EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT https://8thdistrictcme.com Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Mon, 02 Nov 2026 20:45:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.4 https://8thdistrictcme.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/8thlogo-1-100x100.webp EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT https://8thdistrictcme.com 32 32 205857886 Virtual Fall Accounting Meeting https://8thdistrictcme.com/virtual-fall-accounting-meeting/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 21:48:38 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=22756 Register Now Join Bishop Denise Anders-Modest and the Eighth Episcopal District for our upcoming Virtual Fall Accounting Meeting!  Dates: December 11–12, 2026  Registration Rates: Early Bird: $75 per person (through November 28, 2026) Regular: $100 per person (November 29 – December 12, 2026) Make sure to register early to secure the discounted rate! We look forward to gathering online for this informative time […]

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Register Now

Join Bishop Denise Anders-Modest and the Eighth Episcopal District for our upcoming Virtual Fall Accounting Meeting!

 Dates: December 11–12, 2026

 Registration Rates:

  • Early Bird: $75 per person (through November 28, 2026)

  • Regular: $100 per person (November 29 – December 12, 2026)

Make sure to register early to secure the discounted rate! We look forward to gathering online for this informative time together.

  • We will wear our (And He Will) t-shirts on Saturday, order them here✨
  • Once your registration is paid and confirmed, you will receive your unique Zoom meeting link via email.

 WAYS TO PAY YOUR REGISTER

1-REGISTER ONLINE  here 

2-MAIL REGISTRATION TO:  Eighth Episcopal District – P. O. Box 398017 – Dallas, Texas  75339;

DO NOT MAIL AFTER NOVEMBER 17, 2026:  after that date, pay online.

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HEALTH MINISTRY IN THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (VOL 9-2026) https://8thdistrictcme.com/health-ministry-in-the-eighth-episcopal-district-vol-9-2026/ Sun, 18 Oct 2026 21:40:23 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=22736  EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT  HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 9) PART I. NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR SEPTEMBER A. PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH SOURCE: CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) https://www.cdc/Health FACTS: Topic-P. FACTS: “Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. The survival  rates differ depending on the stage at which the cancer […]

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 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 9)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR SEPTEMBER

A. PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS MONTH

SOURCE: CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION (CDC) https://www.cdc/Health

FACTS:

Topic-P. FACTS: “Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer among men in the U.S. The survival  rates differ depending on the stage at which the cancer was detected. Screening is important, medical experts recommend men 55 to 69 years discuss screening with their Dr. 

Remember: Black or African American men get cancer at a younger age, have a more advanced stage when it is found and are more likely to die from Prostate Cancer.

There are two tests which are commonly used to screen for prostate cancer, talk to your Dr. about the benefit for you.  The symptoms vary among men and some men do not have symptoms at all. If you have  any of the following symptoms, see your Dr. right away: Difficulty starting urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine. Urinating often especially at night; trouble emptying the bladder completely; pain or burning during urination. Blood in urine or semen. Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away. Painful urination.  Black or African American men—Don’t Wait Get Checked by Your Dr.! If the cancer runs in your family. Don’t Wait Get Checked by Your Dr.  Cancer screening is required to find cancers that may be at high risk for spreading if not treated and to find them early before they spread.

Remember-that with the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test may be affected by other factors such as certain medications, a prostate infection or enlarged prostate. Don’t Wait.: Your Dr. is the best person to interpret your PSA Test results. Another examination is the digital rectal examination, but it is not recommended as a screening test because of the lack of evidence on the benefits.

The National Theme: “Partners in Care-Through Diagnosis, Through Treatment. Together” led by Men’s Health Network.”

