THE VOICE II
THE CUNNINGHAMS: AN END OF AN ERA AND NEW BEGINNINGS
MOTTO Our motto is "Because We Care, We Share". We share our love, resources, and faith with all. We are a Christian family and invite all to become children of God in the fullest way by receiving the teachings and gift of salvation. MISSION Our Mission is to maintain the general design of the Church as outlined in the New Testament of the Holy Bible. To extol and magnify Christ and His teachings: To promote the spiritual and moral welfare of its members. To advance the Christian faith and religion: To enforce good order: To aid the needy and suffering within the sphere of its influence both within the congregation and community.
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Praise and Worship Mount Enon Missionary Baptist Church 1501 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Way Dayton, OH 45402 Pastor Cory J. Pruitt Website: www.mtenonbaptist.org
SUNDAY SCHOOL – 8:30 A.M. SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP – 10:00 A.M. MOUNTAIN AND YOUTH CHURCH – 9:30 A.M. DAILY PRAYER LINE – 7 A.M. and 9 P.M. 937-265-4344 – ext. 101, enter code 502801253# LISTEN TO MOUNT ENON EVERY SUNDAY 12 PM TO 12:30 PM on WGNZ - the soul of Dayton – 98.7 WATCH DAYTON SPIRITUAL TV DIGITAL CHANNEL - 992 Tuesdays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at 6:30 AM WEEKLY PRAYER MEETING Wednesday: 9:30 A.M. and 5:45 P.M. WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY Wednesday – 11 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. Saturday 11 A.M.
BECAUSE WE CARE WE SHARE 3
PASTOR’S GREETING
CONTENTS
MOTTO
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MISSION
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IMPORTANT INFO
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PASTOR’S GREETING
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EDITOR’S NOTE
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OUR SHEPHERD
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Here at the end of 2017, I would like to thank everyone for their continued love and support. It has been a great 5 and a ½ years and I look forward to 2018! I am very appreciative of all the hard work of the staff and ministries and members have put into each event, service or activity. EDITORS NOTE
MINISTRY UPDATES CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
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HISTORICAL
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UNITED IN CHRIST
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WELLNESS
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COFFEE
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SPIRIT OF DAVID
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MEDIA
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A LOOK BACK
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END OF AN ERA
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The decision to do another Year End Voice hit me, while sitting in Church on the last Sunday in November, when the video played announcing it was Michael’s last week at the church he had grown up in and with the Family Life Center named after his father. I realized that this was a moment too big not to capture. -Andrea Foy
Reprint of Kima Cunningham interview
Thanks to many who helped make this issue possible.
Reprint of Michael Cunningham interview
Dorothy Sanders – PowerPoints
Who was John F. Cunningham? 31
Cheryl Thomas – photos
NEW BEGINNINGS
Lois Foy – proof reading
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Rhonda Mundy, Johnnie Freeman, Leona Gray, Lorelei Hagans, Lois Foy - Ministry Updates
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Pastor Pruitt’ 2017 Achievements 2017 was a busy year for Pastor Pruitt and the Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church family. He continued his innovative activities designated to spread his ministry beyond Mt. Enon into the Dayton Ohio areas reaching those who need to be feed spiritually with the word and physically with food and clothing. His greatest achievements, to name a few, includes expanding his ministry by spreading a message of hope and inspiration through his Media outreach ministry. Taping of the sermons which had been in effect for the past 15-20 years, but in 2013- he began expanding the reach of his ministry through a new Website, a renewed Facebook page and today YouTube and Twitter. In the past year, Mt. Enon church services can be seen on DATV stations and listened to via local radio stations. Ohio Baptist Convention Activities, continues to serve as the Minister of Music for the State of Ohio and….Need Pastor to fill-in Weekly Bible-Study classes has expanded into church service activities. Music and food has been added to Wednesday evening Bible-Study classes providing for additional opportunities for the class to fellowship with each other while breaking bread together. The new format improved the class and made it more spirit-filled, and included involvement by his Deacon’s and Ministerial Leadership, Music And Media Ministry This year 2017, the School of Christian Education sponsored by the “Outpouring Conference, Youth Leadership Conference and featured several workshops in October. The activities included Music Moments with workshops on Motives in Music, Dancing With Intention, An interactive workshop on the History of Music in the Black Church, with the teacher giving the history of and