A Call to Rally on September 4, 2010

In Atlantic Beach, SC

On September 4th we want to remind the town of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina that a sanctuary is a “sacred place”’ a place that has historically provided refuge, asylum and/or immunity from being arrested. The history of this country and all of civilization is filled with examples of persons going into a sanctuary seeking immunity from being arrested. Therefore, the removal and arrest of Pastor Windy Price, her husband and the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in their sanctuary during worship has unlimited negative implications for worshippers everywhere. This small town has struck a gigantic blow against humanity.

Based on the 1st and 14th amendments of the Constitution of the United Stated of America we want the harassment of the pastor and members of the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to stop immediately.

Furthermore, we call upon the town of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina to fully reimburse the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church for all expenses and fees that this congregation has incurred since the night of July 28, 2010. .

Finally, we call upon all the people of faith to come to Atlantic Beach, South Carolina on September 4, 2010 at 10 am and meet us at the Atlantic Beach Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 502 40th Avenue, South.

This rally is not just about the injustices that this pastor and congregation have been made to face; it is about the threat that every sanctuary will continue to face if we do not show up and speak out.

TO ALL PASTORS, MEMBERS, AND FRIENDS

OF THE CAROLINA REGION AND THE 7TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT:

Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. is hereby asking all pastors, members and friend of the “Mighty 7th Episcopal District” to join him on September 4, 2010 at 10:00 am at 502 40th Avenue, South, Atlantic Beach, South Carolina. Together we will rally and march in protest of the ill treatment of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina toward the Atlantic Beach CME Church. The rally will begin at the Church. Further information and hotel accommodation will be sent shortly.

Bishop Hoyt is hopeful that those pastors within a couple hundred miles radius would gather their members and friends and car pool to Atlantic Beach. Our presence will send a message to the authorities of Atlantic Beach, South Carolina and others who would harass and disrespect our right to worship.

Submitted by Dr. James E. Russell, Presiding Elder of the Winston-Salem/Greenville District

Bishop and Mrs. Sylvester Williams Visit

Nonnie Bryant in Nursing Home

At the close of the 77th Session of the Ohio-Central Indiana Region Annual Conference in Beachwood, Ohio, Bishop Sylvester Williams, the newly elected 58th bishop of the CME Church, visited one of his constituents in the Montefiore Nursing Home. Mrs. Nonnie Bryant has been in rehabilitation at the home for two weeks after suffering a fractured pelvis from a fall at the hotel at the General Conference in Mobile, Alabama in June. Mrs. Bryant, who will be 91 in September, rarely misses an annual conference and other meetings on the regional level.

She wanted to see her new bishop. So Bishop Sylvester Williams and Mrs. Carmen Williams visited Mrs. Bryant and shared with her in prayer in the nursing home.

Bishop Sylvester Williams closed out his very first annual conference with a spirited commissioning message, taken from Mark 6:7-13, calling for both preachers and members to trust God and be faithful to the charge where they would be sent or to the new pastor that comes to the church.

Prior to his election to the episcopacy, Bishop Williamson served as pastor of the Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago, IL.

Submitted by Warren Bryant

Message From the General Secretary of Lay Ministry

August 13, 2010

TO: CME Laity

SUBJECT: 2010 Annual CME Convocation

Greetings and may the joy of the Lord be yours!

I, first, remind you that the 2010 CME Convocation is fast approaching. I hope that many of you who have not attended a CME Convocation lately or have never attended before, will consider attending this year. The dates and location, as most of you know, are September 21-24, 2010 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, KY. Louisville and the Galt House accommodations have proven in the past, in my opinion, to be an excellent venue. Get your registrations in and let’s have record numbers in attendance and leave with a new zeal to serve and make a difference in the life and witness of our Zion. Additional information about the Annual CME Convocation is available at www.c-m-e.org/convocation .

Second, I want you to know that a meeting/assembly for the Laity have been arranged for Tuesday afternoon, September 21st from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. During this time I will share with you the work and accomplishments of the Department thus for and how we can, together, help make the Quadrennial Theme of “An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry, come alive in the work of equipping God’s people. During this time frame, Mrs. Barbara C. Campbell, Connectional Lay Council President, Ms. Diana Winton, Connectional Ushers President, Mrs. Jolinda Dugger, Connectional Stewardesses President, and Mr. Charles Taylor, Connectional Stewards President, will be provided time and space to share with those who are part of their respective ministries, as well.

Third, on Thursday, September 23rd from 3:00 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. each of the Presidents will engage members of their ministry team in a workshop, focused on the Quadrennial Theme. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to hear first hand the thoughts, challenges, and how-tos of how these ministries will be “essential” in “An Essential Church.”

Last, I pray God’s favor on each of you and may He lift you as you are lifting Him!

Sincerely & In Christ I trust,

Clifford L. Harris

Mr. Clifford Harris, General Secretary

Department of Lay Ministry

General Secretary Harris Urges Adoption of CME Ushers Manual

July 27, 2010

TO: CME Ushers, Other Laity, Pastors, and Presiding Elders

May the joy of the Lord be yours as you continue to give thanks and service to Him everyday!

I write this communication primarily to share information about and the availability of the newly published CME Usher Manual that was written by our Connectional Usher President, Ms. Diana Winton. Dr. Victor Taylor arranged to have the manuals printed by the CME Publishing House, just prior to the 37th General Conference. All of the 300 copies that were made available for sale at the General Conference for a price of $10 were sold. I have since secured the remaining manuals and they are available through my office.

I am, thus, requesting that Usher Ministry organizations at the regional, district, and local levels of our church secure copies of the manual for information, teaching and training. We have a wonderful opportunity as a church to establish connectivity throughout this very vital ministry by studying and teaching from a manual written by the CME Connectional Usher President - for CME Ushers. There is no further need for Ushers, at any level of our church, to incorporate processes and procedures taken from manuals printed by other denominations or individuals. In Sister Winton’s words, “We wish to see and help promote our Ushers being on one accord.”

Please go to http://www.c-m-e.org/core/layministry.htm and download the Lay Ministry Order Form and place your order. You can receive your order by mail or arrange to pick it up at the up-coming CME Convocation, September 21-24, 2010 in Louisville, KY. Additionally, relative to the Convocation, I am encouraging Lay Council members, Stewards, Stewardesses, Ushers, and other laity to register and be in attendance to share in the assemblies and teaching sessions for these ministries. Our focus will be on the Quadrennial Theme: “An Essential Church:” Poised For 21st Century Ministry.

As I close, allow me to provide the latest update that I have relative to Mrs. Faye McGhee, who was hospitalized and underwent emergency surgery while at the General Conference in Mobile, AL. Faye is still in Mobile at the Infirmary Medical Center. She is doing better but is in need of our constant prayers. Any cards or expressions should be sent to the McGhee's family address: 303 Serena Street, Kettering, MD 20774-1933.

