68th Church Anniversary Commemorative Journal

Greetings In The Matchless Name of Jesus!

How thankful to God we are for 68 years of service to the Kingdom of God and the San Jose /Silicon Valley Community. For the past 8 years, I have had the esteemed privilege and honor to serve as Pastor of such a loving congregation. Certainly the last three years have presented challenges to us as we address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, we boldly, FACE NOW, EMBACE NEXT & SEE NEW! Today, we honor the many Pastors, Ministers, Missionaries, Christian Educators and Laypersons who have left their own inedible mark upon this congregation through the years.

I am extremely grateful to the officers and members of our congregation who sacrifice tirelessly to build the Kingdom of God through ministry and service at Lewis Memorial. Our sincere thanks is extended to Pastor and Mrs. Shyne and the Beebe Memorial Cathedral Church for being our guest for this occasion. To the outstanding Anniversary Committee, thank you for your awesome teamwork and ability to bring fresh ideas and perspective to this year's commemorative weekend. May God richly bless each of you is my prayer.

Regards,

Rev. Ramon D. Stripling Pastor, Lewis Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Executive Coordinator, 9th Episcopal District

Email Address

ramon.stripling@gmail.com exec@9thdistrictcme.org

1363 Turlock Lane San Jose, CA 95132

Find Us Online lewismemorialsj.com

AboutOurSpeaker Rev . AntoineShyne

On July 29th, 2022 Reverend Antoine Shyne was appointed as associate pastor of Beebe Memorial Cathedral CME Church.

This young man is anointed, and the spirit falls fresh on him each Sunday. A son of the parsonage, Rev. Shyne demonstrated a love for the CME Church at an early age and humbly responded to the Call, subsequently received his local preachers license in 1995 at age 10.

Reverend Antoine Shyne, a native of Dayton, Ohio is the eldest son of the late Rev. Dr. O'Neal Shyne, Jr., and Mrs. O’Neal Shyne, Jr. He is the grandson of Rev. and Mrs. Lonnie Waites, and the late Rev. O’Neal Shyne and the late Mrs. Mary E. Gates-Shyne. A graduate of Meadowdale High School in Dayton, Ohio. Rev. Shyne received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology from Central State University in 2008. Furthering his education, he graduated from the United Theological Seminary May 2013.

Rev. Shyne brings with him as pastor, a wealth of experience, coming from the Second Episcopal District of the CME Church. His first pastorate was in 2003 at the Reed Chapel CME Church in Dayton. In 2006, he was assigned as co-pastor of the Metropolitan CME Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 2009, he was appointed senior pastor Rev Shyne was assigned in August 2012, as pastor of Bethel CME Church in Canton, Ohio. On July 26, 2013, he was assigned pastor of the Phillips Temple CME Church in Toledo, Ohio. On August 1, 2014, he was appointed the pastor of Dozier Memorial CME Church in Flint, Michigan. On August 2, 2016 Reverend Antoine Shyne was appointed pastor of Saint Peter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Kansas City, Kansas. He is married to First Lady Leila Shyne and father of First Child Ananiah Judah Shyne! Rev. Shyne is currently a in the Doctoral program at United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio.

OurStory

Rev. Mrs. Lillian L. Henry 1954 – 1958

•

A Member of Phillips Temple CME Church in Berkeley, CA

• The Annual August 1954 California Conference assigned Rev. Henry to San Jose, CA

• Sunday, October 10, 1954 worship services began at Germania Hall, 261 North Second Street, San Jose, CA

• First and faithful Members: Florence Adams, Annabell Huff, Elizabeth Fitch and her family, Margaret Adams Waters Rev. James R. Davis 1958 - 1960

• Led the members in purchasing a church on 640 Spencer Street, San Jose, CA

Rev. James S. Belcher 1960 - 1962

• Dedicated Minister and faithful person

• Membership began to grow

Rev. S. J. Strong 1962 - 1963

• Pastored for one year at Lewis Memorial C.M.E. Church

• Membership growth

Rev. Lee A. Irving 1963 - 1964

• Pastored for one year at Lewis Memorial C.M.E. Church

• Tremendous progress was made during his tenure.

