The Daily Index, August 23, 2019

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

2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

Friday, August 23, 2019

Table Manners for Radical Worship Reverends Erika Dunbar and Jeremy Williams Submitted by Rev. Dr. Lydia Evelyn Spragin Pastor of the Patton Memorial CME Church, Cleveland, Ohio Second Episcopal District

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. called it our “finest hour” and them “not rising stars, but stars who had risen.” Two home-grown CMEs from the Fifth Episcopal District and ITC graduates, the Reverends Erika Dunbar (the Florida Conference) and Jeremy Williams (the North Central Alabama Conference), taught on the subject of Table Manners for Radical Worship. Rev. Erika Dunbar is a Ph. D. candidate specializing in the Old Testament, and an adjunct professor at Spellman College and the Interdenominational Theological Center. Rev. Jeremy Williams is a Ph.D. candidate and is a teaching fellow at Harvard University, New Testament and Early Christianity scholar, and pastor of the Phillips Metropolitan CME Church (Hartford, CT). Both are gifted masters at engaging the intellect to promote reflection, challenge, and action.

Professor Dunbar. As opposed to the Last Supper portrayal of 13 homogenous males, Susan White’s First Supper features 13 globally diverse women and raises issues of gender equality and socio-economic justice. The Table of communion is to focus our attention not on Jesus alone, but also to focus on humanity and justice. Hebraic worship is a “love triangle.” “We cannot worship God unless we love God, love our neighbor, and love ourselves. As a corollary, until we love ourselves, we can love neither our neighbor nor God. The Table is an all-inclusive, contextually-relevant space where “the sacred, the streets, the sanctuary, and the Spirit converge,” resulting in “liberation and salvation.” “Radical worship means loving oneself enough to engage in radical community building with one’s neighbor with God at the center, categorized by empathy, mercy, and lovingkindness.” Psalm 23 points out that radical worship: “(1) provides sustenance and substantial resources for members of the community, (2) gives thanks, (3) participates in co-creating stories with God, and (4) involves sacrifice of your livelihood, titles, power, and privilege so that

the plight of marginalized people in the community can be advanced.”

Rev. Jeremy Williams. In Luke 22: 14-23, Jesus is seen as a worshipper calling us to examine whether our worship is divine or deficient.” The central act of divine worship is gratitude. Gratitude is the present acknowledgment of Who God is, who God has been, and what God has done.” The Last Supper calls us not to focus on what lies ahead, but to be grateful for what is behind us. Focus on what God has already done. Because if God has already done it before, He can do it again.”

“God’s triumphs trampoline us into trusting God.” However, if our worship does not compel us to act, then our worship is deficient. “If our worship inspires us to love God, but not our neighbor then our worship is deficient.

If our worship is only about God blessing us and not about God using us to bless others, then our worship is deficient. If our worship is about lifting our voices to God, while remaining silent in our communities, then our worship is deficient. The disposition of “worship is gratitude, but the destination of worship is justice” where “the kingdom and reign of God break out into the world.” “If we are to engage in divine worship then it should be a gathering of people who are returning from having been sent rather than congregating to send Jesus everywhere else. Divine worship should be a testimony of what God has sent us to do … Divine worship inspires sent students to become life-long learners; develop an unquenchable “Christ-centered curiosity, eternal internal inquiry, and a well-spring of wonder” about Jesus so that we “come to understand that even our best attempt to describe God is still idolatry, for if you say God is good, God has been better than that.”

Many times we wonder are the young adults ready to lead the CME Church into the future. The answer is they are not only ready but willing and able to take the CME church to the next level NOW! 1

2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

Friday, August 23, 2019

Masterfully Defined Moments with the Maestro: Dr. James Abbington Submitted by Rev. Valencia Edner On Tuesday morning August 20th, 2019 those in a endance at the 7th Unity Summit, heard an address that was as its designa on indicated: Defining. The speaker was Dr. James Abbington, Associate Professor of Church Music and Worship at Chandler School of Theology, who with anecdotal humor and convic on challenged each of us, his listeners, to view our worship prac ces and commit to revitalizing them. Using the automobile industry as an analogy, Dr. Abbington reminded us that defec ve products are recalled, and that we must seek a “worship recall to fix that which needs correc ng.” A er iden fying that most scholarship on worship is penned by white evangelicals, he cited several scholars of worship in the African American tradi on, including our own Rev. Lisa Allen McLaurin.

