The Christian Index - November 2020

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • November 2020

ST. JAMES CME DRIVE-BY VISITATION --p. 32 Happy Thanksgiving from The Christian Index

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2020 Offices are Housed in The International Headquarters Memphis, Tennessee Contact the Editor at (901) 515-6510 E-mail: orespragin@thecmechurch.org 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721 Contact Circulations/Subscriptions Office at (901) 396-5400 EDITOR Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. PUBLISHER Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. PUBLISHING BOARD Chairman Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr. THE CHRISTIAN INDEX (0744-4060; USPS 0108320) is published monthly by The CME Publishing House.

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

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

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

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

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The Christian Index • November 2020

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

Volume 153, Number 11

November 2020

Connectional Interests Episcopacy Department of Finance and Investments CME Calendar of Events Board of Personnel Services Dept. of Evangelism and Missions Dept. of Christian Education and Formation Department of Lay Ministry Department of Publications Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers CME-Affiliated Schools Submissions A Tribute to Two Servants Seek God's Guardians The Importance of Self-Care to Women Refreshing the Clergy's Call Prophetic Ministry (Part 2 of 2) Connect, Grow, Serve The 2020 Northern California Conference St. James Drive-by Visitation Chandlers Temple Conducts Water Drive Bethel CME Virtual Tea Children/Youth Ecumenical News Pandemic Provisions Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud Connectional Directory

5 6 9 10 11 12 13 14 16 17 19 19 20 22 25 28 31 32 33 34 37 39 40 43

Cover: St. James CME Church conducts drive-by visitation in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Pumpkin image

by Susanne Jutzeler, suju-foto from Pixabay.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: October 16, 2020

Editorial

A Look at the Proposed Background and Credit Report Policy In years past, the Book of Discipline of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church has granted authority to the General Connectional Board to "serve as a screening committee to evaluate the qualifications of persons seeking to be elected to a General Office by the General Conference." (2010 and 2014, ¶1000.5, §1) Subsequently, the 2018 General Conference refined this legislation by adding, "and require persons seeking the offices of General Secretary of Personnel Services, or General Secretary of Finance, or Bishop to submit to a credit report and a certified background check." To this end, the 2019 General Connectional Board (GCB) established a Special Committee to Develop Background and Credit Report Policy. The committee, chaired by Bishop James Walker and consisting of a total of six members, three clergy and three lay from the 10th, 2nd, 3rd, 6th, 8th, and 5th Episcopal Districts, made its initial report during the 2020 GCB meeting via Zoom on September 4.

At the outset, the report seems to be contradictory in saying both that "negative background checks do not necessarily preclude candidacy," and at the same time that the results "shall be used only to determine the qualifications and suitability as a candidate ..." Neither will the results be used to illegally discriminate against or preempt a candidate, except in cases of doctrinal conflict or other legitimate reason. Eleven areas are recommended for background check: (1) National Criminal History, (2) Educational Record Verification, (3) License Verification, (4) Employment History Verification, (5) Professional References, (6) Driving Record, (7) Social Security Number Verification, (8) Credit History (as under Tennessee law), (9) Sex Offender Registry, (10) Violent Offender Registry, (11) Domestic Violence Offender Registry, (12) Travel Ban List Verification, (13) Inappropriate Use of Social Media, and (14) Fingerprinting Check. On the surface, most of

the fourteen checks being recommended seem innocent enough, and necessary.

Yet, not a few concerns are raised in the mind of this writer. The Fair Credit Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Reporting Act is named as the Editor evaluative tool for financial purposes, and while student loan and medical debt are made exceptions, the debt ceiling is otherwise set at 10% of the salary for which a candidate aspires. Further, while we are decrying the burdensome student loan system and oppressive lending practices that plague people of color in general, we are establishing an obstacle that penalizes them for being financially challenged, if not poor, and thus dependent on the very system that would hold them down. Further, these are standards and judgments that to a large degree are only feasible and applicable in the U.S. With our proposed qualifications, are we developing a system in which the financially elite (wellto-do) are advantaged over those of less means? Does it favor the amount of debt (debt-to-income ratio) over the management of that debt? A person whose debt is 50% of their income may yet be a good manager of that debt and their resources. Buying a car or a house allows for more than 10%. In this new age of COVID-19 and recession, what does this mean for those who are qualified but victims of the economy and severe unemployment? Have we considered that our salaries are much lower than those of the denominations that we often seek to emulate? Ten percent of $75,000.00 is just $7,500.00. I am sure a bishop's expenses (personal and ministerial) are much more than

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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.

