N E W S ‘N ’ V I E W S Published quarterly by and for the Retirees of the Memphis Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church Carroll H. Gallimore, Editor 367 Rockwell Rd. Jackson, TN 38305-1836 731-660-1551 E-mail: [email protected] Reporter deadlines: January 15 - April 15 - July 15 - October 15 > a net gain in membership was reported by one hundred twenty-seven churches > a new streamlined format was used…some folks liked some parts while disliking other parts. I N M E M O R I A M > a new organizational model was approved for our programming staff that will be called the Connectional Ministries Team (CMT), replacing the We prayerfully remember our deceased clergy old terminology of Program Ministries Team (PMT). and spouses who have died since April 15, 2008, > a new budget was adopted, representing a one-half as provided by the Conference Secretary: percent reduction over 2007. > effective January 1, 2009, there will be a 9% Dorothy Marie Palmertree (widow of Ellis) Southaven, MS March 4 increase for The Clergy Wellness Commission (insurance); new coverage for vision needs. Timothy M. Salyers (Rosalina) The increase is the first in two years. Jackson, TN March 27 > ordained as Deacons in Full Connection: Daphne Eubanks Moses and Sammy G. Tillman Ruby Virginia Hulme (widow of Joseph C.) > ordained as Elders in Full Connection: James R. Columbia, MO [Interment, Memphis, TN] May 12 McKinney, III, and Nancy Johnston Varden. Irene Kesterson (widow of Glenn) We retirees rejoiced to see one of our very own Benton, KY June 5 recognized on the floor of the Conference. Lillie M. Raines Corinne (T.C.) Lewis (A. Kendrick) of Memphis, widow of the Rev. Paducah, KY June 8 E. B. Raines, has been attend- ing Annual Conferences for 72 Harry E. Burke (Thelma) years, beginning in 1936. She Lexington, TN June 27 missed only one Conference because of a sister who was ill in the hospital. Forty friends and relatives helped her celebrate “96 years young” on July 1st. Call and congratulate her: 901-357-7837. FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK We also welcome the following new retirees into the For those who couldn’t attend Annual Retirees Association (don’t worry, it’s FREE and Conference, here are a few highlights. automatic and you receive this newsletter quarterly! 1 We hope you’ll become contributors by sharing your Dear Carroll, Just a note to let you know how much we views on pertinent matters and also your news): appreciate the News ‘N’ Views. It’s our connection to the Conference and friends there. I so enjoyed talking with you William Kent Bailey Stephen E. Mischke last year when we were there. We’ve both had health Thomas E. Cary, Jr. Edward W. Walton, Jr. problems, but seem to be all right now. Andy and his Billy J. Harris Jerry Lynn Wilson family were here the weekend of Conference, and Grace Ann is coming next week, so we probably will not come to Ed Franklin Jeffrey Thomas M. Yoder Tennessee this summer. Hope you and Russell are doing Don Harold Lawrence well. - Love, Mary Jane & Bill Grandberry We invite you, our newest retirees, to attend our 50th ANNIVERSARY: annual Retirees’ Retreat at Lakeshore, October 7-8, 2008. More information will be forthcoming. Congratulations to Ann & Frank Gardner of Martin Welcome to Glenn and Sandra Jo Elliott, our who celebrated their 50th newest reporters who’ll be calling folks in 5 counties Wedding anniversary on under an “Area-Wide News” heading. Dossie June 28th. Wheatley, whose Huntingdon list seemingly weren’t news-makers, SYMPATHY TO THE RUTH MISCHKE FAMILY: “signs-off” his long reporting stint with much appreciation and thanks from all Dear Russell and Carroll: Some folks knew Vernon and of us. We’ll miss your news and your me, and our children. Our daughter, Lanie, died in “little boy” photo [right]! Lakewood, Colorado, on May 8th. It was certainly not expected. She was diagnosed with lung cancer…and - Carroll that's the story. Her brothers were wonderful...Bob and his wife Genca, taking care of her, and Dick and David Bishop H. Ellis Finger Dies helping. Her memorial service was held in Lakewood, October 8, 1916 – May 25, 2008 Colorado, on June 6th at a park near her home. Her three Ashville, NC. brothers were there, and about 50 of her friends- from over the years. She had worked in the Denver area, teaching Bishop Finger was our bishop from computer and teaching blind and handicapped skiers (she 1964-1976. We remember his loved downhill skiing); she worked with photography, magnificent memory, especially of mounting and framing many photos from Africa, bear cubs our names. We’ll always recall from the