Again, may the joy of the Lord continue to be yours!

Sincerely & In Christ I trust,

Clifford L. Harris

General Secretary

Department of Lay Ministry

Attention CME's! Corrected Address for the

24th CME Convocation Registration

The published address to return your CME Convocation registration form is incorrect. The correct address is below.

24th CME Convocation

P.O. Box 300904

Memphis, TN 38130-0904

Please contact the Convocation office at 901-345-9730 if you have questions about this notice or anything concerning the CME Convocation.

The Beginning of a New Era of

Leadership in the CME Church

Bishop James B. Walker

Bishop James B. Walker is a third generation CME pastor; grandson of the late Rev. O. W. and Ruth Walker (retired CME pastor, 9th Episcopal District); son of the late Rev. John P. and Emma Walker (retired CME pastor, 9th Episcopal District); nephew of the late J. B. Walker (retired CME Pastor, 1st Episcopal District); two brothers are active CME pastors. Bishop Walker was born in Boley, Oklahoma, on March 17, 1956. He is married to Delois Woody-Walker. They have two daughters and one grandson.

Extensive Pastoral Experience

Phillips Metropolitan CME Church,

Hartford, Ct. (23 years)

Served as Interim Presiding Elder,

New York-New England District

Trinity CME Church, Toccoa, Georgia (3 years)

Sykes Memorial CME Church,

Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (7 years)

Delegate to the General Conference

each Session since 1974

Member the General Connectional Board

Member, New York Washington Region,

Joint Board of Finance

Former President of the Greater Hartford

Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance

Diverse Work Experience

Interim Dean, Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT

Adjunct Professor, BMP Program,

Hartford Seminary, Hartford, CT

Founder & Executive Director,

North Star Center for Human

Development, Inc.

Human Services Advocate, State of Connecticut

Office for Protection and Advocacy

Group Manager, Operator Services, Southwestern Bell

Telephone Company

Manager, Central Administrative Group,

Southwestern Bell Telephone Company

Community Involvement

Co-Chair, Interfaith Fellowship for Universal Health Care

Board Member, Habitat for Humanity

Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance

Past Community Involvement

Commissioner, City of Hartford Planning

and Zoning Board

Elected Hartford Democratic Town Committee

(7th District)

Trustee, Hartford Seminary

Community Advisory Board, St. Francis Hospital

Bishop Sylvester Williams

Bishop Sylvester Williams is the last of three children born to Edward and Georgiana Williams. Growing up in a small rural town in Hale County, Alabama, Rev. Dr. Williams was surrounded by a loving family who taught him values such as respect and caring for each other, honoring your word, being responsible, but more importantly to love the Lord. As Rev. Williams watched his family, particularly his mother and father, display these values, he became more keenly aware of his calling and how God partnered with them to shape him for ministry.

Rev. Williams’ parents not only taught him social and spiritual values, they instilled educational values as well. Having received his early education in the Hale County School System, he continued his education by attending the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL where he earned a B.S. degree in Health Care Management. Between his studies at UA, he earned an A.A. degree in Mortuary Science from Jefferson State Junior College in Birmingham, AL. Later, having accepted the call to ministry, he furthered his education at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in Atlanta, GA, where he received the Master of Divinity degree. Desiring to be the best he can be, he went on to obtain the Doctorate of Ministry Degree from ITC.

After accepting the call to ministry in 1981, Rev. Williams has served the Church and community in many capacities which included pastoral leadership at Owens Chapel, New Church, Emory Chapel, and Franconia CME Church from 1981-1988 in Alabama; Mt. Olive CME Church in Orlando, FL in 1988, and Southside CME Church in Birmingham, AL where he served as pastor from 1989-2002.

Rev. Williams has served as the chaplain of Brookwood Hospice in Birmingham. He was a member of the Joint Board of Finance for the Birmingham Region, a member of the Board of Trustees at Miles College, and served as chairman, Board of Directors, for the Commission on Religion in Appalachia.

Along with 21 other ministers selected by the Interdenominational Theological Center, Rev. Williams recently attended a dynamic 15-day Holy Land Pilgrimage for Pastoral Renewal where the Word of God truly came to life. Before being elected a CME bishop, Rev. Williams served as chairman of the Joint Board of Finance for the Southeast Missouri, Illinois, and Wisconsin Region, Budget director for the 3rd Episcopal District, and for the past six years, has been the proud pastor of Carter Temple CME Church in Chicago.

Bishop Sylvester Williams is married to the former Carmen Elaine Leonard. They have three children: Samantha, Sylvia, and Sylvester II.

Bishop Teresa Snorton

Prior to her election as a CME Bishop, Rev. Dr. Teresa Snorton served as the Executive Director of the National Association for Clinical Pastoral Education, Inc. (ACPE), (www.acpe.edu). She is the former Executive Director of the Emory Center for Pastoral Services in Atlanta, Georgia and former Director of Pastoral Services at Crawford Long Hospital. She has been adjunct instructor in Pastoral Care at Candler School of Theology at Emory University.

She is a fourth generation, life-long CME. Her great-grandfather, father and uncle were all CME pastors and her grandmother was an active missionary. Her two sisters are also CME ministers. As an ordained minister in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, she was a former pastor in Kentucky. Prior to moving to Atlanta, in addition to being a pastor, she was a Psychiatric Staff Chaplain in Louisville, on the adjunct faculty of the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Kentucky, and on the faculties of the Patient Counseling Program at the Medical College of Virginia and the School of Theology of Virginia Union University in Richmond.

Bishop Snorton has a B.A. degree from Vanderbilt University, a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a Master of Theology in Pastoral Care from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Patient Counseling from Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Doctor of Ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

Bishop Snorton was active on several boards and committees of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, including the Commission on the Concerns of Women in Ministry and immediate past President of the Chaplains Commission. She has been a delegate to six CME General Conferences, is a former National Youth Conference officer, and a member of several committees in her region/annual conference, including the Joint Board of Finance, the Committee on Ministry, the Leadership Training School faculty. Prior to her election, she served as the coordinator of the Renewal Plan for the 2nd Episcopal District.

Bishop Snorton is a member of the International Congress of Pastoral Care and Counseling, a member of the Society for Pastoral Theology, and Business Manager of the Journal of Pastoral Care and Counseling. She has been a member of several boards and advisory committees related to interfaith dialogue, religion and health, and pastoral education. She is the 2001 recipient of the Wayne Oates Pastoral Care Award from the Long Run Baptist Association in Louisville, Kentucky, a recipient of the B. Julian Smith Award from the Board of the Christian Education in the CME Church and a recipient of the Legacy Award of the CME Women’s Missionary Council.

She is frequently a guest preacher at churches of all denominations and lecturer and speaker for hospitals, seminaries, conferences, leadership schools and retreats on religion and health, multicultural, ethical and gender issues, pastoral care and spiritual development. She is the author of several articles, chapters and book reviews on topics related to pastoral care and ministry.