⚠ Important Health Facts to Keep in Mind:

PART II. NATIONAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION AWARENESS MONTH

Source: Stop A-Fib

  • What it is: Atrial fibrillation (A-fib) is the most common irregular heartbeat.
  • Common Symptoms: Heart palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath—though some people experience no symptoms at all.
  • Patient Experiences: Symptoms vary widely. Some describe skipped heartbeats followed by fatigue, a racing or speeding heart, an erratic rhythm, or “butterflies” in the chest. Others experience chest and throat pressure that mimics a heart attack, leaving them dizzy, faint, lightheaded, anxious, breathless, weak, or exhausted. Episodes can last for hours, days, weeks, or even months.

Is Atrial Fibrillation Serious? Yes, it can be risky and potentially life-threatening. Because blood is not properly pumped through the body, organs can be starved of oxygen-rich blood.

  • Major Risks: A-fib increases your stroke risk by 500% and can lead to heart failure, dementia, and an increased risk of death. Stroke is currently the number one cause of permanent disability.

  • Impact: It takes a significant physical, emotional, and financial toll on patients, as well as their families, friends, and caregivers

How Big of a Problem Is It? As people age, the incidence of A-fib increases. Today, it impacts more than 5 million people. Additionally, increasing rates of obesity and stress are expected to accelerate the incidence of A-fib.

What Should You Do?

  • See Your Healthcare Provider: Work with your doctor to get in rhythm and stay in rhythm.

  • Treatment Options: Treatment may include medications or lifestyle changes, but only your healthcare team can decide the right plan for you.

PART III.
FOOD SAFETY EDUCATION MONTH

FACTS:

“This month takes an active role in preventing foodborne illness, also known ‘food poisoning’. The federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses annually and that’s about 1 in 6 Americans each year. Each year these illnesses result in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Although everyone is susceptible, some women are at greater risk for developing foodborne illnesses. These include: Group1-Pregnant women, their unborn baby and children Group 2-Older adults and people with cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, organ transplants, and autoimmune diseases. Foodborne illnesses-Symptoms may appear 12 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food but may occur between 30 minutes and 4 weeks later.

Symptoms may include:

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From The Desk of Bishop Anders-Modest https://8thdistrictcme.com/from-the-desk-of-bishop-anders-modest/ Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:43:39 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=21167 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 1616 E. Illinois Ave ~ Dallas, Texas 75216-2838 (214) 372-9073 Office | (214) 372-2082 Fax Bishop Denise Anders-Modest, Presiding Prelate August 18, 2026 Grace and Greetings! As we move forward together in this new season of ministry, I am excited to call the Eighth Episcopal District together for our Bishop’s Vision Casting […]

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EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT

1616 E. Illinois Ave ~ Dallas, Texas 75216-2838
(214) 372-9073 Office | (214) 372-2082 Fax
Bishop Denise Anders-Modest, Presiding Prelate

August 18, 2026

Grace and Greetings!

As we move forward together in this new season of ministry, I am excited to call the Eighth Episcopal District together for our Bishop’s Vision Casting Meeting on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at Christian Chapel Temple of Faith, 14120 Noel Road, Dallas, Texas 75254. The Rev. Freeman McKindra II is the host pastor.

This meeting is an important opportunity for us to gather as one Episcopal District, hear the vision for the work before us, strengthen our connection, and prepare ourselves to serve faithfully and effectively. Rev. Kaylan Walker, Episcopal Director of Spiritual Formation/Leadership Development, will serve as one of our presenters.

REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN

I am asking everyone who plans to attend to register in advance. There is no registration fee. Registration is being requested so that we can properly prepare for your arrival and ensure that our planning reflects the number of clergy and laity who will be in attendance. Please do not wait—register today and make plans to be present.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS
Hyatt Place Dallas-North/by the Galleria
5229 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, Texas 75254

Please make your hotel reservation as soon as possible. Reservations made after the deadline may not receive the group accommodations or rate.

I am encouraging every pastor, minister, lay leader, ministry leader, and member of the Eighth Episcopal District to make every effort to attend. Vision is strengthened when the people who will carry it are in the room. We want to begin this season together—praying together, listening together, imagining together, and preparing together for the work God has placed before us.