• Membership growth

Our Story II

Rev. Rayford C. Bell

• A man of faith, dedication, and a belief in fasting and praying

1964 - 1974

• San Jose city expansion created a need for a freeway that would take Lewis property

• Encouraged members to remain steadfast as property was sought out.

Pastor A. N. Gardner

1974 - 1986

• Assigned to Lewis Chapel C.M.E. at the California Annual Conference in Oakland, California in August 1974.

• Volunteered his help to Rev. Mrs. Lillian L. Henry for his pastorate.

• The first building fund was established and called the $500 club.

• September 1978, with the help of the Annual Conference, Presiding Elder Herman C. Riley and Bishop Norris Curry, 1363 Turlock Lane, San Jose , California property was purchase for 205,000.00

• Lewis Chapel was changed to Lewis Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (1978) in memory of Bishop F.L. Lewis

• A communion rail, a cross above the choir stand, a Baptismal Fount, and a cornerstone was added to Lewis

• The Young Adult Choir and Florence Adam Missionary Circle were added to the list of church auxiliaries.

• Church was painted and landscape management was put in place.

Rev. Walter J. Butler

1986 - 1989

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial during the August 1986 California Conference held in Los Angeles, CA

• Membership increased

• Remodeled and painted interior and exterior of the church. New doors were installed; new pews, bibles, and pulpit furniture were added.

• Mortgage paid in full at the Mid Winter Council in 1978 that was held in Los Angeles, CA

• Burned the mortgage of the church on July 31, 1988

• Lewis Memorial Missionary Society recognized the third Sunday of September as the Walter J. Butler Scholarship Day for higher education.

• Rev. Butler was assigned to Taylor Chapel, Vallejo, California in August of 1989

• Rev. Butler departed this life on October 17, 1989 in the devastating California earthquake.

Our Story III

Rev. James E. Smith

•

Assigned to Lewis Memorial during the August 1989 Annual Conference

• Several choirs were organized

• Membership increased

• Reassigned on September 23, 1990 to Bell Chapel in San Francisco, CA

1989 - 1990

Rev. Robert E. Rice

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial on September 30, 1990

• Membership increased during his first year

• Several projects were initiated and completed

• The roof was repaired and the doors were refinished.

1990 - 1992

Rev. John Wesley Walker, Jr. 1992 - 1995

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial on August 1992 at the Annual Conference

• Created a “New Vision” and “New Leadership”

• Several former members returned to Lewis memorial

• Black History Celebration, Cinco de Mayo and Kwanza were initiated.

Rev. Wayne W. Mays 1995 - 1998

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial on August 1995 at the Annual Conference in Oakland, California

• Finished his schooling at ITC in Atlanta, Georgia

• Elder Harry L. Redds was our Interim pastor as Rev. Mays finished his education

• Pastor Mays preached his first sermon the Sunday following the Annual Conference and then returned to Atlanta, Georgia

• Moved to San Jose and became the full time Pastor in December of 1995.

• The Annabell Huff Learning Center and the YMCA Child Care Center was started underneath Rev. May’s pastorate.

Our Story IV

Rev. D’Anna Gipson 1998 - 2002

• In August of 1998, Rev. D’Anna Marie Young Gipson was assigned as Pastor

• The Board of Christian Education was restructured

• 6:00 am prayer group (PUSH) met every weekday.

• Lay Ministry was organized

Rev. Glentis A. Turner 2002 - 2004

• In August 2002, at the Northern California Region Annual Conference, Rev. Glentis A. Turner was assigned to Lewis Memorial.