Dr. Abbington contends that the book, Worship is a Verb, is inclusive of our worship service prac ces but is also revealed in lifestyles. He encouraged those a ending to analyze the order of worship, to seek modes of worship that send the people forth to do, and cau oned his audience to avoid the tempta on of merely being entertaining. He stated that worship celebrates church and those who worship are in communica on with God and will respond to God, no ng that all crea on worships God. Dr. Abbington asserted that “Worship is done by us, not to us or for us,” as it is rooted in the Bible and starts with God. Worship is God’s invita on to return to God and to respond to God’s ini a ves. There is no place for gimmicks or fads with authen c worship!

Employing the Discipline of the CME Church, Dr. Abbington referenced the order of worship and challenged the audience of lay and clergy to evaluate it and not to become stale. He stated that far too many of us sing songs without substance and preach sermons without purpose, reducing the congregants to being disconnected spectators, and consequently, the worship service becomes an exercise in endurance ... He further contended that worship must be theologically sound, inclusive, relevant, foster a sense of mission, use generous language and must send forth, thus answering the ques on, “What happens a er the benedic on?”

Dr. Abbington also indicated that worship must employ a reflec on of the historic faith tradi on, yet avoid tradi onalism, and should s ll, like the ancestors did, 2

point to an eschatological hope. Reci ng the lyrics of Bishop Holsey’s composi on, “O Rapturous Scenes,” he s rred the audience to a fervor of eschatological praise.

Using Ecclesiastes as a textual reference, he addressed music that is considered contemporary, no ng that the root word is temporary, not as a rebuke, [but merely] as a means of reemphasizing the need for all types of music in the worship experience, and that there is nothing new under the sun! He cau oned that we must be careful not to “buck sizzle and fry” in worship while missing the meaning of the songs sung or become too haughty because “novelty has no staying power”.

He stated that we must sing a new song even if its old, remembering what God has done. He further contended that “in Jesus all things are always new. All singing is poten ally new, and each singing is a new experience.”

Incorpora ng his [understanding of] church music with his address on worship, he ended his presenta on by admonishing us to be careful not to reduce the story inside of the song. The occasion upon which James Weldon Johnson wrote “Li Every Voice and Sing” was given as a reason for singing the full story wri en by the composer of hymns and other songs. He noted the movements of the lyrics from celebra on to lament to doxological conclusion, s rring the audience to view this me-honored hymn with “new song” life.

As we ended the session with the singing of the song deemed the “Negro Na onal Anthem,” both the audience and the awestruck music team were elated when Dr. Abbington joined in by playing the organ with the skill of the masterful maestro he is. The defining address was truly a defining moment that though ended, will undoubtably forever impact the way each person who experienced this address views worship.

2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

Friday, August 23, 2019

Summit Precepts Submitted by Attorney Rita Washington Eighth Episcopal District

On Tuesday morning, August 20, Bishop Sylvester Williams, the current Chair of the Unity Summit asked Bishop Kenneth Carter to the stage.

Bishop Williams had an Award of Apprecia on for Bishop Carter for his commitment, dedicated service, and leadership to the Unity Summit from 2014 – 2017. Bishop Williams invited Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick to present the award to him.

Bishop Reddick said that the cycle of leadership is (l-r): Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III presents an award of con nuing from one bishop to another. appreciation to Bishop Kenneth W. Carter while Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. looks on.

A erward, Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas and Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield provided an overview of what we would experience during the 7th Unity Summit. Dr. Crutchfield stated that the place to start teaching is with worship. During this week we will address the ques ons of who, what, when, where and why of worship. He asked the a endees to be ac ve par cipants in the sessions.

Bishop Thomas stated that he was a “seat filler” and provided the following rambling thoughts. First, we will look at worship as a way forward for us as a people, as CME’s. Second, we are a created people, created to worship God. Our purpose is to worship God decently and in order. Third, worship is more than a program; it is a pa ern of movement called a ritual that is the founda on of our worship. Our pa ern leads us from one phase of worship to another.

“Making the Hymnal Your Friend in Worship” Submitted by Rev. Diana Casteel, Presiding Elder Greenville-Texarkana District East Texas Region

“Making the Hymnal Your Friend in Worship” was the topic for Wednesday, August 21, 2019, from 9:30am – 11:45am. The Rev. Dr. Dollie Howell Pankey was the presenter. The Unity Summit Committee could not have picked a more qualified person to be the presenter. Dr. Pankey has a passion for music that cannot only be heard but felt. Her class was an overview of the hymnal as a congregational songbook, a theological tool, a devotional resource, a musical tool and a worship planning tool to enliven worship. Some of the key points taken from the class: • • • • •

The hymnal can be used as a musical and hymnological tool (medleys). Example hymns are “How Great Is Our God” and How Great Thou Art.” Dr. Pankey said we should expand the hymn text repertoire by using familiar tunes.

