The Christian Index - April 2020

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • April 2020

Dr. Louise Baker Brown: Clothed With Strength And Dignity - p. 19

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2020 Offices are Housed in The International Headquarters Memphis, Tennessee Contact the Editor at (901) 515-6510 E-mail: orespragin@thecmechurch.org 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721 Contact Circulations/Subscriptions Office at (901) 396-5400 EDITOR Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. PUBLISHER Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. PUBLISHING BOARD Chairman Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX (0744-4060; USPS 0108320) is published monthly by The CME Publishing House.

Periodicals Postage is paid at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional entry offices. Postal records are maintained at: The CME Department of Publications, Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. General Secretary, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Suite 153, Memphis, Tennessee 38116. POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The CME Publishing House, P. O. Box 16035, Memphis, TN 38186. THE SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $30 for one year.

Subscriptions should be sent to Office of the Publisher: The Christian Index, P. O. Box 16035, Memphis, TN 38186. The Publisher’s telephone number is (901) 396-5400. ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION should be sent to Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor, THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany, GA 31721 or to: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Inside The Christian Index "Getting Back to Basics As We Envision Our Way Forward in Taking Care of God's Business"

Volume 153, Number 4

April 2020

Connectional Interests Episcopacy Response to the Coronavirus Crisis 4 CME Calendar of Events 5 Dept. of Finance & Investments 6 Board of Personnel Services 8 Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 9 Dept. of Christian Education and Formation 10 Department of Lay Ministry 11 Department of Ministry to Men 12 Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 14 Submissions Holsey Temple Community Day of Sharing 15 African American Biblical Interpretation 16 Dr. Louise Baker Brown 19 To Stand or Not to Stand 22 Is DST for God or for You 23 Donald Hollowell: fighter for legal rights 24 A Hat Affair 25 Legacy of Mrs. Mildred Delaine Black 26 MPCO Ministers/Spouses Luncheon 27 Empower Men Prayer Breakfast 28 Central Wants to Rock the VOTE 29 One Church One School at Shy Temple 30 3D Cruises Alaska 32 Back to Basics: Becoming 34 Children/Youth 35 Ecumenical News Lent 2020 37 Crutchfield Promoted, Given Chair 37 Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud 38 Connectional Directory Back Cover

Cover: Dr. Louise Baker Brown.

Photographs: Photos are by contributors to The Christian Index and Index staff.

Submitted to the Publisher: March 15, 2020

Editorial

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the Church The big, and, for some, unnerving news of late is the coronavirus, which has now been declared a pandemic. Though it is not yet clear to the public exactly what this virus is, because it mimics the flu and creates symptoms associated with other ailments, it is very clear that this is a distinct microorganism, that it is transmitted by human contact AND in other mysterious ways, that it has traversed the globe rather quickly, and that it is deadly.

At this point it has also been shown that the elderly and those who are already suffering from weakened health are the most susceptible to the ill effects of the virus, if contracted. More medical and social research is being performed as I write this, and the healthcare industry, as well as federal, state, and local government officials are busy trying to inform the public and to combat groundless fears and ensuing prejudices and acts of violence.

In light of the information and misinformation that is being learned and spread through legitimate, professional channels and through more open social media outlets, many countries have restricted travel through their borders, travel carriers are beefing up sanitary procedures, and large event venues and meetings are refusing large audiences or cancelling events altogether.

The CME Church has today, March 11, 2020, disseminated an official statement in response to the coronavirus crisis. (See page 4.) In addition, I received this statement in an email dated March 6, 2020, from my presiding prelate, Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. (Sixth Episcopal District) The Coronavirus – Given the challenges facing this virus, every local church is urged to practice – Regular hand sanitation by providing hand sanitizers for worshipers as they enter and depart worship – “social distancing” (no handshakes, no kissing nor hugging), encouraging everyone to

wash hands as often as possible. Stay informed and get help as soon as one suspect that one has the virus. Our community is always the most vulnerable.

Practice safety!

Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor

Additionally, I also received today a helpful link from Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District: http:// www.belovedcommunitychurch.org/our-covid-19-policy/.

I am sure there are others.

As indicated earlier, concerts are being cancelled; sporting events are being held without spectators; and popular television talk shows are continuing, but their audiences are either absent or are made up of studio staff and personnel. Though it seems the presumption by some is that the virus will be less of a threat later in the year, its mere occurrence has made more relevant the need for our denomination, and local churches in particular, to prepare for those times during which regular assembly may be next to impossible and we are unable to conduct business as usual.

Past crises such as tornadoes, hurricanes, and floods have spurred some churches to adopt alternative methods of conducting services, holding meetings, and receiving funds, but I fear that far too many of our congregations remain vulnerable to these and other emergencies. As mentioned earlier, already there are some restraints on public travel, even in some cities here in the United States, and the notion of persons working from home is not off the table, despite the fact that many persons are by no means able to work from home. The coronavirus may be the church's wakeup call to prepare for a different time.

Mission Statement of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be disciples of Jesus the Christ by serving individuals, communities and the world as the representative, loving presence of God and as witnesses to God’s salvation and grace.

Vision Statement of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The vision of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be a transforming church for Jesus the Christ within a changing world.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Episcopacy

College of Bishops Responds to the Present Coronavirus (COVID-19) Crisis Dear CME Church Family: The College of Bishops is aware of the serious nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and we seek to provide some guidance to you as you make decisions about your day-to-day life and about congregational life at the local level: 1.

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Follow any restrictions and limitations imposed by local, state and federal ofĎ?icials.

Follow all the recommended hand washing, sanitizing, disinfecting, social distancing and self-observation techniques recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov).

Continuation of scheduled Episcopal District and Regional meetings will be determined by the Presiding Bishop.

Continuation of local church services will be determined by the Pastor. If local church services are held, please put extra precautions in place, particularly around serving communion, baptisms, taking up offerings and other activities that involve multiple people touching objects or being in close proximity with others.

Urge seniors and persons with compromised immune systems to limit their contact with others.

Consider holding services, bible study, and other church meetings via video- or teleconferencing.

Be in prayer for all victims, for our nation, and for other countries affected by this pandemic.

As this outbreak continues to unfold, we may issue further recommendations for our CME Church family.

Questions may be directed to your Presiding Bishop.

On behalf of the CME College of Bishops, Lawrence Reddick, Senior Bishop Thomas Brown, Sr., Chair, College of Bishops Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Secretary, College of Bishops

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The Christian Index • April 2020

April 3-4 - Sixth Episcopal District Spring Gathering & One in the Spirit Banquet; Holsey Chapel Church & St. Luke United Methodist Church; Columbus GA. April 3-4 - Third Episcopal District Spring Convocation, Premier Best Western Hotel, Southfield MI. April 17-18 - New York-Washington Region Spring Meeting/Leadership Training School; Hopps Memorial CME Church,1110 S. State St., Syracuse NY 13202.

May 10-14 - Extended Mother’s Day Excursion and the Alaska-Pacific Region Annual Conference; First CME Church, 3600 Macinnes St., Anchorage AK 99508. Accommodations: Fairfield Inn Midtown Anchorage, Ph. 907-222-9000.

Recommended arrival: May 9.

June 10-12 - Arizona-New Mexico Region Annual Conference; Amos Metropolitan CME, Phoenix AZ; 10:00 a.m. opening, 7:00 p.m. Communion.

June 14-17 - Kansas-Missouri Region Annual Conference; University Park United Methodist Church, Denver CO. July 15-17 - Oklahoma Region Annual Conference; St. John CME, Spencer OK; 9:00 a.m. opening, 7:00 p.m.

Communion.

June 22-24 - South Georgia Regional Gathering Conference; St. Andrews Church, 2101 Albany St., Brunswick GA, June 28 - July 2 - Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference; Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, 3121 W Gate City Blvd., Greensboro NC. July 6-8 - West Georgia Region Annual Conference; Holsey Monumental Church, 6028 Buena Vista Road, Columbus GA. July 13-15 - Central Georgia Region Annual Conference; Bethel Church, 1668 Pio Nono Avenue, Macon GA. July 14-17 - Combined Birmingham/Southeast Alabama Regions; Embassy Suites, Montgomery AL. July 15-17 - Arkansas Region Annual Conference; Wyndham Hotel, N. Little Rock AR. July 20-22 - Georgia North Region Annual Conference; The Classic Center, 300 N Thomas St., Athens GA 30601; Hosted by Trinity CME Church, Toccoa GA. July 21-24 - North Central Region Annual Conference; Hotel Capstone, Tuscaloosa AL. July 22-24 - East Tennessee Region Annual Conference; St. Paul CME Church, Jackson TN. July 26-29 - Michigan-Indiana and Southeast Missouri-Illinois-Wisconsin Regions Annual Conference; Embassy Suites St. Louis-St. Charles, St. Charles MO. April 2020 • The Christian Index

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Board of Personnel Services

“F From Where I Sit …”

The Coronavirus and The CME Retirement Plan!

On December 31, 2019, China informed the WHO of flu-like cases in one of its provinces and reported its first death on January 11th. The first case in the US was reported on January 20th. As of the writing of this article (March 7th), 101,927 global cases have been reported with 3,486 deaths in 94 countries. In the US, 213 cases were reported with 11 deaths.

Considering this catastrophic expansion over a period of just over two months, one would expect an immediate impact on US markets, but this was not the case. The Dow Jones opened on January 2nd at 28,938.97 and continued an upward trajectory to a high of 29,409.09 and a closing on February 19th at 29,348.03. After a slight 355-point decrease over two days, the Dow began a net loss of 3,127.63 over the next 10 business days.

From the various news outlets every day, there is significant discussion about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impact on global and US markets and no one really knows how this will end. There are mixed reports and diverse speculations out of Washington and Wall Street with different perspectives and possibilities for the future.

Amid this continuing confusion, it is only natural that those of us in the CME Retirement Plan would be anxious as to the implications for our retirement accounts.

Over the years, our Plan has been improved with selected options designed to help ensure safety and protection as participants neared their age of retirement. Particularly the option of Safe Harbor which affords participants at least 65 years of age up to 9 additional years of protected growth until mandatory retirement. Safe Harbor was designed by me 18 years ago for just “such a time as this.”

Those too young to enter Safe Harbor have the benefit of more years for corrective growth in a Plan that is designed for the long term increase as opposed to short term speculation. And based on the history of prior years, the record has repetitively shown that over an extended period of more than 100 years, the markets have always continued an upward growth pattern.

Unfortunately, the staff members of the General Board of Personnel Services are not permitted to give advice, but we continue to provide options as ready solutions for wise investment decisions. Although this is all that we can do, it does provide a tremendous benefit. Or at least that’s the way it looks to me …

“From Where I Sit” Tyrone T. Davis, D.Min, is the General Secretary of the Board of Personnel Services (Copies of earlier articles may be found on the Personnel Services Webpage of the CME Website at www.thecmechurch.org) 8

The Christian Index • April 2020

Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back To Basics as “We Envision Our Way Forward Taking Care of God's Business”

Caught Between Going and Making Greetings, my sisters and brothers in Christ. I pray all is well with you and yours.

The great commission gives us instructions to “Go!” However, consider what’s in the middle of going and making. It’s doing! Yes, doing. In order to make disciples it’s vitally important to the life of the church that evangelism becomes about doing. Our congregations must become doing congregations.

The pastor can’t do the work alone. It takes a team of believers who are not afraid to go beyond the walls of the church into the community. The church community must build authentic relationships with non-believers. In fact, “none’s and dones,” while developing strategies for implementation concerning evangelism. Every person is an evangelistic agent, especially anyone who calls the church their spiritual home, and therefore, must behave as an evangelist.

