Grace & Glory Magazine August 2021

Faces of Wesley Theological Seminary

Grace&Glory 1

scripture page

Have Faith In God

Mark 11:22-24 (KJV) And Jesus answering saith unto them, Have faith in God. 22

For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.

23

Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

24

2 August 2021

National Multiethnic Donor Awareness Month is now celebrated throughout the entire month of August.

Join us in celebrating the gifts and legacies of our organ, eye, and tissue donors of color.

Want to save lives? Sign up to become a donor at registerme.org.

Grace&Glory 3

August 2021

™

on the cover: Faces of Wesley Theological Seminary

Faces of Wesley Theological Seminary

www.gracenglorymagazine.org

Wesley Theological Seminary www.wesleyseminary.edu 1

Cover Story pgs 8-13 This month we are shining a spotlight on Wesley Theological Seminary. Wesley is a graduate

theological school of The United Methodist Church and a member of the Washington Theological Consortium, and theological education at Wesley reflects their joint commitments to their Methodist heritage and to the ecumenical movement. Their mission is to equip persons for Christian ministry and leadership in the church and the world, to advance theological scholarship, and to model a prophetic voice in the public square.

Healthy Soul 22 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE

24 MONTHLY MANNA

Pastor Rhoda Turner

Minister Carenda Deonne

How Does Love Respond

Turn Negativity Into Your Greatest Moment

26 TRINKETS TO TRIUMPH

4 August 2021

Minister Tracey George

Make a Melody To Your Master

Healthy Mind 20 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH

Dr. Carla J. Debnam

Don’t Give Up

In Every Issue Scripture Page........................................ 2

Healthy Body

Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7

28 HEALTH MATTERS

Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels

Increasing Your Health Literacy Skills

30 BODY BASICS

Charles & Ursula Harris

Don’t Lose Your Groove When You Go Away

Grace&Glory 5

Meet the Team JACKIE EPPS – is co-founder and editor of Grace & Glory Magazine. Jackie's career in

communications spans over 40 years in advertising sales, program sales, media planning and television production, working in radio for 11 years and shifting to television broadcasting in 1989. She also produces the Grace & Glory show, a faith-based television program that has been on the air for 18 years.

For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.

Psalm 84:11 PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jackie Epps EDITORIAL Dr. Carla J. Debnam Min. Carenda McCray Tracey George Dr. Denyce Daniels Charles Harris Rhoda Turner GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com PHOTOGRAPHY Wesley Theological Seminary photos taken by Lisa Helfert Photography

Copyright 2021. All rights reserved.

Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.

Grace & Glory Magazine is the ideal publication for Encouragement, Empowerment and Inspiration.

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6 August 2021 6 August 2021

DR. CARLA DEBNAM Dr. Carla J. Debnam is the wife of Bishop Dwayne C. Debnam and an associate minister of Morning Star Baptist Church, Woodlawn, MD. She is a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Maryland. She is a member of the American Counseling Association, the American Association of Christian Counselors and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Dr. Debnam has contributed to two books, Those Sisters Can Preach: 22 Pearls of Wisdom, Virtue & Hope, and 7 Ingredients To An Effective Prayer Life Series, Vol.3-5.

MIN. TRACEY GEORGE Tracey Nicole George is a licensed minister and ordained deacon. She is a native New Yorker residing in Maryland and married to Danny George. Tracey works with her husband managing their inventory and asset control company, George Imaging. She is the creator of Trinkets to Triumph, a Biblically-based blog and ministry, designed to edify and encourage individuals with a “trinket” of encouragement.

She is a member of New Destiny Evangelistic Church.

MIN. CARENDA DEONNE Min. Carenda was born CHARLES HARRIS and raised in Baltimore, MD. Charles Harris is the owner She received her BA degree of Chizel It Transformation from the Fashion Institute of Fitness.

Technology and is currently Charles is a highly effective pursuing a Master's in fitness expert with a passion Law degree from Regent for health and wellness. He is a University. Min. Carenda was licensed to preach certified fitness trainer with the in 2007 and has been teaching, preaching, America Fitness Association and declaring God's word through the power of of America with over 20 years of experience, love ever since. Min. Carenda is also an author and a certified Yoga Teacher at YogaWorks in of three books. Her latest book, Perfect Patty Pikesville, Maryland. He is the author of I’m Too Messed Up, is a 40 day devotional that confronts Cute to Sweat, What’s Your Excuse For Not the disorder of perfectionism and opens the door Working Out?, and It Takes 21 Days To Get Fit. He to self forgiveness and restoration. currently teaches his mega cardio workout class throughout the state of Maryland.

PASTOR RHODA TURNER Rhoda possesses a spirit of DR. DENYCE humility. Her ministry style WATTIES-DANIELS is graceful, her message is Dr. Denyce Wattiespowerful and her presence is Daniels has over 25 years of comforting. Being the 9th of 10 experience as a clinician and children, Rhoda has a deep nurse educator. Her areas of passion for family and the wholistic development of expertise include critical care children. She is considered by many as a mentor nursing, pathophysiology, pharmacology and the and mother figure. use of technology in the classroom. She currently Rhoda and her husband Pastor Jason Turner, serve serves as faculty and the Director of the Simulation as senior pastors of Christian Faith Fellowship and Learning Resource Centers of the College of Church in Chandler, AZ. Health Professions at Coppin State University.

ditor EMothers

FromFaith the and

from from the editor the editor

Education The month of August usually signals the downslide of summer and many will be preparing for the return back to school, particularly college students. Many of these students are about to embark on the next journey of their lives.

