WebmasterTJ - EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

PRESIDING ELDER JAMES OAKRY

WebmasterTJ — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 13:40:22 +0000

Contact

revjoakry@yahoo.com

9106 Millwood Drive

Rowlett, Texas 75088

469-734-9334

Reverend James Guy Oakry Jr. was born on August 26, 1960. He was raised and educated in the Plano public school system, graduating from Plano Senior High School in 1978. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Texas College in 2017 and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Criminology at Texas A&M University-Commerce. Additionally, he holds a Certificate in Theology from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC).

Ordained as a Deacon in 1997 and elevated to Elder in 1999, Reverend Oakry is actively involved in ministry and recently married Reverend Vernice Fowler. He is a proud father of three children and a grandfather to two beautiful granddaughters. In his leisure time, he enjoys golfing and fishing.

Currently, Reverend Oakry serves as the newly appointed Presiding Elder of the Tyler District within the Central Texas Region. His previous pastoral roles include leadership at Friendship CME Church, Holsey Chapel CME Church, and Mt. Zion CME Church in Ben Wheeler. After retiring from the City of Plano, where he served for 24 years, he has been driving a school bus for Garland Independent School District for the past 15 years.

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PRESIDING ELDER JONATHAN L JONES SR

WebmasterTJ — Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:46:15 +0000

Website: www.houstondistrictcme

P.O. Box 1433

Hurst Texas 76053

817-812-9298

jonathansr303@gmail.com

Presiding Elder Jonathan L Jones Sr was born October 22, 1966. He is a native of Los Angeles, California. Elder Jones earned a Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance in 1988 from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In 1986, he joined McIntosh CME church in Grand Prairie, TX under the Pastoral leadership of Rev James L. Smith. He served in many capacities at McIntosh. He sang in the young adult choir, served as Sunday School Superintendent, taught the adult Sunday school class, and led Wednesday night prayer meeting. While attending McIntosh CME church he answered his call into the ministry and received his license to preach in October 1992 under the leadership of Rev James L Smith.

In 1995, he moved his membership to Christian Chapel CME church in Dallas, TX under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Jerome E McNeil Jr. At Christian Chapel he was the worship leader for the 8:00 am worship service. He also taught new membership classes, participated in monthly prayer vigils, and visited and served communion to the sick and shut in. He was ordained as an Elder in June 2007 under Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham.

In June 2007, he was assigned to Morning Chapel CME church as an associate minister Bishop Cunningham. He served under numerous pastors at Morning Chapel. He served in numerous teaching capacities while at Morning Chapel. He taught the adult Sunday school class; he taught various classes during Vacation Bible School and The Rock Respect Academy as well as Wednesday night Bible study. He also visited and served communion to members that were sick or hospitalized.

He served as pastor of New Bethel CME church in Stephenville, TX under the appointment of Bishop LL Reddick III during the 2014 Dallas-Fort Worth Annual Conference. He pastored New Bethel from July 2014 to July 2017.

He was appointed Pastor of St. James CME church in Gainesville, TX by Bishop LL Reddick III during the 2017 Dallas-Fort Worth Annual Conference. His focus in his first two years at St. James was to lead the church in completing important renovations that would allow the members to return to the church building to worship.

He was appointed Pastor of Stewart Chapel in Fort Worth, TX by Bishop LL Reddick III during the 2021 Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Annual Conference. He currently serves as an Episcopal Leader over the Economic Ventures. In this role he is tasked with seeking financial opportunities that would benefit churches in the Eighth Episcopal District. He received his Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School on the campus of Texas Christian University in December 2022.

He was appointed Presiding Elder of the Houston District in the 2022-2023 Southeast Texas Region Annual Conference by Senior Bishop LL Reddick III.

Rev. Jones is married to Mrs. Tina Jones. Together they have a total of seven children.