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Editorial (cont.)

Continued from previous page that, even after the other allowances. And though I can appreciate what I believe to be the rationale of the desire of the committee to exclude or especially critique felons, what IS the consideration for those who have paid their "debt to society? During this time in which efforts are being made to expand the U.S. electorate to include ex-felons, are we preparing to exclude them from full participation in the life of the church?

Though Annual Conferences and Episcopal Districts have been using third-party background check vendors for their own use in the past, have the standards and qualifications for clearance for ministry been as stringent as what is being proposed? The proposed system made provision for the somewhat private consideration of circumstances, which, admittedly, potentially also makes room for personal and administrative bias, but the discussion leaned toward all but eliminating such redress. Are we looking for perfect leaders, straining at gnats and preparing to choke on camels? How many of these things might fitly, not to mention rightly, be applied in countries outside the U.S.? We are not a closed, continental body. And how does

this policy fit within a general U.S. and worldwide society of oppression against people of color? Is the standard for candidacy that is so well implied within the proposed policy so filled with bias that the ballot box is stuffed before the names have been received?

I am not against evaluating candidates for office, but let not evaluation overrun our Christian conduct. "Don’t fool yourselves. Those who live immoral lives, who are idol worshipers, adulterers or homosexuals—will have no share in his Kingdom. Neither will thieves or greedy people, drunkards, slanderers, or robbers. There was a time when some of you were just like that but now your sins are washed away, and you are set apart for God; and he has accepted you because of what the Lord Jesus Christ and the Spirit of our God have done for you." (1 Corinthians 6:9b-11, TLB) Remember those 41 formerly enslaved persons who founded the CME Church? How many of them, and how many of our subsequent bishops, general officers, presiding elders, pastors, and church officers have fulfilled their trust with honor and distinction, yet who may not have been able to meet standards comparable to these evaluative processes?

Let us practice love while we conduct business, saying to ourselves, "But for the grace of God, there go I."

"Success is not measured by what you do compared to what others do. It is measured by what you do with the ability God gave you, and as soon as you trust yourself, you will know how to live."

--Omamo Samuel

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS: Unity Summit 2020 Rescheduled In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Unity Summit, scheduled to be held in Dallas, Texas, August 31-Sept. 4, 2020, has been rescheduled for the year 2021. The official dates for the Unity Summit 2021, which will convene in Dallas Texas, are August 28 - September 3, 2021 (inclusive of the Connectional Lay Institute).

Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr., General Chair, Unity Summit Bishop Lawrence Reddick, Senior Bishop June 2, 2020 CORRECTION ON UNITY SUMMIT 2021 OPENING DATE: Please note that the “opening date” of the 2021 Unity Summit will be Saturday, August 28th, which is the first day of the Connectional Lay Institute.

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

Rev. Dr. Jessie L. Douglas, Sr., CME Pastor and Civil Rights Leader Turns 90 Years Old Submitted by Bishop Henry M. Williamson, First Episcopal District

A faithful CME Pastor, civil rights leader and vocalist in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be applauded as an outstanding black leader on his 90th birthday. Reverend Dr. Jesse L. Douglas, Sr. was in the "1965 Civil Rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Dr. Douglas appears in an iconic photo of the historical event, locked arm in arm between Dr. King and former U.S. Rep. John Lewis. Because of his fair skin, blond hair, and blue eyes due to albinism, uninformed White reporters referred to Rev. Dr. Jesse L. Douglas as the 'Unidentified White Man.'" He needs to be properly identified as an African American CME Pastor and Civil rights Leader.

CME Pastor and Black Civil Rights Leader Turns 90 Years Old - Often Mistaken for a White Man working with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Congressman John Lewis.

