Guest Blogger, Coral Thomas, Member of Greater Hope Gospel United Church, Memphis, TN

When Bishop Percy Jennings appointed (well it was actually more of a mandate rather than an 'appointment') Rev. Theophilus Simmons to serve as the Senior Pastor of my church, Greater Hope Gospel United Church in Memphis, I wasn't so sure that was the best idea. Why? Because I knew the Bishop had done that because of all of the shenanigans and goings ons between Rev. Simmons and that alley cat, Glodean Benson.

Oh, I know she's been all 'doodied' up as a First Lady out in North Carolina and such. But that thang is what she is. I ain't never liked her back then, and I show don't like her right now. I don't know what was wrong with Rev. Simmons when all of that happened between him and her. You know folks don't like to talk about that now because of Essie and because Pastor turned his life around and got right with the Lord. But it still happened, so there.

I am so glad Rev. Simmons got himself right with Jesus. Folks can get so all caught up in the hoopla of church business until they forget about what the church is really about, The Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of those politics and maneuverings can make things so hard for folk, especially preachers, 'cause they, unlike us, do have to deal with the workings (good or bad) of their bishops. I wish it weren't necessarily so. But it is what it is. You know, if those bishops rule on something crazy, you can guarantee it'll get a little bit crazy for the pastors.

We, the regular church folk, can tell the bishop to go and jump in the lake if he (and now, she) ain't acting right, and listening to the Lord when He tells them yes or no on an issue. I mean, there have to be times, when the bishops come up with something and the Lord says....NOOOOOOOOO!!!!! I mean, when we the regular folk in the church, the ones sitting in the pews hear about some things they are working on and trying to make as a new rule and such, we'll be like...WHAT? WHY? And then we'll scratch our heads, hard, trying to figure out what part of 'that is just pure-tee crazy talk and actions' that you don't understand.

Whew, I could write a book myself on that one. But I'd better slow this down because Lee Allie has sent me an email while writing that this, that the next guest blogger is on the way to her to get ready for tomorrow.

But anyways, all of this what I'm sayin' is just a good reason to make sure that the Gospel United Church gets good bishops. And I know that when they get to that General Conference in Durham in More Church Folk, it's gonna be on, Coral Thomas.

Guest Blogger, Mother Laticia Harrell, Saphronia McComb's Grandmother

When first asked to author this un-refined form of communication, I wanted to decline the offer. How I long for the days, when you wrote notes on beautifully colored, fine linen stationary in creams and dove grays with real fountain pens.......

My bad...Lee Allie is glaring at me. You know, I never did like those Lanes.

Heavens me. What can I share with you about More Church Folk, other than I found it to be a delightful read...especially since I'm not in it...come to think of it, that little missy who wrote the book, had the audacity to send me on.....

I have to go before I start talking too much and I will have to dust the floor with Lee Allie...I wish...I wish...I wish she would come over here, Mother Harrell.

Guest Blogger, Dr. Saphronia McComb James, Essie Simmons' old church member

I was touched and honored by Lee Allie Lane Hawkins' request to do a blog spot about More Church Folk. Now, I do have a few bones to pick with Ms. Bowen for the way she put me on blast in Church Folk. How you gone do a....

Forgive me...why was it necessary to tell all of my business like that in the book. I mean, no one had to know that butter really does melt in my mouth. I have a persona to maintain. And folk don't need to know that "I don't play..."

Heavens me! What has gotten in to me speaking so out of term like that. Okay, deep breath. I just get so charged up whenever I think about Church Folk. But to be honest, Church Folk was liberating for me. I never had so much fun, as when I rolled up on Marcel in that funeral home and beat him up good.

I need to get back on the subject at hand. Lee Allie is looking at me. Well, I'm reading More Church Folk right now, and all I can say is that you need to get the book when it hits the stores next month, Saphronia.

Guest Blogger, Cleotis Clayton of Clayton Funeral Homes, Glodean Benson's First Cousin

I feel like writing this blog about as much as I feel like being hooked up with the likes of Marcel Brown and Sonny Washington again. Those two want all of the perks and none of the work. And they are always cooking up something, then come to me to help them because they are too dumb and lazy to do it themselves.