Evangelism is doing. Paul encouraged Timothy to do the work in 2 Timothy 4:5 (ESV) “As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Getting Back to Basics challenges us to be about the work of doing. Most of the doing takes place outside of the walls of the church in the community, as in the great commission to Go. The College of Bishops laid out a wonderful plan in the Episcopal Address: “Getting Back to Basics as We Envision Our Way Forward in Taking Care of God’s Business.” On page 19 there are six areas of focus. However, as it pertains to the Department of Evangelism and Mission, the focus is on Evangelism, Church Planting and Prayer.

Nike, the athletic sports giant, has a slogan that has been around for years: “Just Do It.” What does the slogan mean for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church? It means “doing” must become a part of the function of ministry. It cannot be separate. The great commission is a call to action for doing, being, informing, and transforming. This call is a call to action that every Christian must understand as the call to be a minister; so the doing is expected.

Again, pastors cannot do the work alone. It also takes a team that is mission-minded to be agents for the kingdom of God! This doing is work and there’s nothing magical about it. If and when the local church can get to the place where we can restore evangelistic power, it can then live out the great commission to GO. We are, The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.

Leon C. Moore, Jr. General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions Pleasant Hill CME, Pastor Conyers, GA April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Department of Christian Education and Formation

THE PRACTITIONER Pressing On In Christian Education and Formation Willa M. Ross The 2020 Connectional Youth and Young Conference (CYYAC20) will convene on Monday, June 29, 2020 at the Sheraton Four Seasons in Greensboro, North Carolina. The theme for the Conference is P.R.E.S.S; Passionate-Relevant-Essential-Sincere-Service. The Department of Christian Education and Formation has been planning and preparing for the conference for more than a year. Hopefully, local churches who are planning to bring children, youth and young and young adults to the conference are doing the same.

1 the * FALL 2018 not * NUMBER 2 continuing work of Christian educaWe must be careful in our VOLUME planning for Conference to neglect the tion and formation in local churches. Christian education is not conęned to the ministries of children, youth and young adults and the Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences.

Throughout the church we

have heard of Christian education being from ‘cradle to grave’ and that it is ‘the ministry that undergirds all other ministries of the church’.

The Connectional Youth Conference takes place every four years. Christian education takes place every day, inside and outside of the church, in implicit and explicit ways. Listening to a sermon in the corporate worship service is not enough to facilitate spiritual formation or growth. Discipleship should be happening on the personal level, one-on-one with fellow believers, in small groups, larger groups, and the congregation as a whole. Each of these levels oěers a diěerent dynamic to the growth process. It is not limited to Sunday school and Bible study, but includes all the events and activities inside and outside of the church that transforms individual lives and the life of the Church. Christian education and formation is all about Discipleship and Discipleship MaĴers.

The scriptural reference for CYYAC20 is Philippians 3:12-14. Verse 12 states “Not that I have already obtained this or have already obtained the goal, but I press on to make it my own.” Paul is referring to his goal of knowing Christ and being found in him. (vs. 7-8). One of the goals of Christian education is to guide people to the faith, so that they may know Christ and be found in him. Christian education helps to form and grow people in their faith. Christian education engages children, youth, young adults and adults in life-long learning about God who created us, and his Son, Jesus in whom the Word became Ěesh and lived among us. (John 1) Like Paul, Christian educators are called to P.R.E.S.S. on in gaining Christ so that they may be found in him, and that those they serve may strive to obtain the same goal. And like Paul we are called to be servants who teach the Word of God and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. We are called to be passionate, relevant, essential and sincere in our service to God. In P.R.E.S.Sing On, we forget what lies behind and strain forward to what lies ahead. (vs.13b).

Note: This article is from the Winter Edition of the Practitioner, a quarterly publication of the Department of Christian Education and Formation.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY TRY Y

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr.. Cliffordd L.. Harris,, Generall Secretaryy ““Reaching, Reac Reac Re ach hing hi ing,, Te TTeaching, Tea ea and Ministering to All Generations, Equipping Them for Greater Works and Service ervicee f

IN TAKING CARE OF GOD’S BUSINESS WE MUST INVEST IN AND ENGAGE EVERY GENERATION IN MISSION AND MINISTRY As the Laos (the whole people of God), as congregations, and as individuals, and organizations, we must (clear our minds) turn the page and begin afresh every day, exercise our gifts and do our work one day, one week, one month, and one year at a time. . .

Isaiah 43:19 says “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert.”

If our focus is right and our actions are pure, God will navigate our path and quench our thirst to make a difference, regardless of where we are serving. To effectively engage ourselves in investing in all generations we must be faithful and courageous, and we must work as if it’s all up to us and trust God as if it is all up to Him. Thus, if the local, district, region, and connectional core of our Zion are to grow new leaders and sustain themselves, lay men and women must become increasingly responsive to the call of ministry and invest in all age groups and all generations. If our lay ministry councils and our congregations are to sustain themselves from one quadrennial to another, we must invest time and energy into those who can carry on and carry out the work that has been birthed and nurtured by the faithful. . . In other words, we must invest our time and our talents into growing those who must carry on . . . We must seek strength from God’s Word each day, with the determination that our time will not be wasted on unproductive actions or thinking.

Everyone is valuable concerning kingdom building and every generation should be afforded the opportunity to be engaged and given the chance to reach and move forward. . .

Hence, we must be determined to make our mission of “Reaching, Teaching, and Ministering to all Generations” an equal opportunity effort that seeks to engage all that are part of our congregations.

Dr. Clifford L. Harris - 15485 Prairie Bell Road - Okmulgee, OK 74447-8690 Email – mrcliffharris@yahoo.com - Telephone: Voice 918.519.4233 - Home 918.304.1999

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Department of Ministry to Men

Church Is Where We Connect With God ... On His Terms Humans were made to be companions for deity (Genesis 1:26; 3:8). When man sinned in Eden, that connection was broken (Genesis 3:6-7, 24; Isaiah 59:12). God is holy and holiness demands separation from sin. God is just, and justice demands punishment. God is also merciful and wants to forgive man. Thus the divine dilemma.

The only way the righteous God could receive man back was for a sufficient price to be paid. The price was named; Christ paid it. God gave His Son so He could adopt us as sons and daughters (John 3:16; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21; 8:9).

What does God asked in return? Love. Worship. Gratitude. Commitment. Righteousness.

Church enables participation in the worship God longs for in the way He wants it (John 4:24). Worship is man‘s outlet for thanksgiving and praise for the indescribable gift of Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15. Honoring Jesus and pleasing the Father are what church is about (John 4:24; Colossians 1:18; 1 Peter 2:9).

God does not approve of do-it-yourself religion. Worship must be given as God wants it, since it is for Him. Listening to a favorite preacher’s podcast at the gym or worship songs around the house does not replace giving God His Sunday a cappella concert, heartfelt prayer, and sincere gratitude around His Son’s table.

While Christianity is a personal, heartfelt religion (Matthew 15:8; Romans 6:17), it is not meant to be practiced alone. A part is done in secret (Matthew 6:6), but discipleship is not meant to be secret (;John 12:42; 19:38-39). Shouting the gospel “on the housetops (Matthew 10:27) is better done in a public assembly than in a private residence.

Man may think he can worship on his terms in his own house, but God is not obligated to honor man’s whims. Man is obligated to follow God’s wisdom (James 4:7). In the days of the judges, every man did what was right in his own eyes (Judges 17:6; 21:25), which produced the dark ages of Israel. Moses forbade all the Jews doing “whatever is right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8). Paul later noted: “Being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, [they] have not submitted to the righteousness of God” Romans 10:3).

The church is not a human invention; it was God’s idea (Ephesians 3:10-11). He spent four thousand years planning, organizing, establishing, and building it (Galatians 4:4-5; Acts 2). Although men have spent the last two thousand years trying to change it, God’s original church is still here. We should not abandon it. The church (kingdom) is the only thing God will salvage from the cursed world (1 Corinthians 15:24). We must be in it when that happens (Matthew 25:1-13). God bless you and may God Keep You moving forward always!

Dr. Leo Pinkett, General Secretary The Department of Ministry to Men

"Sometimes the best progress is moving in silence."

--Letha Goodman 12

The Christian Index • April 2020

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April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

Saluting g Ministers’’ Spouses,, Widowss and d Widowerss - Extraordinaryy People e Greetings my sisters and brothers in Christ. Blessings, glory and honor to Him who is able to keep, comfort and sustain us.

Spring is just around the corner and the members of the MSWW Department are planning wonderful worship services, such as the Marion C. Scipio Vesper hours, to celebrate our work over the 25 years of service in ministry (19952020). These fellowships are coming together for a cause greater than their own. As with the South Louisiana, Louisiana, South Mississippi to the North East Mississippi Regions of the 4th Episcopal District, many MSWWD District and Regional annual days and outreach ministries are underway during this season. As we reflect on the fruits of our labor, we have learned over the years to walk by faith in the power of God and to stay in tune with His word. While our work can seem daunting at times, we are resilient and are encouraged by the gifts of love, friendship, humility and intentionality to those we are called to serve.

The Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers community service and social concern projects at the local, district, regional, connectional, and international levels have a powerful impact across our nation. They include personal care or food donations to residents of women and children shelters like the Hope House, making financial donations to area Relay for Life events to help further the cancer research of ACS and other related institutions and participation in local and national campaigns such as the Pan Methodist Campaign and the Secret Sister Ministry to fight child hunger and poverty. Other service hours have been spent at local schools assisting students, donating to college scholarship funds; particularly the MSWWD Barbara Hoye Sommerville and advocating for resources to help improve student performance. These activities include touching the lives of our members by honoring them in ways to show our love, support, and appreciation. The Ministers’ Spouses Department organizational mission includes our families, the work of our spouses and the local churches in our communities. This includes our military branches where some of our pastors serve in the Chaplaincy ministry providing religious support to fellow servicemen and servicewomen and their families.

Roman 10:15 states, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!”

This month, we celebrate the Connectional Day of Observance of the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers, 4th Sunday, April 26. We thank each of you for your dedicated service, acts of leadership and on-going support of the ministry. In ministry, nothing is possible without God’s love given and expressed through Jesus. I’m reminded of two movie classics, The Bishop’s Wife and the modern day, The Preacher’s Wife. The narratives of these two movies give a portrayal of the minister and his spouse, their work in ministry, the challenges and the subsequent miracles brought to them by the intervening work of the angel summoned from heaven to help them accomplish their church work. The word of God teaches us in scripture that love is patient, love is kind, love suffereth long. Let us lend a listening ear, embrace the diversity of our relationships and give a word of encouragement to plant seeds of hope, faith, peace and perseverance. Then watch them grow with the promise of twenty-five more years of ministry opportunities for the current and next generation.

Therefore, Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers spring forward with steadfast joy, love and determination.

Can we do it? In the words of former President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama - “Yes we can”. Extraordinary people, yes we are. Be encouraged as we continue to trust in God to see each of us through our daily works.

Submitted by: Mrs. Elaine Banks, 4th Episcopal District- Corresponding Secretary, Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department. April 2020.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Submissions

Community Day of Sharing Holsey Temple CME Church Submitted by Judith Collins and Eva Grant

The Stewardess Board of Holsey Temple CME Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, hosted a give away event catering to homeless and underprivileged persons in the Germantown section of Philadelphia where the church is located.

This event was designed to provide basic, everyday, lifesustaining essentials to the community and was titled appropriately “Community Day of Sharing.” The event was held on Saturday September 14, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Everything supplied was free, including a light lunch.

This event was the vision of stewardess board member Judith Collins. She, the stewardess board, the Holsey congregation, friends, family, neighbors and business partners were successful in servicing two hundred plus individuals and families.

The event catered to persons from infants to seniors, and the community turnout did not disappoint, as there is such a need. The stewardess board requested and successfully received donations in all of the areas of giving for this giveaway event.

The goal was to provide a one-stop shop where attendees could receive various items in one location. New and gently used clothing and coats, shoes, boots, small household appliances, housewares - including sheets and comforters, non-perishable food items, cleaning products, personal hygiene items, books for adults and children, school supplies and toys were available for all.

