The Christian Index - February 2021

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • February 2021

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2021 Offices are Housed in The International Headquarters Memphis, Tennessee Contact the Editor at (901) 515-6510 E-mail: ChristianIndex@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.

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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 • February 2021

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

Volume 154, Number 2

February 2021

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy 4

Go Forward

CME Calendar of Events 6 Executive Secretary 7

Department of Finance and Investments 8

Board of Personnel Services 10

Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 11

Dept. of Christian Education and Formation 13

Department of Lay Ministry 14

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 15

CME-Affiliated Schools

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Submissions

PST Founders' Day and Pastors' Conference 20

St. Paul Cares for the Community 24

Mount Zion Executes COVID-19 Grant 25

Loving "Mama" Love 26

2020-2021 Liturgical Calendar 28

OCOS Delivers More Than 6,400 Meals 30

GOD, ALL, and BLACK Lives Matter 33

Trinity Harvests Unity,Love, and Fellowship 36

Myrikal King Receives Scholarship 37

Patton Memorial Celebrates 61 Years 37

Westside Community Lay Day/HBCU Sunday 38

Porter St. Paul Celebrates Sesquicentennial 40 Children/Youth

41 Ecumenical News

Oklahoma City Awards Two CME Churches 43

Judson Press Releases Book by Crutchfield 44 Connectional Directory 47

Cover: The 2020 graduation class of Phillips School of Theology.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: January 19, 2021

Editorial

Do You Love Me More Than These?

The song, "Jesus Calls Us, O'er the Tumult" was written by Irish woman Cecil Frances Alexander in 1852. It was originally written in response to the gospel reading for St. Andrew's Day of that year (Matthew 4:18-20), where Jesus calls the two fishermen Andrew and Simon Peter. In the gospel of Matthew these were the first two apostles Jesus called, but they were immediately followed by others. All were busy at their earthly Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor vocation which also served their fellow community, but it is to be noted that they had not neglected some spiritual instruction for they recognized the call from Jesus as a divine call upon their lives to a greater service. As they follow Jesus, they learn what their new service is to be, and I believe it is significant that the order is teaching, then preaching, then miracles.

Later, after the resurrection, Jesus would have occasion to again ask Simon Peter to follow him, calling him from the worldly work of fishing to the more needful service of Christian ministry (John 21:15). It is in this text that we find Jesus asking Peter, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these?" (KJV) It is not clear what the "these" are to which Jesus is referring. Does Peter love Jesus more than the other disciples love Jesus? After all, this is what Peter had boasted in the upper room. Does he love Jesus more than he loves his fellow disciples? They seemed to look to him for leadership and were willing to follow him. Could he be trusted to lead them rightly? Does Peter love Jesus more than his former occupation, his boat and nets, and perhaps the self-confidence and comfort that he received from this engagement? Or is Jesus referring to something else? We do not know. What we do know is that Jesus asks Peter for a deep commitment of love, which it seems Peter is either unwilling or unable to give, perhaps in light of his recent failure at following through on his earlier, bolder statement. While this is not Jesus' goal for Peter, he nonetheless accepts Peter's level of commitment and commissions him to service.

Jesus continues to call us today, to follow him in spiritual service to our fellow human beings. We know from the epistles to the Corinthians and to the Ephesians that teaching and preaching still top the list, and that each of us can fulfill these calls as we live and work with those who are near and dear to us, as well as those who we casually encounter from day to day. Though the words of the song begin with a setting of discomforting "tumult," we know that life is not always a boisterous sea. Yet each of us has some familiar comforts and relationships that, if we are not careful, we will find we are reluctant to leave and thus will put ahead of our love for Jesus. One verse says, "In our joys and in our sorrows, days of toil and hours of ease, still he calls, in cares and pleasures, 'Christian, love me more than these.'" The pleasantries of life and the joys of family and friends are as much gifts from God as are the various spiritual gifts named in the scriptures. But they are not to take precedence over our divine call to love and follow Christ with all our being. Our heavenly Father knows that we have need of these things.

"Jesus calls us; by thy mercies, Savior, may we hear thy call, give our hearts to thine obedience, serve and love thee best of all."

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.

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Episcopacy

“Go Forward” “… speak unto the children of Israel, that they go forward.”

Exodus 14:15 (KJV) Dear CME Family: Disinformation, divisiveness and deception have marked the four years of the Trump Administration and at least the year preceding it as a campaign. What we saw play out at the U.S. Capitol on January 6 was an outgrowth of that divisive and deceptive rhetoric that had been fueled by at least four years of disinformation. When by the second day of that Administration, the phrase “alternative facts” began to be spoken by the official spokesperson, we should have been alerted to worse things coming.

It should be no surprise – after four years of targeted diversions – that we were front and center at such a diversion yesterday. For four years we have been handed decoys to get our attention off the things that were really happening. And so, when I hear so many leaders in government today talking about their “shock,” they leave me wondering, where have you been?

Did you not hear disinformation in the comment coming down the escalator in the Trump Tower announcement of a Trump candidacy when Mexican immigrants were generalized as rapists?

Have you not noticed how there is always a diversion or other alarming event when the serious issues like information on Russia’s efforts to influence the elections (yes, even the 2020 elections) and like our unpreparedness to deal with COVID-19 and even to organize the distribution of the virus come up?

On a day when the Electoral College votes were to be counted, were you surprised that another diversion would arise?

I do dare say this: had it been a Black Lives Matter group or a group of Muslims, or a group of Arab-Americans in Washington yesterday, I believe the security forces would not have been unprepared or outnumbered or overwhelmed. AND I believe more force would have been used.

But our calling as members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to point our people within and other people without to the authority of God, even in our nation … and the world over, even when we are in crisis. (But aha! Even in that statement lies another diversion: we have been cajoled into thinking “America First” so much these four years that we don’t even see the suffering of the rest of the world as clearly anymore. Here: I’m so glad I’m on “the list” for the vaccine – but we have CME members in other parts of the world whose 4

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Episcopacy

countries have no vaccine to get on a list or in a line for! We are rich, and in our wealth, we are focused on ourselves and become more insensitive to the pleas and needs of other nations. They are not on our radar!

When Moses, at the Red Sea, turned to God – with the Egyptians on the heels of the Israelites behind them – God said, “Tell the people to go forward.”

Yes, we pray through crises; but the time to really pray is before crises.

Yes, we must investigate not only what happened but also what failed to happen yesterday. And while we are in our moments of shock, now is the time to be alert, to keep preparing, and to stay on focus!

This past Tuesday – January 5th – when CME men on the early morning CME Prayer Line were praying (at 6:30 EST), Dr. Ricky Helton (stationed in Washington) prayed for the nation and specifically for security in the Capitol city because of the threatening voices and the noises being made by those who were descending upon the city. That was Tuesday – the day before yesterday’s events! So … one of our pastors in Washington was aware enough to pray about it – before it happened; before the crisis. (And yet, the Capitol police were unprepared for it? outnumbered? overwhelmed? Or could it be they had somehow received a message to “stand down” or “stand aside?”)

As life goes on beyond yesterday, we as a church are 17 months from a General Conference. We need to be (and many of us are) preparing: preparing our foci for another four years plus; preparing by considering and prayerfully weighing the persons who are offering themselves for church leadership; preparing by asking ourselves (particularly after our sheltering in from the pandemic and discovering in this time altering styles and systems in worship and in polity), “What are our essentials? What are our core values? in worship? in structure? in mission? in requirements?”

And we need to keep focus. If I am right, yesterday was an intended diversion. But I kept hearing the voice of a friend, who said to me one night after a heated meeting, and in a calm voice, “Stay focused.”

And so, Family, I say to you: Stay focused and go forward.

Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick

Editor's Note: This letter was written on the occassion of the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol during the confirmation of the electoral college votes for the winner of the November 5, 2020, U.S. Presidential election.

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Connectional Interests

February 24-25 - Women’s Missionary Council Executive Board Virtual Meeting March 20 - First Episcopal District; Trinity Virtual Spring Convocation; 11a.m. - 1p.m.

March 26-27 - South Georgia Region Spring Gathering April 9-10 - West Georgia Region Spring Gathering April 16-17 - Central Georgia Spring Gathering April 30 -May 1 - Georgia North Spring Gathering July 7-10 - Joint South & West Georgia Regions Annual Conference July 21-24 - Joint Central & North Georgia Regions Annual Conference July 22 - First Episcopal District; Trinity Virtual Annual Conference

Arkansas Region 9a.m. - 11a.m.

East Tennessee Region 12p.m. - 2p.m.

West Tennessee Region 3p.m. - 5p.m.

Holy Communion/Closing 7p.m.

August 28 - September 3 - Connectional Lay Institute and Connectional Unity Summit 6

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Executive Secretary

NAVIGATING THROUGH THESE COVID-19 TIMES

By Dr. Pene’ Woods Executive Secretary

Among all the conditions that upset our world in 2020, there were many lessons learned, advances in technology, examples of collaboration and generosity and kindness. Most of us, when asked to reflect on 2020, will quickly respond with “good riddance!” And there’s no doubt it has been our lot to not be able to fellowship together, whether at our connectional meetings, annual conferences, winter or spring meetings, or our regular Sunday worship services. As we face 2021, the new year promises to be one of reinvention and hope. As we enter into this second month of the new year of possibilities, we have an opportunity to choose how we will respond. Here are some bits of 2020, I encourage you to embrace.

New Skill Development, Flexibility and Adaptation and Intentional Communication

If we weren’t adept at using technology platforms before, we sure are now. From something as simple as mastering Zoom to the complicated backend of a virtual conference, we have all had to up our game. For those who have been able to objectively consider their situation and keep on top of circumstances and adapt to them, even create vision around these changes these are the folks who have dealt well with 2020 and show great promise for 2021. Even before 2020, the cause of most failures whether in business or our church has been communication. It is at the root of all the relationships we have with those in our congregation. The strength of these relationships determines the magnitude of our success. When we keep things to ourselves, make assumptions, blame others or avoid issues, that’s when we wind up in trouble. Be intentional and purposeful in your communications, always. And, when you think you’ve done enough, take it up a notch.

Focus on Wellness

Being isolated in our homes, uncertainty, lack of control, loss and an abundance of negative messages surrounding us have affected our health and wellness in a big way. This has forced us to figure out how to deal with the stresses that can either sneak up on us gradually or hit us smack in the forehead. In 2021, I encourage you to focus on wellness as you continue to wear your mask, wash your hands, practice distancing, and maintain a healthy diet that includes at least 30 minutes of exercise daily. Get out for a walk. Meditate. Reach out to others. Check in on your members, neighbors, and others. Ensure there are boundaries so that your work-from-home doesn’t crush the sanctuary you have there. Make sure you have enough margin in your life to think, vision and breathe.

Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude We know that these COVID-19 times are not easy to navigate, but how we choose to respond to circumstances determines everything - how you approach challenges and relationships, and the outcomes of your actions. This is summed up best by Dr. Anil Kumar Sinha, who said, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.”

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The Christian Index • February 2021

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

"If you find someone who makes you smile, who checks up on you often to see if you're okay, who watches out for you and wants the very best for you, don't let them go. Keep them close and don't take them for granted. People like them are hard to find."

--Cassandry Redmond Keys

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Unity Summit 2020 Rescheduled 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).

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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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From Where I Sit …”

Church Contributions as Tax Deductible Gifts!

It is a given within the CME Church that my responsibilities as a General Officer chiefly pertain to retirement, church insurance, key person insurance, and the Gift Fund. However, quite often I am called with questions concerning taxes and certain IRS procedures. The questions cover a wide range of subjects and I have decided that perhaps what I have shared with a few, I should also share with a larger body.

As a church we depend heavily on charitable contributions from our parishioners.

These contributors in turn expect and depend on the church to assure that their contributions will be tax deductible when filing their annual tax return.

This becomes extremely important for a person who has made significant contributions if they are chosen to be audited by the IRS. Few are aware of the 9-page 2016 IRS Publication 1771 “Charitable Contributions (Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements) that can be a useful guide with answers to many questions asked by church officers. It can be downloaded from https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p1771.pdf.