In this month’s issue we are shining a light on faith and

thers love education. with all their strength, all their being, and to allsome their hearts, and We are excited to introduce and present that love they perform magic when called upon, move mountains when to others the Wesley Theological Seminary. Wesley ssary, andTheological give the moonSeminary and stars is whenever possible.” a graduate theological school

of The United Methodist Church and a member of the

Consortium. her’s DayWashington is one of the Theological most celebrated holidays inTheological the world. education at Wesley reflects joint to their o is this woman that we go outtheir of our waycommitments to celebrate with suchMethodist grandeur? over the world, people be busy shopping for this woman heritage andwill to the ecumenical movement.

Theirtrying rangetooffind one special thing that will expressdisplays their love for her.

Who is this that woman educational programs their understanding at Hallmark goes above and beyond to describe? all ministers are called to proclaim the reconciling and gospel of Jesus to awritten brokenabout world.

Who isliberating this woman that songs and Christ books are her? Poems on about pgs. 9-10) will(feature be read article in church her. Little children will proudly show off their ‘Crayola’ creations for this woman. Who is she? We Wesley's is to equip the whole people of God call hercommitment Mother!

Jackie Epps

for the work we are pleasedthis andwoman. very excited Thereof areministry, countlesssoways to describe Her Pursue your God-given passion. To hold on to your dream for the opportunity to talk with three of their leaders ability to love unconditionally. Her protectivewho nature your life, you must keep moving Epps are graduates of Wesley Bishop to keep herTheological children fromSeminary, all hurt, harm and danger. and fulfill God’s plan forJackie forward.

That same God who gave yourher dream will Gregory Dennis, She Rev.isTomika McFadden, Rev. a nurturer; she makesand sure her Vennece children’s physical and spiritual needs are met. Sheyou is also children’s complete what He has started in you.

Fowlkes, Ph.D., to answer a few developing questions about their to survive in the world. first teacher, their minds experiences as a student at Wesley. (Q&A on pgs. 11-13) There are many attributes of this woman we call Mother. She is our refuge, our ‘way-maker’, our best Life is too short to think small. You must “think big” to do friend. She keeps all of our heart’s desires and dreams close to her heart. Perhaps the most important God-sized things. To be disciplined means to do the right In an effort to encourage all students, I put together few attribute of this womana is her praying spirit. Her prayers cover her children when they are near and when youwefeel like doing the wrong thing. History nuggets of inspiration I came acrossfar.that I wantedlove to pass A mother’s is the mostthing powerful love experience in life. makers and world changers are mere men and women who along to the students as they return “Back to School” this When God created this woman, He knew that she would be an extension of Himself. followed their dreams. new school year.

The attributes of our mothers are strikingly similar to the attributes of our Heavenly Father. As we celebrate, honor and remember our mothers, let us Praise God for You are more than what you see in the mirror. You are a Live your life in pursuit of the dream God put inside of youHis wonderful creation!

Designer’s Original . . . created for a purpose. God is in you to produce excellence.

Godmother designed perfectly As you enjoy spending time with your thisyou Mother’s Day,for the assignment on your life.

Today is the day to rise up and claim the promises of God.remember to lift in prayer those whose heads are bowed down You must hear God’s voice until it becomes louder than anybecause their mothers have now gone to be with the Lord, Never thatmothers you arewho where are todaythe because other voice in your life. You are engineered by God to be a and we pray forget for those mayyou be mourning loss ofGod has kept you and sustained you for His purpose.

You can do success. a child. Give them a warm and loving hug this Mother’s Day and what God says you can do, you can have what God says you whisper in their ears that God knows and He cares! “Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.” can have.

You can be who God says you can be.

Our God is God’s Word gives birth to your destiny. The challenges limitless! handed to you in life are trying to push you into your destiny. Choice, not chance, determines destiny.

Have a Blessed, Safe, Prosperous, and Happy School Year! a dream only you can pursue and only you can fulfill.

Peace and Blessings

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Photos by Lisa Helfert Photography

8 August 2021

There is something about this time of year, as the calendar turns over from July to August.

We see the end of summer just down the road, and whether it’s the “Back to School” ads that start to blanket TV and social media, or just an internal rhythm based on our childhood memories, thoughts of returning to school can easily come to mind.

While a given for those with school-age children, returning to school for those of us older than that might mean a chance to fulfill a promise made to self or others, to finish studies started long ago, or, perhaps, the nudging of the Spirit that makes one think again of a long-ignored call to ministry.

Of course, in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, returning to school in August 2021 is a much more challenging thought this year, with continuing worries about the Delta variant, questions about vaccination for many, to mask or not to mask, and just fear of the unknown.

And yet, many are returning to the classroom, either in person or online. This holds true as well for Wesley Theological Seminary in Northwest Washington, D.C. Centered in the Christian tradition, Wesley Theological Seminary (or “Wesley” as it is often called) offers four graduate-level degrees: the Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts, (MA) Master of Theological Studies (MTS), and Doctor of Ministry (DMin). Specializations for the MDiv and MA degrees include Public Theology, African American Church Studies, Urban Ministry, Child and Youth Ministry and Advocacy, Theology and the Arts, Community Engagement Fellowships and more. In addition, Wesley is home to three centers of excellence and research – The Lewis Center for Church Leadership, The Henry Luce III Center for Religion and the Arts and The Community Engagement Institute/Center for Public Theology – that enrich students’ learning opportunities.