We thank our pastor, Reverend John A. Dillard, for believing in the vision and our business partners - Wawa Foundation, Acme Markets, Walgreens Pharmacy, Giant Foods, Shoprite Market and CVS Pharmacy - for their donations.

In summation, through Christ all things are possible, and it is always a blessing to be a blessing!

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Theological Reflections on African American Biblical Interpretation Submitted by Rev. Dr. Darvin A. Adams I Pastor of the Lane Tabernacle CME Church Hopkinsville, Kentucky Scholar-in-Residence, Second Episcopal District

Above this firmament of your Scripture I believe that there are other waters, immortal and kept safe from earthly corruption.

They are the peoples of your city, your angels, on high above the firmament. Let them glorify your name and sing praises, for they have no need to look up this firmament of ours or read its text to know your word. For ever they gaze upon your face and there, without the aid of syllables inscribed in time, they read what your eternal will decrees. They read your will: they choose it to be theirs: they cherish it. They read it without ceasing and what read never passes away. For it is your own unchanging purpose that they read, choosing to make it their own and cherishing it for themselves. The book they read shall not be closed. For them the scroll shall not be furled. For you yourself are their book and you forever are.1

The primary purpose of African American biblical interpretation is to appropriate the biblical text in contextual light of the experiences and culture(s) of the African American community. As a result, the late Cain Hope Felder's Stony The Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation, seeks to create an “integrating theological culture,” and provide “a fresh challenge to all Bible interpreters—a challenge that intends to be thoroughly constructive as a preliminary bridge to celebrate not “his-story” alone, but all of “our-stories” as the people of God.”2 To this end, I contend that African American biblical interpretation is absolutely necessary because as a cultural practice, it holistically considers biblical authority, the Black religious experience in the United States, the issue of race in the Bible and the practical usage of biblical hermeneutics in the presence of minority groups. …

The primary text of African American biblical interpretation is the Bible. In his essay, “Interpreting Biblical Scholarship for the Black Church Tradition,” the late CME Bishop. Thomas L. Hoyt Jr. provides an informative survey of different hermeneutical models (i.e. historical criticism, tradition-historical approach, Pauline model, proof-texting model, allegory, etc.) that represent historic Biblical interpretation and reinterpretation over various eras. Referencing the historical-critical method, Hoyt maintains that, “The biblical writers were interpreters themselves both of God’s revealed word and their contemporary culture, building upon ancient traditions they received.”3 In this way, Bishop Hoyt nuances the issues of Biblical Authority and Culture and their relevance to the interpreter. Hoyt argues that in the face of an oppressive, Eurocentric prominence in the area of Biblical Studies, while representing a Eurocentric, cultural preference in biblical exegesis and interpretation, these factors “do not provide the only perspective or even the best one for interpreting Scripture. African American, Latin American, and Feminist theologians have all stressed rightly that the text is not the only focus for biblical interpretation; both the text and the interpreters must be examined.”4 …

Michael Joseph Brown states in his book, Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Scholarship that, “The first task of African American interpretation has been to demonstrate an African presence in the Bible.”5 In agreement, New Testament scholar, Allen Dwight Callahan, expounds on this interconnected assessment: Ethiopia, the biblical name of a vulnerable African nation, came to be shorthand for the biblical prophecy promising the exaltation of all African peoples. As a part of Africa that stands for the whole, Ethiopia took its place in African-American racial consciousness at the center of a biblical cartography of hope. African Americans took from the Bible the nomenclature of Ethiopia to speak of the magnificent future reversal of their collective fortune.6 …

Subsequently, Du Bois helps us to see that the subtext of African American biblical interpretation is institutional slavery. The midtext of African American biblical interpretation is the United States of America. The pressing dilemma of African American biblical interpretation is racial discrimination and rigid nihilism. For African Americans who are attempting to interpret the Bible in light of their indigenousness, the message is clear. The United States of America is still the one place that discriminatively reminds Black people that being a people of color constitutes an inferior class of 16

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Submissions human being. To be Black and American is to exist at the bottom portion of modern humanity's well. What this means is that interpreting the Bible through the lens of the oppressed could very well give Black people the spiritual revelations needed to carry them to the “other world.” Then and only then can they see themselves as human beings created in the image of God (Genesis 1:26). … Michael Joseph Brown [states] that, “The second task of African American biblical interpretation has been to challenge Eurocentric interpretations of the Bible.”7 In challenging Eurocentric interpretations of the Bible, Black pastors and Black scholars alike must reference the analytical history of the first-century text and carefully place it over against the oppressive history of Black people in the United States. The existential presence of cultural inconsistencies, nationalistic hypocrisies, racial discrimination and economic deprivations amongst Black folk and other minorities pricks our pigmented skin to the need for effective African American biblical interpretation.

In The Bible and African Americans: An Outline of an Interpretative History (Stony The Road), Vincent Wimbush provides a concise, historical analysis of African American interaction with the Bible … Wimbush attempts to demonstrate that the Bible has always played a significant role in the formation of the black community, and continues to have an unending impact on the African American imagination.8 Conclusion What is the role of African American biblical interpretation in mainstream Black churches? How seriously do we take biblical interpretation for the sake of advancing African Americans? While these particular questions require a certain type of cultural nuancing within extended research in terms of considering the various histories and theologies of the Black Church, it is critical enough and relevant enough to have a substantive conversation. The Black religious experience represents a diversity of religious experiences within the Black experience. And not just Christianity. One of the few commonalities of the collaborative Black religious experience is found in the way churchmen and churchwomen interpret the biblical text. How we interpret the Bible is important. It means something of great consequence. What we say to our congregations in light of what the Spirit says to us through the biblical text is important. What we sometimes fail to realize is that Black people have always interpreted the Bible in a diversity of ways. Whether our interpretations are ensconced in what we think the Word of God is saying contextually, culturally, historically, literally, universally or within a sharp liberation lens, it is essentially a form of African American biblical interpretation. …

The main idea behind the notion of an African-American hermeneutic is that it stringently and creatively combines a cultural, sophisticated exegesis with an extra-special sensitivity to issues of politics, religion, race, class, and gender. The writers of Stony The Road critically examine the noteworthy questions and “assumptions of biblical authority, the presence of blacks and African people in biblical narratives, and the liberating aspects of Scripture.”9 To this end, it must be affirmed that liberation is the vision of African American biblical interpretation. The means to experiencing the biblical fulfillment of the vision of holistic liberation is spirituality. Spirituality, the relating to, consisting of, or having the nature of God’s Holy Spirit within the primary nature of the Spirit (life-giver), thereby sustains the darker-skin people through their suffering and their survival. The ultimate, contextual connection with God which is found and substantiated within Scripture originates in a substantive, recognizable relationship between God and the believer.

Endnotes

2

3 4 5

6

Saint Augustine of Hippo. Translated by John K. Ryan. The Confessions of Saint Augustine (New York, NY: Doubleday, 1960), 569, Chapter 15, Number 18.

Cain Hope Felder, Ed. Stony The Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation (Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1991), ix.

Cain Hope Felder, Stony The Road We Trod, 17.

Ibid., 25.

Michael Joseph Brown. Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Scholarship (New York, NY: Trinity International Press, 2004), 20.

Allen Dwight Callahan. The Talking Book: African Americans and The Bible (New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 2006), 139.

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Submissions Continued from previous page 7 8 9

Michael Joseph Brown, Blackening of the Bible, 21. lou9587.blogspot.com/.../book-review-stony-road-we-trod.html Cain Hope Felder, Stony The Road We Trod, 49.

Bibliography Augustine of Hippo, Saint. Translated by John K. Ryan. The Confessions of Saint Augustine. New York, NY: Doubleday, 1960.

Bailey, Randall C. ed. Yet With A Steady Beat: Contemporary U.S. Afrocentric Biblical Interpretation. Atlanta, GA: Society of Biblical Literature, 2003.

Blount, Brian. ed. True to Our Native Land: African American New Testament Commentary. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 2007.

Brown, Michael Joseph. Blackening of the Bible: The Aims of African American Biblical Scholarship. New York, NY: Trinity International Press, 2004.

Callahan, Allan Dwight. The Talking Book: African Americans and the Bible. New Haven, Connecticut: Yale University Press, 2006.

“Christ, My Righteousness: Book Review: Stony the Road We Trod (Part I)” lou9587blogspot.com/…/bookreview-stony-road-we-trod.htmlDu Bois, W.E. The Souls of Black Folk. New York, NY: Penguin Books, 1989.

Evans, James H. We Have Been Believers: An African American Systematic Theology. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1992.

Felder, Cain Hope. ed. Stony The Road We Trod: African American Biblical Interpretation. Minneapolis, MN: Fortress Press, 1991.

Hill, Kenneth H. Religious Education in the African Tradition: A Comprehensive Introduction. Danvers, MA: Chalice Press, 2007.

Powers, Michael X. Ben Leonard. “African American Biblical Heritage (Who Am I?)” www.africanamericanbiblicalheritage.com/Segovia, Fernando F. Reading from this Place Volume 2: Social Location and Biblical Interpretation in Global Perspective. Minneapolis, MN: Augsburg Fortress, 1995.

Trussell, Jacqueline. “Making Religion Relevant: “What Does It Mean To Be Black And Christian?” www.black andchristian.com/articles/…/trussell-02-01.shtml Wilmore, Gayraud S. ed. African American Religious Studies: An Interdisciplinary Anthology. Durham NC: Duke University Press, 1989.

Wimbush, Vincent. ed. Sacred Texts and Social Textures: The Bible and African-Americans. New York, NY: The Continuum International Publishing Group, Inc, 2000.

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Submissions

Dr. Louise Baker Brown: Clothed With Strength And Dignity Submitted by Dottie Chapman Reed

Just like my experience reading about Emma Gooch, my friend and classmate, I thought I knew Louise Baker Brown. I was wrong, and now I want to tell you what I have learned about yet another outstanding black woman of Yalobusha County (Mississippi). I will start by no ng what I knew or thought I knew: that she was from Coffeeville and that she was smart, according to my late sister, Faye, who taught her in high school.

I remember one day running into my Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y friend, Thomas Brown from Oakland, who was also a student at the University of Mississippi. Hi-Y and Tri-Hi-Y was the negro branch of the YMCA school program. It was sponsored by schools and allowed us to a end district and state events and develop oratorical and leadership skills.

The friendships, associa ons, compe ons and skills we developed helped many black students in Mississippi excel in college and in our careers. For many of us this was the only socializa on with mul ple peers outside of our hometown communi es.

Thomas told me he had finished Northwest Junior College in Senatobia and was married to Louise. He and I loved, worked with and hung out around the li le one room store run by our UM (University of Mississippi) black student advisor, the late Reverend Wayne Johnson, called the Co-op. I don’t know if Thomas was preaching then or thinking about it.

Next thing I knew he had go en his undergraduate degree and was headed to Atlanta to seminary.

Fast forward to the early eigh es and somehow Thomas and I reconnected by phone, discovering we were both in Georgia and living in the same county. We ended up in the same area, and our sons a ended the same high school. That is when I got to know Louise a li le be er. By then she was a highly respected teacher with a doctorate in educa on, and she and Thomas were very involved in the parents’ associa on – all this in addi on to rearing a highly recruited footballer headed to the University of Georgia and then to the NFL. Thomas, an established preacher in the Chris an Methodist Episcopal church and the dean of Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenomina onal Theological Center, asked me to help with a conference. It was there that I observed Louise in her role as the wife of a dean and a pastor.

And now my enlightenment, as I call it, on the life of Louise Baker Brown.

Walls and Lura Baker gave birth to Louise on October 3, 1952, in Coffeeville, the fourth of their seven children. They lived about four miles from downtown on 80 acres of land inherited from the Baker grandfather.

