The 2021 CMBA Annual Meeting will be held Thursday, October 7, at 6 p.m. in the sanctuary of Cedar Creek Baptist in Blythewood. The brief meeting will include necessary business procedures and greetings from CMBA Executive Director Search Committee Chair Jacob Helsley before dismissing to the fellowship hall for a retirement celebration honoring Cathy Locklear. CMBA appreciates Locklear’s more than 20 years of service to churches and ministries that have had lasting impacts in Midlands communities.
“At its best,” shared Executive Director George Bullard, “the annual meeting of a Baptist association is a family reunion where we get together to sing, pray, talk, remember the blessings of God, project God’s vision for our family of congregation, plus conduct necessary business. This year we have the wonderful opportunity to give thanks for a true servant of God – Cathy Locklear. I hope you will join us for this wonderful time together.”
Though Locklear formally retired effective August 31, 2021, she will continue in a part time capacity to “transfer ministry knowledge” to Interim Impacting Communities Mobilizer Chris Reinolds through the end of the year. Reinolds will assume all responsibilities related to the Impacting Communities Mobilizer role in an interim capacity per Bullard’s plans to retire effective June 30, 2022, and to allow a future CMBA executive director the opportunity to permanently fill this role.
In related news, early meetings with the Executive Director Search Committee have occurred. In addition to Helsley, members include: Ralphetta Davis, associate pastor of Concord Fellowship; Ryan Dupree, international minister of First Baptist Columbia; Brenda Sheets, member of St. Andrews Baptist; and, Buck Williams, member of Mt. Elon Baptist. Alternate members are Cookie Adams, member of Kilbourne Park Baptist, and Dan Griffin, pastor of Harmony Baptist. The committee was named by CMBA Moderator Jay Thompson following Bullard’s formal retirement announcement. CMBA will provide news and updates during the process as they are available from the committee.
Individuals interested in contributing to a love offering for Locklear may 
donate through the CMBA website’s donation page. Visit www.columbiametro.org, click the “donate” button and then select “Cathy Locklear Love Offering” under the designation drop down menu. The love offering will be presented to Locklear during the retirement celebration.
Cedar Creek Baptist is located at 1920 Cedar Creek Road in Blythewood.