All this, combined with a long tradition of commitment to theological scholarship, has enabled Wesley to equip exemplary teachers,

preachers and leaders to be prophetic voices in the church and the world since 1882.

Wesley will reopen its DC campus on August 15.

This is the first time it’s been open since March 16, 2020, the campus closed due to the pandemic.

In a few short days, Wesley’s faculty converted the whole of its curriculum to online format, becoming a fully online seminary, so students could continue to study and graduate during this global crisis. Careful planning by Wesley Administration has enabled students to study this Fall safely in a way that works best for them — in person, online, or in hybrid courses that allow students to only return to campus three Mondays or three Friday-Saturdays in the upcoming semester, with the remainder of class work done online, thereby finishing six courses this term with low levels of in-classroom contacts.

Such flexibility is nothing new for Wesley.

Wesley has always prioritized God’s call in the moment, remaining nimble for the sake of the Gospel as part of best fulfilling the school’s mission statement: “To equip persons for Christian ministry and leadership in the church and the world, to advance theological scholarship, and to model a prophetic voice in the public square.”

Wesley was founded in 1882, responding to the need for a training center for ministers of the Methodist Protestant Church in Maryland.

A charter on the campus of Western Maryland College in Westminster, MD, led to the establishment of the seminary’s first home.

Many changes came in the 20th century. In 1939, with the union of the three major branches of Methodism, Westminster Seminary (as Wesley was known in those days) became one of 10 schools of theology in the new Methodist Church. With the unification of the Methodist and Evangelical United Brethren Churches to form The United Methodist Church, the school became one of 13 seminaries of the new United Methodist Church.

Continued on page 10

(Photos on this page, Top to Bottom) Ebony Van Duaye (2nd Year M.T.S. student, NY); Mele Taumoepeau Aho (3rd Year M.Div. student, Kingdom of Tongo); Hereuse Kaj (M.Div., 2019, Democratic Republic of Congo) & Evan Milosi Mumba (M.Div., 2019, Democratic Republic of Congo); Arunjana Das (3rd Year M.T.S. student, India); Kent Roberson (M.Div., 2021, TN/MD); Keisha Holmes (3rd Year M.Div. student, MD) (M.A.=Master of Arts; M.T.S.=Master of Theological Study; M.Div.=Master of Divinity; D.Min.=Doctor of Ministry.)

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Continued from page 9

However, Wesley was already making changes of its own. In 1955, institutional and church leaders determined the seminary should move from Westminster to the present site in Washington, D.C. In 1958, the seminary took up residence at its new campus beside American University and was renamed Wesley Theological Seminary, for John and Charles Wesley, the British founders of Methodism.

Embracing the mission of the seminary to “model a prophetic voice in the public square” was the impetus behind Wesley’s move to the heart of the nation’s capital. Calling students to be Christian leaders for the church and world, Wesley knew the opportunities of DC would be unique for its students. This easy access to Capitol Hill enabled Wesley students’ long tradition in engaging with protests for social justice — civil rights in the 1960’s, ending South African apartheid in the 1980s, the Iraq War in the 1990’s, and up to today, with students attending Black Lives Matters protests in 2020. Wesley, from the moment it embraced its location in Washington, has ensured students integrate sound theology with the practical action required of those who follow the call of the Gospel.

Wesley continues to form Christian leaders who will impact society with the power of the Gospel, and our student body is a reflection of those who will lead us now and into the future.

Wesley is deeply diverse. This diversity is reflected in its student body in many ways: • 38 different religious denominations are now represented at Wesley; • Wesley’s ethnic composition reflects the midAtlantic region: 2% Latinx students, 3% Asian, 7% International Students, 40% Black, 43% White (5% did not respond – survey results 2019); • Over 60% of the student body is female;

• Students come from across the US and more than a dozen countries around the world.

From its inception, Wesley has always tried to make education accessible to those at a distance or who could not study full time. Weekend and evening courses were first offered in the 1960’s, and online classes were already available when the seminary closed in March 2020 due to COVID-19 .

Begun before COVID-19 struck in 2020, internet connectivity had already created a virtual global campus online, with students living in 20 countries and connecting to Wesley online, working towards their degrees. Wesley has always had a high number of commuter students, who juggle the responsibilities of family, work, and ministry by studying part-time, coming on campus for classes for a 1 to 2-night stay in our residences. When Wesley finally opens its campus this August 15, safety will be a prime concern, and all efforts will be made to keep the campus safe for those studying on campus full-time, in a hybrid manner or joining classes virtually.

What has never changed at Wesley over the years is its sense of welcome, hospitality, and lived community, whether over lunch or dinner in the Refectory (Wesley’s dining hall) or online with student Zoom gatherings at The Refectory Online. And the heart of Wesley’s community is its liturgical life, Tuesday Chapels in Oxnam Memorial Chapel, or OxnamOnline, a web-based worship space for the Wesley Community while the campus was closed.

Whether you know Wesley well or are hearing about it for the first time here, we hope this edition will reveal through the faces of Wesley pictured here and the stories of a current student, a graduate, and a graduate returning for his doctoral degree, the life of an ever faithful, evolving Christian community of learning. And if you are feeling God’s call to the ministry, and thinking of returning to school, you might very well find a home, a community, a place to be transformed by the Spirit at Wesley. Visit online or in person - connect at wesleyseminary.edu.