"Upon graduating from the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in 1962, he took his first assignment as a pastor at a [CME] church in Montgomery, Alabama. During this time, he joined the Montgomery Improvement Association (MIA), formed in response to the 1955 Bus Boycott. He was elected President of the organization a year later. When Dr. King expressed an interest in starting a voting rights campaign as the leader of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), Dr. Jesse L. Douglas invited him to Montgomery." Dr. Douglas is one of the few remaining Civil Rights leaders of his generation.

Dr. Douglas has a bachelor's degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee; a Master of Divinity and a Doctor of Divinity from Phillips School of Theology at The ITC in Atlanta, Georgia; both schools are CME Institutions. He also has a PhD from Colgate Rochester Divinity School in Rochester, New York.

Dr. Douglas pastored CME Churches in four states: Phillips Memorial Temple in Phenix City, Alabama; Thurgood Memorial in Birmingham, Alabama; Jamison Memorial Temple in Kansas City, Missouri; Allen Metropolitan in Chicago, Illinois; St. Luke in Champaign, Illinois; Carter Metropolitan in Detroit, Michigan; and Dozier Memorial in Flint, Michigan.

Dr. Douglas' family includes his late wife, Blanche; two sons, Jesse L. Douglas Jr. and Winston Douglas (Tasha); one daughter, Adrienne (Brian, Sr.); and eight grandchildren. He is now retired and resides in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Lake Park Nursing and Rehab Center (3315 Faith Church Road, Indian Trail NC 28079).

We recognize and celebrate his lifelong ministry through the CME Church and his commitment to pursue justice and uplift humanity. Below is a link to the complete article from the Chicago Defender newspaper.

Source: https://chicagodefender.com/rev-dr-jesse-l-douglas-sr-turns-90 To learn more about the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, visit: https://thecmechurch.org

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 Connectional Meeting Dates (Dr. Pene' Woods, Executive Secretary, CME Church) Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conference June, Charlotte, North Carolina 8th CME Unity Summit & Lay Quadrennial Assembly August 28- September 4, 2021, Dallas, Texas The 22nd World Methodist Conference August 19-22, 2021, Gothenburg, Sweden Thirty Ninth Quadrennial Session & The Fortieth General Conference June 25 - July 2, 2022 - Cincinnati, Ohio 9th CME Unity Summit 2023 August 21-25, 2023, Hyatt Regency, New Orleans 10th CME Unity Summit - TBD (5th Episcopal District) 11th CME Unity Summit - TBD (7th Episcopal District) The 40th Quadrennial Session of the General Conference TBD - 6th Episcopal District November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“F From Where I Sit …”

Update! Do it NOW! Normally my articles primarily promote one of the programs advanced by the General Board of Personnel Services, but on this occasion I am reaching back to an article written in December 2011 where I suggested some important areas that needed to be updated no matter what insurance or retirement program you may have.

If during 2020, you have married (or remarried), it is important that the name of your new spouse is listed as your beneficiary (or among your beneficiaries) on your life insurance policy(ies) and for your retirement benefits. If not updated your spouse could be left out.

If during the past year, you have experienced the death of a spouse, you should update your beneficiary data especially if your late spouse was your primary or sole beneficiary. If your late spouse was your primary beneficiary, your secondary beneficiary would be treated as your primary beneficiary (if they survived you). You should update this record to formally name a new primary beneficiary and a secondary beneficiary to insure that your intended wishes are addressed. If your late spouse was your sole beneficiary, then you would no longer have a named beneficary and it is urgent that you update your beneficiary data as soon as possible naming the new person you wish to be your beneficiary.

If during the past year, you became divorced, it is equally important for you to update your beneficiary data. If your former spouse continues on your records as your primary or sole beneficiary, that person would be the first or perhaps only person to receive your benefits until you name another. You should update this record immediately to formally name your new primary beneficiary and if necessary a new secondary beneficiary to insure that your intended wishes are addressed.

