “…if our God is for us, who can be against us…,” is a great inspiration about grace. God is for us, not maybe, not has been, not was, not sometimes, but God is always for us. If God had MySpace, my name would be on top of his friends list. If he had a calendar, my birthday would be circled. God is for us, and know that, no one can be against you.

We all need grace. The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17 (NCV). Christ died so that I would have grace and mercy. Eternity is given by actions, but through grace the outcome may change, the grace God has blessed us with.

Grace is important because without it we would not allow Jesus to see us for all of our possibilities, rather than our shortcomings, affording us the possibility to live everlasting life in paradise without our Heavenly Father.

Photo: L-R: James Perkins, North Central Region director of Christian Education; Bishop L.L. Reddick, III, presiding bishop of the 5th Episcopal District; essay winner Julian J. Crump; Julian’s mother, Martha West-Crump; Presiding Elder of the Huntsville District Rev. Ollie Hatchett; Rev. Zethelyn Johnson, Rev. Charlie J. Johnson, Jr., pastor, Mt. Zion #2 CME, Hamilton, AL.

Happy Birthday to The Christian Index Online

Three years go by pretty quickly. But on August 28, 2006, The Christian Index Online was born. It was the result of continued requests from Index readers, and members and leaders of the CME Church, that our historic official publication have a presence on the WEB. It was at a time when not everyone was familiar with the concept of "blogging" as much as we are now. Yet, through the free service offered by Blogger.com, the Online Index has provided an important source of timely communication to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the world. Over the past three years, visitors to this site have increased tremendously. For example, since adding a visit counter in May of this year, the number of hits to the site has approached 8,000! That's roughly 75 hits on the site per day! So, again, Happy Birthday to The Christian Index Online. We invite everyone to continue to visit here as often as possible to receive the latest news and important information on the life of the CME Church.

Dr. Kenneth Elvis Jones, editor.

Carter Tabernacle, Orlando, FL, Invites All on Mission Trips

Carter Tabernacle CME will be spreading the Word of God and the love and peace of Jesus Christ with a series of mission trips in 2010. With trips scheduled to the Caribbean and sub-Saharan Africa, availability will fill-up fast; don't miss out!All members of the CME Connection are invited to attend; please fill out the attached registration form and return to Carter's main office as soon as possible.

Peace and Blessings,

Pastor Dr. V. Burns

We Can Help Ashante' Sloan Fight Aplastic Anemia

Ashante’ Sloan, the middle child of the late Dr. Albert J. H. Sloan II, former President of Miles College, and Mrs. Emma Lee Sloan of Birmingham, AL, was diagnosed with Aplastic Anemia in October 2008.

With Aplastic Anemia coursing through your bloodstream are red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets, which all are important to your health. These blood components are produced in your bone marrow—the red, spongy core of many of your bones.

Anemia occurs when blood is low in red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to all parts of your body. Without enough red blood cells, your body can't get all of the oxygen it needs and you feel fatigued.
In aplastic anemia, the bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells. This means that you have not only a deficit of red blood cells but also a shortage of white blood cells to fight germs and platelets to help blood clot. You're at higher risk of infections and uncontrolled bleeding. Aplastic anemia is not a single disease, but a group of closely related disorders characterized by the failure of the bone marrow to produce all three types of blood cells: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Aplastic anemia is rare, affecting fewer than 1,000 people each year in the United States. The exact cause of aplastic anemia is unknown, although it has been linked to exposure to chemicals such as benzene and radiation. It is also believed that some cases of aplastic anemia are inherited and that some cases are due to a viral infection.
The cause is a mistaken immune system response that destroys bone marrow. A condition known as secondary aplastic anemia can develop when bone marrow is damaged by cancer, chemotherapy, certain medications, pregnancy or exposure to toxic substances. Treatments may include observation for very mild cases, medications, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplantation. Once considered nearly always fatal, aplastic anemia has a much better prognosis today thanks to advances in treatment.
Ashante’ is in need of a Bone Marrow Transplant, and organized three marrow transplant drives in Charlotte, NC; Atlanta, GA; and Birmingham, AL. Four potential donors have been identified on the Be The Match Registry, operated by the National Marrow Donor Program. Although none of the potential donors is a perfect match (they are all 9 out of 10), her specialist believes it is urgent that they move forward due to her condition.
Thanks be to God that one of the four potential donor’s matches and Ashante’ will receive the Bone Marrow Transplant on September 25, 2009.
The help of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is needed to continue this fight and to proceed with the transplant. The cost of this procedure is extremely expensive with bills mounting up daily. A foundation has been set up to assist Ashante’ with all remaining donations going to her fight against future aplastic anemia patients.
Your donation can be made payable to the Albert J.H. Sloan Transplant Fund, Account #2000049177688, at any Wachovia Bank. Please email her at ashantesloan@yahoo.com when you make your donation. We want to thank everyone personally.
Also, please save your receipts for your records and remember, A Life That You Save May Be Your Very Own.
Photo shows Ashante Sloan (center) with sisters Alescia (l) and Ashaki Sloan Means (r). Submitted by Carla L. Flakes, Ed.S, Miles Chapel CME Church, Fairfield, AL.