The post PRESIDING ELDER JONATHAN L JONES SR first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

Apparel

WebmasterTJ — Wed, 22 May 2024 23:31:28 +0000

The post Apparel first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

Health Ministry In The Eighth Episcopal District (VOL11)

WebmasterTJ — Mon, 07 Nov 2022 19:52:19 +0000

EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 11)

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR NOVEMBER

A. National Bladder Health Awareness Month. Source American Urology Association, Urology Care Foundation.

https://www.Urologyhealth.org

FACTS:

“Bladder cancer is the 6^th most common cancer in U.S. Nearly 84,000 people were diagnosed in 2021. It is more common in males. Three times more men get the disease. Incidence is higher in the age group 75-84. More Caucasians than any other ethnicities. However, there are more African Americans who do not survive the disease. Bladder cancer may spread to lymph nodes nearby and it may reach the bones and the lungs. Talk to your Dr. if you notice the following: blood in your urine and often there is no pain, frequent and urgent urination, pain in lower abdomen and back. May get this cancer when you come into contact with tobacco, as smoking or breathing in tobacco smoke. Smoking is a big risk factor. In the workplace, exposure to chemicals used to make plastics, paint and textiles. Your Dr. may refer you to a Urologist for the needed tests. Your options for treatment will depend on how much the cancer has grown. You should expect to return to your Dr. for re evaluation and further test even after surgery. You may even need to be referred to a certified sex therapist/counselor. Some patients have participated in peer support groups to help them deal with Erectile Dysfunction. After treatment and surgery, healthy living will include recommendations for diet changes, a fitness plan and other lifestyle changes.”

B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month.

Source: American Lung Association https://www.lung.org/

FACTS:

: “COPD is referred to as chronic bronchitis emphysema. This disease affects millions of Americans and is the leading cause of long-term disability and early death in U.S. It is often preventable and treatable, and there is no cure. The main cause is smoking, but nonsmokers can get the disease too. About 85-90% of cases are caused by smoking. Other causes include long term exposure to air pollution, secondhand smoke, dust fumes and chemicals which are often work related. Five steps to risk your risk: 1. Stop smoking 2. Don’t start smoking 3. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke 4. Protect yourself from chemicals, dust and fumes in your home and at work 5. Fight for clean air in your community. Be alert to these symptoms and discuss with your Dr. Theses include chronic cough, shortness of breath while doing ever day activities, frequent respiratory infections, blueness of lips or fingernails, fatigue, wheezing, and producing a lot of mucus. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Your Dr. will ask you about your symptoms, write them down and share the list, and if family members have had COPD. You must understand your medical plan. Taking your medication at the right time can help you breathe better, do more of the things you enjoy, and have fewer flare ups or exacerbation of symptoms. A pulmonary rehabilitation program will include education, exercise training, nutrition advice and counseling. All are designed to help you rebuild strength and enjoy a fuller more active life. Also, getting emotional support is important and those professionals can help you handle feelings of fear, anxiety, depression or stress. To talk to experts, call the American Lung Helpline and Tobacco Quitline at 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) TTY for hearing impaired is 1-800-501-1068”.

National Diabetes Month. Source: American Diabetes Association,

https://www.diabetes.org/

FACTS:

“There is a short Type 2 Diabetes Risk Test. T A1C test is used to identify prediabetes. The goal for most adults is a reading of less than 7%. The higher the percentage, the higher the blood sugar level. Before you develop Type 2 diabetes, almost all persons will have prediabetes. There are no clear symptoms of prediabetes, so you may have it and not know it. The following symptoms are typical of diabetes-urinating often, feeling very thirsty, feeling very hungry even though you are eating, extreme fatigue, blurry vision, cuts/bruises that are slow to heal, weight loss even tough you are eating more, tingling pain or numbness in the hands/feet. Some people have symptoms so mild that they go unnoticed. Early detection and treatment can decrease the risk of complications. Healthy living includes nutrition and diet changes, physical fitness, can’t be overweight, keep extra weight off with a balance of exercise, healthy food and portion control. No fad diets! Practice positive self-talk and set realistic goals to help you succeed (For example: say I’m glad I decided to get out for a walk. Some exercise is better than nothing.) Always check your glucose level before exercising; the range is about 100to180mg/dl. Confirm your level with your Dr. Know that your emotions can influence you’re eating habits. You can assess your physical hunger using their Hunger-Satiety-Rating Scale. Alternatives to eating may include: drinking a glass of water or another zero-calorie beverage, take a walk to change scenery, read a book or magazine, work on a hobby. If you feel an emotional strain, always seek a professional for mental help. There are ways to lighten your mental load. For example, try telemedicine instead of routine appointments, stay organized, simplify the mealtime, and plan ahead and not at the last minute. You can manage Type 2 Diabetes, but changes are required.”