The words on the printed page should come alive, reflecting the spirit of the song and its origin.

Our singing together needs to reflect everyone in the space.

A lot of songs we sing is not songs of praise.

Songs of praise is about God and not about the induvial.

Dr. Pankey put a great deal of her heart into this presentation and kept the attendees engaged throughout the whole presentation.

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2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

Technology and Worship

Submitted by Rev. Dr. Charley Hames, Senior Pastor Beebe Memorial CME Church

Dr. Theresa Duhart led a powerful and poignant class through the subject of Technology and Worship.

She challenged us to use technology to assist in providing more meaningful, engaging, and vibrant worship experiences and serve as a catalyst to connect with the communities of faith. She discussed the role of communication and information technology and how it changes the norm of our day-to-day activities and the impact on the local church community.

Dr. Duhart elevated how technology has helped the good news of Jesus the Christ reach further. This Gospel has been advanced through Church apps, websites, text message services, and social media platforms that have kept churches involved. She encouraged everyone to understand that there are a lot of positives when it comes to technology. One positive outlined/illustrated is the use of online giving. It was noted that we no longer live in the day where we have

Friday, August 23, 2019 to write checks or put cash in an envelope. Churches that use online giving see a significant increase in their giving, and giving occurs multiple days a week versus just Sunday.

Additionally, there are streaming services, along with Facebook live, that can be used to enhance your worship and serve your community. Dr. Duhart reminded the class that when you go live or online through streaming, it is an opportunity to market and brand the church. This is important to understand because it is a production that should happen before you go online.

One of the slides shared in the class was entitled, “How do we keep people engaged for fellowship despite streaming?” Dr. Duhart touched on the subject about building your online audience and reaching out to virtual visitors. She taught that tech-savvy seekers go online to learn about a church before they visit. Think about introducing your church staff, giving a quick tour of the church building or showcase the children’s ministry and nursery spaces so that people will feel comfortable dropping off their children before the worship services.

This was an extremely insightful and inspirational class which everyone should have attended; it would definitely be a blessing to your ministry or church!

Thank you, Dr. Duhart, for your teaching and exposure to the world of technology!

THE "SUCH AS I HAVE" Submitted by Adrian C. Evans

As worshipers gathered for the worship experience sponsored by the Ministers and Laymen’s Council on Thursday evening, they were greeted with a reminder from the Unity Summit Choir that God is a “Way Maker.” Additional choruses of classics such as “Jesus Will” and “God Is” reinforced the power and might of Almighty God. These lyrics were further confirmed with the message, preached by the Rev. Dr. Tyrone T. Davis.

A son of the Fifth Episcopal District (specifically New Purchase CME Church in Beatrice, AL), Dr. Davis preached a message titled, “Such as I Have.” The title was taken from Acts 3:1-10. Using a fictitious “George,” Dr. Davis drew an analogy of the Church gathered at the Unity Summit and Peter and John at the gate Beautiful. He spoke of how often we are guilty of not using the gifts and resources God has blessed us to have. He led attendees to consider the “George” moments we may have had in the past when someone stands on the corner or in a parking lot, asking for assistance. He spoke of how often we fail to “look at” the person because we do not want the responsibility of engagement: that we may have to address the issue and the person; that we may have to do something about their condition. He contended, though, that “If the Church is to be relevant today, it must look at people and not over people.”

Dr. Davis continued by confirming God’s power and might, declaring, “God is big enough to cast us into any role God chooses.” Subsequently, God is able to sustain us through those times when we use our gifts and graces to bless the world. We cannot limit ourselves by comparing ourselves to how someone else is able to give or to minister, but we must demand of the world: “Look at us!” and then tell and share with them the “Such as We Have.” Whatever we have, it is that which we must use to glorify God. We best honor God by blessing all of humankind, using those gifts and graces God has blessed us to have. Such…as…I…have.

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2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

Friday, August 23, 2019

Banging Worship 101 Part II Submitted by Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh Second Episcopal District

Con nuing the presenta on begun by Dr. Geraldine Daniels on Tuesday, Rev. Dr. Joseph Gordon, Pastor of Carter Temple CME Church, Chicago, IL, explained the theore cal basis for acceptable worship. He began by reviewing what Dr. Daniels covered, saying that her class was focused on how worship is designed and planned.

Dr. Gordon’s presenta on centered on the right a tude to approach worship. He said the purpose of proper, responsible planning is to move the congrega on from passive to par cipatory worship. This happens when we recognize that God is the focus and source of, rather than the topic of, worship. We are to be ac ve par cipants in worship rather than passive observers.