Denver Zoo, and animals in general; she restored old photographs; she traveled; and she kept foreign how he goofed on Frank Bulle’s persons in her home for short periods of time. Her wishes name when he recognized him on were that if anyone wanted to contribute something in her the floor of the Annual Conference memory, it could be to: 1) Wild Animal Sanctuary, 1946 as Frank Boo-lay! Weld County Rd 53, Keenesburg, CO 80643;303-536-0118, or “Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can 2) Cat Care Society, 5785 West Sixth Avenue, hear.” - Mark Twain Lakewood, CO 80214. NEWS ABOUT & FROM OUR READERS I'm not thinking about a trip to TN just now, but I really am glad I got to visit two years ago. It was so good to be in NOTES OF THANKS: Jackson, Memphis, at Lakeshore, etc. I'm very conscientiously trying to gain a few pounds...and feel "perky" to go to Grass Valley, California, July 2-7, for a Carol and Russell: Congratulations again for an important family get-together…there are five great-grand-children, task done well. I feel sure that all readers of News and and If I don't see them once in a while, I'm not very real to Views appreciate the result of your hours of work. A big them. Best wishes. and heartfelt THANKS! - Sincerely, Ruth Dated April 25, 2008 - Harold Montgomery A GREAL ROLE MODEL . More! Dear Carroll: Sending a quick note to tell you how much I Mary W. Mitchell (left) has begun her enjoy the News 'N' Views….In addition to all of your other th 9 year as pastor of the Salem-Walnut duties....you do a terrific job and I thank you. Grove Charge in Milan. She really - Sincerely, Ruth (Yancey) Redmon enjoys people…so much so that she 2 graciously took on a third church in June, the Lessenberry even see wild deer, and all kinds of birds, in the green Church within the Milan Arsenal! ways of downtown Nashville. There are a number of benches for the less hardy to just sit and enjoy nature. DALE & CHARLENE MILLS . America the Beautiful! FRAN & DICK FLICK. from Florida to England & Back! In May, Dale and Charlene Mills enjoyed one of the several “dream Our summer began with a seven-day Emory Alumni vacations” they promised sponsored trip to the Tuscany region of Italy, visiting themselves upon retirement. The places like Cortona, Siena, and Assissi. We continued to 3,500 mile venture included Venice for 3 nights and ended the 16-day trip in England. touring Shenandoah Valley of We 'just happened' to be at Westminster Abbey for a Virginia; Acadia National Park of communion service and St. Paul's Cathedral for Evensong. Maine; White Mountains in New Hampshire; Niagara Falls, That was a treat within itself, but for Methodists, a tour of New York; and celebrating a grandson’s birthday in Wesley's Chapel and Home was a highlight. Even enjoyed Indianapolis, IN. “From the mountains (snow-capped a musical concert at noon at the chapel. We haven't toured Mount Washington) to the valleys to the ocean white with the rest of Florida much, but while Dick's brother and foam,” they saw sights they had never seen before and will family were here we went to St. Petersburg and toured the not likely ever see again. So enjoyable was the trip that Salvador Dali Museum--very interesting--was glad we they are already planning for next year’s venture. joined near enough to a tour group to gather bits and pieces of info, which made the art more meaningful. The Mills now live in White Bluff, TN, where Charlene Thanks, Russell & Carroll for all your efforts! works several beautiful flower gardens and provides after- ***** school care for their granddaughter, Elizabeth, and where A Special APPRECIATION BANQUET honored Wayne Dale pastors Barth Vernon Church, plus working in his Fesmire with a special wood-working shop and fishing with Elizabeth. They say it floral gift on May 23 at is indeed “a wonderful life,” one which they hope to pursue Lambuth Memorial UMC so long as health and finances allow. Had they known in recognition of his years “retirement” would be so much fun, they would have tried it of faithful service as earlier! Conference Secretary. Special guests and Tom and Mary Perkins . Riding for $$$$$! spouses were those who are currently serving on the Secretary’s Staff or have served in the past. The new Hi Folks. In retirement Mary and I have been fortunate to Conference Secretary, Dr. John Bonson, was the host have 5th Sundays as vacation time. On the fifth Sunday in pastor for the event. At Annual Conference, Wayne was March, Mary and I were thirty miles presented with a wall plaque in recognition of his north of New Orleans at Mandeville outstanding contribution to the Conference.