November 17 “Great American Smoke out.

https://www.Cancer,org/

Plan:

Plan to adopt a friend/ family member and help them start their journey toward a smoke-free life. This day is important because almost 34 million American adults still smoke and smoking is the single largest preventable cause of death. Smoking causes about 480,000 deaths every year, or about 1 in 5 deaths. Those who smoke include people in lower socioeconomic level, those without a college degree and African American/Black communities. No matter how long the person has been smoking, quitting improves health outcomes.”

American Lung Association “E-Cigarettes and Vaping. Know the Risks Visit smokefree.gov or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Reference: E-Cigarettes.SurgeonGeneral.gov Slogan: QUIT Don’t SWITCH.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

Source:

www.balmingilead.org

Click on Education and Inspiration and find these topics-Sunday Morning Health Corner and Resources.

Facts:

A. Sunday Morning Corner-“Featured Health Literacy, Health and Wellness with download,” “”Coping with Seasonal Depression,” “The Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season,” “November is National Diabetes Month.”
B. Resources: “Diabetes,” “Obesity and Nutrition.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

“COVID-19 County Check.

FACTS:

”Stay Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines Including Boosters-A. What You Need to Know: 1. Updated (bivalent) boosters became available September 2,2022. 2. CDC recommends everyone stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines for their age group. Children and teens ages 6 months to 17 years and adults ages 18 years and older. 3. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine after you recover from infection provides added protection against COVID-19. 4. If you recently had COVID-19 you may consider delaying your next vaccine dose (primary dose or booster) by 3 months from when your symptoms started or if you had no symptoms, when you first received a positive test. 5. People who are moderately or severely immunocompromised have different recommendations forCOVID-19 vaccines. Note: COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to monitor the latest COVID-19 data. B. Updated Boosters Are Recommended for Some People: CDC recommends that people ages 5 years and older receive one updated (bivalent) booster if it has been 2 months since their last COVID-19 vaccine dose, whether that was-1. Their final primary series dose or 2. An original (monovalent) booster. People who have gotten more than one original (monovalent) booster are also recommended to get an updated (bivalent) booster. (Note: Posted 11/6/2022) CDC facts are intended to help you make decisions about getting COVID-19 vaccinations. See your Dr. for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19.

A helpful tool provided by CDC is the COVID-19 Community Level Report. You may check your county and find out the level. There are three levels High, Medium and Low with recommendations for safety protocols for each level. The numbers are tabulated and the Levels are updated every Thursday by 8pm ET. When you are traveling and gathering, check the County Level and protect yourself and others.

The post Health Ministry In The Eighth Episcopal District (VOL11) first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday.

WebmasterTJ — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 03:02:10 +0000

Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday.
Feel, Endure, and Hallow this Day

Dear CME Family:

Today is called “Holy Saturday” in some seldom used liturgical calendars – that day between Friday night at the end of the crucifixion and the dawning of Sunday morning when the women were astonished that “the stone [had been] rolled away.”

In some of the old liturgical calendars, Good Friday and Holy Saturday carry the liturgical color of black, symbolizing death.

Yet, like people who go under anesthesia in order not to feel the pains of a physical operation, many if not most of us run past emotional pains and uncomfortable, agonizing memories all the time. So, we generally do nothing on this day between Good Friday and Easter. We do nothing. We see nothing. We feel nothing (at least, not liturgically).

