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Weekend Digest – September 20, 2025

View Online

Stay Connected with the latest updates from the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church!

Submit Episcopal or District announcements and photographs with captions to cio@thecmechurch.org. Submissions are due by Saturday, 11 am ET.

 
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View The Acceptance Speech of Bishop C.K. Heath, Chair of the College of Bishops

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

 
 

Webinar ID 957 0989 1869

Passcode: 092025

View on the CME Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/thecmechurch

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Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you!

We are excited to invite you to our September Monthly Cohort Meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM CST. This month, as we observe Prostate Cancer Awareness and Suicide Prevention Month, our theme is:

Restoring Strength: Building Mental and Physical Wellness in Men

Guided by the powerful words of 3 John 1:2 – “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” – we will gather to uplift, educate, and empower the men in our community to walk in wholeness.

We are honored to welcome Rev. Dr. Richard Shaw, who will present: The Whole Man – Faith, Fitness, and Focus!

Following this inspiring presentation, we’ll host a dynamic panel discussion:

Real Talk – Men’s Health from the Inside Out

Featuring:

  • Dean Leon Parker, Vice President, Student Engagement - Miles College
  • Bro. Calvin Patillo, Educator- Detroit, Michigan 
  • Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr., Presiding Prelate, 1st Episcopal District CME Church

This will be a powerful evening of truth, healing, and restoration. Whether you're a man seeking strength or someone who loves and supports the men in your life, this gathering is for you.

Let’s come together to build stronger bodies, minds, and spirits – in faith and fellowship.

Location: Zoom 

Date & Time: Thursday, September 25, 2025 | 7:00 PM CST

We look forward to seeing you there!


Bro. James Blackman, Cohort Facilitator 

Dr. Anthony Smoaks, General Secretary - Ministry to Men Department

Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. Department Chair


 

Dear CME Clergy and Lay,

The Bold Money Matters Fall 2025 Financial Education Series is here, and it’s packed with new opportunities to enhance your financial literacy and take steps toward financial empowerment.

📅 When: September 2nd – October 28th, 2025

🕗 Time: Tuesdays at 8 PM EST

🎓 Who:  CME Clergy and Lay

Register Now!

Exclusive Benefits for Eligible Clergy Participants

Clergy who attend all 8 live Fall 2025 sessions will be eligible to apply for the Ministerial Excellence Fund (MEF) Awards starting October 30th, 2025.

  • MEF Awards are made possible through the Lilly Endowment Inc. and CME Church matching funds.
  • Since 2023, the program has awarded more than $300,000 to eligible clergy who completed the series!

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to earn recognition for your commitment to financial education.

💻 Visit www.BoldMoneyMatters.org to access your online library, register for the sessions, and watch the prework and previous replays.

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your future! Register Now!

Email PDO@thecmechurch.org if you have questions or need assistance.

Together, let’s empower our community through financial literacy.


Blessings,

Bishop Teresa E. Snorton, Ecumenical Bishop and Development Officer for The CME Church

Bold Money Matters Team


 
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Interested CME Churches can also email PDO@thecmechurch.org with questions.

 
2025 Unity Summit & Lay Institute

TO: All Candidates Seeking a Department of Lay Ministries Elected Office at the 2025 Lay Institute

FROM: Election Committee, Department of Lay Ministries

SUBJECT: Application Process for the 18th Quadrennial Lay Institute Elections

"And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." — Colossians 3:17 (NIV) 

As we prepare for the 2025 18th Quadrennial Lay Institute, we are reminded that leadership within the Body of Christ is both a sacred responsibility and a call to service. Each candidate seeking office in the Department of Lay Ministries is invited to approach this process with prayer, commitment, and dedication to the work of the Kingdom.

