The Christian Index - August 2020

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

Rev. Darrell Turner Leads Ministry to Trudy’s Kitchen

--p. 31

Means Graduates with Honors --p. 37

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.

The Editor's office number is (901) 515-6510. COST FOR REPRODUCTION OF PICTURES is $20 per photo; payment (to Department of Publications) must accompany mailed article, and pictures will not be returned. Members and friends of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church are encouraged to submit articles for possible publication in THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, the Official Publication of the CME Church.

No compensation is made for articles published and no articles will be considered that have been submitted simultaneously to another publication or published by any other publication. Articles submitted will not be returned. Articles submitted and printed will become the property of THE CHRISTIAN INDEX with all rights assigned to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX was established in 1867 and has been in continuous publication since. It is the Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, a member magazine of the Associated Church Press, and a subscriber to Religion News Service. Views expressed by the editor and/or other writers are personal opinions and do not necessarily reflect the official views of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

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The Christian Index • August 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 8

August 2020

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments 4

CME Calendar of Events 6

Board of Personnel Services 7

Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 8

Dept. of Christian Education and Formation 9

Department of Lay Ministry 10

Department of Ministry to Men 12

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 14

CME-Affiliated Schools

16 Submissions

A Theology of The Great Commission 18

Helping Young Make Decisions for Future 20

Annie K. Montgomery 22

What Is Your Norm?

24

South Georgia Missionaries Honor Pastors 25

My Poem for Corona 25

When Is Enough Too Much?

26

Douglass Chapel and Suicide Prevention 28

America Does Not Condone Violence?

29

Greater Cleaves Honors Edney, Bibbs, Brown 30

Turner Overcomes, Achieves Dream 31

Collins Chapel Legacy Awards Brunch 32

Never Lost 35

Can We Say, "Hypocrisy?"

36

Maleah Means Graduates with Honors 37 Children/Youth

Observations from a 7th Grade CME 38 Ecumenical News

Bishop Thomas Ends Term in OH Council 40

AME Church General Conference Rescheduled 41 Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud 42 Connectional Directory 43 Cover: Rev. Darrell Turner leads in ministry to Trudy’s Kitchen in Union City, Tennessee.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: July 17, 2020

Editorial

Has Noah Barred the Door?

A closer inspection of the Biblical context for this question (Genesis, chapters 6-8, and particularly 7:16) readily shows that while Noah built the ark and the door of the ark, it was God who shut him in. The building of the ark in obedience to God was Noah's demonstration of his faith in the presence of his enemies and the enemies of God. These enemies did not perceive the value of faith in the absence of rain, either past or present. Nor were they receptive to a message of death and destruction in an environment of life and plenty. Nevertheless, things would soon change, and their sarcasm and incredulity would be their own undoing as the waters descended, the earth was flooded, and all breathing creatures outside the ark died.

On the other hand, Noah, and his family with him in the ark, enjoyed the protection of the ark because of the faithful obedience of one man and their submission to the word of God through him. The meaning of the phrase "and the Lord shut him in" in verse 16 is that it was not the ark that kept Noah, his family, and those living creatures safe within. Rather, it was the mercy and activity of God that kept them safe within the walls of the ark. Had it not been for this Divine providence, no ark of any size or workmanship could have prevailed in The Flood. Noah did not trust his abilities as a carpenter, neither did he trust in his ability as a sailor. However, he did trust in the Lord his God to keep him through the storm, to be his and their Savior.

Perhaps this is the lesson we need to learn.

Have we trusted for too long in the buildings that we have erected and in our abilities as workers at God's command? "Noah has barred the door," is a quip often used by both children and adults to refer to a present lack of access to what one was casually accustomed, or to which easy entrance was obtained. Could it be that the church, or members thereof, have taken the church and its ordinances too casually, without a serious eye

and heart to the Lord of the church? Though there are those who would disagree with this conjecture, I believe this is highly possible and scripturally plausible. However, rather than for our destruction, I believe we have been shut out Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., of the buildings for our good.

Editor If we have been shut out of one holy place for a lack of reverence or attentiveness to God, surely we can renew this relationship in another, a new holy place of enclosure - our homes, where we can still meet the God of all creation, and who can by His own grace protect and sustain us in the present deluge.

He who closes one door will open others for the good of those who trust in Him. And in God's own time, God will reopen the doors to those familiar places where I pray we will exit into a greater love for God, for each other, and for gathering in His temples in sincere celebration of the ordinances of His church.

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.

August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • August 2020

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

August 2020 • The Christian Index

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CHECK WITH THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDING BISHOP FOR MORE INFORMATION. July 30 - August 1 - New York - Washington Region Annual Conference (via Zoom); 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. (Thursday), 5:00 7:40 p.m. (Friday), and 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. (Saturday). Bishop James B. Walker.

July 31 - Aug. 1 - Florida Region Annual Conference; (via Zoom). Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton.

August 1 - Southeast Texas Annual Conference (via Zoom and conference call); 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick.

August 4-5 - Northern California Region Annual Conference (via Zoom); Bishop Bobby R. Best.

August 6-8 - Carolina Region Annual Conference (via Zoom); Bishop James B. Walker.

August 11-12 - Southern California Region Annual Conference (via Zoom); Bishop Bobby R. Best.

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Unity Summit 2020 Rescheduled General Connectional Board to Be Held Virtually In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Unity Summit, scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas, August 31-Sept. 4, 2020, has been rescheduled for the year 2021. The official dates for the Unity Summit 2021, which will convene in Dallas Texas, are August 28 - September 3, 2021 (inclusive of the Connectional Lay Institute).

Also, this comes to announced that, pursuant to ¶1000.6, §2, of The Book of Discipline, Revised 2018, the 2020 General Connectional Board, previously scheduled for Dallas, Texas, during the week of the Unity Summit, will meet virtually on Friday, September 4, 2020, beginning at 9:00 A.M. General Connectional Board members are requested to reserve the date of September 4th for the General Board meeting, and to expect a call for the Standing Committees and other committee meetings from the respective Chairs of each Standing Committee or the Senior Bishop for other committees.

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., General Chair, Unity Summit Bishop Lawrence Reddick, Senior Bishop June 2, 2020 CORRECTION ON UNITY SUMMIT 2021 OPENING DATE: Please note that the “opening date” of the 2021 Unity Summit will be Saturday, August 28th, which is the first day of the Connectional Lay Institute.

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The Christian Index • August 2020

Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From Where I Sit …”

JAWS (Life Imitating Art)

Loosely quoting online sources, the 1975 summer blockbuster movie Jaws was an American thriller film directed by Steven Spielberg. In the film, it is a hot summer on Amity Island, a small community whose main business is its beaches. When a man-eating great white shark attacks beachgoers, new police chief Martin Brody is prompted to hunt it with the help of a marine biologist and a professional shark hunter. When Chief Brody strongly suggests closing the beaches to swimmers, it does not sit well with the Mayor and local businessmen who reject his suggestion. With several subsequent shark attacks, the rest becomes theatrical history.

In the literary community, books and films have often been produced on historical subjects, persons, or events. However, when current events seem to mirror literary accounts, the phrase that is often applied is “life imitating art.” And such may be an apt description of the current events of our experience with the Covid-19 Pandemic.

At this writing, Covid-19 cases in the United States have just passed 3 million with over 130,000 deaths. The thrust of officials appears directed on fully reopening businesses (including schools) while many areas hesitate to impose mask and social distancing requirements. Like Jaws, the emphasis seems to be more focused on the profits of businesses than the protection of the lives and health of the citizenry. Especially, the lives and health of minorities, seniors, and people of color.

Due to the severity of this Pandemic and its potential to attack any person at any age, coupled with the projection of a vaccine not being widely available for up to 12 or more months, what additional steps should we take to be better prepared for the possible consequences of this virus? It may sound morbid, but now more than ever we should review and, where necessary, update our beneficiaries for all retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Also, it would not hurt and would likely be most beneficial to our family members, if we have 1) prepared our obituaries, 2) planned a draft funeral order of service, and 3) proposed where and how we wish to be buried.

“Life imitating art” is a common phrase but another common phrase is “those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it.” And if that is so then be reminded that there were three sequels to Jaws. Hopefully, we will contain this virus and there will be no sequel(s).

Without attempting to assign actual roles to the theatrical location of Amity Island, or characters such as the police chief, the mayor or the business leaders, it is quite clear to me that the man-eating great white shark is this Covid-19 virus and we are the people or citizenry at risk of attack. 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) August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back to The Basics as “We Envision Our Way forward Taking Care of God’s Business” A special thanks to Rev. John O. Omondi, Guest Contributor MISSIONS IS THE MISISON FOR THE CHURCH REV. JOHN O. OMONDI, MISSION SUPERVISOR 11TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT, KENYA REGION As a student and preacher in the streets, parks and market places in Kenya over the last ten years I have experienced many things. One thing I learned is, “it is God’s purpose to use God’s people to proclaim God’s plan of salvation in God’s power to lost people everywhere.” The only real question for the Church is why are we not being obedient?

We need the whole church witnessing for Christ to the whole world. Assuming that a local church desires to be obedient, how does it put missions into practice? After all, Missions was an essential part of the early church because it knew its mission!! Therefore, in Acts we can see missions involving evangelism, discipleship, church planting, and teachings to build up the Church. We can also see that missions were effective in Acts because in the power of the Spirit they preached the Gospel, produced disciples and planted churches in obedience to the Great Commission despite severe persecution and personal sacrifice. So what does this teach us about church planting? First, there can be an existing or “mother” church which starts or sponsors a “daughter” church in another location as a missions or expansion outreach. Second, a group of believers in a particular location may decide to start a local church among themselves. Third, as a result of evangelistic and missionary efforts, a church is started (planted) by a group of local believers.

Church planting is that part of Missions ministry which majors on building new local churches which will themselves become mission-minded disciple makers.

However, as a church which is part of the CME denomination it should be able to provide you with resources, materials, ideas, strategies, plans, etc. to promote church planting. All missions strategies, including church planting, must include the setting of goals which are significant enough to be implemented, simple enough to be understood and followed, short enough to be remembered, sensible enough to accomplished, specific enough to be evaluated and spiritual enough to be of eternal value.

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

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education and Formation

THE PRACTITIONER Prayer for Health Care Workers Compassionate God, From the shores of the river Jordan to the steps of the Temple Mount, you have cared for the well-being of your people. Your healing teaches us your compassion for our frailty. Thank you for caring for us no matter our status in this world. We ask your blessing on those who emulate you as they provide the ministry of healing to all those in need.

Guide, bless, and encourage your faithful health care servants who willingly jeopardize their own, and their family’s, health and safety to confront sickness and disease. Enable them to relieve suffering and assist in the healing process.

Lord, you loved us enough to walk in our midst on a disease-filled Earth. Even now, abide in with us and surround all engaged in the healing sciences and arts. Bless them as they labor for you in stressful, anxious, and sometimes threatening settings. Keep them close in your loving embrace.

Guide researchers as they seek greater understanding of your universe and develop vaccines and treatments which will reduce suffering and death. Enable suppliers who ensure materials and equipment are available as needed using creativity as they sometimes seek to do more with less. Encourage the families of health care workers as they support them in their call, knowing that through their loved ones, lives are saved and your tenderness is known.

Provide your health care servants rest during wearisome hours of constant demand. Dispense comfort in moments of loss or setback. Grant peace that goes beyond human understanding.

