Gary District 1st Gala Celebration 2023

History of the Great Gary District

The Gary District of the CME Church has a great history and one that has birthed many leaders and ministries that has blessed the CME Church and the communities where many of the churches are located. In 1958, Bishop J. Claude Allen was assigned to the Third Episcopal District of the CME Church. Because of Bishop Allen’s commitment to church growth, the areas in and surrounding Gary, Indiana grew. It was during Bishop Allen’s tenure that the Michigan/Indiana Region was formed. The region would consist of all churches in the North part of Indiana and all churches west of Battle Creek Michigan. Out of that formation, the Gary District would be birthed. The churches would consist of Israel, St. James, Carter Memorial, Laymen Chapel, St. Mark, Allen Chapel, J. Claude Allen, Metropolitan and Wheeler Chapel. Rev. Samuel A. Sea, was appointed as the first Presiding Elder. Since that time, the Gary District has become a major voice in the Third Episcopal District and continues to maintain the commitment to ministry first started by Bishop Allen. The District is grateful to the many elders, pastors, ministers and laity, who have utilized their gifts and graces to make the Gary District what it is today. As we move forward into the future, our prayer is that the Gary District continues to grow as a District and look forward to where God is going to take us.

Presiding Elders of the Great Gary District

Rev. Samuel A. Sea

Rev. Carrell K. Cargle

Rev. Norman Ott

Rev. W.J.G. McLin

Rev. Dr. Janice Blackmon-Smith

Rev. Dr. Essie Clark-George

Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams

THE GREAT GARY DISTRICT

THE CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

The Third Episcopal District

of the

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

P.O. Box 211237

Normandy, MO 63121 (314) 381-3111 Office

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Presiding Prelate

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior,

On behalf of Michigan/Indiana Region and the Third Episcopal District, Mrs. Williams and I are overjoyed with excitement and jubilation in celebrating the ministry of the Great Gary District. The Gary District is preserved with the hope of inspiring our present and future age during this new millennium. It is our prayer that you will preserve the ideals and dreams of those who labored for so long enduring many hardships while working in this area of the Lord's vineyard Certainly, God has been our shield and strength. He has guided us with his counsel; blessed us by his providence and inspired us by his spirit.

Today we can celebrate a long and lasting legacy of charitable Christian service and traditions based upon vibrant worship services, religious training, and sustained outreach services that have uplifted those who have found themselves counted among the least, the last, and lost.

Thank you for your stewardship, your love, and especially your support; but more importantly, thank you for your faithfulness. May God continue to bless you and your families in all that you endeavor as “Many generations continue to praise thy works.”

Humbly submitted,

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr.

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. Presiding Prelate

GUEST SPEAKER Reverend

!. Joseph B. Gordon

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Pastor Joseph B. Gordon accepted his call to ministry at the age of 15. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan, holding a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Communications and a Master of Divinity from the Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, IL. He continued his studies at the Institute of Church Administration and Management at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He has an earned Doctor of Ministry degree in Prophetic Preaching and Congregational Leadership from United Theological Seminary in Dayton, OH. Dr. Gordon’s commitment to excellence through education is directly attributable to his capabilities, not only as a preacher of the gospel, but also as a transformational teacher in practical theology. He has a great love for the people of God, particularly those who are on the fringes of society. Pastor Gordon is married to Lady Nivea Gordon

