The Christian Index - January 2022

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • January 2022

Holsey Chapel Conducts Pandemic Ministry - p. 36

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2022 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.

Periodicals Postage is paid at Memphis, Tennessee, and at additional entry offices. Postal records are maintained at: The CME Department of Publications, Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. General Secretary, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Suite 153, Memphis, Tennessee 38116. POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The CME Publishing House, P. O. Box 16035, Memphis, TN 38186. THE SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $30 for one year.

Subscriptions should be sent to Office of the Publisher: The Christian Index, P. O. Box 16035, Memphis, TN 38186. The Publisher’s telephone number is (901) 396-5400. ARTICLES FOR PUBLICATION should be sent to Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor, THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany, GA 31721 or to: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org.

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

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

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The Christian Index • January 2022

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

Volume 155, Number 1

January 2022

Connectional Interests Episcopacy

Committee on Resolutions 5 Commitee on Emergency Relief 7

Public Service Loan Forgiveness 8

General Conference Delegates 8

Dept. of Finance and Investments 18

Board of Personnel Services 22

Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 23

Department of Lay Ministry 24

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 25

CME-Affiliated Schools

26 Submissions

Senior Bishop Reddick Visits Ghana 28

Mt. Zion Celebrates Lay Day 2021 29

Africa and The Great Commission 30

Trauma into Transformative Treasure 31

The Godly Woman and Her Tasks 32

Charles Edwards Publishes New Book 34

A Pandemic Ministry 36

The Challenge to Do. The Will to Be 37

Spring Hill Recognizes Stansbury 38

McIntosh Named Director, Public Policy 38 Children/Youth 39 Ecumenical News

ITC Mourns Whelchel 41 Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud 42 Connectional Directory 47

Cover: Holsey Chapel Conducts Pandemic Ministry, page 36.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: December 23, 2021

Editorial

The Strategic Plan: To Be or Not to Be?

One hundred fifty-one years ago on December 16, 1870, forty-one formerly enslaved black men met in a church in Jackson, Tennessee, to form, lay the foundations, and plan the ministry of what is now known as the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Many of them had litle education, and for the most part it seems that they had little that could be called wealth.

What they did have was faith in God and a dream for themselves and for their posterity. Their goals were to continue in the Christian and Methodist faith and heritage in which they had been instructed, to educate their children and grandchildren in both godly and secular ways, and to reach the lost for Christ. All of these were lofty goals for people who had lived most of Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., their entire lives under the mastery of others. Yet, the "Colored Methodists" had persevered and Editor prevailed in gaining authority to found their own church.

Even though bishops were elected almost immediately and a modified Discipline adopted, executable plans for the new denomination were not quick to develop. The Connection had to be solidified, property had to be secured, members had to be introduced to their new leadership ... and there was no income stream to speak of. Strategic plans were developed as needs arose and minstries were envisioned. The CME Church has undergone a least a handful of strategic plans in the hopes of improving the stability and ministries of the church. In every case, there was discussion of the merits and flaws of the particular plan, but in the end there was a plan and the Church moved on in spiritual, numerical, and financial growth. Thank God that there have been plans, some things have been acheived, and the denomination remains a witness to the grace of God and to the foresight, insight, and fortitude of those founding fathers and subsequent church leaders, men and women, who came before us.

In the General Conference of this year, God willing, we will have the opportunity to vote on a Strategic Plan. It is nothing new to most of us, for we have been hearing about it for over a year now. For almost a year, we have participated in listening tours designed to inform and explain the plan to our members, and to give multiple opportunities for input from every sector of the Church. Though the listening tours were ceased toward the end of summer 2021, each episcopal district still has a bishop and other persons who are available for questions and who continue to prepare the Strategic Plan for presentation to the 2022 General Conference and for its full-scale execution afterward.

The concerns this Plan seeks to address have been with the church ever since there was a church with people called Christians. However, times change, and our approach to the challenges of the day must likewise change, or at least be evaluated for their effectiveness if we are to continue to be a church body. This Strategic Plan addresses these challenges and concerns in the following ways: 1. Develop and pilot a discipleship program for all our churches. The aim is to develop and promote Christian faith and behavior in both new and existing believers.

2. Increase and evaluate our international impact through clearly defined focused missions and partnerships. The aim is to have missions that are measureable and meaningful to all involved.

3. Develop a church growth initiative that will increase the apparent and real vibrancy of existing churches and that will result in the planting of new churches in new places. The aim is to have a vibrant, inviting church life and evangelism.

4. Teach and model biblical stewardship on an individual and a corporate level. The aim is a godly use of time, talents, and resources, including the acquisition or availability of new funding sources for the local church.

5. Teach and model biblical stewardship on an individual and a corporate level. The aim is a godly use of time, talents, and resources, including the acquisition or availability of new funding sources for the connectional church.

6. Enhance or develop congregational (local church) ministries. The aim is to create or strengthen bonds between the local church and the community thereby increasing the relevance of the local church to the community.

Each of these strategic initiatives is being developed on the connectional level with input from selected local churches throughout the Connection to create a common, unified plan that is adaptable and useful to every local church.

Jesus did not establish the church without a plan for its survival and success. Since 1870, the CME Church has been formulating, executing, and evaluating plans for its ministries and success in accordance with the Lord's plan for his church. The question is not whether we will have a plan. The question is whether we, the CME Church, will be or not be. The Strategic Plan keeps us going in the right direction.

January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Episcopacy

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

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH 2022 GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS The Committee on Resolutions is appointed by the College of Bishops in accordance with ¶206 of THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2018. The following are pertinent paragraphs from THE BOOK OF DISCIPLINE, REVISED 2018, PAGES 32-33: ¶206. There shall be a Committee on Resolutions appointed by the College of Bishops. Each Bishop shall appoint one member to the Resolutions Committee by September 1 of the year preceding the General Conference. The Presiding Bishop of the District shall publish the name of the committee member throughout the District. ¶206.1. All resolutions, memorials, and other materials contemplated for presentation to the General Conference shall be sent to the appropriate Episcopal District Resolutions Committee member on or before January 31 of the year of the General Conference. ¶206.2. Resolutions mailed, sent or given to the Episcopal District representative shall be examined by him or her to ascertain if they meet the requirements for proposed legislation (cf. ¶1500.7, §4). All resolutions requiring changes in the wording and/or legal meanings of provisions in the Discipline shall state the paragraph, section, page and language to be changed and the language to be substituted. In addition to the requirements referenced, resolutions shall not contain more than three preamble paragraphs. If the resolutions do not meet the requirements, they shall be returned for corrections.

In addition to these paragraphs from The Book of Discipline, Revised 2018, the College of Bishops has agreed upon the following regulations for the sake of uniformity: 1) Resolutions should be submitted in writing. a) Hard copies given to, mailed or emailed to the Episcopal District Representative should be typed in 12-point font, only on one side of the paper. Multiple pages should be stapled together. b) Resolutions submitted via email should be sent as an attachment in Word document format. c) The submitter of the resolution must type his/her name, address, telephone, email and local church information on each page of the resolution. d) Resolutions submitted on behalf of groups and organizations should clearly state this information and include one name as the point of contact.

2) All resolutions requiring changes in the wording and/or legal meanings of the provisions in the Discipline shall state the paragraph, section, page and language to be changed and the language to be substituted.

3) Resolutions shall not contain more than three preamble paragraphs.