In our present surroundings which tempt us to despair, may we all come together as part of your global community and embrace the love of Christ for all precious souls. Help us overcome our fears and unite across all borders of every type to share, manufacture, support and supply knowledge, equipment, and resources.

Your kingdom is a place of plenty. Let us live in your abundance knowing you provide enough for all. In your mercy Lord, grant health. Bless those you have called to be your hands and feet in healing and the provision of care. May they always know how thankful we are for their gifts, service, and sacrifice.

Hear our prayer, O Lord. Amen.

General Secretary's Note: This article is from the Spring 2020 Edition of17 the Practitioner, a quarterly publication of the Department of Christian Education and Formation.

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Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr. Clifford L. Harris, General Secretary

“Reaching, Teaching, and Ministering to All Generations, Equipping Them for Greater Works and Service for Him”

THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES OF CME LAY MINISTRY: “A REMINDER FOR SOME - NEW KNOWLEDGE FOR OTHERS” - PART IV THE LAY MINISTRY OBJECTIVES (6-10) In the July 2020 Helping Hands Bulletin I lifted the first five of our fifteen (15) Lay Ministry Objectives. In this August 2020 writing I will address Objectives 6-10. Remember, if we are to live out our mission of ”Reaching, Teaching, and Ministering to All Generations, Equipping Them for Greater Works and Service for Him”, we must, through consistent and sincere effort, stay diligent in lifting our objectives from the pages on which they are written: OBJECTIVE # 6 - To Inspire and Encourage Members to Become More Informed About the Church - As laity of the church, our speech, attitude, and actions should be ordered in a way that causes others to develop a desire to learn about and understand the whole of our church. . . That being said, there are some who have a desire to only serve at the local level of our Zion church, but if they understand and appreciate the inter-workings of the CME Church, they may kindle a desire to support the whole. Inspiring others means, in part, including them in the work that is to be done, thus we must always have a desire to equip ourselves so that we can assist in equipping others. Consider these scriptures as foundational for this objective: Romans 14:19 – So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another; Ephesians 4:11-12 - 11 And He gave some as apostles, and some as prophets, and some as evangelists, and some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of service, to the building up of the body of Christ; Ephesians 4:29 - Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

OBJECTIVE # 7 - To Assist in Communicating the Need for and Support of a Strong Tithing Program - As laity we must accept the role of bringing about a greater awareness and commitment to the grace of giving. We must share and give back to God and his church a portion (10%) of that which God has given to us. The Lay Ministry Belief of Sharing, teaches that we must share in ways that will inspire others to become more informed and committed to the church; share personal treasures, time, and talent in the development of an effective stewardship culture; and share positive thoughts and encourage support of the church’s ministries. Undergirding scriptures for Objective # 7 are - Leviticus 27:3 - Thus all the tithe of the land, of the seed or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord; Malachi 3:8-10 – 8 Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me! Yet you say, How have we robbed Thee? In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing Me, the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this, “says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open for you the windows of heaven, and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.

Thus, I submit to us that if the local church is to be strong and vibrant, laity must wear the role of giver, embodied by the stewardship of time and stewardship of talents.

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Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

OBJECTIVE # 8 - To Assist in Making Christian Commitment More Meaningful to One’s Whole Life I Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) says - And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and

understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I believe that lay men and women living by this scripture and assisting others to understand and live by the same, is one of the first steps in making Objective # 8 come alive. . . Because life so often calls for one to fulfill various roles and assume a variety of responsibilities, Christian commitment will keep us close to God and help bring us back when we go astray. Thus, we must understand that as those who are called Christian, God’s way must permeate every part of our lives, which in turn, causes us to stay in touch and in tune with Him in every situation. We must follow Proverbs 4:13 which says, Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Thus, if we make a habit of reading the word of God, it will become alive in us and will “rise up” in every part of our lives.

OBJECTIVE # 9 - To Assist Individuals in Developing Personal Evangelism – If Lay Ministry is to live out this objective, the spirit of evangelism must become personal. Thus, if we know and believe in the word of God, we must share it. Personal evangelism is the act of a person sharing the gospel with another/others. Hence, personal evangelism is the responsibility of every believer, for God calls each of us to different tasks and provides us with different gifts, but the goal is the same—the salvation of the lost. 1 Corinthians 12:6–7 says, There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men and Luke 19:10 reads, - Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.

It is said that God places us in strategic positions for influence, not privilege. . . We have neighbors, coworkers, friends, and relatives who need to know about Christ. Thus, we must follow the words of Jesus, when He spoke to His disciples, in John 9:4, - As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work.

OBJECTIVE # 10 - To Promote Lay Speaking Training for Church Officers and Other Interested Persons.

As laity, our focus in lifting and promoting Objective # 10 should be done in the spirit of preparing and building confidence in lay men and women for effective communication and leadership. Remember, our Lay Ministry Mission, in season and out of season, is - “To Reach, Teach, and Minister to All Generations, Equipping Them for Greater Works and Service for Him.” I thus, encourage us as leaders to always look for and create opportunities for the young & older members (all generations) who desire to express themselves; when we provide and encourage opportunities under the umbrella of the church, relationships are built and solidified. . . As a result, the young’s desire to grow and continue serving in our Zion is increased. Many great teachers, speakers, and preachers started and developed their abilities to communicate effectively because of opportunities provided to them under the umbrella of the church and because observant lay persons saw potential in them that they had yet to see.

August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Ministry to Men

Why Back to Basics does not Mean Back to Normal!!!

Submitted by Dr. Leo Pinkett, General Secretary Written by Dr. Bryan L. Champion, BCC Bunton Memorial CME Church, Washington, DC New York/Washington Conference, 7th Episcopal District Organizational Development/Executive Coach Team Champion, LLC

COVID-19, the Pandemic, Social Distancing, Telework, Online Learning, and Virtual Worship have upset the world and reality we have been socialized into accepting and to which we have become accustomed. What began in mid-March and what many of us believed would only last a few weeks has now become a long term challenge that requires more than trying to wait it out until it goes away. So when I hear people say, “I can’t wait until things return to normal,” I can only hope they mean return to normalcy. Return to a place that we can begin to expect what is next and have control over the outcomes. The reason I am not excited about the world returning to normal is because I ask myself what was so great about the normal we grew up living in and accepted. I have lived in a world that has not been fair to all. I have lived in a world that views financial capital and profit as more important than human life and/or the respect and dignity of others. I have lived in a world that lacks a moral conscious and believes that it is plausible to make laws that benefit and protect only a subset of people, and that it is not the fault of those in power that everyone cannot be successful or survive in our culture. However, I along with so many others, have been conditioned to learn to survive under this unbalanced world that has developed and led us to this transformational time in the year 2020.

What history tells us is that change is inevitable. We have learned that crisis leads to innovation, and that those in power will attempt to control innovation and change in order to remain in control and power. So, what I have observed during the Pandemic of 2020 is a focus on innovation and mind set to use technology to keep the economy from falling by expanding telework, online sales and marketing, and distance education.

I have also observed financial support to protect businesses from going under. However, we do not see a vaccine or cure in the immediate future. I do not see testing and care for those infected with the virus receiving equal accommodation, treatment, or access. What I see is change that may support many, but only benefit a few. In the big picture, I see a society that wants to return to normal.

As I reflect on the 2018 Episcopal Address delivered by Bishop Bobby R. Best on behalf of the CME College of Bishops, I am reminded of his challenge to the church to have a refocus on the basics. In a time of change, as we face today, the challenge is not to return to normal but innovate a change in the world that is based upon the principles the church was built and founded. As Jesus charged the disciples in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) to go and make new disciples of all nations, I believe the state of unrest in our country is calling for the church to come together and minister to the world. In response to social distancing, churches have begun to hold virtual services, Bible study, prayer meetings, and other forms of worship. While this keeps members of our congregation connected, it also provides the church with a voice outside the walls of the church. Virtual services must go beyond maintaining congregations. Virtual services must target making for disciples and across demographics, lifestyle, and location. John Wesley said, “The world is my pulpit” and virtual ministry allows us to minister to the world in a way that we could not before.

Back to Basics is a forward thinking paradigm shift that empowers us to make change that is rooted in our core beliefs. Returning to normal continues to perpetuate a lifestyle and world that is unfair and lacks church growth. So how do we use the lessons learned and this opportunity for change to transform the church, our communities, and the world to go beyond surviving and move to thriving for all people?

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Connectional Interests First, men of God must become leaders in the transformation movement. As I acknowledged before, those in power and privilege are reluctant to fuel any change that disturbs or alters the control of power and is beneficial to all. However, in order for long term stability to occur, relationships, power, privilege, and justice must be mutually beneficial to all. When I look at some of the civil unrest going on today, I am convinced that it is in large part due to people being tired of disproportionate treatment and injustice happening all around us. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Thus, I will also pronounce that injustice against one of us is a threat of injustice against all of us. When I see a society that supports hatred, discrimination, and the abuse of power against one individual or groups of individuals, I recognize that although I may not experience some of the hardships and/or experiences of others, I am experiencing the effects of those hardships.

So you may ask why I called out the men of God to take the lead. I do so reflecting on the privilege that society gives to men. Unfortunately, some believe that this privilege is earned by being born male. But the Bible reminds us in Luke 12:48b that to whom much is given, much is required, and thus male privilege is not given as a birthright but earned by service. When I look at the early church, and the way our faith community was built, I see a legacy of strong men of God leading the way. The civil rights movement in America gave way to the men of God who led the movement to end racial injustice. Men of God making sacrifices to protect their families and community and to ensure that we live in a world that benefits all; and not only the powerful and the privileged.

Department of Ministry to Men While the world affords people of color benefits that our foreparents did not receive, I do not believe those benefits have equaled the scales of justice, power, and privilege. The benefits afforded are only a distraction from reality. Every time there is an obvious sign of abuse of power, neglect of basic services, and violations of individual’s civil rights, I am reminded that this is an unjust world. I am also reminded this is not the world that God wants the church to passively accept. This is why I don’t want to return to normal. I want the church and the men of God to be agents of change and transformation. I want to return to basics when men begin to recognize the calling on their lives to serve with passion and not with privilege. The Episcopal address calls for us to be centered in our mission to make disciples, to expand the word and the kingdom of faith. I believe if men lead the movement to go and share the word of God to the world, God will allow hearts to be softened; God will show non-believers that God holds all power and that God’s love and power is to be shared with all; and God will restore justice, peace, and mutually beneficial relationships in this world.

I make no apology that I don’t want to go back to normal. Been there and done that and I know what results will come from going back. So, I ask the question, are you ready for a new normal? Are you ready to be a pillar of change? Changing the world begins with changing ourselves, and I believe we find that change by returning to the Basics of God’s word, God’s mission, God’s calling on our lives, and our response of obedience to God’s will. Nothing fancy, only faithfulness to God’s basic charge to the church.

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES WIDOWS/WIDOWERS DEPARTMENT 8TH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT “MINISTERS’ SPOUSES CALLED TO SERVE”

“This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it!” Like so many other ministries in the CME Church, the Ministers’ Spouses Widows/Widowers Department (MSWWD) are called to serve in God’s ministry. The 8th Episcopal District MSWWD, comprised of 4 regions, is continuing to carry out their mission and calling on the Episcopal and Region levels of the organization.

For many years, the 8th Episcopal District has adopted a college of our church as a Social Concerns Project and therefore gives twice a year to Texas College in Tyler, Texas.