The publication opens asking three questions: 1) Are you an organization that receives contributions of $250 or more? or 2) Are you an organization that provides goods or services to donors who make contributions of more than $75? or 3) Are you a donor who makes contributions to a charity?

Of special interest and applicable to all CME Churches is the remainder of the first 2½ pages that focus on both “recordkeeping rules” and “written acknowledgement” from the perspective of the contributor (the donor) and the church (the charitable organization).

Whether you are a charitable contributor or a local church official, this little publication can significantly improve your understanding of the requirements and qualifications necessary for the appropriate accounting of charitable gifts. Yes, there are responsibilities on both sides, but what is most important is that, at the end of the day, adhering to these procedures will allow for the gift to count as a taxable deduction. 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) 10

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Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back To Basics as “We Envision Our Way Forward Taking Care of God's Business” Throwing A Rock, Hiding Your Hand When considering what makes trouble relative, we can take dual thought of today’s article. “Good Trouble!” was coined by John Robert Lewis, an American politician, statesman, and civil rights activist who served in the United States House of Representatives for Georgia's 5th Congressional District from 1987 until his death in 2020. In essence, Good Trouble intentions are fighting for a cause such as injustice or inequality. Good Trouble for Lewis, I believe, meant giving his all for the benefits of a better society.

Trouble in a very real sense is not good, but those who may cause oppression, injustice and inequality may not believe their actions can cause trouble for others. On the contrary, actions have consequences. However, a more in depth look into Good Trouble or trouble can be found in the words of Jeremiah 17:9-10 which says, “The heart is more deceitful than anything. It is incurable, who can know it? 10 I am the Lord who searches the heart, who tests the inner depths to give to each person according to what he deserves, according to the fruit of his deeds” (CIB).

So, trouble comes from the heart and the fruit of trouble is manifested in the actions and deeds of humanity. Each Tuesday Bishop Thomas shares with our Zion “Good Trouble Tuesday,” which is a time to examine Biblical and Theological truths about social issues. We are living in a society when wrong seems right and right seems wrong. The church must not be confused about its mission and what’s right in the sight of God. The church must call to question leaders who throw a rock and hide their hand. If we celebrate the rock throwers, we align ourselves with them.

When asked the question,” Who threw that rock?” it is often the one who hides their hand and deflects to explain away or deny that a rock was thrown. The church can ill afford to remain silent. We must remind ourselves that it is not what happens to us but how we respond to what happens that builds character. Was Jesus a troublemaker? Well, Jesus certainly did go against the grain of politics in his day.

Yes, Good Trouble is needed in society, our homes, schools, churches, businesses, and communities. The kind of Good Trouble that exposes injustice. Whatever God has you doing for the body of Christ, do not be a rock thrower, but a rock collector, especially when they are thrown at you. We can collectively save them to build a better present and future. Yes, there has been trouble in our country. Yes, it is a double standard, but whose report will you believe?

It could be said that our ancestors started Good Trouble in 1870 and while others were throwing rocks, they collected them and built the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Let us move forward by prayer and with faith collecting rocks thrown at us and get in Good trouble.

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 February 2021 • The Christian Index

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Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back to Basics as “We Envision Our Way Forward Taking Care of God's Business” The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Uganda My brothers and sisters in Christ, the Department of Evangelism and Missions seeks to plant 175 churches in the 11th Episcopal District in the country of Uganda. Uganda, officially The Republic of Uganda, is a landlocked country in East-Central Africa. It is bordered to the east by Kenya, to the north by South Sudan, to the west by the Democratic Republic of the Congo, to the south-west by Rwanda, and to the south by Tanzania.

I am asking that you partner with the Department of Evangelism and Missions to plant churches in Uganda. For the seed of $500.00, you can assist in planting a church. When you give, the following are included: the building, labor, furnishings, and naming rights. Pastors and laity, consider church multiplication. Your church can expand its territory in the country of Uganda. I would like to thank you in advance for your commitment and dedication to Church planting. You may want to be a blessing to the body of Christ but may not have all the funds at once. Great! You can give $100.00 a month for the next 5 months.

The goal of 175 new churches can become a reality and testimony for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. So, from January 1, 2021 through May 31, 2021 let us impact the body of Christ in the country of Uganda.

Please contact me at CMEGDEM@GMAIL.COM should you have any additional questions. More information will be provided prior to the expected roll-out date of January 1, 2021. This is an exciting time for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Do you feel led by the power of the Holy Spirit to step out on Faith? If so, here is your chance to make a difference. _____________________________Please return this portion_________________________________________ Name______________________________________ Address_____________________________ E-mail____________________________________ Phone Number________________________ Preferred name of Church (Who you’re honoring) ________________________________________ Make check payable to CME Department of Evangelism and Missions. Please mail to: 50 Sunset Ave., NW Unit 92763 Atlanta, GA 30314

Leon C. Moore, Jr. General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions Pleasant Hill CME, Conyers, GA

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education and Formation

T H E P R A C T I T I O N E R THE PRACTITIONER The Basic Spiritual Practice Faith defined as an acceptance of certain religious doctrines is an essential element in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. In Hinduism and Buddhism, it is an attitude of devotion that opens a gateway to spiritual practice.

In the broad scope of the spiritual life, we see faith not as something you have but as something you are in — a relationship. It involves an awareness of and an attunement to God's presence in our everyday experiences.

Practicing faith, then, is like developing any relationship. You have to give it time and attention. It requires VOLUME remember 1 * FALLyour 2018 * NUMBER 2 confidence in the relationship's you to see, hear, feel, and constantly partner — God. Have viability, even when you are facing mysteries, doubts, and paradoxes. Trust in this faith, even to the point of staking your life on it.

Why This Practice May Be For You Many people assume that the chief challenges to faith are disbelief and doubt, but the real stumbling block to faith is resistance to God or the hardened heart. In the Biblical traditions, the heart is used as an image for the deeper self, the true and total person. The hard heart is not open to the sacred. It is similar to eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear.

Difficulties can be catalysts to faith. During a dark night of the soul, sometimes all we can do is trust that this, too, will pass. Facing illness, death, or the myriad other challenges in our lives, we are strengthened by the knowledge that a Greater Power watches and waits with us. In the long run, it's the relationship that matters.

Practice:    

Holding a rock in your hand to contemplate the solidness of your faith.

As you get ready for sleep, remember that sleep is a sign of trust in God. Feel God’s love for you expressed in the support of your family friends.

Vow to be faithful to God, who through faith is in relationship with us.

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

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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”

DEFEND THE CROSS

As we move toward our Connectional Lay Ministry Institute scheduled for August 2021 (in person or virtual), I want to use my February, March, and April submissions to the Christian Index to remind us of our Quadrennial Lay Ministry Theme (Defending the Cross, Reaching the Lost, and Encouraging and Equipping the Saved) that was adopted during our 2017 Lay Ministry Institute, held in Atlanta Georgia. . . It is always relevant, and can and has been, incorporated with the CME Church’s Quadrennial Theme very effectively. . . I want, in this writing, to remind us, as Laity, of our focus and need to “Defend the Cross!”

As Laity, if we are to Defend the Cross, especially officers in the church, we must live out our call and our responsibilities. We must know and understand, who we are in Christ and who He is in us. This allows us to position ourselves to lift our church and testify to a broken and hurting world about the significance of the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Christ. If we are to Defend the Cross, we must appreciate and understand our doctrine, inclusive of the means of grace, one of which is the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. . . It should serve as a vivid reminder of the one who died for us and not for himself. We, therefore, must not habitually forsake the service of communion.

I believe it is my duty to urge us, as laity, to always check our focus and our efforts in being what God has called us to be. Even in our struggle to come to grips with challenges, both near and far, we still have hope and we still have cause to celebrate Christ. So, as we continue to worship virtually and make plans for the future, remember that celebrating Jesus’ death and resurrection, allows us to remember his commitment to the lost, his concern for the poor, and his determination to teach universal brotherhood and sisterhood. . . We are strengthened, not by drinking the wine, but by drinking into one Spirit. . . As the Gospel of Matthew tells us, it’s not about the bread and wine, it’s about the body and blood of Jesus; and it’s not about the ritual or the method, it’s about listening to Jesus and doing what He says. Communion celebrates the Gospel. . . Jesus was broken for us so that we can be fixed

by Him. Celebrating communion marks the story of Jesus, how He gave Himself completely to give us a better life, a new start, and a fresh relationship with God (1 Peter 3:18). Thus, remember, during this pandemic and beyond, the Lord’s Supper/Communion is important because it is a command to remember that it is because of Him that we have the physical food that we need to survive and the spiritual nourishment we need to keep growing ourselves and to help others grow and survive. Faith, belief, and willingness must lead when fatigue and frustration show up, and we must work and continue to trust God for both small and large accomplishments.

“DEFEND THE CROSS, REACH THE LOST, ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP THE SAVED.” 14

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

Ministers’ Spouses Widow/Widowers Department Somebody Prayed!

During my time of personal reflection and devotion and praying about what I can share with the Second Episcopal District MSWWD in this new year of 2021, the song of Dorothy Norwood came to mind.

Somebody prayed for me, had me on their mind, took the time and prayed for me.

I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed for me.

My father prayed for me, my mother prayed for me, my pastor prayed for me, took the time and prayed for me!

I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed for me.

And yes Jesus prayed for me.

As a Ministers’ Spouse, Intercessory Praying has always been an essential part of our ministry. The demands on our Spouses who proclaim the Word of God while drawing persons nearer to Him is challenging, especially with social distancing being the new normal. Although the doors of some physical church buildings are closed temporarily, our elderly and high risk members still need to hear the Word of God. The message of God is unchanging and the use of alternative methods of communications such as, Facebook, Zoom, YouTube, Text messaging, email and etc. must be engaged.

This is the second month of the New Year and there is still a carryover that hangs in the air that only God can intervene and change. We need to do our part by stepping up to intercede as Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers.

Intentional praying is essential and is the order of the day! Jesus prayed for each of us just as my spouse prayed for me, had me on their mind, they took the time and prayed for me and I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed, I'm so glad they prayed for me!

It is also essential that we pray for our Widows and Widowers and continue to make phone calls, send cards, text messages and emails to each one in our District for this time of isolation can be very difficult for those who live alone and are unable to get out. And Spouses we must do the same to check on and to stay in touch with each other. You will not only bless someone, but you will also be blessed.

Let us undergird the strength of our Spouses, Widow and Widowers to continue the walk with our Lord and Savior in spite of hardships that prevail. Let us be on one accord with the messengers of God through the power of intentional prayer. As we keep praying, let us encourage our congregations to keep pressing on even if we are not together in a building.

It's not over until God says it is! The Regional and District Presidents, Officers and members of the Second Episcopal District are praying for you!

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Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

Continued from previous page This is a list of bible verses to pray daily for your Spouse and our Widows and Widowers.

Spouse/Widow/Widower

Scripture Head: I Corinthians 11:3

~That they will always look to you as Lord of his/her life.

Mind: Philippians 2:5-7

~For them to have the mind of Christ and think as the Holy Spirit would lead them and not the flesh.

Eyes: I John 2:16

~That they will refrain from temptation and turn their eyes from sin.

Ears: I King 19:12; Ps. 32:8

~For them to hear your still small voice and to follow your instructions.

Mouth: Psalm 19:14

~ To use words that will always be pleasing to you.

Neck: James 4:10; Josh. 1:8-9

~To be humble before you, courageous, strong and carefully doing all that is written in your word to be prosperous.

Heart: Deut. 6:5; Prov. 3:5-6

~ To always love You Lord and to trust you with their whole heart. ~ That you will be their strength.

Arms: Psalm. 73:26 Hands: Ecclesiastes 3:13; 5:19

~ They will enjoy the work of their hands and see it as a gift from you.