A co-edited work with Dr. Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner, Women Out of Order: Risking Change and Creating Care in a Multi-Cultural World is scheduled to be published by Fortress Press in fall 2009.

Rev. Snorton is married to Charles Short. They have three sons and three grandchildren.

The Vision of Bishop W.E. Lockett

“I see a Church that is a movement of committed servants who love people enough to work for them in the world to become all that God has ordained them to be.

They build a place on earth to build a place in eternity.”

Our great Zion has from its inception been relevant and relational. The harvest is great...great is our ability to bring the lost to Jesus the Risen Savior. Rev. W.E. Lockett Metropolitan CME Church was totally destroyed by fire on Christmas Day, 2005.

With the visionary leadership of Rev. W.E. Lockett, the building of the church has been reconstructed in a modern edifice with state of the art facilities for the members, the community, and the city.

The church family and the mission of the church have not wavered, yet grown stronger as the congregation has experienced continued growth, service, outreach, and a spiritual journey that has been unparalleled.

Bishop Godwin Umoette has served as chairman of the political science department at the University of Uyo in Nigeria. He will serve as bishop of the 10th Episcopal District, Liberia, Ghana, Togo, Lagos and Nigeria.

Note: Information found in this article was captured from the bishop's respective Web sites.

Loss of Rev. Emmaus Fitten

Please remember Rev. Daniel L. Fitten and family in your prayers in the passing of his father, Rev. Emmaus Fitten.

Services will be held as follows:

Visitation ~ Friday, July16, 2010 3:00-7:00 PM

Funeral ~ Saturday, July 17, 2010 11:00 AM

Both services will be held at the Phillips CME Church 3620 Shiloh Spring Road, Trotwood, OH 45426. Burial will take place the following Monday at VA.

If you would like to show your love and support for the Fitten family, you may contact Pastor Fitten at 414-372-1836 or you may Mrs. Louella Fitten at 937-263-3601

Arrangements for Mrs. Catherine Jewell Gill

Dear CME Members, Missionaries and Friends,

We are saddened by the passing of Mrs. Catherine Jewell Gill, a Christian servant, faithful missionary and loyal CME. Mrs. Gill was the Secretary of the Spiritual Life and Message Department of the Women's Missionary Council of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She was a faithful member and leader at Miles Chapel CME Church in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Funeral arrangements are as follows:

Family Hour:

Monday, July 12, 2010, 6:00 p.m.

Miles Chapel CME Church - Little Rock, AR

Funeral Services:

Tuesday, July 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m.

Union Avenue AME Church, 1823 Pulaski Street - Little Rock, AR

Please keep in prayer the family of Mrs. Catherine Jewell Gill. Condolences may be sent to Ms. Alicia Gill, 25 Detroit Street, Little Rock, AR 72206. Telephone: 501-376-2633.

In His Service,

Dr. Elnora Palmer Hamb, President

Women's Missionary Council

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Message from Connectional Lay President

Barbara Christian Campbell

To: Members of the Lay Department

From: Barbara Christian Campbell, President

Connectional Lay Council

Re: Resolutions in the Blue Book

Date: June 19, 2010

Greetings!

I have been studying the resolutions and now I am sharing my reflections and seeking your support in reviewing my feedback and voting to concur on the resolutions that we approved at the Lay Council. Additionally, you need to be prepared to go to the microphone and share some talking points for “Concurrence” or “Non-Concurrence” on the new resolutions that may adversely affect our department. Please work with new delegates and keep them informed and take note of the new resolutions that may be introduced at the conference. If you or your delegation would like to submit new resolutions please come prepared to do so. At all cost, “Lay Aside Every Weight” and Come Prepared to Work.” You have received a high honor to represent your Region and I believe you will do just that! Thank you for being a blessing to our God and our Zion!

Please review the next few pages and make notes for your vote!

Sincerely,

Barbara Christian Campbell,

Connectional Lay Council President

“Leaders Lead”

***It is important to attend the committee where the resolution is assigned to give input for your concurrence or non-concurrence of a resolution so that when the committee reports to the General Conference they will have heard your concerns. Make notes of the times and location for the committee meetings especially if you have not been assigned to a committee. Generally you can speak, but not vote in these meetings. **** Find out which committee each delegate has been assigned to in your region. Attend your regional caucus on June 25, 2010 at 7:00 p.m. for updates.

References: SCOMA- Standing Committee Action, CON-Concurrence,

NOCON-Non-Concurrence, CONWVH-Concurrence with Changes,

GCA-General Conference Action D-Discipline

Blue Book Page Topic Discipline Committee Assigned Your Vote

P.8 Members of the Quarterly Conf. D. p. 68 Revision/Legal Affairs _______

Talking Point: The language now does not specifically say Lay Leader & Missionary President; this resolution would address that concern and list the Lay Leader and Missionary President as members of the Quarterly Conference.

p.11 Nomination of Church Officer D.p. 146 -150 Revision/Legal Affairs ______

Talking Point: Roberts Rules allows for nominations from the floor and this resolution allows Lay persons to nominate themselves or others to serve as an officer. All nominations are still subject to approval by the quarterly conference.

p.14 Class Leaders D.p.145 Revision/Legal Affairs ______

Talking Point: Specifically states that class leaders should be lay persons.

p. 15 Lay Council Members as Delegates to

District/Regiona (Annual) Conferene D. p.47 Revision/Legal Affairs ________

Talking Point: Reinforces the mandate that first, each local church should have a Local Lay Council and

the need to have lay representation from the Local Lay Council. _______

p. 21 Quorum/Rules of Order for Local Church Meetings D. p. 320 Revision/Legal Affairs _________

Talking Point: Local church boards are generally in violation of not having a quorum and

In many cases two or three people make major decisions. Officers have taken

An oath to serve and being present at meetings is key to service. This resolutions

Reinforces the requirements of officers and follows Robert’s Rules. _______

p.25 Election of Lay Leader D.p.42-43 Revision/Legal Affairs _______

Talking Point: Reinforces the need for Local Lay Councils to be active.

p.27 All Elections by Ballot D.p.43 Revision/Legal Affairs ________

Talking Point: All elections at the local, and regional level shall be by ballot and guidelines are listed on

Page 43, paragraph 201.7 ________

p.28 Orderlies for the General Conference *** Regional/General Conf. ________

Talking Point: Since the general conf. is composed of an equal number of lay and pastors as delegates,,

The orderlies should also be equally composed of lay and pastors and there should also be a balance between the females and males who are chosen.

p.30 Region Leaders to the General Conference *** Regional/General Conf. _________

Talking Point: By virtue of their office and service, the district and regional missionary president and lay leader should be elected to the general conference with the secretary of the regional conference casting a unanimous ballot for their election.

p.32 Election and funding of Delegates to the General Conference D. pp 42-43 Regional/Gen. Conf. _______

Talking Point: Reinforces the right for all members to be eligible to run for a delegate to the general conference regardless of the office that they presently hold and requires that funding be provided for all delegates and requires a response on questions raised concerning the election process.

p.51 Trustees as Members of the Lay Cabinet ***** Connectional Ministries ________

Talking Point: Presently all other primary boards are represented on the council with the exception of the trustees.

p.55 District Lay Council D. p.270 Connectional Ministries ________

Talking Point: Basically an editorial change…………changes district to council.

p.56 -59 Regional Lay Council Connectional Ministries _________

Talking Point: Editorial……………changes department to council.

p.62 Deletion of Men’s Fellowship from the Discipline D.p268 Connectional Ministries ________

Talking Point: The creation of the Ministry to Men has taken the place of the Men’s Fellowship. Review this from your own local perspective....is there a need or room for both?