The birth of a child is a time of great joy for any new family and it is only natural for parents to plan for the future of their child or children. However, no matter how great the love a parent may have for a child, an underage child (usually under 18) should NOT be named as a beneficiary. If so named, the parent should understand that the child or children will not benefit until they become of age (unless otherwise ordered by a court of proper jurisdiction).

Even if no major changes have occurred in your life, you should take the time to review your insurance and retirement statements to ensure that the information is correct, has been properly updated, and that you continue to receive such reports. Sometimes legal changes or other governmental revisions may cause modifications in statements requiring you to make adjustments.

However, if any of the above examples of life changing events have impacted your life and you need the assistance of the General Board of Personnel Servcies to update your records with the CME Church, please do not hesitate to contact us at (901) 345-4100. Your plans for retirement or an after death disbursement require timely attention to ensure that your wishes are not only implemented but done so in a timely manner. For the sake of your loved ones, nothing else is more important. Or at least that’s the way it looks to me …

“From Where I Sit” Tyrone T. Davis, D.Min, is the General Secretary of the Board of Personnel Services (Copies of earlier articles may be found on the Personnel Services Webpage of the CME Website at www.thecmechurch.org)

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back To Basics as “We Envision Our Way Forward Taking Care of God's Business” Growing the Church During A Pandemic Using A Technology Team In my last article, we looked at prayer to lay the foundation for growing the church during a pandemic. I would like us to look at the creativity of a technology team during these challenging times. We have a unique opportunity as pastors and laity to look at innovative ways to grow the local church. Consider how technology relates to church growth and how we approach it.

I suggest the pastor and laity develop technology teams. Of course, the team will need a leader. This should be a leader who understands the context of the local church, goals, and objectives of that local congregation. The team could have several tenets or one under the umbrella of technology. The team must consider the following: telephone, web-design, e-mail address, mobile app, television broadcast, social media, and word of mouth. The tech team should research and find the best practice for the target audience.

Is a cost associated with all of this? Yes! However, the cost of the church remaining the same is much greater. In some cases, you can use what is available to keep the cost to a minimum. For instance, Google your church name. Is your information up to date with current photos, hours of operation, etc.?

With prayer as the foundation, the local church can be relevant in ways like no other. Potential members can find you and participate with you in worship, even stay informed with your ministries and programs. I do understand some oppose technology in the life of the local church. After all, some ask, did Jesus use technology? Jesus used the technology of his day. Too often in the local church, parking lot, a virtual church we fail to be relevant and creative but expect a great harvest. Technology allows for the church to introduce or reintroduce itself to the greater community. With a solid tech team in place, your church will grow.

So, I challenge each local church to take seriously the opportunity of the new paradigm shift. The local church has multiple opportunities for worship and the potential to reach more people with the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you do not know how to pull a team together ask someone who has, seek training, or partner with someone. People may be looking to connect with God lay the foundation with prayer and use technology to embrace them.

Without vision, the people perish! Evangelism must have a vision and a visionary leader or leaders who understand that blowing the trumpet in the walls of the church, in the parking lot, on social media outlets and the telephone is still blowing the trumpet so the people can hear. Joel 2:1,” Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain” …. Blow the trumpet!!

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

Leon C. Moore, Jr. General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions Pleasant Hill CME, Conyers, GA

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education and Formation

What I Have Learned Carmichael Crutchfield

My assistant, Reverend Pat Winston, at Mother Liberty said to me, “this is has been the most ‘spiritual’ Holy Week I have experienced. What makes this statement so powerful for me is that she has been my assistant for about five years.

I have reflected much this week why this Holy Week has been so much of a force in my life. The pandemic we are experiencing slowed me down, but not in a way sometimes I have understood as slowing down. I feel I have worked harder during this pandemic than usual.

Before the pandemic I could almost operate on auto pilot. I have been in my position as General Secretary for almost eighteen years. I have planned and executed four Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conferences. Although every day continues to be different as General Secretary, my experience has allowed me to face challenges at times without much effort and be very effective in accomplishing the mission of the Department of Christian Education and Formation.