Dr. Louise Baker and Bishop Thomas Louis Brown, Sr. Of the seven siblings, five are s ll living, and her brother, Bobby, resides at the original homestead. The family lived out of their garden and raised livestock. Both parents could read and write but had li le formal educa on beyond the third or fourth grade. Mrs. Baker is known as one of the best cooks who ever worked at the Yalobusha County Hospital. She now resides there in the nursing facility.

Though the Bakers did not grow co on, they earned money picking for other folks.

“I could pick 200 pounds,” Louise said. “I am very compe ve when I do something, I want to be the best. Coupled with the fact that I was ge ng paid.” Mr. Baker worked as a laborer for 20-plus years in soil conserva on around Enid Dam. Prior to that he worked for a few weeks at plant in Grenada and discovered he could not tolerate being in an enclosed space. Then he tried a local chicken plant for a brief s nt, but that did not last long. And from that day forward he never ate another piece of chicken.

Mrs. Lura Baker

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Submissions Continued from previous page As Louise and I talked, we soon realized the similari es in our life stories. We both graduated in the last class from the all black high schools in 1970. She graduated from Central High School as valedictorian of her class. Just as I did a er gradua on, we both set out to find jobs in the big city. Louise went to Chicago and worked to earn the money that she needed for tui on at Northwest Junior College. I went to Detroit with no plan of returning, had zero luck job hun ng, came back and went to college with nothing.

Louise had earned $800 that summer but needed $812 for tui on at Northwest. With tears in her eyes now, she recalls telling her dad the morning she was leaving for college that she needed $12. “It never occurred to me that I should ask for more,” she laughs. “I thought all I needed was the 12 dollars.” She chokes up again at her dad’s response. He told her that he didn’t have the money, but perhaps seeing the disappointment on her face – even if he didn’t understand the importance of college – he said he would borrow the money. Louise said from that day un l the day he died, she never asked her father for another dime, and she made sure that he never wanted for anything.

Many of us avoided asking our parents for money while in college because we knew they simply did not have it. Nor did they really understand the costs of college. This poverty and depriva on forced us into an independence, a drive and the determina on to be self-sufficient and successful. Years later, Louise would jokingly say to her dad many mes that the 12-dollar investment in her was the best investment he ever made.

At Northwest Louise worked at the snack bar and lived on campus. “I learned to trust in God at an early age and was determined to get an educa on and never expected a handout,” she said. She credits her Central teachers, especially Monroe Walton, for inspiring her love of science and educa on. Even though the books were outdated, and teachers had to use their personal funds to supplement supplies, me and me again those teachers proudly told her and her classmates that they were going to be somebody. But in her college classrooms, Louise realized she and her Central schoolmates had received an educa on that was inferior to her fellow students. Her black roommate from Pa on Lane High in Batesville was more advanced and o en helped her understand concepts that she had never been taught.

All the schools in Yalobusha County had integrated in some fashion by the fall of 1970, and while Louise does not recall any of the strife associated with school integra on, she believes that the transi on was detrimental to her three younger siblings and many other black students who, for whatever reasons, dropped out of the new school 20

The Christian Index • April 2020

by 10th or 11th grade. I cannot help but believe that administrators showed a dis nct lack of care and concern for the marginal students, then as well as today.

Louise graduated from Northwest Junior College with an Associate Degree. In July 1972, she married Thomas Louis Brown. They had met in high school at a Social Elite event. This was a club established by black women to mentor young girls. Thomas had driven his mom to the mee ng in Charleston and par cipated in the session. When he said he wanted to be a doctor, Louise was intrigued. But they didn’t see each other again un l their paths crossed at Northwest.

When Thomas asked her to marry him, he also told her that he had been called to ministry. “I was scared because I had no idea how to be a preacher’s wife,” Louise admi ed. “I was raised in the Bap st church and our a endance was infrequent. I knew this was a serious commitment – he would have people’s lives in his hands.

I wanted to know if he was sure. He told me that he did not have any expecta ons of me and assured me that he would support my educa onal goals. So, I took a chance, and he kept his word.”

Both enrolled at the University of Mississippi where Louise completed her junior year and Thomas graduated. They moved to Atlanta, and Thomas a ended Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenomina onal Theological Center. Louise enrolled at Spelman College, gradua ng in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology.

She worked for the Atlanta Police Department for a year as a police officer. In 1978, Louise completed her Master of Educa on from Columbus State University, Columbus, Georgia. Her daughter, Nicole, was born in 1979 (a son, Thomas, would come seven years later), and even as a new mother, she supported her husband in his pastoral assignments. Louise taught high school social studies in Talbot County for four years and was named Talbot County Teacher of the Year in 1980. The couple returned to Atlanta in 1982, and Louise resumed her teaching career with the Dekalb County School System.

In 1990 Louise was named DeKalb County Teacher of the Year. She earned her Specialist of Educa on in 1994 from the University of West Georgia, in Carrollton. In 1998, she became an Instructor Coordinator with DeKalb County Schools working on a team suppor ng middle and high school educators. She completed her Educa onal Leadership Cer fica on in 2000 from the University of West Georgia and earned a Doctor of Educa on degree from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in November 2006. Louise re red in 2007 a er 30 years as an educator.

Louise con nues to be ac ve in the work and mission of the CME Church. She has joined Thomas in conduc ng marriage retreat workshops in several

Submissions Episcopal Districts. As a highly respected couple, they have set a strong example for many in and outside of their denomina on. For 12 years – from 2006 to 2018 – she and Thomas were based in Jackson, Mississippi, assigned to the Fourth Episcopal District covering Louisiana and Mississippi. She has received awards and numerous accolades for her leadership and work in the church and greater communi es, specifically in Chris an educa on.

In 2019 the couple moved back to Atlanta. Louise now serves alongside Thomas, who is the presiding bishop, in the Sixth Episcopal District, which covers the state of Georgia.

Many of the pastors they supervise were students under Thomas when he served as dean of the Phillips seminary, Louise o en ac ng as mom, friend, mentor and advisor to any who needed the support while away from home. Their work in the CME Church has sent them to Mexico, Jamaica, Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and London. Currently, she leads the Ministers’ Spouses, implemen ng training, teaching and support. And she is also a member of the Power of Good News CME Church in Lithonia.

Just like my family, Louise, her mother and her siblings have held on to their por on of the 80-acre Baker Farm. When I asked her about experiencing discrimina on in Coffeeville, she said she believed that “land ownership protected us in a way. White men o en came by trying to buy our property or wan ng to hunt and my dad always stood his ground. We children were sheltered from a lot.”

Of life challenges, Louise says that motherhood was much harder than teaching – which was easy by comparison. She did not want her children to be deprived.

It always surprised her to hear some folks say they did not realize they were poor un l they got to college. “I am not sure what took them so long,” Louise said. “We were never hungry, but I saw early on how much we did without.”

Educa on became and remained a priority. When her son, Thomas, played football at UGA, she was concerned about the white environment but stressed to him that above all, he would get his degree. She knew everyone on the academic support team for the athletes and stayed on top of her son’s progress. Thomas graduated, went on to the NFL and is now coaching on the collegiate level.

In addi on to being the proud mother of Charisa Nicole Jefferson and Thomas, Jr., Louise loves her role of

grandmother to six grandchildren: Ariel Moriah, Kingston Albert and Alana Joel Jefferson; and Orlando Thomas, Tyson Louis and Judah Elizah Brown.

All this is in keeping with her commitment to helping young folks when she was teaching. Louise told her students to expect to succeed. “Don’t take low achievement as something we aspire to here,” was her mantra. She had her students sign contracts to aim for an A or B in her classes. Anything less than a C in her view meant that the student was not going to even try to do well in the class. Her doctoral disserta on focused on preparing students for standardized tes ng because she believed that most black students needed assistance.

She developed a program to provide noon me and a erschool tutoring to help them.

Louise has embraced the church with the same commitment she gave to educa on. She is clear-eyed about the present challenges. “It is the effort required to be relevant to our me without looking like the world. I didn’t grow up in the church, but it was always important to me. Church is not a real concern or priority like it used to be. We see so many people who do not think church is relevant. Our culture is now saying that church is not important. As blacks we cannot forget where we came from. We must assume some responsibility for each other.

We have go en away from that; if we are okay, we don’t think about others. Sunday is just like any other day, perpetuated by TV talk show hosts and announcers who talk about everything except what they do on Sunday.

There are so many who have never been in a church and feel there is no need. Those of us who are in ministry must keep presen ng the more excellent way.”

Proverbs 31:25 - She is clothed with strength and dignity as she laughs without fear of the future.

Dottie Chapman Reed is a native of Water Valley and graduated from Davidson High School in 1970. This article is part of a project to compile and share info about women in Yalobusha County who have made an impact on the African American community. Her column appears bi-monthly, with occasional exceptions. She can be reached at (678) 825-2356 or reed2318@ bellsouth.net.

"When we face things we cannot change, God comes to offer us one thing that never changes. His love.

Father, forgive the things I cannot change. Receive and renew me with your unchanging love. [In Jesus' Name.]"

--Michael Green April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

TO STAND OR NOT TO STAND

THAT IS THE QUESTION Submitted by Presiding Elder Oscar M. Massey North Florida District Fifth Episcopal District

I can remember going to church with momma and daddy. But I don’t remember how often we STOOD when the Scripture was being read, whether it was read by a steward or deacon, Sunday school teacher or even the preacher. This is just one black preachers’ opinion, but it raises some concern for me in some way. Standing when Scripture is read these days has taken a new high in many churches.

Is it a new revelation or just a new fad to excite the people and motivate them to overflowing worship and praise? Does it add to the spiritual life of the church in some way? Well, you know, it’s like saying “Turn to your neighbor and say, neighbor, God is good," or "Can I get about thirty seconds of crazy praise up in here?” You get my point. Why do we do what we do? Does it or is it working to promote the Kingdom of God? Portions of this entry were taken from an internet article on gotquestions.org. Some personal insertions have been made in this article.

In Nehemiah 8:5, the priest Ezra gathered the people who had rebuilt Jerusalem’s wall for the reading of God’s law: “Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up.” Some churches today follow this tradition and teach that we should stand when the Word of God is read.

Is standing to hear/read scripture truly a sign of showing respect for scripture itself? Just as we or some of us stand and place our hand over our heart when reciting the pledge of allegiance to the flag, or when we stand and place our hand over our heart as the national anthem is played to show respect for our country, many Christians stand for the reading of the Bible. However, there is no biblical command that teaches people must stand when Scripture is read. In fact, Ezra was not reading the Bible in a church. Ezra read from the Torah, standing on an outside platform in Jerusalem at a one-time event hundreds of years before the start of the church (see Acts 2). Though many positive principles can be gleaned from this passage, there is no explicit 22

The Christian Index • April 2020

command to repeat this action during today’s church gatherings.

Further, the standing that took place in Nehemiah 8:5 did not last long. The following verse states, “Ezra praised the Lord, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands and responded, ‘Amen!

Amen!’ Then they bowed down and worshiped the Lord with their faces to the ground.” (Nehemiah 8:6). Today, if people are asked to stand for the reading of scripture, wouldn’t it seem appropriate to show respect and have them “bow down and worship the Lord with their faces to the ground” as well? I’M JUST SAYING!!!

Verses 7–8 add, “The Levites . . . instructed the people in the Law while the people were standing there. They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people understood what was being read.” These men helped interpret and possibly translate the teachings of the Law to the people of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 8:12 says that the day Ezra read the Scriptures was a day of rejoicing: “Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.” As Psalm 119:162 says, “I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure” (NLT).

In hearing God’s Word, the Israelites learned about the Feast of Booths. They chose to celebrate it for the first time since returning to Jerusalem. The feast lasted seven days, followed by a sacred day with no work.

Like the people of Judah during Ezra’s day, we should always show respect for the Word of God. The question still remains, “To stand or not to stand?”