4) Resolutions not meeting the above requirements will be returned for corrections. Corrected resolutions must be returned in time to meet the January 31, 2022 deadline.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton Secretary of The College of Bishops September 1, 2021

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Episcopacy

COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTIONS Bishop Thomas Brown, Sr., Chair Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Vice Chair

First Episcopal District

Sixth Episcopal District

Second Episcopal District

Seventh Episcopal District

Third Episcopal District

Eighth Episcopal District

Rev. John L. Mason, Jr. 3446 Shelby Dr Memphis, Tennessee 38118 901-219-5579 Jomason9@aol.com

Rev. Pansy Washington 1303 Blairwood Ct Atlanta, GA 30331 626-625-4108 PansyWashington50@gmail.com

Ms. Twila Lewis-White 7733 Tanager Meadows Trotwood, OH 45426 937-503-9859 faithful1tlw@gmail.com

Mrs. Cathedra Miller 94 Nassau St Charleston, SC 29403 843-810-2693 cathedramiller@aol.com

Mrs. Renova Chunn 3824 Arbre Lane Florissant , MO 63034 314-974-4775 mybmw_745@att.net

Dr. Patricia McKenzie 104 Palmetto Court

Lufkin, Texas 75901

936-634-2367 patriciamckenzieEDD@gmail.com

Fourth Episcopal District

Ninth Episcopal District

Fifth Episcopal District

Tenth Episcopal District

Rev Dr. Debra Coleman 172 Promenade Shreveport, LA 71115 318-426-9647 or 318-635-0600 awcfam@comcast.net Mr. James Blackman 855 Wildwood Ave Mobile, AL 36609 251-295-5750 5thDistrictResolutions@gmail.com

Rev. Dr. David C. Isom P. O. Box 196 Fairfield, CA 94533 253-241-1538 davidcisom@thecmechurch.org

Mr. Friday Ben Governor’s Office Uyo, Akwa Ibom State Nigeria +234-803-868-9296

d2popman@yahoo.com

Eleventh Episcopal District

Rev. Urseila Williams 450 Coral Pass Jackson, GA 30233 770-310-3086 WilliamsExecAsst11@gmail.com

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Episcopacy

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Episcopacy

Public Service Loan Forgiveness Expanded For Clergy And Religious Workers Bishops, Please share with your pastors who may have student loan debt.

Members of the clergy and other student loan borrowers engaged in religious-oriented work may now qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program after being excluded for over a decade. New regulations that went into effect July 1, 2021 expand PSLF eligibility to this new class of workers.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness allows federal student loan borrowers to discharge their student loans after working in positions with government or nonprofit organizations for at least 10 years. The program requires 120 “qualifying payments” to attain eligibility for loan forgiveness. These payments must meet several criteria: •

•

•

Payments must be made on a Direct federal student loan. Not all federal student loans are issued under the Direct lending program.

Payments must be made under an income-driven repayment plan such as IBR, PAYE, or REPAYE. Payments made under the 10-year Standard plan also qualify, although this would repay the underlying federal loan in full within 10 years.

The borrower must make on-time payments while working as a full-time employee for either a government agency or entity, or a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

Read the entire article at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/adamminsky/2021/07/01/public-service-loanforgiveness-expanded-today-for-clergy-andreligious-workers/.

Bishop TJS (Teresa Jefferson-Snorton)

Connectional Interests

General Conference Delegates

2022 General Conference Delegates and Alternates

CORRECTIONS REPORTED BY EPISCOPAL LEADERSHIP THIRD EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (Bishop Sylvester Williams): Michigan-Indiana Region: Rev. Terrell Jackson was incorrectly reported as a delegate. He should have been listed as an alternate.

FIFTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT (Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton): North Central Alabama Region: - The email address for James Perkins, a lay delegate to the General Conference, was incorrectly printed as jamesperkins05252@gmail.com. The correct email address is jamesperkins5252@gmail.com.

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General Conference Delegates

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General Conference Delegates

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General Conference Delegates

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General Conference Delegates

"It was liberating to see God moving in the midst of COVID-19 ... COVID-19 liberated us to do ministry and outreach in new ways ... It allowed us to come together in new ways ... It allowed us to ... become excited again about ministry ... to do what God called us to do."

--Rev. Richard McDuffie January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

How to Submit Material to The Christian Index

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Articles and pictures may be sent via email to the Editor at: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org .

Format for text may be either MSWord or PDF. Format for pictures may be JPEG, BMP, TIFF, or PNG. Typed submissions are much easier to process than handwritten manuscripts.

There is no charge for submissions that DO NOT contain pictures. There IS a charge for pictures.

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Mailed payments should be made payable to "Department of Publications" and sent to the Editor at: 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721.

Payments will be submitted to the Department of Publications by the Editor.

Please do not submit dated material that is more than three months old. The Editor is making every attempt to keep the magazine filled with relevant information.

For questions or concerns regarding the content of The Christian Index, please contact the Editor.

For all other concerns, you should contact the Publisher.

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Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From Where I Sit …”

MLK Day and “Spiritual Wickedness in High Places…”

It was 35 years ago on the 19th of January 1987. As the new pastor of the Wesley CME Church in Beloit, Wisconsin, and newly elected president of the Black Ministers Alliance of Beloit, I had been invited to serve as the keynote speaker for the Citywide Martin Luther King Ecumenical Worship Service. Assembled in one of the largest churches, I mounted the pulpit praying that the message I had to share would do justice to the occasion and prove meaningful to both the black and white attendees. My text was Ephesians 6:12 (KKV) “For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” And though my subject was traditional, it was my sub-subject that caught everyone’s attention: “Little Men in Back Rooms Pulling Strings.”

Even though the text’s reference to high places meant heavenly places, for this occasion, I chose to use the literal reference for illustrative purposes for my hearers to understand that evil and spiritual wickedness was also near at hand. As I spoke of the public advances of racial harmony, I warned with the borrowed reference that “Behind the curtain of genteel civility looms the brooding face of racial unrest and distrust. Lost somewhere in the hyperbolic onslaught of the avalanche of our media outlets is a grain of truth that seems unable to rise to the top or to lift its voice above the bellowing of others.

We see the events but miss the signs, we chronicle the actions but miss the significance, we log the occurrences … but fail to understand what has truly happened.”

Little did I know that the illustration of 35 years ago, would come to pass with a vengeance in our present day. And it didn’t just happen overnight. There have always been back rooms with little men pulling the strings of public influence. In July 1987 with the rejection of Supreme Court Nominee Robert Bork, a seed was planted in the back rooms. Little men began perhaps plotting how and pulling the strings to counter such an action. About the time of President Barack Obama’s election, the Tea Party became the outward expression of the strings being pulled in the back rooms which over time have manifested in the dominance of state houses (that control redistricting), majorities of the US House and Senate chambers, control of the Presidency, and now the revered Supreme Court.

As we celebrate MLK Day 2022, let us remember that the battle is not yet over, and the victory is far from being claimed. We must stand for right as we continue to teach and train our young people the truth of the struggle, the struggle against “spiritual wickedness in high places” both heavenly and earthly. 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) 22

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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”

It Takes All of Us There are several roads that lead to one location. Each of us chooses the road we feel may be better suited for our travel, the road God has prepared for us or the one others have chosen for us. During this season of celebration and expectation recalling the Advent story, we are considering what God had done in a lowly manger. Additionally, as we reflect, we also give consideration to how the wise men followed a road guided by an Eastern star, but they did not return home on the same road.

Instead, heeding to the warning by God in a dream, they traveled home another way.