Humbly Submitted, Mrs. Wanda P. Henry, Episcopal District Representative Second Episcopal District

Mrs. Linda Settles, President Ohio-Central Indiana Region

Rev. Tara Melton, President

Rev. Hope Gibson, President

Cincinnati-Dayton-Indianapolis District

Cleveland-Pittsburgh District

Mrs. Shonda Barnes, President Kentucky Region

Mrs. Nana Williams, President Louisville-Lexington District

Rev. Thea L. Sowell, President Evansville-Hopkinsville District

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., Presiding Prelate Second Episcopal District

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The Christian Index • February 2021

CME-Affiliated Schools

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, CONTACT: JAKE MARTIN, CHIEF MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER (903) 312-2956│JMARTIN@TEXASCOLLEGE.EDU

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JANUARY 14, 2021

TEXAS COLLEGE PARTNERS WITH PROPEL CENTER, A NEW GLOBAL HBCU HEADQUARTERS FOR INNOVATION Propel Center will provide students and faculty with world-class skills and leadership development opportunities through virtual and in-person instruction

Texas College is proud to announce its partnership with Propel Center, a new global campus headquartered in Atlanta that will support innovative learning and development for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) nationwide. Texas College will collaborate with Propel Center and the entire HBCU community to bring leadership and career development programming to its students. The partnership’s focus closely aligns with Texas College’s mission of empowering graduates to engage in life-long learning, leadership, and service.

Propel Center was imagined and designed by Ed Farm, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing education through technology — with Apple and Southern Company supporting the project as founding partners. The Propel Center is designed to connect HBCU students to technology curriculum, cultural thought leaders, entrepreneurship skills development, and accelerator programs, with a focus on social justice and equity.

The first-of-its-kind initiative will serve as a hub for all 100+ HBCUs, and is designed to connect students and faculty from across the community and provide them with the knowledge, skills, tools, and resources necessary to transform our nation’s talent pipeline and workforce. Curriculum options will include AI and machine learning, agricultural technologies, social justice, entertainment arts, app development, augmented reality, design and creativity, career preparation, and entrepreneurship tracks.

“Texas College is excited to join this new initiative with the Propel Center,” said President Dwight Fennell, Texas College. “We believe our students' introduction to innovative learning will open doors to new career pathways with expanded skillsets that will propel them into cutting-edge positions as tomorrow’s leaders. We are grateful for the forward thinking of Ed Farm to create this technologically advanced initiative which embraces the HBCU community.”

Students from participating schools will access Propel Center’s online digital learning platform from anywhere, and will also have access to the 50,000 square-foot Propel Center headquarters in Atlanta, equipped with state-of-the-art lecture halls, learning labs, and on-site living for a scholars-in-residence program.

“The HBCU community is a tremendous engine of Black creativity, entrepreneurship, and inclusive opportunity,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple’s Vice President of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives. "We are thrilled to join with partners and community stakeholders to support the Propel Center and be part of this groundbreaking new global hub for HBCU innovation and learning, devoted to helping faculty create best-in-class curriculum and ensuring students have access to cutting-edge skills.”

(903) 593-8311│TEXASCOLLEGE.EDU 2404 NORTH GRAND AVENUE│TYLER, TEXAS 75702

Continued on next page February 2021 • The Christian Index

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CME-Affiliated Schools Continued from previous page “We know inequities exist in our society, and it’s up to each of us to be more intentional in our efforts to make a difference and bridge the gap,” said Tom A. Fanning, chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company. “We know more must be done, and the establishment of the Propel Center is another important demonstration of Southern Company fulfilling our commitment to move our communities to a more equitable future. Partnering with Apple in this initiative is an exciting way to connect future leaders with these critical resources.”

“These investments are critical as we begin to truly scale Black innovation ecosystems,” said Anthony Oni, chairman, Ed Farm. “By leveraging technology and partnerships to connect students with unique learning opportunities, we can lift up the talent that already exists at these institutions of higher learning and accelerate their development. In doing so, we will have a hand in shaping the workforce of the future — and the leaders of tomorrow.”

Additional information on Propel Center can be found at PropelCenter.org.

### 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 127 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.

To learn more about Texas College, please visit texascollege.edu.

"When you allow the wrong people in your house, stuff will come up missing like: Joy, Peace, Love, Hope, Faith ... (Yes, people steal these things) ..."

--B. Emmanuel Luther

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 2404 NORTH GLewis, RAND AVENUE │TYLER , TEXAS 75702 (903) 593-8311│TEXASCOLLEGE.EDU

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The Christian Index • February 2021

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February 2021 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

PST Virtual Seventy-seventh Founders' Celebration and Twenty-fifth Pastors' Conference for Phillips School of Theology Submitted by Ore L. Spragin, Jr. Editor, The Christian Index

The Phillips School of Theology, "the only seminary of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church," held their first virtual founders' celebration and pastors' conference January 11-12, 2021 under the theme:"Breaking the Chains of Traditional Ministry: A COVID-19 Edition." Though the conference has been made available through streaming by CME-TV for a number of years, this was the first completely virtual occurrence. This was necessitated by the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic and consequent shutdown of most public activities early in 2020. According to President/Dean Paul L. Brown, Sr., this also required a shortening of the number of days and hours of the event, going from the usual Monday evening through Thursday afternoon to just three hours on the evenings of the two days with an additional hour for a noon convocation chapel service on Tuesday, the 12th. Trustee board chair Bishop Sylvester Williams remarked, "This a strange kind of gathering, but this has been a strange kind of year. [Who would have thought we would have had to close our churches, refrain from visiting our members in hospitals, or hugging and handshakes at funerals?]" Despite this being a virtual and shortened event, most of the usual activities were still observed.

Monday, January 11, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

During the alumni service on Monday evening, association president Dr. Clarence Kelby Heath lifted he need for biblical and theological training and thanked the public for their consistent support in terms of gifts and presence. The preacher for the service, Rev. Marvin Charles Lue, Jr., spoke from on Acts 1:6 using the title, "Just Be Ready." He began by saying that none of us could have imagined what we have experienced over the past year, and we have joined in singing, "Father, I stretch my hands to Thee," but we must remember that we must just be ready. Continuing, he said that we must be and have been called to be Jesus' witnesses when he is gone and offered three keys to accomplish this mandate: (1) Wait for the promise of the Gift (Holy Spirit) the Father has promised. Waiting is preparation time; time for God to work on you. (2) Don't worry. Many of us are guilty of worrying about when things are going to happen, things beyond our control, rather than preparing for the time after their occurrence. "Through many dangers, toils, and snares ... 'Tis grace hath brought us ..." (3) Be ready to work. When we receive the insight and vision, it is not for us to sit on it, but for us to be a witness.

He concluded, "If you feel a little tired and feel like giving up, [hear these words], "Be not dismayed whate'er betide, God will take care of you."

The B. Julian Smith Lecture Series, Part One, was delivered by Rev. Dr. Wayne E. Croft, Sr., Pastor of the St. Paul Baptist Church, West Chester, Pennsylvania, and The Jeremiah A. Wright, Sr. Associate Professor of Homiletics and Liturgics in African American Studies at United Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia. His lecture was titled, "Is Preaching Necessary?" Beginning with a reference to the death of the black church, he noted that this is a frequent conclusion of many who do not see the church as a socially relevant entity, neither in its action 20

The Christian Index • February 2021

Submissions outside the physical structure nor in the preaching that occurs within the structure. Observing that no age or style of preaching has ever escaped criticism, he concluded that the problem might not be style but content, raising the questions, "Is it biblically based?" and "Is it consumer based?" Dr. Croft proposed the following as answers to the lecture's question: (1) African-American preaching must wrestle with the text but not take it out of its context; (2) We must speak to current social issues that are relevant to our people; (3) For preaching to be viewed as necessary, it cannot ignore the ambiguities but it must also reveal the presence of God in the suffering experience; and (4) Preaching that is viewed as necessary must be prophetic, approaching both people and kings preaching truth to power. He ended by saying that the world is shifting away from sound preaching, but we must preach it all the more with great determination, closing with the lyrics from the hymn, "Lift Him Up" by Johnson Oatman, Jr. President/Dean Paul Brown spoke on "Thriving Ministries in a Virtual Environment." "What is thriving to you may not be thriving to me. How do we connect with those who may be or feel disconnected?" Let our young people assist those individuals who are technically challenged.

Don't take more than two hours to do what you do. Try or start an innovative preaching or teaching series, such as on the kings of Israel, sin, love, etc. Be creative in getting the message out. Be willing to put in the study and the work. Be sure to do the follow-up. Have someone on standby or live after the broadcast who will be able to pray with them or help them join the church.

The closing message was brought by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas (Second Episcopal District). It was based in 1st Timothy 2:1 and was titled, "A Call to Prayer." Paul told Timothy that he (Paul) was a changed man only by the grace of God, Paul then told him that to live up to the prophecies about him (Timothy)and the challenges before him, Timothy must pray. Concerning the urgency of prayer, Paul has been a man of prayer and it has brought about his conversion.

Concerning the nature of prayer, it should be offered for all men whether or not you agree with them in all things. [It was difficult for Bishop Thomas to say this, but he was true to the biblical text and sincere in what he said.] Prayer leads to results; take a page out of the life of any number of biblical characters. Prayer is to be made your first resort and not your last option. Tell the Lord about ALL your troubles, and you will find, "Just a little talk with Jesus makes it right."

Because there was not the opportunity for a 2020 physical, in-person graduation for the Class of 2020, these graduates were recognized and a virtual graduation was announced for January 16, 2021. Those who received the Master of Divinity are Rev. Larry Woods, Rev. Marshall Coleman, Rev. Andrew Archer, and Rev. DeWayne Hickman.

Tuesday, January 12, 12:00 p.m.

The convocation chapel service opened with a video clip showing some of the past graduation classes of the seminary while the singing of the Phillips Hymn played in the background. The chapel service was filled with Spirited singing from Rev. Joquan Kinsey and Rev. Angel Howard, and greetings from Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams, President of the Interdenominational Theological Center, as well as Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick (CME Church). The Bishops William Graves and E. Lynn Brown Episcopal Award was announced

by Bishop Sylvester Williams (Third Episcopal District) given to Bishop James B. Walker, who also gave the convocation address, "God in the Storm," which came from Mark 6:45-52.

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Submissions Continued from previous page Bishop Walker talked about the storm of COVID-19 which has ravaged our world and those who are in it. Particular note was made regarding the response of those who are in places of United States governmental leadership, as well as those ordinary individuals who are having to cope with the consequences.

"Storms are disconcerting because they hit us from all sides." He then made several observations from the text. (1) Storms are a part of the human predicament that we must learn to deal with. (2) Storms remind us of exactly how finite we really are. (3) No matter how big or powerful a storm may be, all storms end, dissipate, break up. (4) The loaves and the fish multiplied only because Jesus first prayed. The disciples were not overcome by the storm only because Jesus prayed. "When prayer floats your boat, you can make it to the other side!" (5) Jesus saw the disciples. This word means not only to see but to also know. Jesus saw the disciples struggling and came to their aid. The miracle of the loaves did not begin with the distribution or even the prayer; it began when Jesus SAW the multitudes, for when he saw them, he was moved with compassion. Jesus sees you in your struggle and knows you are being beaten by your situation, and when he sees you, he exercises compassion. When we are in a storm, we lack vision. Jesus sees on the lake and prays before the storm and responds abundantly. God doesn't do anything halfway. The entire chapel service may be seen at https://youtu.be/NmwKnwQNEFU. Tuesday, January 12, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Tuesday evening's festivities began with a service led by and honoring the Commission on the Concerns of Women in Ministry. Eloise Knox was the designated speaker, but before we could hear her, the women presented a powerful skit on the many uses and imagery of real and ideological chains that are used against and experienced by women in ministry. They challenged attendees to seriously consider whether you will use erroneous theology and choking words as chains to restrict women who have been called by God and authorized/given permission by the church, or will you link up with women to pull them up and support them in ministry, even forming partnerships with them to do the work of the church? "Chains can restrict us or [else] connect us."