But what did the disciples do … see … feel on the day after the crucifixion? Surely they could not escape this day’s agony!

We may learn some lessons by pausing, reflecting, wondering … what could they have felt? What might have been the hollow hole in their hearts caused by their grief – on the day after the crucifixion? (Anybody carrying a hollow hole left from the death of a love one?) And there may be lessons to this day that can help us walk through the overwhelming nature of our own pains and sufferings – pains and sufferings that may touch us before we die … and from which we would rather be anesthetized, but may not be.

There is a picture in my mind from visiting the hospital room of a dying patient about 30 years ago, who – about a week before she succumbed – kept breathing loud enough for every breath to sound like a groan (audibly not anesthetized), and, with each breath, had to face as well an accompanying physical pain. Some of us will, of necessity, go through some agony. Could reflecting today on what the disciples and Mary had to feel on this holy Saturday help us endure when our times of great trial come?

We seem to want to rush through difficult times. We see in the Gospels a rush to get Jesus buried on Friday before sundown. We see Joseph of Arimathea (“a disciple but secretly”) begging Pilate for the body of Jesus. We see Jesus quickly buried in a borrowed tomb, while the “anointing of the body”

awaits the passing of the Sabbath – which, in the Jewish world, begins Friday at sundown, and ends Saturday at sundown.

But, following the rush, what might they have had to deal with inwardly … emotionally … prayerfully … agonizingly … for what were probably about 30-plus hours before the dawning of the day on Sunday and before the word of what you and I now know became “good news”?

Several years ago when our son Jon was in elementary school, a Jewish family of one of his classmates invited Jon and me to their home for the Passover seder meal. (There is nothing like learning about a faith from one of the faith’s adherents, rather than its critics.) There I learned from their perspective the sacredness of “remembering,” of “the wormwood and the gall,” of the patience of a teaching ritual of re-enacting in order to put ourselves where “they” were (“they” being those Israelites who fled Egypt hastily in escape from Pharoah and oppression).

I particularly remember that experience today as today is not only holy Saturday in our Christian calendar, but today is also (as of “sundown” last night and until sundown tonight) the first day of the Jewish Passover. That family would have eaten that meal last night.

And thinking of that meal with them, I also thought of Jews who have fled Ukraine who probably are celebrating Passover with a more nuanced “remembrance” … because it is more than a ritual of “remembrance”; this time it is present reality. (And they cannot escape their thoughts.)

I am wearing all black today. The last time I wore all black was the Sunday of mourning and identifying after the death of Michael Brown of Ferguson. As I prepared to dress, I remembered the Latino evangelical leader who embraced wearing black on that same Sunday and pressed his church to do so. He wanted to identify and emphatize with us. And so I wear black today to identify with those walking in anguish and pains and sorrows they cannot escape, but must endure today … and endure without anesthesia.

Stop long enough today to feel … to wonder … to imagine … what the earliest disciples of Jesus must have thought and felt and wondered as they faced “holy Saturday.”

Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick

The post Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday. first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY

WebmasterTJ — Sat, 29 Jan 2022 19:59:17 +0000

Eighth Episcopal District Technology Ministry

WHAT TECH DOES?

By Tina Jones

Our churches depend on technology to communicate both live and online. Our Technical Ministry team is crucial in making that happen!

The Team will also continue to utilize the Zoom platform so that all members will be able to access the church services. We are referring to this service as a hybrid service.

Serving in a church ministry requires a boatload of grace and more patience than many people have left at the end of a busy week. In some churches, it means working with difficult people every weekend.

The tech support team depend on each other’s gifts to be at full capacity at every service.

The tech support team need to be in unity before, during and after the event. Being on the same page, spiritually, is the key ingredient to this recipe.

One principle I’ve relied on over the years is that anyone involved in tech support ministry needs to be F.A.T.— faithful, available, and teachable, in that order. Once they’ve joined the tech support team, these people must also be faithful to be there when they’ve promised to be there.