The church’s impact today is needed and necessary! The political climate, racial injustice, social disparities, the gap between the haves and have nots and so much more call for us to stand as a trumpet. It takes all of us as the Church to live-out and carry the Gospel to meet the needs of God’s people. How can we accomplish this alone? It is difficult, but we may experience some level of accomplishment. However, not to the magnitude of all of us working together to do what is in the best interest of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church because working together works! It takes all of us! The local church must have visionary leaders to access the community it serves.

A Connectional Church How can one person, church, district or annual conference accomplish God’s work alone?

We are connectional, and we can ill afford to allow our collective genius to succumb to personalities, competition, theological differences, educational accomplishments, and church size. We may have great ideas and suggestions people may or may not agree with, but we cannot take it personally; the kingdom/kingdom of God is more immense than any of us. Each local church congregation needs to envision itself being attached to the community which they serve.

Getting to the Place of Agreement When we, as God’s people come into agreement, we become greater and the road we travel together can propel the Church to meet the need of being a light in dark places. God is in the people’s business, and so should the local Church and its membership. Hey! Where are we going? Would not you agree that the small town, rural, urban, and suburban congregations can benefit from each other’s work? The fact is our collective work is better than our individual work. The road that leads to a better Church, community and family is best travelled with all persons in agreement. In closing, let us harmoniously travel the same road. It has often been said and repeated, “Teamwork makes the dream work, and there is no I in team.” Also, consider this: “The one who walks the road alone may not see the beauty of riding together.”

We are the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.

Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions Pleasant Hill CME, Conyers, GA January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr. Clifford L. Harris, General Secretary

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

LAITY EMPOWERED BY THE GREAT COMMISSION: STUDY, COMMIT, AND ENGAGE As we begin 2022, I would like to continue reflecting on our Lay Ministry Quadrennial Theme, Laity Empowered By the Great Commission: Reaching, Teaching, and Ministering to All Generations. In this brief Helping Hands Bulletin, allow me to offer three actions, with supporting scriptures, which will help us in our quest to carry out this crucial mandate.

STUDY THE HOLY BIBLE WITH PURPOSE AND DETERMINATION - When we study with purpose, we place ourselves in a position to learn and grow, so that we might be able to live fuller lives and assist others. It is, thus, important that when we are challenged by our understanding of what we read and study, determination should drive us to access additional resources and translations of the Bible that will help provide the understanding that we seek and need to fully help the Great Commission come alive. 2 Timothy 2:15 ESV - Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

WE MUST WORK TO MAKE CHRISTIAN COMMITMENT MORE MEANINGFUL TO OUR OWN LIVES AS WELL AS IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS. I Chronicles 28:9 (NIV) says - And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever. I believe that lay men and women living by this scripture and assisting others to understand and live by the same, is one of the first steps in making the Great Commission real in our lives and in the lives of others.

Because life so often calls for one to fulfill various roles and assume a variety of responsibilities, Christian commitment will keep us close to God and help bring us back when we go astray. Thus, we must understand that as those who are called Christian, God’s way must permeate every part of our lives, which in turn, causes us to stay in touch and in tune with Him in every situation. Proverbs 4:13 says, Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Thus, if we make a habit of reading the word of God, it will become alive in us and will “show up” in every aspect of our lives.

PROMOTE AND ENGAGE IN MINISTRIES YET UNFULFILLED IN THE LOCAL CHURCH. Ministry, particularly, for Lay Men and Women, is becoming aware of and responding to the needs of our neighbor. While there may be ministry efforts going on in our local churches, laity are to always seek opportunities to be more effective and creative in providing help and service to our communities and church families. We are to help kindle and cultivate a yearning and a culture that centers on ministering to all generations that are represented in and outside of our church walls. Isaiah 6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here am I. Send me!” And Romans 12:9-13 says, “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Who Are We and What is our Purpose? - “We are the unordained people of God, furthering the mission of the church in the world” Dr. Clifford L. Harris - Email – mrcliffharris@yahoo.com - Telephone: 918.519. 4233

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES, WIDOWS, & WIDOWER DEPARTMENT “Stronger and Wiser in 2022”

A few days ago, I was reading our local newspaper. It included an article that chronicled all the news disasters that have happened in 2021. You could look at all the crime, gun violence, weak economics, climate change related disasters, court failures to provide justice, congressional infighting and quickly say I’m done and decide to check out. Or you could look a bit deeper in the stories and find the “But God!” But God worked on our behalf to bring us through and be encouraged.

In my 1982 Army Basic Training, I learned an important Life Lesson – “The challenges in life make you stronger and, yes, wiser, if you stay the course.” All those dreaded five-mile runs in the rain, fitness drills, and nights with wet feet helped to build my stamina and will to finish the course even when the road is rough. Today, I am not one to give up easily or shy away from a difficult task. My parents and neighborhood village instilled Christian values and positive self-esteem. If something did not go as I hoped, I was encouraged to try again or look for a new option to achieve the important goals. My faith walk has taught me that when you listen for God’s direction and stay in His will, God will open a window or another door to use your gifts and meet the needs.

Yes, there are and will always be evil people who throw shade. You learn to recognize them and wisely move around the roadblocks. You can’t let them steal your joy. Experience teaches you that God has the last word. We must continue to share this message with our children, young adults, and the discouraged. The load is a little lighter when we run together.

This year, dare to learn from the experiences of 2021, plan for the days ahead, share the journey with like-minded believers, and take the time to regularly encourage someone in your village. Working together we all achieve more.

Audrey Johnson is the Episcopal Representative from the 1st Episcopal District where Bishop Henry Williamson is the Presiding Prelate. She serves as Financial Secretary on the Connectional Executive Board.

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CME-Affiliated Schools From: https://www.lanecollege.edu/news/lane-college-pays-student-debt-with-heerf-funds. Accessed 12-21-2021.

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

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 26

The Christian Index • January 2022

Submissions From: https://www.miles.edu/news/article/8744/miles-college-chooses-apple-bridge-digital-divide. Accessed 12-21-2021.

MILES COLLEGE CHOOSES APPLE TO BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE Article Date: 11/30/21 Category: Adminstration, Latest News, News and Media Miles College Chooses Apple to Bridge the Digital Divide Media Contact: Brad Jennings Director of Public Relations bjennings@miles.edu Mobile: 205.427.2108 For Immediate Release: November 30, 2021 FAIRFIELD, Ala. – Miles College is launching its “Mobile Life” Student Success initiative to create a more innovative co-curricular learning and teaching environment for its students and faculty.

As a part of that initiative, the College will provide all full-time students enrolled during the Spring 2022 academic semester with iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, and AirPods Pro at the beginning of the Spring 2022 academic semester.

By equipping students and full-time faculty with iPad Pro and accessories, the College plans to bridge the digital divide and level technological advantages. The initiative will also enable professors to collaborate with students in new, innovative ways and improve the overall learning experience. Enhanced opportunities for students to connect, communicate, and interact with peers and faculty will help drive deeper learning while simultaneously making it easier to navigate the college experience.

“Utilizing iPad Pro in the classroom will be a new concept for many of the College’s instructors and students, improving the ability to be more creative and versatile, and enabling them to have more impactful studentinstructor collaboration opportunities,” said Miles College President, Bobbie Knight. “We are confident that this investment in our students will position them for a better future and a sustainable learning experience.”

Professional learning activities will be provided to faculty and students. Apple is assisting in delivery and deployment services. Miles College is also a part of the HBCU C2 initiative through Apple’s Community Education Initiative, designed to enhance coding, creativity, and workforce opportunities amongst all learners at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Miles College will launch the initiative at the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester. Details on the technology distribution will be announced at a later date.