performing songs from all genres and eras beginning with spirituals. The conference ended with a Revival Service held by Pastor Antonio Jackson from Mobile Alabama. Keeping his church members safe during church services was and is a continuing concern for Pastor Pruitt in 2017. After a church shooting that killed 13 church members in South Carolina. The Dayton Police department made a visit to the church to talk to the congregation about how to react if someone enters the church with a gun and starts shooting. Currently, the church is closed to the public, and church attendees or anyone trying to make entrance into the church must identify themselves in a speaker before entrance is allowed. The other community issues that has had an impact on churches is the large number of people dying from the abuse of opiate drug use. Pastor Pruitt made sure church members knew how to apply Narcan to anyone who may need help. Members received training on how to apply Narcan correctly. -Lois E. Foy
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Pastor Pruitt, “Our Shephard” Isaiah 40 vs 11Five years ago, when Pastor Pruitt began his pastorate at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, he was given the title of “Our Shephard.” As we worked with and watched Pastor Pruitt work with his congregation, we have discovered that the title “Shephard” accurately describes who Pastor Pruitt truly is. As he leads, teaches, or in whatever capacity he interacts with his church members, he treats everyone with genuine concern, kindness, humility and compassion. As a Shephard who watches his flock, making sure everyone is attended to, he watches and looks for the ones who needs to be cared for; he seeks out the elderly, the young, the frail or disabled, the healthy and energetic, all are treated the same and given the same care and attention. Isaiah 40 vs 11 “He shall feed his flock like a Shephard, And carry the young lamb in his bosom” When dealing with situations that may be troublesome or painful, he listens carefully and always offers encouragement and provides solutions. Always praying for or with those who seeks his help and advice. Isaiah 40 vs 14. He teaches and instructs his congregation, how to walk right with God and love each other. In ways that may not always be obvious, he seems to know how to minister to those who needs comfort, or help and do not know how or wish to ask for it. With his cautious and gentle approach, he breaks down fear and anxiety, with a gentle and compassionate countenance. Matthew 11 vs 28 “Come unto me and rest All ye that labor.” He “hugs” everyone. He is always providing a gentle loving touch to people, young or old, healthy or the infirm. He visits the sick and prays for the shut-in. He makes sure those who are not able to attend church is cared for, preparing and delivering hot meals making sure those who are sick have food. I was a grateful recipient of one of those hot meals delivered to me by a cheerful Loving church member. I will never forget the experience. “He carries the young lambs In his bosom.” Our Shephard Gathers His Lambs Trip to Lima, November12, 2017. Transportation was available for those who did not have a car or did not want to drive. No questions asked, transportation is provided for everyone, regardless of situations. Like the Shephard he ism he quietly walks to and fro from Van to Van, cheerfully talking to drivers and occupants, making sure everyone is comfortable, and has a seat on the Vans. He does not leave until the Vans are filled and pulling out of the church parking lot.
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Arriving at Lima. Fourth Street Baptist Church The Pastor of the church we were visiting met each Van shaking hands welcoming us to his church. We were led to their dining facility for dinner before the church service. Pastor Pruitt was being served as his church members, some driving their car, and the church Vans arrived. Pastor Pruitt finished his meal and instead of going with the hosting Church Pastors and leaders, he stayed in the Fellowship Hall, waiting for his traveling church members to arrive. He quietly moved from table to table, quietly talking, laughing caring for his “Lambs” making sure they were all arriving safe and sound. This behaviors repeated whether he is at Mt. Enon or away. He always behaves with a spirit of love, God’s Love for his people. Corinthians 1, Ch.13, Vs 1-13. 1, Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels, And have not ‘charity, I am become as sounding brass, Or a tinkling cymbal. 2, And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understanding all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I can move mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. Pastor Pruitt, our Shephard does not “preach” to us about how to Love each other. We see God’s spirit in him as he demonstrates his Love and shows all how to walk and talk in the light of God’s love. 4, Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
Ezekiel 34:12 12 As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed
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Ministry of Christian Education “And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ ...” Ephesians 4:11-16 ************************************************************************ Mt. Enon, I cannot believe I have been your Christian Education Director for nearly two and a half years. It has been quite the experience. I cherish the work that I believe God has prepared for me. This ministry has its ups and downs, yet, it is most fulfilling; only because of the One who gave me the assignment. Christian education is one of the most important ministries of the Church, one of the most difficult to manage, and one of the most misunderstood, simply because it deals with the growth and development of God’s people. I have attempted to introduce new ideas and still honor the traditional ways that brought us over and kept us. Never will I abandon what I was taught. However, it has been trying to get us all on one accord. I also realize that those who profess to be Christian must take this subject seriously. Christian education is everyone’s responsibility and affects everyone in Christ’s Church. Its purpose is to make us like Christ. For instance, the primary goal of the newly formed Life Skills classes was to draw others who do not normally attend Sunday School. Single and Satisfied…Says Who? was offered along with Sisters in Ministry. The goal was met! There were different faces in both classes. The secondary goal is to keep them coming to study. Lastly, there is a critical need for change. Change is uncomfortable and challenging for us all; however, it will come, whether we like it or not. Change will come even if we’re not ready for it. It is rarely expected. No one asks for change, but change is inevitable. Change is also beneficial. Change helps us to develop in more ways than we can imagine. Without change, there is no growth and no moving forward. Ask yourself, “Can Christian education exist and flourish without change?” As we end this year, I am grateful to you for making Christian education priority. Let us look forward to even more dynamic opportunities to learn with creativity in 2018. Let us embrace new teaching methods. Encourage others to desire a personal need for Biblical nurture, spiritual growth and training. In any case, remember that the Holy Spirit is our ultimate guide and teacher.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Rhonda D. Mundy Ministry of Christian Education Director rhonmon9@aol.com 937-620-1270
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UNITED IN CHRIST (UIC) MARRIAGE MINISTRY 2017 YEAR END REVIEW Marshall & Leona Gray, Facilitators Our mission is to support a healthy church and community committed to carrying out the great commandment and great commission of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ while understanding that Marriage is a Gift from God. ~ Genesis 2:22-23; Matthew 19:5-6. The Marriage Ministry encourages and strengthens the covenant of marriage through Biblical teachings according to the word of God. We host monthly fellowships where we share our experiences, promote spiritual commitment and stimulate communication among couples. In March 2017, we hosted our second Marriage Seminar, “When Two Come Together as One.” Pastor and Mrs. Dana Owens, Pastor and Mrs. Settle Townsend and Brother Michael and Pastor Kima Cunningham hosts.
In August, we hosted “Goodwill Date Night” where each couple purchased for their partner an outfit from Goodwill for $10 or less and fashioned our finds that evening.
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Last year’s annual Christmas party was held at the home of Brother Michael and Pastor Kima Cunningham.
UIC Marriage Ministry membership is open to all married couples, we invite you to join. This coming year is shaping up to be another amazing year. We will continue to host our monthly meetings and date nights. We will be taking our fellowship on the road next year. We have been blessed to host our first Marriage Retreat this coming April in the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.
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MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT WELLNESS MINISTRY YEAR END REVIEW ~ Leona Gray, Director Our mission is to spiritually energize and motive you to practice your faith and serve God through healthy lifestyle behavioral changes while understanding that “your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit.” 1 Cor 6:19-20 Wellness Members are: Leona Gray, Daryl Adkins, Jerry Bunch, Georgia Davis, Eria Isaacs, Diana Jones, Darline Long, Marilyn McFadgen, Rhonda Mundy, and Tilesha Merriman The Wellness Ministry generally meets on the first Saturday of each month at 10:00 am. We hold weekly exercise classes; Aerobics - Mondays at 5:30 pm and Tuesdays at 5:00 pm - Howard Hall; Walkin’ in the Spirit - Wednesdays - 5:00 pm FLC Gym. Every third Sunday, we host our church-wide “Moving to Win” activity where the Wellness team’s goal is to satisfy your need to move. We provide scripture to motivate your spirit, health and wellness tips to feed and change your mind and exercise movement to change your body. We sponsor our City-wide Health Fair in April, hosts Fifth Saturday Seminars, volunteer as servers, cooks and cleanup crew at St Vincent de Paul Shelter for the Homeless every 5th Sunday. Members and friends participated in the following health fairs & walks; Levin Foundation Health Fair, African American Cultural Festival, Autistic Walk, Alzheimer’s Walk, Breathe Lung Cancer Walk, Heart Walk photos below) and Breast Cancer Walk. And we host our Enon Trailblazers Bike Ride/Walk.
Members and friends also supported events “Go Red” for Women’s Heart Month and “Red Nose Day”, which raises money for children in poverty (photos below.)
