The Christian Index - July 2023

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

CME Delegation to 2023 Meeting of CUIC

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.

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, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, Tennessee 38116. POSTMASTER: Send Address Changes to The CME Publishing House, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116. THE SUBSCRIPTION RATE IS $30 for one year. Subscriptions should be sent to Office of the Publisher: The Christian Index, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116. 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.

2

The Christian Index • July 2023

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

Volume 156, Number 7

July 2023

Connectional Interests Episcopacy 4 Dept. of Evangelism/Missions 6 Dept. of Lay Ministry 7 Dept. of Ministry to Men 10 Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 12 CME-Affiliated Schools

Miles Alum Launches First Book 13 2023 CME Calendar of Events 14 Submissions James Morris to Lead Florida Council 16 Trinity Celebrates 150 Years "Oneanothering" Tools 21 Ferguson Chapel Celebrates Nineties 22 Philadelphia District Lay Meet after COVID 23 A Missionary Spotlight on Edith Patillo 24 New Harmony Honors Tommie Gilliam, Sr. 26 To Your Health 28 Children/Youth 29 Ecumenical News Press Release from CUIC 31 TCR Editor John Thomas Earns PhD 32 Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud 33 Connectional Directory 39 Cover: Members of the CME Church delegation to the 2023 meeting of Churches Uniting in Christ. (l-r): Dr. Ore Spragin, Editor of The Christian Index; Dr. Zachary Mullens; Rev. Tiffanie Thompson, Connectional Young Adult President; Mr. Anthony Smoaks, General Secretary, Department of Ministry to Men; Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Ecumenical Representative and Development Officer; Dr. Paul Brown, President-Dean, Phillips School of Theology; Dr. Leon Moore, General Secretary, Department of Evangelism and Missions; and Dr. Pene' Woods, Chief Administrative Officer.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: June 24, 2023

Editorial

"How long?" may not be the right question.

The idea of churches uniting in a type of organic union began with a sermon in 1960, with a formal organization occurring in 1962. The main idea seems to have been formulating and establishing a basic unity among the various member communions. The term communions is often used instead of denominations because some of the member church bodies have looser legal or covenantal ties than do others. This in itself is a quagmire that has to be navigated, but complicating the process is the fact that each communion has its own definitions and understandings of what are commonly called sacraments and of ministry. Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor What began in 1962 as the Consultation on Church Union (COCU) morphed into Churches Uniting in Christ (CUIC) in 2002, and with this new beginning added racial justice to its interests.

At the recent June 2023 meeting of (CUIC) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, it was observed that this group in its various iterations and nomenclatures or labels has been meeting for over fifty years on the same basic issue - how to bring visible unity to the body of Christ in a time when there is so much that divides us. The unavoidable question raised several times was how long will we, can we, continue to meet with seemingly little obvious progress. The prospect of spinning wheels is frustrating.

Nevertheless, CUIC aims toward a commonly acceptable and practical union of heart in love among its members, if not a definitional and theological unity. In other words, rather than continuing to raise the question of how long will it be in the future before we come to a common theological consensus and organic unity, perhaps we should be seeking to answer the question of how we can be more welcoming of one another and build bridges in the right now through worship and word despite the differences that remain. This would help us to respect each other as members of the one body of Christ while at the same time appreciating the differences that remain. Thus those marks of distinction could become agents of friendly assembly rather than means of obstruction and separation.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. raised the question of how long in his March 25, 1965, speech on the steps of the State capitol building in Montgomery, Alabama. His was a specific reference to racial inequality and injustice suffered primarily by blacks, but also by other minorities and poor people of all racial groupings. We continue to raise that question today, even as some of us celebrate the founding of this nation. Perhaps, again, the question of how long is not the right question. It is an important question, yes. But to remain there is to remain stuck in the past, or at best, to force a kind of neutral occupation in the present.

Jesus said that we would have troubles in this world, tribulations ... not because it is God's will but because it is Satan's will, and because there are people who are willing to, knowingly and unknowingly, do Satan's will as they seek to fulfill their own loveless desires for their own greedy gain. The question, "How long?" can only be answered, at least by persons of Christian faith, with, "Until Jesus returns." But a better question is, "Until then, what?" What do we do until the goal is achieved? Until then, what remains to be done is to work for progress and to remain vigilant in the work.

Steadfast, unmovable. Be grateful for what progress is made as it is made, for there is some fruit to be had in the present.

Take satisfaction in the labor itself and in the One who has called us to the work. And look with hope for the victory in Christ in the world that is yet to be seen.