Look at other resolutions in the Blue Book NOW and make your notes. The resolutions referenced are specifically geared to the Lay and some are the resolutions we approved at the Connectional Lay Council.

Please take your Discipline (borrow one if you have to) to the General Conference so you will have a ready reference available.

Paragraph 434 outlines the format for the quadrennial report of each Bishop. This outline starts on page 119 and continues to page 121. The headings are: The Numbering of God’s People, The Ministry of God’s Church, Special Ministries, Programs and Projects, Stewardship and Fiscal Condition, The State of Academic Institutions and the last section and the section that should lead to the goals for the next four years is “Challenges and Concerns.” As concerned lay members, let us be sure to review the report for our Episcopal district and the church as a whole.

I am encouraged by the support of leadership on our levels that the Lay Council is a viable organization of our church. After all, as the laity we actually fund every department, we work at every level and we are the support system for the church.

The goals for our department are detailed in the Discipline beginning on page 267. What we have not done, we can still do... we are so blessed that we serve a God that says “Everyday we wake up to new mercies” and so we also wake up to new opportunities!

I appreciate your vote of confidence as the President of the Connectional Lay Council and I pledge my full support to the ministry of the council!

Keep praying. God does answer prayers!

College of Bishops Issues

Draft General Conference Program

June 19, 2010

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The draft program of the Thirty-Sixth Quadrennial Session and the Thirty-Seventh General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is available at

www.c-m-e.org/generalconference/2010program.htm

Let us continue to pray for the success of the General Conference!

We pray for your safe travels to and from Mobile, Alabama. May God continue to bless each of you.

In His Service,

Senior Bishop William H. Graves, Sr.

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Chairman of the College of Bishops

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Program Chairman

General Conference 2010

By Min. Keenan Klein-Winters, 3rd Episcopal District,

Senior at Miles College

We’ve waited and waited for 2010

The change we desire, we’ll usher it in

Mobile is the place for what is in store

Delegates will rise and speak from the floor

The Bishops will caucus and meet very late

Strong sound decisions we anticipate

Williamson, Brown, Carter move up in succession

Whispers and chatter about the election

Cunningham, Graves, Brown, and Lakey retire

40-plus candidates are all up for hire

Thank our retired bishops for their faithful service

Episcopal appointments have some anxious and nervous

Stewart shares smiles, Reddick shares cheers

Hoyt becomes Senior for the next four years

The Daily Index will be hot off the press

We’ll either move forward or we will digress

God be with our Zion and never depart

Let your love guide each mind as your will guides each heart

We’ve waited and waited for June, this great year

What will we do, now that it's here?

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Pre General Conference Tele-Prayer

Hour of Power

June 19th 2010

Inviting prayer representatives from connectional districts and regions to gather and pray. Post your name and region on the General Conference Facebook as a participating prayer representative from your region or email

Glenda Rouse @ ctofprayerangels@yahoo.com

Phone line Open:

8:50 P.M.-CST

Call in Time:

7:00-9:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time (PST)

9:00-10:00 P.M. Central Standard Time (CST)

10:00-11:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Prayer Line Dial-in number:

218-844-0850

Participant Access Code:

194763#

Participant directions:

Pray Briefly!!!-Respect others time to pray.

Call in on the above dial-in number (218-844-0850)

When prompted key in participant access code above (194763#)

DO NOT ANNOUNCE YOUR SELF-wait until your turn to pray.

Listen to see if anyone else is praying.

If the line is quiet begin your prayer –introduce yourself, name/district only e.g. Tom Hill 1st District; If someone else is praying PRESS * 6, to mute your phone and just wait for a pause in the prayers for your turn.

PRESS * 6 again, whenever you want to pray on the line, this will UN-MUTE your line. (muting eliminates echo and peripheral noises)

When your prayer is complete you may remain on the line to stand in agreement with other pray-ers or exit the line.

PRESS *3 to exit the call

If you remain on the line you should mute your call to eliminate echoes and background noises.

*6 mute/unmute-caller control muting

Praying for the General Conference and the new leadership in the CME Church.

1. Pray for the Bishops allowing God to direct every step.

2. Pray for the conference preparations.

3. Pray for those attending the conference; safety and provision.

4. Pray for the business session and the formation of Christian polity

5. Pray for Holy Spirit guidance in all things.

6. Pray the Spirit of Peace, and Love to rest rule and abide upon each one.

7. Pray for Divine Order in the elections.

Mr. Willie J. Robinson, Candidate

For General Secretary of Lay Ministry

Mr. Willie J. Robinson has informed the editor of The Christian Index that he is a candidate for the position of General Secretary of Lay Ministry at the 2010 General Conference in Mobile, Alabama. Mr. Robinson announced his candidacy in 2008. He is a member of the Northern California Region in the 9th Episcopal District and resides in El Sobrante, California.

Rev. Robert Lewis Announces

Candidacy for Bishop

The Reverend Robert L. Lewis, Sr. has informed the editor of The Christian Index that he is a candidate for bishop in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and has submitted his name to the Committee on Elections at the 2010 General Conference. Rev. Lewis is the pastor of Bethel CME Church in Cordele, GA, in the 6th Episcopal District.

Apology for Omissions in

April issue of

The Christian Index

They say that whenever you start calling names you always get in trouble because invariably someone will be left out. So, I profusely apologize to my colleague, Dr. W.C. Champion, General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions (8th Episcopal District), and Dr. Joseph Gardner, pastor of Hays Tabernacle CME in Los Angeles, CA (9th Episcopal District), for omitting their names listed among the candidates for bishop in my editorial of the April issue of The Christian Index. Please know that it was an error of omission and certainly not commission.

Additionally, Ms. Estelle Brookes of Memphis, TN, recently announced her candidacy for General Secretary of Finance (CFO) of the CME Church. That announcement had not occurred at the time of the printing of the April 2010 Christian Index.

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones, Editor

Arrangements for a true friend

And Missionary Mildred A. White

Mrs. Mildred A. White (former Missionary President of the East Tennessee Region) passed away on May 19th, 2010, at 8:30 p.m. at Vanderbilt Hospital in Nashville. Please keep her daughter, Denise, and her two brothers in your prayers.