Commission on Women in Ministry Workshop

(Click on image.)

Carter Temple Finds Deterrent for Youth

Drug Use and Violence

By Kim Driscoll,

Carter Temple CME Church, Chicago, IL

Chicago, IL—In a city where more than 30 students were killed during the past school year and the top of nearly every news hour includes shocking reports on children being

gunned down in the midst of gang rivalries, it was astonishing to observe a dozen youth to walk down the aisle one-by-one and join church—all during the same Sunday service. For members of Carter Temple CME Church on Chicago’s Southside, however, the Lord was just doing His work by adding increase to an already flourishing youth and young adult ministry.
Under the guise of the Rev. Dr. Sylvester Williams Sr., Carter Temple’s youth are spreading the word about a place where they feel a part of such a sacred institution.
Among those joining church that day was Anthony Ward, 21, who is not a gang member but knows people who are, decided to visit Carter Temple after a friend told him about the many youth and young adult activities held at the church.
“I didn’t come [to church] to join and had been scared,” said Ward. “But when the pastor opened the doors of the church, I just got up—I guess it was the Holy Spirit.”
Tangelia Walters, 19, also heard about the many youth and young adult opportunities at Carter Temple and decided to become a member.
“I feel like the Lord pushed me to walk [to join the church] because I had visited before but really had not decided to join,” said Walters. “I’m glad I did because I’d heard about Carter’s good programs for young people.”
Carter Temple youth and young adult ministries include the Alpha and Omega Praise Step Team, Youth and Young Adult Choir, Wilbert E. Thomas Junior Steward Board, D.I. Isom Youth and Young Adult Usher Board, Moments of Grace Praise Dance Ministry, Mattie E. Coleman Missionaries, Righteous Living (singing/Rap group), New Generation Mentoring Program, and GphiG (Glorify God praise step team).
The 12- to17-year-olds who attend weekly Christian Youth Fellowship classes are exposed to Bible study, life application classes, current news discussions, and rap sessions with the pastor.
Justin Jackson, 14, and a member of Carter Temple for most of his life, says, “Sometimes the older people don’t feel what we feel. I’m glad to have a pastor who thinks about us when we go home.”
Reaching out to youth seems to be paramount for Pastor Williams as it is commonplace to find him accompanying young church members on various activities, including “hanging out” with the youth for pizza after an evening of bowling.
Pastor Williams stresses, “It is imperative that we involve the youth and young adults in the church. We must reach what has been characterized as a Hip Hop culture, even though we don’t always understand them.”
Carter Temple’s Youth and Young Adult Ministry is rising to a challenge extended during the CME Youth and Young Adult Conference—to do a new thing for the Lord—and recently held a Youth and Young Adult Revival at their church. Those packing the pews included members of the Northwestern Football Team and the weekend of singing, poetry, and gospel rapping was highlighted by a series of sermons from guest minister, Rev. Starsky D. Wilson, Pastor, St. John United Church of Christ in St. Louis, MO.
Rev. Wilson, during his contentious and at times disturbing message about the affect of Hip Hop on today’s youth and its impact on the church, suggested that the “church” has been reluctant to embrace the genre because Hip Hop was formed out of chaos.
“Because we cannot define it, it frightens us [but] we forget that chaos proceeds community….God reaches out in the midst of chaos to connect it into community,” said Rev. Wilson. And in order to attract today’s youth, the “rapping reverend” stressed it is imperative that the church finds a way to connect to youth.
Carter Temple’s First Lady, Carmen Williams, who personally escorts the youth to Children’s Church each Sunday, also recognizes the importance of reaching out to young people and was pleased with the success of the youth revival.
“I’m excited and thrilled to death that our youth and young adults are allowed to express themselves with such exuberance!” Mrs. Williams exclaimed.
Carter Temple continues to be in the forefront of positively impacting youth, as it is home to the national program, One Church One School, a partnership between neighboring churches and community schools working together to improve the academic achievement, social behavior and personal development of children.
Chicago gangs proved no match for God, however, when a dozen children joined church in a single day. The implications of so many youth choosing Carter Temple speaks volumes to the leadership of Pastor Sylvester Williams and the determination of Carter Temple’s members to win young souls for Christ.