Oh...I'm sorry...Lee Allie just handed me a note to quit talking about those two and focus on the new book. I really don't know what she wants me to say. I mean, I can't stand Sonny, even if he is married to my cousin, Glodean. Shoot, she gets on my nerves, too, with her spoiled self. And what's up with all of that daggone pink? Who do you know wears the same color clothes and they have lots of clothes? Huh?

Oh...sorry for the second time. Lee Allie just cut her eyes at me. It's just that when I start thinking about Church Folk and now, More Church Folk, I can't help but think about them. Church Folk was a trip. And to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, something neither Marcel or Sonny would know anything about, More Church Folk takes what they did in Church Folk to a whole new level. It's like it's a trip to the second power, Cleotis Clayton

Guest Blogger, Lee Allie Lane Hawkins, Essie Lane Simmons' mom

I was asked to coordinate folk being guests on Michele's blog page while we wait for More Church Folk to be released on July 28th. I had specific instructions and I am going to make sure the guest bloggers act right and like they have some sense.

I invite all to check out the blogs and comment on them. It's been fun, even if the bloggers have worked my nerves down to the last stran of DNA. And I am in the process of inviting new guests. Right now, waiting to hear from Saphronia's grandmother, and Saphronia herself. Sent an invite to Glodean Benson but she is not always the easiest woman to deal with. But I'm sure she'll get on board. She was never one to like being left out of the spotlight.

For those of you who haven't read Church Folk, go and get it...will make More Church Folk that much more fun to read.

Lee Allie

Guest Blogger, Vivian Jennings, Senior Episcopal Supervisor, wife of Bishop Percy Jennings

Here I am in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, which is just down the road from Durham, sitting in Mama Dips Restaurant about to dig into her scrumptious banana pudding, and Percy tells me that I have to find a computer and do this thing called a 'blog.' What, pray tell is a blog? And I have to talk about More Church Folk, as if there wasn't more than enough to talk about concerning Church Folk. What more could the likes of Sonny Washington, Glodean, Marcel Brown, Ernest Brown, Glodean's first cousin, Cleotis Clayton, do? Huh? Huh?

I understand that Essie Simmons' mother, Lee Allie, was given the task to coordinate this. That is why she's been on everybody's back. You know Lee Allie is very organized and a stickler for detail.......

Sorry, my husband is staring at me crossed-eyed because I'm veering off of the subject. But I'm taking my time. Sometimes, Bishops, especially powerful ones like my husband, can get kind of spoiled because they have a lot of authority in the church. But I'm not a preacher, and he can't assign or re-assign me to a church. And I'm taking my time. I'm not scared of Percy Jennings. I love him, I respect him but I am not afraid of the 'Bishop.'

There goes that look again...okay...I've read More Church Folk...and even tho' I honestly thought Church Folk had taken it to the bridge on preachers and 'church folk,' More Church Folk did that and then some, Vivian Jennings

Guest Blogger, Bishop Percy Jennings, Senior Bishop for entire Gospel United Church

For starters, I'm glad that I am writing this blog from Durham, North Carolina, where I'm currently visiting to make sure all goes well for the upcoming Triennial General Conference in More Church Folk. This way I don't have to go toe-to-toe with Lee Allie Lane Hawkins for being so bossy about how to do this blog for this website.

Come to think of it, Lee Allie hasn't dotted one i, or crossed a t on this blog. She is just being the supervisor...I guess.

Well, let's get down to business because as soon as I'm done with this, I have to walk around Evangeline T. Marshall University's beautiful campus to figure out the best spot for the conference. Some folk wanted to go to a hotel but I told them no. We had the 1963 conference in Church Folk at an HBCU, and we are going to do the same thing for this 1986 conference. Altho' I don't plan on repeating all that jumped off at that 1963 conference. I was a bishop and couldn't even go and see for my self what all the hoopla was about at that funeral home fiasco business. I certainly heard a mouthful but couldn't go. Sometimes wearing the purple can make it hard on a brother...