Dr. Gordon is blessed to be an invited preacher, teacher, and revivalist across the United States. He was blessed to be an inaugural presenter at the Styberg Preaching Institute at Garrett Seminary and also received the Styberg Award for excellence in homiletics as well as the 2011 Outstanding Minister Award from the Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA. He’s also a three-time recipient of the Spirit of Detroit Award. Pastor Gordon serves as an advisory board member for Brothers and Sisters United against HIV/AIDS (BASUAH) in Illinois. He is the current Budget Director for the Third Episcopal District of the C.M.E. Church, as well as the chairman of the Joint Board of Finance of the Southeast MO, IL and WIS Region, and held the same position in the Michigan-Indiana Region. He currently serves as the president of Chicago District Ministerial Alliance (CME Church). He also served on the Board of Directors for the Storehouse of Hope, a church and nonprofit collaborative in Detroit’s Northend neighborhood. His affiliations and experiences include: public relations aide for Congressman John Conyers, Jr., the NAACP (as a community-faith liaison), Detroit’s Community Faith Initiative, Garrett-ETS field education supervisor and mentor, a delegate to the General Conference of the CME Church, One Church One School (Board of Directors), the Conference of National Black Churches, a founding member of the Black Methodist Alliance of Detroit, past president of the Detroit District Ministerial Alliance, and a member of the Pan-Methodist Commission. Dr. Gordon currently serves on the National Council of Churches, where he is a member of the Intergenerational Think Tank and the Faith and Order Commission. He also works alongside interdenominational and community leaders on Chicago’s Southside.

Prior to Carter Temple, Dr. Gordon served as senior pastor in four assignments in the states of Illinois and Michigan. Under his leadership, there were increases in stewardship, membership and community involvement. But, more importantly, lives have been changed and souls have been won for the kingdom of God. His passions are preaching, teaching and working with civic and community leaders, health care issues and other concerns directly related to the African American experience and the urban church.

Rev. Terry Wheat Sis. Linda Anderson

It has been a pleasure working with the Laity and Clergy of the Great Gary District on this inaugural Gala Celebration. I am humbled to have been asked to co-chair this event with the awesome Lay Leader, Mrs. Linda Anderson. Thank you to all the committee members for their hard work to make this Gala Celebration a success. A special thanks to Elder Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams for his leadership and vision. To my husband, Rev. Jerome Wheat for his encouragement and support. We are truly blessed in the Gary District to have such a strong heritage of Laity and Clergy on whose shoulders we stand. I pray that the Great Gary District continues in their footsteps and do everything Great for our God, our Zion, our churches and our communities.

To God Be the Glory,

Rev. Terry Wheat Pastor of Wheeler Chapel CME Church

Since becoming the Lay Leader in June of 2017, it has always been a vision of mine that the Laity and Pastors would work collectively to build the Kingdom of the Gary District. I am humbled that Elder Adams also has the same vision. Through this vision we are celebrating our 1st Gary District Gala! To all the Laity and Clergy that make the Great Gary District, thank you for your leadership, support and positive prayers. God's continued blessings to you all!

Blessings and Love,

Sis. Linda Anderson Gary District Lay Leader

ROBIN DEAN is 12 years old and is a member of St. James CME Church. She a4ends Michelle Obama Middle School located in Park Forest, IL. Robin is very acAve in her church’s Children and Young Adult Ministry. She a4ends Sunday School regularly. Robin is very outspoken and has a bubbly and outspoken personality.

CHARRANN MOORE is 13 years old and is graduating from the 8th grade from James Hart Middle School. Charr attends St. Mark CME Church. She has been a part of the CME church since she was two and is a consistent presence in the local church and at the district level. Charr (as she is affectionately called) serves as a Jr. Stewart and takes her role in this capacity very seriously. She is always ready and willing whenever she is asked to fill in for ushering, children's church, or to offer prayer for worship. Charr has traveled throughout the 3rd District from Denver to Kansas to Joliet, and while it hasn't always been easy, Charr never complains about how tough it is. She has developed a personality that can get along with almost anyone, which shows every time she has been placed in a new space. Now that she is stabilized in Illinois, she is excited to graduate from Homewood-Flossmoor High School (Class of 2027), attend Law School in Chicago, and perhaps even be a teacher. If you spark a conversation with her, you will quickly forget that she is just 13, as she is wise beyond her years.

CHLOE MARIE GOINS is 17 years old and is a member of Israel CME Church. She a4ends Westside Leadership Academy located in Gary, IN. Chloe is a member of the Honor Society. She is also a student in the Upward Bound Program at Purdue University. She has parAcipated as a member of the Junior Usher Board. Chloe is an excellent speaker and has used her gi` to speak at the Black History and Women’s Day programs at her church. She is silly and fun to be around. Chloe is very compassionate and empatheAc. She is a sweet and beauAful young lady.