Rev. Knox spoke from Acts 16:25-28 using as her title, "Breaking the Chains of the Traditional Pastor." She said that chains traditionally do not have a positive view. Nor were they viewed positively in the days of Paul and Silas, who, in the text, found themselves in prison, in stocks, in chains because they had set a fortune-telling, slave woman free from her bonds. She said that God has called us to be change agents; we must be intentional about spending time at Jesus' feet - basking in his presence, studying, learning, fasting, and praying; and we must put on the whole armor of God and walk in the authority and majestic way of our God. She approached the close of the message by saying that we thank God for igniting the fire of change in our lives and in our church by breaking the chains of the traditional pastor. [At this point she took off her pastoral robe, revealing the delicate and intricate dress she was wearing. Whether consciously or unconsciously, she dramatized the fact that the preacher was not in the tradition of a man but was in the tradition of a painstakingly, beautifully woven ministry.] Her message ended with her saying, "[We serve God rather than man. Thank God for breaking the chains.]"

The second of the B. Julian Smith Lecture Series was given by Dr. Ericka Dunbar, a graduate of Phillips and currently visiting Professor of Hebrew Bible at Payne Theological Seminary in Wilberforce, Ohio. Mark 7:2430 was the basis of her reflection on the conference theme and from it she drew lessons of how Jesus provided 22

The Christian Index • February 2021

Submissions an alternative ministry to the people of his day through his own style of ministry and through his interactions with others (his disciples, the crowds, the Pharisees). Jesus practices self-care, balancing time with people with time alone. He practices humility, avoiding the commercialization of himself or his ministry; he does not seek social popularity or "likes." Jesus is willing to converse with those he seeks to lead and be critiqued by them. Finally, Jesus does not condemn the woman, rather he commends her. "Jesus prioritized her needs and the needs of the masses, not his own needs or ego." According to Dunbar, "In this story, Jesus is an exceptional pastor [to the Syrophenician woman] because he doesn't continue to allow their differences to divide them ..." Some key takeaways she offered were: (1) Embody the ministry of presence in meaningful ways; (2) Recognize that the goal of pastoral ministry remains the same although the contexts may change: lead persons to Jesus, to deepen faith, proclaim hope, and serve God's people; (3) Equip lay to foster discipleship in new, relevant and engaging ways; and (4) Examine the effectiveness of the traditions for the times.

Scholarship recipients were presented after the lecture. The Bishops L.L. Reddick and Henry M. Williamson, Sr. Lay Service Award was given to Dr. Clifford Harris, General Secretary of Lay Ministries. The Bishops Marshall Gilmore and Othal H. Lakey Clergy Service Award was given to Attorney Antavious Weems. The Bishops Thomas L. Hoyt and Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr. Institutional Ministry Award was given to Rev. Dr. Lavonia McIntyre. The Phillips School of Theology 2021 Distinguished Alumnus Award was given to Presiding Elder Ronzell Manness.

Pastors of the Year and their respective episcopal districts were: Rev. Robert G. Henry, Jr. (1st); Rev. Dr. Darvin Adams (2nd); Rev. Elza Bearyman (3rd); Rev. William Banks (4th); Presiding Elder Janice Lewis (5th); Rev. Dr. Herman "Skip"Mason (6th); Rev. Thomas A. Mills, Jr. (7th); Rev. Dr. Van Carl Williams (8th); Rev. Eric Hudson (9th); Rev. Ubong Nkanang (10th); and Minister Judith Nangekhe Namasaka (11th).

The preacher for the closing service was Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, who used Acts 16:16-26 to talk about "Freedom from Chains." He stated there is nothing wrong with tradition if you use tradition in the right way.

Persistence in worship that honors God and faith that seeks God are traditions that break physical and mental chains that evil people and powers seek to use to bind our spirit and our godly service to others. "A chain is anything that keeps us from changing in order to be relevant." Regardless of where we have come from, what we have overcome, our credentials or status in the church or community, we still need to be able to deal with breaking chains. "That's why we need to ask God for divine assistance."

If we want to be set free from chains, we need to help other people who cannot help us in return, who get on our nerves, who are loud or uncultured who have mental or physical problems. We need to remember that when we were in similar conditions, God used somebody to help us. Paul and Silas had helped the slave girl and now found themselves in chains. But rather than complain, they praised God. As they praised God in the jail, God sent an earthquake, broke their chains, and set them free. "If we stay committed to God, God will break the chains that bind us.

Sis. Tamika McCombs, a member of Central CME Church in Detroit, Michigan, led the viewers in stretching exercises each evening, giving needed relief to muscles fatigued from sitting too long. Thank you Dr. Brown for thinking of everything and including everybody.

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Submissions

St. Paul, Chicago, Cares for the Community Submitted by Sandra Simmons, St. Paul CME Church

St. Paul CME Church has partnered with the Lugenia Burns Hope Center to work on various community initiatives. The center is a community-based organization that was founded in 1994 by former President Barack Obama and Centers for New Horizon’s CEO Dr. Sokoni Karanja. It was founded as a leadership development and organizing institute. Their mission is to develop the civic engagement of residents in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood and other communities, through education, leadership development and community organizing.

St. Paul’s Rev. Dr. Curlee Adams had worked with The Hope Center’s Director, Roderick Wilson, in the past. This summer they teamed up again to provide PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and household cleaning items to senior residents. Each month, Hope Center members and members from St. Paul meet at the church to assemble and pack 300 PPE kits for distribution to senior citizens in our communities. The PPE kits consist of masks, hand sanitizer, hand soap, gloves, body soap, paper towels, toilet paper, household cleansers and dishwashing liquid. In light of the Covid-19 pandemic, the distribution of these products has been quite helpful to our seniors. The kits are taken to senior housing for distribution. St. Paul will continue the partnership to work on various community projects in the future.

As we continue in our fight against the deadly Covid-19 virus, please remember to wear your mask, wash/sanitize your hands frequently and practice social distancing.

“Everyday is a day of Thanksgiving. Take the time to glorify the Lord today.”

Submitted by Sis. JoJean Coleman Editor, Chandlers Temple CME Church Newsletter

To accept and be grateful for what we have, or have lost is hard to do and hard to comprehend sometimes. Maybe sometimes you feel that you are not worthy of the blessings the Lord sends your way. You may not see what the Lord sees in you, so be “Thankful” He sees fit to keep on blessing. We can look around at what we have or have accomplished and only want more. We are not so thankful for what we have or have achieved without wanting more.

Sometimes you can ask a person, “How you doing?" They say, “I’m blessed.” You don’t have to tell me, you are blessed because I can see that. You are blessed because the Lord woke you up and started you on your way. Instead of saying blessed, simply say “Thankful.” God didn’t have to wake you up and start you on your way. Be thankful He saw fit to wake you and start you all along the way.

Philippians 4:6 reads: “Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” After researching this verse, I found that it is speaking of all things, whether it be material, physical, or spiritual.

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Submissions

Mount Zion, Avon Park, Executes COVID-19 Community Grant Submitted by Rev. Aaron L. Moss, Pastor

The Mt. Zion CME Church located in Avon Park, Florida knows that doing Outreach during a pandemic can be challenging, but they did not let it stop them. They identified a need and got to work!

Exercising under the South Florida Region theme, “TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK,” the membership, made up of all ages (children, young adults, adults, and seniors) were able to BLESS over 400 individuals within the Avon Park Community with COVID19 Care and Safety packages.

Under the Leadership of Rev. Aaron L. Moss and the Grant Writing Skills of Sis. Antoinette Rich-Payne; the congregation was able to partner with and secure a Grant from the “Sebring Chamber of Commerce” to benefit the Avon Park Community. [The church was 1 of 25 organizations, and 1 of 11 churches, awarded the Highlands County Care Grant funding.]

The Congregation quickly jumped into action and purchased over 600 face shields, 800 masks, 1,050 bottles of hand sanitizer and got to work. While practicing social distancing, on October 31, 2020, the church hosted its first Fall Jubilee open to residents, local businesses, and fellow churches in the community. The event was made up of drive-by, drive-in, or walk up fellowship and fun where the COVID19 Care and Safety packages were distributed to any and everyone in need. The church also provided meals, clothing, and candy to those in attendance.

Being determined to leave no man (or woman) behind, the pastor and the membership hit the streets on foot and in cars to distribute all COVID19 Care and Safety packages, praying and spreading the Good News that GOD still cares for us during times such as these.

"31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them."

Matthew 6:31-32 (NIV)

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Submissions

Loving "Mama" Love Submitted by Alvin Crenshaw, Pastor

The matriarch of Greenfield CME in the 5th Episcopal District, Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton Presiding Prelate, is Sister Cornelia Love, whom I affectionately call “Mama” Love.

As Pastor of the church on the Anniston District of the Birmingham Region, I was drawn by the stunning smile of Mrs. Cornelia Love the first time we met. Her quiet ways, along with that smile, were all any of us would need in the congregation to hold her so close and dear in our hearts at all times. She and her daughter(s) were always present at worship service. When she was not there the entire congregation would be on pins and needles until the benediction, to determine the reason why. It was not like her to miss any of the services.

I asked Sis. Laverne Curry, the youngest daughter of Mama Love’s eleven children (8 daughters and 3 sons - 9 of whom are still living), to prepare a short biography of her mother in anticipation of this article. She agreed, of course, with a smile reminiscenct of her mother’s.

Cornelia Love was born in Cropwell, Alabama, on February 4, 1930, to Arbell and James Shepard who migrated to Alabama from Seneca, South Carolina. Cornelia was one of ten children born to the couple (6 sisters and 3 brothers) with one sister remaining. She [spent] her childhood in Cropwell where she attended Greenfield Elementary School. Sis. Cornelia (Mama) Love joined Greenfield CME Church at a very young age and served in numerous capacities over the course of years where her faithfulness to God and church continues, to this day, to be displayed.

Retired from Pell City Cleaners, Sis. Love worked for 25 years as a manufacturing operator. Since then, like many of us now retired, she enjoys spending time with her family, even though this pandemic has limited most of her visitation. That family she longs to see so much includes 26 grandchildren and, to be honest, too many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews to count.

I was compelled to submit this article on behalf of this virtuous woman because of her dedication to her church, Greenfield, located here in this beautiful and quiet community of Cropwell, which is surrounded by the peaceful waters of Logan Martin Lake of Pell City, Alabama.

Prior to quarantining and social distancing, coming to worship, traveling with her daughters and visiting family were very active parts in her life. Her solemn time is now spent watching television, with programs such as Walker, Texas Ranger; In the Heat of the Night; and Wheel of Fortune being among her favorites.

Even though you may have to speak a little louder and clearer for her to understand you, even if you have to assist her now and again with her steps, just being around and in the presence of this great lady is a blessing within itself.

I have known Sis. Love for less than 4 years now; however, it seems much longer than that. I am not able to come around her these days as much as I would like, and to personally serve her and her family communion was more precious to me than silver and gold (seriously). God in His infinite wisdom has provided for us an avenue to commune by way of this “virtual and Free Conference Call” reality, which we will make the most of until we are able to gather peacefully again.

God Bless you Sister Cornelia (Mama) Love and your family, In Jesus Name 26

The Christian Index • February 2021

Submissions

Contact Info for The Christian Index Submissions and payments that are not processed by email should be sent to the following address:

Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. Editor, The Christian Index 1700 Whisperwood Street Albany GA 31721

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

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

The Twitter handle for the periodical is: @TheCMEIndex.