Dr. Gordon then moved to share an understanding of Christocentric worship. “Worship for Chris ans,” he said, “must be Christocentric (focused on Christ).” Through Christocentric worship we understand that “worship is always a response to God’s ini a ve and invita on,” and “our worship is part of an eternal enterprise - worship was happening long before we arrived on the scene.”

He went on to talk about our a tude problem with worship. He said that without the proper a tude, worship will be lukewarm. He also shared that corporate worship is also personal and the pastor has a prophetic responsibility to deal with the dangers of unacceptable worship.

Dr. Gordon used the biblical story of Cain and Abel as an illustra on of what cons tutes worship with the right a tude. Cain, he said, didn’t give God his first or his best, but Abel offered the first and best that he had. We are also guilty of giving God what he termed “le overs.” He also shared from Malachi 1, what God’s response is to those who don’t worship properly and with the right a tude.

He concluded by sharing that “Christocentric worship is worship that has Christ as the focus but also sends forth the believer for ac on in the world.” It is through this type of worship that we are made useful for the world. His closing thought for the class was the reminder that our true worship begins at the benedic on.

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2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board

The Living Human Document Submitted by Rev. Dr. Kai Horn Chaplain, Spiritual Care Department Christus St. Michael Healthcare System

Chaplain Geraldine Daniels, President of the Chris an Methodist Episcopal Church Board of Chaplains, welcomed CME chaplains from all over the Connec on with her calm ministry of presence early Wednesday morning. Chaplains – military, hospital, prison, hospice, police and many others – were awake, alert and energized. A er gree ng, ea ng and roll call, it did not take long to know that something “remarkable” was about to occur.

It is a new season for chaplains in the CME Church. There is a new coordinator, Chaplain James Smith. He is using resources from his background in military chaplaincy to develop our accountability process. There is a new endorsing process. The CME church is working in tandem with the Pan-Methodist Commission Ecclesias cal Endorsement. There are requirements that the CME Church will adjust to fit our context; however, the process is s ll the same.

“There are new trends of which chaplains should avail themselves,” stated Bishop Jefferson-Snorton, CME church endorsing agent. Issues in the social context, dialogue regarding inclusiveness, and how to provide spiritual care to various age groups and differentlyabled people are but a few of the concerns impac ng

Friday, August 23, 2019 spiritual care. Chaplains are wri ng new ar cles for The Chris an Index. There is the possibility of new jobs, as Chaplain Mary Tyes-Williams, D.Min, U.S. Department of Jus ce Federal Bureau of Prisons, informs us of the lack of African-American chaplains in the prison ministry. The process could be a blessing for someone who is qualified. Again, this is a new season of fresh anoin ng for chaplains in the CME Church.

This new season comes with some open wounds. Bishop Jefferson-Snorton reminded us of the loss of Chaplain Weldon Thomas on this year and that we should con nue to pray for the family. A er a brief reflec on, the breakfast ended with Bishop Paul A. G. Stewart, Emeritus and past endorsing agent, celebra ng Bishop Jefferson-Snorton “taking it to another level.” Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., celebrated the “structure culture,” foreseeing the benefit to pastors in the community-at-large.

Bishop Jefferson-Snorton made her way to the middle of the room, reminding [those present] that as chaplains, they provide spiritual care to everyone as the human living documents on which experiences are wri en. Bishop Jefferson-Snorton, before asking Chaplain Daniels to adjourn the mee ng, ended the mee ng with another celebra on. She has developed a curriculum for chaplains for the Fire Department of Birmingham. They have graduated eight new chaplains and are now preparing for their second Chaplaincy Training Program. Yes, it is a new season for CME Chaplains. It is a new day.

The Editor wishes to thank the contributors to the content of The Daily Index. Articles and photos were submitted by Rev. Diana Casteel; Dr. Leo Pinkett; Attorney Rita Washington; Rev. Valencia Edner; Dr. Charles Holbrook; Rev. Amariah McIntosh; Rev. Cassandry Redmond Keys; Dr. Clifford Harris; Dr. Charley Hames; Dr. Clarence Heath; Rev. Lisa Lewis-Balboa; Dr. Kai Horn; Rev. Leon Moore; Dr. Lydia Spragin; Dr. Adrian Evans, and the College of Bishops. Thanks also to all those who assisted in sales.

It is with deep sorrow that I remember a most faithful contributor to both this publication and The Christian Index, Dr. Weldon Thomas. Our prayers continue for His wife, Marilyn, and their children.

A very special thanks to my wife, Sis. Phyliss M. Spragin, for her love and commitment to this ministry and to me.

Finally, thank you to all who support this ministry in every way through your purchases and your prayers.

God bless you all.

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