Application Process Overview

The Department of Lay Ministries announces the opening of the application process for elected offices to be filled at the 2025 18th Quadrennial Lay Institute. Eligible candidates may apply for the following offices:

  • Connectional Lay President
  • Connectional Steward President
  • Connectional Stewardess President
  • Connectional Lay Trustee President
  • Connectional Usher President

Eligibility Requirements

To ensure fairness and order in the process, the following requirements apply:

  1. Official Registration: Candidates must be registered participants of the 2025 18th Quadrennial Lay Institute before submitting an application. Registration is a prerequisite for eligibility.
  2. Application Submission: The official application form must be fully completed and submitted by the stated deadline.
  3. Deadline: All applications must be received no later than Wednesday, October 1, 2025. Late applications will not be considered under any circumstances.

How to Apply

We strongly encourage candidates to apply early to allow time for review and to avoid last-minute issues.

Important Notes

  • Applications submitted without proof of Lay Institute registration will be deemed ineligible.
  • Please review the office descriptions and responsibilities to ensure you are applying for the position that best aligns with your call to service.
  • Questions regarding the process may be directed to: timmoppin@aol.com.

We appreciate your willingness to serve and your commitment to the work of the Department of Lay Ministries. Your leadership will play a vital role in strengthening the mission of the Church and equipping the laity for faithful service. 

May God’s grace guide you throughout this process.


In Service,

The Election Committee

Department of Lay Ministries


 
 
 

Important Announcement:

Special Session of the

General Conference of the

CME Church

Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9 AM CDT, Dallas, TX


 

FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

SECOND EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

FOURTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

SIXTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

SEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

 

EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

 

NINTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

 

TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

 

ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

 

Presiding Bishop Charley Hames, Jr. is excited to share that the "9th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has been chosen for the Reflective Leadership Grant. This recognition affirms the work God is doing in and through us. I continue to stand in awe of His favor and count it an honor to serve at this level. Together, we press toward the next level of leadership, faith, and impact!

Leadership Education aims to create lasting change in U.S. congregations by supporting Christian leaders and the institutions they serve. Leadership Education designs educational services, develops intellectual resources, and facilitates networks of institutions that cultivate a coherent vision of Christian institutional leadership and form Christian leaders. Leadership Education is a non-degree-granting initiative of Duke Divinity School funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. and based in Durham, N.C."

Congratulations to Dr. Herman Skip Mason, Jr., Interim President of the Interdenominational Theological Center and Pastor of West Mitchell CME Church (Atlanta, GA) on his RICE Award nomination in the category of INFLUENCER OF THE YEAR. The RICE Awards will be held on on Saturday, September 27, 2025 4PM (Red Carpet 2PM). VOTE Daily; 09/02 - 09/22 for your favorite Nominees, only online at TheRICEawards.com


 

Lane College is proud to share that President Donald Comer will be a featured speaker at the 2025 XCEL Summit for Men, presented by Black Enterprise this October 15 - 17 in Orlando, FL. Students Kevon Jordan and Rodriguez Murphy, along with ‘25 alumnus and intern Larry Joe Miller, will accompany President Comer for this incredible experience.

Read More


Additional information is here.

 
 

On Thursday, September 18th, the Paine College community, faculty, staff, and the Board of Trustees officially inaugurated Lester Agyei McCorn, D.Min., as the 18th President of the historic Paine College.

 
 
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The Interdenominational Theological Center of Atlanta, GA (ITC), is excited to announce two New Fall Online Course offerings and the Exclusive Release of 4 New Books!


1 Enrollment for the Certificate of Theology is now open:

Classes Start September 9, 2025- Introduction-New Testament

Classes will be held every Tuesday evenings (7:00 PM – 8:15 PM) (Online)

Please click this link for more information and enrollment:

https://www.itc.edu/certificate-program/certificate-of-theology/

Classes will be held every Thursday evenings (7:00 PM – 8:15 PM)

Certificate of Theology | ITC

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) is excited to introduce the Certificate of Theology, a dynamic 8-course,( NOT for credit) year-long program designed to equip learners with a solid foundation in theology, ministry, and spiritual leadership. Each 4-week course integrates academic study with Sankofa Practice, connecting historical insight to present-day ...

www.itc.edu


 

 2. Enrollment for the next “The ITC Certificate of Theology (Beta) Course”

 Please share this link with family, friends, congregations, clergy, and spiritual caregivers.