"Preying on the Unsuspecting:"

CME Church Scam Persists

By Dr. Paul Brown, Miles Memorial CME, Washington, DC

Times are hard these days! Finances are dwindling and churches are clamoring to save and retrieve all the members they can. However, it is in that spirit that these unscrupulous individuals are using to prey on unsuspecting pastors and church leaders to scam them out of hard earned cash and often benevolence monies from churches.

The scam works as follows: An individual will call a pastor pretending to be a pastor of a large CME Church whose neice, daughter or member is moving into the area of the unsuspecting pastor. She will be traveling by car with her two, three or four children. The next day or a few days later, the young girl will call the pastor who has been contacted about her coming and she proceeds to tell the unsuspecting pastor that she has broken down and is at a repair shop and her car repairs will cost about $800 (or some other amount) and she is in desperate need and will repay the funds once she arrives in the city. They will always give some fictitious road, highway or street as to where they have broken down but they will put the so-called repair man on the phone to confirm that he has her car and cannot release it until the bill has been paid in full.

Here is where the scam takes on its nebulous nature. The repairman will tell the unsuspecting pastor to wire the money by Western Union or wire it to a local Wal-Mart and then the matter will be taken care of. The unsuspecting pastor, in their desire to help a so-called stranded CME potential member, will wire the monies to these individuals who then have no paper trail to connect them legally!!

As one whose name has been a part of this scam, I suggest one thing. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, EVER SEND ANY MONEY OVER THE WIRE TO PERSONS YOU HAVE NO KNOWLEDGE OF OR HAVE NEVER MET BEFORE, EVEN IF THEY COME WITH A RECOMMENDATION FROM SOMEONE WHO CLAIMS TO BE A WELL KNOWN PREACHER IN THE CME CHURCH OR A BISHOP!

While I realize the desire to help someone out of a compassionate spirit that most pastors possess, it is just plain good sense to contact the individuals whose names are being used first to authenticate any so-called story being told to you. On a side note, I find it difficult to believe that anyone leaving one church to go to another, will not first have a conversation with all parties involved, and then, to call a preacher and ask for money is not something I would readily recommend any member to do, much less a family member!

Please, should you get any such calls, get all the info, tell them you will get back to them, verify any and all information and then forward it to the local authorities so that we can finally catch these unscrupulous individuals once an for all!