Those projects consist of providing care packages (i.e. men/women toiletries, snacks, socks, water, etc.) to students living in the dorms in the Fall and Bibles to all college graduates in the Spring. This is a coordinated effort by the Episcopal Representative, all Region Presidents and Texas College representatives.

I would like to highlight each region and president in the 8th and give you an opportunity to see the activities that each one brings to the MSWWD ministry of service.

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

The Central Texas Region enjoys working together on programs and activities. We had our Marion Scipio Annual Vesper Service on October 26, 2019. Their theme was “Refocus: Getting Back to Basic-Vibrant Worship". We hosted a Christmas Dinner at Traditions Restaurant in Tyler, Texas, where the spouses purchased hoodies for a local elementary school. Our Spring Talent and Fashion Show was canceled due to COVID 19 Pandemic.

We also try to remember our widows and retirees throughout the year.

The Southeast Texas Region support the Marion Scipio Annual Vesper Service on the 4th Saturday of the month in October of every year. We support our Ministers’ Spouses with tokens of love during hospitalization and bereavement. The Southeast Texas Region consists of the Beaumont-Nacogdoches District and Houston District Spouses, in which each District supports their local Spouses' children and or grandchildren with acts of kindness, encouragement, gifts and financial donations upon completing an accredited high school, technical school and college. We fellowship as often as possible and share our concerns for the betterment of our families and enjoy the means of the media to stay connected with our connectional families and fellow spouses. We are the Southeast Texas Region Ministers' Spouses.

The East Texas Region celebrated an evening of Praise during our Marion Scipio Annual Vesper Banquet by honoring all the East Texas Region pastors, spouses, and widows/widowers. Each couple received a Marriage Covenant for the number of years married, and each Ministers’ Spouse received a rose from his/her Spouse. Each widow received a gift and was recognized for their many years of service to the Spouses, each single pastor received a certificate and gift. Each District President received a Memory Quilt for their dedication and hard work.

The Dallas-Fort Worth/Northwest Texas Region hosted our annual Vesper Service on October 20, 2019 at the Morning Chapel CME Church in Ft. Worth, Texas. Our dynamic speaker was Mrs. Beverly Holman, 1st. Lady of the Layman Chapel CME Church. Our theme: “Unveiling & Unleashing Our Hidden Treasures”, II Corinthians 4:7-11. During the Christmas holidays, the spouses hosted an afternoon of bowling and the winner was Mrs. Charlotte Moore. The Spring Activity was cancelled due to the pandemic, but we have fellowshipped and met via Zoom and have made it a point to check on the well-being of our widows, especially during this pandemic.

Submitted by Mrs. Felecia Johnson CME Ministers’ Spouses Widows/Widowers Department Vice President

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CME-Affiliated Schools TEXAS COLLEGE ANNOUNCES FALL 2020 PLANS Following a thorough and extensive assessment of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, Texas College has announced that the 126-year-old institution will host the Fall 2020 academic term entirely online with a start date of August 12 and concluding November 20. The College’s decision to shift modalities is one centered on the safety and needs of students, faculty, and staff.

“We have and continue to monitor the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that affects our community. It is from this foundation that decisions and plans are made,” noted President Dwight J. Fennell, PhD. “Our efforts are not to compete with other entities and how they respond, but rather give consideration to the needs of our students, faculty and staff and internally assess what is needed for a safe environment pursuant to the resources we have available to us. With this as the backdrop of our planning, a decision has been made to offer online instruction only for the fall term. A continuous review will take place to establish what needs to be done for the spring term. And, with this as our focus, it should also be noted that we will suspend fall sports with the interest in returning with our sports programs for spring term.”

Texas College’s online semester includes suspension of all fall intercollegiate athletics, which includes football, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, and volleyball. Though foregoing the 2020 season, the College will maintain their issuance of athletic scholarships for the enrolled athletes. Additionally, this same commitment extends to institutional scholarships for extracurricular groups, such as band and choir participants.

As traditional methods are substituted for virtual ones, Texas College is also prepared to help facilitate student success for the semester’s online landscape. To ensure all students have access to the technology necessary to complete online courses, laptops will be available for student use. Students utilizing the accommodation may request the device through the College.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise, Texas College emphasizes their commitment to safety while providing access to quality educational opportunities. “As this moment has proven difficult for many businesses and communities, I want to encourage us to continue to remain vigilant, strong, and sustain ourselves with the wisdom of God and practices that will keep us safe,” said Dr. Fennell. “I am hopeful that the posture that is being taken is understood. I especially hope that it is understood that this position is needed when there is no vaccine, nor increase in remedies that may combat COVID-19.

And, as we look at the increase in the number of infections and deaths around the world and in East Texas, we find these measures necessary. Our number one priority is the safety of our students, faculty, staff and constituents. I thank you for your continued support of Texas College and ask for your continued prayers as we and many others in the higher education community move to keep those safe who are entrusted to us. Additionally, we will continue to pray for your safety and well-being.”

ABOUT TEXAS COLLEGE Texas College is a Historically Black College founded in 1894, by a group of CME ministers. Our mission continues to embody the principles of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The College shall prepare students with competencies in critical and creative thinking related to the knowledge, skills, and abilities as defined in areas of study. Additionally, the College shall provide an environment to inspire intellectual, spiritual, ethical, moral, and social development, which empowers graduates to engage in life-long learning, leadership, and service.

Led by President Dwight J. Fennell, PhD, Texas College serves as the oldest institution of higher education in the city of Tyler, celebrating over 126 years of providing educational opportunities. As an ethnically diverse liberal arts institution, students gain the theoretical and foundational preparations designed to propel them into a major that will equip them for graduate and/or professional schools, as well as the world of work.

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CME-Affiliated Schools

Mississippi Industrial College (MIC) Reunion Event Canceled Submitted by Jessie Edwards

Alumni, Children of Alumni, and Friends, This is to inform you that due to COVID-19, the MIC Reunion scheduled for August 13-15, 2020, in Batesville, Mississippi, has been canceled. There is also the worry of another outbreak of COVID-19 this fall. Our plan is to monitor the conditions and limitations created by COVID-19 for future consideration. We would expect to plan or reschedule this canceled reunion for 2021 or 2022.

We would like to thank you all for your splendid support, understanding, and cooperation in this matter.

Thank you, Jessie J. Edwards, PhD President, MICAAI

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Submissions A Theology of the Great Commission for the CME Church Submitted by Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, PhD (Theology and Ethics) Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church Hopkinsville, Kentucky

The reward of earnest evangelism is always the winning of disciples. It was so in the early church and it is so in the contemporary church. We are called to make disciples, to proclaim the good news to the “whole creation”. It is our privilege and our obligation to do so. If the main line church is to survive, we must do so. And yet it is also in obedience to God that human beings experience the profoundest joy in life. In abandoning the material safety of the shore for the spiritual life of deep water, we are touched by the awesome love of the Eternal God. In making disciples, we ourselves are remade. 1 The mission of the CME Church in the Second Episcopal District is to form Christian disciples through the systematic training and development of CME clergy and laity. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, CME disciples will preach and teach the word of Christ, nurture spiritual growth and stewardship, and witness and organize for systematic and social change in our communities. Our quadrennial theme is "The Investment Factor: A Changed People Changing the World." The overarching theme of the Connectional CME Church, according to the College of Bishops, is “Getting Back to Basics as We Envision Our Way Forward in Taking Care of God's Business.” In speaking with Bishop Marvin F. Thomas Sr. at length, I have found that there is a need to get back to the basics.

According to Bishop Thomas, instead of just “getting back to the basics” per se, we need to “Go all the way back (to the basics) and reference the First Century Church.” This typically places the present-day church at and inside the Great Commission. The Great Commission requires believers to utilize their deep love for God as a way of spreading the good news of Jesus Christ to as many people as possible. The Great Commission is the instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. The most famous version of the Great Commission is in Matthew 28:16–20, where on a mountain in Galilee Jesus calls on his followers to make disciples of and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (also see Mark 16:15; Acts 1:2, Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23). Here, Christ's program of missions, which is also the CME Church's 1

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Bishop Claude Payne and Hamilton Beazley, Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Practical Guide for Transforming Denominations and Congregations (New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, Inc, 2000), 243-244.

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program of missions, makes disciples of all nations. It involves three steps: (1) “GO” (2) “BAPTIZING THEM” as a sign of their union with and commitment to Christ; and (3) “TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING CHRIST HAS COMMANDED.” In addition to these three steps, I am recommending that the CME Church embrace five more objectives. As located in the biblical text, I believe these five ministry goals have been strategically placed in Matthew's version of the Great Commission as theological clues. Put another way, these five ministry goals (located on page 3) are designed to give the Church some important directions about what it means to reclaim the Great Commission.

When we practice the Great Commission, we are automatically participating in what I refer to as the Ministry of Reclamation. The Ministry of Reclamation is an important ministry of the Church. This particular ministry empowers the church to do the following: reclaim the identity of the Church, reclaim the mission of the church, reclaim the local church's reputation, reclaim the local community, reclaim lost souls, reclaim old members and claiming new souls. Bishop Claude E. Payne and Hamilton Beazley's book, Reclaiming the Great Commission: A Practical Model for Transforming Denominations and Congregations, places great emphasis on the ministry action of reclaiming. Hamilton and Beazley uses the modern-day context of the denominational church (Black, white and otherwise) as a way of teaching of fundamentals of church mission and church outreach. Where the ministry plight of the 21st Century CME Church is concerned, the most relevant tenets of Bishop Payne's text are: •

Spiritual Hunger in America- God wants the Church to take full advantage of the opportunity to minister to those in need.

•

Implementing the Vision- The Church must make the decision to do it and then do it...follow through (implement) on the vision.

•

Being a Missionary Congregation- The ministry and mission of (Reclaiming) the Great Commission must be the Church's top priority.

•

Using Communications and Technology in our local church ministries- The Corona Virus pandemic (COVID-19) is reminding the CME Church of its need to do different types of ministries in different ways...for the purpose of reaching as many people as possible. Bishop Payne and Beazley's take on the need for more Church outreach ministries falls into this discussion (COVID-19) as well.

Submissions •

Outreach Ministries, Christian Education Initiatives and Youth Ministries are a must. This is self-explanatory and true.