The Eighth Episcopal is Open for God’s Business through Courageous Faith!

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T Shirts Fundraiser https://8thdistrictcme.com/t-shirts-fundraiser/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 13:21:39 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=21041 Get Your Apparel Today! 🛍️✨
Choose between two powerful shirt designs or grab both!

👕 Style 1: Lord, Have Mercy, And He Will
✝️ Style 2: And He Will with Yellow Cross

💵 Cost: $20 per shirt

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Support the Vision!

Show your support for the Eighth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church by purchasing an official fundraiser T-shirt.

Fundraiser T-Shirt Designs

How to Purchase
Select your preferred style below and click the Order Now! button below the design description to place your order. Your purchase directly helps fund and sustain the regional ministries, programs, and mission work across the district.

Style One

Features the quote “Lord, have mercy. And He Will.” along with a golden circle accent.  ~ Bishop Denise Anders-Modest. 

Style Two

Features “AND HE WILL” in bold white letters, paired with the uplifting quote: “When God makes a promise, He always keeps His Word” alongside Bishop Denise Anders-Modest signature. 

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Quadrennial and Retirement Celebration  https://8thdistrictcme.com/quadrennial-and-retirement-celebration/ Thu, 05 Mar 2026 19:56:26 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=18837 2026 Spring Convocation in Dallas Greetings in the name of Jesus, the Christ! You are invited to participate in the Quadrennial and Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Reddick and Lady Wynde Jones Reddick, with details on hotel accommodations, banquet, and the Spring Convocation. The dates of the Quadrennial Celebration are: April 24-25, 2026. BOOK HOTEL […]

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2026 Spring Convocation in Dallas

Greetings in the name of Jesus, the Christ!

You are invited to participate in the Quadrennial and Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Reddick and Lady Wynde Jones Reddick, with details on hotel accommodations, banquet, and the Spring Convocation. The dates of the Quadrennial Celebration are: April 24-25, 2026.

The celebration will be held at “Double Tree by Hilton Dallas (Near the Galleria).


DoubleTree by Hilton
(near the Galleria)
4099 Valley View
Dallas, TX 75244
(972) 385-9000

Group Name: CME Spring Convocation
Rate: $129/night
Cut-Off Date: March 17, 2026

The Quadrennial Banquet will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. Donations for attending the banquet is $100 per person. Please make checks or money orders payable to: Presiding Elder Gift Fund. Send Banquet Ticket Money to your Presiding Elder. The cutoff date for purchasing tickets is March 17, 2026.

On Saturday, April 25, 2026, starting at 9:00 a.m. the Spring Convocation will take place and the Presiding Elder Financial Reports will be given.

A Souvenir Booklet will also be prepared to commemorate this great occasion. Please see the attached information from Presiding Elder Diana Casteel, the Souvenir Book Committee Chair, that provides the required information and cost of each ad. The cutoff date for sending in ads is March 07, 2026. Elder Casteel’s number is 903-748-2795, email address: dianadougl@aol.com.   

We solicit your prayers that the Quadrennial and Retirement Celebration for Sr. Bishop L.L. Reddick III and Lady Wynde Jones Reddick will be a great success.        

Quadrennial Committee 

You are invited to participate in the Quadrennial and Retirement Celebration of Senior Bishop Reddick and Lady Wynde Jones Reddick, with details on hotel accommodations, banquet, and the Spring Convocation. The dates of the Quadrennial Celebration are: April 24-25, 2026.