(Photos Top to Bottom) Esther Jeong (M.Div., 2008, Korea); Marcus Jean (M.Div., 2021, FL); Techika Rhodes (M.Div., 2021, MS); Everett McAllister (M.Div., 2021, CA); Marcella Jarman (M.Div., 2021, Columbia)

10 August 2021 (M.A.=Master of Arts; M.T.S.=Master of Theological Study; M.Div.=Master of Divinity; D.Min.=Doctor of Ministry.)

Bishop Gregory A. Dennis

Bishop Gregory A. Dennis

Bishop Gregory A. Dennis is Senior Pastor of Kingdom Worship Center, a nondenominational Christian Church with two campuses in Towson, MD and Columbia, MD. Bishop Dennis is a Wesley Master of Divinity graduate (Class of 2018) and has returned to Wesley for his Doctor of Ministry degree (DMin). He is currently enrolled in his third semester of the program.

Bishop Dennis is from Baltimore City (“I love Baltimore!! Our family moved around a bit in my youth, but we always ended up back in the general area.”). Prior to his Wesley degree, he earned undergraduate degrees in Marketing from Morgan State University and Religious Studies from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

G&G: What drew you to study at Wesley?

Bishop Dennis: Prior to deciding what school to attend, I was already working for my church. It was important for me to go to a school that I could commute to. I wanted to attend a school that had a great reputation for learning, had a good mixture in the student demographics, was protestant (since my undergraduate was from a catholic school), and had scholarships that could help me afford school. Once arriving at Wesley, the professors, students, and a scholarship became the unexpected bonus! I really came to love this community, and it did not take long.

G&G: What made Wesley a good fit for you for your seminary studies?

Bishop Dennis: Wesley aided in my pursuit of God. Many in seminary struggle with God and their understanding of church and at times criticize the church without a willingness to grow the church.

Wesley does not allow the student to abandon the Church. If there is a critique of the Church, being that we are the Body of Christ, Wesley asks what will we do to bring the Church into the future hope that has been revealed to us? Wesley encourages its students to bring the Church into its eschatological hope.

God was calling me to a deeper understanding and relationship. Wesley was the vehicle I decided to use to go deeper with God and it proved to be the right decision.

G&G: What made Wesley such a good experience that you returned to do your Doctor of Ministry after completing your Wesley Master of Divinity?

Bishop Dennis: The professors! I could name several professors that are simply amazing, and students will desire life-long relationships with. I will not name them because I am sure I will miss someone! I am not a young 26-year-old guy with a Masters. I am on the other end of the spectrum in ministry. Wesley understood my social location and made sure my needs, at my age with a vibrant church, were met and exceeded.

G&G: Will it be different returning to campus at Wesley as a student after all you and the world has been through due to COVID-19? Did you continue to feel connected to the Wesley Community while studying exclusively online during the pandemic?

Bishop Dennis: The pandemic has certainly impacted our world and ministry, yet I am excited about any opportunity to come back on campus. The way Wesley handled learning during the pandemic was stellar and I do not feel like anything was lost nor wasted.

G&G: The Doctor of Ministry program has only short, in-person residencies with almost all of its remaining coursework online. Your Master of Divinity course work was likely almost entirely in a classroom on campus. Being a mainly online degree, will that make it easier to juggle your church and family responsibilities while completing your Doctor of Ministry?

Bishop Dennis: I have two young children, church, and still other professional aspirations, so being online in the Doctor of Ministry program is perfect. It fits my life and I do not know how it could be any better. It is not a "cakewalk” - the assignments are rigorous- but I would not have it any other way.

G&G: Would you suggest studying at Wesley to other church leaders? Why? Bishop Dennis: I have recommended Wesley with great pride to other pastors, elders, deacons, and those who are looking to grow deeper in their theological understanding. Wesley has been able to hold in tension the most conservative with the most liberal positions. I have learned from those I have disagreed with as well as from those who supported positions I have held. In some case, my position adjusted and at other times my beliefs became more concretized... this is Wesley Theological Seminary.

(Photos Top to Bottom) Elliott Jones (M.A., 2020, NJ); Kenia Vanessa Rodriguez (M.Div., 2021, Bolivia/VA); Rev. Tiffany Brooks (M.Div., 2021, MD/DC); Rev. James Kim (2nd Year D.Min. student, Korea/WA); Rev. Lauren Bennett (M.Div., 2019, WA) (M.A.=Master of Arts; M.T.S.=Master of Theological Study; M.Div.=Master of Divinity; D.Min.=Doctor of Ministry.)

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Rev. Tomika McFadden

Reverend Tomika McFadden

Rev. Tomika McFadden is a Wesley student in her final year of her Wesley Master of Divinity program, with a specialization in African American Church Studies. Raised in Baltimore but spending much time as a youth in South Carolina, Tomika considers Hemingway Temple AME in Baltimore, MD, her home church.

Prior to attending Wesley, Rev. Tomika earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in African American Studies at Bowie State University.

Rev. Tomika is currently serving as Minister to Young Adults at Greater Mount Nebo AME Church in Bowie, MD.

G&G: Why did you choose to attend seminary at Wesley?

Rev. Tomika: I actually came to Wesley "kicking and screaming." A sister-friend and alumna of Wesley spoke to me concerning her experience. As she shared her stories, I kept telling her "no," that I did not want to attend seminary — frankly, because I knew I was still "running" from my calling. However, after many stories, I agreed to tour the campus with her and was able to sit in a class.

Rev. Tomika: The pandemic has created much uncertainty for everyone, especially students and staff at Wesley. The school has done an exceptional job with ensuring the last year of studies was set up in such a way that supported the needs of each student. I loved how the students were able to remain connected via Zoom and it was not just a virtual experience using Blackboard alone. This semester, I will return to campus remotely as I am remaining cautious and would like to remain safe.