We, the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, must be committed to doing the type of church ministry that best addresses the ministry needs of everyday people. Those needs are: a growing spirituality, a vision for the future, a mission-minded Church, creating other ways of ministering to people and inner-generational ministries. Bishop Payne and Beazley's greatest concern is the Church's willingness to change the way they view and do ministry. Here, their concern challenges the theological heart of the Church. As a trained theologian, I believe that the most critical part of the Church's commitment to doing the Great Commission is found our spiritual deciding to love Jesus Christ through our faith in him as our Lord, Savior and Redeemer. The Bible teaches that we are saved by grace through our faith in Jesus Christ. If we have truly love with God in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit, then must show some visible signs of ministry action. While Bishop Payne and Beazley spend a considerable amount of time expounding on the story of Jesus and the miraculous catch of fish (Luke 5:1-10), I chose Matthew's version of the Great Commission for a particular reason. I believe that God led me to the Gospel of Matthew because of Matthew’s commitment to using messianic language. Even though Matthew wrote his gospel to Jewish Christians, his goal to lead all people into the knowledge of Jesus Christ being the Messiah. Matthew wrote this particular gospel with the purpose of proving conclusively that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Of all the different elements of the Jewish religion—the rituals, sacrifices, laws, prayers, synagogues, and scriptures—the supreme glory which unified and overshadowed all else was their expectation of the coming Messiah. He was to be the Lawgiver who was greater than Moses, the Prophet who was greater than Elijah, and the King who was greater than David, the epitome and fulfillment of all the Scriptures from beginning to end. St. Matthew wrote his gospel with the special design of announcing this most startling good news: the long-awaited Messiah of the Jewish people had arrived. This Gospel therefore rightly takes up the first position in the New Testament canon, as being a fitting link between the Old and New Testaments. 2 This theological writing was constructed with the purpose of blueprinting Matthew's version of the Great Commission (Matthew 28: 16-20) into the organismic context of the 2

modern-day Black Church. By way of referencing the biblical text, I am presenting five ministry goals that be accomplished by both the ordained ministry and the lay ministry of the CME Church. While not exhaustive, these goals can help to begin the theological conversation of what it means for the CME Church to reclaim the Great Commission in its 150th year of existence. I believe that these ministry goals can help take the Church back to the basics of why she was created in the first place. They are as follows: 1. We must demonstrate our personal obedience to God v. 16 The disciples went to Galilee, the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. Bible teaches that obedience is better than sacrifice. As leaders and members of the CME Church, we must demonstrate visible obedience to God—one that inspires people to a greater obedience and converts people to a greater faith. Just as the text says that the disciples went where Jesus told them to, we too must go where God instructs us to go. We too must go where the Holy Spirit directs us.

2. We must believe in our worshiping of the invisible God v. 17 When they saw Jesus, they worshiped him. While the disciples worshiped the visible God, the CME Church must make a greater commitment to worshiping the invisible God. Spiritually, we must walk better than we have ever walked before...by our faith in Jesus Christ and not by what is physically seen with our eyes.

3. We must close the gap of faith for those who are on the fence v. 17b-18a The CME Church must make an attempt to reach those 'churched' folk whom we know have doubts about God, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. These are the people that we see in church on a consistent basis. They are also the ones show up to church and bear no good fruit. We need to teach “saved” folks and “members of the Church” the basic tenets of faith. We must teach folks whom are already in the church what it means to be a disciple for Jesus Christ.

Some of them have doubts just like the doubts of Jesus' disciples.

4. We must commit ourselves to doing the work of the mission within the Great Commission. v. 19 Because Jesus instructs his disciples to go therefore and make disciples, he is also instructing the CME Church to do the exact same thing. As the Christian Church, we commit ourselves doing what Jesus instructs us to do. We commit ourselves to doing the work of the Lord for one reason: Jesus has commissioned us to do so.

https://www.suscopts.org/resources/literature/699/the-gospelof-matthew-jesus-the-promised-messiah/

Continued on next page August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page 5. We must teach all people (CMEs and Non-CMEs) about the eternal presence of Jesus Christ in their lives v. 20 The Great Commission text suggests that Jesus is present in five credible ways: 1. Jesus is present with his disciples as they go to make disciples, baptize them in the Holy Trinity and teach them to them to observe all things that he has commanded them (the disciples). 2. Jesus is present with those who are being made disciples. 3. Jesus is present with the new disciples in their baptismal moment. 4. Jesus is present in the information that he commanded his disciples to teach.

5. Jesus is eternally present in the lives of both his disciples and the new disciples that they have been commissioned to make.

Dr. Adams holds academic degrees from Mid-Continent University (Bachelor of Science) in Mayfield, Kentucky, "COVID-19 reminds me of who God is. He has shut down the world like a small village and there is nothing Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary (Masters of Divinity) in Louisville, Kentucky and Garrett-Evangelical that power Seminary or money(PhD) can do.

He will when His timeUniversity is right. How powerless man is. We live on Theological located on thereopen campusit of Northwestern in Chicago, Illinois.

borrowed time. Let's worship the Lord."

--Unknown

HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE MAKE DECISIONS FOR THEIR FUTURE Submitted by James and Theresa C. Muldrow

High school seniors make many decisions such as who will be their prom date and what they will wear. But after many years of hard work and determination, the most crucial decision is what they will do with the rest of their lives. It is the beginning of their future. Some will go straight to work, some will enter the military, and some will go to some form of higher education.

We all know that this is probably one of the most important decisions that they will make.

They need to research colleges carefully and discuss their final choices with their family.

They should also discuss it with their guidance counselors and administrators who can refer them to people who are already in a particular field at labor and management levels. These persons can be a wealth of information.

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Some factors for students to consider are:

What type of initial training is required?

What additional training is needed to advance?

What types of benefits are available and how do they compare to other fields?

And in this changing world, what are the prospects for the future of that industry?

The students who plan to enter the military, which is a great opportunity, should research and select a type of training that will not only benefit them while in the service but will best give an advantage beyond their career in the military. Those who serve our country can retire at a relatively early age which allows them to continue to use their skills in civil professions. We must also remember that the military offers a great benefit financial package for college.

For those who decide to pursue a college degree, they should first consider how to fund it. They must ponder just how much do they have, how much will it cost and how they’re going to pay for it. There are several ways to fund an education. Some are

Submissions fortunate to have their parents pick up the tab and it won’t even be a burden on the family. For some their parents will pick up the tab but there will be a struggle. Then there those who have their educational costs subsidized by grants, student loans and/or jobs.

Some may decide to do a combination of work and school to help supplement their higher education.

This is a way to keep their educational financial obligations to a minimum after graduation. They should make sure that they have adequate time to accomplish both because they don’t want to be slack on either one. They need to perform to the maximum on their job and still have enough time to do their course work. Both can be demanding from time to time. High school and college students who desire work experience while in school should seek jobs that are related to the career path they plan to pursue. There are counselors on both levels who can help steer them to appropriate positions.

Young people should recognize that just paying more for their education does not necessarily mean that they will get the best return on their investment. If they’re not careful, they may find out that they owe a lot of money, but yet their degree has not successfully resulted in an expected career position. Many students are facing a near life-time of repaying student loans.

Students should, of course, work diligently in high school to earn good grades that may result in college scholarships or grants that may decrease their need for student loans or part-time jobs during college. Students must recognize the importance of the financial sources needed to pursue their higher education. A wise man once told me about college funding—It is best to look at how you’re going to pay for your education before rather than after.

Students should compare the percentage of total grants and scholarships to the overall tuition and costs of that institution. They may find that a smaller grant or scholarship at one institution is a greater percentage of overall costs than a larger

grants or scholarship to a institution with a much higher cost. Parents and guidance counselors can help them make these financial comparisons.

A student’s choice for higher education should not be made by how well the athletic department performs unless they are associated with that athletic department.

It should not be made on the beauty of the campus or who can throw the wildest parties. Students should research a college’s graduation rate and starting salaries of their recent graduates in the field in which they plan to pursue.

The final decision should be made on this longterm factor: Who can give the best education for the least amount of money in a reasonable time to provide the knowledge and skill to be the best in a chosen field.

Young people should be aware that it is much more important as to what is in their heads rather than what’s on them. We can never over-emphasize that preparing for and doing well on the SAT or the ACT can be extremely beneficial in receiving private and institutional scholarships.

Ladies and gentlemen, higher education or entering a rewarding career can be a wonderful experience for individuals who made the effort to follow their hearts, skills, talents and experience for the benefit of society.

BIO OF AUTHORS: James Muldrow, a retired auditor, loves writing and being actively involved in his church, district and community. Theresa C. Muldrow, a retired educator, is her church organist and a life-long CME. The Muldrows reside in Columbia, South Carolina, and have three adult children, Adrienne, Gordon and Ashleigh. They love to travel and enjoy their ministry of sharing their amateur photography with others.

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Submissions

Annie K. Montgomery

Submitted by Dottie Chapman Reed

Thanks to the work of the Women’s Missionary Council and Leadership of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church we can celebrate the legacy of a woman whose parents were Annie K. Montgomery among Yalobusha County’s first free-born generation in the postCivil War era. Annie Kelly Montgomery was born on February 20, 1890, to George and Mattie Kelly in Water Valley. She was a life-long member of Miles Memorial CME Church on Simmons Street, near the courthouse. And as I have so proudly said about many others, she was an outstanding black woman of Yalobusha.

Annie Kelly was educated in the black public schools in Water Valley, completing high school and then a teacher training course at Mississippi Industrial College, located at that time in Holly Springs. Next, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in home economics from the college in May of 1930, after being admitted in 1926. [Mrs. Montgomery took her advanced studies at Tennessee State College in Nashville, Hampton University in Virginia, and Tuskegee College in Alabama.]

Aside from teaching eight years in Water Valley public schools, substitute teaching throughout the county, especially in Oakland, the smallest and most disadvantaged of the three towns in the county, she taught at Mississippi Industrial for 14 years and served as a trustee at the college. All this was in addition to working as the Jeanes Supervisor in Yalobusha County for 20 years. These supervisors worked for the Jeanes Foundation, which had established a fund to support education programs for black children in southern rural communities. It was named for Anna T. Jeanes, a white philanthropist and Quaker from Pennsylvania, who worked with Booker T. Washington.

From her office on Main Street in Water Valley, Mrs. Montgomery, then known as Miss Kelly, oversaw the growth and development of the black schools and personnel in the county. According to 90-year-old 22

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Ruby Turner, now living in Illinois, who grew up in Water Valley, most of the black teachers during this time could teach with a high school diploma but were required to pursue continuing education and a college diploma ... To encourage black high school girls to aim for college, she helped organize and served as president of the Social Elite Club, a group of black women in Yalobusha County who mentored and provided scholarships.

I knew Mrs. Annie Kelly Montgomery because she was the superintendent of the Sunday School at Miles Memorial CME, where my family were members. And she was another one of those ... that I must always address as Mrs. out of respect. I was afraid of her! Every Sunday all the youngest children had to kiss her on her cheek. I hated that and would ask my mom and siblings why I had to do it. As time passed, Mrs. Montgomery and I became sort of friends. But I was not aware of her prominence and significant contributions to Water Valley, Yalobusha County and the entire state of Mississippi.

Of course, she was a kind lady, but I did not come to appreciate it until I picked up a book in the mid 2000s about the history of the CME Church written by Retired Bishop Othal Lakey. He noted her involvement and leadership in the CME Church, and I was astounded. At the recent annual meeting of the Women’s Missionary Council, Bishop Lakey said, “She was the secretary to the episcopacy and the general board of the CME Church, which was a very important role.” I only knew she substitute taught when I was in elementary school, and I hated when she subbed in my classes. She was a strict disciplinarian, and while her fellow missionaries considered her a master teacher, I felt intimidated because she had such high expectations of me.

Annie Montgomery began her years of service to the CME Church in 1922, when she was 32. Her positions included local missionary president, local church trustee, and district missionary president. Mrs. Montgomery was a member of the committee that wrote the first Council Handbook, serving with Mrs. L.A. Story and Mrs. Rossie Thompson Hollis. In 1923 Mrs. Montgomery completed an unexpired term of the Council’s first treasurer, and in 1926, she was elected as the second treasurer in Council history. She was elected Mississippi state president in 1928 and organized women’s missionary societies throughout

Submissions the state. Other positions she held included, statistician, registrar, finance committee member and secretary of town and country. Her involvement, dedication and work at the state, district and national level strengthened connections among CME member churches.

