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Last updated: 02/18/2006

CME's Online: Reported by Toni Jackson-Williams, CIT Ministry Representative, Southern California Region


Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

This letter comes as a means of introducing me to you. I am Travis Glenn Hicks, a member of the Ninth Episcopal District Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CMEC) under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., the Presiding Prelate. My home church is Harper Chapel CME Church in Norwalk, CA in the Los Angeles-San Diego District in the Southern California Region. My pastor is the Rev. Napoleon Goshay and the Presiding Elder is the Rev. Dr. William R. Johnson, Jr. I currently serve as Treasurer for the Southern California Region.

Born and raised in Beckville, Texas to Alonzie and Ida Mae Hicks; I am the youngest of four children and an only son. My primary education elementary though high school was attained in Texas. I moved to Los Angeles, California in 1961 working toward my higher education. I received my degree in Electronics Test Engineering from Compton College and El Camino College. I received my BS Degree in Business and Management from Pepperdine University and earned a Certificate of Completion in Executive Management from UCLA. I was certified as an Instructor in Personnel Development from the Zinger-Miller Institute. My work career spanned 40 years in Space and Communications at Hughes Aircraft.

My life is shared with Jacqueline, my wife of forty years, two adult children, son Karl (Kim); daughter Candice and grandson Jackson.

During the 13^th Quadrennial Connectional Lay Institute held in Louisville, Kentucky, October 6-8, 2005 I was appointed by the General Secretary of Lay Ministry, Dr. Victor Taylor to the post of Connectional Director of Christian Methodist Men’s Fellowship of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. To God be the Glory!



It is my belief that men and groups of men all over the connectional church are doing things at the local, district and annual conference levels to encourage, support and mentor to our boys and men. I see these efforts as points of light and my vision for this new position is to connect these points of light, so as to create a star so bright it is seen by all. It is our duty to minister to our adult males, reclaim our youth and young adult males and nurture our male children for the Glory of God, church, family and community. Setting this as a goal will require your support and help to insure that we build this ministry into one of reverence and an indispensable component of the CME Church.

Share your thoughts for the growth of the CMMF; what are you doing at the local church, district and
annual conference levels to promote CMMF. How you are doing it? So, let me hear from you.

I can be reached:
Home Address:
16223 South Flat Peak Lane

Cerritos, CA 90703
Telephone Number: (562) 926-0194
Email Address: HICKSTRAV@AOL.COM

I look forward to hearing from you.



In the Name of Jesus the Christ,


Travis G. Hicks
National Director of CMMF

New Vision CME Church Seeks Actors for Christmas Skit

New Vision CME Church, located at 8368 Beech Avenue in Fontana, CA, is looking for a few good actors to perform in a Christmas Skit to be held on December 18, 2005. We have speaking/non-speaking rolls for all ages. We also need artists and seamstresses to help with props. Leave a message before December 9 for Kenneda Arlington at 909-823-0424.

New Vision CME hosts Children's Craft Workshop on December 17

New Vision CME, located at 8368 Beech Avenue in Fontana, CA, will be hosting a Children's Christmas Craft Workshop 12/17 @ 9 a.m. We will also be taking names for Christmas baskets. You may call the church at 909-823-0424.

Tutorial Program for Los Angeles Area Schools

The Ninth District CME Church is partnering with Carver, Reddy and Associates Educational Services in California to provide opportunity for local churches to hold tutorial programs. This partnership uses the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Title 1 program to fund salaries and materials for a program at your church to help the children of your community. (Average salary for a volunteer tutor ranges from $10-$12.) This program is for children of all ages who are eligible for free lunch and who attend a program improvement school.

For a list of LAUSD eligible schools, click on the link below, or call your local school office Title 1 Coordinator to check if their school qualifies:

http://www.lausd.k12.ca.us/lausd/offices/btb/ses_list.htm

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Celebrates Rosa Parks Day:

