CMES Urged to Be Aware of Money Scam

Dear Colleagues and Members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church:

Greetings in the Wondrous Name of Jesus the Christ!

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

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

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

Your prompt attention to this message is appreciated.


In His Service,


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

Funeral Arrangements

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

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

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

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

Rev. Paul W. Gardner, Pastor

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

Submitted by Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, WMC President

A General Prayer for the CME Church

Dear Lord:

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

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

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

In Jesus Name we Trust and Believe

Amen and Amen

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

Official Announcement from The College of Bishops

(Double click to expand)

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

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

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

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

Please keep the Reddick family in your prayers.

Passing of Mr. Leonard Hinton
Dear Members:

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

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

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

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

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


Rejoice,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fratina McCraney 1st runner up in Cotillion Court
Fratina McCraney, daughter of Mrs. Joyce Dyer of Omaha, Ne, was recently first runner-up in the royal court for the 49th Annual Cotillion Ball sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of the Links. Twenty area high school seniors shared "Emeralds: Gems of the Future," Sunday, April 27, 2008, as they made their debut. Her cousin, Mr. Tyrone Minton, presented her and Mr. Jordan Nauden was her escort.
Fratina attends Omaha Northwest High School, where she is a three-time letter-winner in track and field, and participates in swimming and volleyball.
She is an honor roll student. She is a recipient of the Omaha Public School African American Achievement Award, Native American Achievement Award, Outstanding Seniors of Nebraska Award, and a Rotary Club of Omaha Honor Roll student. Her community service includes Salvation Army Summer fun Camp volunteer, Ruth K. Solomon member and volunteer, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer. Fratina is a member of Cleaves Temple CME Church (Omaha, Ne), where Rev. T. Marcellus Thomas is pastor.
She serves as the president of the youth usher board, treasurer of the CYF, church school secretary, youth choir secretary, and member of the mass and youth choirs. Fratina has participated on the Region level of the Christian Youth Fellowship of the Kansas-Missouri Region, 3rd Episcopal District, where she has held numerous offices.
She will attend Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri to pursue her career of becoming a Family Law attorney. Congratulations Fratina!

Dr. W.R. Johnson. The funeral service for Dr. W.R. Johnson, former General Secretary of Christian Education, is scheduled for 11 AM on Thursday, May 22, 2008 at the Phillips Temple CME Church, 971 East 43 Street, Los Angeles, CA. Arrangements have been given to the Englewood Park Funeral Home.

Please keep Eleanor Johnson, Malcolm (his youngest son) and the rest of the family in your prayers. More information on arrangements is forthcoming.

Juanita Bryant, CME Executive Secretary

Dr. William R. Johnson. We are saddened to hear of the loss of Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson, Jr., who passed away early Thursday morning, May 15, 2008, after a lengthy illness.

Bill, as he was lovingly known by many, was a pastor of many years. He was also a past General Secretary of the Department of Christian Education and former presiding elder of the Los Angeles-San Diego District of the Southern California Region, 9th Episcopal Disrict. He will be greatly missed.

No additional information is available regarding funeral arrangements.

Passing of Rev. Matthew Trim. Rev. Matthew Trim, pastor of St. Stephen's CME in Valley, AL and former presiding elder of the Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District, received his eternal reward on Sunday, May 11, 2008, at St. Frances Hospital in Columbus, GA. Mrs. Trim may be contacted at 706-687-4215. Her address is 4481 Moline Ave., Columbus, GA 31907

The Loss of Mr. Jesse Parker

Christian Friends:

We are saddened to inform you of the passing of the Honorable Mr. Jesse Parker on Saturday evening, May 3, 2008 at his home in Hattiesburg, MS. Mr. Parker was Lay Leader of the South MS. Conference and a former member of the Judicial Council of the C.M.E. Church. Please keep his wife, Mrs. Geraldine Parker, and his children, Dr. Evelyn Parker of Dallas, Tx, and his son Maurice of Hattiesburg and the rest of his family in our prayers.

Arrangements are as follows:

Family Hour 
Thursday, May 8, 2008, 7PM 

St. James C.M.E. Church 
705 Country Club Road 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 545-7827 
Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller 

Homegoing Service

Friday, May 9, 2008, 11 AM

St. James CME Church

705 Country Club Road

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 545-7827

Pastor Rev. Ernest Miller

The body of Mr. Jesse Parker has been entrusted to: 

Century Funeral Home 
622 New Orleans Street 
Hattiesburg, MS 39401 
(601) 583-1761 

Cards and Condolences may be sent to:

Mrs. Geraldine Parker

405 E. Scooba St.

Hattiesburg, MS  39401

(601) 544-3336

Submitted by Pene' G. Woods

(Click on image to view announcement.)