Annie Kelly Montgomery is best known for having developed and designed what she called the Missionary Hand. Each finger has its own designated action label: Give, Work, Talk, Study and Pray. And each has a specific biblical reference. The Hand’s purpose was to remind the missionary women of the organization’s focus. The Hand was presented to Missionary Council members and is still used today.

Reflecting on her Council work in 1971, Mrs. Montgomery looked to the future, writing, “It is our prayer that our mantle of service will fall on younger and more succinct shoulders, who will carry on in whatever is the design of the congregation.”

Remember the saying that goes something like this? “It matters not the years that you live but what you accomplish between the dash.” Mrs. Annie Kelly Montgomery accomplished a lot and influenced many lives between 1890 and 1974 – 84 years. Her legacy shall live on! She was 62 years old when I was born, probably 65 or so when I remembered her demanding those cheek kisses from me and my Sunday school mates, and then going on to teach us life lessons and about Jesus. She was much older when she mentored Dr. Louise Brown, Beth Brown Whiting and the other girls in the Social Elite Club.

Maybe that was the magic that sustained these faithful outstanding women. They never stopped giving, they never stopped serving and never stopped caring. They were achievers who demonstrated the strength and fortitude to rise above the limitations and confines of Yalobusha County. They made a way.

A friend up north often prods me to think about the contributions these outstanding black women of Yalobusha could have made had they been allowed to participate as full citizens of society, of Water Valley, of Yalobusha County, of Mississippi and of the United States in the prime of their lives. Can you imagine the difference their skills, talents and contributions could have made for a greater society if they were not

plagued with racism and discrimination?

I cannot remember where I was when her funeral and burial were held on April 29, 1974. I wish I had attended the service. Annie Montgomery’s tombstone at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Water Valley shows only her year of birth, 1890, and year of death, 1974, the year I graduated from college.

The second line on the front of her tombstone reads: Co-organizer Women’s Missionary Society of CME Church Organizer of Missionary Work in CME Churches in Mississippi.

The engraving on the back of her tombstone reads: Donated by the Four Mississippi Conferences of the Fourth Episcopal District, Bishop Joseph A. Johnson, Jr., Presiding Bishop. What a suitable epitaph!

[Not too long ago, we] said goodbye to another Black History Month and a February like we have never seen before. God help us all! ... I believe Mrs. Annie Kelly Montgomery would be disappointed in where we are today, but she would want us to keep the faith. Her obituary states that her greatest joy came from her untiring work in the church. Asked how she wanted to be remembered, she said, “When God calls me home, rather than long speeches about me, let my work speak for the deeds I have done.” I wish our hometown could have given her accolades while she was alive. While she had no children of her own, many, many children and families in this county, state and country were influenced and enriched by the unforgettable Annie Kelly Montgomery. [As we celebrate] the history of women nationally and internationally, how proud I am of the black women of Yalobusha County.

Annie was married to the late Rev. D. M. Montgomery, a CME Church pastor, who died before she did. He was known as Doc or Dock and had at least four children with his first wife, Beulah. He was listed as a college teacher in Holly Springs in the 1930 US Census.

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 the 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.

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Submissions

WHAT IS

YOUR

NORM?

Submitted by Rev. Lesha Agnew Pastor, Chandlers Temple CME Church Verona, Mississippi

Back to the norm or back to the basics.

We keep hearing “getting back to the norm,” so then I starting wondering and asking myself “what is the norm?” Ephesians 6:12 states “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.”

We allow things to occur sometimes just by not doing, or by not saying anything. Sometimes just by not doing PERIOD. Some fail to vote but will complain more than those who do. “Why?” The norm when I attended Verona Junior High School was that every morning there was the pledge of allegiance, scripture reading, prayer, then announcements. Now at Verona Elementary we have “leave me your email or phone number, I will text or email you important information;” information that can be given face to face at parent-teacher meetings.

Today at Verona Elementary, you can’t get through the door unless you are let in. Now, is that the norm or is it what we call, “Bring God back into the Schools” and see a change. Take Me Back, Dear Lord.

Sunday church used to be: wear your best, carry your Bible and get there on time. You got to church even if you had to walk. Today when it’s scripture reading time they say, open your Bible or get your device and find the scripture. How will our children, future leaders learn the books of the Bible when all they have to do is ask Siri or type it into their device? My norm is not for my Bible to light up but for me to light up and find that scripture.

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We have “come as you are Sundays.” Many wear whatever and they say that’s come as you are. It really should be called casual Sunday. Matthew 11:28 states: “Come unto Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” This sounds spiritual to me and not about your appearance. I Samuel 16:7 says, “... for the Lord sees not as man sees: for man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.”

Now we have 8:00 a.m. service. We want service to be pleasing to others [...]. We say early service is to free up your Sunday in order for you to spend time with your families or to fellowship with other churches. We really want to rush service instead of rushing to service. No matter the time, the church ain’t going nowhere and neither are the majority of us once 8 a.m. service is over. NORM….really.

We used to flood the churches when we had 5th Sunday meetings. I met a long-time friend at those meetings and till this day we remain friends. Today it's meeting time at Dodges [(a chicken restaurant)] or gather in parking lots, not acting as we should. You gather to see kids fight and some killed instead of gathering together to hold hands or fall on our knees to pray for the future of this world. James 5:16, “The effectual fervent prayer of a Righteous man avails much.”

We have become relaxed with the unemployment that we can draw [because] we don’t want to work.

It’s now 1 Timothy 6:10: “For the love of money is the root of all evil ...” What happened to 2 Thessalonians 3:10, “For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat”?

My last thought about what is the norm is the fact that we rush to find masks to protect us from the virus (me included), cause my mom used to tell us all the time the Lord gives you 5 senses. But the most protective thing we can do is “Put on the whole armour of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” (Ephesians 6:11)

WHAT IS YOUR NORM?

Submissions

South Georgia Missionaries Honor Pastors at African Festival Submitted by Dr. Kim Ezekiel

The African Festival was held February 15, 2020, at 1:00 PM at the Valdosta-Lowndes County Recreation Center in Valdosta, Georgia.

The theme: “Honoring Our Pastors with Love” gave the South Georgia Missionaries an opportunity to have a celebration of love and our own version of a Valentine’s Day for God and for those who take up the Cross and follow Him. This illustrious occasion was chaired by Mrs. Wyonnie Hardee.

Hilda Buie (l) and Bishop Brown (c) handing out stoles.

This special service of love to celebrate and honor our pastors was not just a pat on the back, but an opportunity to show our love and appreciation for the sacrifice pastors make each day to serve God’s people. The program format honored pastors with love by presenting them with a certificate and an [authentic] African stole provided by Hilda Buie, Secretary of the Overseas Mission Department, with Bishop Thomas L. Brown assisting in honoring the pastors of South GA. The guests were entertained with an African dance by Bethel CME Church youth, Shana Morman’s selections, and a skit written by our own President Cook, entitled “Voices of the Past, Speak to the Present” performed by Holsey Chapel CME Church members. The program emcee was the

Connectional Women's Missionary Council Vicepresident, Mrs. Calandra Hunter. The afternoon was topped with a delicious meal.

WMC Vice-president, Mrs. Calandra Hunter

MY POEM FOR CORONA Submitted by Nellie Williams

Corona, where did you come from Are you good or evil, you are far from the norm What is your target? what do you want to achieve ?

How many people will you infect How many will you cause to grieve?

Are you the answer to many of us that pray That you intervened in a government that was going the wrong way?

Was your goal to get the world's attention So that they would have to seek divine intervention?

When the leader called for a day of prayer When otherwise we know he really does not care.

On the other hand, you keep us from meeting in the House of God. If your source is good that would be a little odd but thankfully we can worship anywhere with others with technology or by ourselves.

God is in the midst and is always there.

You are keeping us from hugging and touching each other and we sometimes need that with our sisters and brothers.

We can"t even see the ones who have grown old and they really need the company I am told.

I don't know why you are here I guess you cannot say but now that you have gotten our attention please go away.

Nellie Williams April, 2020 August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

“When is Enough Too Much?”

Submitted by Dr. Barbara Christian Campbell

The turn of events that have taken place over the past few days is just appalling!

It brought back memories of an event that happened a few years ago. Marcus Dixon, an African American male was accused of raping a white girl even though he said it was consensual. I recall making signs in my kitchen and calling friends to join me as we joined the protest at the Capitol. I had made so many signs I could pass them out to others in the crowd. It was a peaceful protest and the number of people present put pressure on the court to reverse the charges against Marcus Dixon. He had been sentenced to 10 years in prison, however the Georgia Supreme Court overturned his sentence. Dixon finished college and played for the NFL. However, had it not been for the many protests, this young man may have served 10 years in prison. We know that non-violent protests can be effective., One thing we can do as a denomination is to research the laws in our state that adversely affect Blacks, especially Black males. I am sharing Georgia’s law on statutory rape in the hopes that it will be shared with our youth and parents. We live in an integrated society, where inter-racial dating is common, but, as in the case of Marcus Dixon, if one of the parties gets angry or jealous for any reason, charges may be brought forth by the accuser.

In Georgia this is what the law states: Under Georgia law, in order to convict a person for statutory rape, the prosecutor need only prove: 1. the defendant and the victim engaged in sexual intercourse (even slight penetration), and 2. the victim was under the legal age of consent (16 years old). (Ga. Code Ann. § 16-6-3 (2018).) A person can be convicted of statutory rape even if the child initiated, agreed to, and fully understood the nature and consequences of the sex act. In Georgia anyone engaging in sexual intercourse with a girl under...16 years of age faces the possibility of statutory rape even if the other person consents to the act.

A few years ago, one of our youth who was the son of a CME minister was charged with a hate crime for a fight in his dormitory. The irony is that Georgia doesn’t have a hate crime law.

We are now working on a Hate Crime Bill in Georgia - SB166 and HB 426. We have put out a call to action for people to call their state senator asking for support of this Bill.

A father and son recently followed and assassinated a young Black man (Ahmaud Arbery) who was running in the neighborhood. This has led to protests in Georgia and rightfully so.

Regarding HB 426: It passed the House with bipartisan support and currently is being held up in the Senate Judiciary Committee by Committee Chair Sen. Jesse Stone. Sen. Stone lives in the same small town of Waynesboro where Ahmaud Arbery is now buried.

Contact information for Senator Stone: (You don’t have to live in the state to show support.) (404) 4631314; Cell (478) 494-7029.

Email jesse.stone@senate.ga.gov also and ask that he move the Hate Crimes bill out of the Judiciary Committee with his full support for its passage in the State Senate. Tell him to do this in memory of his 26

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Submissions neighbor, Ahmaud Arbery. Impress upon him that it’s just the right thing to do and the time has to be now.

Does your state have a Hate Crime Bill, research and share with others. If your state doesn’t have a Hate Crime Bill, talk to your representative about getting one.

What else can the church do, each Episcopal District and Annual Conference/Region needs a Social Concerns Chairperson and committee. This committee should report at each meeting and share calls to action as needed.

Let’s use our marquee and church signs to send unified messages that deal with social issues. For example the signs could all read, “No Justice, No Peace.” Whatever signage is approved, every church should have the same statement. Change signage to: “Your Vote is Your Voice.”

This we can do, and when a call to action is called for, every effort must be made to generate not less than 200 calls per Episcopal District.

Next each member must have a voter registration card so that they will know their elected officials for their state. Don’t just know their name, but call and introduce yourself, volunteer to work on a campaign, get involved. This is a must and is needed for our calls to action.

