'He is not here; 
he has risen, just as he said...'


The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you” (Matt. 28:5-7, NIV).

Happy Easter

from

The Christian Index Online

The Loss of Mrs. Ester Larkin
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The funeral services for Mrs. Ester Larkin, wife of Rev. Dr. William Larkin, pastor of the First CME Church, Montgomery, Alabama, will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 11 a.m. at the Lawrence A. Jones Funeral Home, 1800 E. Linwood Blvd, Kansas City, MO, 64109. Telephone: 816-921-1800.  Visitation will be Tuesday morning from 9:00-11:00 a.m.

Expressions can be sent to Rev. Dr. Larkin at 2341 Wentworth Drive, Montgomery, AL 36106. Telephone: 334-279-6063.  Email: williamlarkin@yahoo.com.

Please keep Dr. Larkin and the family in your prayers.

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Prelate, Fifth Episcopal District

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

Arrangements for Mrs. Cynthia Haynes
Dear Ninth District Members and Friends,

Here are the funeral arrangements for Mrs. Cynthia Haynes, the wife of Rev. Dr. Leroy Haynes Jr., the Presiding Elder of the Alaska District and Oregon-Washington District of the Alaska-Pacific Region, and Pastor of Allen Temple CME Church in Portland, OR.

The Homegoing Celebration Services will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 11:00 a.m.  The  Viewing will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at 10:00 a.m.

The Homegoing Celebration Services and Family Viewing will be held at:

Maranatha Church of God
4222 N.E. 12th Avenue
Portland, OR   97211
Telephone: 503-288-7241
Eulogist: Bishop James B. Walker

Arrangements have been entrusted to:

Terry Family Funeral Home
2337 N. Williams Avenue
Portland, OR  97227
Telephone: 503-249-1788
Fax:  503-249-1791


You may send cards and condolences to Dr. Haynes and the Jenkins family at Allen Temple CME Church, 4236 N.E. 8th Avenue, Portland, OR  97211.
E-mail:  allentemple@qwestoffice.net .

Please continue to keep Dr. Haynes, the Jenkins family and the Allen Temple Church family in prayer as they seek comfort in their loss.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, Ninth Episcopal District

2011 CME Calendar (Update)

Click to Expand

Loss of Mrs. Cynthia Haynes
Dear 9th District Members and CME Friends,

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Mrs. Cynthia Haynes, the wife of Rev. Dr. Leroy Haynes Jr.  Dr. Haynes is the Presiding Elder of the Alaska District and Oregon-Washington District of the Alaska- Pacific Region.  Mrs. Haynes passed at midnight on Thursday, April 14, 2011.

Homegoing Celebration Services are pending.  Please keep Dr. Haynes, the Jenkins family and the Allen Temple Church family in prayer as they seek comfort in their loss.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

Arrangements for Rev. Joseph B. Davis
Dear 9th District Members and Friends,

The Homegoing Celebration Services for the Rev. Joseph Bethlehem Davis will be Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 11 AM.  The Family Hour and Viewing will be Tuesday, April 19, 2011 from 5 PM to 9 PM.

The Homegoing Celebration Services and Family Viewing will be held at:
St. Stephen Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
2301 North Union Avenue
Fairfield, CA 94533
Rev. David C. Isom, Pastor
Telephone: 925 432-3411
Fax: 925 425-6268

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to:
Bryan-Braker Funeral Home
1850 Texas Street
Fairfield, CA 94533
Telephone: 707 425-4697

Cards and words of comfort may be sent to: Family – Rev. Joseph B. Davis, c/o St. Stephen CME Church.  The Family has requested the in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in memory of Rev. Davis to St Stephen CME Church.

Please continue to pray for the Davis Family as they celebrate the life of this “man of God.”


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

Delta Airline Discount for CYAM Retreat 

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Delta Air Lines is pleased to offer airfares for travel to Atlanta for the 2011 FOCUS Retreat. Please contact Delta at 1-800-328-1111 for reservations and ticketing assistance.  Refer to Ticket Designator/NM7F3 to purchase your ticket and your negotiated discount may be applied. You may begin travel as early as May 23 and end your travel by June 1. You must call the Delta Meeting Desk to make reservations.  Reservations cannot be made using the discount at Delta.com.


Sincerely,

Brian L. Magwood, Sr., President
Connectional Young Adult Ministry Ministry

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

Passing of Rev. Joseph B. Davis


Dear 9th District Members and CME Friends,

It is with great sadness that we are reporting the death of Rev. Joseph Bethlehem Davis.  Rev. Joe Davis died this morning (April 13, 2011).  Rev. Davis was the founding pastor of St. Stephen CME in Fairfield, CA (Rev. David C. Isom, pastor).   Funeral arrangements are pending.

Keep the Davis family in your prayers, as well as his St. Stephen Church family.


Bishop James B. Walker
Presiding Prelate, 9th Episcopal District

A Message from the Commission 

on Social Justice and Human Concerns

Regarding Potential Cuts in U.S. Domestic Programs

Dear Friends of Christ:

Presently, our U.S. Congress is considering a budget plan that would make a 9 percent cut in discretionary spending while giving a 2 percent increase for military spending. This would be devastating for domestic programs that provide basic nutrition, health, and opportunity to poor children and international aid programs that save lives every day.