I was about to write more but the phone is ringing in the university's event planner's office and it is Lee Allie. I don't think she has enough to do right now, Percy (aka, Bishop Jennings).

Guest Blogger, Bishop Murcheson James, Presiding Bishop of the 'Eighth Episcopal District' for the Gospel United Church

With today being Father's Day and all, I thought it fitting for me to say a few words about Sister Bowen's upcoming book, More Church Folk, seeing that I've been blessed with wonderful sons, and now daughters, in the ministry.

I've read Church Folk several times and was always tickled by her protrayal of me. I'm just a country boy at heart and there are times when I'd rather be in my garden tending to the tender shoots of my prized collard, mustard, and turnips greens, instead of dealing with all of the complicated intricacies of presiding over an entire Episcopal District full of churches, preachers, pastors, presiding elders, and first ladies. It takes prayer, incredible bodaciousness, and just a little bit of Gospel Gangsta (to quote the younger preachers) to run a district.

'Cause you know folks can be just a little bit crazy. And those of you who've read Church Folk, know that the preachers in the Gospel United Church can turn it out. The good preachers are not to be messed with. And the bad preachers like that Marcel Brown and his daddy....oh, excuse me.......Lee Allie is eyeballing me to get back on track with the book. I don't know why Lee Allie is being so bossy about this blog spot....

Anyways...I've read the galleys for More Church Folk, and I like what the missy has done...she has served it up.

I have to go. On my way to Lambert Airport in St. Louis, to head up to Chicago. We just finished with the Missouri Annual Conference, which was held at Freedom Temple in St. Louis. I love that conference. I hope Eddie Tate will make sure to get me some of that fancy popcorn folks always talking about in Chicago, Murcheson (aka, Bishop James)

Today's Guest Blogger, Mrs. Susie James, Episcopal Supervisor and Former First Lady of Mount Nebo Gospel United Church in Charleston, Mississippi

Hello, Hello, Hello to all. God is so good and worthy to be praised. I tell my husband, the bishop, that all of the time. You know that Murcheson 'ain't nothin' but a good ole, salt of the earth Mississippi Country boy with a mind like a steel trap and a heart of gold. You can't get much better than my Murcheson. Lawd knows I love me that man...there ain't nothing like a good old country boy....ohhh...sorry, I thought I was supposed to be giving accolades to the Bishop. Lee Allie is glaring at me to get on the subject and quit talking about my man, and talk about this new book, More Church Folk.

Why is Lee Allie Lane Hawkins suddenly the keeper of the blog spot lady? Huh? Okay...the book, More Church Folk. About time that girl, what is her name? Oh that Michele girl wrote the sequel. I was tired of reading Church Folk over and over and over and over and over again. I've gotten a peek at More Church Folk...laaawwwwddd...they are crazy.......oh...gotta go...the Bishop is waiting on me to go off and do some Episcopal District stuff with him...luv yall, Susie James.

ps, I hope yall like the color of my blog...kinda pretty, isn't it. :)

Today's Guest Blogger, Mr. Pompey Hawkins

Oh...I'm supposed to type this? I thought I could just speak into a microphone or something and tell you about my thoughts and get back to work. You know that I moved up to St. Louis back in the 1970s but I still miss Charleston, Mississippi. I really miss being able to hang out with Murcheson, or Bishop James. But I like St. Louis, lots to do, and a lot folk from Charleston, Mississippi up here. Been fun celebrating Charleston Day.

Oh...back to the business at hand. Lee Allie is glaring at me for wandering off of the subject. So here it is. Them high-stepping folk in the Gospel United Church have been working my nerves. They just don't get it. And some of them like Sonny Washington and Marcel Brown make it hard for my step Son-in-law, Theophilus Simmons, and his boy, Eddie Tate, to do what's right by the church. Those boys love the Lord. But they sure do have a mess on their hands, as they get ready to go out and down to Durham, North Carolina for the 1986 Triennial General Conference. They are holding it up at the college...Evangeline T. Marshall University. Heard they have some gooooooddddd basketball out in North Carolina. Maybe its as good as my barbecue...ummmm...maybe not.

I'm out of steam and gots to go, Mr. Pompey.

