The Christian Index - January 2023

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • January 2023

St. James, Columbus GA Story on p. 21

Happy New Year!!!

Remembering Rev. Dr. W. Clyde Williams Story on p. 14

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2023 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 C. Kelby Heath PUBLISHING BOARD Chairman Bishop Kenneth W. Carter THE CHRISTIAN INDEX (0744-4060; USPS 0108320) is published monthly by The CME Publishing House.

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Inside The Christian Index Quadrennial Theme: "Be Bold: Face Now, Embrace Next, See New"

Volume 156, Number 1

January 2023

Connectional Interests Department of Finance/Investments Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 2023 CME Calendar of Events Dept. of Christian Education/Formation Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers CME-Affiliated Schools

Bishop Thomas Holds First Board Celebrating Dr. W. Clyde Williams Submissions Thomas Scholarship Awarded Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied: Notes Mt. Zion Receives Check Wellness Tools for Engagement St. James, Columbus, Gives Turkeys Race Is Not the Equalizer Purses with a Purpose Children/Youth Ecumenical News UMHEF Offers Scholarships Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud Connectional Directory

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Cover: St. James, Columbus GA; Rev. Dr. W. Clyde Williams (inset). Fireworks photo: <a href="https:// www.freepik.com/free-photo/beautiful-colorfulfirework-display-night-celebrate_6426288. htm#query=fireworks&position=10&from_ view=search&track=sph">Image by lifeforstock</a> on Freepik Photographs: Photos are by contributors to The Christian Index and Index staff.

Submitted to the Publisher: December 29, 2022

Editorial

Celebrating the New Year As I write this editorial, we are just a few days away from the end of 2022 and preparing to enter, the Lord willing, 2023. We should bear in mind that the new year is not entering into our domain; rather, we are entering into the realm of the new year. If the merciful Lord gives time, the new year will come, regardless of whether we enter it. It is a gift of God to enter a new calendar year. As such, an attitude of gratitude is in order. The new year is truly a cause for celebration, but what form should this celebration take?

There are many ways of celebrating entrance into the new year. One of these is to spend time in quiet solitude, recalling the course of one's life over the past 365 days and contemplating a possible path for the future. For many, having endured and even having suffered three years of quarantine and separation, this is highly unlikely to be their way of celebrating the new year. Others, then, will join with family or friends to "bring in" the new year. Some will be dancing and carousing at parties and in parades, some will drink the new year in with alcoholic beverages, some will be engaged in intimate situations, while still others will be igniting fireworks and shooting guns. I have not covered the entire spectrum, but you get the point.

All of these are ways of celebrating and having a good time, but in many instances they fall short of acknowledging the Holy One who brings the new year to us and brings us into the new year.

In Exodus, chapter 12, God tells the Israelites to reorder their entire lives according to the merciful work of God. The Exodus would be for them a new beginning in terms of experience and in terms of the ordering of time. They had been keeping time with the

Egyptians, following their religious rites and culture.

God now said they were to put that life behind them; a future of a different kind was before them and God would lead them into it by God's Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor own "hand." The Exodus was to mark the beginning of their new year. God would show them great mercies along the way to their new home and would give them new holy days and reasons to celebrate. Israel's New Year celebration, the Passover, was to be a holy observance in anticipation of what was to come: the mercies and blessings of God upon them for an abundant and peaceful life.

When you receive this issue of The Christian Index, you will already be in the new year of 2023.

How did you celebrate your entrance into the new year? Was it with holy reverence and thankfulness?

Were you meditative on the mercies of God yet unseen and the blessings not yet in hand? Were you thankful for what God is going to do for you, or were you caught up in the frivolities of the moment? It is not too late to celebrate the new year with a mind and heart toward God. In this season of Epiphany, let the light of the Christ explode in your heart. Release him in all his power to brighten the dim sky of your future. Receive him to guide you into a new place that you might no longer be tied to the rituals and times of your past, but that God may establish a new calendar of events and memorials with you. HAVE A HOLY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

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.

January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Department of Finance/Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance/Investments

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January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Department of Evangelism and Missions

BE BOLD: Face Now-Embrace Next-See New

God said, “Go!”

Interpretation can be misleading when we miss the message or get the voice and message incorrect. Did we miss the primary message when we see all the things humanity has allowed the Church to become? Did we miss the message of God concerning the reign of God, the mission of Jesus The Christ, and the boldness of the Holy Spirit? First, let me speak clearly about humanity and the Church. I hope it is not necessary to define the Church and if so, we have certainly missed the move of God. However, humanity has allowed the church to become a watered-down version of prevenient grace that longs for the days of nostalgia. We cannot embrace boldness by only looking backward or praying without faith and effort.

God has given the church (not the institution) Godly power to become fishers of humanity, but the human condition of power over humility has made the church weaker in the message of God. The message of God should focus on the concern for souls and power over evil and darkness. We as vessels of light must take the light to the world, a world filled with evil and darkness. In order to completely do so however, we must hear God’s call to “go.”

God sent Jesus into the wilderness, and afterward, God sent Jesus on a ministry course that led him to various cities, towns, and regions. Jesus spent an immense amount of time with God in preparation to “go.” Earlier, I posed the question, “Did we miss the message?” Although not a rhetorical question, I would attempt to answer this way.

Did we miss the message? Yes, and I suggest the primary message that we missed is intimacy with God. Jesus was intentionally in the desert. He intentionally spent quality time with God. Unfortunately, the Church has not spent quality time with God to become fishers of humanity. After Jesus’ time in the desert and the temptation of the prince of darkness, Jesus shows the importance of God’s sending him to Israel and other places. His message was simple, “Follow me.” We must develop the same message and ask people to follow Christ. However, we cannot be prepared to go unless we spend time with God to hear the direction in which to go. We have been going where we wanted instead of where God assigned us.

In Jonah 1:1-2, 1 The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it because its wickedness has come up before me.” In chapter 2 Jonah spends intimate time with God alone in the belly of the gigantic fish, which leads Jonah to accept his ministry to the people of Nineveh. God was interested in the souls in Nineveh and sent a preacher to speak so the people would repent. At the time, it was not important to Jonah to go. We must not put a matter of our own importance before God’s call to go, but we must spend time with the God who calls us to be light in dark places and then go. Although Jonah was in the darkness of the fish, God’s presence was the light needed to transform his heart and thus, share the message of salvation. Therefore, we too must “Go” and do likewise!