IMANI MOORE is 15 years old and a4ends Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills, IL. Imani is an acAve member of Wheeler Chapel CME Church. She was bapAzed at Wheeler Chapel by Rev. Jerome Wheat. She has accepted Christ and carries the light of Christ with her. She is one of the soloists in the choir. Imani assisted with the Children’s Christmas Santa Gi` Giveaway, and she helped in preparing arAcles for the church’s resale shop. She serves as a hostess when the church serves meals, she ushers and has one of the best smiles ever!!!!! She never has to be asked to help because she always asks what can she do.

Imani has shown great improvement in actude, social skills, problem solving, opAmism, selfawareness, developing emoAonal intelligence, and adapAng to change. She has maintained straight A’s while managing to parAcipate in three sports. She’s a leader. For her future goals, she wants to be a real estate agent, architect, or interior designer. She parAcipated in an architectural mentorship in the fall and she occasionally volunteers at the local primary schools.

SHIRNICE SPENCE is the youngest of three daughters. She has been a cheerleader since the fi`h grade and has been a praise dancer at Carter Memorial CME Church since the age of six. She has been a honor roll student since kindergarten and has a GPA of 4.2 and is a member of the NaAonal Honors Society. She is a senior at the Gary Lighthouse College Prep Campus in Gary, IN. She will be a4ending Purdue University West Lafaye4e majoring in biomedical health sciences with a concentraAon in pre-med and a minor in forensic science. She is acAvely involved in the Trio program at Ivy Tech (Gary campus) and Upward Bound Program at Purdue University Northwest.

Gala !ogram

FRIDAY, MAY 19 , 2023

WELCOME

Sis. Linda Anderson

INVOCATION

Rev. Willie B. Weaver, Jr.

HISTORY OF THE GARY DISTRICT

Sis. Sheila Shine

SPOKEN WORD

Rev. Yabrina Wesley

BLESSING OF THE MEAL

Rev. Dr. Claudia Robinson-Dunlap ***

PRESENTATIONS/AWARDS

Rev. Cassandra Weaver

Sis. Annette Davis

INTRODUCTION OF THE SPEAKER

Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams

SELECTION

The Three More Sopranos

MEDITATION

Rev. Dr. Joseph Gordon

INVITATION TO DISCIPLESHIP

Rev. Gregory Williams

SILENT AUCTION RESULTS

Sis. Bettina Nash

CLOSING REMARKS

Sis. Linda Anderson

Rev. Terry Wheat

Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams

BENEDICTION

Rev. Dr. Joseph Gordon

Laymen Chapel would like to give flowers to our Senior Saints. Your dedication to our church family and your love for God is evident in everything you do!

You are Appreciated

Dorothy Odom

Charlotte Bridges

Gerri Fitch

Doris Caldwell

Lela Armstead

Donna Waller

Gwendolyn Williams

Doris Hankins

George Hankins

Daisy Scott

Mai Pittman

Jerry Green

Janice Bush

Thomas Daniels

James Dokes

Barbara Murphy

Nettie Murphy

William Murphy

Bonita Pruitt

Verline Wilson

Arline McCullu m

Judy O’Brien

Janice Linton

Laymen Chapel C.M.E. Church

303 S. Kenmore St.

South Bend, IN 46619

Rev. Terrell A. Jackson-Pastor

The Laity:

Engaging in Effective Ministry

The Officers & Members Of The Great Gary District Lay Ministry

Celebrate and Honor

Those righteous Laymen that paved the road for “Effective Ministry” for Present and Future Generations Of The C.M.E. Church

Mrs. Linda D. Anderson – District Lay Leader

Rev. Dr. Curlee L. Adams – Presiding Elder Bishop Sylvester Williams – Presiding Prelate