As a country, we face difficult financial choices, but one thing that should not be on the table is to abandon the poor and vulnerable while allowing more military spending.

The CME Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns asks you to tell Congress to get its budget priorities in order. Please take time, right now, to send the below letter either by Email or First Class Mail to: Your Senators and Your Representative.  LETTER WRITING MAKES A DIFFERENCE!

See the Sample Letter Below: (Be sure to personalize your letter)

Dear Congressman ________________ or Dear Senator___________

As a person of faith, I believe that the moral  test of any society is how it treats its poor and most vulnerable. Our federal budget should reflect our best national values and priorities, so in regard to your upcoming budget vote I ask myself, "What would Jesus cut?"

As your constituent, I ask you to oppose any budget proposal that increases military spending while cutting domestic and international programs that benefit the poor, especially children.

Programs we need to invest in during these tough economic times include:

1. Critical child health and family nutrition programs
2. Proven work and income supports that lift families out of poverty
3. Support for education, especially in low-income communities
4. International aid that directly and literally saves lives

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]

As Chairman of the Social Justice and Human Concerns Commissions of the CME Church, I urge you to write your letter right away, and I thank you for practicing responsible voter responsibility. Also please take time to commence a heavy Voter Registration Drive. It won’t be long before it is time to vote again.


Yours for a more just society,


Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

Mississippians Remember Life and Legacy of Bro. Floyd Miller

The Town of Coldwater, MS and Holly Springs, MS, colleagues, clergy,
 and former students gather to remember Bro. Floyd Miller.

The Town of Coldwater concluded its Black History Month Celebration Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1 PM in the Coldwater Cultural Center with a salute to the Life and Legacy of Floyd Miller. Mr. Floyd Miller (1927-2011), the teacher, school principal, Jeanes supervisor, school administrator, pioneer, trailblazer, and community leader, died on January 17, 2011 at his home in Holly Springs. He began his teaching career in the fall of 1952 as a classroom teacher in the Lafayette County School System after graduating from Mississippi Industrial College in the spring of that year. He came to Tate County in 1953 as a classroom teacher at Coldwater Junior High.

In 1956, he was promoted to the principalship at Coldwater Junior High. In 1958, he was promoted to Jeanes supervisor, in charge of the supervision of Negro education in the Tate County Schools. In 1960, he became the “Founding Principal” of Tate County Colored High School. In 1970, he was assigned as the “Founding Principal” of Coldwater Elementary School, and retired in 1987.

Mr. Miller attended Laws Hill Elementary School in Marshall County. He attended as a boarding student Junior high school at the Rosenwald School in Holly Springs. Mrs. Earlean Gilmore, a former student at Tate County High, gave a brief overview of the Rosenwald Schools. She stated the Rosenwald Schools were established by the philanthropic Julius Rosenwald to aide Negro Education in the South. More than 600,000 Negros attended these schools between 1914 and 1950. Mr. Miller was one of these students. Rosenwald spent more than $4 million dollars of his personal fortune to aide Negro education. By today’s standards this would be about $42 million dollars.

Because there were no public high schools in Mississippi for Negros, in 1946 he entered the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church’s Mississippi Industrial College Preparatory School at Holly Springs and graduated in 1945. In 1945, he was drafted into the United States Army and served as a medic. He was honorably discharged on November 5, 1946.  He entered CME Church-related Mississippi Industrial College in 1948, and received Bachelor of Science degrees in Social Studies and Business Administration in 1952.

Mrs. Wilma Jean Moore, a former teacher who worked under his administration gave an overview of the Mississippi Industrial College Preparatory School and Mississippi Industrial College. She stated that because all funds for Negro secondary schools were cut by the Mississippi legislature in 1902, Bishop Elias Cottrell (1853-1937) the seventh bishop of CME Church, established both the preparatory school and the college in 1903.  This preparatory school and college served as a beacon of hope for the Negro race for more than 75 years. Mr. Miller benefitted from the labors of the sainted Bishop.

Mrs. Hattie Wooten, a former student at Coldwater Junior High School in the 1950’s, stated that Mr. Miller instilled pride in his students, the school, and the community at-large. Mrs. Cassandra Robinson, who attended elementary school at Coldwater, gave an overview of what Mr. Miller’s role as a Jeanes supervisor must have entailed. She stated that he played a huge role in family involvement, consolidation of Black schools, providing resources, and increasing grade levels. Mr. Charles Crouther, a former teacher, spoke about Mr. Miller as a high school principal. He stated that, “Mr. Miller established the school.” He gave it its culture, and definition. “Let me tell you something mister, “Tate County High School was the flagship school of all schools in North Mississippi.” Mrs. Rosetta Edwards spoke about Mr. Miller as her elementary principal in her initial years as a teacher. She stated that Mr. Miller was a very orderly person; you had to be on time for school, for meetings, dress professionally, be in your classroom and do your job.
    
Other former students who gave expressions were Wayne King, Charles Wooten, George McGhee, and Winson King. Expressions were also given by his nieces, Ms. Beverly Rose Phillips, and Mrs. Bernice Howell. An expression was given also by his church pastor, Rev. Denise Modest, pastor of Anderson Chapel CME Church, in Holly Springs.