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 Anderson Chapel CME, Holly Springs, MS 6

The Christian Index • January 2023

January 9-12, 2023 - Annual CME Pastors’ Conference and Phillips’ School of Theology Founders Celebration via Zoom January 19-22, 2023 - Tenth Episcopal District, Western and Southern Regions Annual Conferences; CME Church Ikot Osungtuk Ukam, Akwa Ibom State January 25, 2023 - Tenth Episcopal District, Breeding Montgomery Bible College Board Meeting; College Campus, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State January 27-29, 2023 - Tenth Episcopal District, East Mainland & Calabar/Akamkpa Regions Annual Conferences, Bishop Marshall Gilmore Cathedral, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State January 29, 2023 - Missionary Emphasis Day January 29 - February 5, 2023 - Connectional Youth and Young Adult Week February 3-5, 2023 - Eleventh Episcopal District, Goma City Region Annual Conference, D.R. Congo February 3-5, 2023 - Lagos & Southwest Regions Annual Conferences; Lagos State territory February 5, 2023 - Connectional Scout Sunday February 10-12, 2023 - Bukavu/South/Kivu Region Annual Conference, D.R Congo February 17-19, 2023 - Kitchanga/Masasi Region Annual Conference, D.R Congo February 24-26, 2023 - Nyanzale/Rutshuru Region Annual Conference, D.R Congo February 26, 2023 - Connectional Social Concerns Sunday March 2-5, 2023 - Katanga/Lubumbashi Region Annual Conference, D.R Congo March 3-4 - Florida Region Spring Convocation March 10-11 - Alabama Regions Spring Convocation March 10-12, 2023 - Tanzania Annual Conference March 12, 2023 - Connectional Christian Ministry Sunday March 17-19, 2023 - Kenya Annual Conference March 24-26, 2023 - Rwanda Annual Conference March 31 - April 2, 2023 - Uganda Annual Conference January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education/Formation

THE PRACTITIONER !"#$% #&' #$" ("$) *#+$"' #&' #* # $"*,-% ./ %!0* 0&1#$' $"/ "+%0.& %!"$" 2"30&* %!" *40$0%,#- /.$5 6#%0.& 1!0+! 0&+-,'"* %!" !"#$%7 %!" 2.')7 %!" *.,- #&' %!" *40$0%,#- 2"0&3 #2*.$2"' 0&%. # *#5 +$"' *4#+" 1!"$" 8.' !* 4$"*"&+" 0* #--.1"'7 a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

4"$*.& $"4$"*"&%"' .& %!" . ,%*0'" +#& 2" # +.65 4-"%"-) different 4"$*. & .& %!" 0&*0'" .&+" %!"0$ !"#$% 0* %$,-) +!#&3"' 2) 8.'< =!" /""-0&3* ./ -.("7 /.$30("&"**7 *#-(#%0.&7 /#0%!7 #&' '0*+"$&5 6"&% #$" &. -.&3"$ *,4erfi+0#- 2,% #$" %$,-) ,&5 +.&'0%0.&#- #&' 3"&,0&"< A9""7 B0BC

UNDERSTANDING SPIRITUAL FORMATION

Carmichael Crutchfield At the 2018 General Conference the CME Church voted upon my recommendation to expand the meaning of Christian education by adding “Formation” to the Department’s name.

I recommended this addition because that was how I had been teaching Christian education at the seminary.

Spiritual Formation is a relatively new concept for CME Church that explores the spirituality of the heart. The heart has the ability to release emotions of love, kindness, companionship forgiveness, understanding, friendship, suffering, concern for goodwill, sympathy and most importantly, the understanding and focus of God’s teachings in the Bible and their application to one’s everyday life.

In the book, SPIRITUAL FORMATION

BY Henri Nouwen with Michael J. Christensen and Rebecca J. Laird. (New York: Harper One Publishers) 2010, it is stated, “Formation takes time, a lifetime.” (xi) Formation does not occur overnight and cannot be accomplished in a onetime sitting of reading and analyzing a book or even in one group session with a spiritual leader. Spiritual Formation crashes against a culture that expects to receive everything instantly.

Spiritual Formation is a movement of a series of steps. It is personal and inward and is best done with the support of others in small groups that discuss, reflect upon the outward understanding of the world and how it impacts our spiritual, personal, and professional lives.

Spiritual formation is directly concerned with one’s relationship with God. It is not about how much one is involved directly in the world and what the world, the community, the church or what other individuals think about the person and that individual’s relationship with God. Rather, it is about the journey with God from the mindset of the world and material things to the true essence of the heart and its direct relationship with God. God cares about the spirit and the individual becoming more like God’s Son Jesus. The heart will lead one to avoid con-

These movements are often from the 11

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The Christian Index • January 2023

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education/Formation

THE PRACTITIONER fusion and chaos, and in the alternative look for true peace and love. This is a huge Christian education lesson because it demonstrates that God is not only concerned with our knowledge of the Bible, our activities in church, our abilities to cite specific passages of the Scripture but also the true desires of the heart. God wants the individual to be more God-like and to be able to see beyond what ordinary people see in this world of materiality.

are seeking to inf uence community by creating community. This is a special gift when you are able to give back to the community in your feelings and emotions. You will be able to feel the suffering of the community, the pain of hunger, the hopelessness of no housing or employment and the identity of real darkness and fear.

This is quite different from expressing your concern and reassuring one that God is going to take care of everything when you do not know what it is to hurt like your fellow human, and you are unable to pray to God for mercy and grace just to live without misery and strife. God is not a God who does not know suffering and broken promises and rejection.

One example is the little boy who watched intently as the sculptor chipped away at a huge block of stone. (p.xvii) The little boy did not know why he was chopping away at the stone and after a few days a beautiful lion was carved out of the stone by the sculptor. According to the little boy’s interpretation, the sculptor had found the lion in the stone or in other words, the sculptor had freed the lion from inside the stone. In contrast, the sculptor’s interpretation was that God had allowed him to create a lion out of the huge block of stone rather than the lion being “captured “or “enslaved” within the gigantic piece of stone. Similarly, God sees the mind, but God is focused on the heart first. God wishes that one begins spiritual formation by reflection, reading the Bible, being silent when there is constant chatter around us by finding a place to pray. God wants us to be serious about our prayers and praises to God in that they are from the heart and not words used to impress how much knowledge one has about God through the Bible but how much one knows the spirit of God through the heart.

Spiritual formation is service to the community, but it really must be service that demonstrates God’s protection and unconditional love for God’s children. Again, this does not occur overnight but is a process of movements which include silence, listening to God, ref ection, and never-ending prayer often in complete solitude. God will not amplify God’s desires but will instruct in whispers and guide through ref ection. In solitude, one will see that God is the light in darkness. In ref ection, one will see that God is true joy in times of sorrow and will fully realize that sorrow will not last forever, but joy will come in the morning. This is not the mind but instead it is the heart that truly knows this power of the God who is served, and the person is humbled by this unique Spiritual formation. As stated in John 8:36, “So, if the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed.” It is only after one meets God on these terms and conditions in Spir itual formation that one’s heart, mind, body, and soul will be truly free.

Finally, spiritual formation includes service and an outward journey to the community.

These movements involve a close relationship with God and our heart with God because you 12

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

MINISTERS’ SPOUSES WIDOWS/WIDOWERS DEPARTMENT 8th EPISCOPAL DISTRICT SOCIAL CONCERN PROJECTS Submitted by Lady Felecia Johnson, 8th Episcopal District Representative

Twice a year the 8th Episcopal District Ministers’ Spouses Widows/Widowers Department come together to donate items to students at Texas College, a historical black college located in Tyler, Texas. The college was founded in 1894 by a group of ministers affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. Their mission continues to embody the principles of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

As part of our yearly social concern initiative, we consult with the Vice President of Student Affairs and are given what items are most needed. On November 12, 2022, at the Fall Reporting Meeting held in Tyler, Texas, at St. James CME Church, spouses from across the state of Texas brought 300 of each item, such as hand sanitizer, Kleenex tissue, snack crackers, chips, and honey buns. It also included 5,000 face masks.

The 8th Episcopal District is comprised of four regions. The names of the four regions and presidents are: Central Texas Region (Lady Clara Dickerson), who is also the Connectional Parliamentarian; Dallas Ft. Worth-Northwest Region (Lady Sharon Fuller); East Texas Region (Lady Cencil Bell); and Southeast Texas Region (Lady Brenda Williams). These spouses are very active on the region and connectional level.