Consecration Services for Metropolitan CME, Houston, TX
Houston, TX—Family and friends are invited to share with the pastor, officers, and members of the Metropolitan CME Church as Consecration Services are observed on Sunday, August 9, 2009. The sprawling campus is located at 8955 South Freeway (288) between Bellfort Blvd. and Reed Road. Included during the 3 PM, celebration will be tributes and special recognitions to those who made contributions toward the church’s rebuilding efforts. For more information, please contact Pastor Dr. W. Edward Lockett at 713-748-6242 or metrocme@aol.com. You can read more about Metropolitan’s restoration in an upcoming issue of The Christian Index.

Rev. Rodney Geyen Re-Elected to a 4th term to the Lake Charles City Council

City Councilman Rev. Rodney Geyen was re-elected on April 4, 2009, to a fourth term as City Councilman of District C in the city of Lake Charles, LA.
Rev. Geyen has served for 12 years on the Council and has served as President of the Council twice. Rev. Geyen served as mayor for a period of four and one half months, becoming the first African American to serve as mayor in the City of Lake Charles.
Rev. Geyen is responsible for securing over $25 million for the reconstruction of 34 streets, sidewalks, and drainages that greatly improved the district in which he serves. Several recreation centers have been built, with state-of-the-art exercise equipment and indoor/outdoor walk tracks. He is an advocate of having a safe community to live in and has worked hard to rid his district of various kinds of crime and drug activities.
Rev. Geyen has served the school system for 42-plus years as teacher, coach, assistant principal and principal. He also served as a deputy sheriff for 21 years.
Rev. Geyen is a graduate of W. O. Boston High School, Grambling St. University, McNeese State University and earned a Masters-plus-30 Degree in the field of Education.
Rev. Geyen is a member of Reeves Temple CME Church in Lake Charles, LA, under the guidance of Rev. Dr. H. Leon Williams, pastor.

St. James CME, LaGrange, GA, 

Gets Eagle Scout      

On Sunday March 29, 2009 Walter Solomon Whitfield became the first member of St James CME Church, LaGrange Georgia to earn the Eagle Scout Rank. His Court of Honor was conducted at the church and the St. James family congratulated Solomon on this outstanding achievement. The Eagle rank is the highest rank that a scout can earn. Solomon began his scouting career in 1998 as a Cub Scout in the church’s first Cub Scout Pack, founded by Miss Carol Lewis. The Charter Partner Representative was Mr. L.L. Banks and Mr. Joan Debnam served on the Pack Committee. Both have served the pack and troop faithfully ensuring that the scouting programs succeed. In 2001 Solomon received the Arrow of Light, the highest rank a Cub Scout receives. He then crossed over into the Boy Scout Troop and for the next 8 years earned more than 44 merit badges on the way to Eagle.
As a boy scout Solomon participated in many campouts and other scout events including the annual Freeze-O-Ree at Camp Gallant, Fall Family Campouts, Religious Encampments at both Andersonville and Tuskegee Institute and hiking the Little Grand Canyon in Lumpkin Georgia. He worked at the Camp Lumpkin Summer Camp for the past four years assisting other scouts in earning merit badges. The highlight of his camping experiences was his attendance at the National Boy Scout Jamboree in 2005 at Fort AP Hill, Virginia. For twelve days, along with 80 other scouters from the Chattahoochee Council, he toured Washington DC and camped at Fort AP Hill with 40,000 other Boys Scouts and Scout Leaders. One of the most memorial moments of the Jamboree was the assembly which President George Bush addressed.
He graduated from LaGrange High School in June of 2009 and will attend Columbus State University in the fall. His plans are to become an accountant and continue to work within the Scouting program. 

Photo: Right to left - Rev. Jesse Everett, Presiding Elder, North Columbus-LaGrange District, West Georgia Region; Rev. LK Allen, pastor of St. James CME Church, LaGrange GA., Rev. Morrissey Whitfield, mother, pastor of Trinity in Durand, GA., father, Gary Whitfield, Scout Master Troop 305; new Eagle Scout Walter Solomon Whitfield, brother, Life Scout Christopher Isaiah Whitfield.