The keynote address was delivered by Mr. Clen D. Moore, Jr., former assistant principal to Mr. Miller. Mr. Moore spoke from the subject, “Education to the rescue: Along came a man from Holly Springs.” He stated that, “Mr. Miller's push was to have the best teachers on his team, meeting the challenges and opportunities of the new day. He built a very competitive school in academics, sports and other activities. His school was second to none. He wanted his school to be the best in everything. His school was always clean, just like the man in charge of it. He was opened to innovative practices and gave teachers a chance to work outside the box. As a result, he had an excellent turn-out with his students. The majority of them studied hard, preparing for college, and many went on after graduation to become teachers, lawyers, librarians, engineers, community, civic and church leaders. He concluded by saying, “Certainly, Mr. Miller, because of his many contributions to the Tate County Family, will always be remembered and appreciated.”

Mrs. Georgia Vera Carr-Davis served as the song leader for the program, and led the collect in singing:  The school song, "Hail to Tate County High," "Swing Low Sweet Chariot," "Steal Away to Jesus," and "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."

It was announced that a scholarship has been set up in honor of Mr. Miller. Mrs. Shirley Hankerson, Mrs. Nancy Dandridge, and Mr. Charles Crouther are serving as co-chairs. If you would like to make a contribution to this fund, contact Mr. Crouther at (662) 292-2105. Also, a Gravesite Tombstone Fund, and a Memorial Marker Fund (to be placed in Coldwater) has been established. If you would like to make a contribution to these efforts, contact Ms. Mollie Lane at (901) 337-0376 or Mr. George McGhee at (901) 438-4872.
Submitted by Jessie J. Edwards, Ph.D., Mayor, Town of Coldwater.

Click on image to expand.

Click on image to expand.

Dr. Hamb Sends Out Thanks for Gala Support

Dear CME Members, Missionaries and Friends,

The Gala 2011 Celebration, sponsored by the Balm in Gilead, was held last Friday evening at the Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Hotel in McLean, VA.  I wish to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported and/or attended this wonderful event that paid tribute to the effective collaborative partnerships with the Balm in Gilead by the Missionary presidents of the three African American Methodist denominations: Dr. Jamesina Evans (African Methodist Episcopal Church); Dr. Barbara Shaw (African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church) and yours truly (Christian Methodist Episcopal Church).

The highlights of the Gala Celebration were the outstanding collection of songs performed with exuberance by the legendary Mr. Richard Smallwood and Vision, and the phenomenal liturgical dance performance by our own Claudina Pearl Harrison.  You may view the photographs from the Gala Celebration at The Christian Index Online (thanks to Dr. Kenneth E. Jones).

Many thanks to Dr. Pernessa Seele, CEO of the Balm in Gilead, for her leadership and vision for the Gala 2011 Celebration, and my family for their support and attendance.  I am grateful that four of our CME Bishops were in attendance at the Celebration: Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Patron Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III,  Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Chair of the CME College of Bishops, and Retired Bishop William H. Graves, Sr.   Thanks to all of our Presiding Prelates and Episcopal Districts for their support.  I am grateful for the sponsorships that were provided by the Seventh Episcopal District; General Officers of the CME Church; Women's Missionary Council Executive Committee; Lane College; the Missionary Societies of the First Episcopal District, Fourth Episcopal District, Carolinas Region, New York-Washington Region, Southeast Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin Region; and the Episcopal Districts that purchased individual tickets. A special thank you is extended to Ms. Theresa Duhart and Mrs. Emma Cox-Lovelace for serving as the CME coordinators of the Gala 2011 Celebration.

Thanks again for your support of me and the Gala 2011 Celebration!  May God continue to bless you and our great Zion!

Rejoice,


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

Missionary Presidents Gala

Presented by Balm in Gilead

Ritz Carlton Hotel

McClean, VA

Friday, March 25, 2011

We Salute Dr. Elnora P. Hamb

Arrangements for Mrs. Johnie Hudson, 
Sister of Bishop Stewart
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Johnie Hudson, sister of Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Third Episcopal District, CME Church on March 23, 2011.

The services will be held Saturday, March 26, 2011
Viewing 10:30 - 11AM
Funeral Service at 11AM
Wesley United Methodist Church
507 South Jones Avenue
Louisville, Mississippi 39339
(662) 773-2166

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
The Beck Funeral Home
517 North Street
Louisville, Mississippi 39339
Telephone (662) 773-3291
FAX: (662) 773-3349

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts are to be made payable to, "The Bessie Agnew Stewart Scholarship Trust."  Donations and condolences may be sent to Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. at The Third Episcopal District, CME Church, 5925 West Florissant Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri, 63136.

Please keep the Stewart and Hudson families in your prayers during this time of  bereavement.


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

Official Notice: 
The 2011 General Connectional Board
The General Connectional Board shall meet in annual session Tuesday through Thursday, May 3-5, 2011, at the Memphis Airport Hotel and Conference Center, 2240 Democrat Road, Memphis, Tennessee  38132. The opening session shall begin at 2 PM on Tuesday, May 3rd. All General Connectional Board members elected by the 2010 General Conference are expected to be present.
Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.