Our second project is to provide bibles to Texas College students graduating in the spring and present them with bibles during their spring commencement activities. This project is done annually and has been carried out by the spouses for several decades. It is important to be a supporter of our CME institution and help supply much needed care package items for the students.

The spouses who participated in leading this effort are pictured in the photos. Lady Felecia Johnson (Connectional MSWWD President) is our Representative, Lady Wynde Jones Reddick is our Episcopal Advisor, and Sr. Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III is our Presiding Prelate.

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Connectional Interests

CME-Affiliated Schools

For Immediate Release Media Contact: Darlette Carver Samuels (731) 426-7639 dsamuels@lanecollege.edu Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. Holds First Board Meeting of Lane College as Board Chair (Jackson, TN) The Lane College Board of Trustees met on the campus of Lane College for its annual Fall meeting on November 10-11, 2022. Atop the agenda for this two-day meeting was the welcoming of its newly elected Chair of the Board, Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. Bishop Thomas was assigned during the Thirty-Ninth Quadrennial Session and the Fortieth General Conference to serve as the Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church, which includes the Arkansas, East Tennessee, and West Tennessee regions. Prior to his appointment to the First Episcopal District, Chairman Thomas served as presiding Bishop of the Second Episcopal District of the CME Church, which includes the Kentucky and Ohio Central Indiana Regions.

Chairman Thomas humbly expressed his appreciation for the Board's confidence in electing him to serve in this capacity.

He reflected on his tenure at Lane College that began in 1986 when he “crossed the tracks” to serve as Dean of Students under then-President Alex A. Chambers until 1994. Close to 30 years later, Chairman Thomas crossed the same tracks to return to Lane as the leader of the Lane College Board of Trustees. Chairman Thomas has also served as the Vice President for Student Affairs and a member of the Religion faculty at Lane.

He has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2016 and most recently served as vice chair. A graduate of Stillman College, Chairman Thomas received a Master of Divinity degree from The Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary.

Joining Chairman Thomas on the Board are 18 leaders in education, armed forces, ministry, environmental health, engineering, business, medicine, labor relations, real estate development, regulatory affairs, and government: Rev. Dr. Claude Bass, Captain Voresa Booker (Ret.-USN), Dr. Doris Boyd, Dr. John D. Calhoun, Rev. Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield (General Secretary for the Department of Christian Education and Formation for the CME Church), Dr. Louis Cunningham, Dr. Jessie Edwards, Mr. John T. Greene, Mr. Dacry Harris, Ms. E. Florence Hervery, Ms. Nicky Phillips, Rev. Dr. Ronald Powe, Dr. Jacqueline I. Scott (International President of the Women’s Missionary Council for the CME Church), Ms. Pamela Springfield, Mr. Gary A. Taylor, Dr. Keith H. Taylor, Rev. Dr. Wayne Williams, and Dr. Pene Woods (Chief Administrative Officer for the CME Church).

In Chairman Thomas’ first meeting as chair since his August 9, 2022 election to the position, the Board moved the Campus Master Plan forward and discussed a range of priorities for the upcoming year. Among them are recruitment, retention, fundraising, endowment, and fiscal operations. There was a particular focus topic during the meeting regarding the College’s recent establishment of a Transformation Office funded by a $1 million commitment from The United Negro College Fund.

The Board approved the recommendation to award legendary bassist and Lanite Chuck Rainey the honorary degree, Doctor of Fine Arts, to be conferred at the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony. After serving in the military and studying at Lane College, Chuck Rainey moved to New York City. He recorded and toured with legends Sam Cooke, Etta James, Donny Hathaway, Harry Belafonte, The Supremes, Aretha Franklin, and Quincy Jones. His unique bass lines can be heard in the theme songs of Sanford and Son and The Jeffersons. Chuck Rainey stands out as one of entertainment's most accomplished musicians with 17 platinum or gold records, Bass Player Magazine Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Lane College Alumni Hall of Fame Distinction to his credit.

The Board meeting also saw celebrations that are noteworthy. In honor of nine women who played a significant role in his journey, one of whom is his mother, Mrs. Minnie Thomas Brown, Chairman Thomas and his many friends established

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Connectional Interests

CME-Affiliated Schools

Continued from previous page a $20,000 Friend of the Board Chair fund to establish an endowed scholarship at Lane. The scholarship will be awarded to deserving students at Lane College. Lane continues to play a prominent role in giving the formerly incarcerated a fresh start in its Second Chance Pell Program. The College began operations of its Educator Preparation Program. The On-Site Reaffirmation Committee was on campus on October 17-20, 2022. The Board received a report the College had an excellent On-Site Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) visit and will look forward to the final decision of the College's reaffirmation of accreditation during the meeting of the SACSCOC Board of Trustees in June 2023.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Board members were invited to attend the Veterans Day celebration luncheon in which the keynote speaker was Trustee Voresa Booker, retired U.S. (Ret.) Navy Captain.

“We are grateful to the members of the Board of Trustees for their leadership and commitment,” said Board Chair Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr. “It was wonderful to welcome them to the first Board meeting of the academic year and to engage with them on the exciting work taking place at Lane College under the leadership of Lane College President Logan Hampton.”

Lane College Board Chair, Trustees, College President and Staff

Photo Courtesy of Earnest Mitchell, Lane College (l-r, first row): Darryl McGee, Vice President of Student Affairs and Budget Officer; Sherrill Berry Scott, Vice President of

Administration and Title III Coordinator; Dr. Louis Cunningham, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Claude Bass, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Wayne Williams, Board Member; Dr. Logan Hampton, Lane College President; Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., Board Chair; Demetris Johnson, Lane College SGA President; Dacry Harris, Board Member; John Greene, Board Member; and Judge Nathan B. Pride, Lane College Legal Counsel. (l-r, back row): Dr. Sandra Ramawy, Director of Lane College Transformation Office; Darlette Carver Samuels, Vice President for Institutional Advancement and Chief Staff; U.S. (Ret.) Navy Capt. Voresa Booker, Board Member; Dr. Jessie Edwards, Board Member; Dr. Pene Woods, Board Member and Chief Administrative Officer for the CME Church; Pamela Springfield, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Ronald Powe, Board Member; Dr. John D. Calhoun, Board Member; Tangela Poole, Chief Financial Officer; and Braylin Laster, Director of Alumni Affairs.

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Connectional Interests

CME-Affiliated Schools

LANE COLLEGE BOARD CHAIR, TRUSTEES AND COLLEGE PRESIDENT

Photo Courtesy of Earnest Mitchell, Lane College (l-r, first row): Dr. Louis Cunningham, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Claude Bass, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Wayne Williams, Board Member; Dr. Logan Hampton, Lane College President; Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., Board Chair; Demetris Johnson, Lane College SGA President; Mr. Dacry Harris, Board Member; and Mr. John Greene, Board Member. (l-r, back row): U.S. (Ret.) Navy Capt. Voresa Booker, Board Member; Dr. Jessie Edwards, Board Member; Dr. Pene Woods, Board Member and Chief Administrative Officer for the CME Church; Ms. Pamela Springfield, Board Member; Rev. Dr. Ronald Powe, Board Member; and Dr. John D. Calhoun, Board Member.

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

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

Email to: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org

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Connectional Interests

The Reverend Dr. W. Clyde Williams, affectionately known as "Sonny" to family and close friends, was the second oldest of six born to the late M. R. (Shot) Williams and the late Annie Claude (Hammond) Williams.

Life began simply on 10th Street in Cordele, Georgia with his siblings Evelyn, Joan, Joycelyn, Junior, and Mary Ann, yet Sonny, being led by the spirit, had an innate desire to make a difference, positively impact youth, and serve God through ministry. The scripture, "Seek you first the kingdom of God and the righteousness and these things will be added to you," is the scripture that directed his life.