A Day to Remember and Honor the Legacy of Rosa Parks

On Sunday, October 30, 2005

On Tuesday, October 25, 2005, the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, under the leadership of Senior Bishop Marshall Gilmore, called upon all CME churches to celebrate Rosa Parks Day on Sunday, October 30, 2005. Rosa Parks, who passed away on Monday, October 24, 2005 at the age of 92, was a heroine and worldwide symbol of freedom and justice. By deciding not to give up her seat to a white man on a bus in Montgomery Alabama, she ignited a revolution for African-Americans and gained the title of “mother of the Civil Rights Movement.” Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., the Chair of the Social Justice and Human Concerns Commission of the CME Church, and Dr. Elnora P. Hamb, the President of the Women’s Missionary Council, appealed to all CME churches to celebrate the life and legacy of Mrs. Rosa Parks, a civil rights pioneer and freedom fighter, at our CME Fifth Sunday Missionary Day services. They also appealed to other churches and faith traditions across America to set aside a special time during their worship experience to honor this great leader. A special Litany was prepared to honor Mrs. Rosa Parks during these services. Rosa Parks respected and understood the vital role that the church played in the freedom movement. A devout member of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, she developed a faith in God to help her overcome the challenges of racial discrimination. When answering the question, “Why was the church a part of the movement,” she firmly replied in her book Quiet Strength:

“It [the church] was the only legal place our people could gather and

get information without being harassed or unjustly treated. . . . The

church was and is the foundation of our community. It became our

strength, our refuge, and our haven.” (p.31)

A strong woman in similarity to Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks understood the struggle and the movement from civil rights to human rights. Rosa Parks’ refusal to give up her seat on a bus in Montgomery, Alabama, on December 1, 1955, subsequently led to the Montgomery bus boycott organized by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mrs. Parks’ action and the Montgomery bus boycott sparked the civil rights movement which culminated in the 1964 federal Civil Rights Act - which fittingly banned racial discrimination in public accommodations.

The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has been a part of the civil rights movement since its inception and recognizes the important role of Rosa Parks. Her legacy has served as a role model for our youth and a foundation for all Americans to take on the mission of standing up for equality and justice and to overcome barriers. Rosa Parks’ outstanding contribution to American life earned her the highest civilian awards, the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Rosa Parks stood as a strong African American matriarch who served as a living symbol of freedom and justice. On Sunday, October 30, many of our churches joined together to celebrate the life and legacy of Rosa Parks and her mission and vision to seek freedom for all.

Hurricane Katrina Web Page at our Official CME Web Site

Hurricane Katrina Communication Line/Online Journal for the CME Church: Available here

This online journal (commonly known as a blog) has been established for our CME members to share related news and stories about their families, friends and loved ones who were affected by Hurricane Katrina. Members may share information about the needs of the victims; the condition of the local churches in these areas; the ways in which our CME members and friends are helping the victims in the states of Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama; and other such important news.

Messages posted on this journal can be viewed in 1-2 minutes. All posted messages are reviewed and subject to editing.

Press Release from The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Regarding Hurricane Katrina

Wednesday, August 31, 2005 – The Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church under the leadership of Senior Bishop Marshall Gilmore offers the support of its congregations, nationwide, to provide shelter, food and financial assistance to individuals and families impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Chairman of the College of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the CME churches in Louisiana and Mississippi, calls for prayer and action. The CME Church and communities in these states that have not been damaged by the storm and flood will work with the relief agencies in providing support for the victims while aiding in the restoration efforts.

Bishop L.L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate of the CME churches in Alabama, is coordinating the efforts of those Alabama churches to ensure that everything possible is done to provide for the needs of the victims. The congregations will work with government and private relief organizations to ensure help is given where needed.

The College of Bishops is encouraging all CME churches across the nation to raise special offerings throughout the month of September to aid in relief efforts.

Further, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church calls upon President Bush and Congress to mobilize governmental agencies and resources for immediate and swift action to provide rescue and relief to the hundreds of thousands endangered and displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

Additionally, the CME Church calls upon private contractors across the nation to act on behalf of these communities, offering resources and equipment for rescue and rebuilding efforts.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Chair of the Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns, on behalf of the College of Bishops calls for the marshalling of the United States Armed Forces to provide for the mass rescue operations made necessary by the flooding, loss of electricity, and other physical hindrances. Special consideration must be given for displaced victims to be housed at available camps and in particular those military facilities closed over the past several years.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other relevant agencies must coordinate an effective national response, setting forth efficient lines of communication and working with local, state and national organizations in both the public and private sector.

The CME Church recognizes and thanks all citizens and supporters who have already stepped forward to prevent the additional loss of life and more infrastructure damage.