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.

July 2023 • The Christian Index

3

Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

OFFICIAL APPLICATION: Please print or type, use black ink, and follow the directions listed at the bottom of Page 1 STUDENT INFORMATION

DATE

Name Permanent Address City

State

Date of Birth Cell Number (

Home Telephone ( )

Zip )

Email address

Member of

CME Church

(Name of Church)

City

State

Pastor’s Name

Are you related to your Pastor? Yes ( ); No ( ). If yes what is the relationship?

Local Lay Leader’s Name Episcopal District

Region

Bishop’s Name

ACTIVITIES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND AWARDS List and or/describe the activities and organizations you have actively participated in during the past three and one-half years. In addition, please include any awards that you have received. (Use an additional sheet if needed) A. School

B. Church

C. Community

What educational program or college major do you plan to enroll in?

Expected completion date.

Name and location of institution you will be attending.

2 8

The Christian Index • July 2023

Connectional Interests Are you presently employed?

Department of Lay Ministry

Will you be employed while in school?

Number of persons residing in your household Fill in the blanks to indicate the amount of financial assistance you will receive from other resources while in school. Please indicate whether annual or monthly by circling A for annual or M for monthly.

Amt. $

A / M Current Salary (if applicable)

Amt. $

A / M Veterans Benefits

Amt. $

A / M Social Security Benefits

Amt. $

A / M Vocational Rehabilitation

Amt. $

A / M Scholarships

Amt. $

A / M Pell Grant

Amt. $

A / M Loans

Amt. $

A / M Other Grants

Amt. $

A / M Other

I certify that all the information on this application is true and complete to the best of my knowledge. If requested, I agree to provide proof of the information that I have provided on this form.

Applicant’s signature



(Absolutely Required)

Date

REMEMBER: (A) Provide three (3) current reference letters (other than relatives). Note: One of the three letters of reference must be from your current pastor; if you are related to the pastor, an active officer of the local church must write the letter; (B) Submit a neatly typed or word-processed 300-400 word essay entitled “Why Advanced Education Is Critical to My Future”; (C) Be sure that your application is post marked before or BY August 31, 2023; (D) Make sure that your contact information (telephone number(s), street address, email) are current and correct; (E) Be sure that you have signed your application; (E) Submit your high school transcript inclusive of the first semester grades (or first two (2) trimesters if applicable) for the 2022-2023 school year. Important Note: Applicants who are chosen as winners must submit a final certified transcript bearing the school’s official seal.

Selection of the Scholarship recipients will be based on membership in the CME Church, academic achievement, financial need, strength of references, and a 300-400 word essay.

Completed applications MUST BE POSTMARKED no later than August 31, 2023.

PLEASE NOTE: Emailed Or Faxed Applications Will Not Be Accepted Under Any Circumstances.

AN IMPARTIAL COMMITTEE OF EDUCATORS WILL REVIEW THE APPLICATIONS AND RECOMMEND A WINNER FROM EACH UNITED STATES EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

3 July 2023 • The Christian Index

9

Submissions

Trinity CME Church: One hundred fifty-one years

Standing on Our Bold Past, Embracing our New Vision Submitted by Linda F. Granger Department of Evangelism Trinity CME Church, Lafayette, Louisiana Elder Maggie C. Banks, Pastor

Continuing on a journey that began on May 3, 1872, “Honoring Our Trailblazers” beginning under tents … to a Church of brick and mortar, Trinity Christian Methodist Episcopal Church located at 604 Lee Avenue, Lafayette, Louisiana, celebrated its 151st Anniversary with a 3-day program celebration. The Celebration began with a program, “Honoring Trinity’s Trailblazers,” continued with a “Community Day” on the Church grounds and culminated with the “151st Anniversary Worship Service.”

Trinity CME Church, under the leadership of Elder Maggie C. Banks for the past 10 years, celebrated 151years, looking forward to the many blessings in the “new thing” God will do in our future.

The youth and young adults of the Church kicked off our Celebration on April 16, 2023, with a Program to “Honor Our Trailblazers.” Leviticus 19:32 urges the people, “Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God.” Our youth and young adults reminded us that we should honor and respect those whom God has honored with the blessing of long life.

A special recognition was given to Sis. Hazel M. Taylor, 101 years young and a lifelong member of Trinity CME Church, where she faithfully served until her health failed. Also present with us during the Celebration from the 90+ category, were Sis. Annie L. Nabors, Bro. Prince Wren, and Sis. Edna Wren. We honored Sis. Zerlene Jones, who recently passed away, Bro. Isaac Jones, Sr., and Sis. Charlotte St. Cyr, active members of the Church who have relocated.