Led by the spirit - At the age of 12, Dr. Williams heard a sermon that brought tears to his eyes. There was a spiritual burning that he felt as he walked down the aisle and gave the minister his hand and God his heart. He would never forget that feeling. He started going to Sunday School and singing in the choir. He became the assistant superintendent.

Led by the spirit - At Holsey-Cobb Institute during Emphasis Week, Bishop E. P. Murchinson spoke on the subject, "I Dare You". Dr. Williams went to the altar to pray while the song "Lead Me, Guide Me" was played. As he returned to his seat, something told him to go back to the altar to pray. He did and asked, "Lord, what would you have me to do? I am in your hands." A spirit came over him, like the one when he was 12 but more powerful, so powerful that he started crying out loud. He could not stop crying and stayed at the altar after everyone left the chapel. He later went home and told his mother that he would be a preacher.

Led by the spirit - At Paine College, Dr. Williams was very popular. He ran track, held offices in student government, sang and traveled with Reverend Lucious H. Pitts who had a strong positive influence on his life, his family, and his walk into the ministry. As a student at Paine, Dr. Williams developed several lifelong friendships and was selected by his professors to be the student representative in a missionary trip to Cuba to integrate a program. Later, while teaching at an elementary school in Vienna, Georgia, he received his acceptance letter to the school of religion at Howard University, so he left to pursue his degree.

Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams recognized the importance of education as access to attaining a successful life.

He held the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Paine College, Augusta, Georgia, the Master of Divinity Degree from Howard University, Washington, D.C., the Master of Religious Education Degree from The Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia, a Master of Arts Degree from Atlanta University, Atlanta, Georgia, and the Ph.D. Degree from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Dr. Williams was awarded the

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Connectional Interests Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree from Paine College in Augusta, Georgia, the Doctor of Letters from Miles College in Birmingham, Alabama, and the Doctor of Science from the American International School of Medicine (Stone Mountain, Georgia).

Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams distinguished himself as a nationally recognized clergyman. His pastorates included St. John CME Church, Atlanta, Georgia; Trinity CME Church, Milledgeville, Georgia; Noble Chapel CME Church, Birmingham, Alabama; Bethel CME Church, Cordele, Georgia; Oak Grove/Cogar Hill CME Church, Daviston, Alabama; Moody Temple, Montgomery, Alabama; and First CME Church, Montgomery, Alabama.

Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams was extremely motivated and used all his God-given talents. He was never short of things to do. He was the Deputy Assistant to the Mayor and Director of Community Development for the city of Greenville, Georgia. He served as Director of Boys Work, Bethlehem Center, Augusta, Georgia, Chaplain, Migrant Ministry, State Council of Churches, Long Island, New York, Director of Youth and Adult Education Work, Sixth Episcopal District, CME Church of Atlanta, Georgia, Director of Recruiting, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia, Registrar, Director of Admissions, and Faculty, Interdenominational Theological Center, Atlanta, Georgia, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of the National Institute for Human Development, Inc., Interim President, H. Council Trenholm State Technical College, Montgomery, Alabama, Associate General Secretary on Consultation of Church Union, Executive Secretary of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and President of Miles College, Birmingham, Alabama.

Led by the spirit - As President of Miles College, his achievements included the building of the Kirkendoll Learning Resources Center; the establishment of Miles Law School and the Life-Long Learning Center for Ministries and Christian Workers; the building of the W. Clyde Williams Terrace Apartments for Senior Citizens and Handicapped Persons, Fairfield, Alabama; the purchase of the first Miles College gymnasium; and the Miles College Eutaw Campus, Eutaw, Alabama.

Dr. Williams was recognized and commended locally, regionally, and nationally for his community service, innovative leadership, contributions, and publications. He initiated the Alabama Conference on Fatherhood, and was president of the Paine College Alumni Association, and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. The W. Clyde Williams Welcome and Enrollment Center stands in his honor on the Miles College Campus in Birmingham, Alabama.

Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams was a civil rights activist. While pastor of St. John C.M.E. Church and the registrar and director of admissions at ITC (Interdenominational Theological Center), there was a riot in the Summerhill community. Dr. Williams left a meeting and was escorted to the riot area where the mayor at the time, Ivan Allen, was on top of a car. Dr. Williams joined him on the car and pleaded with the crowd to end the riot. The riot ended.

Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams decided to desegregate the Wren's Nest in Atlanta, Georgia. He took his daughter Joyce and others to the visit the historic home of Joel Chandler Harris, author and journalist known for his folktales of Brer Rabbit as told by Uncle Remus. An Atlanta police officer told Dr. Williams and the others that they could not enter the building (this was because of segregation). He tried to enter through the back but was greeted with the same response. He left and filed a lawsuit. His attorneys were Vernon Johnson and Howard Moore. The judge ruled in their favor and a year later the Wren's Nest was desegregated.

Continued on next page January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests Continued from previous page Led by the spirit - Dr. Williams seeing his future bride only four times before asking her to marry him, clearly, he believed that "when a man finds a wife, he finds a good thing." Elaine Wade Williams was the epitome of beauty and brains. Dr. Williams found her poise, grace, and demeanor to be captivating. She said a lot without saying much. Her faith in God coupled with his determination to dedicate his life to God's will, set them on a path towards the pursuit of Christian excellence.

Led by the spirit - Outside of the church, education, and work, most importantly was family. Dr. Williams was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and good neighbor. He took pride in his yard and enjoyed his Christmas lights. He enjoyed life, told a few jokes, loved to sit in the back yard with his family watching them play, swim, or eat around the barbecue pit that he was so very proud of. He would sometimes sit back and look at his children and grandchildren and say, "All of this is because a man loved a woman."

Dr. Williams was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Elaine Wade Williams, and his brother M. R. Williams (Gwendolyn).

He is survived by his four children: Joyce Lorraine, C. Randolph (Karen), John Christopher (Katoria), and Gregory Myles (Teresa), grandchildren; Scott, Dawn, Myles, Aubre, Jordan, Julian, and Makenzie, four sisters: Evelyn Robinson (Jimmy), Joan Hayes (Lester), Jocelyn (Willie), Mary Ann Pickard (Donald), nieces, nephews, cousins, spiritual sons and daughters, and a host of friends.

Led by the spirit - The legacy Reverend Dr. W. Clyde Williams leaves will continue to live through the countless lives he has touched over several decades of service and leadership. From cotton picking to college president, well done servant of God. Your work has been OUTSTANDING!

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Submissions

Rev. Dr. Weldon G. and First Lady Marilyn Drew Thomas Scholarship Awarded Submitted by Judie Myers-Gell: Chair, Scholarship and Student Support Services Committee Board of Christian Education & Formation Assistant Church Historian

New Bethel CMEC (Rochester, New York) celebrated Twanda Dene’ Dixon on receiving the first Rev. Dr. Weldon G. Thomas and First Lady Marilyn Drew Thomas Scholarship on September 25, 2022. The scholarship was spearheaded by the Scholarship and Student Support Services Committee that is part of the Board of Christian Education & Formation.

Judie Myers-Gell is the committee chair. Education was a bedrock of Dr. and First Lady Thomas’ 40 year ministry. Dr. Thomas served New Bethel for 14 years.

Twanda is a senior at the Rochester Institute of Technology majoring in Design and Development for Digital Interfaces.