Arrangements for Bro. Edward Duren 
Prayers are requested and unity support for the family of the late Mr. Edward Lee Duren Sr., spouse of the late Rev. Emma T. Duren, a past presiding elder of the Charleston-Columbia District, Carolina Region. The Reverend Emma Duren was the first appointed female presiding elder of the 7th Episcopal District by Bishop Oree Broomfield. Rev. Emma Duren was also a former Judicial Council member.

Mr. Duren is survived by one son, Edward L. Duren Jr., of the home, formerly of Chicago, IL, and St. Paul, MN. Mr. Edward L. Duren was a faithful member and supporter of Hanes Memorial CME Church. He traveled throughout the CME Connection with his beloved spouse and supported many connectional causes.

The family can be reached at the home:
3740 Spaulding Drive
Winston-Salem, NC 27105
(336)725-6346

Family Visitation:
Monday, March 21, 2011 at 11 AM

Service of Remembrance:
Monday, March 21, 2011 at Noon

Hanes Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church
819 Highland Avenue
Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Rev. Clarence C. Cox III, Pastor and Eulogist

An Essential Servant,
Marvelle Wilson Willoughby
Carolina Region

Bishop W.E. Lockett Funeral Program 
and Pictorial Journal

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

A Celebration of Life and Service for Bishop Wallace Edward Lockett, the 57th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, was held on Tuesday, March 15, 2011, at Metropolitan CME Church in Houston, Texas; Rev. Dr. Bobby Best, Pastor; Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Eighth Episcopal District and Host Bishop.  The Eulogist was Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, the Presiding Prelate of the Sixth Episcopal District and Chairman of the College of Bishops.

On behalf of the Lockett family, the funeral program and pictorial journal are available online. Thanks to Lorenza Butler for making the journal available to us.  

Please continue to keep Mrs. Lillie Lockett and the family in your prayers.

Program: www.c-m-e.org/Announcements/funeralprogram_BishopLockett.pdf

Photographs: http://newswirehouston.com/2011/03/15/service-celebrating-the-life-of-bishop-w-e-lockett/

Respectfully,

Bishop James B. Walker, Chair
Bishop Teresa Snorton, Vice Chair
Communication & Information Technology Connectional Department

Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO

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

A Celebration of Life and Service

The 57th Bishop of the CME Church

Bishop Wallace Edward Lockett

March 15, 2011

Metropolitan CME Church

Houston, Texas

images...

                            

March 15, 2011
An Announcement to the CME Church from 
the 2010-2014 Committee on Episcopacy 
and the College of Bishops 


After  prayerful deliberation, the Senior Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. and the chair of the Committee on Episcopacy, the Rev. John W. Honeysucker, make the following announcements regarding Episcopal supervision.  These announcements are occasioned by the death of one of our Episcopal leaders, Bishop W. Edward Lockett.

Bishop Lockett's death leaves a void in the leadership of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and specifically in the Fifth Episcopal District.

In keeping with the authority within THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2006, specifically within  ¶432.7, page 119, and  ¶1402, §7, page 432, the Committee on Episcopacy has made the following appointments:

1.  The assignment of Bishop Teresa E. Snorton as the Presiding Bishop of the Fifth Episcopal District, effective immediately; and

2.  The recall of Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham to active service and the assignment of Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham to the Eleventh Episcopal District, effective immediately.

The Senior Bishop, on behalf of the College of Bishops, also announces the following administrative appointments, in the place of Bishop W. Edward Lockett:

1. The appointment of Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., as the chair of the Department of Ministry to Men;

2. The appointment of Bishop James B. Walker as the chair of the Committee on Economic Development;

3. The appointment of Bishop Teresa E. Snorton as vice chair of the CIT Advisory Committee and the CIT Standing Committee, and as vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Connectional Headquarters; and

4. The appointment of Bishop Teresa E. Snorton as representative to the Commission on Pan-Methodism.


Respectfully,

Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr.
Senior Bishop

"An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry"

Passing of Mrs. Elizabeth Daniel Johnson
This is to inform you of the passing of Elizabeth Daniel Johnson on Wednesday, the mother of Mississippi South Region Missionary President Mrs. Faye Foster. Please pray God's comfort and strength for Mrs. Foster, other family members, and friends. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at Ebenezer CME Church in Richland, MS. You may contact Mrs. Foster at 601-932-5689 or 601-260-6832 for expressions of condolences.

Submitted by Mrs. Gloria Scott, Mississippi South Region

Delta Airline Code Number 
for Houston, TX Travel
March 11, 2011

Dear Connectional Members and Friends:

This morning, I received the contract from Delta Airlines for discount airfare to Houston, Texas. The Group Code is  NY2BW. You may contact Delta at 1-800-328-1111.  Since Delta procrastinated in replying to our request for discount travel, I would suggest that if Southwest Airlines or Air Tran is available into Houston Hobby (HOU) where lower fares may be available, please make your reservations on either of these airlines.   I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience that the delay in obtaining the information from Delta may have caused.


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

Arrangements for Mr. Edward Jordan
Dear CME Members and Friends,

Bro. Charles Coney, a member of the CIT team, lost his father, Edward Jordan, today after a lengthy battle
with cancer.  Here are the funeral arrangements for Mr. Jordan. Condolences
may be sent to: The Coney-Jordan Family, 716 East Oconee Street, Fitzgerald,
GA  31750.