Visitation Schedule: (Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah location)

Friday, May 21st, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Saturday, May 22nd, 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Saturday, May 22nd, 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Graham Chapel CME Church

Home Going Services:

Saturday, May 22nd, 1:00 PM

Graham Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

600 Clifton Road

Savannah, Tennessee 38372-9200 (731) 925-3445

Pastor, Reverend Gallian Fulton

Interment: Shiloh National Park Cemetery

Her Body has been entrusted to: Shackelford Funeral Directors of Savannah

450 Church Street, Savannah, Tn 38372

(731) 925-4000 Office Line; (731) 925-4444 Info

(731) 926-2425 Fax Line Website: www.shackelforddirectors.com

Cards and condolences can be sent to the funeral home or the White residence at:

120 Handy Street, Savannah, TN 38372; (731) 925-5732

Submitted by WMC President Dr. Elnora P. Hamb

Fasting In Preparation for

The General Conference

Dear Saints:

Elmer Towns in his book Spiritual Breakthrough through Fasting outlines these fasts to consider. Please select your area of concern as we approach the General Conference. Along with the Specific prayers for the days, select periods to fast as the Lord directs. We pray his blessings upon the efforts of all in this Zion as we seek the face of God.

Outlining nine different types of fasts, Towns uses Isaiah 58 as the springboard for understanding why we need to fast and how to approach our fasts. He chose nine biblical characters whose lives personified the literal or figurative theme of each of nine aspects of fasting highlighted in Isaiah 58:6-8. "These suggested fasts are models to use and adjust to your own particular needs and desires as you seek to grow closer to God."

The nine fast patterns are:

The Disciple's Fast: Fasting for freedom from addiction

The Ezra Fast: Fasting to solve problems

The Samuel Fast: Fasting to win people to Christ

The Elijah Fast: Fasting to break crippling fears

The Widow's Fast: Fasting to provide for the needy

The Saint Paul Fast: Fasting for insight and decision making

Daniel Fast: Fasting for health and physical healing

The John the Baptist Fast: Fasting for an influential testimony

The Esther Fast: Fasting for protection from the evil one.

In His Name,

Dr. Jerome McNeil

Prayer Coordinator

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Funeral Arrangements for

Mrs. Denetta Hubbard

Arrangements for the widow of the late former presiding elder of the Columbus-Meridian District, Rev. Wesley Hubbard are as follows.

Family Hour:

Monday 6-7 p.m.

Berry & Gardner Funeral Homes

www.berryandgardner.com

1300 34th Avenue

Meridian, MS 39301-3615

(601) 485-8521

Funeral Service:

Tuesday, at 1 PM

Newell Chapel CME Church

1400 13th Avenue

Meridian, MS 39301

Ph: 601-483-2315

Elder James M. Paige, Pastor

Please keep the Hubbard Family in your

prayers. Submitted by Pene' Woods.

116th Church Anniversary

And Mortgage Burning

At Israel Metropolitan CME, Greenville, SC

On Sunday, April 11, 2010, God showed His Greatness and Mercy to the Israel Metropolitan CME Church, Greenville, SC, with its theme “Celebrating the Goodness of the Lord in 2010” in observing its 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning for both the Church and the Parsonage, under the dynamic leadership of the renowned Rev. Dr. J.J. THUNDERBOLT Jackson, III. We held week-long celebrations like none other in the history of the church.

Our celebration officially began Wednesday, April 7th, with a Prayer Vigil and Memorial Service chaired by Mrs. Carrie M. Sullivan, chairman of the Prayer Committee. Special Prayer Ships were given, such as Relationship, Sis. Mary W. Jackson, Discipleship, Bro. Ray Chappell, Membership, Sis. JoAnn Rainey, Worship, Sis. Brenda Springs, Leadership, Sis. Carrie Sullivan, Stewardship, Sis. Cheryl Berry and Mentorship, Bro. Hiram Springle. The music was rendered by the Combined Choirs and a solo was performed by Sis. Annie Cureton. Rev. Jackson spoke words of encouragement to us as he spoke from the subject, “Promises for Believers,” taken from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. As always, our pastor preached a powerful word.

Sunday morning was certainly the day the LORD had made with Israel in His plans 116 years ago when the first foundation was laid. The program was beautifully outlined by Program chairperson, Sis. Cheryl Berry. A processional, led by the Combined Choirs, began promptly at 11 a.m., and Rev. Jackson served as the Worship Leader. The pastor used his gavel to officially declare the 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Celebration. Call to Worship was given by Rev. Robert Chandler, followed by the Hymn of Praise, “Lead Me, Guide Me.” The Affirmation of Faith was led by Robert Morrow, a member of the Children's Department. The Prayer of Praise was given by Bro. Calvin Williams, chairman of the Steward Board, followed by the Scripture, St. Matthew 16:13-19, read by Sis. Gail McBee.

The never seen before, very unique Welcome Address was administered by the Children’s Department. This was one of the many highlights of our celebration. Mrs. Lavelle Marshall gave the Response. Church historian, Sis Eunice Coakley, gave a brief synopsis of the church History.

Special proclamations were presented to Israel from Mayor of Greenville Knox White, Greenville County Council Member the Honorable Xanthene Norris, and South Carolina State Senator Ralph Anderson. The Honorable Lottie Gibson from the Greenville County Council was also in attendance, along with numerous other guests and visitors.

The appreciation of visitors and announcement were given by Bro. Jon Michael Harmon, and a powerful Ministry in Dance was performed by Israel Praise Dancers who represented the Youth Department. The Prayer of Deliverance was given by Rev. Samuel Moses. The Introduction of the Speaker was given by our Pastor Rev Dr. J. J. Jackson III, followed by a selection from the Choir.

The speaker for this monumental occasion was Presiding Prelate of the 7th Episcopal District Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., the 48th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop Hoyt brought a message to Israel that will long be remembered. He reminded us of our Methodist Doctrine and certain guidelines and principals as Methodists we are called upon to adhere to.

Following the Invitation to Discipleship, The Historic Ministry of the Mortgage Burning Ritual for the Church and the Parsonage began. This was a very solemn ceremony for it marked the retiring of tremendous debt that was now behind us and for that “TO GOD BE THE GLORY.”

The Words of Appreciation were then expressed and special presentations were given by the General chairperson, Sister Jacqueline L. Clark and Co-chairperson Bro. Charles Vereen. Rev. Dr. Jackson gave the Pastoral Remarks and following the Doxology the Benediction was given by Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

The Israel Church family and guest journeyed to the Freetown Community Center to enjoy a delicious catered meal hosted by the Hospitality Committee chaired by Sis. Georgia Crawley. A beautiful Souvenir Journal chaired by Sis. Mary W. Jackson was distributed to members and friends of Israel who supported and purchased ads. The fellowship and food was heartwarming as this brought to a climax the end of a glorious day and one that will longed be remembered as we celebrated our Historic 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration.