February 2021 • The Christian Index

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The Christian Index • February 2021

Color

Purple White Purple Purple

White White White

White White White

White White

Green Green

Green White Green White Purple Purple

Purple White Purple Purple

Purple

Purple Purple Purple Purple Purple

Black

Black

White White White White White White

Calendar Date

November 29, 2020 December 6, 2020 December 13, 2020 December 20, 2020

December 24, 2020 December 24, 2020 December 24, 2020

December 27, 2020 January 1, 2021 January 3, 2021

January 6, 2021 January 10, 2021

January 17, 2021 January 24, 2021

January 31, 2021 February 2, 2021 February 7, 2021 February 14, 2021 February 17, 2021 February 21, 2021

February 28, 2021 March 7, 2021 March 14, 2021 March 21, 2021

March 28, 2021

March 28, 2021 March 29, 2021 March 30, 2021 March 31, 2021 April 1, 2021

April 2, 2021

April 3, 2021

April 4, 2021 April 4, 2021 April 11, 2021 April 18, 2021 April 25, 2021 May 2, 2021

Liturgical Date

Hebrew Reading

Acts 10:34‐43 or Isaiah 25:6‐9 Isaiah 25:6‐9 Acts 4:32‐35 Acts 3:12‐19 Acts 4:5‐12 Acts 8:26‐40

Job 14:1‐14 or Lamentations 3:1‐9, 19‐24

Isaiah 52:13‐53:12

Isaiah 50:4‐9a Isaiah 42:1‐9 Isaiah 49:1‐7 Isaiah 50:4‐9a Exodus 12:1‐4, (5‐10), 11‐14

Genesis 17:1‐7, 15‐16 Exodus 20:1‐17 Numbers 21:4‐9 Jeremiah 31:31‐34

Deuteronomy 18:15‐20 Malachi 3:1‐4 Isaiah 40:21‐31 2 Kings 2:1‐12 Joel 2:1‐2, 12‐17 or Isaiah 58:1‐12 Genesis 9:8‐17

1 Samuel 3:1‐10, (11‐20) Jonah 3:1‐5, 10

Isaiah 60:1‐6 Genesis 1:1‐5

Isaiah 61:10‐62:3 Ecclesiastes 3:1‐13 Jeremiah 31:7‐14

Isaiah 9:2‐7 Isaiah 62:6‐12 Isaiah 52:7‐10

Isaiah 64:1‐9 Isaiah 40:1‐11 Isaiah 61:1‐4, 8‐11 2 Samuel 7:1‐11, 16

Psalm Reading

Epistle Reading

Psalm 118:1‐2, 14‐24 Psalm 114 Psalm 133 Psalm 4 Psalm 23 Psalm 22:25‐31

Psalm 31:1‐4, 15‐16

Psalm 22

Psalm 31:9‐16 Psalm 36:5‐11 Psalm 71:1‐14 Psalm 70 Psalm 116:1‐2, 12‐19

Psalm 118:1‐2, 19‐29

Psalm 22:23‐31 Psalm 19 Psalm 107:1‐3, 17‐22 Psalm 51:1‐12 or Psalm 119:9‐16

Psalm 111 Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7‐10 Psalm 147:1‐11, 20c Psalm 50:1‐6 Psalm 51:1‐17 Psalm 25:1‐10

Gospel Reading

1 Corinthians 15:1‐11 or Acts 10:34‐43 1 Corinthians 5:6b‐8 1 John 1:1‐2:2 1 John 3:1‐7 1 John 3:16‐24 1 John 4:7‐21

John 20:1‐18 or Mark 16:1‐8 Luke 24:13‐49 John 20:19‐31 Luke 24:36b‐48 John 10:11‐18 John 15:1‐8

Mark 11:1‐11 or John 12:12‐16 Mark 14:1‐15:47 or Mark 15:1‐ 39, (40‐47) John 12:1‐11 John 12:20‐36 John 13:21‐32 John 13:1‐17, 31b‐35

Mark 1:21‐28 Luke 2:22‐40 Mark 1:29‐39 Mark 9:2‐9 Matthew 6:1‐6, 16‐21 Mark 1:9‐15 Mark 8:31‐38 or Mark 9:2‐9 John 2:13‐22 John 3:14‐21 John 12:20‐33

John 1:43‐51 Mark 1:14‐20

John 1:(1‐9), 10‐18 Matthew 2:1‐12 Mark 1:4‐11

Luke 2:22‐40 Matthew 25:31‐46

Luke 2:1‐14, (15‐20) Luke 2:(1‐7), 8‐20 John 1:1‐14

Mark 13:24‐37 Mark 1:1‐8 John 1:6‐8, 19‐28 Luke 1:26‐38

Philippians 2:5‐11 Hebrews 9:11‐15 1 Corinthians 1:18‐31 Hebrews 12:1‐3 1 Corinthians 11:23‐26 Hebrews 10:16‐25 or Hebrews 4:14‐16; 5:7‐9 John 18:1‐19:42 Matthew 27:57‐66 or John 1 Peter 4:1‐8 19:38‐42

Romans 4:13‐25 1 Corinthians 1:18‐25 Ephesians 2:1‐10 Hebrews 5:5‐10

1 Corinthians 8:1‐13 Hebrews 2:14‐18 1 Corinthians 9:16‐23 2 Corinthians 4:3‐6 2 Corinthians 5:20b‐6:10 1 Peter 3:18‐22

1 Corinthians 6:12‐20 1 Corinthians 7:29‐31

Ephesians 1:3‐14 Ephesians 3:1‐12 Acts 19:1‐7

Psalm 147:12‐20 Psalm 72:1‐7, 10‐14 Psalm 29 Psalm 139:1‐6, 13‐18 Psalm 62:5‐12

Galatians 4:4‐7 Revelation 21:1‐6a

Titus 2:11‐14 Titus 3:4‐7 Hebrews 1:1‐4, (5‐12)

1 Corinthians 1:3‐9 2 Peter 3:8‐15a 1 Thessalonians 5:16‐24 Romans 16:25‐27

Psalm 148 Psalm 8

Psalm 96 Psalm 97 Psalm 98

Psalm 80:1‐7, 17‐19 Psalm 85:1‐2, 8‐13 Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b‐55 Luke 1:46b‐55 or Psalm 89:1‐4, 19‐26

This calendar is modified from the following: Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.

Resurrection of the Lord Easter Evening Second Sunday of Easter Third Sunday of Easter Fourth Sunday of Easter Fifth Sunday of Easter

Holy Saturday

Good Friday

Liturgy of the Passion Monday of Holy Week Tuesday of Holy Week Wednesday of Holy Week Maundy Thursday

Liturgy of the Palms

Second Sunday in Lent Third Sunday in Lent Fourth Sunday in Lent Fifth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany Presentation of the Lord Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany Transfiguration Sunday Ash Wednesday First Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday after the Epiphany Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Epiphany of the Lord Baptism of the Lord

First Sunday after Christmas Day New Year's Day Second Sunday after Christmas Day

Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper I Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper II Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper III

First Sunday of Advent Second Sunday of Advent Third Sunday of Advent Fourth Sunday of Advent

2020‐2021 Liturgical Calendar Year B Prepared by the Editor of The Christian Index Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr.

February 2021 • The Christian Index

29

Seventh Sunday of Easter Day of Pentecost Trinity Sunday

Second Sunday after Pentecost

White Red White

White

Red

May 16, 2021 May 23, 2021 May 30, 2021

June 6, 2021

June 13, 2021

Green

Green White

November 14, 2021

November 21, 2021 November 25, 2021

Red

White

White

October 24, 2021

October 31, 2021

Green

Green

October 17, 2021

November 1, 2021

Green

October 10, 2021

November 7, 2021

Green

White

September 26, 2021

October 3, 2021

Green

Green

August 29, 2021

September 19, 2021

Third Sunday of Kingdomtide

Green

August 22, 2021

White

Red

August 15, 2021

Green

Red

September 5, 2021

White

August 1, 2021

August 8, 2021

September 12, 2021

Second Sunday of Kingdomtide

Red Red

July 18, 2021 July 25, 2021

Fourth Sunday After Pentecost

Psalm 98 Psalm 47 or Psalm 93

Psalm Reading

Jeremiah 23:1‐6 and Psalm 23 2 Kings 4:42‐44 and Psalm 145:10‐18

1 Kings 19:4‐8 and Psalm 34:1‐8

Isaiah 35:4‐7a and Psalm 146

Genesis 2:18‐24 and Psalm 8

Jeremiah 11:18‐20 and Psalm 54 Numbers 11:4‐6, 10‐16, 24‐29 and Psalm 19:7‐14

Isaiah 50:4‐9a and Psalm 116:1‐9

1 Samuel 1:4‐20 and 1 Samuel 2:1‐10 2 Samuel 23:1‐7 and Psalm 132:1‐12, (13‐ 18) Joel 2:21‐27 and Psalm 126

Ruth 3:1‐5; 4:13‐17 and Psalm 127

Isaiah 25:6‐9 and Psalm 24

Ruth 1:1‐18 and Psalm 146

Daniel 7:9‐10, 13‐14 and Psalm 93

Daniel 12:1‐3 and Psalm 16

1 Kings 17:8‐16 and Psalm 146

Deuteronomy 6:1‐9 and Psalm 119:1‐8

Job 42:1‐6, 10‐17 and Psalm 34:1‐8, (19‐22) Jeremiah 31:7‐9 and Psalm 126

Job 23:1‐9, 16‐17 and Psalm 22:1‐15 Amos 5:6‐7, 10‐15 and Psalm 90:12‐17 Job 38:1‐7, (34‐41) and Psalm 104:1‐9, 24, 35c Isaiah 53:4‐12 and Psalm 91:9‐16

Job 1:1, 2:1‐10 and Psalm 26

Esther 7:1‐6, 9‐10; 9:20‐22 and Psalm 124

Proverbs 31:10‐31 and Psalm 1

Proverbs 1:20‐33 and Psalm 19

Proverbs 22:1‐2, 8‐9, 22‐23 and Psalm 125

1 Kings 2:10‐12; 3:3‐14 and Psalm 111 Proverbs 9:1‐6 and Psalm 34:9‐14 1 Kings 8:(1,6,10‐11), 22‐30, 41‐43 and Psalm 84 Joshua 24:1‐2a, 14‐18 and Psalm 34:15‐22 Song of Solomon 2:8‐13 and Psalm 45:1‐2, 6‐9 Deuteronomy 4:1‐2, 6‐9 and Psalm 15

2 Samuel 18:5‐9, 15, 31‐33 and Psalm 130

2 Samuel 11:26 ‐ 12:13a and Psalm 51:1‐12 Exodus 16:2‐4, 9‐15 and Psalm 78:23‐29

2 Samuel 7:1‐14a and Psalm 89:20‐37 2 Samuel 11:1‐15 and Psalm 14

1 Samuel 15:34 ‐ 16:13 and Psalm 20 Ezekiel 17:22‐24 and Psalm 92:1‐4, 12‐15 1 Samuel 17:(1a, 4‐11, 19‐23), 32‐49 and Psalm 9:9‐20 or 1 Samuel 17:57‐18:5, 18:10‐ 16 and Psalm 133 Job 38:1‐11 and Psalm 107:1‐3, 23‐32 2 Samuel 1:1, 17‐27 and Psalm 130 Lamentations 3:22‐33 and Psalm 30 2 Samuel 5:1‐5, 9‐10 and Psalm 48 Ezekiel 2:1‐5 and Psalm 123 2 Samuel 6:1‐5, 12b‐19 and Psalm 24 Amos 7:7‐15 and Psalm 85:8‐13

Acts 1:15‐17, 21‐26 Psalm 1 Acts 2:1‐21 or Ezekiel 37:1‐14 Psalm 104:24‐34, 35b Isaiah 6:1‐8 and Psalm 29 1 Samuel 8:4‐11, (12‐15), 16‐20, (11:14‐15) and Psalm 138 Genesis 3:8‐15 and Psalm 130

Acts 10:44‐48 Acts 1:1‐11

Hebrew Reading

Revelation 1:4b‐8 1 Timothy 2:1‐7

Hebrews 10:11‐14, (15‐18), 19‐25

Hebrews 9:24‐28

Revelation 21:1‐6a

Hebrews 9:11‐14

Hebrews 7:23‐28

Hebrews 5:1‐10

Hebrews 4:12‐16

Hebrews 1:1‐4, 2:5‐12

James 5:13‐20

James 3:13 ‐ 4:3, 7‐8a

James 3:1‐12

James 2:1‐10, (11‐13), 14‐17

James 1:17‐27

Ephesians 6:10‐20

Ephesians 5:15‐20

Ephesians 4:25‐5:2

Ephesians 4:1‐16

Ephesians 2:11‐22 Ephesians 3:14‐21

2 Corinthians 6:1‐13 2 Corinthians 8:7‐15 2 Corinthians 12:2‐10 Ephesians 1:3‐14

2 Corinthians 5:6‐10, (11‐13), 14‐17

2 Corinthians 4:13‐5:1

1 John 5:9‐13 Romans 8:22‐27 or Acts 2:1‐21 Romans 8:12‐17

1 John 5:1‐6 Ephesians 1:15‐23

Epistle Reading

This calendar is modified from the following: Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.