G&G: What confirmed for you that God was calling you to Wesley?

Rev. Tomika: After many conversations with my sister-friend, the tour, and the class experience, I knew without a doubt that Wesley was the place I needed to be. My first semester with Professor of Biblical Theology Dr. Denise Dombrowski Hopkins challenged me and yet confirmed that God had me in the right place at the right time. Wesley is a place that allows my sense of call to be expressed in a myriad of ways.

G & G: Have you made a decision about future ministry at this point? Do you feel Wesley is preparing you for that ministry?

Rev. Tomika: I plan to complete the Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) process and become a hospital chaplain. Wesley is definitely preparing me for this next stage of ministry; the pastoral care classes and conversations with professors have provided context and guidance for this process.

G&G: What makes you feel at home at Wesley?

Rev. Tomika: Wesley is a beautiful place that is warm and welcoming. The professors and staff create learning environments that allow you to explore and wrestle with your theology in a safe space. I appreciate this intentional space of exploring your why for ministry.

G&G: As a Wesley student who continued your seminary studies online during the pandemic, what was that experience like? Did you feel connected to Wesley through its online community? As Wesley offers on-campus, online, and hybrid courses for this upcoming academic year, how are you choosing to study?

G & G: What do you believe other people who are discerning following God's call would find at Wesley that would be helpful?

Rev. Tomika: Wesley is an experience. I would simply say, you have to try and "see" Wesley for yourself. God is very much present in this place and has a way of confirming your call whether to marketplace ministry or pulpit ministry. God will show up and illuminate Godself in classrooms with professors like, but not limited to, Dr. Denise Dombkowski Hopkins, Professor of Systematic Theology Dr. Josiah Young, Professor of Historical Theology Dr. Beverley Mitchell, and Associate Professor of Preaching Dr. Veronice Miles.

This experience of Wesley allows you to "taste and see" not just the interdisciplinary studies but a community of love between the students, and staff.

(Photos Top to Bottom) Jamice Holley (M.Div., 2020, MD); Rev. Hyungsuk Oh (M.T.S., 2021, Korea); Rev. Eleanor Colvin (M.Div., 2014, TX); Michael Richardson (3rd Year M.T.S. student, DC); Yenny Delgado (M.T.S., 2021, Peru); John Langenstein (M.Div., 2021, WV)

12 August 2021 (M.A.=Master of Arts; M.T.S.=Master of Theological Study; M.Div.=Master of Divinity; D.Min.=Doctor of Ministry.)

Rev. Vennece Fowlkes, Ph.D.

Reverend Vennece Fowlkes, Ph.D.

The Rev. Vennece Fowlkes, Ph.D. is a recent Wesley Master of Divinity graduate with a specialization in African American Church Studies (Class of 2021). At her May Commencement, she was awarded the Maryland Bible Society Award for Proficiency in Biblical Preaching.

Prior to attending Wesley, Dr. Fowlkes completed a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. She earned her Ph.D. in Biomedical Science at the University of South Carolina.

Dr. Fowlkes is the Co-Pastor of Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) of Baltimore with co-pastor and wife, Rev. Pam Fowlkes.

G&G: What led you to choose to attend Wesley Theological Seminary for your theological education?

Dr. Fowlkes: I like to say God chose Wesley for me. The truth is before going to seminary, I was encouraged by my spiritual mentor to follow Gideon's lead and throw out my fleece (Judges 6) to see if I was supposed to go. I needed God to make a way financially for me to attend seminary. I literally prayed to the Lord, "If you are calling me to go, to seminary, you will have to make a financial way for me to be there.”

I noticed that Wesley was having a Welcome Table Discussion, which is their orientation sessions for students who may be interested in attending the seminary. I signed up and went to the Welcome Table and was given a free application submission. After being accepted into Wesley, I was given a scholarship I never applied for. God chose Wesley for me, and I just listened to Her directions.

G&G: What do you think other people who are discerning following God's call would find at Wesley that would be helpful?

Dr. Fowlkes: One of the things I appreciate most about Wesley is the authenticity, wisdom, and compassion of the professors. There are so many eclectic personalities and experiences they bring to the teaching moment and learning experience. No professor was alike. Wesley affirms its inclusive visions for missions and ministry, and they mirror that in the faculty they hire. Not all faculty are Methodist, which provides for various learning interpretations of biblical doctrine, delivering ministerial liturgies, and theological dialogue in general. I want to give a huge thank you to the following professors who changed my life: Rev. Dr. Asa Lee, Rev. Dr. Veronice Miles, and Rev. Dr. Sathi Clarke. They challenged me, uplifted me, and affirmed me.

G&G: Many people are not sure what they would study at seminary, how it would differ from a Bible study. How were you challenged by your classes at Wesley? Did you have favorite courses?

Dr. Fowlkes: The courses were challenging, but not arduous. There was never a class I took where I left feeling that I hadn't learned something that I would use in ministry or implement into my normal life processes of spiritual

growth and formation.

My favorite courses were Prophetic Preaching, Spiritual Formation, and Systematics. The professors had a heart for social justice, inclusion, and God's people. We were encouraged and pushed to interpret God, the Bible, and the current events (such as police brutality, racial violence, patriarchy, etc.) in light of our biblical and ministerial witness and calling.

G&G: Did you experience community at Wesley? Did you feel at home?