Sis. Theresa Singleton read the names of all the “Trinity Trailblazers” and paid tribute to those who have gone before us during 2022-2023. We have listed them below: Rev. Paul Cluse Sis. Annie Hull Sis. Virginia Johnson Sis. Barbara Kinchen Bro. Mitchell Landry, Sr. Sis. Audrey F. Martin Sis. Mathilda Martin

Sis. Merlene Broussard Bro. Walter Foote, Jr. Bro. James Jenkins Dr. Ernest Kinchen Bro. David Mouton Sis. Elaine Norwood Dr. Enrica Singleton Sis. Gloria Wiltz

Sis. Annie L. Nabers Sis. Edna Wren Bro. Prince Wren Sis. Hazel Taylor Bro. Isaac Jones Sis. Zerlene Jones Sis. Charlotte St. Cyr

On April 22, 2023, Elder Maggie C. Banks, Pastor of this great Church, opened the “Community Day” Celebration with prayer, praise, and worship. Joining us to commemorate this historic milestone were Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Presiding Prelate of the 4th Episcopal District, Lafayette’s Mayor-President Josh Guillory and members of his staff, members of the Randle Family, and Ms. Elsa Dimitriadis, Executive Director of ARCH, (Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing) and Trinity’s community partner in reaching the community through evangelism, outreach, and spreading of God’s word.

To commemorate this historic milestone, the “Community Day Celebration” began by capturing and creating a lasting legacy of memories and placing them in a time capsule for burial on the Church grounds 18

The Christian Index • July 2023

Submissions with plans to unearth the capsule in 35 years. The time capsule included information on the history of the Church, pictures, poems, drawings, and items of historical significance for burial near the Church’s Bell Tower.

For the burial of the time capsule, special shovels were utilized by Bishop Kenneth W. Carter, Elder Maggie C. Banks, Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory and members of his staff, and Trinity Church family members Sis. Mathilda Martin, Bro. Douglas Cooksey, and Sis. Virginia Johnson.

A special ceremony was held in the Ford Center, dedicating the dining hall in loving memory of lifelong members of Trinity CME Church, Bro. Dallas and Sis. Aurelia Randle. The ceremony in the Ford Center recognized the generous donation received from the Randle Family in honor of their grandparents, Bro. Dallas, and Sis. Aurelia Randle. Additionally, a plaque honoring the special donation received from the Randle Family was purchased and placed in the Dining Hall located in the Ford Center.

The Randle Family and the Lafayette City Council celebrate Community Day at Trinity CME Church.

Trinity CME Church’s history buried in time capsule for future generations.

Recognizing our community partner, ARCH of Acadiana.

“Community Day” resumed with a special presentation to Ms. Elsa Dimitriadis of ARCH, Acadiana Regional Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Lafayette. Trinity CME Church, under the leadership of Elder Maggie C. Banks, understands the Church’s responsibility to share, serve and support those in need throughout our community. Through the generous gifts of the Trinity CME Church family, we are able to provide financial support as well as contribute basic household needs to ARCH for those families seeking permanent housing.

Bishop Kenneth W. Carter and Elder Maggie C. Banks concluded the “Community Day” Celebration with prayer, remarks, and closing Benediction. For 151 years, Trinity CME Church has been “the community of God’s people,” individual believers, through Christ, who joined together for the purpose of fellowship, spiritual growth, and the sharing of the good news of salvation in Christ throughout the community.

Trinity CME Church’s 151st Anniversary Worship Service was held on April 23, 2023, and opened with singing and praising God. Our Praise and Worship Team, led by Sis. Dana Carney and Bro. Douglas Cooksey, welcomed the congregation to “Be Bold-Face Now-Embrace Next-See New” as we continue to “Walk by Faith, Continued on next page July 2023 • The Christian Index

19

The Ministers’ Spouses Widows/Widowers Department will be hosting their annual meeting during the 2023 Unity Summit. The meeting will take place in New Orleans, LA at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 Noon CST and a Workshop on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, from 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST. The meeting room assignment will be provided in the Unity Summit registration packet and/or posted around the hotel area for your convenience. Please wear your black with gold accessories on the day of the annual meeting.

All spouses are encouraged to attend.

Your humble servant, Lady Felecia G. Johnson, President

34

The Christian Index • July 2023

July 2023 • The Christian Index

35