PASTOR ANNE GIMENEZ ORDAINED AS BISHOP

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May 8, 2008

Thousands Watch History Being Made

May 8, 2008 (VA. BEACH, VA) – Thousands looked on Tuesday night as Rock Church International’s Senior Pastor Anne Gimenez was officially ordained Bishop of the Rock Ministerial Fellowship (RMF). Dr. Gimenez had been the acting Bishop of RMF since the death of her husband Bishop John Gimenez in February.

Highlights from the historical service included a processional of RMF pastors and the presentation of the candidate, Pastor Anne Gimenez to the congregation. After a period of questions and answers by Reverend’s Bill Smalt and Sonja Davis as to the worthiness of the candidate, the company of attending RMF Pastor’s was asked if they had chosen Pastor Anne as their Bishop. The answer was a resounding ‘We have”. Dr. Gimenez then offered the Covenant of Communion to all of the RMF Pastors in attendance. Four commissions or “charges” were then given to Bishop Gimenez and a gold medallion worn by her late husband Bishop John Gimenez was placed around her neck. Several letters of commendation were read to the congregation by the Rev. Robin Blanchard and then Bishop Anne Gimenez knelt down for prayer and the laying on of hands. Afterwards, to cheers and shouts of praise, Rev. Smalt presented Bishop Anne Gimenez to the congregation and the Rock Ministerial Fellowship as its presiding Bishop.

In her acceptance, Pastor Gimenez honored her late husband John Gimenez and promised to carry forward his vision to win souls and build new churches. She announced that a new school will be established called the “John Gimenez Bible School and the formation of a Board to oversee the growth and vision of the school. In addition she spoke of several new scholarships that have been established to help students come from all over the world to attend the school to receive training there.

Special music was provided by Praise and Worship leader Ricky Hilton, Minister Tammie Bennett and Joy Windham.

There was reception immediately following the service in Bishop Anne Gimenez’s honor.