Uhhhh....need to introduce today's guest blogger

Hey All, it looks like "Uncle Booker" beat me to the blog spot today. But I'm kinda glad he did. For the next couple of weeks, I'll have "Guest Bloggers" from Church Folk talking about the up coming book, More Church Folk. I really didn't know who was supposed to go first. I always thought it would be Glodean Benson but Uncle Booker said he was busy and wanted to get that blogging stuff out of the way so he could get on with things. Don't know who is coming up next but check it out everyday to see what's up, Michele

Guest Blogger, Uncle Booker from Church Folk

I've been down in Charleston, Mississippi for almost a decade doing what I do best. Play a good game of poker to buy parts to repair folks cars real cheap, driving my wife, Rose Neese, hither and thither to get stuff for her Bed and Breakfast. It used to be a boarding house but you know how folks are, they think it ain't a good place to be if it don't have the right name.

And yeah...I've been going to church more regularly. Although I do miss Rev. James being Rev. James at Mount Nebo Gospel United Church here in Charleston. I'm glad he's a big-time bishop. But I miss him something terrible. An old dawg like me needs his runnin' buddy. Plus, the new pastor nice and all but he kinda young. But it is what it is.

But now to the meat of the matter. What's up with that lil' girl in Durham making us wait so long for the sequel to Church Folk. Lawd...I'm glad More Church Folk coming back out. Lot been going on since that conference back in '63. Oh, sorry, for those of you who are younguns, 1963. If that wasn't a hot mess. But something tells me these new schoolers in More Church Folk are something else. And what about those squared off hair cuts in 1986...umph...I sho wish I could dance like that Robert, no Bob...aw heck...Bobby Brown...altho' don't think I'd look too good in those big pants and that little suit coat jacket...Let me hush. This blogging is taking up too much time, I've got a poker game to go to. Bye, Uncle Booker.

Welcome To My Blogspot

Hey Readers!

First, I want to thank you all for supporting me and my books. That is a blessing. Secondly, I'm glad you stopped by the new website. It's been way too long since I worked on it. And then, last of all for right now, I am so excited about More Church Folk coming out in July.

You all have told me for years and years that we all needed a sequel to Church Folk...thank you for the nudges in the right direction. I look forward to hearing from you all. But since this is my first blog (I feel like such a 'grown up' now)...I'll keep it short.

Be blessed, Michele

MORE CHURCH FOLK on sale July 28, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MORE CHURCH FOLK
By Michele Andrea Bowen

Grand Central Publishing Hardcover
Publication: July 28, 2010
$24.99 / 320 pages
ISBN: 978-0-446-57776-2

Contact: Tanisha Christie,
Publicity Manager
212-364-1260
tanisha.christie@hbgusa.com

Bestselling author Michele Andrea Bowen brings us the much anticipated sequel to her novel Church Folk!

It’s been twenty years since the good reverend Theophilus Simmons escaped humiliation at the most scandalous Triennial General Conference, where it was discovered that the top leaders of the church were running a brothel out of a local funeral home. Now the father of three, Theophilus runs a congregation in St. Louis with the support of his ever-loving wife Essie and is fully involved in the sometimes nutty national church community. Luckily, he’s not alone as his best friend, Eddie Tate, is with the fastest growing church in Chicago.

However, trying to stay on the “good foot” is hard in church business when Theo and Eddie discover that some rival churches are stealing from church funds and committing other misdeeds. Now on the eve of the 1986 Triennial General Conference, they just might have the power to take charge.

MORE CHURCH FOLK showcases an entertaining mix of humor, relationships and morality within the intimate world of church politics. Bowen takes readers to a satisfying end in the hilarious tradition of writing about the lives of real church folk.

Award-winning author Michele

Andrea Bowen graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with an M.A. in History and a M.P.H. in Public Health. She has previously written Church Folk, Second Sunday, Holy Ghost Corner and Up at the College. Church Folk was #1 on the Essence bestseller list for six months. Second Sunday was also a #1 Essence bestseller. She lives in Durham, North Carolina.

Visit www.micheleandreabowen.com.

Visit us at www.hachettebookgroup.com