Dr. Fowlkes: The sense of community at Wesley cannot be replaced. I was a part-time student and didn't get the opportunity to live on Wesley's campus. I never felt for one moment that I was left out of anything that the seminary provided. Students made way for other students. It was a caring environment. We had difficult conversations in class and would sometimes disagree with each other's point of view, but never left the space without turning to God for answers and for courageous responses. I felt safe to speak and brave enough to listen knowing that when we left the classroom, we would enter the pulpit and do our best to deliver a word that was founded upon the unconditional love of God. G&G: Do you feel Wesley prepared you for ministry and to be able to address the major challenges in US society today?

Dr. Fowlkes: There are some things seminary prepares you for and there are some things, no matter how detail-oriented the seminary, life experiences will not align with. No seminary could completely prepare any of us for a pandemic like what we just experienced.

What Wesley did for me as a new Pastor was provide me the tools that I needed to live in the moment of this crisis.

Pastoring during this time was challenging, I had no other experience of pastoring outside of a pandemic. I've learned how to create worship experiences that are theologically sound and solid sermons that focus on God's love, social issues, and what our responses as believers should be. I don't know if I would have been able to learn this without my theological training and ministerial preparedness at Wesley.

(Photos Top to Bottom) Evan Taylor (2nd Year M.Div. student, TX); Rev. YuJung Park (M.Div., 2009, Korea) & Rev. Dae Sung Park (M. Div., 2009, Korea); Lenora Whitecotton (M.Div., 2021, MI); Rev. Lamar McIntyre (M.Div. 2021, DC); Adrianus Yosia (M.T.S., 2021, Indonesia); Cassandra Lawrence (M.Div. 2021, CA) (M.A.=Master of Arts; M.T.S.=Master of Theological Study; M.Div.=Master of Divinity; D.Min.=Doctor of Ministry.)

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14 August 2021

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to your good health means we may have to seek help from a counselor, prayer partner or from a friend. Not giving up may require you and I to deepen our connection to God by reading the word, meditating and spending quiet time with God. The pace of life is such that we may have to pause and regroup along the way. Sometimes these pauses come on the hills of sickness, death, loss of employment or relationship transitions.

Planning our breaks, if possible, may be the most important key to not giving up. We must be intentional in taking care of ourselves so we can be well when life happens, and we feel like we want to give up.

If it is not one thing, it’s another. We have said this to ourselves and to others from time to time. It is usually expressed when we are overwhelmed or wondering if we can take on another issue, assignment, disappointment, trauma and more. Can we move forward with so many challenges in our lives? Yes, we can move forward but it will take time and effort. We will have to refocus on our strengths and not only on our stressors. We must look forward to our future and not dwell on past mistakes. We must acknowledge the good and the bad but then seek to integrate our experiences so we can live full and functional lives.

Not giving up is a continual process affirming our desire to get through what we are going through. Not giving up

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Knowing how much we can take is not only a faith test, but it is something that we can assess based on where we find ourselves in life. God knows how much we can bear and so do we. Staying in tune with your needs, wants and limits help you to determine if it’s time to take a break or to keep going. Don’t give up most of all because you are not on this journey alone. God is with you and will send you comfort, help and hope when you need it most. Life can be tough but whatever is going on has a time Dr. Carla Debnam, Founder, limit. Don’t give up!

Renaissance Christian Counseling Center

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woman’s perspective

How Does Love Respond?

Summertime is made for family vacations, and true to its mandate my family hit the road and braved the heat of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Heat and all, we decided to walk the strip and spend some quality time just walking and enjoying the beauty of the hotel and shops.

While we were walking I heard a man speaking. Now, hearing someone speak is not unusual, because there are a lot of people on the strip walking as well. However, there was something about this particular voice that stuck out to me. I didn’t recognize who he was, but I did recognize what he was saying. He was quoting these scriptures: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The spoken Word will grab your attention even in the midst of a crowd." Romans 6:23.

1 John 2:16: “For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”

He continued to speak about the wages of sin being death, sin being the root of all evil and how sin would ultimately lead to the lake of fire. As I listened, I thought to myself is this method truly effective?

I understand the need for preaching the gospel, and that there are many ways to do it. I know that the Word tells us in Mark 16:15 to, “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone." At that moment in time, the Scripture was speaking to 11 of the disciples. The definition of disciple: is a personal follower of Jesus Christ. The command in Mark was given to those who follow Jesus. I will not begin to judge this man's walk with the Lord, but I did find myself judging his methodology and delivery.

Now don’t get me wrong I’m not condemning his actions. He will ultimately have to give an account for them, just as I will for my actions one day. I am, however, questioning whether his delivery 22 August 2021

was effective because what I didn't believe was attached to his words and actions was a spirit of love. I believe that Love is the key. What drove me to Christ wasn’t the message of fear, the fear of burning in hell. That was important and useful information later on. However, what drew me was the love that I felt in hearing about His sacrifice for me. It was hearing about Him caring enough about me that He would give His life up so that I could live.

Everyone receives information differently. That approach is what worked for me. If you are one who preaches or teaches about Heaven and Hell, death and life... My encouragement to you is that you would consider adding love to it. As you speak of what someone is losing add what they are gaining as well. His desire is that none should perish, but it is because of His love for us. He didn't try to scare people out of hell. He loved them to heaven.

I try to use the love approach in my everyday walk. I have found it to be more effective than any other approach that I have tried.

When I’m speaking to my children about their emotions and feelings I will often ask them, "How does love respond?" When I’m having a discussion with my husband, and he may be wrong, I still ask myself, "How will love respond in this moment?"