(Atlanta, GA - August 6, 2006) Bishop and Mrs. Williamson Participate in the Keep the Vote Alive! March and Rally in Atlanta, GA.

Click here to watch the video of this event.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. Receives the CME Social Justice Award

Click here to read the press release.

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The Ninth District Holds Its First Spring Convocation

Photos by Roger Karnbad

· (Santa Monica, CA) 14th Annual Death Penalty Focus Awards Dinner at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel, April 13, 2005.

On Wednesday, April 13, 2005 at 7:30 p.m., the Board of Directors of Death Penalty Focus honored Bishop Williamson for his Social Justice and Human Concerns work. Other noted honorees were Sen. Edward Kennedy, Sis. Helen Prejean, Deborah and Andy Rappaport and Jane Kaczmarke. Bishop Williamson received the 2005 Norman Felton and Denise Aubuchon Humanitarian Award at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel Santa Monica, California. The presenters included James Cromwell, Shelley Fabares, Mike Farrell, the Reverend George Regas and Kiefer Sutherland. The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Sr. made a special appearance to be with his dear friend, Bishop Williamson. For additional information about the Death Penalty Focus awards, click here.

The Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns Report to the General Connectional Board - May 5, 2005

Ninth Episcopal District CME Network:

Through the visionary leadership of Bishop Williamson, the Ninth Episcopal District recently purchased its own domain, ninthdistrictcme.org, and established the Ninth District CME Network. The Ninth District CME Network is an opportunity to provide each local church and District in the five Regions with a website, email account(s), and other web features, at a minimal cost of $25 per year for local churches with less than 100 members; $50 for local churches with 100 or more members; and $35 for Presiding Elders' Districts! This amounts to $2-$4 per month! Additionally, email accounts are available for $10 per year for those churches/Districts that wish to have a Ninth District email account only. For additional information about the Ninth Episcopal District CME Network and to download an application, click here. To sign up, contact Theresa Duhart by email <theresaduhart@comcast.net> or telephone: 253.376.6361. It is Bishop Williamson's goal to have the majority of our churches online by the 2006 General Conference!

Upcoming Connectional Events

62nd Phillips School of Theology Founders' Day

and 10th Pastors' Conference

January 9-12, 2006

Hotel Information:

Marriott Atlanta Airport Hotel Atlanta, GA

1-800-228-9290 or 404-766-7900

Download Registration Form

Prayer Corner:

Dr. Albert Sloan, President of Miles College, Birmingham, AL, Passes Away

Dr. Albert J. Sloan, president of Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, passed away on November 25, 2005.

Funeral services for Dr. Sloan were held Thursday, December 1, 2005, 11 a.m., at the Botwell Auditorium in Birmingham, AL

Please keep Mrs. Sloan, their daughters and other family members in your prayers during his time. Also keep Miles College in your prayers as well.

Bishop Williamson's mother, Mrs. Alma J. Carvin, is back home and recuperating! Thank you for your prayers!

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Please remember to keep Aaron Price, son of Rev. & Mrs. Jerome Price, pastor of St. Paul CME Church, Chicago, IL) lifted in prayer! You may send letters and cards of encouragement to him:

Mr. Aaron Price

96 Horsley Mill Road

Carrollton, GA 30117

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Please remember to keep our College of Bishops, General Officers, Connectional Officers, Pastors, Lay Leaders, and Connectional brothers and sisters lifted in prayer!

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Volume 2 – Issue 3 – November 19, 2005

“We Are A Connectional Church

Let’s Stay Connected – Together We Can”

To: 9^th Episcopal Regions – Alaska Pacific, Arizona/New Mexico, Oklahoma/Muskogee, Northern California, and Southern California Regions

From: Southern California Annual Conference CIT Representative

http://www.ninthdistrictcme.org/ and the official Web site of the CME Church http://www.c-m-e.org/

To place any information, prayer requests on the newsletter or to send flyers for the CM EBlast please email Toni Jackson-Williams at tonispeaks@aol.com. Newsletter deadlines are 15^th and 30^th of each month. Prayer requests are accepted at any time.

CM EBlasts are sent on an “as needed” basis

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1. Prayer Requests

2. Special Announcements

3. Regional Information Events & Meeting Dates

4. Episcopal Dates 2005

1. Prayer Requests

Please lift up the Earl Scott Family of Henderson, NV, former residents of Moreno Valley, CA and members of Amos Temple, Riverside, in the loss of their daughter.