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COFFEE MINISTRY
2017 has been a good year for the Coffee Ministry. One of the first things Pastor Pruitt wanted when he arrived at Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church, was to provide a Coffee Ministry for his congregation to meet after church service to fellowship and extend love to each other. The Coffee Ministry consists of sister Lois Foy, Chairperson, and sister Pauline King, Co-Chairperson. Assisting the Coffee Ministry is; sisters Gwen Lee, Andrea Foy, and Gloria Kinney. All five women who started with us in 2013, are still with us. A wonderful group of Women who love serving God first and others as a symbol of what the “Love of God teaches us.” With the help of our stable and committed church members we have had a consistent coffee activity every second and fourth Sunday of the month. The goal of the Coffee Ministry is to provide a place for church members to fellowship with each other and provide the best quality of coffee for this activity. We choose the Keurig single cup method of providing a perfect fresh cup of coffee continuously. Judging from our members coming for a cup of coffee every Sunday, we have been successful. Although church services start with Sunday School early in the Morning, many members still stop by our station on their way home to meet and greet friends and family while enjoying a cup of hot coffee, hot chocolate and or hot tea, and fresh baked donuts. We look forward to continuing this service to the Church Community, and recently our activity has been upgraded to a room. We look like a formal coffee shop. Church Members are happy to see the change. We hope to continue to improve the coffee activity, and encourage more church members to join in the fellowship. We look forward to continuing this service to the church and church members to achieve Pastor Pruitt’s goal of bringing his members together in a spirit of love and fellowship. – Lois E. Foy 13
SPIRIT OF DAVID MINISTRY
2017 Children’s Christmas program.
2017 black history program The pictures of the kids in the gym is from the church anniversary and the kids locked in with Pastor Pruitt.
We are raising funds and looking forward to joining Pastor Pruitt in Mobile Ala. in 2018. – Lorelei Hagans
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THE MEDIA MINISTRY
“And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” Mark 16:15 (NKJV) MINISTRY MISSION The mission of the MEMBC Media Ministry is to compliment, enhance, and serve the overall ministries of the church and work in unity with the church’s vision through video, audio, print, and Internet so that the Lord is glorified. (Amos 3:3; Matt.18:19; Rom.15:5; Gal.5:13; Eph.4:3; Col.1:25; 1 Peter 4:10-11) The Media Ministry is committed to providing multimedia resources to those who are not able to attend our services, or just want to experience the service again. We are constantly striving to improve our methods, quality, efficiency, and overall effectiveness. MINISTRY RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS To capture through photography, audio and video recording of the various Spiritual Religious events; provide media services and support to the various ministries; to invest in the God-given vision of the Pastor; to assist in fulfilling the main Spiritual foundation mission of the church; to maintain and update the various methods of media used for communication and the sharing of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. MINISTRY GOAL (COMING SOON) To produce and render quality photos, audio and video recordings for distribution in doing the ‘Work of the Church’, which is the fulfilling of Jesus command. We serve to: Promote the gospel of Truth to all nations; (1Chron.16:24; Ps.67:2; Ps.96:3; Matt.28:19; Mark 13:10; Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8) Provide means of equipping the saints for the works of service; (Eph.4:12; 2 Tim.3:16-17; Heb.13:21) Encourage, motivate, and edify each other; (Eph.4:12; Eph.4:29; 1 Thess.5:11) Serve as an instrument of worship and ministry; (Num.4:12; Acts 9:15)
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2017 was a busy year for the Media Ministry. We began broadcasting our ministry for Dayton Spiritual TV (DSTV) part of the Dayton Access TV (DATV) station. Our shows air on Tuesdays at 3:30 PM and Saturdays at 6:30 AM. We also started broadcasting on WGNZ radio The Soul of Dayton, 98.1 on Sundays at 12:00-12:30 PM. We have also expanded out reach through the internet and social media with our Facebook page, now with over 1100 likes and our new website www.mtenonbaptist.org. Sunday mornings can find Dorothy Sanders and Joyce Clay-English showing the announcements, music lyrics and scriptures. All our videotaping and editing is done by Cheryl Thomas. We can use more help in the video-taping and livestream areas. Training is available both at the church and DATV, which has top quality training and facilities. Starting in 2018, because of the new security procedures anyone who would like an announcement recorded will need to email me at a1f99@yahoo.com or call at 937.248.4765. We can either record the announcement for you or you can arrange to come in and do it yourself. Again because of the new church hours, Wednesdays at 5:00 will be the only time you can do an announcement. Finally, thanks to all the announcers and others, who helped with the ministry in 2017. Thank you for your support of our Mt Enon Media Ministry – Andrea Foy
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A LOOK BACK AT SOME HIGHLIGHTS OF 2017
APRIL Pastor Pruitt’s 5th Anniversary and a look back at the first 5 years.
2012- Pastor, still new to Dayton was blessed to give the invocation at the rare and historical joint appearance of President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden in Dayton.