“The Mobile Life initiative is the first step in actualizing the college's digital transformation strategy that focuses on building an accessible learning environment for all of our students,'' said Michael Johnson, Miles College Chief Innovation Officer. “We’re focused on creating an intentional learning environment by using iPad Pro, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil and AirPods Pro to create an experience that students can access anywhere and anytime.”

January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

SENIOR BISHOP REDDICK VISITS GHANA with FIRST LADY WYNDE

Submitted by Rev. Justice Adjei Kwame Lawson Mission Supervisor of Ghana-Togo Region

for the students. The School has a total population of about 2,500 students. It implies the CME through her educational missionary outreach is offering all these Ghanaian students High School education at this point in time.

An explosive evening worship service was also organized in honor of the Bishop and his entourage at Bethel CME Church in Accra, Ghana. They were welcomed into praise and worship, choreographic dance by CYF group members and beautiful melodic songs with American and Ghanaian lyrics to the admiration of all the worshipers that night. The word of exhortation was given by the Senior Bishop. His sermon was rooted from Luke 17:11-19 and themed “There is healing in your walk.” He encouraged the worshipers to know that there is healing and miracles happen when we walk in obedience with God. He assured

Senior Bishop L.L. Reddick III, CEO of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, in collaboration with the Bishop of the Tenth Episcopal District, paid a two-day working visit to Ghana on transit to visit the Liberian Regional Annual Conference. He was accompanied by First Lady Wynde Jones Reddick, Rev. Dr. Clarence Heath - 2022 candidate for the Episcopacy, Miss Kimberly Turner, Rev. Pansy Washington, and her husband, Mr. Jonathan Washington. They all arrived in Ghana on the 18th October, 2021.

The Host, Mission Supervisor Kwame Lawson Adjei, took them out on the 19th October for a courtesy call at the Christian Methodist Senior High School to expose and inform the Bishop and his entourage about Senior Bishop at worship with the members of Bethel CME Church, Accra, Ghana. how far the government (l-r, front row): Rev. Pansy Washington, Rev. Dr. Clarence Heath, Senior Bishop of Ghana has dealt with Lawrence L. Reddick III, and First Lady Wynde Reddick. the running business of the CME School. They them that God’s spiritual eyes see what they do not see were warmly welcomed to the School by the Assistant and walking in faith and obedience will bring healing and Headmasters of Academics and Administration since the blessings upon them. The church in appreciation to the substantive Headmaster was gone on retirement. Christian Methodist Senior High School is the only high school owned Bishop and his entourage presented gifts to each of them as a sign of acknowledgement of their visit to the motherland. by the CME Church in Ghana. It was fascinating to the

The second day of the visit which was 20th Bishop to see how new infrastructures have been provided by the government of Ghana to improve upon teaching and October, 2021, took them to the Elmina Slave Trade Castle in Cape Coast, Central Region of Ghana, built in 1842 by learning. the Portuguese, where various inhuman atrocities were

The Bishop’s entourage were also happy to see the committed by slave masters to ship our forefathers to newly furbished computer lab which was initiated for the the Americas and Europe. The Elmina Castle was the first school by an alumna who works with the Ecobank Ghana European slave trading post in all the Sub-Saharan Africa.

Ltd. As a result of this computer lab, the School now offers Information Technology (IT) in computer studies as a subject The group departed to Liberia on the 21st October, 2021.

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Submissions

Mt. Zion Celebrates Connectional Lay Day 2021

Submitted by Bro. Bruce Benson – Local Lay Leader

Mt. Zion celebrated Connectional Lay Day, Sunday, October 10, 2021.

Licentiate Bro. Harry Harris was our speaker. Lay Day is celebrated across the CME Connection on the second Sunday in October each year. Our theme this year is: “Laity Empowered by the Great Commission, Impacting Every Generation.” The scripture for Lay Day was Acts 1:8.

Bro. Bruce Benson is the local lay leader for Mt. Zion and served as the liturgist for the day. Sis. Alice Evans (“Nana”) brought the invocation and prayer. Sis. Claudia Wortherly read the laity poem and special reading from the Lay Ministry worldwide. Sis. Joyce Jay read scripture. Rev. Rebecca Rawls led the congregation in song and praise.

Bro. Benson is also Lay Leader for the Philadelphia Distirct and 1st Vice Lay Leader of the New York Washington Region. Bro. Ken Thomas is our Regional Lay Leader. Pastor Alfred S. Parker gains our thanks and support for allowing the laity to participate in Sunday’s service.

On another note, the Mt. Zion Food Ministry has been blessed with a brand new 2021 refrigerated van and a brand new storage area, also refrigerated . These donations were presented to the church by Philabundance and the many volunteers and faithful donors who support our food bank ministry. Mt. Zion’s Food Bank Ministry is an example and leader for food distribution in the Delaware County and Philadelphia area. We thank the leadership of the food ministry, Bro. Maurice and Sis. Clarisse Smith for their hard work and long hours of volunteering.

Pastor Parker dedicated the van and blessed its use for the food ministry on Sunday, September 26, 2021. Our food ministry is open to the public on Saturdays for full bags of food, and on Wednesdays when fresh vegetables and fruits are distributed. All members of the community are invited to come out and take part in this important ministry. Let Mt. Zion rejoice!

New storage facility donated by Philabundance for the food ministry.

2021 Refrigerated van dedicated to the Mt. Zion Food Ministry— donated by Philabundance.

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Submissions

The Africa Mission and the Great Commission Submitted by Rev. Dr. Jamie Capers

Earlier this year, I accompanied Bishop Kenneth Carter and the General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions, Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. on a mission journey to the countries of Egypt, Uganda, Kenya, and Sudan of the 11th Episcopal District. The purposes of the trip were to check on the progress and assist with the building of churches, hold the annual conferences for the regions, visit on-going projects to help the regions become self-sufficient and visit the recently completed school in Sudan. Though the COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays and distractions, we were able to have an amazing and spiritually enriching experience.

The first leg of the travel took us to Uganda where we checked on the progress and assisted in the construction of 175 church buildings. We arrived in Busia, Uganda, where a church and school sit on a property 25 minutes from the main road. The church, which is a nicesized one, was completed a few months ago. After this visit, we continued our two-and-a-half-hour trip on the red clay, dirt road through a very rural part of the region. We visited four (4) churches on the first day and six (6) on the following day. A few of the churches have been completed while the others still need a little more work. Also, on the second day of visiting these churches that were under construction, we began the process of building one. It truly was a fulfilling feeling as we carried supplies and dug dirt to be used for bricks. Indeed, this is an aggressive project embarked upon by Bishop Carter, and with the drive of those working, it will definitely be completed.

Secondly, a portion of the trip was to hold annual conferences. Each of the conferences had an exuberant atmosphere. We were welcomed by groups of people filled with joy and engaged in intense worship of God. Though each annual conference provided an amazing experience, the Uganda Region Annual Conference was quite conspicuous. Due to a couple of hiccups along the way, we arrived almost two (2) hours late. However, as we approached the location, we noticed hundreds of individuals on the periphery of the church building. Even before we exited the vehicle, both children and adults were dancing and singing to welcome us. When we entered the church, we were joyfully received by a few hundred individuals who were able to find a seat inside the crowded building. In all, over 1,200 individuals attended the Uganda Region Annual Conference.

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During the conferences, Bishop Carter led in the selection of clergy and lay delegates to the General Conference scheduled for June 2022 in Cincinnati, Ohio. Surprisingly, this process went quite smoothly. We availed ourselves of this occasion to ordain some men and women as deacons or elders in the CME Church, an occasion which was indeed very moving. Bishop Carter also used this time to share his vision for the regions and to encourage the churches to become self-sustaining and plant more churches in areas where there is no CME presence.