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HEALTH MINISTRY IN THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (VOL 2-2026) https://8thdistrictcme.com/health-ministry-in-the-eighth-episcopal-district-vol-2-2026/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:44:14 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=18604  EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT  HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 2-2026) PART I. NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR FEBRUARY A. AMERICAN HEART MONTH Source: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.n.h.gov/ FACTS:  “ Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Heart healthy living involves understanding your risk. Risk factors include-1. High […]

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 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 2-2026)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR FEBRUARY

A. AMERICAN HEART MONTH

FACTS:

 “ Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S. for both men and women. Heart healthy living involves understanding your risk. Risk factors include-1. High blood pressure-Half of all American adults have high blood pressure. A healthy pressure is less 120 (systolic)/80 (diastolic). Elevated 120- 129 (systolic) and less than 80 (diastolic). . High blood pressure Stage | is 130- 139 (systolic) OR 80-89 (diastolic). Hypertension Crisis is higher than 120 (systolic) and higher than 80 (diastolic). Contact your Dr. immediately. Your blood pressure is taken at each visit to the Dr. You may be asked to monitor it at home using a home kit, keep a record and take it with you to the Dr. About 1 in 3 US adults with high blood pressure are not aware that they have it. To control or lower high blood pressure, you may need to adopt a Heart- Healthy Lifestyle: You can lower your risk of developing heart disease that could lead to a heart attack.

CHANGES:

B. EVENT: NATIONAL “WEAR RED DAY" is February 6

 In support of women’ cardiovascular health. Cardiovascular disease is the number One Killer of women. Together we are stronger than heart disease and stroke.

C. TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH

FACTS:

FACTS: “ “Teen dating violence affects nearly 10% of all teenagers throughout the U.S.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

PART III.
CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

A.COVID-19, Flu and RSV

FACTS:

“Actions you can take to protect yourself and others. Check COVID-19 Hospital Admissions Levels and follow the prevention steps by County. Data is updated each week on Thursday. For example, Angelina County Hospital Admissions are low and the County level is designated as low. The first requirement is Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. If exposed, use CDC “Isolation and Exposure Calculator”

Reminders-

The new variant: SARS CoV-2Variant BA.2.86. The updated COVID-19 vaccine will be available in mid-September. CDC’s current assessment is that this vaccine will likely be effective at reducing severe disease and hospitalization. There is no evidence that this variant is causing more severe illness.

Prevention actions to protect yourself and others:

*Influenza (Flu)-

September and October are good times to get flu vaccine. Talk with your Doctor.

*RSV-Respiratory Syncytial Virus-

Can severely impact older adults and adults with underlying chronic condition; Contagious virus occurs during fall peaks in the winter and subsides in spring; vaccination is available. Talk with your Dr.”

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Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) https://8thdistrictcme.com/federal-home-loan-bank-fhlb/ Fri, 06 Feb 2026 17:04:02 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=18590 January 2026 Community Update Beth Bentley Episcopal District Coordinator – US Mission Engagement 214.498.3540 email

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January 2026

Community Update

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RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES  https://8thdistrictcme.com/resources-for-furloughed-federal-employees/ Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:46:20 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=18225 RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (*Shared by Pastor Deb, a community friend of Sis. Beth Bentley in McKinney, TX; *Please contact the resource directly for current status) RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES  (*Shared by Pastor Deb, a community friend of Sis. Beth Bentley in McKinney, TX;  *Please contact the resource directly for current status)  For […]

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RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES 

RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
(*Shared by Pastor Deb, a community friend of Sis. Beth Bentley in McKinney, TX; *Please contact the resource directly for current status)

RESOURCES FOR FURLOUGHED FEDERAL EMPLOYEES 

(*Shared by Pastor Deb, a community friend of Sis. Beth Bentley in McKinney, TX;  *Please contact the resource directly for current status) 

For any federal employee needing assistance: 

Bank of America: announced assistance available to furloughed Federal  employees. Call the priority assistance line 844.219.0690. 

Chase Bank: Chase today announced efforts to help its customers who are  U.S. government employees affected by the U.S. government shutdown.  Here’s the special line they set up 1-888-356-0023. 

Congressional Federal Credit Union: For more information on our Relief Line  of Credit or any of our assistance programs, contact our Member Service  Representatives at 800-491-2328 or stop by one of our branch locations. 

Fed Choice: They’re offering quite a few different options to assist – for  existing and new members. 