Pastor Anniversary party at Meadowbrook Country Club, full room dressed in white!
Pastor talks to former WDTN News Anchor Katy Ussin, who featured Mt Enon’s efforts to become an Historical Landmark for Dayton and Ohio! 17
Pastors Installation Program
Pastor arriving at THE WORD NETWORK to ‘drop the mike’ to an international audience!
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MAY Women’s Day, Lady Argene Pruitt and Mt Enon Son Pastor Dana Owens!
JUNE Youth Month Bible Study
2017 Graduation Celebration!
Pastor making sure Rev. Dr. Asa Browning is ok at our Women’s Day luncheon where the men of Mt Enon served the women!
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Pastor Jeffery E. Vance preached during Youth Month
WATOTO returned after a 5 yr. absence. It was the first event that “Pastor� Kima hosted.
JULY
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Starting adult VBS session!
AUGUST 92nd Church Anniversary
Service on one level: For the whole month, church was held in the Family Life Center
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Pastor PREACHED at Dr. Settle Townsend’s 8th Anniversary in Bellefontaine.
SEPTEMBER
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OCTOBER
National Baptist Convention
It was a busy Fall as we were involved with Conferences and Christian Education Month!
NOVEMBER MOUNT ENON’S VETERANS AND FORMER MILITARY MEMBERS
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Bro Vincent Givens completed his tour of duty and returned home safely for the holidays.
ednesday Night Bible Study!
WOMEN OF GRACE!
Drum Corp And Drill Team Getting Ready For A Parade!
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THE END OF AN ERA One Sunday this summer 2017, Pastor Pruitt announced that Minister Kima Cunningham was called to become a pastor and receive her own church! Many of us experienced a range of emotions! We celebrated Kima in July with a wonderful evening.
And then on the last Sunday in November, a video showed during the announcements with Michael announcing that he was leaving to join his wife in her church in Troy, Ohio. In December we celebrated his 35 years as Music Director and 47 years in Mt Enon Church.
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Both Kima and Michael have contributed to the Voice II in the past. Below is a reprint of each of their articles in their own words to remember them by.
An Interview with… Rev. Kima Cunningham Rev. is a Black, Woman, Dayton and Mt Enon history fact. Here is a conversation with her! Q: When and how did you know you were called into the ministry? I was called into the preaching ministry in the spring of 1997. I was actually doing a keynote speech for a faculty luncheon at Sinclair Community College. I remember distinctly; it was about change. And it was powerful, and I felt people coming along with me. I felt the energy in the room. That part was nothing new. I always knew I had the ability to impact people’s lives, but this was different. As I walked out of the room, I said to myself “You really spoke well today.” And I distinctly heard God say, “No, you preached. And that’s what I’m calling you to do.” I was terrified. Literally terrified. I had no desire to preach. My plan was to become a motivational speaker, go on the circuit, and make lots of money. And instead of me going on the road, with the urging of my fatherin-law, God sent me to seminary. Which I found really interesting because he struggled with the idea of women preaching, particularly his daughter-in-law. But it worked out…it took years. After God said preach, he told me to go sit down. So, while I attended seminary, I sat on the second row at Mt. Enon for 12 years, between Mrs. Bobo and Mrs. Porch. And I struggled. And I waited. And I was humbled. And in due season, God made a way.
Q: In today’s liberal society, why do women still face so much opposition, or do they? A few of my sister preacher friends went out to dinner about a month ago. They range in age from 25 to 65. And all of them have experienced prejudice, ridicule and opposition. Some of our fellow preachers or the brothers and sisters in many of our congregations don’t believe that God calls women. Most don’t even attempt to use scripture; it’s just not something they were raised to believe. Those who do use scripture extract the text and use it outside of its context. They choose the passages that embrace their belief without leaving room for other texts which pose a different thought. Even though my father-in-law struggled, his greatest desire was to dialogue, to look at all sides of the issue. He would say, “if I can admit that maybe scripture does leave room for women to preach, then can you say that there is room to see where scripture doesn’t endorse it?” As we wrestled together, my response was, “but he called me and as sure as I know my name, I know he called me to preach. I ran like an Olympic sprinter but God caught up with me and he didn’t let me rest until I said yes.” Q: Is it important for more women to be part of the ministry? It is important for all men and women to be who God has called them to be. Nearly 70% of seminary students are women. But I don’t think God is calling more women. I believe that more women are answering. It’s still difficult, but we are saying yes. It’s very much a struggle but we are still saying yes. We will never be part of the old boy’s club, but we are still saying yes. Because God tells us, “And we know that all things work together for them that love God and are called according to his purpose.” In order for me to make some sense of my life and to live the abundant life, God has promised us, we have to answer the call, whatever it is, to be and do what God created us for. 26
Q:
What Most People Don’t Know About Me:
That I love Westerns and old movies. I love reading Stephen King novels. That I’m really a loner. That while I’m a preacher, I’m also Mike’s wife. That after a day of ministry, I still have to go home and take care of my husband and my stepson, when he’s there. I still have to manage my household. That I feel guilty when I say no. That I’m learning to value my family more. And that as Ms. Barb gets older, I have to reserve more time for her. She’s my momma, but most of all she’s my girl. I’m working on hanging out with her more! Q: you.