• Lewis Memorial grew spiritually, financially and in membership

• The Men’s Choir “The Gentlemen of Praise” was organized

• Ministerial Staff was increased to include Rev. Dr. Marquita Byrd, Rev. Dr. Bonita Carter Cox, Rev. David Brown and Rev. Christopher Thompson

• Lewis Memorial hosted the Northern and Southern California Mid Winter Council 2003

Rev. Timothy Manly 2004 – 2008

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial C.M.E. Church on August 20, 2004

• Former Pastor of Riley Chapel C.M.E. church of Oakland for seven years

• Membership Increased

• Homeless feeding ministry grew with the assistance of members

• Children’s Church was initiated

Rev. Lawrence P. Lakey 2008 – 2014

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial C.M.E. Church on August 2008

• Increased Membership

• First Spring Convocation Webcast viewed at Lewis Memorial

• Set aside the third Sunday as Youth and Young Adult day

• Free E Waste Collection Fundraiser for member and the community

• S.H.A.R.E.S Program began as a fundraiser

• Campaign for a new church sign was completed in July of 2012

• Rev. Lakey retired after 46 years of ministry

Rev. Ramon Stripling

Our Story Today

2014 – Present

• Assigned to Lewis Memorial C.M.E. Church on August 20, 2014

• Adopted and put in place several policies and procedures

• Membership and baptism by submersion increased

• Revived Class Leaders to Connect Groups

• Created a new Missionary Circle to honor LaVerne Stephens

• Established Monday and Wednesday church member prayer call at 6:30 am.

• During COVID Pandemic, he saw a need for Monday through Friday 7:30 am prayer call. Also, implemented daily Prayer Call Leaders.

• Developed Care Call Leaders to check on Seniors during the COVID Pandemic.

• Developed Zoom Platform Virtual Sunday School

• Created Church Website / Virtual Campus

Congratulations Lewis Memorial CME Church

the Steward Board

“All Christians are but God’s Stewards. Everything we have is on loan from the Lord, entrusted to us for a while to use in serving Him.”

LEWIS MEMORIAL C.M.E. CHURCH ON OUR 68TH CHURCH ANNIVERSARY!

The Stewardess Ministry

Happy 68th Anniversary Lewis Memorial

“

Iliftupmyeyestothemountains,wheredoesmyhelpcomefrom?Myhelpcomes fromtheLord, theMakerofheavenandearth.Hewillnotletyourfootslip,hewho watchesoveryouwillnotslumber,indeedhewhowatchesoverIsraelwillneither slumbernorsleep.TheLordwatchesoveryou,theLordisyourshadeandyourright hand;thesunwiltharmyoubyday,northemoonbynight.TheLordwillkeepyoufrom allharm,hewillwatchoveryourlife;theLordwillwatchoveryourcomingandgoing bothnowandforevermore.”-Psalm 121

PresidentPatsyBonds, VicePresidentChristiaCaroll, SecretaryBrianaPayne, TreasurerFloreneWillis, RachelKendrix, DevotionalLeadersBerniceJordan,RuthBradley,SharonCooley

Anniversary Congratulations

Lewis Memorial CME Church for remaining faithful to God’s calling for 68 years.

Board of Christian Education and Formation

Rev. Ramon Stripling, Ex Officio Chair Beverly Ratcliff, Director

Nena Stephens, Steward Board, Rep. Brianna Payne, Stewardess Board, Rep. Helen Sims, Missy. Pres. /Trustee Rep. Rochelle Lakey, Member at Large John Curry, Member at Large Bernice Jordan, Member at Large James Anquandah, Member at Large Larry Smith, Member at Large

hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

Congratulations & Blessings to

LewisMemorialChristianMethodist EpiscopalChurch

Sixty-Eight Years of Service in His Vineyard!

Missionary Society Guiding Principles

Words of Wisdom:

Lewis Memorial Missionary Society Members

Sims, President

The

Stephens

Missionary Circle

Patsy Bonds

Earsie Mike

Eva Harris

Louise Graves

Nada Logan

Denise Curry

Dorothy Paynes

Helen Turner

Nena Stephens Anitra Dugar Florene Willis

Congratulations & Best Wishes On Our 68th Anniversary

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

Beverly Ratcliff, Reginald, Rhina III, Reginald II, Nia, Evan, Rhoderick, Jacob, Khalil, Kaleb

In Loving Memory Of

“And are we yet alive to see each other’s face? What conflicts have we passed, since we assembled last? But out of all we have boldly held fast and the Lord has brought us by His love; through 68 blessed years so we may Jesus gain. Blessings

“Then we which are alive and remain, shall be caught up together in the clouds to meet Him in the air. And so shall we forever be with the Lord.”