Interior Federal Credit Union: They’re offering a special loan for both  member and non-member furloughed Federal workers. Net paycheck up to  $15,000, interest free up to 30 days. Members may apply for a limit up to the  equivalent of 2 net paychecks. More offers are available on the site or call  800-914-8619 

Navy Federal Credit Union: These guys are offering a special loan program.  Read the FAQs PDF from this link to see if you qualify or call 1-888-842-6328 

PayPal: PayPal has made a very generous offer. They’ve allocated $25 million  to fund interest-free cash advances to our furloughed Federal workers that  need assistance right now. This is for both new and existing PayPal Credit  customers. Minimum loan is $250 with a maximum cash advance of $500.  Your account does need to be in good standing if you’re an existing PayPal  Credit customer. Existing customers call 1-877-689-1975. For new accounts,  apply here first, then after approval call 1-877-689-1975.

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U.S. Bank: Will waive all late fees if you miss a mortgage payment due to the  shutdown. Also mentioned they will defer first payment dates for new  mortgages. 

U.S. Employees Credit Union: USECU is also offering shutdown loans, but  only until Tuesday, January 15th. Call (312) 922.5310 to get help. 

SunTrust: SunTrust didn’t make a specific offer, but they did make a public  announcement that they have programs in place to help clients affected by  the shutdown. 

Synchrony Bank: These guys handle store cards for Amazon, Lowes,  Walmart, JCPenney, Chevron/Texaco, and many other large nationwide  companies that you might do business with on a day-to-day basis. They are  allowing affected customers to defer payments until after the shutdown.  Contact them for more information. 

Union Plus: For union members, there are a great number of options available  if you’re with Union Plus. Call them at 800-472-2005 to ask about these offers:  $300 Furlough Grant for eligible Union Plus credit card holders, Mortgage  Assistance Loan & $300 Grant: payment grace period for your Union Plus Life  and Accident Insurance, payment grace period for Union Plus Auto Insurance,  and payment grace period for Union Plus Life and Accident Insurance. 

Wells Fargo: Here’s a full list of all shutdown assistance lines at Wells Fargo.  They’ve got a few different options to help depending on the services you have  with their bank.

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Furlough Grants: 

FEEA-NARFE: This is an awesome offer that every furloughed Federal worker  needs to take advantage of. FEEA-NARFE fund is offering $100 grants to active  federal employee members who are not receiving a paycheck during the  current shutdown due to being furloughed or working in excepted status. To  apply, visit the FEEA website. 

Thrift Savings Plan: 

TSP Plan News and Announcements: TSP allows for the suspension of loan  payments when you go into non-pay status. They do not require  documentation about your furlough currently. Missing one or two payments  will not cause your loan to go into default. Log in to your account to check your  status or simply call the Thrift Line at 1-877-968-3778. 

Toyota Financial Services & Lexus Financial Services: Affected lease and  finance customers in good standing with their accounts may be eligible to  take advantage of up to two months of finance contract payment extensions  or lease deferred payments. Toyota Financial Services call 800-874-8822 and  Lexus Financial Services call 800-874-7050. 

Hyundai Capital: Hyundai will extend all Hyundai Capital auto loans and  lease payments for 30 days for current Hyundai owners who are federal  government employees furloughed during the shutdown. Impacted  consumers should contact Hyundai Motor Finance at 1-800-523-4030 to take  advantage of this offer. 

Kia Motors Finance: Kia has announced they’re offering deferred payments of  30 days. If you’ve been affected by the current Government Shutdown and  need assistance from Kia Finance, please contact us at 1-866-331-5632. 

Ford Credit, GM Financial, & Mercedes-Benz Financial Services: It has  been reported that these companies are among those providing qualified  customers options such as payment deferrals, late fee waivers and special  care lines to address their individual problems, though official  announcements from these companies have not been released online.

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Mobile Telephone Service Providers: 

AT&T: Will assist with adjusting late fees, providing extensions, and revising  payment schedules. 

