THE CONNECTIONAL MINISTERS’ SPOUSES, WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS
By Marilyn D. Mitchell
The executive committee of the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department, along with all our bishops and wives, other spouses, widows and members of this great Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, assembled at The Seventh Annual Unity Summit and General Connectional Board meeting from August 19 – August 23, 2019. “A Way Forward: Vibrant Worship” was the theme and the conference convened in the sunny Phoenix, Arizona at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix. The atmosphere was set before everyone arrived because prayers had gone forth and God showed himself throughout the entire week.
By the time most members arrived, the committee of bishops, conference staff, clerical officer staff and host committees had already been on the scene several days working out the final plans. If was evident of their hard and diligent work because this unity summit was phenomenal. The vibrant worship during the communion service, the daily classes, the magnificent choir and the fellowship were such a blessing.
The connectional ministers’ spouses executive committee had an awesome meeting on Tuesday, August 20, 2019 as the fellowship was rekindled and reclaimed. Carolyn Hassell, president, asked past presidents Linda Whitlock and Debra Harris to join in this meeting in order to insure the group stays on task. On Wednesday, August 21, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. the department meet with the patron Bishop, Godwin T. Umoette, his wife, Elizabeth, episcopal advisors spouses, widows of bishops and widows of retired bishops. The meeting went well and the bylaws were adopted with minor changes.
After the general meeting of the MSWWD, the attendees went immediately into a luncheon that was well attended and everyone enjoyed the delicious food. At the end of the meal, Patron Bishop Godwin T. Umoette had a great time participating in a game show that really awarded him cash. To bring this evening to a close, a meaningful workshop was presented and a lot of great information was disseminated. We are off to another great year and are very thankful for the opportunity