CYAM Appeal to Young Adults to Attend Region Conferences

"Ships that Sail...:" 23rd CME Convocation Schedule Announced

Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., Chair of the Annual CME Convocation Committee, Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Chair of the Convocation Program Committee and Reverend Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, Annual Convocation Director have announced the tentative schedule of the 2009 Annual CME Convocation which will be hosted by the Third Episcopal District in Saint Louis, Missouri. The 2009 Convocation will meet Monday – Thursday, September 21st – 24th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (formerly Adams Mark) in downtown Saint Louis. The theme of the Convocation is “The Ships that Sail Us from Good to Great.”
Included in the schedule are planned meetings of selected General Conference Commissions and Committees on Monday, September 21st from 3 PM to 6:30 PM.
The Annual CME Convocation will meet in conjunction with the quadrennial meeting of the Connectional Lay Institute sponsored by the Department of Lay Ministry. The Connectional Lay Institute will meet Saturday – Monday (am), September 19th – 21st at the Millennium Hotel 2½ blocks south of the Hyatt Regency. Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. is the Chair of the Department of Lay Ministry and Dr. Victor Taylor is the General Secretary. Combined registration forms for either or both events are printed in The Christian Index. Forms can also be found on the CME Website (www.c-m-e.org).

Speakers and Preachers:
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
[Keynote - Monday]
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
[Communion - Tuesday]
Bishop William H. Graves, Sr.
[Commissioning and Covenanting - Thursday]
Reverend Dr. Clementine Mays
[Mid-day Worship - Wednesday]
Teachers:
Dr. Evelyn Parker
[Bible Study – Tuesday-Thursday]
Reverend Dollie Howell Pankey
[Plenary Presenter – Worship (Tuesday AM)]
Reverend Dr. Willie C. Champion
[Plenary Presenter – Membership (Tuesday AM)]
Dr. Leo Pinkett [Plenary Presenter – Mentorship (Tuesday PM)]
Reverend Dr. Charles Holbrook [Plenary Presenter – Leadership (Tuesday PM)]
Reverend Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield [Plenary Presenter – Discipleship (Wednesday AM)]
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter [Plenary Presenter – Stewardship (Wednesday AM)]
Dr. Allen F. Todd II [Concert Choir Director (Wednesday)]
Dr. Marie Jerigan [Wrap-up! (Thursday)]

Special Assignments:
Ms. Doris Herring
[Registrar – Monday-Wednesday]
Reverend Dr. Jerome E. McNeil, Jr.
[Prayer Coordinator – Monday-Thursday]

Monday, September 21, 2009:
10 am – 5 pm Registration
9 am – 2 pm Departmental Meetings
9 am – 3 pm Presiding Elders’ In-service Training
3 pm – 6:30 pm

Commissions and Committees
Board of Directors for Ministerial Assessment Center
Commission on Economic Development
Commission on Ecumenicity Commission on Faith and Order
Commission on Life and Witness
Commission on Ritual and Worship and Committee to Develop a New CME Hymnal
Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns
Commission on the Concerns of Women in Ministry
Committee on Resolutions

5 pm – 6:30 pm Orientation of Facilitators
Orientation of Security Access Monitors
7 pm – 9:30 pm Keynote Assembly
9:30 pm – Midnight Convocation Concert Choir Rehearsal

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 (T-Shirt Day):
8 am – 5 pm Registration
8 am – 7 pm Exhibits
8 am – 8:50 am Bible Study
9 am – 10 am Plenary Session
[Worship ~ Membership]
10:15 am – 12:15 pm Break-out Sessions
12:30 pm – 2 pm Lunch Break
2 pm – 3 pm Plenary Session
[Mentorship ~ Leadership]
3:15 pm – 5:15 pm Break-out Sessions
5:15 pm – 6:45 pm Dinner Break
7 pm – 9:30 pm Communion Worship Service
9:30 pm – Midnight Convocation Concert Choir Rehearsal