Please keep Charles and his family lifted in prayer.

Blessings,

Theresa Duhart, president, CIT

NOTICE TO MEMBERS OF THE 
2010 (37th) CME GENERAL CONFERENCE 
STANDING COMMITTEE ON EPISCOPACY 

The Committee on Episcopacy of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in accordance with The Book of Discipline of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (2006), ¶432.7, page 119, is hereby summoned to meet on March 15, 2011, 3:30 p.m., at Metropolitan Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, located at 8955 S. Freeway in Houston, Texas (Telephone: 713-748-5947), for the purpose of making an Episcopacy assignment to the Fifth Episcopal District.

We mourn the homegoing of Bishop W. E. Lockett, the 57th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, who was assigned to the Fifth Episcopal District. Our condolences and prayers are extended to Mrs. Lillie Lockett and family. Our sincere regards and abiding support to the Fifth Episcopal District and the entire Christian Methodist Episcopal Church family.


Rev. Dr. J.W. Honeysucker, Sr.
Chair, Committee on Episcopacy
2010 General Conference
Cell: 662-574-1180
Church: 662-328-5161

Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO

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

Updated Arrangements for 
Services for Bishop W.E. Lockett
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Here are the updated funeral arrangements for Bishop Wallace Edward Lockett, the 57th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District.

Arrangements are as follows:

Memorial Service
Saturday, March 12, 2011, Noon
Miles College Gymnasium
5500 Myron Massey Blvd.
Birmingham, AL  35064
(205) 929-1000

Eulogist: Rev. Dr. Raymond F. Williams
Pastor, Holsey Temple CME Church
Philadelphia, PA

Hotel Accommodations
Comfort Inn
6400 Kelco Place
Fairfield, AL  35064
Telephone: 205-780-5155
Room Rate: $59

Service Celebrating the Life of
Bishop W. E. Lockett
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Viewing: 9:00 a.m.
Service: 10:00 a.m.

Metropolitan CME Church
8955 S. Freeway
Houston, TX  77051
(713) 748-5947
Rev. Dr. Bobby Best, Pastor
Eulogist: Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Presiding Prelate, 6th Episcopal District

Hotel Accommodations
Hilton Garden Inn
12101 Shadow Creek Parkway
Pearland, TX  77584
Telephone: 713-340-0110
Hotel Rate: $85
Group Code: Bishop Lockett's Homegoing Celebration
Bishop Wallace E. Lockett


We are still awaiting the contract number from Delta Airlines for discount travel rates.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:  The Fifth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 310 18th Street N, Suite 400-D, Birmingham, AL  35203.

We ask that you would continue to be in prayer for Mrs. Lillie Lockett and the family during this time of bereavement.

Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Chair, College of Bishops 

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

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Host Bishop, 8th Episcopal District

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

Arrangements for St. Louis District 
Missionary President Mrs. Barbara Hill 

Please share this information with all Missionaries, Laity and Clergy across the Connection.

Visitation: Wednesday, March 9, 2011
9-11 AM
Lane Tabernacle CME Church
910 Newstead Ave.
St Louis, MO 63108
Phone: 314-533-0534                
Fax: 314-531-8611


When: Funeral Service Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Where: Lane Tabernacle
Time: 11 AM
Burial: Jefferson Barracks
Repast: Kappa House

Services Entrusted to Austin Layne Mortuary

Cards and calls can be sent to her spouse at the address below:

Mr. Earl Hill
5677 Madlar
Florissant, MO 63034
Phone: 314-355-7096

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb,
Women's Missionary Council President

Services for Bishop Wallace Edward Lockett 
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

Bishop Wallace Edward Lockett, the 57th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and the Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, made his transition on Thursday, March 3, 2011 while returning home from a mission trip to Africa.

Arrangements are as follows:

Memorial Service
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Miles College
5500 Myron Massey Blvd.
Birmingham, AL  35064
(205) 929-1000

Service Celebrating the Life of Bishop W. E. Lockett
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Metropolitan CME Church
8955 S. Freeway
Houston, TX  77051
(713) 748-5947
Rev. Dr. Bobby Best, Pastor


Please note that the time for the Memorial Service and the Service Celebrating the Life of Bishop Lockett have not been set.   Additional information will be disseminated as it becomes available.

Condolences may be sent to the family at:  The Fifth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, 310 18th Street N, Suite 400-D, Birmingham, AL  35203.

Information on discount airfare for travel on Delta will be available on Monday, March 7, 2011.

We ask that you would continue to be in prayer for Mrs. Lillie Lockett and the family during this time of bereavement.


Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Chair
College of Bishops

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

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.
Host Bishop, Eighth Episcopal District

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

How the CME Discipline 

speaks to times such as these

            Para. 432.7. Upon notification of the death of a Presiding Bishop, or certification by legal and/or medical officials of incapacitation, either physical or mental of an assigned Bishop, the Senior Bishop shall be in charge, immediately, of the Episcopal District thereby affected. If the death/incapacitation is of the Senior Bishop, the next bishop in line of seniority shall take charge immediately. The bishop shall freeze all accounts immediately and shall handle all business necessary until the Committee on Episcopacy shall have met to make an assignment.