Fourteenth Sunday of Kindgomtide Thanksgiving Day, USA

Thirteenth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Twelfth Sunday of Kingdomtide

All Saints Day

Reformation Sunday

Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Ninth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Eighth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide

Sixth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide

First Sunday of Kingdomtide

Twelfth Sunday After Pentecost

Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost

Tenth Sunday After Pentecost

Eighth Sunday After Pentecost Ninth Sunday After Pentecost

Fifth Sunday After Pentecost Sixth Sunday After Pentecost Seventh Sunday After Pentecost

Red

Red White Red

June 20, 2021

June 27, 2021 July 4, 2021 July 11, 2021

Third Sunday After Pentecost

Sixth Sunday of Easter Ascension of the Lord

May 9, 2021 May 13, 2021

Liturgical Date

Color

White White

Calendar Date

2020‐2021 Liturgical Calendar Year B Prepared by the Editor of The Christian Index Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr.

John 18:33‐37 Matthew 6:25‐33

Mark 13:1‐8

Mark 12:38‐44

John 11:32‐44

Mark 12:28‐34

Mark 10:46‐52

Mark 10:35‐45

Mark 10:17‐31

Mark 10:2‐16

Mark 9:38‐50

Mark 9:30‐37

Mark 8:27‐38

Mark 7:24‐37

Mark 7:1‐8, 14‐15, 21‐23

John 6:56‐69

John 6:51‐58

John 6:35, 41‐51

John 6:24‐35

Mark 6:30‐34, 53‐56 John 6:1‐21

Mark 4:35‐41 Mark 5:21‐43 Mark 6:1‐13 Mark 6:14‐29

Mark 4:26‐34

Mark 3:20‐35

John 17:6‐19 John 15:26‐27; 16:4b‐15 John 3:1‐17

John 15:9‐17 Luke 24:44‐53

Gospel Reading

Submissions

One Church One School of the West Tennessee Region, 1st Episcopal District Delivers More Than 6,400 Meals Submitted by Doris F. Boyd Bishop Henry M. Williams, Sr., the Presiding Prelate of the 1st Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME), is a strong leader who firmly believes that the church should be a positive impact in its community. The 1st Episcopal District includes the CME churches in Shelby County in West Tennessee. Bishop Williamson is also the Founder and National President of One Church One School (OCOS).

This is a community partnership program focused on the well-being of children, youth, and their families. OCOS was founded and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Phedonia Jones Johnson, appointed by Bishop Williamson, is the National Executive Director. The mission is to bring together churches and schools in partnerships that teach our children to value life and to value learning. This national network of church/school partnerships is intended to serve as a catalyst to build bridges between other community-based organizations, social service agencies, business enterprises and schools. It is built upon the foundation described by the African proverb, “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”

Bishop Williamson recognized a need this summer resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic that negatively impacted a number of Shelby County school children. At the direction of Bishop Williamson, Rev. Dr. George Coleman, who is Executive Director of the 1st Episcopal District Technology Center and pastor of Avery CME Church, verified information about the feeding program. This program was sponsored by the YMCA and operated under the umbrella of the Department of Agriculture. He reported that meals available to students in some of the most impoverished areas were not reaching the students.

There was a need for transportation to deliver meals to children in these areas. It was clear to Bishop Williamson that the village of OCOS leaders in Shelby County was the solution. The charge 30

The Christian Index • February 2021

from the Bishop was to “Love thy neighbor as thyself” and “Feed the hungry,” wherever they are in order to be successful. Presiding Elders, Pastors and their OCOS teams organized and answered the call. Dr. Coleman was asked to serve as the overall coordinator. In order to assure compliance with the guidelines of the Department of Agriculture and those of the CDC, Sheila Holman was contacted to serve as trainer and was in charge of QA/QC. Doris F. Boyd was transportation coordinator.

The team of OCOS members and community volunteers delivered breakfast and lunch meals to students from mid-June through mid-August.

During this period more than 6,400 meals were delivered to appropriate businesses within the headquarters, homes, churches, apartment complexes, and community centers, feeding students from various schools to include Airways, Carver, Hamilton Middle and High Schools, Hanley, Lucie Campbell, Magnolia and Vollentine.

Participating churches were: Coleman Chapel Pastor Elaura James-Reid; Featherstone Temple – Pastor John Mason, Jr.; Martin Temple – Pastor Willie Boyd, Jr.; Mt. Pisgah – Pastor Willie Ward, Jr.; Mt. Tipton – Pastor Emanuel Willis; Moody Chapel – Pastor Donald Letcher, Jr.; Pillow Street – Pastor Wesley Smith; Prospect – Pastor Clara Brown; and St. James – Pastor Walter Brown.

OCOS volunteers were: Booker T. Boyd, Brandon Boyd, Phyllis Doss, Leonard Franklin, JoAnn Jones, Mario Jones, Constance Kolheim, Wilmetta Neely, Agnes Nevilles, Kimberly Nevilles, Stephanie Nevilles, Trina Simmons, and Eric Watson.

Community volunteers were: Mildred & Marc Clark, Wanda & Paul Edwards, Candice Fondren, Joseph Kyles, Greg Mason, and Jeff Hepler. This combined team took pride in being able to “help somebody” and see the joy on smiling faces as meals were received. This was pay enough and assurance that our efforts were not in vain.

Submissions The final meals were delivered August 14, 2020. The pictures that follow tell the story of “The Life in the Delivery of more than 6,400 meals.” Well done!!!

It was a blessing to partner with the YMCA in this effort. We also thank the office of Congressman Steve Cohen and that of Senator Lamar Alexander for their support. Special recognition to Mr. Tyrone Easley, photographer, and Cameron Kuykindall, videographer.

West TN Leaders stand united in support of the Feeding Program. (l to r): Sis. Jo Ann Jones, Pastor Donald Letcher, Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Dr. Doris Y. Williamson, Presiding Elder Bethel L. Harris, Jr., Rev. Dr. George Coleman, Pastor Willie Ward, Jr., Presiding Elder Peris J. Lester, I., and Pastor Wesley Smith

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. & Dr. Doris stand with team members on the final delivery day. They are (l to r): Joseph Kyles, community volunteer, and One Church One School volunteers Sheila Holman, Wilmetta Neely and JoAnn Jones.

Meals delivered to CME Headquarters by John Manley, YMCA delivery driver, at 9:30 a.m.

Continued on next page "When you kneel down to God, He stands up for you. And when He stands up for you, no one can stand against you. Amen."

--Evangeline Foster February 2021 • The Christian Index

31

Submissions Continued from previous page

Sheila Holman verifies count for drivers.

Dr. George Coleman transports lunches from Lobby to 3rd floor ballroom.

Dr. Doris Williamson with Bishop as lunch is given to Jeremiah Owens. Headquarters on the final delivery day.

Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Jr. and Dr. Doris Y. Williamson after the delivery.

Bishop and Dr. Williamson traveled with Doris F. Boyd to Range Park Apartment Complex for the final delivery on August 14, 2020.

As children gathered to receive meals, the Bishop led them in reciting “I Am Somebody” as written by Rev. William H. Borders, Sr. They participated with enthusiasm.

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The Christian Index • February 2021

Submissions

GOD Matters, ALL Lives Matter and BLACK Lives Matter: An Un-Emotional Politic of Liberation Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, Ph.D. Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church Hopkinsville City Council: Ward 1

It has come to our attention that a white police officer's boot was placed on the neck of an unarmed Black man for the purpose of disrupting his airway so that he could no longer breathe. As the result of George Floyd not being able to catch up to his fainting lungs and breathe air in a normal way, he died there on-thespot before a world audience. The world watched in real time the blatant murder of a man who was being chastised for presenting a counterfeit twenty-dollar bill at a nearby business. This murder was not accidentally staged nor was it a form of reality television. It was a real-life happening. In his painful afflictions, George Floyd shared with the attacking officer that he could not breath. For many Americans – black, white, yellow, red, green and otherwise – our God-given abilities to breath and live as normal human beings has either been restricted or denied on all existential levels.

Whether it be premeditated murder, material poverty, mass incarceration, psychological nihilism, political underdevelopment or social disenfranchisement, Black people, more so than any other people residing on American soil, continue to suffer from the desperate acts of structural evil. The sad truth is that many Americans still fail to recognize that Black lives matter.

Black people are still considered as second-class citizens who are not worthy of educational advancement and economic self-sufficiency. Here, Black people's politic of liberation encompasses both their emotional sensitivities and their unemotional hopes and dreams. In being sick and tired of being sick and tired over the way Black people are abruptly jettisoned into a sub-human capacity, it is no wonder white politicians believe that Black lives do not matter. They do not see Black people as human beings. And they are un-emotional about their negative view of Black life in the United States.

Black lives matter because Black people matter.

Theologically speaking, Black lives matter because 1 2

Black people have been created in the image of God for a particular purpose. Black lives matter because Black folk are a people of cultural worth and spiritual value. Theologian J. Deotis Roberts poses that, “Black Theology is to contribute to a new self-image which would enable blacks to affirm their inherent worth independent of the estimate of the black community among many whites. “Black is beautiful” means more than an Afro hair style and African attire.”1 For Roberts, the notion of 'Black is beautiful' affirms that the livelihood of Black Americans is of great value.

Not only do Black lives matter, but Black communities are of great value to other cultures and races of people.

The essential fact is that Black lives matter because All lives matter. The Black in Black Lives Matter [is just as intrinsic as] the All in All Lives Matter. Black people are human beings too. In the words of Roberts, “Black folk sin too.”2 Consequentially, there is enough space between the valuable mattering of Black lives and All lives for the whole world to be included. Just like the Black Church is a contributing member of the Body of Christ, Black people in the United States are contributing members of everyday society. Black folk make up the sacred institutions and the secular environments of the United States. But it is not just about the physical lives of Black people. The social and economic lives of Black people matter. The educational and religious lives of Black people matter. The psychological and sociological lives of Black people matter. According to the excessive media attention given to the senseless death of George Floyd, it is apparent that the existential lives of Black people are of great political value.

The notion of Black lives mattering to the world outside of American blackness means two things.

Black lives matter: (1) as a creation of God (Genesis 1:27) and (2) as contributing members of the Body

J. Deotis Roberts, A Black Political Theology (Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2005), 42.

Ibid., 109.

Continued on next page February 2021 • The Christian Index

33

Submissions Continued from previous page of Christ (speaking of the Black Christian Church).

Theologically, any and everything that is associated and affiliated with Black and brown people matters because Africa is our embryonic genesis. Created in the image of God, Black Americans are those huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Freely breathing is the analogical equivalency of Black people living as those who are allowed to exercise their constitutional freedoms, human rights and civil rights. The English Standard Version of Genesis 2:7 says: Then the Lord God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.

It was the breath of God that gave human beings the breath of life. It was the breath of God that made human beings. With the understanding that many Black brothers and sisters have had their lives taken from them, it can be assumed that their ability to breath was taken as well. In consideration of the fact that George Floyd could no longer breath under the boot of the police officer, it seems like the very breath that God gave to him was taken from him for the purpose of killing him. For it is in God's breath that we live, and move, and have our being. The existential realities of Black people living, moving and having their being presupposes their ability to breath.

In viewing the act of breathing as the biological constitution of human life, the Bible records that the thief comes only to kill, steal and destroy (John 10:10).

With our origins referenced in the Motherland of Africa, Black folk were deliberately kidnapped from their homes and forced to come to the United States for the purpose of prospering the white slave master by way of cheap and free labor. Against the backdrop of our emotional history of racial dehumanization, we not only stand in solidarity with George Floyd, but we lovingly encircle and remember the lives of Breonna Taylor, Rashad Brooks, Freddy Gray, Sam Dubose, Philander Castile, Terrance Crutcher, Alton Sterling, Jamar Clark, Jeremy McDale, William Chapman II, Walter Scott, Eric Harris, Tamar Rice, Akai Gurley, Michael Brown, Eric Garner, Emmett Till, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Minister Malcolm X Shabazz; just to name a few.