Special thanks are also given to our Finance Committee Chair, Sis. Kimberly Smith-Publicity Chairperson, Sis. Randolyn Harmon, Trustee Board Chairman, Bro. Michael Harmon, Music Chair, Bro. Mark Brock and all Committee Members, Church Members and everyone who helped to make this celebration a huge success.

Respectfully Submitted by Mrs. Jacqueline L. Clark, Genera, chairperson, Israel Metropolitan CME Church, 116th Church Anniversary and Mortgage Burning Celebration. Photo shows Dr. and Mrs. J.J. Jackson and Bishop and Mrs. Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

40 Day Prayer Calendar for the General Conference

The College of Bishops and the Commission on Justice and Human Concerns Respond to the Arizona Immigration Law

The College of Bishops and the members of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church stand with the National Council of Churches on its denouncement of Arizona’s new immigration law.

On Monday, April 27, 2010, the National Council of Churches (NCC), an organization comprised of many faith groups including the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, released a public statement that “sharply criticized Arizona's new immigration law as fundamentally unjust, dangerous to citizens and non-citizens alike, and a rejection of centuries-old biblical precepts of justice and neighborliness.” The NCC also reported that the Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, NCC General Secretary, last week urged Arizona Governor Jan Brewer to veto the legislation, and reiterated the view of NCC member communions and Arizona religious leaders "that this legislation will not contribute to the reform of our nation's immigration system." The NCC release stated that "the new law may stimulate similar anti-immigrant legislation throughout the country." Governor Brewer signed the measure into law April 23.

Many civil rights groups and leaders, Americans and Christians are concerned that the new Arizona immigration law discriminates against immigrants, and will sharply increase the number of incidents attributed to racial profiling, bigotry and racism. As a result, the new law could set the stage for unlawful immigration reform and unfair treatment of illegal immigrants nationwide.

The new Arizona immigration law requires state and local law enforcement to check the immigration status of anyone they have a "reasonable suspicion" of being in the country illegally. This law requires legal immigrants to carry proof of their legal status at all times; failure to do so is punishable by up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $2,500. The law would also require employers to keep E-Verify records of employees’ eligibility, and allow law enforcement officials to arrest a person without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the person has committed a public offense that makes him or her removable from the United States.

The new immigration law will require a massive amount of training for law enforcement officers, and skilled officers to act effectively and without prejudice. Additionally, the new law will press Arizona law officers to enforce federal immigration and perhaps divert them from tending to more pressing public safety issues. These concerns have not been adequately addressed by the state of Arizona.

There are a number of CME churches in Arizona, California, Texas, and other states with large populations of immigrants, and particularly Latinos. We should be concerned about the effect of the new law on immigrants and how it discriminates against them. As Christians, we must help our brothers and sisters and the less fortunate against social injustices which include unfair immigration reform laws. The United States of America became a great nation as the result of the significant contributions of immigrants and people of faith and conscience raising their voices for freedom and justice.

We urge you to contact your Congressional representative about the unfairness of the Arizona immigration bill, and to request that Congress seek fair and legal immigration reform laws that do not threaten the civil rights of immigrants. For a complete listing of your Congressional representatives, visit: http://www.usa.gov/Contact/Elected.shtml

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop William H. Graves and its College of Bishops, is a 139-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. There are four CME related colleges: Lane College (Jackson, TN), Miles College (Birmingham, AL), Paine College (Augusta, GA) and Texas College (Tyler, TX); and a seminary, Phillips School of Theology, which is an affiliate member of the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA). 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 Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Secretary, College of Bishops

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chairman, Commission on 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

Loss of the Aunt of Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr.,

Mrs. Johnnie Lee Smith

Blessed are they that mourn, for they will be comforted.” (Matt 5:4 NIV)

Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart lost his AUNT (Johnnie Lee Smith). Please pray and send an expression to Bishop & Mrs Paul A. G. Stewart and family.

Expressions should be sent to:

4332 Keevenshore Drive

St. Louis, MO 63034

The funeral services will be held on April 29th at 12 Noon:

Mt. Nebo CME Church

633 Cemetery Road

Baldwyn, MS 38824

Phone: 662-365.8714

The funeral home in charge of the arrangements:

Agnew & Son Funeral Home

111 Waters Street

Baldwyn, MS 38824

Phone: 662-365-554

Prayer Coordinator Offers Details

Leading to General Conference

Dear Connectional Members:

As we prepare for the General Conference I have asked around the Zion for individuals to offer Prayers for this Gathering. You know the significance of this Conference and urge all of us to be prayerfully optimistic as we prepare for Mobile.

We will share other prayers and a 40 day Calendar leading up to the conference has been prepared by our Prayer Team and will be distributed.

The Prayer Coordinators of many of our churches will have 1st Friday Prayer Conference calls and other opportunities for us to unite in Prayer. We are asking throughout the Church to form Prayer groups to intercede for the success and blessings for this Conference. Please maximize all efforts to share hope, blessings and expectancy for this General Conference and all of the candidates and decisions to be made for the future of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

As we prepare for this General Conference please take prayer to another level in every area of your life. Begin to share in an expectant manner the blessings to come from this Conference. We will begin to seek God in uniformed prayer throughout the Church with 40 Days of preparation. The Prayer Team of individuals across the connection will continue to offer ways to express ourselves to God for his favor.

Visit us on Facebook to offer your Prayers (and view others) for the General Conference! Our FaceBook page is a place to offer before the Lord and encourage one another with words and prayers that make a difference. So aware that we have the ability to speak truth to power in all avenues that affect us on a local, district and connectional level, we come in expectancy and joy. We sincerely hope that the Facebook page will be an avenue to lift spirits and focus our thinking to what can be instead of what cannot be.

In His Service,

Dr. Jerome McNeil, Jr.

Denominational Prayer Coordinator

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Prayers for General Conference

Dear Lord, I first want to thank you for allowing the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to remain an active witness in the life of our world today. I understand that many have strayed away from the faith and still many others have given themselves over to a reprobate mind! For each of these individuals dear Lord, I ask your forgiveness and I pray for their spirits.

As we approach the season of Spring it reminds us how close we are to gathering yet again for the business of our beloved Zion. Dear lord there are forces from without and within who seek to undermine your authority, your power and your direction for this Church. I come against those forces in the name of Jesus who is our Christ! While I realize that they may marshall their forces to bring this Church down morally and spiritually I speak life and wholeness, I call on the righteous and the faithful to heed your call to pray and not faint! In the name of Jesus, I come against the powers of hell and darkness; I come against those forces of immorality and confusion and disunity; I come against every spirit that is not of YOU Dear Lord! I pray that you bring us as a people to our knees and bow before you in true repentance so that you can lift us to the place where you would have us to be! I pray that we seek to be like YOU, not like other churches, traditions or denominations, I pray that we seek your face in total repentance and submit to the authority you have over our church and our lives!