She has maintained over a 3.0 grade point average throughout her college career. She has been a life-long active member of New Bethel’s youth and young adult ministry. Additionally, Twanda has provided community service and participated in mentorship programs that inspired her to enter the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) field. One of her short term goals is to design and program a personal online portfolio and website. She also plans to travel and study abroad and learn other cultures. According to Twanda, “I plan to teach skills I have learned and encourage students of all ages to pursue their passions in the future.” Along with the $500 check, Twanda received a gift bag with N95 face masks, Rapid Covid tests kits, a stylus pen, and a beautiful scarf.

The Rev. Dr. Weldon G. Thomas and First Lady Marilyn Drew Thomas Scholarship is an annual award for a New Bethel student who has completed at least one year of college or technical training. The spirit of the scholarship is in line with the Thomas’ belief that “learning never ends.” New Bethel sends congratulations to Twanda as she pursues her life goals; and to her family for nurturing her gifts and providing the spiritual upbringing to trust God and know that she has no limits to fulfilling her talents and aspirations!

Twanda accepted the award with her family: DaTwan and Winona Dixon, and sister Aaliyah; the Scholarship and Student Support Services Committee: Rev. John Hardaway, Arlene Hardaway, Te’Asia Buckner, Judie Myers-Gell, Chair; and Senior Pastor and First Lady, Rev. Dr. Julius Clay and Dr. Denise Cummings-Clay.

Rev. Dr. Weldon G. Thomas and First Lady Marilyn Drew Thomas January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied: Notes Submitted by Rev. Yvondria Wyche Regional Evangelism and Missions Representative 6th Episcopal District

I am currently reading a manual entitled “Evangelism for the Tongue-Tied” written by Chap Bettis. If you have read it then some of the points I will make should simply serve as reminders and a word of encouragement; however, if you have not read it, I am certain that you will find these points that I will share extremely helpful in your ministerial/evangelistic journey.

Sometimes our evangelistic practices are limited to the four walls in which we worship the Lord. Nothing is wrong with that because everyone within those four walls should hear about the good news of Jesus. In fact, we should share the good news about Jesus with one another but what about those outside the four walls?

There are several factors that can hinder our ability to effectively evangelize to others outside those four walls: Fear Opinions of others Rejection Not sure what to say (Tongue-Tied) Feeling awkward when talking to others Uncertain that you have a dramatic testimony Do not be discouraged because there is hope for all who have experienced these factors or are experiencing them at this time.

Step 1 - Understand that our responsibility is not to convert the human heart. That is the responsibility of the Holy Spirit. Our responsibility is to proclaim Christ. Our responsibility is to sow the word generously and let God determine the reactions. As we do this remember that it is God who saves. (Bettis, 2004) We all know that there is great joy and excitement in proclaiming the salvation that Jesus so freely offers. The greater joy is watching and helping a new Christian be born. In Philemon 1:6 (“that the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in Christ”)This scripture suggests that there is a connection between witnessing and a healthy Christian life. The author of this manual says, "... the witnessing Christian is a healthy Christian.” Do you believe that?

Remember, as we evangelize to others it is a means of God’s grace to our souls. As we share our faith with others, we are focused on things that really matter, which is the growth of God’s kingdom and a person’s eternal destiny.

God bless

"I’m living a 3-H life. I am honored to serve. I am humbled to serve. And I am happy to serve."

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--Rev. Marshall Sharpe, Jr.

Submissions

Mt. Zion Receives Check for Food Bank Submitted by Bro. Bruce Benson Lay Leader

State Representative Regina Young presented Mt. Zion CME Church a check in the amount of $60,000.00 to benefit the Food Bank Ministry. The funding comes from the State Department of Community and Economic Development. Mt. Zion is pleased to receive such a gift to help improve the physical building that stores and distributes food to the Darby Township and surrounding communities in Delaware County. Our Food Bank Ministry is under the direction of Sis. Clarisse Smith and a number of dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make sure those in need are fed with fresh vegetables and fruit on Wednesdays, as well as meats, dairy, baked and nutritious foods for the families in need.

Pastor Parker receiving check from State Representative Regina Young.

— Unknown

Sis. Clarisse Smith, Food Ministry Director, holding check from the State Department of Community & Economic Development.

— Claudia Harrison January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Wellness Tools for Engagement Submitted by Rev. Dr. Linda R. Barnett

Presiding Elder, Northwest District Director of Christian Education and Formation Eighth Episcopal District

To God be the glory for the blessing of a new year.

Perhaps you’ve set new goals for 2023 and you’re maintaining your momentum to reach your goals. This article will provide tips and strategies to consider to improve overall well-being. Healthy families build healthy churches which in turn produce healthy communities. We perish physically, emotionally, and spiritually due to our lack of knowledge. As we gain strength and wholeness, we are empowered to equip others. Have you considered how your church can improve its health and wellness awareness? In addition to my role in the church, I am also a licensed occupational therapist and work with individuals across the lifespan.

According to the Oxford Dictionary of Sports Science & Medicine, wellness is a condition obtained when a person achieves a level of health that minimizes the chances of becoming ill. Wellness is achieved by a combination of emotional, environmental, mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. Wellness is also defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Here are a few strategies to consider that I hope you find helpful and useful in your life and ministry.

Emotional Wellness – The ability to successfully handle life's stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.

“You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. Work towards getting at least 7 hours of sleep (adults), 9-12 (children), and 8-10 (teenagers). Set priorities and show compassion towards yourself. Volunteer at a community garden, school or in your local church.

Environmental Wellness – Our home, work, and community environments and the resources available to us can affect our health. Our surroundings have a profound impact on the way we think, feel and act. Although we can’t always choose what’s in the environments we live, work, or play in, taking small steps to make these environments safer and limiting our exposure to potentially harmful substances can help keep us healthier. Washing our hands often, using a fan 20

The Christian Index • January 2023

or opening windows to improve air circulation when cleaning, setting our thermostats at 68° or higher when it’s cold outside, and recycling are ways to improve environmental wellness.

Mental Wellness - Airline safety briefings remind us to put on our own oxygen mask before helping others in the event of an emergency. Attending to your mental health and psychosocial well-being while caring for others is as important as managing your physical health.

Visit https://www.mhanational.org for more resources.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, begin planning how you will heighten awareness and recognize the importance of mental health. Consider inviting a mental health specialist to present at your church and create a safe space for transparent dialogue.

Physical Wellness – What’s on our plates? Visit www. myplate.gov to implement healthier eating habits.

Regular physical activity improves health. Visit https:// www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/age-chart.html and print physical activity charts for different age groups.

Share these in your bulletins, on your website, and in your announcements.

Social Wellness – Get connected! Staying connected in your community is an important component to social wellness. A sense of belonging and engagement is necessary for overall health. Engage in virtual lunch hours. Have the youth and young adults teach individuals in the church and the community how to use technology by creating a “Get Connected Day.” Contact the General Department of Communications and Information Technology (CIT) for additional resources.

Spiritual Wellness – Spiritual well-being can have a positive impact on finding your purpose and meaning; coping with depression, anxiety, and stress; fostering resilience, and feeling a sense of belonging. Prayer and meditation are helpful spiritual practices to enhance spiritual wellness. Prayer is essential, and research shows that meditation helps with anxiety and depression, cancer, chronic pain, asthma, heart disease and high blood pressure. Examples of meditation include deep breathing, mindfulness meditation, visualization, and repeating scriptures or mantras. Create a prayer journal to capture prayer requests, needs, goals, and visions for your life.