Thirdly, we were also afforded the opportunity to visit two important sites, which speak to the empowerment of those living in the Eleventh Episcopal District. First, we visited the Bishop Thomas Brown and Dr. Louis Brown Agricultural Garden and Fish Farm.

The Kenyan Region is growing fruit and raising fish to be sold, the proceeds of which are to help supplement the salaries of pastors and the daily operation of the churches in the region. Secondly, Akila Wilson and I were taken to see both the sewing school and radio studio. The sewing school began as an effort to teach a new trade to interested persons, providing them with an opportunity to receive an income for their home. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has brought this endeavor almost to a standstill. The radio station which is operated by Rev. Zacheus Otieno offers sermons and gospel music to the community. Currently, the plan is for it to become a 24hour station.

Finally, on the last day of the trip, we paid a visit to the Senior Bishop L.L. Reddick III School in Sudan.

This project was led and supervised by Akila Wilson who serves as the supervisor of missions in Egypt. I was in awe as I viewed this huge structure which holds several classrooms and offices. I believe anyone from the United States who has an opportunity to visit will indeed be extremely impressed. And it is my prayer that the structure will be effectively used for the envisioned purpose of training workers for the Lord’s vineyard.

Reflecting on my experience on the trip, I want to attest to the fact that the support of many members of the CME Church in the United States is making a considerable difference in the lives of our brothers and sisters of the Eleventh Episcopal District. Since the work can be grueling at times, I beseech each of us to continue to pray for and support the work of Bishop Carter in the Eleventh Episcopal District and Bishop Umotte in the Tenth. There is a great potential and promise to expand our reach in the attainment of the Great Commission, and with the backing of the entire denomination, it can become a reality.

Submissions

Turning Trauma into a Transformative Treasure Submitted by Rev. Shelia E. Crabb, M.Div., BCC-MH

Mental Health awareness is one of the most important health practices for chaplains and community religious leaders, especially to promote healing and provide spiritual care to people who struggle with four kinds of suffering: suicide and despair, addictions, trauma, and moral injury. How we provide pastoral care as first responders is just as important as offering immediate and ongoing evidence-based spiritual care. Professional training in Mental Health is key for providers while building healthy bonds of trust as spiritual care professionals, particularly when people struggle with suicide ideation, addictive behaviors, post-traumatic symptoms, and soul injury. Training in Mental Health equips us with skills to understand when to integrate research-based knowledge with interpersonal competencies in response to these forms of suffering.

The Mental Health Training serves as a guide, showing the diversity of approaches, skills and interpersonal competencies needed to provide this specialized care.

Mental Health awareness is a personal struggle for me. I am an emotional being. I get frustrated, I get weak, I get tired. I am vulnerable, I doubt, I lose hope and have anxieties. I suffer from post-traumatic stress and soul injury. I see myself as human. In order to pick up the pieces and help add light to the burden of my experience, I began to use self-exploration and self-discovery. Awareness within myself helped to determine where I needed help with my mental health.

Therefore, I chose to pursue certifications in Mental Health as I gained knowledge about myself. I provide pastoral and spiritual care for so many people who struggle with similar experiences. The journey to healing guided me to choose avenues leading to theories which provide healing from spiritual injuries that join us on the spiritual walk. Unseen mental illnesses form and grow with worsening symptoms if they are not addressed by health professionals.

The knowledge and research for assessing and treating spiritual suffering takes specialized interpersonal skills to utilize relevant research. It also takes sound clinical judgment or wisdom of chaplains and religious community leaders. These skills include

Chief Chaplain Larry Taylor and Chaplain Michelle Kirby, Certified Educator, present Rev. Shelia Crabb her NAVAC Mental Health Certification on November 10, 2021, at the San Diego, California, Veterans Administration.

our capacities for spiritual and social empathy and self-reflectivity. Those receiving care also bring their wisdom in dealing with these issues and discerning the trustworthiness of those offering spiritual care.

I use the knowledge learned in academic courses, in workshops, in CPE units, clinical hours, and through reading. Also, I acquire skills through observation and practice, participating in role-playing and doing clinical work under supervision. Skills in listening are crucial to interpersonal responding. They are also crucial to interpersonal competencies. I utilize the skills I acquire for understanding the unique ways others experience suffering and hope.

The evidence-based approach to spiritual care, clinical wisdom and judgement draws upon the knowledge of the relevant research to understand Continued on next page January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page the distinctive needs of the spiritual care receiver.

As a chaplain or spiritual care provider, I seek to accomplish goals such as continuing education coupled with the use of Mental Health training as a basic competency. Strengthening my understanding of when and how to apply the many Mental Health theories as a model to guide people who seek healing in trauma and moral injury toward Mental Wellness and whole health practices is a life-long pursuit of one of my many personal goals.

The path I chose for healing and the struggle to maintain mental health included a Master of Divinity in Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care, fourteen (14) units of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), and over six thousand (6,000) clinical hours

as a National Association for Veteran Administration Chaplains (NAVAC) Board-Certified Chaplain with a specialization in competencies of Mental Health.

Finally, I am continuing my studies in Psychology of Religion and Pastoral Care in the Interdenominational Theological Center’s Doctoral Program as a candidate with an expected graduation date in 2022.

Over time, addressing the many forms of spiritual suffering encountered in the clinical environment and the community where I serve, prepares me with skills to provide effective spiritual care. The outcomes produced are evidenced-based responses proving that the mountain of Mental Health issues is climbable and specialized training provides skills that produce healing results for people who struggle with invisible wounds, allowing them to keep moving toward living healthy lifestyles.

"There is nothing more truly artistic than loving people."

THE GODLY WOMAN AND HER TASKS Submitted by Jessie Manuel

Let me share a few of the special tasks women must perform for the church and for the glory of God. Don’t get hung up on what you can’t do; busy yourself with those things you must do!

A woman of God must be a worshiper.

2 Timothy 2:15 tells us that Timothy’s mother and grandmother were worshipers of Christ. 1 Samuel 1:9-28 talks about Hannah and how she worshiped the Lord. Luke 2:36-37 speaks of Anna who worshiped in the Temple continually.

One of the greatest things a woman can do is worship. To worship Him implies that there is a relationship with Him. When a woman is saved and engaged in the worship of God, she is delivering a 32

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--Vincent van Gogh

powerful message to those around her, just as she is when she stays away from His worship.

A woman of God must be a worker. In Romans 16:1, Phebe is called “a servant of the church.” She worked in the church for the glory of God. There is much work for women to do in the church and community. I am grateful to so many of our women who teach us about genuine services by faithfully serving the Lord.

A woman of God must be a witness. In 1 Peter 3:1, Peter talks about how a saved wife can reach her lost husband. This is just a reminder that women can be and are powerful witnesses to the saving grace of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Ladies, your faith is important and it is imperative that you tell the world about what the Lord has done for you. Tell it to your children. Tell it to your spouse. Tell it to your church. Tell it to your community. Tell it to everyone you meet. Your testimony is important.

A woman of God must be a warrior. In Acts 1:4 and 12:12, women are shown as they are

Submissions engaged in the business of prayer. They prayed with the church and God moved in answer to their prayers. In 1 Corinthians 11:2-16, again women are engaged in the business of prayer.

Hannah prayed (1 Samuel 1:9-28) and God blessed a nation through her prayers.

Many women are powerful prayer warriors. There is a passion and a compassion in a woman’s prayers that is often missing in the prayers of a man. Ladies, we need your prayers!