I pray for our episcopal leaders, our general officers, our pastors, our lay persons, the officers and members of our churches, our delegates and members and even our visitors; I pray their health and well being; I pray that they will allow your power and spirit to permeate their lives and give themselves to your will for their lives and the life and future of this beloved "Tender Plant" (Lakey). Dear Lord I humbly ask this in the name of Him who came, bled, died, was buried but rose again and will come again to receive those who confess and love Him, the very same; Jesus the Christ! Amen, Amen, Amen!

Dr. Paul Brown, Pastor of Miles Memorial CME, Washington, DC

THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

HONORS THE LIFE AND WITNESS OF

DR. BENJAMIN L. HOOKS AND DR. DOROTHY I. HEIGHT

April 22, 2010

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The College of Bishops and the members of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (C.M.E.) Church are deeply saddened by the recent passing of two African American civil right leaders and icons, Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks and Dr. Dorothy I. Height.

Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, who passed away last week, was a pioneer judge, civil rights leader, Baptist preacher and social justice freedom fighter. In 1965 he was appointed the first black judge since Reconstruction to the state trial court, Tennessee Criminal Court. President Richard Nixon nominated Dr. Hooks to the Federal Communications Commission in 1972. In 1977, Dr. Hooks became the Executive Director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). During his tenure at the NAACP, membership grew to several hundred thousand and he used community radiothons to raise awareness of local NAACP branches' work and to boost membership. Dr. Hooks later was chairman of the board of directors of the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis and helped create The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis.

Dr. Hooks created an initiative that gave more employment opportunities to blacks in Major League Baseball and launched a program in which corporations supported development projects in black communities. President George W. Bush in 2007 presented Dr. Hooks with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, one of the country's highest civilian honors.

Dr. Dorothy I. Height, the leading female voice of the 1960s civil rights movement who dreamed "freedom in a colorless society," passed away on Tuesday, April 20. President Barack Obama hailed Dr. Dorothy Height as the "the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement and a hero to so many Americans.” It was while serving as assistant executive director of the YWCA in Harlem that Dr. Height came to the attention of Dr. Mary McCleod Bethune, the founder of the National Council for Negro Women and then president. Dr. Bethune wanted Dr. Height to volunteer with the organization and join forces in demanding equitable education, employment and pay.

Inspired by Dr. Bethune and Eleanor Roosevelt, Dr. Height joined the National Council of Negro Women in 1937 and began dedicating her time and efforts to helping improve equality among women and African Americans. Dr. Height drew inspiration from Dr. Bethune and served as the president of the National Council of Negro Women from 1957 to 1997, eventually becoming chair and president emerita. Dr. Height also chaired the executive committee of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and was an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., where she served as president from 1946 to 1957. She was seated on the platform with Martin Luther King Jr. when he delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech" at the Lincoln Memorial. Dr. Height wanted equal civil and human rights for everyone and she dedicated her life to fighting injustice. In Washington, when Dr. Dorothy Height spoke, U.S. presidents, civil rights leaders, and America's captains of industry listened as they knew she was a soft-spoken and yet powerful leader! In 1994, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Bill Clinton.

Dr. Benjamin Hooks and Dr. Dorothy Height were friends of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and helped to strengthen our affiliate partnerships with the NAACP and the National Council of Negro Women. Current and past members of the College of Bishops, including Senior Bishop William H. Graves and Bishop E. Lynn Brown, worked directly with Dr. Benjamin Hooks and the NAACP in many causes for freedom and social justice. The Women’s Missionary Council leaders, including our current president, Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, and the Council's immediate past presidents Dr. Judith E. Grant and Dr. Sylvia Faulk, worked closely with Dr. Dorothy Height and the National Council of Negro Women.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church honors the life and witness of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks and Dr. Dorothy I. Height for their important roles in the civil rights movement and their inspiration to fight against social injustices. Let us remember these two leaders and trailblazers as transformers of African American history in the United States. Hopefully, their legacy will continue!

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop William H. Graves and its College of Bishops, is a 139-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 Lawrence 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

A Call for General Conference Intercessory

Dear Saints,

As we prepare for the General Conference I have asked around the Zion for individuals to offer Prayers for this Gathering. You know the significance of this Conference and urge all of us to be prayerfully optimistic as we prepare for Mobile. In the weeks to come we will share other prayers and a 40 day Calendar leading up to the conference has been prepared by our Prayer Team and will be distributed. The Prayer Coordinators of many of our churches will have 1st Friday Prayer Conference calls and other opportunities for us to unite in Prayer. We are asking throughout the Church to form Prayer groups to intercede for the success and blessings for this Conference. Please maximize all efforts to share hope, blessings and expectancy for this General Conference and all of the candidates and decisions to be made for the future of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

In His Service,

Dr. Jerome McNeil, Jr.

Denominational Prayer Coordinator

... and an Intercessory Prayer

Loving and Compassionate God,

We pray that every person present in attendance at the 2010 General Conference of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will experience the presence and the power of the Holy Spirit from the rising of the sun to the going down of the same. We acknowledge O God that it is in you that we live and move and have our very being. May your spirit of peace and abide within us and throughout the atmosphere as delegates and leaders deliberate and legislate resolutions and practices which will strengthen our Zion. Give those who have been delegated the responsibility of electing leaders of our Church discernment, conviction and guidance as they cast their vote for those who share the enthusiasm and commitment to strengthen, empower and equip the Church to fulfill your mission in the Universe. In the name of the One who created us, sustains us and redeems us. Amen!

Dr. Willa Ross

Missionary Task Force Feeding Homeless

at Metropolitan CME in Birmingham, AL

At Metropolitan CME Church in Birmingham, Alabama, Pastor Rev. Jacob G. Colbert, Jr. has organized a "Task Force," within the Missionary Society to expedite ministries that serve the community. When Pastor Colbert suggested that the church start a "Feeding Program," there were many negative stories and issues about the church's attempt to feed the homeless in the past. Among them were, "How are we going to pay for the food?" "What church auxiliaries will be responsible to feed and when?" "The last time, they broke into the church and stole all of the leftover food." Pastor Colbert's testimony is that he continued to pray for direction, and in a dream he saw himself and some younger men handing out lunches. So that next Sunday morning, he said that the Lord led him to three young men who had not been too active in the church in the past. They ware Reggie Stevenson (counsels drug addicts), Jerome Parks (drives big-rig trucks), and Larry Bishop (grew up attending Metropolitan CME, left, and recently returned). All three gentlemen are the age of Young Adult Fellowship and are active on Hospitality Committe at the church.