Does it work to motivate, inspire and move people to accepting Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives? We must be deliberate and consistent in what we do and it must be in line with the Word of God. The best way to show respect for God’s Word is to heed it and allow it to change our lives. “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11).

Submissions From: The MTM Eagle, Volume 7, Issue 4. A publication of The Southern California Region of the Ninth Episcopal District CME Church.

Is DST for God or for You? Submitted by Travis G. Hicks Southern California Region MTM Coordinator

You spring forward to fall back is a catch phrase to remind us what direction we're to set our clocks twice a year. However, modern technology has almost rendered this a mute point. All of our smart devices do it for us automatically. However when asked, most people have one of three opinions: 1) I don't like it; 2) I like it; or 3) I wish they would leave it alone. Of course, I'm talking about time change, i.e. daylight saving time.

that same commute would get us home at 6:00 pm. So between the time you left work and drove an hour to get home, you jumped ahead an hour on your way home.

If you look at it a different way, you reach a different conclusion. Most of us clamor for a do over at some point during our lives: "I wish I had done it a different way."; "If I knew then what I know now, I would have made a different decision." Well, daylight saving time gives us the opportunity (in the fall) to live one hour of our lives over again. But what do we do with it? Most of us sleep.

There's an age old myth that DST was a practice adopted to give farmers extra time in the sun to work out in the ϐield. But that's not really why dozens of countries follow it. DST is a system to reduce electricity usage by extending daylight hours for eight months out of the year; and dozens of other countries follow and for the remaining four months revert back to standard time to take full advantage of the sunlight.

Just think about it, if you take that hour each year it comes to three days over 70 years. We have universally set this time change at 2:00 am on Sunday, so we are asleep. If we moved this change to say 4:00 pm on Monday, we could drive home from work (with an hour commute time) and no time lapse of the clock. See, when you left work it was 4:00 pm; when you got home it was still 4:00 pm. In the country where I grew up, we would say we made the trip in nothing ϐlat.

On the other hand, when the time is reset in the spring, it gives us a one-hour jump into the future. We always use the "if wisdom." If I had not dragged my feet, I wouldn't have lost out on an opportunity. We get an hour each year to "jump" into the future.

But what do we do with that hour? We sleep. In the spring, if the change again was at 4:00 pm on Monday

But we sleep these opportunities of daylight saving time (DST) away.

DST (The point)

When Did It Start?

The current March-November system the US follows began in 2007, but the concept of "saving daylight" is much older. It's debated who originally came up with the idea, but Benjamin Franklin appears to have ϐirst mentioned it in 1784 when he wrote a letter to the editor of the Journal of Paris. DST wasn't widely used until more than a century later though. The US didn't standardize the system until 1966 when it passed the Uniform Time Act. Does DST Actually Work?

In 2008 the US Department of Energy (DOE) found that the four-week extension of DST from April-October to March-November saved about 0.5 percent in total

Does Your Local Church, Presiding Elder's District, Region, or Episcopal District Produce an Electronic Newsletter?

If so, send the Editor a copy at: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org April 2020 • The Christian Index

23

Submissions Continued from previous page electricity every day. While that seems like almost nothing, it totals 1.3 billion kilowatt hours. DOE says that adds up to the amount of electricity used by more than 100,000 households for an entire year.

A study that same year by the National Bureau of Economic Research concluded that DST increases the demand for electricity due to demand for heating and cooling increases; so consumption is the same.

So the debate rages on.

The Real Origin of DST Like the saying, "there is nothing new under the sun," this is evidenced in the Bible in the book of Joshua 10:12-15, New Living Translation: "On the day the Lord gave the Israelites victory over the Amorites, Joshua prayed to the Lord in front of all the people of Israel. He said: "Let the sun stand still over Gibeon and the moon over the valley of Aijalon." Soon the sun and moon stood still until the Israelites had defeated their enemies. The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and it did not set as on a normal day. The Lord fought for Israel that day. Never before or since has there been a day like that one, when the Lord answered such a request from a human being."

Joseph used this DST granted by God to win a mighty battle for the Israelites, God's chosen people. We use our mandevised DST to sleep.

Go ϐigure!

Donald Hollowell: a ϐighter for legal rights

Submitted by Barbara C. Campbell Empire Bd. Executive Committee Chair AAC, Ex-Officio DDP President Connectional Lay Council

The birth of Donald Hollowell on [December 19, 1917] is marked. He was an African American a orney who specialized in Civil Rights.

Attorney Donald Hollowell Hollowell was introduced to racial prejudice at a young age. The systema c discrimina on accelerated as he grew older and in order to find work and secure a be er life for their children, the Hollowell's moved o en.

During 1935, the summer of his senior year in high school, and during the Great Depression years, Hollowell's father told him he would have to quit school and support himself with a full me job. Furious with the economic situa on, he joined the U.S. Army's 10th Calvary Regiment (the Buffalo Soldiers) at Fort Leavenworth. By 1938, as a PFC Specialist Five, he received a chance to a end Lane College, a CME School, in Jackson, Tennessee. There, he played football, basketball, and track and field. Hollowell became class president, helped establish their Kappa Alpha Psi Chapter, and joined the CME (Chris an Methodist Episcopal) Church.

[A resident of the state of Georgia,] his legacy also includes desegrega ng buses in Augusta and schools in Macon, and freeing Dr. Mar n Luther King, Jr., in the 1960's, from Reidsville Prison, where he landed following a traffic offense. When Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta refused to allow black doctors to work in the 24

The Christian Index • April 2020

Submissions hospital, Hollowell argued and won the Civil Rights case that had na onal impact. His success is credited to his hard work, integrity and unique abili es to understand the law and race rela ons.

When you exit on Hamilton Holmes off of I-20 West, please note that A orney Hollowell defended Holmes when he integrated the University of Georgia. In 1998, Atlanta renamed Bankhead Highway in his honor.

Just think when you drive down Hamilton Holmes it intersects with Hollowell Blvd. See how God works!

[Hollowell] was a member of Butler Street CME in Atlanta and served on the Georgia Trustee Board where this author was also a member. When Bishop Lakey arrived in Georgia, I was the broker who sold him the Episcopal residence and A orney Hollowell was the a orney.

Hollowell died in Atlanta on Dec. 27, 2004, at age 87 from heart failure. Lane College, honored him posthumously with the Order of the Dragon, the third person to receive the honor, and Lane College also plans to name its library in his honor.

A Hat Affair Submitted by Janet Goodson NCR Public Relations Committee, Co-Chairman

The NCR/Ministers' Spouses, Widows & Widowers: Mario Scipio Vesper Hour Program Event: "A Hat Affair" The Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department of the Northern California Region (NCR) under the leadership of Presiding Prelate, Bishop Bobby R. Best, celebrated their annual Marion Scipio Vesper (l-r): First Row: First Lady Teresa Watson, First Lady Patricia Redds Hour program in January at the host Church, (MSWWD President), First Lady Stephanie Isom; Second Row: First Lady St. Stephens in Fairϐield, California.

Michelle Gaskill-Hames, First Lady Ursula Taylor, First Lady Fayette Davis (NCR/MSWW President), First Lady Daphne McDowell; Third Row: Widows Mite Recipient, Mrs. Augustine Trammell and First Lady Lishia RahmanFaulkner.

The program featured the play entitled, "A Hat Affair," centered around the theme: "Above all, love each other deeply because love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8) Each role in the play was performed by First Ladies and narrated by First Lady Ursula Taylor.

It was an honor to have the ϐirst MSWWD President, Mrs. Patricia Redds, in attendance, as well as faithful widows who remain and continue to support the MSWWD and their endeavors.

We want to extend a special acknowledgement to Presiding Elder Eloise Knox of the San Francisco District and to Elder T.J. Davis, Jr. of the Oakland District for their support of the MSWWD and their charitable givings made possible by the annual Marion Scipio Vesper Hour fundraising program event.

As we move forward in this new year, let us collectively continue to serve the Lord, one another and our respective communities with love and thanksgiving in our hearts.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Continuing the Legacy of the Late Mrs. Mildred Delaine Black Submitted by Sis. Grace Jones

The Missionary Department of Grants Chapel CME Church (Cuba, Alabama)) is continuing the legacy of Mildred Black who served ed as Missionary President for many yearss and left in place an agenda of positive sitive activities and support forr the community that is still active. ctive.

On the fourth Sunday of each month, the members rs of the Missionary Department gather and bag needed items and donations ons for at least three "shut-in" n" families until all familiess in need in the community have been served. After each family has been served, the rotation of support begins again according to the individual di id l needs. d The support our Missionaries provide continues monthly, with the exception of the fourth Sunday in December and Father's Day. The fourth Sunday in December is set aside to be a blessing to patients in the Sumter Nursing Home in York, Alabama. This past December (2019) over 50 small blankets were given to patients in the Nursing Home. On Father's Day, the Missionary Society prepares and serves brunch for the church, as well as for the men in our community.

We are honored to continue this rich legacy and look forward to continued opportunities to serve.

Mildred Delaine Black was a native of Sumter County. She received her education in the public schools of Sumter County, her B.S. Degree from Alabama State Unitversity, and her M.Ed. Degree from Tuskegee University. Her teaching career ended after teaching for forty years. She retired from Livingston High School. She had been a cosmetologist for more than fifty years and a Notary Public for approximately twenty-six years. She is the author of Twelve Plus: A Biography of Lawrence Delaine; The Kinterbish Connection; Sixty-one Years: A journey of Partnership; and Mildred's Moments.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Between 1972 and 1987, she received the Society of Distinguished American High School Students Appreciation Award consecutively. She was also chosen as Teacher of the Year at Sumter County Training School in 1968 and at Livingston High School in 1973. Additionally, she received the Top Leadership award from the Southeast Region Association of Classroom Teachers in 1987 and the Retirement Award from the Su Sumter County Education Association and the A Alabama State Legislature in 1988. th years, she was Over the activ in many professional active organizations including org Sumter County Su Association of Classroom As Teachers, District Te IV Director of the Association of Classroom As Teachers for thirteen Teac years, President of the State Council for the Social Studies for one term, term member of the Rural Education Committ Committee of the National Council Studies C il off Social S i lS di ffor two terms, and was a member of the AEA, AERA, and NEA. She was guest soloist for the Legislative Prayer Breakfast for thirteen years and assistant treasurer of the Credit Union for more than twenty years.

As a member of the religious community, she was active in the Grants Chapel CME Church where her involvement included teacher of the Women's Sunday School Class. She was a former member of the Stewardess Board and a member of the Board of Christian Education, the choir, class leader and president of the Missionary Society.

She was married to former Alabama State Representative Lucius Black and had three sons: Urey, Lucius, Jr. and Don (Peggy); seven daughters: Suzanne Carothers of New York City; La Verne Murray of St. Louis, Missouri; Pat Hicks of Columbus, Ohio; Maples Bryant of Greenville, North Carolina; Monica Black of Norfolk, Tennessee; Marie Black of Selma, Alabama, and Margaret Black of Jackson, Mississippi; and three grandchildren: Ebony, Dawn Kayla, and Chad. She was the daughter of the late Lawrence and Joanna Delaine.

She has two remaining siblings: Warren (Aligee) and Minnie Ruth Jemison, as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Submissions

MPCO Ministers' and Spouses Meet for Luncheon Submitted by Rev. Dr. Gwenevere Swift Photo by Min. John L. Johnson

Ministers and Spouses

Under the leadership of Bishop Teresa Jeerson-Snorton, Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District, and Rev. James Q. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Montgomery/Phenix City/Opelika District, the ministers and their spouses came together for a "Denim and Pearl Luncheon," Saturday, September 21, 2019, at Ferguson Chapel CME in Opelika, Alabama.

Rev. Orlando Sims, host pastor. Meanwhile first lady of the district, Mrs. Sylvia Smith gave the opening statement that in the past we have all dressed in a church attire, but today it is relaxing to see each of you in your casual attire. Further, the atmosphere was congenial, warm and pleasant.