Everyday we drive on streets named after Confederate Officers or see the displays of monuments honoring those who believed in segregation. We have been successful in our state with removing some of these monuments, but there are still too many that send a message of blatant racism. Even one of the largest hospitals in Georgia that serves the poor is named after a racist. Grady Memorial Hospital is named after Henry W. Grady, who in 1888 stated that, “The supremacy of the white race of the South must be maintained forever.”

Action items: research the names of public buildings in your community and see who they were named after and what action you can and will take.

I am reminded of the song Am I a Solider of the Cross and these lyrics stand out: "Must I be carried to the skies On flowery beds of ease, While others fought to win the prize, And sailed through bloody seas? 3. Are there no foes for me to face*? Must I not stem the flood? Is this vile world a friend to grace, To help me on to God? 4. Sure I must fight, if I would reign; Increase my courage, Lord. I'll bear the toil, endure the pain, Supported by Thy Word." Take action, make phone calls, email, text, even march when you can, but stand up for justice.

Doing nothing is never an option and I close with a quote from Arthur Ashe, when asked is AIDs the hardest thing he has had to live with and his response is one I will never forget. No, aids is not the hardest thing I’ve had to live with, “Being Black in America is the hardest thing I’ve had to live with”.

"When you get tired, learn to rest, not quit."

--Courtney L. Adams August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Douglass Chapel Holds Suicide Prevention Workshop Rev. Jon Isom, Pastor

On September 21, 2019, Douglass Chapel CME Church, Stanton, Tennessee, held their first Suicide Prevention Workshop. This effort was the outgrowth of the pain caused by four young men who committed suicides in Haywood County in the first 7 months of 2019. Three of those were relatives of members of Douglass Chapel. We thought it pertinent that something be done to try to reach out in support of those dealing with the aftermath and others who may be distraught enough to consider ending their own life.

Douglass Chapel is nestled in a community called “Douglas” in Haywood County. It is a tight-knit community with several events each year that hundreds of community members attend. People come from far and wide. Many who have moved out of town and out of state come back for the various festivals and parades. All of the events either begin or end at the Old Douglas School, which is now the Community Center, which is surrounded by a large park.

At the Suicide Prevention Workshop, we learned that suicide is contagious in close knit communities.

From the April 18, 2019 issue of TIME Magazine, by Jamie Ducharme: In the wake of any high-profile suicide, public health experts steel themselves for the aftershock.

Suicide contagion, the phenomenon by which exposure to one suicide death can trigger suicidal behavior in others, is well-documented but poorly understood.

A recent study published in the journal Society and Mental Health adds to the knowledge about why suicide contagion occurs. And it spotlights a common mistake that people may make when a community experiences suicide: normalizing these deaths. (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/2156869319834063)

While discussing the deaths of the young men on the porch of the church one afternoon, one of the Stewardesses said to Pastor Isom, “It’s not just the young men. My niece just tried to commit suicide a few weeks ago.” That hit like a ton of bricks.

One of the young men who took his own life was a close cousin of Zandra Clark, Douglass Chapel’s Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF) Director, and the Northwest District of the West Tennessee Region Board of Christian Education Vice Chair. Zandra has deep roots and is still very active in the community, and she knew two of the other young men. She decided that we needed to do something structured to provide resources for the families in the Douglas Community. Zandra asked Bro. Rowan Neal, a brilliant but low-key leader at Douglass Chapel and in the Douglas community, if he would develop a workshop or seminar so that Douglass Chapel could become a catalyst in giving assistance and support to the families in the community.

Bro. Neal reached out to the West Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network, where Ms. Tosha Gurley is the Director. All of the community was invited. Ms. Gurley sent Glenn Baugh to lead the workshop. In attendance was Coach Ray Jones, retired from Haywood High School, who lost his son to suicide a few years ago. District Representative Jeffery Richmond was also present.

The workshop was designed to help family members and loved ones identify behaviors that may indicate a person is at risk of considering suicide. Glenn could not stress enough that we must be direct when asking someone, “Are you thinking about suicide or taking your own life?” He said, “If you ask, ‘Are you thinking about hurting yourself?’ they can truthfully answer ‘Yes’ while thinking about suicide and not self-harm.”

[Just two months after the workshop], based on the average rate of suicides provided by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention of 129 per day, approximately 7,740 people in the United States have taken their own lives.

The suicide rate increased 33 percent from 1999 through 2017, from 10.5 to 14 suicides per 100,000 people (Centers for Disease Control, November 2018). Rates have increased more sharply since 2006.

Suicide ranks as the fourth leading cause of death for people ages 35 to 54, and the second for 10- to 34-year-olds. It remains the 10th leading cause of death overall.

And while the climbing rates are cause for concern, experts point out that they don’t tell the whole story. In fact, the U.S. suicide rate is similar today to the rate of 30 years ago. Deaths by suicide fell 28

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Submissions markedly in the 1980s and 1990s before rising again at the turn of the century. What’s more, while some countries, such as Russia, have seen dramatic declines in suicide rates since the 1990s, their rates are still well above those in the United States.

In other words, there is no obvious culprit for an increase in suicides—nor is there a single, easy solution we can import from other nations to turn the trend around. Yet there are clues. (American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/monitor/2019/03/trends-suicide)

We are losing too many people to an act that finds itself presenting as the solution for a hopelessness.

Prayer alone is not enough. We must pre-act, and not react. Look for the signs of depression and hopelessness. Be present for those in need. Yes, invite them to a relationship with Christ or a fuller fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. But please don’t lead people to believe that the imperfect human church can meet needs that often require trained professionals. Needing more help than prayer alone is not inadequacy. It is courageous to realize the need and reach for the help.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Text “home” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 suicidepreventionlifeline.org Please locate and publicize your local State Suicide Prevention Support resources.

America Does Not Condone Violence?

Submitted by Corinne Landauer Williams Institutional CME Church

“I’m watching CNN, and every commentator when discussing the riots in Minnesota prefaced their statements with, “I don’t condone violence.”

We just “celebrated” Memorial Day where we literally celebrate the day people went to war and gave the ultimate sacrifice. Their lives.

[Next we have July 4th] where we ... celebrate how America FOUGHT for it’s independence.

We will THEN celebrate Columbus Day where the indigenous people were killed and their land stolen.

So excuse me if I call [dung] on this laughable notion that “America or Americans don’t condone violence.” We actually celebrate it.

What may be true is America doesn’t condone violence perpetrated against dogs.

But let’s not be intellectually dishonest.”

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August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Greater Cleaves Memorial Honors Mrs. Gatisy Edney, Mrs. Lillian (Howell) Bibbs, and Mr. Adolph Brown Submitted by Diana Bell

Mrs. Gatisy Edney and her husband, Derothy Edney, joined Greater Cleaves under the leadership of Rev. J. G. Hollis. She has been a member for 82 years where she served as an usher for 32 years, assisted with the PreValentine Tea for more than 15 years and prepared Mobile Meals for the sick and shut-in members. She currently resides in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her daughter, Oreatha Sheets.

God has truly blessed her with longevity and good health. On June 21, 2020, Mrs. Edney celebrated 104 years of life. Family and friends describe Mrs. Edney as a God-fearing lady who sits and stands with pride. She moves with grace, wearing a nearly constant smile. At her present age, instead of an extensive flow of words, she listens attentively and lets her radiant smile do the talking. During her spare time, Mrs. Edney enjoys reading, family visits and afternoon nappings! One of her favorite verses is “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God” (Matthew 5:8) KJV.

Mrs. Lillian (Howell) Bibbs and her late husband, Louis, joined Greater Cleaves in 1951 when it was on NE 12th Street and Rev. N.H. Humphrey was the pastor. Sis. Bibbs had two daughters, two sons and a host of grand and great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Bibbs worked with the Sunday School, Arbor Vitae Club, the Chancel Choir, Stewardess Board #2, Missionary Society, mobile meals, President of the Usher Board for 12 years and Church Conference Secretary for eight (8) years. Mrs. Bibbs spends her time with her son, Melvin, and his wife in Davenport, Iowa. She currently resides in Oklahoma City where her daughter, Mary Warrior, is one of her caregivers.

Mrs. Bibbs indicated that her further education was crowned with a “B.A.” Not the usual B.A. (Bachelor of Arts) but on a higher plain “Born Again.” God has truly blessed Mrs. Bibbs as she celebrated her 95th birthday on February 17, 2019, at a birthday celebration with family and friends in Davenport, Iowa. Mrs. Bibbs is a dedicated Christian to the Lord, family and Greater Cleaves.

Mr. Adolph Brown and his late wife Velda had three children, Shelia Weary, Romina McBrayer and Adolph V. Brown. He has a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Brown has been an active member of Greater Cleaves since joining in 1967. He has been a Steward, Trustee Chair, Oklahoma Region Lay Leader, Sunday School teacher, in the male choir and the evangelism ministry, and has worked with the MTM at the Annual Conference. Mr. Brown continues to work with the church’s mobile meal program as a driver delivering meals to the homebound. Mr. Brown currently serves as the Superintendent of the Sunday School Department until a replacement is appointed.

He is known for his morning walks that he takes five to six times a week at a local mall and has been doing so for at least 45 years. He initially started walking outdoors in the neighborhood. One of his routine things to do is have breakfast at his favorite place, “This Is It,” on a daily basis. Turning 93 on June 5th has not stopped Mr. Brown from being a caring family man, active in his church and community.

Rev. James L. Dunbar serves as pastor of Greater Cleaves Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and Presiding Elder of the Oklahoma City District.

"This pandemic is revealing that a lot of people aren't really in a relationship with God; they're just addicted to church."

--Cassandry Redmond Keys 30

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Overcoming Challenges, Achieving His Dream Nothing new for longtime CME Minister from Union City, TN Submitted by Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Presiding Prelate, First Episcopal Fidtrict

Local minister Rev. Darrell Turner has struggled his entire life after being born with cerebral palsy, which has caused him severe delays in physical development. While life has been anything but easy, he has been able to attain his dream of sharing the Word of God, being appointed (from 2007 - present) as Pastor of Union City, Tennessee's oldest African American church, Mount Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, which stands on the corner of College and Greenwood Streets.

As pastor, Rev. Turner found he needed some mode of transportation but was unable to afford a mobilization scooter. Community residents came forward to help with the purchase of a new, bright blue Rev. Darrell Turner scooter that he uses today.

In these times of the Coronavirus Pandemic, we are witnessing courageous men and women coming to the aid of those who needs help. The Reverend Darrell Turner is a ‘front liner’ who has overcome obstacles in his life from his birth to this present age. During the 2019 East Tennessee (TN) Region Annual Conference, Bishop Henry M. Williamson challenged conference members to “leave a city a little better” by donating requested items of toiletries, paper goods and cleaning supplies to Trudy’s Kitchen. This non-profit community ministry provides daily afterschool feeding; computer/homework assistance; and physical education activities to local children and youth, zero to 18-years-old in Union City, TN.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson assigned Rev. Turner to minister to Trudy’s Kitchen on behalf of the church.

The center’s director, Mrs. Valeria Hyde, as well as the citizens of Union City, have been inspired by Rev. Turner’s courageous actions, and his gifts of Prayer, Persistence, and Power. We thank the Missionaries, the Laity, Clergy, and Presiding Elders of the East Tennessee Region for their generous donations.

Rev. Turner with his new scooter.