Some volunteers have professional tech training and willingly bring their skills to the 8th Episcopal District team, but many others had an interest and have been trained by the staff.

The team is giving the website an updated look and enabling easier navigation throughout the site. This will also enable us to embed the streaming source into the website, so that anyone accessing the website can easily find your services. We want to make the website more informative and more representative.

Tina Jones

Director of Technology
Text: 972-998-4574
Email: tjthecomputerlady@gmail.com

The post TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

Empowerment

WebmasterTJ — Fri, 07 May 2021 11:50:01 +0000

Good evening my brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us continue in prayer for one another and the success of our upcoming event.

Love and Blessings

Almighty God creator of all things, giver of every good and perfect gift. Father we bow in humble submission to Your will and Your way.

We ask for forgiveness of our sins, create in us clean hearts. We continue to earnestly seek Your wisdom, direction and guidance for the success of the Empowerment Dinner and Fundraiser. We want to be completely aligned with Your will as we seek Your provision for every need. We walk in obedience to the Spirit’s leading and we are believing for great success!!

Give us confidence and favor as we meet with potential sponsors and generous givers. We pray for their willingness to partner with us. We pray God’s Grace and blessings in the lives of the givers.

Give us faithful hearts deeply committed to the process. Let us not grow weary in the months and days ahead as we shall reap if we faint not.

We know that only what we do for Christ will last. And it is in His name that we pray. Amen! and Amen!

I John 5:14-15; Nehemiah 1:11; Numbers 6:24-27; Galatians 6:9

*Please contact one of the following committee members to get involved in this event.

District Representatives

Please contact your official district representative to the committee, to purchase ads in our commemorative booklet.

Aretha Preston Houston mrswap1003@aol.com

Arkalio Stein Beaumont-Nacogdoches astein@eastex.net

Vernice Coleman Fort Worth vernice_coleman@yahoo.com

Mary Wilson-Horsley Northwest ** mlwjubilee1951@gmail.com

Brenda Smith Dallas revsmith2015@gmail.com

Terrance Washington Greenville-Texarkana tlw2848@yahoo.com

Sharon Battee Longview-Marshall sbattee@suddenlink.net

William Johnson Tyler wfjohnson84william@aol.com

Yvonne James North Tyler yjames0315@yahoo.com

** Names were given before Annual Conference. An additional member will be named for Northwest District.

Committee Members at Large

OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE:

Crystal Lewis crystal.lewis07@yahoo.com

Brenda Davis brendaedavis001@yahoo.com

Peggy Robinson peggyrob08@yahoo.com

Rita Washington ritawashington@sbcglobal.net

Please click on the box located below in the upper right hand corner of the order form below, save and print, or click

here to download

Please mail in to:

Rev William Johnson,

7209 Fossil Creek Drive, Arlington, Texas 76002
*If you have any questions, please let us know.

The post Empowerment first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

EASTER MEDITATION

WebmasterTJ — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 03:27:45 +0000

Go, See Jesus, Beyond the Tomb

By Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick

Dear CME Family:

The Jerusalem story – which most of us have been highlighting this past Holy Week –withdraws from center stage in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke just long enough to hear of a sighting (yes, a seeing, a focusing) in Galilee.

“He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee, …” (Luke 24:6).

“… go quickly, and tell his disciples that he is risen from the dead; and, behold, he goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see him …” (Matthew 28:7, KJV).

I am attracted like a magnet to the mention, the suggestion, indeed, the pull of Galilee. And it happens even on the glorious resurrection Sunday in Jerusalem! “… [T]ell his disciples … He goeth before you into Galilee ….”

“Galilee of the nations” – the place called Galilee, that is home to both Jews and non-Jews. Galilee – where Capernaum, and Cana, and Tiberias are. Galilee – where Nazareth signifies His childhood upbringing, where Jesus raised a son from the dead in Nain, and where Mount Tabor (believed to be the site of the Transfiguration) rises above the plain of Jezreel. Go, the disciples are directed; go, meet Jesus in Galilee.

