 Happy New Year! Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17) Another year has come to an end and a new one has begun! Except for the celebrations, special services and special meals of black-eyed peas and greens, in reality, very little was different between the last day of the old year and the first days of the new year! In spite of our efforts to declare the "newness" of the year, many of us deep down feel as if nothing has changed. We have the same old problems, the same old job, the same old bills, the same old car, the same old spouse, the same old children, the same old sickness, the same old (you fill in the blank)......We are still dealing with the same concerns and challenges in the new year that we faced in the old year! But the word from 2 Corinthians reminds us that there is a way to transcend the "old" things of life...surrender them and ourselves to Christ. For in Christ, renewal and revival are possible. Externally, things may look like the same old stuff, but internally, Christ can give new life, new hope to all. So, instead of expecting anything to look different from the outside, look inward and ask Jesus to give you something new for the year ahead - new joy, new peace, new love, new mercy, new grace, new forgiveness, new patience, new spirit -- everything we need to have a Happy New Year!
Don't forget,
January 31st is the deadline for all resolutions for the 2014 General Conference!
Click here for instructions to submit resolutions.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
January 10-13
College of Bishops Meeting, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Atlanta, GA
January 13-16
Phillips School of Theology Pastor's Conference and Founder's Day Celebration, Sheraton Gateway Hotel, Atlanta, GA
Saturday, January 18 at 3 pm
Family and Friends Day of Celebration, Mt . Zion CME Church, Avon Park, FL
January 26-February 1
Connectional Youth and Young Adult Week
February 1
Florida Region Christian Education Event, Grays Temple, West Palm Beach, FL
*
Phenomenal Women's Summit
August 28-30, 2014
PASTORAL CONCERNS
Bereavement
Rev. Charles Dale's (retired, Huntsville District) 27 year old son, Brioni Jamaal Rutland, was murdered at the end of November.
Rev. Morris Lewis (St. Luke, Oakbowery, AL) lost his mother, Mrs. Frances Moore on December 18th.
Rev William Drummond (Coger Hill, Daviston, AL) lost his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Dixon of Greenville, SC on December 26th.
The Pipes, Malone and Mastin Families (Frazier CME Church , Athens, AL) continue to mourn the loss of Minister Clifford Mastin and Brother James Pipes in a car accident last month.
Rev. James Wilson (Greater St. Paul, Akron, AL) lost his brother-in-law.
Prayers Needed
Doris Pitts (former Missionary President, Jacksonville-Orlando District) is continuing to recover from a kidney transplant. Her granddaughter, Rev. Ericka Dunbar, was her donor.
Rev. Janice Smith (Taylor Chapel, Pritchard, AL) is recuperating from surgery.
Rev. Deborah Pace (Lane Chapel, Waldo, AL) continues to recuperate at home from a stroke and chemotherapy.
Rev. Dr. Willie Owens (Acklin Chapel, Gurley, AL ) is in rehab following back surgery.
Rev. Gregory Woods (Huntsville District) continues to need prayer for strength and healing.
Rev. Walter Elliott (Huntsville District) is recovering from a fall.
Rev. Annie Miles (Tuscaloosa District) is recovering from surgery.
Rev. Eddie Lewis (retired, Anniston District) is recovering from surgery.
Contact Us:
Mailing Address:
P. O. Box 13383
Birmingham, AL 35202
Office Location:
4901 Lloyd Noland Parkway
Fairfield, AL 35164
PLEASE DO NOT SEND MAIL TO THIS ADDRESS, USE THE POST OFFICE BOX ABOVE!!!
Website:
www.cmefifthdistrict.org
Facebook:
5th Episcopal District of Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME)
Email:
cmec35203@yahoo.com
Twitter:
@cme5th
Office Phone:
205-929-1145
CME Church Website
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