             Para. 437.5. Unless otherwise directed by the General Conference, the College of Bishops shall, upon advice of the Legal Counsel, make the legal decisions and take the steps necessary to preserve and protect the interests of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (The Book of Discipline of the ChristianMethodist Episcopal Church, 2006).

Bishop Teresa Snorton Reflects 
on the Loss of Bishop W.E. Lockett
March 3, 2011

The missions team, currently traveling in the 11th Episcopal District, is devastated to hear of the death of our brother and fellow traveler, Bishop W. E. Lockett.

On February 17, 2011, Bishop Lockett traveled with us to South Africa, Zambia, DR Congo and Uganda. He, along with us, had a glorious time in the Lord meeting the people at the annual conferences. On Wednesday, March 2, 2011, Bishop Lockett left the team, as scheduled, to return to the US to prepare for next week's Alabama Spring Convocation. He was visibly tired but wished us well as he left for the airport. On Thursday afternoon, we learned of his untimely death while on his way back home. We are heartbroken, but were witnesses to the joy of his last days.

Our deepest sympathy is extended to Mrs. Lillie Lockett and his family, and to his CME church family. We have lost a great warrior. Pray for them and for us as we continue the mission trip. We are scheduled to be back in the United States on Wednesday, March 9, 2011.


Bishop Teresa E. Snorton
Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District

Rev. Dewayne GoLightly
General Secretary, Department of Evangelism and Missions

Mr. Clifford Harris
General Secretary, Department of Lay Ministry

Rev. Mary McKinney, Florida Region

Reverends Alfred and Claudia Harrison,
Executive Assistants to the 10th and 11th Episcopal Districts

We Mourn the Loss of the 57th Bishop 

of the CME Church 

Bishop Wallace E. Lockett

          We are shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden loss of the 57th Bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Wallace E. Lockett.  Bishop Lockett transitioned from this life while on his return to the United States after several days of travel in the African continent.
          After his election to the Episcopacy at the 37th General Conference in Mobile, AL in June 2010, Bishop Lockett was appointed to serve as the presiding prelate of the 5th Episcopal District, which includes Alabama and Florida.  Prior to his election as bishop, he had served several years as pastor of the Metropolitan CME Church in Houston, TX. Final arrangements are forthcoming.
           Let us remain in prayer for Mrs. Lillie Lockett and the Lockett family.

 Profile of Bishop Wallace E. Lockett

Arrangements for Mrs Julius F. Goodman

This is to inform you of the death of Sis. Cathy Goodman's mother, Mrs. Julius F. Goodman, on Thursday, February 24. The funeral will be at 11 AM on Tuesday, March 1, at Bruce Chapel CME Church, Bruce, MS. Arrangements have been entrusted to Belle Memorial Funeral Home, 138 Washington Street, Bruce, MS  38915.

The phone number is 662-983-7778. If additional information is needed, please call Sis. Cathy at 601-927-9479.

Please share this information with other members and friends across the Connection, and do remember the Goodman family when you pray. Thank you.

Submitted by Gloria Scott

Passing of Bro. James Waugh
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The following information was disseminated this morning.

It is with regret that we announce the passing of Mr. James Waugh, husband of Rev. Ulyee Waugh of the Florida Region and father of Rev. Mark J. Hill, pastor of Cleaves Memorial CME Church in Denver, Colorado, Kansas-Missouri Region.

The service will be held at Noon on Saturday, Feb 26, 2011 at:
Mount Olive CME Church
745 Woods Avenue
Orlando, FL  32805
Rev. Jermaine Marshall, Pastor
407-425-7303

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Postell’s Mortuary
811 North Powers Drive
Orlando, FL 32818
407-295-3857
407-295-0307 Fax (Condolences may be faxed to this phone number)
Toll Free 1-866-Postell (767-8355)

Condolences may also be sent to the family at 381 Iowa Wood Circle West, Orlando, FL 32824.

Please keep the Waugh Family in prayer during this time of bereavement.


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

Celebration of Life of Mrs. Charlee McNeil
The “Too Blessed to be Stressed” Celebration Service for Mrs. Charlee McNeil, the mother of Dr. Jerome E. McNeil, Jr., Pastor of Christian Chapel Temple Of Faith CME Church (Dallas, Texas) and the Connectional Prayer Coordinator of the CME Church, will be held on:

Friday, February 25, 2011, 11 AM
Christian Christian Chapel Temple of Faith CME Church
14120 Noel Road
Dallas, TX 75254
972-239-1120

Reflections may be posted on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CCTOF .

Please be in prayer for Pastor McNeil and his family.


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

Services for Mrs. Irma Brown
Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

It is with sadness that we inform you of the passing of Mrs. Irma Brown, the sister of Mrs. Yvonne Gilmore and sister-in-law of Retired Bishop Marshall Gilmore.

Funeral Services:
Sunday, February 27, 2011 at 2:00 p.m.
Mount Tabor Baptist Church
2102 Cambridge Avenue
Greenwood, SC  29646
Phone: (864) 229-0723

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Robinson & Son Mortuary
534 Maxwell Avenue
Greenwood, SC  29646
Phone: (864) 223-5125
Fax: (864) 223-3405

Condolences may be sent to Bishop and Mrs. Gilmore at 683 Beacontree Court, Concord, NC  28027

Please keep the Gilmore and Brown families in your prayers that God will provide the strength they need during this time of bereavement.


