What you’ll see…the future of the CME Church. It was announced during the opening keynote with Bishop Lawrence Reddick that the CME meetings will consolidate into one large meeting, the CME Unity Summit. It will be held September 25-29, 2012 in New Orleans, LA.
MEET THE WRITERS (in alphabetical order)!
Justin Gray, writer/audio manager. I’m a student at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, majoring in Biology and with a minor in English. I serve and worship at Beebe Chapel CME Church in Little Rock, Arkansas, 1st Episcopal District-Arkansas Region. I’m very excited to be apart of this blog in covering the 25th Convocation. There was so much to cover during the convocation that our team, which included Rev. Amina S. McIntyre and Rev. Mildred D. Watson we couldn’t cover every engaging detail. We had the same focus and urgency, I know this couldn’t have been a better experience. In the blog you will read many of the “HOT TOPICS” that went along with our theme of “Reaching the Masses”. Many of the interesting topics, sermons and plenary sessions during the convocation took me back home to many of the issues that I certainly have and as well as most CMEs have at his/hers’ own church, which led me to grasp a more deeper understanding and a more focused attitude in evaluating many of the issues at hand, making me a more equipped christian. The overall experience was great and I truly gained a more intimate understanding of the dynamics of the CME church.
Rev. Amina S. McIntyre, blog coordinator/writer/editor - It’s a pleasure to work with The Christian Index and CMETv to fill out the Convocation experience. Our aim was the focus on the emotions felt, the knowledge grasped, the merchandise purchased and the new friends made because these conferences go far beyond the individual sessions. As a professional writer, it is once again a privilege and honor to lend my words to the blog and recruit two new writers, Justin Gray and Rev. Mildred Watson. While we didn’t capture everything, this has been a glimpse into our comings and goings during convocation. We hope you enjoy.
Rev. Mildred Watson, writer/interviewer. Presently, I’m serving as Pastor at Smith Tabernacle in Anniston, Alabama of the Birmingham Region. I am the founder and CEO of the non-profit organization, “Love One Million Ways” and host a live weekly talk show on A.M. Radio entitled “Love Talks.” I travel to promote “Extra-Ordinary Togetherness,” and Healthy Courtships & Healthy Relationships through workshops and seminars to singles and couples, individuals and groups. My other ministries include Praying Women Transforming the World, (SASS’S) Single, Available, Secure, Sassy Sista’s, W.O.W, Women of Worth. M & M’s, Men on A Mission, Zip your Pants Open your Mouth & Talk with Me and The Gift. I am presently completing the manuscript for my first book to be published. My (BS) undergraduate studies are in Human Services, Psychology and Sociology. With the Masters of Divinity from The I.T.C, I am a Relationship Consultant pursuing certification as a Relationship Therapist with a concentration in Human Sexuality. This is my first time blogging and I hope continue for other events!
People you’ll meet…Rev. Korneilus Neal, Rev. Lionel G Hayes, Jr, Rev Freeman McKindra and Rev. Keith Ellison.
Rev. Amina S. McIntyre
People you’ll meet…Bishop and Mrs. Cunningham pose together at the Gala VIP Reception.
People you’ll meet…Mrs. Louise Brown and Mrs. Rosia Carter, first ladies of the 4th and the 6th District.
“We cut ourselves off from the Power Source because of doubt.” — from Morning Bible Study, Bishop Theresa Snorton, 5th District
“Nobody rises to low expectations.” — Bishop Theresa Snorton, September 30, 2011, Morning Bible Study
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2011 CME CERTIFICATE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION RECIPIENTS. Each person completed 6 online courses through the Department of Christian Education to graduate with this certification. Check with on the http://thecmechurchced.org/default.aspx webpage for more upcoming class information.
-Justin Gray
The Bishops and Congressman John Lewis.
Congressman John Lewis, the featured speaker for the Awards Night Gala on September 29, 2011, enlightened us with so much history during his time of sharing. He mentioned that in August 1967, when Dr. Martin Luther King and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference held their last meeting it was here at the Hyatt Regency. During this evening of recognizing graduates, Civil Rights fighters and young movers and shakers, John Lewis encouraged us to understand the legacy of our actions. “Our struggle is not a struggle for one lifetime. Our struggle is a struggle for many generations.”
Lewis focused our attention on the significance of the Church as an institution, particularly the CME Church. “Our faith has taught us not to hate. Hate is too much of a burden to bear.” He urged us to move forward knowing our history and being reassured of our abilities to shape the future.
Rev. Mildred Watson and Rev. Amina S. McIntyre