Boldly go and become the change you want to see in yourself and your church.

Submissions

St. James, Columbus, Gives Turkeys Submitted by Aisha A. Denard Event Coordinator

Thanksgiving turkey bag giveaway on Saturday, November 17, 2022 at St. James CME Church Columbus, Georgia was a huge success. We packed and distributed 120 bags to people in and around the community. They were very appreciative and blessed to receive a frozen turkey, canned vegetables, cornbread stuffing, cornbread mix, broth and turnip/collard greens. Thank you to our sponsors: St. James CME Church, Bishop Thomas L. & Dr. Louise BakerBrown, Publix Supermarkets, Inc., Taylor Funeral Home, Tri-State Golf Club, and Phenix City Elementary School.

Rev. Dr. Paul Brown is the pastor.

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January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Race is not the equalizer: Don’t Insult Us! Submitted by Rev. Valencia E. Edner Editor, The Bright Star

There is a misnomer that has somehow been conveyed to the political landscape and been misinterpreted by far too many who consider winning elections more important than integrity. Here’s the newsflash: While we may have similar racial heritage, and our issues with racism as a systemic issue in America are typically shared, the African American, Black, populous of this country is not monolithic! We are from different socio-economic backgrounds, different faith traditions, different educational levels, and our lens of looking at life is not the same unilaterally. Why is this important in this moment in time? Because the Senate race in GA was a litmus test that went terribly wrong for the GOP because they erroneously perceived that persons of color would cross over exponentially to support a stereotype that they created based on misinformation. While many watched Herschel Walker as a football player and may have even been fans, they were not enamored enough to ignore his incompetency, his illiteracy, and his inability to comprehend the political landscape. Those who think they can, without mental and historical investment, tap into the mindset of an entire race of people fail to realize that color will never supersede competency and character. The truth is that most African Americans are not far left, but they are not far right either. It is imperative that those on either side of the political terrain learn a valuable lesson. If you want to win over this community, try listening and investing.

Whether in government, in organizations, or in faith-based institutions, authentic understanding translates into support.

Polarization is the real enemy of the state, and those who sit in rooms of misinformation and emerge with fake strategies and fake solutions will always find themselves on the losing end. Representation is never random nor can it be reduced to ratchetness. Quality Matters!

What I hope that Georgia taught the African American community is that our votes do count, and that we must continue to mobilize and be present not only on election years, but consistently. The decisions on the direction of the legislation happen in what most of us consider “down time,” and we end up trying to sit at the table when the planning meal is finished, and dessert is being served. It is far past time for this community of diverse persons to determine our common goals, and compel those running for offices, and sitting in positions 22

The Christian Index • January 2023

of authority to meet the needs of this constituency, not by presumption, but via policies.

There is no perfect candidate, as all are human and flawed. But the candidacy of Hershel Walker was an insult to the intelligence of African Americans. He fit the stereotype that many of us seek to obliterate because it does not represent who we are as a people individually or collectively. We are not the sum-total of every “hood” oriented movie, reality television show, or social media reel, though those are depictions of a subset of our community. We are not all college-graduated, multidegreed persons with high five-, six- and, yes, seven-figure incomes, but there are many African Americans who are in this classification. We are also hard working, service giving, mid- to low-income persons who want the best for their community and their children, and at every level we are fighters. We have learned and are constantly learning to fight for justice side by side, and we will not let back room, suit wearing, unaware, disregarding pundits create scenarios and just expect us to be ignorant to the games being played. We know our worth and we will no longer wait on the delayed report spun by those who smile in our faces, no matter the political affiliation, but disrespect us.

We will be in the room for the hors d'oeuvre and for each course of the vision and planning meal and our voices will be heard, or you will continue to lose. We too, are America!

...Tomorrow, Today, I'll be at the table When company comes.

Nobody'll dare Say to me, “Eat in the kitchen,” Then.

Besides, They'll see how beautiful I am And be ashamed— I, too, am America.

Excerpt from the poem, “I, too, sing America”

By Langston Hughes (He would concur with my edit.)

Submissions

Purses with a Purpose Submitted by Charles Walker

What Does it Mean to be Relevant?

When most people see a church, to them, it represents a place to come and worship. However, Jesus spent most of His time doing the work in the community and bringing the good news. At Mt. Zion CME Church in Salisbury, North Carolina, under the leadership of our presiding prelate, Bishop B. James Walker of the 7th Episcopal District, and our presiding elder, Clifton Harris of the Mighty Durham District, we spent our last year focusing on “being relevant.” One definition of the word relevant is, "closely connected or appropriate to what is being done or considered.” We wanted to highlight how we are doing that in our community.

Purses with a Purpose The ladies of Mt. Zion CME Church took it to the streets with “Purses with a purpose!” In each purse were feminine items that were handed out to women they meet on the streets of Salisbury.

Free Yard Sale We used the oxymoron (in English and Spanish) to attract people to come. We gave out not just gently used clothes, but also toys, household items, and refreshments.

Back to School [We continued] the tradition of ensuring young people get a backpack and the needed items for school. In addition to that, we fed the community with a meal, a smile, and a message!

Continued on next page January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page

New Members Just as Jesus tells us in the Bible, if He be lifted up, He will draw all men unto Him. This year, we drew a Spanish-only speaking family of 7! When we are in person, our services are preached in English and Spanish. To God be the Glory!

God has a way to make us relevant, but in order to do so, people have to be presented a vision and have a desire to follow Him. Our prayer is that we continue to be relevant, but we can only do that through the help of Jesus Christ!

IHS

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The Christian Index • January 2023

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for January (Revelation 21:1-6, KJV)

ADORNED ALPHA AWAY BEGINNING BRIDE CITY COMING CRYING DEATH DOWN DWELL EARTH END

FAITHFUL FORMER FOUNTAIN FREELY GOD HEAVEN HOLY HUSBAND JERUSALEM LIFE MAKE NEW OMEGA

PAIN PASSED PEOPLE SORROW TABERNACLE TEARS THRONE VOICE WATER WIPE TRUE

January 2023 • The Christian Index

25

Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

For more information, visit: https://www.cmewmc.org/qa2023 26

The Christian Index • January 2023

Ecumenical News

PO Box 340005 Nashville, TN, 37204 (615) 649-3990 umhefscholarships@umhef.org www.umhef.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE FOR METHODIST STUDENTS The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation Awards $2+ Million Annually Nashville, TN - The United Methodist Higher Education Foundation (UMHEF) is accepting scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic year through March 1, 2023. Applications are open to students planning to attend a United Methodist-related school and who are members of either The United Methodist Church, Global Methodist Church, African Methodist Church, AME Zion Church, or Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

UMHEF’s two main programs are General Named Endowed (GNE) Scholarships and the United Methodist Dollars for Scholars (UMDFS) program. The GNE application is a traditionally competitive scholarship that considers leadership, GPA, and financial need. With one application, students are considered for over 100 different endowments (additional requirements may apply). Select awards are also available to those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities as well as other ethically diverse students.

The UMDFS program is the foundation’s most popular scholarship program. It starts with a $1,000 scholarship from a student’s church (more than one church may combine funds). If selected, this scholarship is matched by UMHEF to total $2,000. Participating United Methodist-related schools and UM Conference Foundations may, depending on available funds, each match the initial scholarship to total up to $4,000.

Complete details can be found at www.umhef.org/scholarships. Applications and supporting materials must be submitted/postmarked no later than March 1, 2023.