Linda K. Whitlock
President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

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

Information to Assist Persons Traveling into Tennessee 
for the Funeral Services of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield

Dear Connectional Members and Friends,

The following information from the First Episcopal District Office (Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate) may be helpful to persons traveling into Tennessee for the funeral services (or family hour) for Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, the wife of our General Secretary of Christian Education, Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield.

For Persons Flying into Memphis, Tennessee:
(1)-Memphis is approximately 90 miles from Jackson.
(2)-Hotel/Motel Possibilities:    

Memphis Marriott East
2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Memphis TN  38118
901-369-5960; 800-228-9290
Rate:  $89.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Memphis Marriott Downtown
250 N Main St
Memphis TN  38103
901-527-7300
Rate:  $89.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Peabody Hotel
149 Union Avenue
Memphis TN  38103
901-529-4000
Rate:  $109.00 plus taxes

For Persons Flying into Nashville, Tennessee:
(1)-Nashville is approximately 120 miles from Jackson.
(2)-Hotel/Motel Possibilities:

Holiday Inn
1111 Airport Center Dr
Nashville TN
615-883-1366
Rate:  $79.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

In Jackson, Tennessee:
Hotel/Motel Possibilities:        
Jameson Inn
1292 Vann Dr
Jackson TN  38305
731-660-8651
Rate:  $72.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Courtyard by Marriott
200 Campbell Oaks Dr
Jackson TN  38305
731-421-8151
Rate:  $109.00 plus taxes
Block Name:  Crutchfield Family Group Block

Funeral Home:                              
Bledsoe Funeral Home Inc
256 Middleton St
Jackson TN  38301
Telephone:  731-427-1521
Fax:  731-427-1522
Family Hour:  6 PM-8 PM – Monday, Feb 21, 2011

Church Address:                            
Mother Liberty CME Church
Rev. Dr. Daryll H. Coleman, Pastor
456 S. Highland St.
Jackson TN  38301
Telephone:  731-424-1099
Funeral Service:  11 AM – Tuesday, Feb 22, 2011


For Further Information:
Mrs. C. Denise Brooks
First Episcopal District Office
901-345-4114

Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
205-515-7322


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

Arrangements for Mrs. Cora Crutchfield
Dear Connectional Members and Friends:

It is with deepest regret that we announce the passing of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, the wife of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield  who is General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education.  Mrs. Crutchfield passed on Tuesday, February 15.

Arrangements have been entrusted to:
Bledsoe Funeral Home
256 Middleton Street
Jackson, TN  38301
(731) 427-1521

The Family Hour is scheduled for Monday, February 21, 2011 from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

The life of Mrs. Crutchfield will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 22, 2011 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at:

Mother Liberty CME Church
456 S. Highland Avenue
Jackson, TN 38301
Rev. Dr. Daryll H. Coleman, Pastor
(731) 424-1099

Condolences may be sent to the family at 7 Goldmyth Cove, Jackson, TN 38305. Telephone: 731-423-9182.

Please keep Dr. Crutchfield and the family in prayer during this time of bereavement.

Yours in His Most Precious Name,

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

Sudden Loss of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield
        It is with deepest regret that I inform you of the passing of Mrs. Cora Crutchfield, wife of Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education of the CME Church.  Mrs. Crutchfield passed Tuesday night (February 15, 2010) due to complications following surgery on Tuesday morning.  Please be in prayer for Dr. Crutchfield and his family.  I will disseminate arrangements as soon as they are available.

Jeanette Bouknight
Executive Secretary
CME Church

Presiding Elder Lee Awarded at Winter Council

           On December 4, 2010, Presiding Elder Albert Lee, III received the Lucius H. Holsey Leadership Award and the Randall Carter Membership Award at the Bishop’s Winter Council at Warner Robins CME, Warner Robins, GA, where Rev. Lindsey Napier is pastor.
   The leadership award is in honor of Bishop Lucius Henry Holsey. As a leader of the denomination for the establishment of the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church in America, Holsey traveled and ministered throughout the southern states to recruit Georgia Black Methodists to join. Other congregations in Georgia were founded under his leadership. Holsey served as the secretary of the College of Bishops for over 20 years. He was also the statistician and the corresponding secretary for the denomination. Paine College in Augusta, GA, was the brainchild of Bishop Holsey.  He was first to express an idea for the college in 1869. In 1882, Bishop Holsey and other leaders of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South and the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church founded Paine College. He also founded the Holsey Industrial Institute in Cordele, Georgia, and the Helen B. Cobb Institute for Girls in Barnesville, Georgia. (http://encyclopedia.jrank.org/articles/pages/4302/Holsey-Lucius-Henry-1842-1920.html)
    The membership award is in memory of Bishop Randall A. Carter who was born in Fort Valley, GA.  Before becoming Bishop, he was presiding elder in the Georgia Conference for 16 years. During his leadership, he is credited with leading the way for the purchase and building of over 250 churches that provided a haven for CME members and extended it bounds during the great migration of Afro-Americans from the South to the North after WWI (The Journal of Negro History © 1954). The awards denote that our district is represented and recognized with high esteem and honor under the leadership of Presiding Elder Albert Lee, III.
    Elder Lee was appointed presiding elder of the Elberton/Gainesville District in August of 1998. He provides leadership and guidance to 30 churches.
    As usual, Presiding Elder Lee reported round for all 30 churches on the district at the Bishop’s Winter Council.
                 Submitted by Lunita Mayfield and Hilda Stuckey.