Name some women ministers who inspire
I truly believe that Esther Pearl Burton was called to preach. She was a wonderful woman, active in the district and state conventions. She was my mentor, my friend, my spiritual mother. She taught me so much and I quote her today. A woman full of wisdom, who operated in the structure she lived in but never failed to deliver a powerful prophetic word, even if it was just on Women’s Day. She impacted men and women alike and she was such a blessing to me. She inspired me to preach and to still be a lady. To preach and still honor the feminine. To preach and still be a good wife and mother. I miss her tremendously. There was another sister in Dayton, Mrs. Irene Ford who was an inspirational to me as well. As far as women we see around the country, Rev. Jackie McCullough has always inspired me as well as Rev. Renita Weems, Rev. Gina Stewart and Rev. Carolyn Showell. There are a number of others. Unless you go to conferences, you hear very few women who have honed their craft and committed their lives to this ministry. My list continues to grow. Q: How does it feel to be the first woman preacher at Mt. Enon?
I’m not sure. I actually never thought about it until people began to say that to me. I was in it, going through it, struggling to maintain my dependence on God, to deal with the opposition from so many who didn’t understand that this was not my call. I owe much to my father-in-law because in the end, he supported me in every way he knew how. I owe much to Pastor Harold Cottom, who was brave enough to license me and to Pastor Cory Pruitt’s bravery to call us all out before he was even our Pastor! It feels good as I see other sisters accepting the call, knowing that I can be a support to them, that perhaps their way won’t be as difficult. Looking back, I see what God has done, even in our church family. But I also see what God is going to do as we all begin to operate in our gifts. Eyes haven’t seen, neither have ears heard, neither can we even imagine the great things God has in store for us! I’m humbled that God chose me and I’m honored that God uses me, but most of all, I’m grateful that the gift blesses and encourages the body. God gets ALL the glory! BIO Rev. Kima R.H. Cunningham was called to the preaching ministry in 1997. She is first and foremost a servant committed to preparing people for God’s purpose and connecting people to God’s presence. A serious student committed to unearthing those principles that form the foundation for living purposeful, intentional lives, she is currently working for the Montgomery County Office of Family & Children First as a Program Coordinator providing oversight for supportive services throughout the community. A powerful preacher, she is an associate minister at the Mt. Enon Missionary Baptist Church where she served for many years under the pastorate of her father-inlaw, the late Rev. Dr. John F. Cunningham. She now serves under Mt. Enon's new pastor, the Rev. 27
Cory J. Pruitt where she is a Ministry Leader for Young Adults and chairs Women’s Ministries. She also serves as the Director of the Interfaith Campus Ministry at Central State University, where she oversees weekly worship services on Sunday afternoon as well as conducting engaging bible study during the week. Also a dynamic and energetic teacher, she specializes in workshops designed to spiritually empower and celebrate men and women alike. A much sought-after conference speaker, Rev. Cunningham has spoken to various churches, organizations and women’s groups across the country. She has a B.A. in Journalism from the Ohio State University and a Masters of Divinity from Payne Theological Seminary. Convicted and convinced that God is calling his people to greatness, she often quotes Jeremiah 29:11, "For I have plans for you, says the Lord, for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope..." She is part of a powerful ministry team, delightfully married to Michael Cunningham, a gifted musician, for 21 years with one wonderful stepson, Alan, who is an anointed psalmist and songwriter. Founder of C.R.O.S.S. Ministries, (Christians Reaching Out to Save Souls), her prayer is that the lost will be brought into the body of Christ worldwide, educated, empowered and encouraged through her prophetic gift of preaching and teaching.