Sprint: Will provide short-term payment solutions. Call 1-888-211-4747 

T-Mobile: Offering short-term assistance and can spread out service  payments over time. Call 1-877-746-0909 or 611 from a T-Mobile device. 

Verizon: Offering flexible payment options and has a Promise to Pay program  to set payments for a future date. Call 1-866-266-1445. 

Rental Home Assistance: 

National Rental Home Council: Represents many of the nation’s largest  operators of single-family rental homes. They’re offering deferred rent  payment options with no late fees to any renter who has been furloughed. 

OPM Sample Letters for Creditors and Mortgage Companies: OPM created  these sample letters for Federal workers to contact their landlords, mortgage  lenders, and utilities, to request help during the shutdown. 

National Food Resources & Advice: 

Feeding America: These guys have a nationwide network of 200 food banks.  From those food banks, they have 60,000 partner pantries from which they  can serve every community across the United States. This is an awesome  resource, and they have already begun serving Federal employees affected by  the government shutdown. 

Your School District: To save on food and ensure your kid eats breakfast  and/or lunch free (less stress and worry for you), notify the district of your  furlough. No income is an emergency and normally qualifies you for the free  meal program.

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Home, Auto & Life Insurance Relief: 

MetLife: For those not receiving a paycheck from the federal government  because of the current shutdown, MetLife Auto & Home may grant a one-time,  30-day grace period on your payment of premium on a MetLife Auto & Home  policy. Members must request this one-time allowance by calling 1-800-GET MET8. Certain restrictions apply, and premium remains due after delay  expires. 

Fidelity & Guaranty Life Insurance Company: To help the nearly 27,000  AFGE members who currently have a policy with the company during this  government shutdown, the company “will keep the policy-in-force by waving  the cost of insurance charges for the next 30 days.”. Policies beginning with  the letter “Y” call: 844-800-9146, all other policies call: 888-513-8797 

Other Notable Mentions for Relief & Assistance: 

Rent-A-Center (Benefits Plus Membership): If your account was up to date  at the time of furlough and you are a part of benefits plus you may be eligible  for a payment waiver based on your state: “Involuntary Unemployment  Payment Waiver: Losing a job is hard and making payments while unemployed  is even harder. Fortunately, your Membership waives your payments when you  are involuntarily unemployed. Whether you were fired, laid off, suspended, or  are out of work due to a labor dispute or strike, your payments are covered for  up to four (4) months, up to $1,000, or when you’re able to return to work.” 

National Freebie Offers: 

U.S. Office of Personnel Management: Their fact sheet states that federal  employees may be eligible for unemployment compensation administered by  state unemployment insurance agencies. So, eligibility is determined by state  law, not on the Federal level, which may work in your favor. 

USAA Are offering deferments for all loans and credit card payments.

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 HEALTH MINISTRY IN THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (VOL 10-2025)  https://8thdistrictcme.com/health-ministry-in-the-eighth-episcopal-district-vol-10-2025/ Mon, 13 Oct 2025 15:04:07 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=18124  EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT  HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 10) PART I. NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR OCTOBER OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND THE FOCUS OF A CHURCH MINISTRY As presented in “The Book of Discipline of the CME Church Revised 2022: A. Domestic Violence Awareness. Chapter 36, Paragraph 554, p.156-. Each local church is encouraged to […]

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 EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT 

HEALTH MINISTRY (VOL 10)

Picture of Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Dr. Patricia D. McKenzie

Episcopal Coordinator for Health Ministries

PART I.
NATIONAL HEALTH OBSERVANCES FOR OCTOBER

OCTOBER IS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH AND THE FOCUS OF A CHURCH MINISTRY

As presented in “The Book of Discipline of the CME Church Revised 2022:

A. Domestic Violence Awareness.

Each local church is encouraged to establish a Domestic  Violence Awareness  Ministry;  and /or partner with a local Domestic Violence Shelter Program in order to create awareness, education, direct services, prevention and crisis intervention”” (with a list of other goals).