The church, the family and the community need you to be on your knees touching Heaven for the glory of God.

A woman of God must be a window. In 2 Timothy 1:5, Paul describes the faith of Timothy’s mother and grandmother. To Timothy those

important women were windows through which He could see the glory of God. In their lives, he saw a living, vital faith relationship with God that he wanted for himself. Timothy’s mother and grandmother were a window through which Timothy could clearly see the results of God’s amazing, saving grace.

Ladies, there is no higher calling than for you to be a window through which someone can see Jesus. When your faith is real, vital and empowered by the Lord, that is just what you will be. Let me encourage you to keep living for Him and keep letting Him live through you. Your life is not in vain, and neither are your sacrifices or your love for others. By the way, most men could take a lesson from the ladies of our church!

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Submissions

Charles Edwards Publishes New Book Submitted by Ore L. Spragin, Jr. Pastor, Hines Memorial CME Church

Albany, Georgia, resident Charles R. Edwards was recently recognized by his fraternity, the Albany Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., its noted silhouettes, and the community on the successful publication of his first book, “STRAIGHT: From A Town Named Climax (To the Top of My Game).”

Friends recommend the book as a source of inspiration and motivation for those who are having difficulty navigating their way to success in life, and having that journey filled with obstacles and roadblocks set in their path by fellow human beings. The Climax, Georgia, native hopes that by reading the story of his climb “up from the bottom” others may be inspired to go on to achieve their own measure of success.

Edwards is the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Mack Edwards and is a graduate of Albany State College (now University) where he became a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity. He successfully pursed further study at Atlanta University, earning a master’s degree in social work.

Charles Edwards is actively involved in the ministry of Hines Memorial CME Church in Albany, Georgia, where his wife Wyndolyn is a member, and they have two daughters, Tracy and Jennifer. His life philosophy is to serve others rather to be served.

NOW AVAILABLE!!!

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The Christian Index • January 2022

'

BY THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

:ALL CANDIDATES ME CONNECTIONAL OFFICE (special candidates issue)

AD SPACE AVAILABLE $100 - F11ll Page Submission Deadline: March 31, 2022 christianindex@thecmechurcp.org January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

A Pandemic Ministry Submitted by the readers of Holsey Chapel CME Church

With the COVID virus as deadly, widespread, and challenging as it is, having ministries that fulfill the Lord's asking has been a challenging task, but as it is said, the Lord's work is tedious. Galatians 6:9 states, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." ln order to continue the Lord's work through this Pandemic, following protocols is essential in order to get back to and maintain a normal life. Unfortunately, during this Pandemic period we haven't all followed those protocols, which has led to what we're trying to work through now, the Delta Variant, and even with this the Lord's work must continue. We are seeing churches work several ministries, such as drive by and delivery food giveaways. Farms and stores are donating items to the church to be given to those in need, of course, following protocols.

Following the CME Church's initiative of "One Church One School," we at Holsey Chapel CME Church in Columbus, Georgia, pastored by the Rev. Dr. Curtis West, teamed with J.D. Davis Elementary School, Principal Aetavia Williams, and read to our 36

The Christian Index • January 2022

"ReadingBuddies," first and second grade students that weren't reading on the average of their grade level.

We have partnered with J.D. Davis for over 10 years. They are a Title I school with a present enrollment of 300 students. J.D. Davis is a 98% minority school which we have been proud to serve.

Because of the Pandemic, the sessions were done virtually via Zoom technology. Our readers at Holsey were able to benefit students from home. This also served as an opportunity for us to mentor and offer any necessary assistance needed for our students.

This ministry proved to be very beneficial for the students, as revealed on their final reading exams. We were also able to support them on student achievement days, teacher appreciation days, provide masks, hand sanitizer, and other much needed items during the Pandemic.

J.D. Davis's principal stated, "ln recognition of your humble service, thank you for your help and for making a difference. Your caring heart, compassion, support and positivity has been such a bright light to the faculty, staff and scholars at J.D. Davis. We truly appreciate your efforts in making our community better."

As stated in Proverbs 16:3, "Commit your work to the Lord and your plans will be established."

Submissions

“The Challenge to Do vs. the Will to Be” Submitted by Reverend Ernest T. Miller, Presiding Elder

Luke 10:39 (NRSV), “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to what he was saying,” is a pericope that unfolds the difference between good intentions and good applications. Pastors, far too often, because duty calls, your bible study engulfs your primary objective and you engage in what Ron Hutchcraft calls the two dangers that Pastors face: “more informational than transformational and a drift from being about the soul to being about the sermon.”

Mary is observed absorbing what the Master has to offer while Martha is experiencing emotional and physical bankruptcy. Martha is busy preparing for the visit of Jesus now commencing. Martha is concerned that her homiletical composition is aligned with her delivery. Martha is busy [determining whether] her hermeneutical proposition is in agreement with her resolution. Martha is busy conjugating her exegesis, hoping to avoid distortion or concealment. Martha is busy. You too are busy. You are busy with secular jobs. You are busy with family. You are busy with household chores that never seem to get done. You are busy with Bible Study, Church School, Weekly Worship Service, Official Board Meeting, Church Conference, Quarterly Conference, Regional Calendars, Connectional Calendars. Yes Pastors, you are just busy.

I would like to point out that being busy does not equate to getting something done. Being busy can become avenues to avoidance. You become busy so relevant issues are left for later that never evolve into the completed.

Please note here that I am not implying that slothfulness is the ticket to satisfaction in ministry. No, no. What should be gleaned from what I am saying is that the practice of Mary is equally important as that of Martha’s labor.

I would challenge you, Pastors, as you spend time, precious time with God preparing for the work in ministry to remember you are in the presence of God. Let God minister to your complicated needs, your anxious spirit, your wounded heart, your reluctant will, your noisy mind. Seek for the peace of God that is yours too. The Peace that prepares you for the masses. The Peace that encompasses you for the work. Peace that prevails against all adversity.

Remember that while on others He is calling, ask God, “Do not pass me by.”

"People who died yesterdayalso thought death was far from them, so take care of yourself, forgive, kill your pride, appreciate souls whjo value you and be humble."

--Mary Agyare January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

SPRING HILL CME RECOGNIZES 100TH BIRTHDAY OF LATE CHURCH MOTHER Submitted by Mrs.Ethel S. Boyd, Recording Steward The Spring Hill CME Church Family of Carrollton, Mississippi, recognizes the 100th birthday of the late Mrs. Willie Beatrice Stansbury, born on November 13, 1921, in Carrollton, Mississippi. A faithful wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Mrs. Stansbury joined the Spring Hill Church Family as a child and remained a member until her death. She graciously served as Usher President and a member of the Stewardess Board. She is often remembered by her favorite biblical verse: “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” (Matthew 5:8, KJV) Her children, Mrs. Elma L. Ward, Mrs. Ethel S. Boyd, Melvin L. Stansbury, Jr. and the late Ms. Eunice O. Stansbury are forever thankful to God for their mother.

Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh Named Director of Public Policy Submitted by Rev. Dr. Amariah McIntosh, Pastor Phillips Temple CME Church, Toledo, Ohio

The Ohio Council of Churches is pleased to welcome the Rev. Dr. Amariah H. McIntosh as its new Director of Public Policy! Dr. McIntosh is an ordained elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church and is Pastor of Phillips Temple CME Church of Toledo, Ohio. She succeeds the Rev. Brandi N. Slaughter, JD, who recently began service as a member of the faculty of the University of Maryland at College Park.