Course Dates Sept 4, 2025 – Sept 25, 2025 Class

 Classes will be held every Thursday evenings (7:00 PM – 8:15 PM).

  https://www.itc.edu/certificate-program/certificate-of-theology/beta/


 

Groundbreaking Works. Fresh Perspectives. Lasting Impact.

The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Atlanta, GA proudly announces the exclusive release of four groundbreaking and innovative works. They offer fresh perspectives on Sankofa practice, reimagine Leadership vs. Management in the Church, enrich Spiritual Care in Memory Care Settings, and explore new horizons in AI & Theological Engagement.

These distinguished professors are advancing scholarship that helps leaders in faith communities thrive in a rapidly changing world. They inspire the next generation of leaders and thinkers. They empower personal spiritual growth that transforms lives.

Dr. Willie G-dman, Dr. Anthony McCallum, & Dr. Darryl Claybon

 
DECF logo
 
 
Evangelism Article
 
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Brotherhood 25 Event
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PHEN Partnership
 
 
LAYSTAYCONNECTED
 

The September 2025 issue of The Christian Index is available to purchase and download at www.thechristianindexcmechurch.com.

 
The Missionary Messenger
 
Renew Messenger
 

The CME Church Faith Assistant is Now Available on the CME Website



The Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) is pleased to announce the launch of the CME Church Faith Assistant, now live on the official CME Church website at thecmechurch.org. The Faith Assistant is an AI-powered tool developed by Gloo and trained on the content of the CME website. It is available 24/7, and designed to assist members, seekers, and visitors with their search on the website, and provide instant answers to questions about the CME Church, our department and ministries, history, and more. The Faith Assistant will help to extend the reach of the CME Church and support meaningful online engagement. Try the Faith Assistant now at thecmechurch.org. It will be located at the bottom right of your screen. Just a note that the Faith Assistant may make mistakes like other AI tools. Please email Dr. Theresa Duhart at cio@thecmechurch.org if you have any questions or concerns. Your feedback is welcome and appreciated.


Interview with Bishop Hames
 

The Daily Index of the 2024 CME GCB and Unity Summit was released, and thanks to Rev. Tanesha Hollingshed for being part of the writing team and contributing to three articles for Rev. Dr. Spragin, Editor of The Christian Index.

 
 
CIT Web Design Services
WEB SERVICES
 
CIT Tech Talk Gloo partnership
 
Technology Discounts

The General Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) has established vendor partnerships with Adobe, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Mobile Beacon and Zoom. All CMEs including our local churches, members, Presiding Elder’s Districts, Episcopal Districts, Bishops, General Officers, and other Connectional leaders can save from 5%-50% on technology products from top vendors! Spread the word about these discounts to members in your local church! Shop at the Technology Portal.

GET CONNECTED CAMPAIGN

Greetings, Brothers, and Sisters in Christ, 

Some 10 million rural African Americans lack broadband internet, primarily in the South. They cannot use such essential services as online doctor visits, church services, school assignments, family connections, and voter registration. Thankfully, the Federal Communications Commission launched the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), providing nearly 18 million low-income households nationwide with resources to pay for necessary broadband service. The ACP offers eligible families a $30 monthly discount on high-speed internet services, making access free for many participants.

 

Here's what you can do:

1 - Forward to pastors in your network serving rural communities the "Get Connect" Information card below with a contact number and website for guidance through signing up for the ACP program. 

To Apply Call 1 (877) 384-2575 or Visit www.GetInternet.gov/apply.

2. Encourage them to visit - https://www.skinnerleaders.org/getconnected to download the "Get Connected Toolkit."

 
OFFICIAL CME WEBSITE
Technology Discounts
 

Visit here <https://thecmechurch.org/strategic-plan> for additional information about Bold Steps, the Strategic Plan of the CME Church, and to view/download the eBooks/Manuals.

Visit here <https://thecmechurch.org/strategic-plan> to view/download the Bold Steps Stewardship Initiative Series resources (including videos and Zoom recording links).

 

 
 
 

CONNECT... ENGAGE... EMPOWER...INFORM !

CMEYOUTUBECHANNEL

Visit here to subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/cmechurch

 
 

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