What is Love?
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

Reflections on Black History Month 

Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns

The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, in observance of Black History Month, recognizes the significant contributions made by African Americans and our denomination in the history of America. We are requesting that our local churches celebrate the achievements of the Black church and the accomplishments of the CME Church during the Sunday School and worship service hour on the Fourth Sunday of this month (February 27, 2011). A special Litany is available at:
www.c-m-e.org/Announcements/Black_History_Litany.pdf

We honor the work and legacy of Dr. Carter Woodson, who initiated the annual celebration of Black History Month to recognize the achievements of African Americans and their contributions to the world.  As we celebrate Black History, it is also important for us to remember and share the 140-year history of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.  Since 1870, the CME Church has led the way in a three-fold ministry of Salvation, Education, and Liberation, and shared the good news around the world that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer.

We encourage our members to learn our history and read the timeless books by our living African American icons, President Barack Obama, Dr. Maya Angelou, Lerone Bennett, Dr. Cornel West, Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Toni Morrison, and Tavis Smiley; and our late legendary trailblazers including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King, Alex Haley, Dr. John Hope Franklin, Barbara Jordan, James Baldwin, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and Langston Hughes.
Additionally, let us encourage our members to learn about the history of our Zion by reading such books as The Soul of the Black Preacher by Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, The History of the CME Church by Bishop Othal H. Lakey, A History of the Women’s Missionary Council of the CME Church by Dr. William C. Larkin, and The History and Heritage of African American Churches by Dr. L.H. Whelchel, Jr.
During Black History Month, let us take this opportunity to recognize President Barack Obama, the first African American President of the United States, and Michelle Obama, our First Lady! We are grateful for the leadership of President Obama. His journey, values, and Christian beliefs are quite amazing, and should inspire our young people to fulfill their dreams and destiny.

Let us remember the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., W.E.B. Dubois, Julian Bond, Dr. Dorothy Heights, Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Congressman John L. Lewis, Andrew Young, and other leaders in the civil rights movement who fought for justice, freedom and equal opportunities for African Americans.  Let us also remember the CME clergy and lay who worked with the Civil Rights movement, fought for full citizenship rights for African Americans, marched, legislated, bled and died to bring justice and freedom to our nation.

As we share our history, let us remember that nearly all of our historic Black colleges and universities were founded by the Black church and have helped us to educate millions of African Americans over the past 100 years.  Let us share our story of how the CME Church developed educational institutions after slavery, and still maintains four fully accredited colleges:  Lane (Jackson, TN); Miles (Birmingham, AL), Paine (Augusta, GA), and Texas (Tyler, TX), and one seminary, Phillips School of Theology, which is an affiliate member of the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA).

As we fight for justice, let us remember to support the abolishment of the death penalty that discriminates against minorities and the poor. After DNA testing, many minorities on death row have found to be innocent who often were imprisoned for lengthy periods of time.

The C.M.E. Church must continue to be active in ensuring the civil rights of our people and working collaboratively with organizations that fight for our human rights.  We encourage voter registration and education drives in our local churches around the United States. Additionally we encourage our members to renew their memberships in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Rainbow PUSH, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the National Urban League (NUL), the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), and other affiliate organizations.

We join with Dr. Marian Wright Edelman and the Children’s Defense Fund’s mission to ensure that every child has a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start, and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities. We encourage local churches to establish One Church One School and Freedom School partnerships to nurture, strengthen and fortify our children for our global society.

We call upon President Obama, United States Congress, elected officials, and world leaders to support the humanitarian efforts to end the world crises in Haiti and Darfur.  Let us continue to support the rebuilding efforts of Haiti after its devastating earthquake, and the CME Church’s mission project to purchase water filters to provide fresh clean drinking water.  We must support every effort to end the suffering of the people of Darfur, Sudan. We are grateful for the work of Bishop Teresa Snorton, our first female Bishop, for guiding the Eleventh Episcopal District. Let us support Bishop Snorton with contributions to continue her efforts to build churches and schools, and provide health services. Additionally we are grateful to Bishop Gordon T. Umoette, our first indigenous Bishop, for his work in the Tenth Episcopal District.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. and its College of Bishops, is a 140-year old historically African American Christian denomination with more than 1.2 million members across the United States, and has missions and sister churches in Haiti, Jamaica and fourteen African nations. For additional information about the CME Church, visit
www.c-m-e.org .


Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., CEO
Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr.
Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III
Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.,
Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Bishop Kenneth W. Carter
Bishop James B. Walker
Bishop W. Edward Lockett
Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.
Bishop Teresa Snorton
Bishop Godwin T. Umoette
Bishop William H. Graves, Retired
Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired
Bishop Edward Lynn Brown, Retired
Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, Retired
Bishop Dotcy I. Isom, Jr., Retired
Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired
Bishop Nathaniel Linsey, Retired