B. Connectional Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Each local church is encouraged to participate in and/or sponsor Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities in October of each year “(with outreach focus).

Source One-“The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) https://www.netsn.org/resources.

FACTS:

“National Domestic Violence Awareness Month began in October 1989. Domestic violence is prevalent in every community and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotional abuse and controlling behavior as part of a larger systematic pattern of dominance and control. It can result in physical injury, psychological trauma and even death. An average of 20 people are physically abused by intimate partners every minute. This equates to more than 10 million abuse victims annually. 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men have been physically abused by an intimate partner and 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men have been severely physically abused by an intimate partner.  NCTSN has compiled a list of helpful resources for parents and care givers, children and teens, educators and school staff.  

Resources:  Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event:

PRESCHOOL

and young school-age children may experience a feeling of helplessness and often can’t describe the events. Children might not be able to fall asleep on their own or might not be able to separate from parents at school. May lose some speech and toileting skills; sleep may be disturbed by nightmares.

SCHOOL

age children may show persistent concern over their own safety. May experience guilt or shame over what they did or did not do. Teachers report greater difficulties concentrating and learning. Will often complain of headaches or stomach aches.

ADOLESCENTS

May display feelings of fear and concern of being labeled abnormal or different from peers. May withdraw from family or friends. May express fantasies of revenge. Some engage in self-destructive behaviors.

 There are ten Fact Sheets in the Series, visit www.nctsn.org/content/resources.”

PART II.
HEALING AIDS FROM THE BALM IN GILEAD

PART III.
TEXAS HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

A. Family Violence Program

FACTS:

“ Family Violence occurs when one family or household member physically harms or emotionally abuses another family or household member. Family members, such as children who witness family violence are also considered victims.

The post  HEALTH MINISTRY IN THE EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (VOL 10-2025)  first appeared on EIGHTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

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Church Resources & Funding Opportunities 2025 https://8thdistrictcme.com/church-resources-funding-opportunities-2025/ Sun, 07 Sep 2025 01:08:15 +0000 https://8thdistrictcme.com/?p=17882 September 6, 2025 Community Update Beth Bentley Episcopal District Coordinator of US Mission Engagement Please find attached information regarding three funding opportunities from the following organizations: the National Preservation Trust Fund, Feeding America, and the Heirs Property Program. These programs are designed to support various community needs: National Preservation Trust Fund: This fund provides grants […]

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September 6, 2025

Community Update

Please find attached information regarding three funding opportunities from the following organizations: the National Preservation Trust Fund, Feeding America, and the Heirs Property Program.

These programs are designed to support various community needs:

  1. National Preservation Trust Fund: This fund provides grants to help preserve historic sites, including churches with significant historical value. It’s a fantastic opportunity for communities looking to maintain their cultural heritage and ensure these landmarks are preserved for future generations.

  2. Feeding America: This initiative offers resources through its extensive Food Bank Network to assist those facing food insecurity. By supporting food banks across the country, Feeding America helps ensure that no one goes hungry and that communities have access to nutritious food.

  3. Heirs Property Program: Offered through the Federal Home Loan Bank, this program aims to assist families in maintaining ownership of inherited property. It’s an essential resource for promoting generational wealth and stability, providing legal assistance and financial support to ensure families can keep their homes and land within their lineage.

We encourage you to review the attached documents for detailed information on how to apply for these opportunities and the specific benefits each program offers.

National Trust Preservation Fund for churches with historical significance.

Resources from Feeding America Food Bank Network for those experiencing food insecurity

Heirs property program through Federal Home Loan Bank.

Feel free to share this link with others who might be interested in these funding opportunities. We hope these resources will be beneficial to our community and help address some of the pressing needs. If you have any questions or require further assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Your engagement and efforts are greatly appreciated as we work together to support and uplift our community.

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