The grand vision of UMHEF is that it be financially possible for qualified students to attend a United Methodist-related institution of higher education. Annually, the foundation provides nearly 1,000 UMC students with scholarships totaling more than $2 million. Learn more at https://www.umhef.org/. *Beginning in 2023, students who are members of the Global Methodist Church, African Methodist Episcopal Church, AME Zion Church, and Christian Methodist Episcopal Church are also eligible to apply.

### Public Relations Contact: Teresa Tysinger, ttysinger@umhef.org / (615)649-3975 January 2023 • The Christian Index

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Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Reverend Dr. Nicholas L. Betts Reverend Dr. Nicholas L. Betts was born on March 22, 1966, in Memphis, Tennessee, and was the only child of Willie Neal and Jennie Mary Betts.

He departed this life early Wednesday morning, November 23, 2022.

As a child, Reverend Betts was nurtured in the Greenwood CME Church in Memphis, TN and was a product of the Memphis Public School system.

While in high school, he was called by God to preach at the age of 17, and at the age of 19 he received his first pastoral appointment to the Jones Grove CME Church in Humboldt, Tennessee. He was later ordained as a traveling Deacon, as a traveling Elder, and finally admitted into Full Connection in the West Tennessee Annual Conference.

Reverend Betts attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a minor in Psychology. He continued his pursuit for education at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia, receiving a Master of Divinity Degree, majoring in Christian Education with a minor in Clinical Psychology. While in graduate school, he was pastor of the Rock of Ages CME Church, Augusta, Georgia, and after completing graduate school, was assigned to pastor the Bakers Chapel CME Church in Goodlettsville, Tennessee. In May of 2000, he also received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity, Jackson Theological Seminary - Shorter College, Little Rock, Arkansas. Reverend Betts also pastored the St. Peter's CME Church in Flint, Michigan (1992-1995) and Greater Cleaves CME Church in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (1995-2000).

In July 2000, Reverend Betts was assigned to pastor the Israel Metropolitan CME Church in Gary, Indiana. At Israel, Pastor Betts led community service initiatives that fed and tutored youth and helped them to obtain their GED, and ministries to support singles and senior citizens. During this time, Pastor Betts also worked with the Gary City Drug Court, which was a program that offered participants alternatives to incarceration. While working with the Gary City Drug Court, he provided spiritual counseling and mentoring to victims and 28

The Christian Index • January 2023

perpetrators of domestic violence and substance abuse.

This is where he met Valerie, who was the Gary City Court Administrator. She later became the love of his life.

Pastor Betts and Valerie were married in May of 2004. Shortly after, they were relocated to Richmond, California, where he was assigned from 2005-2012 to pastor at Davis Chapel CME Church where he was an integral part of its rebuilding project. During their life together, Pastor and Mrs. Betts would continue to serve in several churches over the years: Warren Chapel CME Church, San Pedro, California (2012); Century Chapel CME Church, Sacramento, California (2012-2015); and Phillips Temple CME Church, Toledo, Ohio (2015-2018).

In 2018, Pastor and Sis. Betts were relocated to serve at Miles Chapel CME Church in Texarkana, Arkansas.

While in Texarkana, Pastor Betts was an active member of the Texarkana Christian Fellowship and would frequently sing with the male chorus at Miles Chapel.

He was also Patron Pastor for the Missionary Society, Arkansas Region.

Reverend Betts never met a stranger: always friendly, kind, and relishing every hug, handshake, and moment of laughter; he was a loyal and faithful friend and brother to many. An avid Dallas Cowboy fan, while helping the coach call out plays when watching them, he would always excitedly yell out, "How ’bout them Cowboys!"

Pastor Betts remained tirelessly committed, even at great personal sacrifices, to serving God and the CME Church, even through his sickness.

Pastor Betts was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Neal and Jennie Mary Betts; uncles, Otis Fields, Jr. and Bob Fields; aunt, Clastella Fields-Hickman; grandparents, Otis Fields, Sr. and Willie Mae Fields; sister-in-law, Doddleatha Roby; and brother-in-law, John W. Williams.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Valerie; sister, Andrea Eason; Valerie's daughters, Kimberly (Karl) Jenkins and Kelli (James III) Stanton; uncles, Everett (Martha) Fields and Joe (Alice) Fields; aunts, Lillian Fields and Roberta (Kevin) Montgomery; sisters-in-law, Leslie Williams and Ellen (Ray) Smedley; four bonus grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, many friends and the CME Church family.

"Prayer is a prelude to power."

--Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

ANNOUNCING BOLD MONEY MATTERS! A FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM FOR CME CLERGY!

PRESS RELEASE We are overjoyed to announce the CME Church is the recipient of a 4-year ($1 million) grant from the Lilly Endowment Foundation. The grant will fund a program to provide a financial literacy educational series to CME Clergy, as well as support a fund to provide direct aid to program participants. In keeping with the quadrennial theme, we are tagging this program as “BOLD Money Matters”!

The program officially began September 1st with a targeted launch of the actual educational series in early 2023. During the first months of our start up, we will launch our website, finalize our timeline and put other details in place. The anticipated dates for the Spring 2023 session are Tuesdays between February 7th and March 28th at 8 pm Eastern. The series are free for CME Clergy, but registration will be required. Registration will be open in late fall 2022.

The program has multiple phases: 1. In early 2023, we will begin the 8-session class series. These sessions will be taught live via an online platform. We will offer the 8- session series two times per year for the duration of the grant period.

2. In 2023, we will launch the "Ministerial Excellence Fund" to provide emergency assistance for certain debts or unexpected expenses and will not have to be paid back.

Applicants for funds must complete the class series prior to applying as well as meet other eligibility criteria. The criteria and an online application will be posted on the website after the first series of classes begin.

3. By mid-2024, we plan to add a self-guided online teaching module with advanced courses in finances, financial literacy, financial planning.

4. In 2025-2026, we will add a final dimension to the program, which would be education and consultation for local church leaders and their pastor on topics like "creating a budget", "planning a capital/building fund campaign", "levering property assets".

Watch for updates on our upcoming website at www.thecmechurch.org/boldmoneymatters.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Grant Administrator Dr. Tyrone T. Davis, Program Coordinator and Budget Officer Mrs. CheRhonda Greenlee, Program Assistant BoldMoneyMatters@thecmechurch.org January 2023 • The Christian Index

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The Christian Index • January 2023

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 Thomas L. Brown, Sr. - 6th Episcopal District, 2028 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur GA 30035-2395; 404-963-6652 (office); 404-963-6656 (fax); 6thdistrictcme@gmail.com