Dr. George Thacker. Services for Dr. George Thacker will be held on Saturday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at Mother Liberty CME Church, Jackson, TN. The family visitation (wake) will occur on Friday, April 25, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Chambers-McClure Academic Center (CMAC).

Mr. Thacker was a brother of Omega Psi Phi. The Omega service will begin at 7:00 p.m. on Friday,
April 25. The lineup for Omega brothers will commence at 6:30 p.m. This, too, will occur at CMAC.

The address for Stephenson-Shaw Funeral Home is 807 N. Hays Avenue. The local telephone number is 731.427.7411. 

Funeral of Mr. Morris Cannon. Please be prayerful for Rev. and Mrs. David Hoey of the Shreveport District. Mrs. Shelita Hoey’s father, Mr. Morris Cannon, Sr. will be funeralized on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 10 AM at Calvary Tabernacle CME Church, 3629 Dryades Street, New Orleans, LA 70115.

Arrangements for Mr. B.F. Johnson
(Husband of Mrs. Katie M. Johnson)
The Homegoing Services will be held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 1:00PM with Family Viewing at 10:00A.M. and Public Viewing from
11 AM -1 PM
at
Blackmon Temple CME Church
423 South Carson Road
Carson, MS 39427
601-943-6631
Pastor Wilhemina Winston, officiating
Rev. V.T. Thompson, eulogist
Body has been entrusted to J & M Funeral Home, Al Gray, director
732 Dixie Avenue,
Mendenhall, MS 39114
601-847-2911
*In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in memory of Mr. Johnson to the Blackmon Temple CME Church
*If flowers are sent please have them sent to the Church.

Greater Cleaves goes 'old fashion' for Black History Month 
Oklahoma City, OK—Sister Carolyn Harris coordinated the Black History month celebration at Greater Cleaves, under the direction of Pastor Bobby R. Best.
The 2008 Black History month's theme was, "The Origin of Multiculturalism." The main effort was to show that multiculturalism of today had its origin in the struggles of African Americans to have their cultural contributions recognized by American society. In breaking through the monocultural vision of America, African Americans were at the foundation of multiculturalism in America. With acceptance of Black people and black culture, other cultures found a way of gaining acceptance, as prefaced by Sister Harris.
Each Sunday during the month of February, a Black History Trivia form was placed in the church bulletin. The insert consisted of trivia questions regarding Black's contributions to American society. Church members had the opportunity to take the trivia question home and return the completed form with the correct answers the following Sunday, The winner from the previous Sunday was announced during the 11 AM service and received a $10 gift certificate.
Inspirational speakers were chosen from the membership not to exceed 10 minutes, focusing on the following topics:
The contribution of Blacks to the arts-Brother Johnny Swanson Men's Department
The contribution of Blacks to Health and Science-Brother Jeff Darby, Young Adult Department
The contribution of Blacks In Religion- Ishmail Parker, Youth Department.
The contribution of Blacks In Education- Dr. Mose Yvonne Hooks, Women's Department
The second Sunday in February was designated as African Dress Sunday. Members and visitors were encouraged to express their pride by dressing likewise.
The third Sunday of the month was the Ushers Annual Tea and Fashion show.
Fields to Factories Sunday was the culmination of the celebration. Members and visitors dressed in clothing that depicted the late 1800's - early 1900's. Old time items were displayed, items that were passed down by ancestors. A soul food dinner was served following the 11 service.
The Langston University Choral Choir, Langston, Oklahoma, under the direction of Ms. Bonita Franklin, accompanied by Mr. William Brackeen, was in concert, starting at 4 PM. A full meal was served to the choir following the concert. An information insert in the concert program gave brief commentaries on African American composers whose music or arrangements were used.
The pastor and membership applauded Sister Harris for a job well done and for the high quality of activities of the month. Rev. Dr. Bobby R. Best, pastor; Pearl Reese, reporter.

"He is not here; he has risen,

 just as he said."

Matthew 28:6 

Happy Easter 

from 

The Christian Index 

and 

The Christian Index Online 

Dr. Kenneth E. Jones

Editor