(l-r): Current Presiding Elder Dr. Claude A. Bass, Bro. Edgar Lee, Rev. Darrell Turner, Mrs. Valeria Hyde, and former Presiding Elder Rev. E. L. Perry.

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Submissions

Living Legacy Awards Brunch Submitted by Mrs. Juliet Waddell Pittman and Mrs. Kimberly Hunt Harris

A classy, elegant and most enjoyable brunch took place on March 14, 2020, at the beautiful Esplanade Banquet and Conference Center. This Living Legacy Awards program for Collins Chapel Connectional Hospital saluted 80 plus year old members of the First Episcopal District. The program began and concluded with beautiful music by the Mt. Olive Cathedral Music Department consisting of Will Graves, Lonnie Haley and Regina Haley. Ms. Slobhan Riley, of Fox 13 TV Memphis was the Toast Mistress and Ms. Beverly “Bev” Johnson, an AM 1070 WDIA Radio talk show host, was the guest speaker. She gave an awesome message entitled, “Are you living your best life? And what are you doing with the rest of your life?” A lovely rendition of “His Eye is on the Sparrow,” was played on the flute by Mrs. Sandra Burgess and Ms. Ava Marie Walker blessed everyone with an awesome acapella solo of “Give Me Jesus.”

A video presentation, that drew rounds of applause throughout the viewing, highlighted the founders and history of Collins Chapel Hospital. The culmination of the day was the recognition of the honorees. Dr. Edward W. Reed, MD, received the ‘Trail Blazer’ Award posthumously for his work at Collins Chapel Hospital and later the role he played as the first African American to integrate a white hospital in the city of Memphis, namely St. Joseph’s Hospital. The First Episcopal District honorees were Mrs. Virgie L. Phillips and Mr. Peter Faison of the East District Arkansas Region; Mrs. Estella Fields and Mr. Nathaniel Biddle of the West District Arkansas Region; Mrs. Eleanor Caruthers and Mr. William Carter of the Southeast District East TN Region; Mrs. Pandora Flake and Rev. Sammie Hankins of the Southwest District East TN Region; Ms. Gussye Sweet and Mr. Floyd Franklin of the Northeast District West TN Region and Ms. Velma Lois Jones and Mr. Robert Hunt of the Northwest District West TN Region. Each of these recipients along with Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr. and Dr. Doris Williamson received a plaque and a very nice gift basket in appreciation for the outstanding and dedicated service they have given to the CME Church.

Mrs. Veora Brown Harris, Chairperson and Mrs. Paula Williams, Co-Chairperson, the Presiding Elders along with all of the 2020 Living Legacy Awards Brunch committee members are to be commended for this most successful and outstanding program. Special thanks for the “Dreams” Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

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Submissions

International WMC President, Mrs. Jacqueline I. Scott.

Guest Speaker Ms. ‘Bev’ Johnson, MC Ms. Sloban Riley

The Presiding Elders and their spouses

Mrs. Patricia Williams, Honoree Mr. Floyd Franklin (92 Old Honoree) and Presiding Elder Paris Lester

Brunch Chairperson, Mrs. Veora Brown Harris in the middle with mic, her husband, Mr. Dacry Brown

Mrs. Gladys Brown, Rev. Dr. Carrell Cargle and Mrs. Esther Isom

Bishop Williamson, Mr. Darrell Catron and Bishop C. James King

Continued on next page August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page

Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr. and Mr. Floyd Franklin and Bishop C. James King

Presiding Elder and Mrs. Ronald Powe

Presiding Elder and Mrs. Ronald Williams

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Rev. Dr. Carrell K. Cargle, Sr., Presiding Emeritus of the Chicago District

Presiding Elder and Mrs. Bethel Harris, Jr.

Presiding Elders Claude A. Bass and Don White, Sr.

Submissions

NEVER LOST

Submitted by Vanilla Brooks, Chair, Los Angeles-San Diego District, Dept. of Evangelism

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus The Christ!!!

Prayer and following God’s will IS the driving force of all successful ministries and evangelistic efforts.

We must always remember to put God first in all our endeavors. Following God’s lead ensures fulfillment of HIS will and plans for both our lives and His Kingdom.

The Great Commission is the Christian’s Mission. Our duty is to share “The Good News” and make disciples of Jesus the Christ. For this author, the ultimate goal of a disciple of Jesus is to become a fortified disciple of Jesus. A disciple who is Saved and Never Lost.

Jesus IS THE focal point. Early in their walk, teach disciples, no matter how young or old, to develop a personal relationship with God -- a relationship that is engulfed with daily prayer and promotes spiritual growth. A relationship determined to please God and fulfill one’s unique, God-Given purpose, plan, and path.

Not only must we teach new disciples to remain focused on Jesus, but also, at times, remind ourselves to RE-focus. One’s primary focus should not be the building we call a church, not the pastor, not a job, not a church position or an obligation. Focus on Jesus, His teachings, and God’s plan for our lives.

Seek God and His desire to strengthen us to become fortified disciples who fulfill the mission of the Great Commission.

What does a fortified disciple who is “Saved and Never Lost” look like? If a fortified disciple of ,Jesus loses his job, if his spouse walks out, if his pastor is moved, or even if the church burns down, his relationship with God is sooo strong, he never feels he is lost. Sad? Yes. Hurt? Yes. But never lost. When all his hope, faith, and trust is in GOD, the Holy Ghost will comfort him. God will equip him and, eventually, give him the confidence needed to be still, pray, and press toward “The Mark” to fulfill his God-Given

purpose. The fortified disciple is convinced that as long as he has breath, he has a purpose.

While fulfilling the mission of the Great Commission, it is advantageous to know the demographics of the community surrounding your church. Let the internet be your friend. Research the demographics and identified needs of the community. For example, if the average age of the surrounding the community is 65, and their primary need is post-retirement socialization with transportation, a plan to build up or create a children’s ministry may need reconsideration. To serve the community, you may want to focus on the needs of your community. If residents are not the same ethnicity as the historical church, remember Jesus’ instructions. Go and make disciples of all nations.

While in the United States, make disciples of all Nationalities. The United States is a melting pot with numerous nationalities, ethnicities, and cultures. The “nations” are here in your community. Matthew 28:19 Remember to teach children to develop a relationship with God. Teach them how to pray daily and individually. In church, teach them without criticism; let church be a place where they know they will be accepted and loved. Never tell children they are “bad.”

They will believe you and fulfill your condemnation.

Always tell children God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Nurture bullies as well as victims.

Proverbs 22:6 Guide youth and young adults to develop a relationship with God. Tell them God loves them and has a plan for their lives. Encourage daily prayer.

Encourage reading the Bible. Be non-judgmental.

Let them come as they are. Be glad youth and young adults choose to attend services regardless of their appearance. No one is perfect. God has a plan, and everyone has a purpose. Once they become comfortable, develop a sense of belonging, and a relationship with God, the Holy Ghost will intervene.

Let the Holy Ghost intervene and convict in whatever areas are not pleasing to God. Pray for them.

According to research, a large percentage of young adult college students leave the faith during their 1st year of college. Keep them covered with prayer and keep communication open. 1 John 5:13 Continued on next page August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page Do not discount our senior citizens just yet. By the year 2035 it is projected that adults over the age of 65 will outnumber children under the age of 18. Encourage them to strengthen their relationship with God. Encourage personal, daily prayer. Intentionally involve them in all aspects of the church. Whether one is 4 years old or 104, as long as one has breath, one has a purpose. If you’re not dead, you’re not done. Leviticus 19:32 SAVED AND NEVER LOST THE GREAT COMMISSION IS THE CHRISTIAN’S MISSION THE CHRISTIAN’S MISSION IS THE GREAT COMMISSION

Can We Say, “Hypocrisy?”

Rev. John D. Griffin, Jr., Pastor Post Oak CME Church Longview TX East Texas Region/Longview-Marshall District Eighth Episcopal District

It has been quite interesting as we look at the theme of “Justice and The Prophets” this 3rd quarter in our Sunday School lessons based on the Uniform Series: International Lesson for Christian Teaching. We have looked at some of the prophets – the major and minor prophets – who spoke during a critical time in the life and history of the nation of Israel.

The kingdom of Israel is divided into the Northern and Southern Kingdoms after the death of Solomon.

A slew of kings followed thereafter. With each king, there are new challenges: follow after the ways of King David or do their own thing.

Following after the ways of King David meant that they would honor God and yield to his command and governance over their lives and the lives of the people.

To do their own thing meant that they had no regard for seeking God or trusting Him for their leadership.

Now “doing their own thing” may not have been the case for all the kings, though that indeed was the case for a lot of them. They pursued what they wanted without any regard for the people whom they served.

As a result, the nation of Israel slowly spiraled out of godly control. This nation that had been delivered from oppression in Egypt has now become like their oppressor.

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God’s law speaks against idolatry, yet they became an idolatrous nation. God’s law speaks against abusing the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow, and yet they treated the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow unfairly. They murdered innocent people without fear of consequences. Their flagrant debauchery and immorality made Sodom and Gomorrah look like “Sesame Street.”

They had no regard for justice, no place for mercy, and certainly no need for humility. Quite frankly, they did not [care one bit] about what the Lord required!

And when the tables were turned, when the Assyrians destroyed the Northern Kingdom, you would have thought that the Southern Kingdom would have gotten their act together. But they didn’t. They were just as treacherous as their cousins in the north. Yet God was merciful to them because there were a few kings who tried to do what God required of them.

Yet in the end, it was not enough. The people were still hell-bent on following their own evil desires for making themselves rich and prosperous at the hands and the expense of those who were marginalized and oppressed. All the while, I could not seem to get this saying out of my head that my Paw Paw used to say, “The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.”

It was the way of the world, but it was not God’s way.

We see this demarcation ever so clearly in the image of Colin Kaepernick taking the knee during the singing of the national anthem in one instance and police officer Derek Chauvin literally “taking the knee” on the neck of George Floyd in the streets of Minneapolis, Minnesota. What does any of this have to do our Sunday School lessons?

Submissions Disturbingly, it has a lot to do with it! America has turned a blind eye to the cries of injustice. America has turned a deaf ear to the despised and the dejected. We have called wrong right and have called right wrong. And for what? Have we not heard? Do we not know? We will reap just what we sow!

The Assyrians are coming! The Babylonians are coming! And our gun-gods will not be able to save us!

We have formed alliances with our enemies, and they will be our own undoing.

Where are the voices that spoke out vehemently against Kaepernick when he began to take a knee during the singing of the national anthem? Where are the NFL owners who were vitriolic in their efforts to prohibit their players from joining in solidarity with Kaepernick? Where are the voices of the people who

cried, “Unpatriotic” and “Unamerican?” Where are those voices in the face of so many lives lost at the hands those sworn to protect and to serve: Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Philando Castille, Eric Garner and countless others?

Why are they silent now that George Floyd is dead? Why are they silent now after a police officer purposefully placed his left knee on the neck of a black man and refused to remove it even after he repeatedly cried, “I can’t breathe.” Why are they silent now after hearing a grown man lying on the ground cry out for his mother while three other officers – with their badges, their guns, and their uniforms – remain silent and do nothing?

Can we say, “Hypocrisy?” Guess not!