Wednesday, September 23, 2009:
7 am – 8:30 am Chaplains’ Breakfast
8 am – 7 pm Exhibits
9 am – Noon Registration
8 am – 8:50 am Bible Study
9 am – 10 am Plenary Session
[Discipleship ~ Stewardship]
10:15 am – 12:15 pm Break-out Sessions
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm Mid-day Worship Service
1:30 pm – 3 pm Lunch Break
3 pm – 4:30 pm Workshops
3 pm – 6 pm Convocation Concert Choir Rehearsal
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm Convocation Committee Meeting
7 pm – 9:30 pm Convocation Annual Concert

Thursday, September 24, 2009:
8 am – 8:50 am Bible Study
9 am – 9:30 am Wrap-Up!
9:30 am – 10:15 am Commissioning and Covenanting Service

Submitted to The Christian Index by Dr. Tyrone T. Davis

Funeral Arrangements for Presiding Elder Rev. Sebron Isom
Services for Rev. Sebron Isom, retired minister and former presiding elder of the Washington-Virginia District, New York Washington Region, 7th Episcopal District, will be at 11 AM, Saturday morning, June 27, 2009, at the Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 557 Randolph Street, NW, Washington, DC. Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., will officiate. 

Department of Lay Ministry Graham-Webb Scholarship 2009-10 General Information
The Department of Lay Ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church believes that educating our young is a positive step in helping to provide role models for future generations. Thus, the Graham-Webb Scholarship named in honor of Dr. Willie L. Graham and Dr. Roscoe Webb, will provide assistance to deserving CME male students who plan to further their education after graduating from high school. The Department of Lay Ministry will, therefore, award nine (9) Graham-Webb Scholarships (one from each Episcopal District within the United States) in an amount no less than $700 and not exceeding $1000. An additional 5% of the award amount will be provided to young men who choose to attend a CME College. We believe that this scholarship is one small way of helping to make dreams come true.

 
Applicants for the scholarship must plan to enroll in a full-time program of study at an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational, or technical school. The recipients must provide proof of enrollment prior to receiving the award. After sufficient proof of enrollment is provided, one-half of the award shall be forwarded to the recipient for the first semester and the remaining one-half at the beginning of the second semester. When the learning institution’s classes are scheduled on a trimester basis, the student will receive the award in equal parts during each trimester. Scholarship awards are to be used to assist with the cost of tuition, fees, books, room and board and/or supplies.  

Selection of the Scholarship recipients will be based on: membership in the CME Church, academic achievement, and financial need. Completed applications must be post marked no later than July 17, 2009. The Graham-Webb Scholarship application can be accessed online at c-m-e.org.

If there are questions, please contact:
Mr. Clifford L. Harris, Chair
Graham-Webb Scholarship Committee
918.304.1999 (home)
918.519.4233 (cell)
Email: mrcliffharris@yahoo.com

Funeral Arrangement for Mrs. Minnie Washington - Mother of Missionary Messenger Editor Rita Washington

Funeral Arrangements:
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Metropolitian Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
8955 South Freeway
Houston, Texas 77051
Phone Number :713-748-5947 Fax Number 713-748-2718

Visitation
9-11 AM - Saturday, June 13, 2009

Funeral Service

Metropolitian CME Church - Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 11 AM

Funeral Home
Grimes
3900 Holmes Road
Houston, Texas 77051
Phone Number - 713-733-3336 - Fax Number 713-733-1149

Rejoice,

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

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

Loss of Mr. William Everett 

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with deep regret to inform you of the passing of Mr. William Everett, the father of Rev. Paul Everett, pastor of First CME Church (Anchorage, Alaska) in the Alaska-Pacific Region of the 9th Episcopal District. Mr. Everett passed away yesterday.

The funeral service for Mr. Everett will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009, 1 PM, at New Hope Friendship Baptist Church, 2205 Harrison Avenue, San Diego, CA 92113. Church telephone: 619-234-5506.

You may send condolences, cards, flowers, and other expressions of sympathy to the Everett family in care of New Hope Friendship Baptist Church. You may contact Rev. Everett via e-mail at reveverett@aol.com .

Please keep Rev. Paul Everett and his immediate family in prayer.

In His Service,

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

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.