Rev. Dr. McIntosh has served as pastor of congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, and Ohio. A longtime ecumenist and justice advocate, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in History and Afro-American Studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, IN; a Master of Divinity degree from Louisville Presbyterian Seminary, Louisville, KY; and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Please join us in welcoming the Rev. Dr. Amariah H. McIntosh to the Ohio Council of Churches family!

"Make sure you are happy in real life, not just on social media."

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--Idy Ekwo

Children/Youth

Puzzle for January (New Year's Resolutions)

1. READ MORE 2. HEALTHIER DIET 3. EXERCISE 4. JOURNAL 5. DECLUTTER 6. READ BIBLE 7. SKIP SOCIAL MEDIA 8. PAY OFF DEBT 9. VOLUNTEER

10. TAKE CLASS 11. NEW HOBBY 12. START SAVING 13. TRY NEW RECIPES 14. NEW LANGUAGE 15. START A BUSINESS 16. FAMILY TIME 17. BE FRIENDLY

January 2022 • The Christian Index

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

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Ecumenical News From: https://www.itc.edu/news/faculty-news/love-henry-whelchel-jr/. Accessed 12-21-2021.

The ITC Community Mourns The Recent Passing of Reverend Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, Jr.

by ITC News | Oct 25, 2021 The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) mourns the recent passing of educator, pastor and community activist Rev. Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, Jr. Prior to his passing, Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, Jr. served as Professor of Church History at the ITC where he taught courses on the history of the African American Church, history of American Christianity, and church history.

For twenty-eight years, he was an effective parish minister at the following churches: Calvary Baptist Church, Haverhill, Massachusetts; Pleasant Street Baptist Church, Westerly, Rhode Island; Metropolitan C. M. E. Church, Birmingham, Alabama; Russell Memorial C. M. E. Church, Durham, North Carolina; Phillips Temple C. M. E. Church, Dayton, Ohio; and Phillips Temple C. M. E. Church, Los Angeles, California.

During the 1960s in Birmingham, Alabama, he was an Assistant Professor at Miles College; he served as one of the Vice-Presidents of the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights (an affiliate of Dr. Martin Luther King’s SCLC).

As a community activist, he was involved in the 1963 Civil Rights March on Washington, and the 1965 Selma to Montgomery Voting Rights March. In the spring of 1968, he initiated an economic boycott against job discrimination in Ensley, Alabama. Dr. Whelchel is one the founders and the first president of the Ensley-Pratt City NAACP. In Durham, North Carolina where he championed the liberation of Wilmington Ten, which ultimately led to the freedom of Reverend Benjamin Chavis from prison. While Chavis was incarcerated, he arranged for him to enroll at the Duke University Divinity School, and to do an internship at the Russell Memorial Church under the supervision of Dr. Whelchel. For seventeen years (1988 – 2005), he served as Chair of the Department of Religion and Philosophy and Professor of Religion. Also, under his leadership, he helped to coordinate and endow the distinguished C. Eric Lincoln Lectureship Series.

Reverend Dr. Love Henry Whelchel, Jr. leaves behind his wife Dr. Larma Ford Whelchel, two adult sons, two adult daughters, one daughter-in-law and one grandchild.

A video of the graveside service may be seen here: https://www.facebook.com/ingrambros44/ videos/1051636758988808/.

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Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Mr. Kenneth L. Burgess, Jr.

On August 31, 2021, Mr. Kenneth Leroy Burgess, Jr., aged 60, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, departed this earthly life and, as his Pastor stated, "was upgraded" to his Heavenly Home.

Born on June 1, 1960 in Harlem, New York, Kenny, as he preferred to be called, lived in Chapel Hill, NC for most of his life. Kenny received his early academic education in the Chapel Hill School system, and his spiritual education and development in St. Joseph CME Church. A graduate of the Chapel Hill High School class of 1979, Kenny matriculated in North Carolina Central University, his mother's alma mater, embarking upon a major in Communications. He would leave NCCU to work in a number of establishments while deciding that the hospitality industry was his calling. This was true not only of his secular life, but as he grew in Christ, he realized hospitality and service to be God's calling on his life. At the time of his transition, he served St. Joseph CME Church as a Trustee, devoted Chair of the Van Ministry, Fourth Sunday Breakfast Manager, President of the Men's Ministry, and Sunday School Superintendent.

This quote was taped to his refrigerator. It inspired him, it has inspired his family, and is shared here in hopes it will inspire all who read it: “I’m doing the best I can with what I’ve got, God can take a little and make it a lot!”

Kenny was well loved, and the family's prayer is that as those who loved him call his name and share fond memories, those memories will bring joy and comfort to all who knew him and continue to cherish his memory.

A Service of Remembrance was held on Saturday, September 4, 2021, followed by a Service of Celebration on Sunday, September 5, 2021 at 11 a.m. St Joseph, a tightly-knit church family, commemorated the life of their fallen soldier in the act of Corporate Worship, with Pastor John Cradle, Sr. officiating, assisted by Rev. Willis Farrington, Sister Pat Jackson, and Rev. Cassandra Perry.

Scores of family and church family came out to attend the socially-distanced service in person, while hundreds more watched the livestream.

Kenny was predeceased by his father, Kenneth Sr, and his mother, Malissa Minor. Immediate family members left to cherish his memory include his daughter, 42

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Arie N. Farrar of Orlando, Florida; his sister, Cassandra G. Perry of Harlem, NY, and his granddaughter, Keyana J. Johnson of Orlando, FL. Kenny has a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, church family, work family, and dear friends in whose hearts Kenny will be remembered forever.

Rev. Joseph B. Randolph, Jr. Rev. Joseph B. Randolph, Jr., was born on February 7, 1945 in Reform, Alabama, to the Late Rev. Joseph and Rose Lillian Randolph. He confessed Christ at an early age and joined First Baptist Church Reform.

He became the church musician at an very early age and also served in various positions throughout the Pickens and Tuscaloosa area.

Rev. Randolph was a faithful servant to the ministry in numerous capacity and continued to serve the Lord within the Fifth Episcopal District, CME Church even after retirement and illness. His pastoral assignments included Mt.Pleasant, Pine Grove, Powell Chapel, Cedar Grove, Emory Chapel, Franconia, Macedonia, Beebe Chapel, and Unity Grove CME Churches. After completing retirement from serving the Tuscaloosa District after 43 years, he joined fellowship with Powers Chapel under the leadership of Elder Paul Harton.

He graduated from Hopewell High School in 1962 and enrolled in Howard University to further his studies. During his time at Howard University, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1966, serving tours of duty throughout the U.S., West Germany, and Vietnam during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1972. In 1969 he enrolled at Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, and completed his Bachelor degree in 1972. While employed at Miles College he continued working on his masters degree in instrumental music with completion in 1979. During his tenure at Miles College he was also instrumental in directing the Miles College Choir under the direction of Dr. Snead and, subsequently, Rev. Dr. Bernard Williams.

Rev. Randolph was employed as a band director within the public school system, teaching at C. E. Murray, Aliceville, and Eutaw High School where he was known for precise music instrumentation, marching style and vocal techniques. He continued private teaching in the

Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Tuscaloosa area from 1991 until 2015 with several students in piano and organ technique.

In 1969 he met Evelyn in the Music Hall of Tennessee State University with Joseph proposing months later on the steps of the Music Hall. On July 5, 2021, they celebrated 51 years of marriage. To this Union three children were born: Anjanette, Sonia, and Joseph III. Evelyn, his life long companion never left his side and served as a wife should with unconditional love and devotion.

Preceding him in death were his parents, the late Rev. Joseph and Rose Randolph; brother Cedric Quintin, sister Aurelia and son Joseph III.