Maleah Means Graduates with Honors Submitted by Shirley Hudson, Secretary of Publication, Trinity CME Missionary Society

Maleah Means is a 2020 graduate of Lawrence North High School. Means graduated in the Top 30 of her class with a cumulative GPA of 4.62. Throughout her education she was a participant of Lawrence Township's Spanish Immersion Program, of which she is a graduate. This K-12 program immerses students in the Spanish language and culture. Presently she is fluent in the language, being able to read, write and speak Spanish, and is also Certified as Bilingual by the State of Indiana.

Maleah was also a participant in her school's AP Capstone program. This program pushes students to take Advanced Placement courses and learn research techniques [and includes] an abundance of science courses ... Health Science classes [taken] at McKenzie Career Center [enabled her to attain] a Certified Nursing Assistant's License.

Means was involved in various extracurricular activities at Lawrence North during her graduating year. [She served as] Vice-President of the National Spanish Honor Society [and was a member of the] National Honor Society, Technical Honor Society, Principal's Advisory Council, Tri-Hi-Y, and Model United Nations.

Maleah will attend Purdue University this fall and study Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. Her goal is to obtain a master's in Speech Language Pathology and eventually become a Speech Language Pathologist.

Maleah Means is a member of Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Indianapolis, Indiana, [where the Reverend Dr. Natalie McClendon- Obie is the pastor], and is involved in different ministries such as: Usher Board, Christian Youth Fellowship, Christians In Action (C.I.A.), Dance Ministry and Mattie E. Coleman Circle. She is the daughter of Mrs. Phyllis Means (President of Trinity CME Usher Boards) and her father is Mr. Brian Means (Lay Leader of Trinity CME Church).

Blessings to you Maleah and congratulations.

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Children/Youth

Observations from a 7th Grade C.M.E Submitted by Nelson Simmons

My name is Nelson Simmons, and these are just some of my observations since my life has changed. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, life has been very different for all of us. Many of us have had to adapt to our “new normal.” Life for me has been very monotonous, but also very beneficial in my spiritual life. The monotony is being stuck inside doing nothing but Zoom calls and homework most of the time. One thing I want to accomplish is to host a Zoom call with my friends. In spite of the repetitiveness, I have gotten to practice the guitar much more than I regularly do. My spiritual life has been affected also.

I have realized that I have gotten closer to God during this tragic period. I have a better understanding of God's will and grace. The mercy God has shown all of us during this time should be sincerely appreciated and respected. His love is the best thing that has happened to all of us. My church, St. Paul CME Church in Chicago, Illinois, has been very different also.

Although I can't physically be in church, we have still found ways to worship God in ways such as Zoom calls. I have also gotten to participate more in church. Because of the more advanced musical ability I have developed over this period of time, I've gotten to play my guitar more in our virtual church services. The participation in the St. Paul services has been great in spite of the circumstances, but I really miss the fellowship with my church members.

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 38

The Christian Index • August 2020

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for August (Psalms 145:8-21)

No. 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Question 16 Thou openest thine hand, and the desire of every living thing.

8 The LORD is gracious, and full of ; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

10 All thy works shall thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

9 The LORD is good to all: and his tender are over all his works.

21 My shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

11 They shall speak of the glory of thy , and talk of thy power; 19 He will the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

17 The LORD is in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

18 The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in .

15 The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou them their meat in due season.

12 To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the majesty of his kingdom.

14 The LORD all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

20 The LORD all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

13 Thy kingdom is an kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle No. Answer Verse 1.

SATISFIEST 16 2.

COMPASSION 8 3.

PRAISE 10 4.

MERCIES 9 5.

MOUTH 21

6.

KINGDOM 11 7.

FULFIL 19

8.

RIGHTEOUS 17 9.

TRUTH 18

10.

GIVEST 15 11.

GLORIOUS 12

12.

UPHOLDETH 14 13.

PRESERVETH 20 14.

EVERLASTING 13

Puzzler Thou openest thine hand, and the desire of every living thing.

The LORD is gracious, and full of ; slow to anger, and of great mercy.

All thy works shall thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee.

The LORD is good to all: and his tender are over all his works.

My shall speak the praise of the LORD: and let all flesh bless his holy name for ever and ever.

They shall speak of the glory of thy , and talk of thy power; He will the desire of them that fear him: he also will hear their cry, and will save them.

The LORD is in all his ways, and holy in all his works.

The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in

.

The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou them their meat in due season.

To make known to the sons of men his mighty acts, and the majesty of his kingdom.

The LORD all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.

The LORD all them that love him: but all the wicked will he destroy.

Thy kingdom is an kingdom, and thy dominion endureth throughout all generations.

Ecumenical News

Bishop Marvin F. Thomas Transitions from Role as President, Ohio Council of Churches Submitted by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas

At the most recent governing board meeting, the Council approved new officers ...

Bishop Marvin Thomas, Sr. will transition from his role as President and Rev. Dave LongHiggins will pick up the mantle. Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr. remarked "On behalf of the Ohio Council of Churches, I offer my sincere thanks to Bishop Marvin F. Thomas, Sr. for his steady, innovative, and dedicated service as president of the governing board. A globally-known ecumenist and advocate for social justice, Bishop Thomas presided during a time of significant transition within the Ohio Council of Churches and the ecumenical movement itself. We are grateful for his leadership and look forward to his continued presence on the governing board on behalf of the Second Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church ..."

Bishop Thomas offered the following as he passed the baton. “My prayers and thoughts are with David and our incoming leadership team. I look forward to the Council’s presence and voice in this season of the church’s call to be “the church” in new exciting, inspiring, and challenging ways. It was my joy to have served two terms as the president of the Governing Board. May the blessings of God be upon Jack, his staff, and the Governing Board as we journey forward.“ 40

The Christian Index • August 2020

Ecumenical News

AME Church General Conference Rescheduled for July 2021 Submitted by John Thomas III Editor, The Christian Recorder African Methodist Episcopal Church

NASHVILLE, Tenn.— The 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church has been rescheduled to July 6-10, 2021 at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. The AME Church is the world's oldest Protestant denomination established by persons of African descent.

Since 1816, the AME Church has convened every four years to review and change the denomination's laws and policies, receive reports from its agencies, and elect denominational leadership. Additionally, there are economic/ community development, financial literacy, and youth empowerment seminars for the wider community. Originally scheduled for July 8-15, 2020 the 51st Session of the General Conference was rescheduled due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic.

In a March statement, the Council of Bishops of the AME Church stated: “Our utmost concern is for the safety and health of the AMEC family as we would potentially gather for our quadrennial meeting, as well as an overarching concern for public health around the globe, especially as it pertains to the novel coronavirus. We are committed to following the policies mandated by official government agencies, and the protocols of best practices to flatten the curve of new cases determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).”

After conversations with officials in Orange County, the Convention Center, the General Conference Commission, and the Council of Bishops arrangements to change the dates were reached. The guiding theme and scripture for the rescheduled General Conference remain "From Legacy to Mission: A Call to Prophetic, Educational, and Social Engagement" based on Matthew 25:34-40. Additionally, the Connectional Lay Organization Lay Biennial will meet from July 11-12, 2021 immediately after the General Conference.

“Only something as serious and life-threatening as a pandemic could have prevented the convening of our General Conference as originally scheduled,” stated Bishop Adam J. Richardson, Jr. Senior Bishop of the AME Church and Host Bishop. “This is only the first time this happened since 1816. It is our prayer that COVID-19 will be subdued, healing and cleansing will come to the land. Today, we are back on track to host the General Conference as planned—one year later—grateful and glad.”

For more information about the 2021 AME Church General Conference: www.ame-church.com (AME Church website) www.ame2020.org (11th Episcopal District hosting website).

For Media Inquiries Contact: John Thomas III, 615-601-0450, articles@thechristianrecorder.com ### The African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church is the world's oldest Protestant denomination established by persons of African descent. Founded by Bishop Richard Allen, its roots are in the Free African Society formed in 1787 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It currently has 2.5 million members in 5000 congregations in 40 countries on five continents divided into 20 Episcopal Districts. The AME church has consistently advocated for civil and human rights through social improvement, religious autonomy, and political engagement.

August 2020 • The Christian Index

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Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Mrs. Hattie Elizabeth Barnes Jay

Mrs. Becky Jo HughesAdams

Hattie Elizabeth Barnes Jay was born July 22, 1927, and died April 5, 2020.

Hattie Jay was a classy first lady, educator, mentor, and friend to all. The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church was the pillar upon which Mrs. Jay's life was been grounded. She loved life and lived to the fullest. She was always filled with gratitude and appreciation.

Hattie was born in Macon, Georgia, and educated in the elementary and high schools of Macon and Atlanta. She earned a BA in English from Paine College, MA from Atlanta University in Administration and Counseling, and did further study at Petersburg , Virginia, in Counseling and Administration. Mrs. Jay remained active after her retirement of 30 years from the school system by volunteering with the Atlanta Arts Council and more.

Mrs. Jay was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Lewis W. Jay. She is survived by 3 children: Perdita, Maurice, and Vincent; 6 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and a host of goddaughters, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A memorial celebration of life will be planned later in the year. Ways to remember and honor Hattie's legacy are:

Becky Jo Hughes-Adams, Mississippi Industrial College, Class of 1960 (MIC, '60), passed away June 11, 2020. Mrs. Adams was the daughter of the late Charles A. Hughes, Sr., and Sebia McLeod Hughes of Magee (Simpson County), Mississippi (MS).

Formerly of Magee, MS, and a member of Goodwater Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), Mrs. Adams came to Mississippi Industrial College as a freshman student in 1956 and received her BA degree in 1960.

Mrs. Hughes-Adams was married to John Quincy Adams (MIC, '58 and formerly of Pontotoc County, MS) on July 15, 1959. She joined him as a teacher in the Tate County School District in 1960 and was employed as an elementary teacher at Central Tate Elementary School. It was during this time that she and her husband joined the Bates Chapel CME Church in Coldwater, MS.

Mrs. Adams touched the lives of many as she taught first grade at Central Tate, Tate County High School (a 1-12 school), and at Coldwater Elementary School, where she retired after a 32 and 1/2 year teaching career.

She was preceded in death by her husband and by a son, Bernard Adams. She leaves a son, John Quincy Adams, Jr.; two daughters, Attorney Lisa Adams and Mrs. Phyliss Adams-Holmes; several grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was held Saturday, June 20, 2020, at 10:00AM at the Bates Chapel CME Church, located at the corner of Pine and Short Street in Coldwater. The internment was held at Pontotoc Memorial (Municipal) Cemetery, Pontotoc, MS.

Visit one of the many churches she loved: Mount Zion (Rome, Georgia) or West Mitchell, Holsey Temple, Shy Temple, West Side Community, Butler Street and Tree of Life (Atlanta, Georgia) Learn to play the piano Visit Horizon Theatre and enjoy a play Eat Pizza after the play Eat at Chick-fil-a or McCormick & Schmidt Drive through the neighborhoods Get your nails done often with Lila Shop at Macy's and get a dress and some shoes Dress up every day, including jewelry Be thankful and appreciative for everything Go to the movies Love LIFE! 42

The Christian Index • August 2020

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"Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?"

--Matthew 6:25 (KJV)

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 Godwin Umoette - 10th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 4312, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; email: godwin.umoette@yahoo.com; phone: 08024086495

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; 817-938-3747; KWCarter8@gmail.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 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 (DECEASED) - 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, The Christian Index, 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.

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 Rev. Cassandry Keys - President of the Ministers' and Laymen's Council - P.O. Box 170703, Spartanburg SC 29301; 251-689-7969; email: cassandry@att.net 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

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS

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)

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