Dr. Alton B. Pollard, President of my alma 3

https://www.lpts.edu/ May 30, 2020.

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The Christian Index • February 2021

mater, Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary, tells a familiar story in his essay entitled, “With A Knee On Our Neck”: For 400 years and more it has been going on in this land colloquially known as America. Black life disrespected, expendable, and cheap. Beaten, raped, stabbed, shot, dismembered, lynched, incarcerated, burned and dragged to death. The violence of it all. The justification of it all. The sheer calculus of it all. The colonization of Black lives continues uninterrupted and with little to no consequence. There is no safe place.

And we are angry. We are tired. We are hurt.3 Pollard's poignant words tell the story of a people that has been pushed to the genocidal brink of nihilism.

Not that genocide is a real possibility, but rather it is the cultural intention of white supremacy. Notice that Pollard demonstrates a genuine and raw emotion without being overly emotional in his analytical assessment. With an obvious emotion in place, Pollard gives a factual picture of American racism. And he gives the analysis in an unemotional way. His goal is to raise the awareness of how Black people have been theologized in the United States. Instead of attempting to raise other people's emotions for the purpose of emotional expressions, Pollard is communicating a Black politic of liberation in the productive sphere of philosophical unemotionalism. Pollard is absolutely correct. Black people are not only angry at the demonic audacity of overt racism; they are also tired of the insistence of systemic evil. They are confused by the power of silence and neutrality. They are enraged by the systemic dehumanization of their people. They are broken. They are poor. They are homeless. They are weak. They are emotional.

Since 1980, more than 260,000 Black men have been killed in the United States. In 2015 alone, over 100 unarmed Black people were killed in our nation. Not just by cops, but by their own brothers and sisters and by the oppressive circumstances that surround them.

There is a good reason why protesters have been present

Submissions in the streets of all fifty states and certain parts of the world. Black folk and white folk alike are tired of Black men dying at the hands of a racialized police brutality. Not only is the blatant killing of unarmed Black men 'old hat,' but it also reminds the world that Black people have options in terms of how they choose to respond to racial aggression. There is a distinct difference between Dr. Martin Luther King's notion of nonviolent civil disobedience and Minister Malcolm X Shabazz's teaching on how Black people should physically protect themselves and their family. One says turn the other cheek and the other says make sure that nobody hits you in the cheek again.

Anyone with good theological sense understands the danger that Black people are faced with when it comes to their reactive violence. On the one hand, most Black leaders are not in favor of violent retaliations, looting and the destroying of private property. These actions promote more violence against Black people in their presidential labeling as thieves, hoodlums and thugs. On the other hand, it is not wise to tell an emotionally-oppressed people how to protest and respond to their adaptive oppressions. The question is: How should Black Americans respond to the various forms of racial aggression?

Social activist and New Testament theologian Dr. Lewis O. Brogdon provides the best way forward.

Brogdon surmises that, We have to be strategic and not be emotionally reactive to racial aggressions and violence. We keep falling into these same reactive patterns that do not bring about real change. We need plans and an underlying philosophy that inform our approach to advocacy, activism, public policy, education, small business development and ministry. Neither fiery memes, rants and debates on facebook, nor signs and shouting in the streets will bring real change to our communities; because much of it is reactionary in nature. We have to do more than get worked up emotionally. Passion is good but it must be channeled into positive action. We have to create and support mechanisms of change.4 Brogdon's philosophical appeal to the productive senses of Black and brown people has substantive merit in that it speaks to an unemotional politic of Black liberation in the United States. It also raises a greater awareness of what it will take to advance the sometimes lowly plight of Black Americans.

Brogdon also understands the history of why Black folk are angry, enraged and upset about the way they are treated socially, politically and economically. In warning against being overly emotional, Brogdon underscores how a growing racial discrimination coupled with a decisive systemic dehumanization makes for a highly emotional society. Again, the word un-emotional does not imply the absence of emotions. It implies the undoing of a collective emotionalism that leads to more harm than good where Black Americans are concerned.

Politically speaking, Black Americans must be aware, unified and proactive. Even as they grow numb to the pain of oppression and violence, their emotions must be tempered with a sense of logic, reason and strategy. Again, his name is George Floyd. And I am still waiting for someone of merit in Louisville, Kentucky to charge somebody with the brutal murder of an unarmed Breonna Taylor. Daily protesting does not denote the absence of justice where Ms. Taylor and her supporters are concerned. It only means that the protesting of injustice has grown wings of long-suffering and un-emotional strength; as God's people are learning how to soar like eagles (Isaiah 40:31).

When I theologize the Black human experience in the chronological vein of GOD mattering, ALL LIVES mattering and BLACK LIVES mattering in the United States, I am actually referencing the fact that there is something at stake for the Colored (now Christian) Methodist Episcopal Church. Our missions must be visible to the justice eyes of those watching us. Our ministries must be relevant enough to touchdown into the social, political and economic landscape of the modern-day context. We cannot afford to be silent nor can we afford to be indifferent. We must get involved in the notable movements and show ourselves as a people who are committed to following Jesus Christ. GOD matters. ALL LIVES matter. BLACK LIVES matter. THE CME CHURCH matters.

4 Dr. Lewis O. Brogdon's constructive notes on a Black reactionary trap article from the Desk of the Black Pulpit and Public Square May 30, 2020.

February 2021 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Trinity, Indianapolis, Harvests Unity, Love, and Fellowship Submitted by Shirley Hudson

Harvest Festival Chairpersons for 2020 were Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Euliza Mays. The Harvest Festival Celebration was held November 11- November 15, 2020. Each day was significant and purposeful in commemorating what harvest is all about. For example:

• Day One (Wednesday - Forgiveness): The church attended and supported Bible study and was asked to discuss “Forgiveness” and what forgiveness is and why it was significant.

• Day Two (Thursday - Intentional Giving): We were asked to select a person or cause to give a gift that had been a blessing from God to us. We were then asked to share that blessing, whether big or small, genuinely from our heart and not have any expectations from the receiver.

“It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving.” ~ Mother Theresa~

• Day Three (Friday - Fulfilling Surprise): [We were instructed to] reach out to a person by either calling, bringing food, giving a monetary surprise, visiting at a social distance, or just doing something for a person in need.

• Day Four (Saturday - Collective Offering and Sharing the Festive Emotion): We were to select a church or charity and give a love offering. All the days of celebration were scripture-based.

• On Saturday, the committee also took socially-distanced pictures of Trinitarians who came that day and shared them during the service on Sunday.

• Day Five (Sunday - Corporate Worship): On Sunday, Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas was the harvest festival speaker and preacher of the hour. The theme for the festival was, “Sowing Tomorrow's Harvest Today.”

(Deuteronomy 16:10-20)

The committee prepared dinners for all, and dinners were carried to trunks of cars for social distance sharing. Afterwards Mr. and Mrs. Mays shared a zoom platform where we could all see each other after worship service in our individual homes, having blessing and laughter and chatting while having dinner.

What a festive week it was!

We appreciate Mr. & Mrs. Robert and Euliza Mays for their creativity, love and being our chairpersons for the Harvest Festival 2020.

We are thankful to our pastor, Rev. Natalie Obie, and the officers and members for their support.

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The Christian Index • February 2021

Submissions

Myrikal King Receives Scholarship Award Submitted by Rev. Carlton Mahone, Sr., Pastor Dr. Thomas D. Moffett, Lay Leader

The Department of Lay Ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church awarded its 2020 Sixth District (State of Georgia) Graham-Webb-Kennedy Scholarship to Myrikal King. Myrikal is a 2020 graduate of Hardaway High School located in Columbus, Georgia.

She graduated in the top 10 percent of her class with a 3.7 GPA. She received a Certificate for the completion of the International Baccalaureate Program. She also received recognition as student of the year for Business Communications.

Myrikal was very active in school and in the community. She was president of the school National Honor Society. She also participated in many other societies and clubs including the following: National English Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, National Tech Honor Society, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Servant Leadership, Senior Council, and International Baccalaureate Council. In the community, Myrikal volunteered weekly as a tutor at the Damascus Way Shelter for Women assisting those who were working toward obtaining their GED.

Myrikal is a member of Holsey Monumental CME Church in Columbus, Georgia, where she has served as a member of the Praise Team and as the president of the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF). She is now attending Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Georgia, where she is majoring in Psychology and hopes to one day open her very own private practice.

Patton Memorial Celebrates 61 Years!!

Submitted by Louvenia Martin Patton Memorial CME Church family and friends came together from all corners of the world to celebrate their 61st Church Anniversary and Family and Friends Day on the airways, broadcasting worship service on October 25, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. The theme was: "Growing Stronger, Growing Deeper, Reaching Higher," and the program was successful.

Sis. Shirley Cunningham was the Mistress of Ceremony. Sis. Carla Fann and Bro. Donald Fann were chairpersons. A solo was ofered by Sis. Jerdine Jones, and Serena Washington, Cameisha Washington, and Quentel Watkins of the Norwalk Community CME Church rendered a selection. Rev. Darrien Fann prayed for the witness of the church and for the community, followed by the reading of scripture by Bro. Donald Fann, a welcome from Sis. Gloria Murdock, and a response from Sis. Anna Haire Farr of Phillips Chapel CME Church in Steubenville, Ohio. The memorial service included a ringing of the bell by Sis. Michelle Stevens and a reading of the church history by Sis. Carla Fann.

The proud pastor of Patton, Rev. Dr. Lydia Spragin, was excited to introduce her wonderful brother, Rev. Dr. Ore Lee Sspragin, Jr., Editor of The Christian Index, to bring the message. The scripture associated with the theme was the fortieth chapter of Isaiah, verses 28-31. Dr. Ore Spragin titled the message, "Waiting on the Lord."

The saints were blessed by hearing Rev. Spragin's sermon, and all hearts and minds rejoiced in the Lord. The benediction was given by guest preacher, Dr. Spragin. This was the first visit at Patton by Rev. Spragin, and it will not be his last.

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Submissions

Westside Community Celebrates Connectional Lay Day and HBCU Sunday Submitted by Bro. Carl Montgomery, Lay President

The Westside Community Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Atlanta, Georgia, recently celebrated the CME Connectional Lay and HBCU Sunday under the creative, visionary, and prolific leadership of Rev. Andre’ C. Loyd, Jr., Pastor, and Bro. Carl Montgomery, Lay President. The Westside CME Lay Council celebrates Connectional Lay Sunday annually. The Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Sunday is an outreach ministry of the Lay Department, celebrated each fifth Sunday. Due to the pandemic, the worship service was held virtually via livestream with limited participation and video presentations.

In keeping with the outreach ministry of the Lay Council, Allen University, Columbia, South Carolina, was chosen as the HBCU to recognize and for wich to solicit financial donations. Our goal is to engender support for HBCU’s to help sustain them and increase their giving percentage. Dr. Ernest C. McNealey, President, and Mr. Dub Taylor, Vice President for Development, shared information about Allen University. They challenged the Westside Church family and the virtual viewers to donate to Allen University, which was founded in 1870 by the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church.

Dr. Ernest Lee Gibson III was the Connectional Lay speaker. Dr. Gibson is an Associate Professor of English and Co-Director of Africana Studies at Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. He received his PhD and MA degrees in Afro-American Studies from the University of Massachusetts – Amherst, and MA degree in American Studies from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. Dr. Gibson is a proud graduate of an HBCU, historic Fisk University, Nashville, Tennessee, where he received the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, with honors. He is a Phi Beta Kappa and Summa Cum Laude distinguished graduate. Dr. Gibson is the author of Salvific Manhood: James Baldwin’s Novelization of Male Intimacy, published by University of Nebraska Press (2019), and has published works on James Baldwin, W.E.B. DuBois, and Scandal.

Dr. Ernest Lee Gibson III

The theme for the worship service was: The Laity: Engaging in Effective Ministry. The scriptural reference for the worship service was Mark 10:43-45. Dr. Gibson began his message by giving us a linguistic reference to the word slave in the 44th verse. The word slave has a way of haunting us and takes us back to a dark time in history. The word "slave" comes from the Greek word doulos, a Greek term for "slave." If we are to be great going to our destination we must be willing to serve. Service is the path to greatness. Ministry is about service.