Thessalonians 4:17

Brother Rhina Eugene Ratcliff, Jr. Husband, Father, and Grand/Great-Grandfather

Rhina Eugene Ratcliff, Jr.

Mrs. Beverly Ratcliff

Lewis Memorial CME Church

Philippians 4:6

Earsie Mike Anquandah

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.

James Anquandah

Congratulations to Lewis Memorial CME Church on our 68th Anniversary

God grant us many more years!!

The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trust in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song, I praise Him.

Mrs. Florene Willis Stephanie Willis

10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Mrs. Eva Harris

Lewis Memorial CME Church

In Our Family, we will . .

Love the Lord with our whole heart Mark 12:30

Remind each other we are loved Romans 8:38 39

Forgive and be honest Colossians 3:13 Colossians 3:9-10

Trust in God Proverbs 3:5

Practice compassion with others and ourselves Mark 12:31

Pray More and Worry Less Philippians 4:6

Be kind and have a grateful heart Ephesians 4:32 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Enjoy this life that the Lord has given us Ecclesiastes 8:15

Nada Michelle Jocelynn Anthony

Happy Anniversary Lewis Memorial!

Ruth Bradley

So let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time, if we do not give up. Galatians 6:9

After

Commitment to Learning and Development

Our philosophy is to create a friendly and supportive atmosphere where children feel encouraged to develop new skills, enhance old talents, and establish positive lasting relationships with peers and staff. Our programming and supportive environment encourage children to participate in activities and experiences planned to benefit them academically, emotionally, physically, and socially. Special emphasis is placed on establishing a child's self esteem and confidence. We do this by designing our programs to cover a wide range of age appropriate activities that foster our core character values: caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility.

Safety First

We are all in this together! As the safety of our students, families and staff are our primary goal, we have implemented safety procedures that include but are not limited to the use of facemasks, multiple temperature checks, health questionnaires, sanitation stations, class conducted in a stable group, constant handwashing, lunch in the classroom, no contact sign in and sign out, and online payments to prevent paper transactions.

Please review our comprehensive Sunshine Safety Operating Procedure (SOP) based on the guidance from CDC, DSS Licensing, and County of Santa Clara Department of Public Health. Together by following the expert guidance, we can return to our lives safely.

Effective Learning

Our dedicated and caring staffs will enhance your child’s learning with the all important “human interaction”. We provide a small and stable group of staff and student, so your child can grow academically, cognitively, mentally and emotionally. Students with special interests can enhance their experience by enrolling in our extracurricular activities such as:

• Basketball

• Chess

• Clay Art

• Chinese Enrichment (Free)

• Kung Fu

• Mixed Media Art

• Soccer

• Western Art

• Yoga

(classes may vary each semester & by location)

Peer Interaction

One of the most important ways students learn is through peer to peer interaction. Being in the same classroom, students can learn from everyone’s experiences. This allows them to garner important insight, ideas and much needed social interactions.

information and

Congratulations

Lewis Memorial

68 th Church Anniversary

Mr. Ramon Stripling, Sr

Ms. Lottie Franklin

Lewis Memorial CME Church Congratulations on your 68th Church Anniversary

Congratulations Lewis Memorial

On Your 68th Church Anniversary

God bless you as you move forward in ministering to the needs of your community and the world. He said to them, “go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”

(Mark 16:15 NIV)

Chapel CME Church

Knox,

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (NRSV)

Valley Management Group

Christina Yezzo Managing Director, CCRM (408)393-5910

1625 The Alameda Suite 707 San Jose, CA 95126