The program began with a fervent prayer shared by Rev. Dr. Raynetta Prevo Williams, Pastor of St. Paul CME, Crawford, Alabama. The time to fellowship, meet and greet, and share with each other was awesome! A tasty lunch was enjoyed by everyone.

Following lunch, wonderful door prizes were given away. Also, special gifts were given to those individuals who had gone above and beyond their duties to make other programs and the luncheon successful.

Group pictures were taken by Minister John L. Johnson.

Words of thanks and expressions were given by President Douglas Lyles.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

"Empower Men" Prayer Breakfast Submitted by John L. Johnson Southeast Alabama Region Christian Index Correspondent

Under the leadership of Bishop Teresa Jeerson Snorton, Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District; Rev. James Q. Smith, Presiding Elder of the Montgomery, Phenix City, Opelika District; and Rev. Daniel Todd, Pastor of the White Chapel CME Church, Wadley, Alabama, a day of spiritual fellowship brought men together.

The Ministry to Men celebrated their Annual Prayer Breakfast at White Chapel CME Church in Wadley Alabama. There were forty-two persons in attendance, including seasoned men, young men, teenagers and boys. The event brought together members of various communities.

The breakfast began with a very spiritual moving devotion and prayer. Rev. Daniel Todd introduced the speaker of the hour, Rev Nathaniel Holloway of St James Baptist Church, Selma, Alabama. The Theme: Romans 2:10 "Glory, honor, and peace to every man that worketh good". Rev. Holloway expounded on the theme of the day and that real men worship God with no regrets. He stated that men need to rise up, lead the family and church.

A very tasty breakfast was served that included bacon, sausages, grits, eggs, fruits, juices, and pastries. Everyone enjoyed the meal. Plenty of food was available that suited the appetites.

Brother John L. Johnson, Ministry to Men Regional Director, presented a plaque to Rev. Todd and the Ministry to Men for a job well done.

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 28

The Christian Index • April 2020

Submissions

CENTRAL ON THE PEARL WANTS TO ROCK THE VOTE!!!

Submitted By Bro. A.J. Jones and Sis. Gladys Brown

On Friday, January 17, 2020, Central Metropolitan in Jacksonville, Florida, was represented at the Official 33rd Annual Mar n Luther King, Jr. Community Empowerment Breakfast at the Hya Riverwalk Hotel in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida.

Spearheaded by Brother A.J. Jones and Sister Earline Jones, long me members of Central reached GOLD Status by sea ng Thirty people at three Premier tables!

The Speaker, Mar n Luther King III, spoke eloquently on the theme, "GET OUT THE VOTE!!" At this me, we cannot think of a more suitable and mely subject than ge ng out the vote!!

Along with Pastor Roscoe McKinney, Jr., we also had in a endance members Bro. A.J. and Sis. Earline Jones of Central: Rev. Dr. Lizzie Simmons and Rev. Joyce Orr, and Sunday School Supt. Sister Delores Payne. We were supported by Rev. Dr. Debra Wallace and several of her members from Murchison Temple CME, along with Rev. Geraldine Young and the Florida Region Missionary President, Sister Marion Hannah from Holsey Temple, Jacksonville.

Several members of Central sponsored seats, making it possible for other members to a end, including Sister Be y Howard, who sponsored three of our youth members to witness this momentous occasion. The family of the late Sister Mary Stallings donated two ckets.

This SOLD OUT Event was sponsored by The Jacksonville Branch of the NAACP (Bro. Isaiah Rumlin, President), The Southern Chris an Leadership Conference, The African American Ministers Council, The Jacksonville Urban League, and The Chamber of Commerce. The emcee for the occasion was Melanie Lawson-Minor, Channel Four news anchor. The Chairman was Mayor Alvin Brown (2011-2015).

We want to say thank you to all who Supported Central in this effort and hope this will inspire others to VOTE and GET OUT THE VOTE!!

We are also commi ed to the drive to enroll all of the members of Central to become members of The Local Chapter of The NAACP. Mr. Rumlin, local president, Bro. A.J. Jones, and Pastor McKinney have been in constant conversa on in this registra on effort.

Group Picture of Attendees April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

One Church One School at Shy Temple CME, Decatur Submitted by Jacqueline Henry Carter

In June of 2019, Shy Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church relocated from 2012 Memorial Drive, Atlanta to 2030 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, Georgia. The new venture brought the challenge of forming new partnerships and bridging new relationships. The move also presented an emotional severance of ties of many years of partnership and support to Martin Luther King Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia. Shy Temple CME was blessed to move into an area with a need and a demand of local churches within the community; we were more blessed to form a new relationship with Canby Lane Elementary School, Dekalb County School System, under the direction of Dr. James C. Clements, Pastor. Canby Lane Elementary [is situated] within five miles of the new church location and an invitation to the community already has students and parents attending Shy Temple CME. The partnership is sponsored through the Lucile Jones Missionary Society (Rebecca Carter, President) with Jacqueline Henry Carter as the coordinator. Mrs. Carter is a retired educator in the Dekalb County School System and maintains her county school board required credential to be able to work with school age children in the schools. Mrs. Carter initiated contact with the principal of Canby Lane Elementary School, Dr. Keshier M. Smickle, and the partnership has been flourishing. The Shy Temple CME church family receives a warm and generous response from the faculty and students on each visit.

The One Church One School Strategy is: “It takes a village to raise a child. One Church One School utilizes the "P" Principle of total involvement to provide human and fiscal resources to support a nurturing school community environment for student development. Pastors and parishioners, principals and school personnel, parents, pupils, politicians, popular personalities, and philanthropists all connect the village to the school and child [...]” This is the model that is being used with the church and school agreement. There is a coordinator at the school and a coordinator at Shy Temple CME that meet to address the needs of the school and the resources of the church, providing a core of prepared and committed volunteers making a difference and an impact in the lives of both the Canby Lane Elementary School family and the Shy Temple CME church family. Although the partnership is in its infancy stage, Shy Temple CME is preparing for the future with the exploration of an after-school program, mentoring, reading program and additional support to continue to impact the lives of the children and youth of our present and future.

Shy Temple has been able to support Canby Lane with special donations since establishing the August partnership which has included the creation of a Red Ribbon Week Banner in October, and American Education Week in November with gift baskets. December brought the Angel Tree and gifts to support two families, and most recently assisting in January to replenish school supplies of 10 complete book bags. Shy Temple CME was excited to have Dr. Smikle worship with the church family on the first Sunday in 2020. Pictured (to the right) is the principal of Canby Lane Elementary, Dr. Keshier M. Smikle and Shy Temple CME OCOS Coordinator, Jacqueline Henry Carter.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Submissions

Lucile Jones Missionary Society; Rebecca Carter, President

New Year, New Supplies

American Education Week

April 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

THE MIGHTY THRIVING 3D – THE LAST FRONTIER

CRUISES ALASKA

Submitted by Sharon Kimbrough, Chicago District

On Saturday, August 10, 2019, 186 people from the 3rd Episcopal District of the CME Church, under the leadership of Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., flew into Sea le, Washington, to begin their journey on a 7-Night Cruise to Alaska, the Last Fron er. It was the 2nd cruise for the Mighty Thriving Third (3D) with members, families and friends from the following regions: Kansas-Missouri, Michigan-Indiana and Southeast MissouriIllinois Wisconsin.

In our hotel that evening, we dressed in all white and enjoyed dinner with the group. At dinner, we were graciously welcomed by our travel agent, Stacey Parish of Serenity Travel, and her team. Goody bags filled with gi s and informa on about the cruise were given to each guest. It was an evening of food, fellowship and games. Raffles were held throughout the evening giving us a chance to win prizes. It was a great way to set the tone for our vaca on.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Submissions By noon the next day, excitement was in the air about our upcoming des na on as we were shu led to the Norwegian Bliss. This massive ship was absolutely beau ful. It sparkled like a diamond. The staff were friendly, professional and greeted us with a smile as they welcomed us on board. The Norwegian Bliss held a safety drill, and at 5 p.m. we set sail for our vaca on to see Alaska. The ship offered myriad opportuni es for dining, fun, games, shopping, entertainment and relaxa on.

Day 2 was spent at sea and in the evening we a ended the Captain’s Dinner. Our group dressed in royal blue and grey and assembled in the Manha an Room. The delicious meal was followed by a group photo that would serve as a memento to remind us of the fun we shared.

On Day 3, we arrived in Juneau, Alaska, and docked from 2:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., allowing plenty of me for touring and shopping. Juneau is the French word for “young.” With a popula on of over 32,000, Juneau is Alaska’s capital and its 3rd largest city by popula on. At one me, Juneau was said to have the largest gold mine in Alaska.

On Day 4, we arrived in Skagway, Alaska and docked for about twelve hours. Skagway’s popula on is less than 1,000 people. It is nicknamed “Gateway to the Klondike” because gold was found there in 1896, causing many people to come there searching for gold. Again, there was plenty of me for historical excursions and souvenir shopping.

We spent Day 5 at sea, cruising through Glacier Bay. Glacier Bay is home to Glacier Bay Na onal Park and many glaciers. From the loud speaker on the ship, a park ranger narrated a tour of the glaciers while the Norwegian Bliss slowly glided through the water. The guests gathered on the observa on deck, in their private rooms and anywhere on the ship where they had a good view. Surrounded by mountains, all eyes were focused on the glaciers and we were on the lookout for wildlife. It was awesome. Occasionally a whale emerged and could be seen spou ng water as it moved on its way, and we could at mes see seals playing in the water.

On Day 6, we docked in Ketchikan for six hours. This city is best known for three things: feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaskan Na ve culture. A very well-known tribe that s ll lives in Ketchikan is known as the Tlingit tribe (pronounced Klingite). They are known for carving beau ful totem poles. Nearly 14,000 people live in Ketchikan.

Later that evening at the Bliss Theater on board the ship, we saw a wonderfully, entertaining produc on of the “Jersey Boys.” This play featured fantas c singing as it portrayed the life of the talented and famous singing group “The Four Seasons.”

On Day 7, we docked at Victoria Bri sh Columbia, Canada for four hours. Victoria is known interna onally as the City of Gardens. It was evening when we arrived so we didn’t have much me to do anything.

On Sunday, we arrived back in Sea le, Washington and disembarked the ship. The song “Back to Life, Back to Reality” rang in our ears. Onboard ship, we could recall the delicious meals, spa days, the karaoke, the games, the fellowship, the laughter and the relaxa on. On shore, we recalled the great excursions and the shopping experiences. Our vaca on was over! It was me to return to our des na ons with souvenirs, photos and wonderful memories of the Last Fron er.

On the shu le ride back to the airport, everyone in our group was buzzing about how much they enjoyed Alaska. Alaska was beau ful. In the words of Rev. Dr. Curlee Adams, Presiding Elder of the Gary District, “I feel rested. It was enjoyable and a much-needed vaca on.”

OK, Bishop, where to next me?

April 2020 • The Christian Index

33

Submissions

Back to Basics: Becoming Who God Intends Us to Be Submittted by Mrs. Patsy Holbrook Gloster/Hattiesburg MSWW President Mississippi South Region Photos by Mrs. Patricia Anderson

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

During the Fourth Episcopal District combined Mississippi/Louisiana Leadership Training School and Missionary Ins tute held June 9-13, 2019, on the beau ful campus of Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows, and Widowers Department par cipated in an engaging book review of Becoming, the #1 New York Times Bestseller by our beloved former First Lady, Mrs. Michelle Obama.

Mrs. Earline Stewart

Each day, the book review, led by Mrs. Earline Stewart and Mrs. Linda K. Whitlock, Episcopal Advisor and Assistant Advisor respec vely, opened with a spirit-filled devo on followed by chapter highlights. Our advisors used their leadership skills to engage par cipants in ice breakers, trivia ques ons, group ac vi es and enlightening chapter discussions pertaining to Mrs. Obama, her book, and how it related to our “becoming.”