I urge you to consider this line of questioning when you are being accused of doing something that you didn’t do, "How does Love respond?" If we are to be true Disciples of Christ we have to be able to show others all of Him; not just the parts that induce fear. Some may think that their lives are already in a state of Hell, so what can this man that we call Jesus offer them. They don't need more fear or more condemnation. What they need from us... from Him is Pastor Rhoda Turner His unconditional Love. We all Christian Faith Fellowship Church Chandler, AZ need it and as Disciples of Christ, www.cffaz.org we all have it to give.

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monthly manna

turn

NEGATIVITY

into your

I have a question for you? Have you ever thought about how negativity can work in your favor?

Has anyone ever told you, NO!!! Or that YOU DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES? Instead of allowing those words to discourage you, I am challenging you to turn negativity into your greatest momentum. When you do that, there will be a sure shift in your life. Without you even recognizing it, your heart and mind will start to come in alignment with one another. Your body, soul and spirit will be in unity regarding what God says about you, and your measure of faith will increase.

I trust that you believe God is perfect in all His ways. The bible even tells us that He never grows faint or weary. One way to turn negativity into your greatest momentum is staying connected with the one who created you. Stay connected by spending time with Him. Stay connected by incorporating the love of God within your day. Stay connected with Him by hearing the word of God. People will always have an opinion, but do you know the facts! Whatever people say you cannot do, let it mature you.

Let whatever you think you cannot do, be the very thing that motivates you. Please hear me, you are not motivated based on the words of others, but you are motivated based on God’s word.

Godly motivation should never come from a place of proving yourself, but resting in the finished work of Christ Jesus.

Another way that you can turn negativity into your greatest momentum is by embracing change. Let me be clear in case you were in doubt. You are not at the same level you were even a year ago. Why are you trying to remain a caterpillar when your purpose is to be a butterfly? However, for that to happen you must embrace change. Whatever it is that God has called you to do, 24 August 2021

GREATEST MOMENTUM

procrastinating and making excuses are over. When you recognize that the hand of God is on your life, just be prepared to embrace the process. Don’t fret if people are having a hard time trying to figure you out, stay focused on God. It will make embracing the process so much more trustworthy!

You are at a place in your life that so much more is working for you than against you. When something is said negatively concerning you, don’t let that choke your growth. Don’t let that hinder your progress. If you do, negativity will outgrow your purpose and hinder every desirable seed that deserves to manifest. “Don’t let the good stuff you have die with you,” as Les Brown says, but learn how to turn negativity into your greatest momentum.

I know some people may think you don’t deserve your success, and you personally may not think you deserve MIN. CARENDA DEONNE to enjoy the fruits of your www.carendadeonne.com labor, but YES YOU DO! 888-473-2221 So, imagine me right admin@carendadeonne.com now standing by your Facebook: @carendadeonne side nudging the destiny Twitter: @cdpgem inside of you; and help Instagram: @carendadeonne you scream the words Linkedin: @carendadeonnellc INCREASE! YOUTUBE: @CARENDADEONNELLC Live life on the promise ANCHOR: WWW.ANCHOR.FM/TAKEAIM of IMPACT!

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trinkets to triumph

Make a Melody to Your Master Music can move the masses! More importantly, music can move your Master to manifest the prayers and petitions you have before Him. Imagine making a melody to your Master and your sweet song and daring dance for Him breaking yokes and releasing blessings.

Make a melody to your Master and minister to Him with a song and dance. He will show up because God inhabits the praise of His people (Psalm 22:3). A melody to your Master can move mountains.

Mark Twain penned it perfect when he said, “Sing like no one‘s listening, love like you’ve never been hurt, dance like nobody’s watching, and live like it’s heaven on earth.” He may have known that it was the inner man that often stopped you from letting your light really shine and living out loud for the Lord. Make up your mind to tune into your tunnel vision and make a melody to your Master no matter the situation or circumstance. God doesn’t worry about what you sound like or how you look because He is listening to your heart through your voice and He is interpreting your dance moves as glory and adoration for Him. Sing even in a set of chains. Sometimes you are in a situation and you cannot see your way out of it. Your problems may have made you a prisoner but sing a song unto the Lord and He can break the chains that have you bound and set you free. The Apostle Paul and Silas prayed and sang songs unto God while they were in prison and suddenly there was a great earthquake, the foundation of the prison was shaken, and everyone’s chains were loosed (Acts 16:2534). The Apostle Paul and Silas’s melody to their Master moved God and He broke their chains to set not only them free but also everyone in the prison (Acts 16:25-34). Just like the Apostle Paul and Silas, a melody to your Master can propel you out of any prison or situation you find yourself in, free those around you, and make others want to know more about your Master just by you singing 26 August 2021

your song. Your song can set you, and others, free. Make a melody to your Master.

Dance despite the disdain. Not everyone will know what you have been through that sparked your dance. Some will not know what the Lord did on your behalf that made you dance before the Lord and offer Him a melody in praise and worship. Some will know your story and cannot believe how you still choose to dance instead of being downtrodden. King David dared to dance before the Lord despite how he looked and what people thought of him. Even his own wife was disgusted (2 Samuel 6:20). He had a reason to celebrate and dance before the Lord and did so regardless of how he looked or what someone thought of him (2 Samuel 6:22). King David was well aware of the melody he was making to his Master manifesting in a dance. Dare to dance like King David. Make a melody to your Master.