Dr. Gibson indicated that James and John, Zebedee’s sons had a tall request of Jesus - to be awarded the highest places of honor in His kingdom. “To be first, one must be a slave to all. Service is not something that is done occasionally. It is full-fledged commitment.” It is a way of life. The laity must understand that we must use our gifts to serve. We must be willing to serve all. It must be a part of our essence and a way of 38

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Submissions being. Laity must be willing to serve with unmatched godliness. The laity may engage in effective ministry by teaching others how to serve through example. Our example motivates and teaches others. Service must be a vehicle to engage others in the same or better service. In conclusion, the service must move beyond our financial gifts to the church. It must be selfless and limitless.

Rev. Loyd, introduced the program and gave the opening statement, welcoming viewers to the Westside Community CME Church worship service. Bro. Donald Wheat, Trustee Board Chairman, prayed a resounding invocation and read the scripture chosen for Lay Sunday. Bro. Derrick Borders, Steward Board Chairman, made an appeal for gifts and donations to the CME Lay Department’s Graham-Webb-Kennedy Scholarship and requested viewers to make donations to Allen University to uplift the University’s programs.

Bro. Jimmy Jucks, musical director, lead the responsive Lay Litany. The members ofthe young adult chorus, the Voices of Faith, Sis. Apryl Johnson, Bro. Jimmy Jucks, and Sis. Francheska Mitchell, provided appropriate melodious musical selections for the morning worship service.

Bro. Montgomery presided and introduced the dynamic speaker, Dr. Ernest Lee Gibson III. Pastor Loyd gave the invitation to Christian discipleship and provided the closing remarks for the service, giving words of honor and of Bro. Jimmy Jucks gratitude to the speaker and to the program organizers and participants, and encouraging viewers to support all HBCU’s and the GrahamWebb-Kennedy Scholarship.

WSCCME Voices of Faith

Dr. Ernest C. McNealey and Mr. Dub Taylor

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Submissions

PORTER ST. PAUL CELEBRATES SESQUICENTENNIAL Submitted by Claude E. Stines

On Sunday, December 13, 2020, Porter St. Paul CME Church, Northport, Alabama, celebrated its 150th Anniversary, virtually. The Theme was: “Pausing to examine what God has done through the years.” The morning message, based on Luke 2:8, was delivered by Pastor Ernest May. A commemorative DVD was developed by Ms. Wendy Bruce and contains many photos, and video presentations of the past and present.

Porter St. Paul had its beginning on December 16, 1870, in a blacksmith shop on Main Avenue in downtown Northport. Rev. Joe Carson was the first pastor. The church’s first name was Bailey Temple. Some of the early families were the White’s, Shirley’s, VanHoose’s, Hamilton’s, Jenkins, Hinton’s and Greene’s. The present structure was erected in 1925 and named St.Paul. The church was renamed Porter St. Paul in 1945 in honor of Bishop Porter.

Porter St. Paul has been led by 49 different pastors, including the present pastor, Ernest May. Some of the most memorable pastors serving the longest were Reverend G.B. Poole and Rev. C.Bray Robertson. Two former pastors were elevated to the episcopacy, Bishop Henry C. Bunton and Bishop Paul Stewart. Porter St. Paul has given birth to numerous sons and daughters of the preaching ministry.

We thank God for the work and contributions of our founding ancestors and refer today’s warriors to 2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

Directors of Children and Youth Work YOU ARE ENCOURAGED to submit articles from your Children and Youth to The Christian Index.

These may be thoughts on their Christian journey, reports on church or school trips, and even book reports or original poems and essays.

Email to: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org

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Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for February Love Is ... 1 Corinthians 13

THOUGH BRASS TINKLING PROPHECY UNDERSTAND MYSTERIES KNOWLEDGE FAITH REMOVE MOUNTAINS NOTHING BESTOW GOOD POOR BODY PROFITETH SUFFERETH

KIND ENVIETH NOT VAUNTETH PUFFED UNSEEMLY PROVOKED THINKETH REJOICETH INIQUITY BEARETH BELIEVETH HOPETH ENDURETH FAILETH VANISH PART

PERFECT CHILD SPAKE UNDERSTOOD BECAME MAN CHILDISH SEE THROUGH FACE ABIDETH HOPE THREE GREATEST LOVE

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

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The Christian Index • February 2021

Ecumenical News

Oklahoma City Community Foundation Awards $1,500 to Two Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches Submitted by Dan Martel

Hope is More Than a Meal – Grants Provide Warm Meals for Local Homebound Elderly (OKLAHOMA CITY) – This winter, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is helping provide warm meals to homebound elderly citizens by awarding $51,600 in grants to 40 area churches and organizations that prepare and deliver mobile meals through Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City, including Israel Chapter Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and St. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In addition, the Foundation is awarding $5,000 each to Meals on Wheels of Norman and Edmond Mobile Meals to support seniors in their areas.

“This year has been challenging for most of us, but it has been particularly difficult for homebound seniors, who rely on services that provide access to health care, nutrition, recreation and interaction with others,” said Nancy B. Anthony, Oklahoma City Community Foundation president. “We are grateful for our donors, who give the resources to support essential care for the most vulnerable among us.”

Meals on Wheels of Oklahoma City volunteers prepared more than 16,000 meals for homebound senior citizens this month.

Since 2008, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation has distributed more than $450,000 in support of mobile meals programs in central Oklahoma. According to Meals on Wheels of Oklahoma City, one in 12 senior citizens in Oklahoma County lives in poverty, and nearly 16,000 lack consistent access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Through the mobile meals programs in Oklahoma City, Norman and Edmond, home-delivered meals are available to all seniors age 60 and older who are unable to leave their homes without assistance or prepare meals due to health limitations regardless of income.

In 2020, Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City volunteers provided nutritious meals, wellness checks and meaningful contact for nearly 1,400 homebound senior citizens living in central Oklahoma who are unable to prepare their own meals.

“Senior hunger has unfortunately been a major issue in Oklahoma County for years, and the coronavirus pandemic has made it even worse,” said Chris Lambert, director of Meals on Wheels Oklahoma City. “Since March, we’ve added nearly 700 seniors to Meals on Wheels, and our meal deliveries have doubled to more than 16,000 meals each month. The generosity shown by the Oklahoma City Community Foundation and our community allows us to bring hope to so many who are isolated from their friends, family and neighbors, and lets them know someone cares. Hope is more than a meal.”

About the Oklahoma City Community Foundation Founded in 1969, the Oklahoma City Community Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that works with donors to create charitable funds that will benefit our community both now and in the future. To learn more about the Oklahoma City Community Foundation, visit www.occf.org.

For additional information,visit http://edmondmobilemeals.org and http://www.occf.org.

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For Immediate Release

Book examines faith formation in historic, contemporary African American church

VALLEY FORGE, PA (10/19/20)— An important contribution to the study of

Christian education, the newly released book “The Formation of a People: Christian Education and the African American Church” is steeped in current scholarship and a lifetime of experience in the African American Church. It expands our understanding of education to encompass the larger life and ministry of the church—from practices of testimony, worship and preaching to more traditional classroom contexts of Sunday church school and midweek Bible study.

The book provides constructive definitions of Christian education and faith formation, as well as clarity about formation processes across all ages and life seasons. Author Carmichael D. Crutchfield, D.Min., PhD, examines faith formation as it occurs in the historic and contemporary African American church context, where those who do ministries of Christian education, faith formation and discipleship often have a wide range of training and experience—from no formal theological education to specialized seminary degrees.

Accessible to professional educators as well as laity, the book defines spiritual formation, faith formation and leadership formation. It asserts that Christian education involves the formation of people in the image of Jesus Christ and that faith formation engages in the practice of loving God and neighbor. In addition, it highlights the five forms through which Christian education and formation occur: koinonia (fellowship), leiturgia (worship), didache (formal instruction and teaching), kerygma (proclamation) and diakonia (service/mission).

A Christian educator, pastor and professor at Memphis Theological Seminary, Crutchfield also serves as general secretary of Christian Education in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. He has published numerous articles and papers for journals and other scholarly publications. He frequently conducts ecclesial presentations, workshops and seminars across the United States.

Format: Trade Paper Size: 6" x 9" ISBN: 978-0-8170-1816-0 Pages: 160 Category: Christian Education/General

Pub Date: October 2020 Price: $19.99 Distribution: Spring Arbor/Ingram Book Co., Anchor Distributors, Baker & Taylor

About the Publisher: Founded in 1824, Judson Press is a publishing ministry of the American Baptist Home Mission Societies, American Baptist Churches USA. It is committed to producing Christ‐centered leadership resources for the transformation of individuals, congregations, communities, and cultures. American Baptist Home Mission Societies partners with American Baptists to promote Christian faith, cultivate Christ‐centered leaders and disciples, and bring healing and transformation to communities across the United States and Puerto Rico.

Contact: Linda Johnson-LeBlanc, Integrated Marketing Director, ABHMS/Judson Press, 610-768-2458, marketing@judsonpress.com

GALLEY OR REVIEW COPY AVAILABLE ON REQUEST TO BOOK REVIEW EDITORS AND MEDIA 1075 First Avenue ● King of Prussia, PA 19406 ● 800-458-3766 ● www.judsonpress.com

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WOMEN’S MISSIONARY COUNCIL Executive Board – February 24-25, 2021 Virtual Meeting via Zoom

Mrs. Jacqueline I. Scott, Council President Patron Bishop, James B. Walker

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION FORM Title: (Please Check) Mr Mrs. Ms Rev Dr. Rev. Dr.  Attorney  Judge  Presiding Elder Bishop First Name Last Name MI Mailing Address City State Postal Zip Code Telephone: Day Evening Fax E-mail Episcopal District (select) 1st Annual/Region Conference: Bishop (select) Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick Region President Status: (Check all that apply) Council Officer Judicial Council Member Executive Board Past Council Officer Head of Educational Institution Rossie T. Hollis Bishop Lay Member Mattie E. Coleman Bishop Spouse/Widow Clergy Phyllis H. Bedford General Officer Presiding Elder Region President Commission/Committee Chair Connectional Officer First Time Attendee CONVENTION REGISTRATION: Registration fee includes Badge, Conference Kit, workshop materials, Reports of Officers, Secretaries, Chairpersons and other working materials. Please check the fees that you are submitting. General Registration $100.00 Prayer Breakfast N/A Presidents’ Luncheon N/A Executive Board Banquet N/A Late Registration after February 1, 2020 110.00 On-site Registration Fee $110.00 Total Included $ Note: Refunds will only be granted upon receipt of written request prior to January 17, 2021 Submitted by:

Date:

Please submit completed form with Conference Check (No Personal Checks), Cashier Check or Money Order made payable to: The Women’s Missionary Council.

Mail form to:

Mrs. Willa Terry P.O. Box 5072 Holly Springs, MS 38634 (662) 252-9480 for registration by mail.

Online registration is available at: https://www.cmewmc.org/ 46

The Christian Index • February 2021

CME Connectional Directory THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick - 8th Episcopal District - 1616 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75216; 214-372-9073 (office); email: llreddick3@yahoo.com Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. - 1st Episcopal District, Suite 222, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116; 901-345-4114 (office) and 901-345-4115 (fax) Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. - 6th Episcopal District, 680 Beckwith Street SW, Atlanta GA 30314; 404-963-6652 (office); 404-963-6656 (fax); 6thDistrictCME@gmail.com Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter - 11th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 174084, Arlington TX 76003-4084; 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 Godwin Umoette - 10th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 4312, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; email: godwin.umoette@yahoo.com; phone: 08024086495

Bishop Bobby R. Best (DECEASED) - 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); email: marvinthomas671@gmail.com 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

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

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart - 9th Episcopal Disrict - 8145 Summerwood Circle, Olive Branch MS 38654-7060; email: bishoppstewart@aol.com; phone: 662-890-0021 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. 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 Rev. Valencia Edner - Coordinator, Connectional Music and Arts Ministry - 17206 Atascocita Bend Dr., Humble TX 77396; 936-465-7284;Pastorvee522@yahoo.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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