Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor
2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board
Thursday, August 22, 2019
Unity Summit Concert Submitted by Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh Second Episcopal District
As in past years, the Unity Summit concluded with a concert featuring the Connectional Music and Arts Ministry and well-known artists from the world of gospel music. This year’s concert didn’t disappoint, but instead of well-known gospel artists, two of the CME Church’s own artists were featured. The coordinator for the 2018-2021 Quadrennium, Rev. Valencia Edner of the Eighth Episcopal District, said this about the change, “I’m excited about everyone’s gifts being used. We are a talented and gifted Zion and everyone needs to know how much talent we have.” She went on to say, “Over the next few years, we are going to focus on our own talent.” Tonight, every artist, singer, director and musician is a member of the CME Church. New to the CMAM team was Mrs. Kelli Williamson-Key, daughter of Bishop and Dr. Henry Williamson. She is the coordinator for the First Episcopal District and shared her thoughts about being part of the ministry, “It’s been an awesome and invigorating experience.” The music for the concert represented multiple genres of African American sacred music. The choir, dressed in African attire, began the concert with an old Rev. Timothy Wright staple, “For the Rest of My Life.” Other songs sung were “Glorious is Your Name,” and a Negro spiritual, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” which was directed by Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin, professor of worship at the Interdenominational Theological Center. Mrs. Williamson-Key directed a contemporary gospel song, “Your Great Name,” with lead vocals by Rev. Kenneth Pettigrew and herself.
The concert also featured Rev. Dr. Twana Harris of the Third Episcopal District at her dramatic and vocal finest. She composed and delivered a monologue dealing with being broke and brokenness. In the background the choir sang the reassuring “God Restores” and “I’m All In.” The featured musical artists were Rev. Dollie Howell Pankey of the Fifth Episcopal District, whose professional name is D’Marie, and Rev. Lisa Clayton of the Seventh Episcopal District, who also served as the CMAM Coordinator for the previous quadrennium. Each lady ministered with songs they had composed. The choir provided background vocals on Rev. Pankey’s “Afraid” and Rev. Clayton’s “Joy Unspeakable.” Sharing the vocal lead, the two joined the choir for the finale, “Holy One.” The Ministers’ Spouses, under the leadership of their president, Carolyn Hassell, presented scholarships and gave donations to each of our CME Schools. The concert truly culminated all that had been learned and shared this week on how we honor God with vibrant worship. 1