Rev. Winnfred Warren, Pastor of Century Chapel, Sacramento, will have heart surgery on November 23, 2005. He is in Mt. Diablo Hospital, Concord, California.

2. Special Announcements

For the latest information on Miles Memorial CME Church building program

Go to http://www.milesmemorialcme.com/ click on the building plans link and then click on the Video Camera.

Tutorial Program for Los Angeles Based Churches – An On-Going Program

The Ninth District CME Church is partnering with Carver, Reddy and Associates Educational Services in California to provide opportunity for local churches to hold tutorial programs. This partnership uses the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Title 1 program to fund salaries and materials for a program at your church to help the children of your community. (Average salary for a volunteer tutor ranges from $10-$12.) This program is for children of all ages who are eligible for free lunch and who attend a program improvement school. (Click here for list of LAUSD eligible schools or call your local school office Title 1 Coordinator to check if their school qualifies.)

A special training for tutors and program coordinators in Los Angeles will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 from 9:00 to 3:00 PM at Amos Memorial CME Church, 2445 West Washington Blvd. All LA area persons interested in tutoring in a program for an upcoming session or any future sessions should attend this training. Please call the Amos Memorial office at (323) 732-8194 with the names of persons who will attend from your church.

Scholarships for Older Students

Deadline: January 3, 2006 –

National apparel retailer Talbots, Inc. http://www.talbots.com/ has launched its 2006 Women's Scholarship Program, a fund that annually awards $100,000 in college scholarships to outstanding women seeking a bachelor's or associate's degree later in life. (After going to the above location – enter Scholarship Program in the Search box)

Sponsored by the Talbots Charitable Foundation, the Talbots Women's Scholarship Fund annually awards five $10,000 scholarships and fifty $1,000 scholarships to women throughout the U.S. Since its inception in 1997, the fund has awarded college scholarships to 440 women, ranging in age from their late 20s to their early 60s.

Eligible applicants must be women currently residing in the U.S. who earned a high school diploma or GED at least ten years ago; are currently seeking a degree from an accredited two- or four-year college, university, or vocational-technical school; and have at least two full-time semesters or twenty-four credits remaining to complete their undergraduate degree.

The postmark deadline for entries is January 3, 2006, or until one thousand eligible applications have been received.

Applications for the scholarship are available at all
Talbots U.S. stores and can also be downloaded online at the Talbots Web site.

3. Regional Information Events & Meeting Dates

Sunday, November 27, 2005 11:00am Warren Chapel Celebrates its 60^thAnniversary with a - “Homecoming Anniversary”

“CELEBRATING 60 YEARS AND THE CHURCH STILL STANDS AFTER KATRINA”
Matthew 7:24-25 - Worship Service Pastor Erick Carpenter will bring the message.

3:30 Worship Service – Hashaway Community CME with Rev. U.L. Butts, Pastor
& Church Family

Sunday, November 27, 2005 – Family and Friends Day, Lewis, Chapel CME Church, Santa Barbara, CA – Bishop Henry M. Williamsons, Sr. will be the featured speaker at Lewis Chapel’s Family and Friends Day Celebration on Sunday, November 27, 2005 at 3:30 PM. Rev. John Deron Johnson, pastor of Phillips Temple CME Church along with the Phillips Temple Church Family will be Lewis Chapel’s special guest. Rev. Dr. Monroe Woods, Jr., is the pastor of Lewis Chapel, Santa Barbara.

December 1 – 3, 2005 Northern/Southern California Mid Winter Council – NOTE CHANGE OF DATE: Registration Fee: $30 - San Ramon Marriott, 2600 Bishop Drive, San Ramon, CA 94583, Hosted by Taylor Chapel CME Church, Vallejo, CA 94590, Rev. Anthony Summers, Pastor.

December 2, 2005 - Hip Hop Fridays – 7:00 – 9:00 PM Youth & Young

Adults will meet at Phillips Temple CME Church, 971East 43^rd Street, Los Angeles, CA. 323- 233-4783 $5 Donation – Proceeds will benefit victims of the recent hurricanes.

December 15, 2005 – Birthday of the CME Church

Ninth District Home	About Our Dynamic Leader	2005 Official Calendar	Important Announcements
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