New Book by Keva Green
Keva Green (M.Div. ’05, D.Min. ’13) has published a new book, Where Have You Seen God? Recognizing the Divine Presence in Everyday Life (September 2019, Resource Publications). The book features a foreword by Alyce McKenzie and a review by William J. Abraham, who writes, “Keva Green has given us a unique set of stories that bring alive the doctrine of providence for those of us starved of encouraging news. She writes like an angel, but it is the content that will nourish your mind and heart. Don’t read it all at once; take it a chapter at a time and allow it to bring renewed hope to your weary soul.” Ordained in the Methodist Church (Britain), Green presently serves as senior pastor at First United Methodist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas.
Friends We Will Miss
Rev. Cecil C. Bliss
The Rev. Cecil C. Bliss, 86, a retired member of the Great Plains United Methodist Conference, died November 29. A 1959 Master of Theology graduate of Perkins, he served churches in Milford, Neb.; Wayne, Neb.; and Lexington, Neb.; and was senior pastor at St. Mark’s United Methodist church in Lincoln, Neb., before his retirement in 1998. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his son, Mark (Stephanie) Bliss; and his daughter, Ann Castner. A private service was held December 2. Memorials can be sent to the Food Bank of Lincoln, Neb., and the Center for People in Need in Lincoln, Neb.
Dr. Guy Garrett
Dr. Guy Garrett, Director of Academic Procedures at Perkins School of Theology from 1982-92, died November 30 following an extended illness. He received his Master of Theology degree at Perkins in 1959. After graduation, Dr. Garrett and his wife, Betty, served in Southeast Asia for 17 years with the Methodist Church of Singapore and Malaysia. Later he served on the staff of Spring Valley United Methodist Church, until his retirement from the North Texas Annual Conference in 1996 with 39 years of service. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Betty; his sons, Marc and wife, Cathy, Paul Gregory and wife, Ann, and his daughter, Allison and husband, Tom Howes. A memorial service was held on December 7 at Spring Valley United Methodist Church in Dallas.
Notes or messages of condolence may be sent to Betty Garrett, 8030 Frankford Road, #130, Dallas, TX 75252.
Dr. James E. Pledger
Dr. James E. Pledger (1977, Master of Sacred Theology) died Dec. 29, 2019, in Fort Worth. Jim devoted 50 years to responding to God’s call to serve Jesus Christ as a United Methodist pastor in 10 churches in Arkansas, North Texas and Central Texas. Highlights of his ministry include: serving as the founding/organizing pastor for Trinity UMC in Denton; creating the Great Days of Service program; and creating Service Academy for Youth, a day-camp/residential youth component for Great Days of Service. Jim was also a delegate to General Conference in 1992 and as District Superintendent for the Sherman-McKinney District (1990-1994). He is survived by his wife, Kay Hovell, daughters Beth and Lindsey and their spouses, and grandchildren Milo, Caroline, Lila and Carter. A service was held Jan. 2 at Arlington Heights United Methodist Church. Memorials may be given to AHUMC to support Jim’s vision to create a Prayer Room at the church. Read the obituary here.