Pastor Colbert organized the men as a Task Force under the umbrella of the Missionary Society. The Missionary Society's president, Sis. Gearldene Odem, agreed with the idea. Over the past four months the Pastor's Missionary Task Force has fed 200 homeless and otherwise hungry people each month. To get around all of the negative issues, they have arranged for volunteers to make 100 sandwiches and pack 100 lunches, including a sandwich, two cookies, a bag of chips and a bottle of water. The volunteers prepare brown bag lunches every other Wednesday after Bible Study. The Task Force then meets at the church, loads the lunches into their vehicles, following prayer. Then they go into the local community areas that are known to have homeless perpsons sleeping in abandoned houses and cars. On one particular night, a homeless woman asked Pastor Colbert for adollar to buy a "tampon." When Pastor Colbert informed Sis. Odem, she immediately directed the Missionary Society to prepare special bags containing items of need for females.

The Task Force goes out twice a month, and even foul weather, low temperatures, rain or snow, has not stopped the Pastor's Missionary Task Force from serving the needy. Photo shows Pastor Jacob Colbert (center) and the Missionary Task Force.

Writers, Salespersons Needed for

The Daily Index at the General Conference

If you are a good writer or sales person, not a delegate, and already attending the 2010 General Conference in Mobile, AL, we need you. The Daily Index needs volunteers for its editorial/writing staff and to help sell the newsletter each day at the General Conference. Writers will receive a nominal writer's fee for their work over the 9-day period. Salespersons will receive a percentage of their sales. A skilled person in layout using Adobe Indesign would be a real plus! Warning. It's not much money, and the work is pretty intense, but there's a great sense of pride, accomplishment and value that comes with being right at the forefront of this historical event. If you are interested in working for The Daily Index, please e-mail Dr. Kenneth E. Jones at Goodoc@aol.com. Please indicate "Daily Index" in the subject line. Thank you.

Notice to Candidates For Bishop

in the CME Church

All persons offering themselves for the office of Bishop in the CME Church at the 2010 General Conference are requested to submit to Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. the following by May 1, 2010.

(1) Name as you wish it to appear on the ballot

(2) Your address, telephone number, and email address

(3) Your annual conference (region).

This information should be sent to:

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.

Chair, Committee on Elections

5417 Robinson Road Extension

Jackson, MS 39204

Arrangements for Mrs. Zelda Griffin,

Grandmother of Rev. Raphael Terry

Rev. Raphael Terry, pastor of Eden CME Church, McCarley, MS lost his grandmother, Mrs. Zelda Mae Griffin.

Funeral Services:

Wednesday, April 7, 2010, 2:00 p.m.

Union Grove United Methodist Church

Central Grove Road

Nettleton, MS 38821

Her body has been entrusted to:

Darden and Sons Funeral Home

1075 "F" Avenue

Amory, MS 38221

662-256-8311

Condolences can be sent to Rev. Raphael Terry, 20 Camellia Cove, Madison, MS 39110-8351.

601-605-2980.

Please keep the Terry and Griffin families in your prayers, especially Rev. Terry, as he has the

task of doing his grandmother's eulogy.

Submitted by Pene' Woods.

He is Risen! He is Risen!

1On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them. 5In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead? 6He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee: 7'The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again' "(Luke 24:1-7).

CMEs in Haiti Need You…

Can We Count on You?

Your Mission Dollars at Work

Dear Friends,

As you may know, the devastation in Haiti has called for an entire rebuilding of a nation where the governmental, residential and spiritual structures have been destroyed. All of our CME churches and people reside in the rural areas outside of media and relief efforts of Port Au Prince. In our assessment, we have implemented the following Phase I Missions Effort to Rebuild the CME Churches and Homes in Haiti.

We need weekly mission teams to go with us to lend a hand on the following dates.

APRIL 12-17

APRIL 26- MAY 1

MAY 10- 15

MAY 24-29

Q&A:

Q: What can I do, if I cannot volunteer?

A: Sponsor an Airfare or Donate Frequent Flyer Miles for someone to be your on-site hands and feet.

Follow the link below to view how effective your support can be in Refortifying the CMEs in Haiti:

http://cmetenth.org/HaitiReliefVid.htm

Can we count on you?

Contact Rev. Mary McKinney, CME Missions Coordinator, for more information:

afuah@juno.com or (904) 619-8342

Your servant,

Kenneth W. Carter

Prelate of the 10th Episcopal District

The College of Bishops Congratulates

President Barack Obama and the Congress

On Passing the Health Care Reform Bill

The College of Bishops and the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church extend our congratulations to President Barack Obama and the United States Congress for passing the health care reform bill on Sunday, March 21, 2010.

The passing of the health care reform bill is a great historic event in the history of the United States! Significant health care reform has been needed for over 40 years. The long-debated health care reform bill reached the goal line last night as the House of Representatives voted 219-212 in favor of passing legislation that will insure 32 million Americans. Even though some of the new provisions are not scheduled to be implemented for a few more years, there are some major changes that took place when President Obama signed the bill into law.

One area that will see an immediate impact is health coverage for children. The bill will force health insurers to cover children with pre-existing health problems, as well as permit parents to keep children on their own insurance plans through age 26. The insurers will also be banned from dropping coverage due to severe illness and from limiting lifetime or annual benefits. Additionally, consumer protection rules such as the denial of pre-existing conditions, not only for children but for adults as well will be expanded to all health insurance plans.

We applaud the CME College of Bishops for supporting health care reform. At the 2009 Annual CME Convocation held in St. Louis, Missouri, the College of Bishops delivered a press release that addressed health care reform and the need for every citizen of our nation to receive adequate and affordable health care. We urged CMEs to write their Congressional leader to provide health care reform to protect our children, our elders, our sick and all who need immediate attention for their health care needs.

Although the passing of the health care reform bill is vital to the citizens of the United States, we call for Congress to continue addressing jobs, education, and the stopping of foreclosures on homes and churches around the nations by banks. There are millions of persons, including CMEs, who have lost their jobs and homes over the past two years. CMEs understand the value of education and we request for Congress to address education reform to help our youth and provide resources for young adults to attend college.

Just as the passing of health care reform was vital to our nation, we urge all CMEs to participate in Census 2010 which is vital to our communities. When you fill out a census form, you’re making a statement about what resources your community needs going forward. The information the census collects helps to determine how more than $400 billion dollars of federal funding each year is spent on infrastructure and services. Census information affects the numbers of seats your state occupies in the U.S. House of Representatives. People from many walks of life use census data to advocate for causes, rescue disaster victims, prevent diseases, research markets, and locate pools of skilled workers and more. Please take the time to fill out the form and return it in a timely manner to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop William H. Graves and its College of Bishops, is a 139-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 Lawrence 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

Christ is Crucified

45From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land. 46About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

47When some of those standing there heard this, they said, "He's calling Elijah."

48Immediately one of them ran and got a sponge. He filled it with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. 49The rest said, "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to save him."

50And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit.

51At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus' resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people. (Matthew 27:45-51)