Source: Mikeandkima.com
SPOTLIGHT ON MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM Born in 1965 in Clarksville, Tennessee to the late Rev. J. F. And Alva Cunningham. Came to Dayton in 1976 when his father received the call to pastor Mt Enon Baptist Church. Started playing the piano and organ at age 16. Has been playing for Mt Enon since 1984 first as a volunteer, later serving as the minister of music since 1995. Here is Michael’s story in his own words. I guess I can say my musical career unofficially started in my mother’s womb. She took piano lessons when I she was pregnant with me. Around four or five years old I started my journey in Clarksville at the Mount Olive Baptist Church, where my father pastored. We lived in the churches’ parsonage is which was right next door to the church, so there was a lot of time spent at the church. Our church secretary Mary Roach (yes the same Mary Roach who was secretary at Mount Enon) often babysat me. She has a daughter, Michelle, who was my playmate especially during the summer months. If we weren’t playing outside with the neighborhood children, we were in the church playing. At the same time in my formative years I was focused on being a preacher. I pretended to be my dad preaching with the end of a curtain rod as my microphone. My office was in the Woman’s Lounge at Mount Olive which was across from the 28
secretary’s office. To this day whenever I go back to Mount Olive I try to get a sneak peak in the women’s lounge (to see my old office). :-) Michelle and I often spend time in the sanctuary having my church services (weddings, funerals, etc.) Where we would imitate people shouting and singing. We often ate the communion crackers that were stored on the table (I’m sure they couldn’t figure out why their cracker bill was so high!!!) One person I would imitate was our musician Rev. Norman Leak. He often played the organ and direct to the choir at the same time. I also spent a lot of time with (and took lessons from) my big sister Mary Irvin was accomplished pianist and music teacher today. My other childhood friends where the Jerkins family who lived down the street. Their father pastored Mount St. John Baptist and their mother was the musician, a musical family show now (again, never took lessons). I often hang out with them especially their twin daughters. I had no idea these moments of my life would propel me to what I do today. Upon moving to Dayton, I played saxophone in school (trying to emulate my uncle and cousin). I would also listen to saxophone artists like Verna Johnson and try to copy his style, but after a few years of playing the sax is started hurting my teeth. However, the organ had always caught my ear as well. Every day after band rehearsal I would tinker on the piano and eventually gave up the sax. And at the church the organ kept getting my attention. I would sit on the balcony and listen to Melvin Williams (who eventually became my mentor) and after church I would go to the basement to see if I could play like he did. She would always run me off!!! (I think that was her way of doing reverse psychology on me.) She was a great supporter of young folks at Mt. Enon Well here’s the official start of my ministry. The church planned a (five buses) trip to Atlantic City, New Jersey (actually for church service with
another church) and the youth didn’t have any money. So, somebody suggested me to a musical to raise funds. Then the question was asked who was going to play? I foolishly said I would try. The rest is history. I never thought I’d be minister of music. I just wanted to play. I really don’t like being quote in charge quote. However, I do thank God for the gift he is putting me. He chose me, and I chose to accept. Now I’m in my 32nd year of playing for the Lord. I made a pact with God to just playing his music that lives inspires and encourages music that magnifies God and he has blessed me blind beyond measure!!! I have been overseas and played with people who are in the gospel music industry that I never dreamed I would play for. I played for Donnie McClurkin when he would come to Wilberforce or Central State to do revivals. (Had I known he’d be so famous, I would have kept up with him. I also played with the late Thomas Whitfield when he would come today to do workshops. I’ve been the house musician (musicians who played behind the curtains when they changed the group, so they can keep the service going) or the Dr. Bobby Jones show when he taped in Nashville. I have also played for Milton Bigelow, (Georgia Mass Choir) Wanda Nero Butler, Quincy building Junior., Walter Hawkins, Jennifer Holliday, Richard Smallwood, the Northwood, and others I have had the opportunity to write and record a number of my own musical compositions with the Ohio Baptist Gen. convention and the delegation math choir. I believe my ministry is evolving; my mission now is to unite the people of different denominations and spiritual backgrounds through music. I was selected two years ago to chair Dayton MLK choir event. I guess after playing a live of the country and even in Germany and France, it’s a great honor to be recognized in your hometown, Jesus didn’t even get that honor) finally, I know that I will follow the 29
Lord’s plan for my life until he tells me to stop. Hopefully that will be the day he calls me home. BIO A native of Clarksville, Tennessee, Michael has spent most of his life in Dayton, Ohio. Born to Alva A. Cunningham and the late Rev. John F. Cunningham. He began playing at the age of 16 and was mentored by Melvin Williams, a well-known musician from the Dayton area. Michael has worked with virtually every AfricanAmerican church in the city and surrounding areas as either a house musician or workshop clinician. Very active in the community; he has established working relationships with many pastors as well as musicians and is often regarded as a preacher's/pastor's musician. He also functions as a resource for various churches in terms of locating musicians, assisting with musical program development, backline and sound production. He has worked with a variety of sound equipment including mixing boards and multitrack recorders, has experience in stage layout and has provided audio consulting services for various churches, musical programs and concerts throughout the religious community.