And, according to Matthew’s Gospel, it is in Galilee where Jesus gives them what we call “The Great Commission”: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations … (Matthew 28:19a, KJV). The New Revised Standard Version reads, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations [the word “nations” is from the Greek word ethne, and could mean “ethnicities” as well as “the others, the Gentiles”], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you …” (Matthew 28:19-20a).

But how will they see Him in Galilee? (1) They will physically see Him when He gathers there with them and speaks to them. (2) Later they will see Him as their memories are awakened in those places where He walked with them, where they heard Him teach, and where they saw Him heal. (3) And they will see Him in the changed lives of people they meet who had been touched, blessed, strengthened, and made whole by His persona (and I mean persona as in “God in three persons, blessed Trinity”).

As I said earlier, I am attracted like a magnet to the mention, the suggestion, indeed, the pull of Galilee in these Jerusalem resurrection narratives. I believe it makes us look beyond the tomb to the call, to the Commission, to the main focus that is ahead of us: to make disciples (not just followers, but imitators of Him [another meaning in Greek for mathētēs, which is translated disciple]; imitators of Jesus, of His character, and of His ways).

A memory, please. In 1966, the General Conference elected the Rev. Nathaniel Linsey the General Secretary of Evangelism. Not long after that election, he released a 45-rpm vinyl record. On one side of the record was Rev. Linsey and others singing, “Lord, Send a Revival,” a theme song for his evangelism campaign. But on the other side was the melodious, impressionable voice of Mrs. Esther L. Isom, singing the words of this song, “So Send I You”:

So send I you to labor unrewarded,
To serve unpaid, unloved, unsought, unknown;
To bear rebuke, to suffer scorn and scoffing –
So send I you to toil for Me alone.

So send I you to bind the bruised and broken,
O’er wand’ring souls to work, to weep, to wake;
To bear the burdens of a world a-weary –
So send I you to suffer for My sake.

So send I you to loneliness and longing,
With heart a-hung’ring for the loved and known;
Forsaking home and kindred, friend and dear one –
So send I you to know My love alone.

So send I you to leave your life’s ambition,
To die to dear desire, self-will resign;
To labor long, and love where men revile you –
So send I you to lose your life in Mine.

So send I you to hearts made hard by hatred,
To eyes made blind because they will not see;
To spend, tho’ it be blood, to spend and spare not –
So send I you to taste of Calvary.

(words of Margaret Clarkson)

These words call us to Galilee.

You – I dare say, we – will see all of those places, all of those images, and we will encounter all of those experiences in a life of following Him from Jerusalem to Galilee. It is a call to the Galilees of our individuals ministries; to the Galilees of every discipleship challenge; to the Galilees of responding when things are well and when things are not well. These are the places, the stations, and the conditions where we – beyond the empty tomb – will see Jesus.

The post EASTER MEDITATION first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

PRESIDING ELDER MILTON PROCTOR

WebmasterTJ — Thu, 11 Mar 2021 01:25:19 +0000

3708 Ila Street,

Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

(256)566-5604

miltonproctor@yahoo.com

Rev. Milton A. Proctor currently serves Presiding Elder for the Beaumont-Nacogdoches District in the Eighth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church under the leadership of Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III.

Thank you for the opportunity to interview you. We would like to give everyone the opportunity to know a little more about you.

Where were you born? I was born in Fairmont West Virginia

Please share with us your educational background. I am a graduate of Lane College at Jackson Tennessee. I attended Phillips School of Theology at the ITC, Atlanta, Georgia. I also attended Columbia Theological Seminary and Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta, GA.

Can you tell us about your calling into ministry? I ran from the calling when I was first called to the point of stop going my home church. I thought my pastor was “in on it”, so I started attending other churches. I seemed like every church I attended, the preacher knew I was running from my calling and some seemed like they were preaching directly to me. After a year or so I gave in and had a heart to heart talk to the Lord about why I didn’t feel fit for the calling. I had a very bad speech impediment which was stuttering. In fact, very few people could understand what I was saying. I did not want to be a preacher that nobody could understand. So that is what my talk to the Lord was about but He reminded me that He died for me so I surrendered. It was all by myself when I had that talk with God. After I had a talk with my pastor, he decided that I should continue my education. I sent out applications to all the CME colleges and Lane happened to be the first to send something back. I just took it and kept on going.