All throughout the Bible, you can find examples of a song and or a dance as a part of a deliverance, victory, or triumph. Moses made a melody to his Master when God delivered Israel out of Egypt and before they entered the Promised Land (Exodus 15:121; Deuteronomy 32:1-43). Miriam made a melody to the Master with her tambourine and dance when God delivered Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 15:20-21). Mary made a melody to the Master for the conception of Jesus (Luke 1:46-55). Making a melody to your Master will set you up to be victorious and to be blessed beyond measure. Sing your song and dance your dance and Tracey Nicole George make a melody to your Master! www.traceystrinketstotriumph.com

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health matters

Increasing Your Health Literacy Skills Picture this scenario… You are visiting your doctor for a routine office visit. The doctor is reviewing your health information and status with you. Are you able to understand what the doctor is discussing with you?

Personal health literacy is the degree to which individuals can find, understand, and use information and services to make informed health-related decisions and actions for themselves and others (CDC, Health people 2023).

Taking care of our health is an essential part of everyday life.

Having the ability to understand health information is necessary to maintain our well-being. Health literacy can help individuals manage and prevent health problems and make the healthcare environment easier to navigate. Inadequate health literacy can adversely affect an individual’s health and well-being. Poor health literacy skills can result in poor self-care, increased utilization of health services, worse outcomes, poor adherence to care directives, and decreased likelihood of receiving preventive care and services. Poor communication with patients also contributes to unnecessary readmissions and reduced patient satisfaction with the healthcare provider and agency.

There are simple ways to improve your health literacy skills and make sure you receive understandable information from your healthcare providers. First, insist that your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare providers speak to you using language you can understand. Health information can be confusing even for those with advanced literacy skills. It’s easy for those working in health care to forget that they speak in a language that patients can’t always easily understand. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Be assertive to get the information you need. Ask the provider to speak slowly and repeat information as necessary. Consider taking a friend or a loved one to the appointment to also hear what is being said by the provider.

This is especially important when the patient is elderly or 28 August 2021

may have cognitive or sensory deficits that interfere with comprehending the provided information. Get a phone number or email address to use if you have questions after you leave the appointment.

Write down a list of questions before you go to each appointment. Use these questions to guide your discussion with the provider. Request written information to support what you were told. Ask the provider for reliable websites and other resources to help explain your condition.

Use technology to increase your understanding of your health condition. Access and review your health information through internet-based patient portals and use mobile apps provided by the health care agency.

Take the time to demonstrate the correct use of a device or perform a task. Repeat the demonstration several times before your leave the office.

Clarify how long you will need to take a medication or participate in other types of therapy. Seek to understand the benefits and disadvantages of the treatment and inquire about alternative therapies that could be used to treat your disorder.

Having clear access to and understanding healthcare information can make us feel, do, and live better. Using these health literacy strategies strengthens the communication between doctor and patient. Furthermore, these strategies encourage individuals Dr. Denyce Watties-Daniels to advocate for themselves and Assistant Professor at will help you to gain maximum Coppin State University support from your healthcare DWatties-Daniels@coppin.edu provider. healthytips025@gmail.com

2000

$

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body basics

WORK LESS PLAY MORE

Don't Lose Your Groove When You Go Away! treat yourself to a full body massage.

Vacations usually mean a two-week hiatus from physical activity and fitness but it doesn’t have to. There are many ways 7. Try New Things - Rent a bike, kayak, or go horse back that you can maintain your healthy lifestyle without disrupting the riding. Many vacation resorts have fun activities and offer free leisurely vacation that you have been preparing for all year. Here lessons. Try something new on vacation, and burn a few calories are ten suggestions that you may find beneficial to your health. while you’re at it.

1. Plan Ahead - It’s not relaxing to keep up your full workout 8. Take a Dip - Chillin’ by the pool is so relaxing during regimen while on vacation. That’s like working away from home. vacation. So, use some of that time to hop in the pool Remember that if you can, accomplishing just 50 percent of what every half-hour for a swim. If you’re not a swimmer, try walking you normally do is better than not working out at all. and running through the water. The simple act of moving against 2. Scan Your Location - Before leaving for vacation, I always the water’s resistance will provide a great and fun workout. see if there is a fitness center in or around my hotel. Most hotels 9. Eat without Going Overboard - We all tend to eat more offer treadmills and dumbbells. See if your hotel offers a day pass during vacation and that’s okay. Still, try not to stuff for a gym in the area. yourself, if possible. Eat well, and snack in moderation.

3. Pack for Fitness - Your suitcase will easily allow room for 10. Dress for the Occasion - Make sure you pack sneakers and workout bands and a jump rope. Use the workout bands for comfortable workout gear. This will upper body strength-training and a jump rope can provide you take away the excuse that you didn’t with an intense cardiovascular workout. have anything to workout in. And above all, enjoy your vacation and 4. Travel the Old Fashion Way - Why use luggage with rollers when you can travel with a suitcase that you can carry. The weight thank God for the opportunity to get away from the hustle and bustle from your suitcase is a good way to walk through the airport of everyday life. while you get a total body workout.

5. Walk the Town - Try using a pedometer and count your steps each day. Aim for 10,000 steps per day as you travel to CHARLES "CHIZELIT" HARRIS restaurants and tourist sites.

Fitness Expert Chizel It Transformation Fitness Center 6. Hire a Trainer - Take one of your vacation days and hire a 9006 Liberty Rd • Randallstown Md 21133 personal trainer to give you a good workout. And the next day 443-253-0090 • www.chizelit.com

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