|
|
|
Rev. Valencia Elaine Edner
Rev. Edner was born in Detroit, Michigan to the late Rev. V. James Edner and late Marjorie (Allen) Edner Robinson. A Daughter of both the Christian Methodist Episcopal and Baptist parsonages, she is the descendant of generations of preachers, growing up predominately in the Baptist church under the pastorate of her late grandfather, The Reverend Roy A. Allen, Sr.
Rev. Edner is a song writer, musician, vocalist, and former actress, she has had the opportunity to share her artistic gifts in many national arenas, most notably as a soloist for the choir that welcomed South African President Nelson Mandela to Detroit in the early 90’s and as a featured vocalist and orator for the World Methodist Conference in Houston in the Fall of 2016. She currently serves as Coordinator of Conference Music for the Eighth Episcopal District of the CME Church, and is the 2018-2022 Coordinator of the Connectional Music and Arts Ministry of the CME Church.
Rev. Edner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Theatre from Wayne State University, a Master of Science in English from Southern Connecticut State University, and a Master of Arts in Theology from Houston Graduate School of Theology, She will begin the Doctor of Ministry degree at Wesley Theological Seminary, beginning May 2021.Rev. Edner was bi-vocationally employed as a Full-time Instructor of English at Angelina College in Lufkin, Texas for 14 years, and remains an Adjunct Instructor when needed..
Edner is contributing author of a self - help inspirational book, Crossing the Threshold: Opening The Door To Successful Relationships. She is an accomplished vocalist with an Ep entitled Fortaste, and her co -authored book with Dr. Van Carl Williams, Little Fires Everywhere : A Pentecost Sermon Series is in publication. She also continues to serve as editor of Lufkin Daily News quarterly African American focused insert “The Bright Star” where she uses the pen to fight for social justice. She is the Lead Encourager of Veeencouraged Ministries, and has a weekly Facebook Live “Thriving Tuesdays Moments of Encouragement.”
Rev. Edner’s civic affiliations include Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., where she serves as National Chaplain, and served for several years as National Music Director, Area Chaplain receiving the designation of National Top Lady of the Year in 2009. Other organization affiliations include: The National Council of Negro Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP, and the American Academy of Religion.
Rev. Edner is an ordained elder in full connection in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. She has served as Associate Pastor at Long Chapel CME in Lufkin, Texas, and Pastor of Collins Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Lufkin, the Historic Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Center, Texas, and in 2014, Rev. Edner was appointed by Senior Bishop Lawrence L Reddick III to the historical Miles Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Houston, Texas where she is blessed to serve Miles and the Fifth Ward Community.
|
|