“Stellar Award” nominated Ohio Baptist General Convention Mass Choir (“It’s God” and “A Praise in the House”)and the Delegation Mass Choir (“Baptize Me Jesus”). He is a member of two performance rights organizations, B.M.I. and the Harry Fox Agency. Michael currently serves as full time Minister of Music at Mt. Enon Baptist Church; he has also served as Director for the Ohio Baptist General Convention Mass Choir and musician for the Delegation Mass Choir. In addition, he is the former musician for the Dayton Baptist Ministers Union and a member of and musician for the Dayton Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. He has attended Sinclair College focusing on the following areas: Music Theory, Ear Training, Vocal Diction, Music Appreciation, Sight Reading/Singing and Music Composition. He has also participated in workshops and seminars on audio and video technology and has many years of experience in this field. He is married to Kima Hicks Cunningham and has one son, Alan Michael Cunningham.
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Michael has conducted workshops for a number of churches throughout Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee. He has also been a guest clinician and musician overseas in Paris and Germany. This anointed musician has played with a number of national and international recording artists including, Milton Biggham, James Bignon, Wanda Nero Butler, Quincy Fielding Jr., Walter Hawkins, Al “The Bishop” Hobbs, Jennifer Holiday, Keith Hunter, Jeffrey LaValley, Liz McComb, V. Michael Mckay, Richard Smallwood, Myrna Summers and the late Thomas Whitfield. He has served as a house musician for the Bobby Jones Gospel Explosion and has recorded with the Gospel Music Workshop of America Mass Choir in Chicago and Washington D. C. He has composed a number of musical selections, two of which were recorded for “Leon & Friends”, where he was also organist and pianist. His songs have also been recorded on both projects for the 30
JOHN F. CUNNINGHAM
the local flock, very much in love with his church and easy to talk to," said John Cannon, chairman of Mount Enon's board of deacons. Under Rev. Cunningham's pastorate, Mount Enon partnered with six other Dayton congregations under the name Ecumenical Neighborhood Development Corp to build or fix up more than 100 Dayton houses since 1990, selling them to low-income residents. More recently, Mount Enon completed a $2 million Family life Center on the west side of the old church. While other black congregations moved to the suburbs, Rev. Cunningham's church vowed to stay put in the heart of West Dayton.
For many members and the community, the mention of Pastor John F. Cunningham brings back fond memories. But if your newer or younger, John Cunningham is not so familiar. Let’s find out a little bit more about this man of God from legacy.com. John F. Cunningham was Mt Enon’s longest serving Pastor. His legacy lived through his children. He and his wife, Alma had 3 sons, Michael, Corey and Timothy. Corey is the Pastor of his own church, Inspiration, here in Dayton, where brother Timothy is a musician. Michael, wife Kima (now a Pastor) and son Alan-Michael a gifted singer on his own, carry on the Cunningham legacy.
"We feel our job now is to stay focused on ministry to empower and encourage people, not to move someplace else," said Kima Cunningham, wife of the pastor's son Michael , Mount Enon's music minister. "Those who have moved, we wish them the best." Rev. Cunningham was active in his denomination, serving various local, state and national posts, Cannon said. In Dayton, Rev. Cunningham sat on several boards including the NAACP, the SCLC and the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance. -Legacy.com Aug 1, 2005
The Rev. John F. Cunningham, was a Baptist preacher who led his congregation in building up the neighborhood and reaching out to people around the community. Rev. Cunningham had been pastor at Mount Enon 29 years, making him one of the most senior members of Dayton's clergy. His church, at 1501 West Third St., a nearly 80 -year-old former United Brethren structure, has upward of 2,000 members. "He was a great spiritual leader, a shepherd to 31
NEW BEGINNINGS
Ministers Monessa Berry, Holly Vance, Tammy McGee (Pastor) Sharon Harris, Chance Clark and Jessie Walker.
Ministers Jerrick McCall (Pastor) Sharon Harris, and Mathew Monie
Derrick Myles is our new Minister of Music! 32