OR 6thdistrict@thecmechurch.org Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter - 4th Episcopal District - 5417 Robinson Road Extension, Jackson MS 39204; 769-251-0531 (office); 769-251-0758 (fax); 817-938-3747; KWCarter8@gmail.com Bishop James B. Walker - 7th Episcopal District, 6524 16th Street NW, Washington DC 20012; 301-270-7136; 301-270-7139 (fax) Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. - 3rd Episcopal District, Post Office Box 211237, Normandy MO 63121; 314-381-3111 (office); 314-381-2060 (fax); sw58cme@aol.com Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas - 1st Episcopal District, Suite 222, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116; 901-345-4114 (office) and 901-345-4115 (fax) Bishop C. Kelby Heath - 5th Episcopal District CME Church, P.O. Box 13383, Birmingham AL 35202-3383; 205-202-6504; cmec35203@yahoo.com; Web site: www.cmefifthdistrict.org;

office located at 2615 12th Avenue N, Birmingham Al. 35234 (do not send mail to the office address) Bishop Denise Anders-Modest - 2nd Episcopal District, 5115 Rollman Estates Drive, Cincinnati OH 45236; 318-348-8982; bishopandersmodest@thecmechurch.org; 2ndEpiscopaldistrictcme.org Bishop Charley Hames, Jr. - 9th Episcopal District, PO Box 481306, Los Angeles CA 90048; 323-294-3830; bishophames@thecmechurch.org Bishop Ricky D. Helton - 10th Episcopal District, 1703 Tamarack Street NW, Washington DC 20012; 202-726-5103; bishoprdhelton@thecmechurch.org Bishop Kwame Lawson Adjei - 11th Episcopal District, P. O. Box AN 7639, Accra, Ghana, West Africa; 011-233-244-630267; rev.adjei@hotmail.com.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton - Ecumenical Representative and Development Officer, P.O. Box 5069, Sun City Center FL 33571; 404-307-2911; bishopjeffersonsnorton@thecmechurch.org Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Retired - 8145 Summerwood Circle, Olive Branch MS 38654-7060; phone: 662-890-0021; bishoppstewart@aol.com Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired - 4441 Magnolia Path Pl., Buford GA 30518; 678-482-7066 Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired - 683 Beacontree Court, Concord NC 28027; 704-786-3226; mgilmore1@windstream.net Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Retired - 3576 Golf Walk Circle E, Memphis TN 38125; 310-902-8193; hwillia531@aol.com Bishop C. James King, Retired - 311 Magnolia Dr., Thomson GA 30824; 502-494-5366; kingcmep1@aol.com OR constance3088@gmail.com THE GENERAL OFFICERS Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield - General Secretary, Department of Christian Education & Formation - Suite 300, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis TN 38116-7100; 901-345 4109 (office); 901-261-3289 (fax); basiz1@aol.com; also 1119 Linksview Lane West, Cordova TN 38018 Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. - General Secretary, Department of Publications, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis TN 38116; 901-396-5400; cmepublishing@bellsouth.net; rdlsr@aol.com Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. - Editor, The Christian Index, 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721; 901-515-6510; ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org Dr. Victor Taylor - General Secretary & CFO, Dept. of Finance and Investments, 1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224, Evanston IL 60204; 847-274-0182 (main); 312-648-5232 (work); 240-359 6272 (fax); finance@thecmechurch.org; https://www.hightail.com/u/cmefinance (securely upload confidential documents here) Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. - General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions, 2893 Hwy 178 West, Holly Springs MS 38635; 678-362-7549; cmegdem@gmail.com Dr. Jacqueline I. Scott - President, Women's Missionary Council, 7255 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125; 901-737-7675; scottjacqueline210@yahoo.com Rev. Reginald G. Barnes - Gen. Sect. General Bd. of Personnel Services, P.O. Box 74 - Memphis TN 38101-0074; 901-345-4100; FAX 901-345-4107 Mr. Anthony J. Smoaks, Sr. - Gen. Sect., Ministry to Men, PO Box 3, Egg Harbor NJ 08215; 201-892-3942; CMEM2M@gmail.com.

Mr. Shannon L. Faulk - Gen. Sect. Dept. of Lay Ministries, 400 Corporate Pointe, Ste. 300, Culver City CA 90230; 310-902-6836 (cell); 310-590-4522 (office); slfaulk3@aol.com Dr. Theresa Duhart - Gen. Sect. and CIO, Dept. of Communications & Information Technology; 1907 Willow Lane West, University Place WA 98466, cio@thecmechurch.org; 253-376-6361 Dr. William George - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Publications, 535 Harwood Cove, Memphis TN 38120; 901-683-7833; email;weg38@aol.com.

Dr. Jeanette Bouknight - Executive Secretary, Emeritus, 11928 Steven Drive, Sterling Heights MI 48312; 313-433-7207; cmeexecutivesecretary3@yahoo.com.

Dr. Tyrone T. Davis - General Secretary, General Board of Personnel Services, Retired; 809 Sapphire Ave., Memphis TN 38109-6421; 901-218-0091; Tyrone.T.Davis@comcast.net.

Dr. Leo Pinkett - General Secretary, Ministry to Men, Retired - 2850 Shoreland Dr., S.W., Atlanta GA 30331; 404-349-1722; email: lpinkettace@yahoo.com Dr. Clifford Harris - Gen. Sect. of Lay Ministry, Retired - 15485 Prairie Bell Rd., Okmulgee OK 74447-8690; 918-519-4233 (c);918-304-1999 (h); MrCliffHarris@yahoo.com THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL (corrected 8-16-2022) Atty. Bernard Snell, President - P.O. Box 27333, Macon GA 31221 or 5801 Zebulon Rd., Unit #446, Macon GA 31220; 478-731-1897; bernard.snell@usdoj.gov Rev. Russell Fuller, Sr., Vice President - 647 Shadyway, Dallas TX 75232; 214-793-1945; fwdistrict@yahoo.com.

Atty. Shirley C. Byers, Clerk - P. O. Box 5008, Holly Springs MS 38634 or 125 East Van Dorn Ave., Holly Springs MS 38635; 662-820-2763 (c) or 662-252-2188 (h); scbjudge@gmail.com Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright - 3157 Dale Hollow Dr., Lexington KY 40515; 859-433-3396; Lynda.brownwright@gmail.com Rev. Dr. James T. Morris - 12832 Holdenbury Ln., Windermere FL 34786; cfdcmec.elder.morris@gmail.com Rev. Roland Johnson - 4945 Bradfield Run, Memphis TN 38125; 901-497-9588; revrjohns@aol.com.

Atty. J. Richet Pearson - P.O. Box 11135, Birmingham AL 35202; 205-252-8961; jrichetpearson@gmail.com Dr. Terri D. Dyer - 1259 Date Palm Dr., Carson CA 90746; 626-372-2026; Terridyer1@aol.com Presiding Elder Kevin J. Agee - P.O. Box 55834, Washington, D.C. 20040; 201-736-9107 (c) or 301-638-7124 (h); revkjagee@hotmail.com Rev. Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr., Immediate Past President (Class of 2018), 1315 Heatherland Drive SW, Atlanta GA 30331; 404-629-0055; jerrywoodfork@comcast.net.

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS Dr. Pene' G. Woods - Executive Secretary, 517 Forest Hill Irene Rd. South, Cordova TN 38018-4829; Email: cmeexecutivesecretary4@gmail.com; 901-489-9253 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. Felicia Johnson - President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department Rev. Carole E. Richardson - President, Connectional Christian Educators’ Council - 822 Marietta Pl., N.W. - Washington, DC 20011; 202-291-8566 Ms. Barbara Christian Campbell - President, Connectional Lay Council - 4819 Eagles Ridge Loop, Lithonia GA 30038; or 2012 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317; loviebarbara1@gmail.com; 404-587-8311 or 678-641-9745 Ms. Tiffanie Thompson - President, Connectional Young Adult Ministry; email: cyampresident@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. Lisa Lewis Balboa - Coordinator, Commission on the Concerns of Women in the Ministry; 47 Angela Drive, Trenton KY 42286; 270-305-6204 (cell); Lbalboa67@yahoo.com Mr. Freddie McKnight - President, Connectional Stewards, 24 Canton Street; West Haven CT 06516; 203-933-7230 (h); 203-500-6377 (cell) Ms. Dorruth Boyd - President of Connectional Ushers, 5135 Menefee Drive, Dallas TX 75227; 214-533-7553; email: dorruthboyd@att.net 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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