Why do you feel called to serve the CME church? I was born and reared in the CME church and even though I left the church for a little while. Once I recommitted myself, it was my home church I chose to go back to. I thought they might want to put me out so I took a seat in the back of the church. That way I would not have far to go. It was just the opposite, I was welcomed back and made me feel that I was home.

As a Presiding Elder do you struggle with the most? Making sure that I continue to do what God will have me to do. There is always something puling at you from different angles. Sometimes people have different agenda.

What are the top three responsibilities of a Presiding Elder in your opinion? Number one be Godley in all that you do. Be honest and be committed.

Tell us about your leadership philosophy and how it influences the culture of the Pastors under your care and the CME church? I would say staying focused on being myself and being true to my own calling. Remembering so of the struggles I went through when I was a pastor and being helpful to other pastors and churches.

This concludes our interview is there anything else you would like to share with the readers? My calling is to basically be a servant of the Lord in whatever way that God would have me to do. I take none of that for granted.

The post PRESIDING ELDER MILTON PROCTOR first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

PRESIDING ELDER ORENTHIA MASON

WebmasterTJ — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 17:41:38 +0000

NORTH TYLER DISTRICT
Post Office Box 4306
Tyler, Texas 75712
903-279-3544 (Cell)

odmason1@yahoo.com

Rev. Dr. Orenthia Mason currently serves Presiding Elder for the North Tyler Texas District in the Eighth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church under the leadership of Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III.

Thank you for the opportunity to interview you. We would like to give everyone the opportunity to know a little more about you.

Where were you born? I was born and raised and will die in Tyler Texas.

Please share with us your educational background. Graduated from Emma J. Scott high school in 1970, the last class to graduate. I entered Texas College that same year and graduated in 1973. I earned a bachelor of science in elementary education. My last year at Texas College I was also enrolled in Stephen F. Austin State University and excepted into the master’s program at the same time. So, I graduated with my masters in 1976 from Stephen F. Austin State College in early elementary education with a concentration in reading. In 1989 I received my management and supervision certification. In between that time, I took courses at University of Texas at Tyler, I did course work in Spain as well as University of St. Thomas in Houston.

I would also like to mention that I was a part of Girl Scouts until I graduated for high school. We were in the first group of girls in Top Teen’s of America, founded by the Top Ladies of America of Tyler Texas. Those were two strong character-building programs I was honored to participate in.

Can you tell us about your calling into ministry? I was actually called at the age of 15. I did not except my calling until the age of 35 twenty years later. I served as National Youth president from 1972 to 1976 of the CME church from the age of 17.

Why do you feel called to serve the CME church? I was raised in the CME church. I was taught the love of and to love the CME church. Serving all the way from youth president of my local church to the national level. I’ve always loved my church. I’ve always been very passionate about service in the CME church and to the church and to the community. And people said I had been preaching all along. God has to be the one who calls you. I felt that at the age of 35, I had reached a level of maturity. I was serving as a principal at the time and had actually only served in the classroom for 6 years. I was a pastor for 30 years and I truly miss pasturing at the local level and the day to day interaction the congregations.

As a Presiding Elder do you struggle with the most? I haven’t found a struggle yet. I believe if you have humbled yourself as a pastor and you actually had a servant’s heart during the time you were pasturing then you will find the office of Presiding Elder as on of service. I was an administrator in education for 26 years so I have had experiences as serving. I have had experiences in leading too, but I think you should lead with a servant’s heart and lead with passion.

As so with all those experiences… I have been on the school board here in Tyler Texas for 13 years and when my term is up that will be 15 years. Served on various boards here so community service was something that was instilled in me. So, I just believe that all that training and all those past experiences have served as a solid foundation to serve as an elder.