At the end of the leadership school, par cipants, especially our young adult spouses, expressed gra tude and thanks to Mrs. Whitlock for the knowledge she shared as presenter and the knowledge we gained as students from her presenta on. Likewise, apprecia on was expressed to Mrs. Stewart for the daily “pearls of wisdom” imparted and the encouragement given to us by her in our quest to “become” all God desires, so that we may one day live Proverbs 31:29, “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” To God Be the Glory!

Mrs. Linda K. Whitlock

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Children/Youth

Crossword Puzzle for April

Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan)

No.

QuesĆ&#x;on

1.

And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will ________ thee.

2.

But he, willing to ________ himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

3.

And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among ________, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

4.

And he said, He that showed ________ on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

5.

Which now of these three, ________ thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

6.

And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt ________.

7.

And he answering said, Thou shalt ________ the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

8.

He said unto him, What is ________ in the law? how readest thou?

9.

But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had ________ on him,

10.

And, behold, a certain ________stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

11.

And by chance there came down a certain ________ that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

12.

And went to him, and bound up his wounds, ________ in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

13.

And likewise a ________, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

35

Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle No. 1.

Answer REPAY

Verse 35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will ________ thee.

2.

JUSTIFY

29 But he, willing to ________ himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

3.

THIEVES

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among ________, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

4.

MERCY

37 And he said, He that showed ________ on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

5.

THINKEST

36 Which now of these three, ________ thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

6.

LIVE

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt ________.

7.

LOVE

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt ________ the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

8.

WRITTEN

26 He said unto him, What is ________ in the law? how readest thou?

9.

COMPASSION 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had ________ on him,

10.

LAWYER

25 And, behold, a certain ________stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

11.

PRIEST

31 And by chance there came down a certain ________ that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

12.

POURING

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, ________ in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

13.

LEVITE

32 And likewise a ________, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

Contact Info for The Christian Index Submissions and payments that are not processed by email should be sent to the following address: Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. Editor, The Christian Index 1700 Whisperwood Street Albany GA 31721

DO NOT use this address for subscription information or subscription payments.

Our Facebook page is: www.facebook.com/TheChristianIndex.

The Twitter handle for the periodical is: @TheCMEIndex.

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The Christian Index • April 2020

Ecumenical News A 2020 Lenten message from Bishop Harry L. Seawright Presiding Bishop, 9th Episcopal District and President of the Bishop’s Council. Published by the AME Church General Secretary.

LENT 2020 Lent is a time of repentance, renewal, a chance to reflect, seek a closer walk with Christ, discipline our spirit, deepen our commitment and show a stronger love to our family, friends, and, most of all, to God. You probably heard of all these objectives. Each is just as important as the other. Lent leads us to the cross of Calvary, the act of the crucifixion, and the hope of our faith, Easter resurrection Sunday.

As I think of the goodness of God, I praise Him that at the right time God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to die for you and me. What a precious sacrifice, all for love! My prayer is this: God make us aware of Your far-reaching love toward us. May we come to the realization that Your love encompasses the whole world. Your love breaks down barriers that separate us as the people of God. Society’s evils cannot stand against the force of Christ’s love for this world: His love covers a multitude of faults. Love puts everybody on equal footing. Love draws us to the foot of the cross in humility and confession. Love lifts us to a higher calling to be more, do more, and embrace a life of abundance.

Jesus says, “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly” (John 10:10b KJV).

Therefore, we will stay positive, strive to live life with purpose, stay focused on pleasing God, and cultivate an atmosphere of peace and serenity. We will strive harder to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength and love our neighbors as we love ourselves. We will pray more for the ability to do unto others as we want others to do unto us. We will strive to respect ourselves and others. We will pray harder for the will of God to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. We will seek the Kingdom of God and trust God to provide our every need according to His riches in glory.

Jesus is the source of our hope, the joy of our living, and the center of our well-being.

We will trust God more. We will be responsible citizens by voting, supporting our church and community while empowering each other. We will encourage healthy living and economic development. We will show the love of God that has been shed abroad in our hearts and pour that same love into a world that desperately needs it. We will be steadfast and unmovable always abounding in the work of the Lord!

I join with you for a wonderful Lenten season that will bring forth a blessed Resurrection Easter Sunday! “He is not here: for he is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay” (Matthew 28:6 KJV).

Because of Christ, I am, Harry L. Seawright Presiding Bishop, 9th Episcopal District.

President of the Bishop’s Council

Crutchfield Promoted, Given Chair Martha Park, Program Coordinator for Methodist House of Studies

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, Professor of Christian Education, Spiritual Formation, and Youth Ministry, has been promoted to Full Professor and will assume the Clara Scott Chair of Church and Ministry, previously held by Dr. Mary Lin Hudson and Dr. Stan Wood.

In 1997, Clara Scott began the Scott Family Endowment at MTS. When she died in 1999, Scott left the seminary an estate which has yielded an endowment of more than 1.2 million dollars, and which was set aside to fund the Clara Scott Chair of Church and Ministry. As a lifetime Cumberland Presbyterian, Scott devoted her life to the church, and her generosity helps prepare a generation of women and men for ministry.

Dr. Peter Gathje, Vice President of Academic Affairs/Academic Dean, said, "Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield serves the seminary and the church through his commitment to Christian education and formation. His love for the church and for preparing people for ministry is evident in his teaching, public speaking, and publications in which he offers wise guidance for the development of the theology and practice of forming people in Christian discipleship."

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield says, “I am grateful to my colleagues for recommending and the Board of Trustees for approving my promotion to Full Professor. Furthermore, I appreciate my appointment by the Board of Trustees to become Chair: Clara Scott Professor of Church and Ministry. I recognize this as the highest academic award MTS could bestow upon me as a member of the faculty.”

Dr. Crutchfield added that this appointment was not only an honor to himself, but an enduring tribute to the Scott family for their support. “I will continue to advance Christian education, Spiritual formation and Youth ministry for the expressed purposes of providing women and men to local churches for ministries that entail formation and discipleship, and ministry in the church that promotes scholarship, piety and justice.”

April 2020 • The Christian Index

37

Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Rev. Dr. Joseph Bouknight On September 20, 1924, in Newberry, South Carolina, God blessed Gurly Bouknight with a boy whom she named Joseph. He was educated in his primary years in the public schools in Newberry and later graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, South Carolina.

Joseph served in the U.S. Armed Forces in the Navy during World War II for three years and was honorably discharged.

He met the love of his life, Dorothy Counts, in Columbia as she was waiting for her boyfriend at the bus stop and a year later they were united in holy matrimony.

To that union, four children were born. Later they added another child to expand the family.

Joseph became a master tile setter and was employed by Felix Goldberg. He also worked for himself and purchased their first home by setting tile in the bathrooms in the housing on Shaw Street in Columbia.

Their home was neighborhood headquarters for their children. They acquired the first television set in the neighborhood, which also attributed to hosting families in the home.

When he married Dorothy he was a member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and she was a member of Cleaves Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. They decided that they both should worship at Cleaves so that their children would learn about God, be nurtured with a faith that would stand the test of time, and be taught good Christian morals.

Joseph was called to the ministry and his wife, Dorothy, became his right hand as he pastored. He was assigned to churches in the Seventh Episcopal District in South Carolina: Blunt Chapel in Varnville, Wesley Chapel in Batesburg, St. James in Leesville, and Cleaves Memorial in Columbia. In 1966, the family migrated to the Third Episcopal District where he was assigned to Central in Detroit, followed by Fews Memorial in River Rouge, and Allen Temple in Detroit. He also served at Pilgrim Temple in East St. Louis, Illinois. In the Fifth Episcopal District he was assigned to Thirgood Memorial in Birmingham and Holsey Temple in Tampa.

He returned to the Third Episcopal District and served at Carter Metropolitan in Danville, Illinois, and Grace in Detroit. After serving forty-five (45) years in the itinerant ministry he retired in 1998. His legacy at Allen Temple 38

The Christian Index • April 2020

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was the creation of "The Bouknight Club" and it continues to go the extra mile in support of the local church.

Joseph was in love with his wife and their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and they were his greatest joy. On Sundays, there was always enough food for anyone who came by to visit. Their home, wherever they were, was always open.

He believed in consoling others as part of his ministry; he served as a chaplain at Carle Hospital in Champaign, Illinois, and upon moving to Detroit, he served as chaplain at Sinai-Grace Hospital. Joseph knew no boundaries when it came to helping others and it became a way of life for him to extend a helping hand to anyone he met who was in need. He made it his business to periodically visit the schools (unexpectedly) where his children and members attended.

His civic and community affiliations and awards include, but are not limited to: a member and an officer of the Kiwanis in Detroit, Precinct Delegate on the east side of Detroit, Region 8 School Board, Life Member of the NAACP, and the Mayors Commission on Nutrition.

One of his contributions while he was in Danville was that Rev. Bouknight, along with Rev. C. Don Ferrill, began working on the Martin Luther King Day Celebration Committee in Danville, Illinois, and instituted a scholarship for high school students.

On December 3, 2019, as he was surrounded by family, Joseph took his last breath at 4:00 p.m. as he transferred his membership from the church militant to the church triumphant. He was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Dorothy Elizabeth Counts Bouknight; his son, Joseph Bouknight, Jr.; his mother, Gurly; and his brothers: Odell and Matthew Bouknight.

Remembering the good family times are his children: Barbara, Jeanette, Gloria (the wife of Joseph (deceased)), Micheal (Dana), and Phillip; thirteen (13) grandchildren, twenty-six (26) great-grandchildren, and six (6) great grandchildren; brothers-in-law: Manelbert "Bill" (Jan) Counts and Qasim (Nabeelah) Counts; nieces, nephews, cousins, his church family, and many friends whose lives he touched.

Memories of Joseph will forever remain with his family and many friends.

Special thanks to the caregivers: Priscilla Tyus, John Merriman, Deborah Yearby (Veterans Administration Nurse Practitioner), the staff of The Manor of Farmington Hills and the Heartland Hospice Staff, Rev. Dr. Barbara L. Delaney, and Rev. DeBorah Holt Foster.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

39

Plan Now! Attend The Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference (CYYAC20) June 28-July 3, 2020

CYYAC20 will be held at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons Hotel located at 3121 W Gate City Blvd, Greensboro, NC 27407. The theme is P.R.E.S.S. (Passionate Relevant Essential Sincere Service).

The discounted registration fee for CYYAC20 is $150 now through December 31, 2019. The registration fee includes the Concert! The online registration portal is open to single and group reservations for up to 50 persons by credit/debit card and check! For additional information and to register, visit here. Upon completion of your payment, you will receive a registration confirmation notice and the link to reserve your hotel room.

40

The Christian Index • April 2020

Senior Bishop and Mrs. Lawrence Reddick and the Eighth Episcopal District will host the Eighth Annual CME Unity Summit and the 150th Anniversary of the CME Church CelebraƟon along with the General ConnecƟonal Board MeeƟng, scheduled August 31-September 4, 2020 at the Sheraton Dallas located at 400 Olive Street in Dallas, TX. The theme for this year's Unity Summit is, "ChrisƟan Methodism Beyond OneHundred FiŌy Years: Trending Forward Propelled by the Great Commission."

The Unity Summit is scheduled for Monday, August 31, 2020 through Wednesday, September 2, 2020.

The General Connec onal Board mee ng is scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2020 through Friday, September 4, 2020.

Register online at h ps://thecmechurch.org/unity-summit/. The group room rate at the Sheraton Dallas is $129 plus 15.26% tax ($148.69) per night. The deadline date to reserve a hotel room is August 10, 2020.

Please plan to register and reserve your room early!