Rev. Randolph passed on September 12, 2021, at 9:44 AM at DCH Tuscaloosa, surrounded by his wife Evelyn, daughters Angie and Sonia, son in law Hugh, and grandchildren Mark, Elgin, Cassandra, Deandra and Jayden. Led in prayer by Mark, peacefully he transitioned into the arms of our Lord and Savior. The family lifted their voices unto God, singing, “Pass me not, O gentle Savior.”

He leaves to cherish his loving memory, his surviving wife, Evelyn Randolph of Reform, Alabama; daughters, Anjanette Palmer (Hugh) of Columbia, TN; Sonia Randolph-Gardner of Tuscaloosa, AL; 9 grandchildren, Mark Randolph (Rashawn) Houston, TX, Elgin Randolph Decatur, AL, Tyler Guyton, Columbia, TN, Cassandra Smith, Tuscaloosa, AL, Deandra Smith, Tuscaloosa, AL., Rami McCoy, Denver, CO., Nailah Clark (Eric) Columbia, TN., Jayden Palmer, Columbia, TN., and Tyson Archibald, Tuscaloosa, AL; 14 great grandchildren; a sister Billie Kennedy (Marvin), Tuscaloosa, AL; a brother, Rev.Rhonald Randolph (Carolyn), Reform, AL; aunt, Ruby Hayden, Tuskegee, AL; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. He also leaves to mourn dear friends Gerald Dixon of Nashville, TN, and Rev. James Wilson of Tuscaloosa, AL.

Dorothy Bennett Phea Norville Long-time Lubbock educator, Mrs. Dorothy Bennett Phea Norville died on October 7, 2021, after a lengthy illness. She was 87 years old. Her funeral services were held Friday, October 29, 2021, at 1:00 pm at the First United Methodist Church, 1411 Broadway, Lubbock. Interment occurred at Resthaven Memorial Park. 5740 19th Street, Lubbock, immediately following the funeral.

Dorothy was born September 6, 1934, in Bonham,

Texas. She was the tenth child of Lonnie and Virgie Bennett. She accepted Christ at an early age. She grew up in her home church in Bonham. In her sixty-plus years as a faithful member of Lubbock's Carter Chapel CME Church, she served tirelessly as Sunday School teacher and superintendent, Stewardess, Trustee, church secretary, CYF Director and teacher, cook, and church delegate to annual, regional, and general conferences.

Dorothy graduated with a BA in Education from Texas College in 1956. She completed a Masters in Guidance and Counseling at Texas Tech University. She began work in Lubbock Independent School District in 1956. She taught elementary, high school, Head Start and adult education. She was a school guidance counselor and she retired in 2001 after serving over 20 years as proud principal of New Directions High School.

Dorothy pledged Delta Sigma Theta while at Texas College. She joined the Lubbock Alumnae Chapter upon moving to Lubbock and served until her health declined. In addition, she served on numerous civic and non-profit boards.

In 1956, Dorothy Bennett united in matrimony with her high school sweetheart, Theodore R. Phea, Jr. in Lubbock, Texas. To this union, three children, Theodora, Greg, and Angela were born. She was faithful to this union until Theodore's death in 1987. In June 1995, she united in matrimony to Homer L. Norville and was faithful to this union until his death, December 18, 2020. This union brought five adult children and two grandchildren.

Dorothy will be missed by everyone who was blessed to know her. Her smile, her caring and thoughtful ways, her hand on her hip, her "listening ear" and the way she could make a person feel special and cared about, will also be missed. She was a champion for education and encouraged and helped so many students achieve. Her own three children earned college and terminal degrees.

Dorothy had class, style, and grace. Her beauty was evident internally and externally. She loved to cook, sew, paint, and host people in her home. Most important was her love for God, her shining example of living for Him and her compassion for people.

Dorothy leaves to cherish her memories: three loving and devoted children, Theodora (Van) Pinnock, Greg (Patricia) Phea and Angela Phea; six grandchildren: Chloe, Angela, Greg Jr., Makenli, Vanessa and Nylah; and a host of nieces and nephews and long devoted friends, co-workers, and church members.

In lieu of flowers, if you prefer, please send donations to the Theodore Phea Boys & Girls Club, 2619 Oakwood Glen Drive, Cedar Park, Texas, 78613.

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Dear CME Members and Friends, The Phillips School of Theology will host the virtual Twenty-Sixth Pastors' Conference & SeventyEighth Founders' Celebration on Monday, January 10 and Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 7:00 10:00 PM each night.

The theme is, "Getting Back to Basics: The Evolution of The Black Pulpit; Its Present Condition, Its Future Impact”.” This year's Pastors' Conference is a milestone as we celebrate our 26th annual event and second virtual one! The Pastors' Conference will be live streamed via Zoom. The Chapel Service will be held Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 11:00 AM and live streamed via the ITC Zoom platform.

The registration fee for the Pastors' Conference & Founders' Celebration is $100. Online registration is available here: <https://thecmechurch.org/pastors-conference/>. You may download a registration form at the web site.

For additional information, please visit the "Pastors' Conference and Founders' Celebration" online, or call 404-527-7768.

We look forward to your presence at the virtual Pastors' Conference and Founders' Celebration!

Please pray for the success of these events.

In the Service of the Lord, Dr. Paul L. Brown, Sr., President-Dean Phillips School of Theology at ITC Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., Chair Board of Trustees, Phillips School of Theology at ITC

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The Christian Index • January 2022

January 2022 • The Christian Index

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LILLY ENDOWMENT CLERGY RENEWAL PROGRAMS

Seeking to strengthen Christian congregations through renewal and reflection Welcome to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary!

Welcome to the Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs at Christian Theological Seminary!

Lilly Endowment’s Clergy Renewal Programs are administered by the Center for Pastoral Excellence at Christian Theological Seminary.

Through its religion grantmaking, Lilly Endowment, an Indianapolis-based, private philanthropic foundation, seeks to deepen and enrich the lives of American Christians. It does this largely through initiatives to enhance and sustain the quality of ministry in American congregations and parishes.

To this end, National and Indiana Clergy Renewal Programs provide an opportunity for pastors to step away briefly from the persistent obligations of daily parish life and to engage in a period of renewal and reflection. Renewal periods are not vacations but times for intentional exploration and reflection, for drinking again from God’s life-giving waters, for regaining enthusiasm and creativity for ministry.

Details and application materials for the 2022 programs are now available. In the 2022 Lilly Endowment National Clergy Renewal Program and the 2022 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Program for Indiana Congregations, eligible congregations will be able to apply for grants of up to $50,000 each to support a renewal program for their pastor. Up to $15,000 of the grant may be used for congregational expenses associated with the renewal program.

2022 Informational Webinar – An Invitation: What will make your heart sing?

You are invited to attend an informational webinar about the 2022 Lilly Endowment Clergy Renewal Programs from 1 – 2:30 pm Eastern Time on Wednesday, November 3, 2021. Click here to register.

2022 Clergy Renewal Programs Information Webinar November 3, 2021 The 2022 Clergy Renewal Programs Information Session took the form of a webinar this year, and we're placing a recording of it online as a resource to share with your colleagues and congregation. https://youtu.be/6ftvgi3bdNs All 2022 program applicants will be notified by email by end of August 2022 about award decisions. For more information, visit: https://www.cts.edu/clergy-renewal/.

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The Christian Index • January 2022

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, PO Box 1929, Hartford CT 06144; email: bishopjbwalker@thecmechurch.org OR seventhhq@thecmechurch.org 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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