What are the top three responsibilities of a Presiding Elder in your opinion? Visiting the churches and listening to the pastor and the people. Conducting quarterly conferences and making sure we receive conference assessments. Encouraging pastors and churches and leading the way in doing what Methodist are supposed to do. Scheduling the visits in such a way that you give each church quality time, pastors and members. And then being able to assist them with any challenges that they may have. Which could include the something with the building structure or even the finances.

Tell us about your leadership philosophy and how it influences the culture of the Pastors under your care and the CME church? I have a very companionate heart. I have the ability to listen, but I am also very serious about my calling. And about the roll of a pastor. I want all that serve in the North Tyler District to also be serious about their calling. I also want people to be free to be able to call and ask for help or assistance in any way possible. I have an open-door policy.

This concludes our interview is there anything else you would like to share with the readers? I am a fifth generation CME, I am a fourth generation in the ministry. My great grandfather was a CME pastor here in the east Texas area. He was also on the board of Texas College for over 20 years, serving as secretary. There was a dormitory named after him at one time. My father Rev. Cleveland L. Mason Sr. was a CME preacher. My father’s sister Rev. Ruby Parker was a CME preacher and my father’s brother, Rev. Rosco Mason was a presiding Elder. I am from a long line of CME preachers. I have cousins that are ministers and have served as pastors. My grandma started the Sunday school at Parker CME in Mt. Pleasant, that is where my mom is from. I am a twin and I was raised at Miles Chapel here in Tyler Texas and received excellent training from my youthful days in Sunday school to my training in CYF. I believe that also prepared me because we were taught about the history of the church, taught to love the church. It is just a joy for me to serve. Every church I have ever pastored.

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PRESIDING ELDER JAMES OAKRY

Contact

revjoakry@yahoo.com

9106 Millwood Drive

Rowlett, Texas 75088

469-734-9334

PRESIDING ELDER JONATHAN L JONES SR

P.O. Box 1433

Hurst Texas 76053

817-812-9298

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Health Ministry In The Eighth Episcopal District (VOL11)

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 11)

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

PART I. NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR NOVEMBER

A. National Bladder Health Awareness Month. Source American Urology Association, Urology Care Foundation.

FACTS:

B. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Awareness Month.

FACTS:

National Diabetes Month. Source: American Diabetes Association,

https://www.diabetes.org/

FACTS:

November 17 “Great American Smoke out.

https://www.Cancer,org/

Plan:

Other Health Topics for This Month:

PART II. HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

Source:

www.balmingilead.org

Facts:

A. Sunday Morning Corner-“Featured Health Literacy, Health and Wellness with download,” “”Coping with Seasonal Depression,” “The Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season,” “November is National Diabetes Month.” B. Resources: “Diabetes,” “Obesity and Nutrition.”

PART III. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

www.cdc.gov/

“COVID-19 County Check.

FACTS:

Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday.

Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday. Feel, Endure, and Hallow this Day

TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY

Eighth Episcopal District Technology Ministry

WHAT TECH DOES?

By Tina Jones

Tina Jones

Director of Technology Text: 972-998-4574 Email: tjthecomputerlady@gmail.com

Empowerment

EASTER MEDITATION

Go, See Jesus, Beyond the Tomb

By Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick

PRESIDING ELDER MILTON PROCTOR

3708 Ila Street,

Nacogdoches, Texas 75961

(256)566-5604

PRESIDING ELDER ORENTHIA MASON

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR NOVEMBER

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

A. Sunday Morning Corner-“Featured Health Literacy, Health and Wellness with download,” “”Coping with Seasonal Depression,” “The Importance of Handwashing During Cold and Flu Season,” “November is National Diabetes Month.”
B. Resources: “Diabetes,” “Obesity and Nutrition.”

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

Don’t Rush Past Holy Saturday.
Feel, Endure, and Hallow this Day

Director of Technology
Text: 972-998-4574
Email: tjthecomputerlady@gmail.com