A CommemoraƟve Souvenir Journal is being prepared in celebra on of the 150th Anniversary of the Chris an Methodist Episcopal Church during the Eighth CME Unity Summit. We invite individuals, local churches and ministries to submit an ad to appear in the Commemora ve Historical Journal. For this CommemoraƟve Journal, we prefer your ad (s) to specifically be about how individual(s) within the CME Church have impacted you as a member, leader, etc. Your ad may promote your business, ministry, share a tribute or honor the memory of a loved one.

Sponsors will receive a complimentary Program and Souvenir Journal and their ads featured in digital formats throughout and a er the event.

The deadline date to submit an ad is June 1, 2020. Submit your ad at h ps://thecmechurch.org/unitysummit/.

April 2020 • The Christian Index

41

42

The Christian Index • April 2020

CME Connectional Directory THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick - 8th Episcopal District - 1616 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75216; 214-372-9073 (office); email: llreddick3@yahoo.com Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. - 1st Episcopal District, Suite 222, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116; 901-345-4114 (office) and 901-345-4115 (fax) Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. - 6th Episcopal District, 680 Beckwith Street SW, Atlanta GA 30314; 404-963-6652 (office); 404-963-6656 (fax); 6thDistrictCME@gmail.com.

Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter - 11th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 174084, Arlington TX 76003-4084; 678-500-3301 (office); 678-385-6501(fax); KWCarter8@hotmail.com.

Bishop James B. Walker - 7th Episcopal District, Post Office Box 6095, Waldorf MD 20603; seventhhq@yahoo.com Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. - 3rd Episcopal District, Post Office Box 211237, Normandy MO 63121; 314-381-3111 (office); 314-381-2060 (fax); email: sw58cme@aol.com Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton - 5th Episcopal District CME Church, P.O. Box 13383, Birmingham AL 35202; office: 205-929-1145 (office); 205-929-1190 (fax); email: cmec35203@yahoo.com; Web site: www.cmefifthdistrict.org; office located at 4901 Lloyd Nolan Parkway, Fairfield Al. 35064 (do not send mail to the office address)

Bishop Godwin Umoette - 10th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 4312, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; email: godwin.umoette@yahoo.com; phone: 08024086495 Bishop Bobby R. Best - 9th Episcopal District, 3844 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 1, Los Angeles CA 90043; 323-294-3830; email: ninthhq@SBCglobal.net; Website: ninthdistrictcme.org

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas - 2nd Episcopal District, P. O. Box 36455, Cincinnati OH 45236; 513-827-6651(office) Bishop C. James King - 4th Episcopal District - 5417 Robinson Road Extension, Jackson MS 39204; 769-251-0531 (office); 769-251-0758 (fax); 502-494-5366 (cell); email: kingcmep1@aol.com.

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Retired - 8145 Summerwood Circle, Olive Branch MS 38654-7060 Bishop E. Lynn Brown, Retired (DECEASED) - 4250 Thunderstone Circle, W., Memphis TN 38125; 901-729-7476 Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, Retired - 200 Big Bend Drive, Desoto TX 75115; Cell 901-337-7138 Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired - 4441 Magnolia Path Pl., Buford GA 30518; 678-482-7066 (h) Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., Retired (DECEASED) - 1089 Oakridge Dr., Memphis TN 38111; ph. 901-452-3399 Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired - 683 Beacontree Court, Concord NC 28027; 704-786-3226 THE GENERAL OFFICERS

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield - General Secretary, Department of Christian Education & Formation - Suite 300, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis TN 38116-7100; 901345-4109 (office); 901-261-3289 (fax); basiz1@aol.com; also 1119 Linksview Lane West, Cordova TN 38018.

Dr. Tyrone T. Davis - General Secretary, General Board of Personnel Services - P.O. Box 74 - Memphis TN 38101-0074; 901-345-4100; FAX 901-345-4107; email: tyrone.t.davis@comcast.net

Dr. Leo Pinkett - General Secretary, Ministry to Men, 2850 Shoreland Dr., S.W., Atlanta GA 30331; 404-349-1722; email: lpinkettace@yahoo.com Dr. Clifford Harris - General Secretary of Lay Ministry, 15485 Prairie Bell Rd., Okmulgee OK 74447-8690; 918-519-4233 (c);918-304-1999 (h); MrCliffHarris@yahoo.com

Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. - General Secretary, Department of Publications, P.O. Box 161212, Memphis TN 38186-1212; 901-396-5400; rdlsr@aol.com Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. - Editor, T C I , 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721; 901-515-6510 (office); email: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org Dr. Victor Taylor - General Secretary of Finance & CFO, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - Dept. of Finance and Investments, 1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224, Evanston IL 60204; 847274-0182 (main); 312-648-5232 (work); 240-359-6272 (fax); finance@thecmechurch.org; https://www.hightail.com/u/cmefinance (securely upload confidential documents here) Dr. Pene' G. Woods - Executive Secretary, Post Office Box 1536, Cordova TN 38088; Email: cmeexecutivesecretary4@gmail.com; Nationwide Mobile Office: (901) 489-9253.

Rev. Leon C. Moore, Jr. - General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions, 50 Sunset Ave NW, Unit # 92763, Atlanta GA 30314; 678-362-7549.

Ms. Jacqueline I. Scott - President, Women's Missionary Council, 7255 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125; 901-737-7675; scottjacqueline210@yahoo.com

Dr. Joseph C. Neal, Jr. - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Finance, P.O. Box 75085, Los Angeles CA 90075; 323-233-5050, Fax: 323-233-2797.

Dr. William George - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Publications, 535 Harwood Dr., Memphis TN 38120; 901-683-7833; email;weg38@aol.com.

Dr. N. Charles Thomas (DECEASED) - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Personnel Services, 308 Henry Street, Hot Springs AR 71901-6364; 501-318-6991.

Dr. Jeanette Bouknight - Executive Secretary, Retired, P.O. Box 27408, Detroit MI 48227-0408; 313-433-7207; email: cmeexecutivesecretary3@yahoo.com.

THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Rev. Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr., President (Class of 2018), 1315 Heatherland Drive SW, Atlanta GA 30331; 404-629-0055; jerrywoodfork@comcast.net.

Judge Bertina Lampkin, Vice President (Class of 2018), 3200 N. Lake Shore Drive, Unit 2308, Chicago IL 60657; 773-750-7203; lampkin506@aol.com, Attorney Bernard Snell, Clerk (Class of 2018), 136 Myrick Drive, Macon GA 31220; 478-731-1897; 478-935-3188; bernard.xsnell@usdoj.gov.

Mrs. Barbara Nichols, Immediate Past President (Class of 2018), 1937 Fawn Drive, Glenside PA 19038; 215-572-5516;frebargroup@aol.com.

Rev. Roland Johnson Jr., Member (Class of 2014), 4945 Bradfield Run, Memphis TN 38125; 901-497-9588; revrjohns@aol.com.

Rev. Kwame Lawson Adjei, Member (Class of 2018), P. O. Box AN 7639, Accra, Ghana, West Africa; 011-233-244-630267; rev.adjei@hotmail.com.

Attorney Shirley C. Byers, Member (Class of 2018), P. O. Box 5008, Holly Springs MS 38634; 662-252-6530 or 662-820-2763; scbjudge@gmail.com.

Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, Member (Class of 2018), 3157 Dale Hollow Drive, Lexington KY 40515; 859-433-3396; Lynda.brownwright@gmail.com.

Rev. Russell Fuller, Member (Class of 2018), 647 Shadyway, Dallas TX 75232; 214-793-1945; fwdistrict@yahoo.com.

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS

Rev. James Smith - Coordinator, Chaplain Services; 493 Robin Song Ct., Blythewood SC 29016; 803-800-9788; SmithJEJR@aol.com Atty. Ouida Brown - General Counsel - P.O. Box 587, Tuscombia AL 35674; 256-383-9620; fax: 256-383-9933 Mrs. Claudette Nichols Branch - President, CME Historical Society; 1511 Brownwood Avenue, Memphis TN 38116-4403 Bro. Willie J. Robinson - President of the Ministers' and Laymen's Council - 701 Pebble Court, El Sobrante, CA 94803-1810; 415-722-9167 Mrs. Carolyn Hassell - President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers, 1030 N Park Avenue, Brownsville TN 38012; 901-907-9427; carolynhassell68@gmail.com; website: www.cme-spouses.org Rev. Carole E. Richardson - President, Connectional Christian Educators’ Council - 822 Marietta Pl., N.W. - Washington, DC 20011; 202-291-8566 Ms. Barbara Christian Campbell - President, Connectional Lay Council - 4819 Eagles Ridge Loop, Lithonia GA 30038; or 2012 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317; dstbc@bellsouth.net; 404-587-8311 or 678-641-9745

Rev. Amina McIntyre - President, Connectional Young Adult Ministry; email: aminacyam@gmail.com Rev. Dr. Earl J. Griffin, Sr. - President, Presiding Elders’ Council; P.O. Box 612, Grambling LA 71245; 318-245-2743; email: earlgrffn2@gmail.com Ms. Jolinda Dugger - President, Connectional Stewardesses, 110 Montclair Dr., Jackson TN 38301; 731-736-0961 (h); 731-394-7504 (cell); email: Jmdugger810@aol.com

Rev. Dr. Denise Anders-Modest - Coordinator, Commission on the Concerns of Women in the Ministry, 19 Scattered Oaks Drive, Byhalia MS 38611; 318-348-8982; email: dmodest1990@yahoo.com Mr. Freddie McKnight - President, Connectional Stewards, 24 Canton Street; West Haven CT 06516; 203-933-7230 (h); 203-500-6377 (cell) Ms. Diana Winton - President of Connectional Ushers, 729 West 155 Street; Gardena CA 90247; 310-415-4336; email: ladydicme@aol.com Dr. Theresa Duhart - President, CIT Connectional Dept., 1907 Willow Lane West, University Place WA 98466, 253-376-6361 (cell); 253-830-9512 (fax); email: theresaduhart@thecmechurch.org Rev. Jermaine Marshall, PhD - General Conference Secretary; 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.Blvd., New York NY 10027; 904-422-1627; jermmar25@gmail.com HEADS OF CONNECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Rev. Dr. William E. George - Administrator, Collins Chapel Health Center, 409 Ayers St., Memphis TN 38105; 901-683-7883; email: weg38@aol.com Dr. Paul Brown - President and Dean, Phillips School of Theology, Atlanta GA; 404-527-7768 Dr. Logan C. Hampton - President, Lane College, 545 Lane Ave., Jackson TN 38301; 731-426-7595 (office); 731-427-3987 (fax) Ms. Bobbie Knight - President, Miles College, P. O. Box 39800, Birmingham AL 35208; 205-929-1428; 205-929-1448; 205-929-1429; 205-929-1426 (fax) Dr. Dwight Fennell - President, Texas College, 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler TX 75702; 903-593-8311; 903-593-0588 (fax) Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones - Office of the President, Paine College, 1235 Fifteenth St., Augusta GA 30901-3182; 706-821-8230 (office); 706-821-8320 (Admissions)

April 2020 • The Christian Index

43

Celebrating the Writings and Works of Bishop Marshall Gilmore!

These works are AVAILABLE from the CME Publishing House.

Bishop Marshall Gilmore, a native of Hoffman, North Carolina, was elected the 41st bishop of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church by the General Conference in 1982, meeting in Memphis, Tennessee.

Bishop Gilmore has served the church as a pastor with extraordinary skill and as bishop with a leadership style that inspired and endeared him to his congregants throughout the church.

Whie serving and seeking the best for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Bishop Gilmore authored study guides, training manuals, apologetics, and his inspiring memoirs!

CME Publishing House 901-396-5400

www.cmepublishinghouse.com

We Have Updated our Contact Information!

New Website: cmechurchpublishinghouse.com Telephone Numbers: 901-396-5400 & 901-396-5403 Fax Number: 901-396-5406 Address: 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., P.O. Box 161212, Memphis, TN.38186-1212 Email: cmepublishing@bellsouth.net