Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor
2019 Unity Summit/General Connectional Board
Love, Grow, Go Submitted by Diana Casteel, Presiding Elder Greenville-Texarkana District East Texas Region
The Service of Holy Communion at the 7th Annual Unity Summit at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix Hotel in Phoenix, Arizona convened at 6:00 p.m. with a processional song, “We’re Marching to Zion.” Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick served as worship leader. The host bishop, Bishop Bobby R. Best, gave warm words of greetings; Dr. Pene Woods, Executive Secretary gave the announcements for the evening; and then host pastor, Rev. Reginald Walton, to present some special guests. First, the Honorable Greg Stanton, Congressman from the Ninth District and former mayor of Phoenix, greeted the 7th Unity Summit, thanking the College of Bishops for coming to Phoenix. He further stated that Phoenix is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. He was followed by State Representative Reginald Bolden, and lastly by Chief of Police Jeri L. Williams who received a standing ovation. Chief Williams is also a licensed preacher in the AME church. Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Secretary of the College of Bishops, presented the Connectional Officers, General Officers, Heads of Institutions, Retired Bishops, and the current active Bishops, all with their spouses, if present. The Call to Worship was given by the worship leader, Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick. Following the call to worship the congregation stood and sang, “O for A Thousand Tongues to Sing.” We affirmed our faith by reciting the Apostles’ Creed, followed by the prayer by Bishop C. James King. The Unity Summit Choir blessed us by singing, “Oh, How Precious Is His Name.” The song was very uplifting. The scripture reading from Mark 12:30-31 and Mark 16:14-16 was eloquently read by Bishop James B. Walker. Following the scripture reading we were blessed with another song by the Unity Summit Choir. This time it was, “He Decided to Die,” led by Rev.
Wednesday, August 22, 2019 Ramon Stripling. They reminded us through song that Jesus would not come down from the cross to save himself, but he decided to die just to save us. Yes, the choir lifted our spirits so until most were up on their feet giving praises and thanksgiving to our Lord and Savior for what He did for us. Two statements were presented to the body of the Unity Summit by the College of Bishops. The first statement had to do with the strategic plan for the denomination and was delivered by Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton. This statement addressed some critical needs of our church. The second, read by Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick, concerned the church and the world. It addressed the critical times we are living in and gave the CME Church stance on the critical issues of these times. These statements will be made available by email, if individuals are on the CME e-blast list, through the media of The Christian Index, and by other means. Afterwards, Senior Bishop Reddick introduced the speaker for the night in a very unique way. After the singing of “Love Lifted Me,” we were blessed by the preached word that came from Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., who is the Presiding Bishop of the 1st Episcopal District and Chair of the College of Bishops. Bishop Williams gave a very thought-provoking sermon on the subject matter of “Love, Grow, Go.” He stated that we are commanded to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. He further stated that we must tell the truth to all America that Africa is the birthplace of civilization and has given to the world all its greatest achievements … architecture, astronomy, writings, arithmetic, sailing, etc. He challenged us to read a book, This Land Is Our Land, and that we must tell our Black children the truth … about the Middle Passage … That’s How You Love, Grow, and Go … hand in hand. Continued on next page 1