I have been a pastor since 1987 minus twelve years. I had wonderful professors at Memphis Theological Seminary that prepared me to be a priest, prophet and pastor. With this teaching came a strong understanding of worship and my responsibility as the planner and leader of the same. Although over the last five years I have prepared sound liturgy and preached sermons Sunday after Sunday, I could do it without the greatest of creativity or effort and be very effective.

I feel like I have been teaching all of my life and I have been successful enough to be awarded tenure and promoted to Professor at my seminary. One of the courses I teach is on the schedule each semester. Quite honestly, I could teach it without much preparation very effectively.

So, what have I learned during this pandemic? I have learned that my imagination did not die when I was a child. I have learned that creativity is part of God’s creation. Sometimes our imagination and creativity has to be met with adversity to rise to another level.

What have I learned? A pandemic will cause one to think of leadership differently. People need to worship God because of their love for God. Pastoral leadership has the responsibility to provide opportunities for worship even in trying and challenging times. People need to be engaged in Sunday Church school and Bible study.

However, pastoral leadership involves realizing he/she may and most likely does not know enough or have the time to plan worship in a vacuum. For worship is much more than a few songs, a prayer and a sermon. The pastor needs a team and must be willing to let those persons use their skills. I am blessed to have Mr. Charles Coney on my team.

But there are others as well. I will suffice it to say they are Mother Liberty members who have had to move through new territory and become new team members.

What have I learned? Virtual worship can be a power medium for reaching people, especially families. Virtual Bible study has the potential of reaching new people. I have experienced this during the past several weeks. I have experienced communications from people about worship, Sunday church school, and Bible study who have not communicated prior to the virtual experiences.

What have I learned? I might say here I have learned on a larger level that ministry requires work or energy.

Teaching, pastoring, or being an executive in the church requires mental, emotional and physical energy.

General Secretary's Note: This article is from the Spring 2020 Edition of the Practitioner, a quarterly publication of the Department of Christian Education and Formation.

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Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY TRY Y CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr.. Cliffordd L.. Harris,, Generall Secretaryy ““Reaching, Reac Re Reac achi achi hing g, Teac TTe Teaching, each ach ac and Ministering to All Generations, Equipping Them for Greater Works and d Service Serv rvviicce for for or Him” Him im”

FIVE BASICS THAT LAITY SHOULD KNOW IN SHARING CHRIST To Share Christ, One Must Know Christ! – During the course of our lives, we may have had the occasion to say to someone or someone say to us “How can you say that, and you really don’t know me!” Thus, in the context of this writing, I submit to us that if we are to be effective in sharing Christ with others, that we must come to truly know Him for ourselves. . . We must know God’s Word and truth in order to rightly witness for Christ and lead others to him.

Don’t Be Ashamed Of Christ And The Gospel – Being reluctant to speak up, stand up, and be identified as one who is Christian is not acceptable for those who claim to know and love God. These three (3) scriptures can help us hold fast to that which we believe and in whom we believe, and not be ashamed to share Christ with others. Mark 8:38: ESV says: “For whoever is ashamed of, me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” Matthew 10:32-33: ESV says “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” 1 Peter 4:16 ESV says – “Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name.”

Develop Study Habits – There is a saying, that most are familiar with that goes something like this, “One cannot lead where he/she won’t go and can not teach that which he/she does not know!” If we are to successfully share Christ with others we must be informed and adopt an attitude of a lifelong learner; one must develop study habits that moves the needle of knowledge to a place of confidence and opens the path to effective sharing. 2 Timothy 2:15 says, Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Always Carry Christ – I believe that the spirit of Christ should never have to ask for a ride! Why? Because it/He (Christ) should have a permanent seat in the heart of every Christian. What is truly in our hearts will show up in our attitude, speech, and actions and those who encounter us can many times be moved without much being said/spoken. And when we do want or need to speak a word of encouragement or offer an invitation to one who does not know Christ, we can summon Christ quickly, because he is seated in our heart. Hebrews 4:12 NIV reads “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Work At Catching, Not Cleaning – If one is a fisherman, he/she knows that fish cannot be cleaned before they are caught. That being said, when “fishing for souls”, our concentration should be on catching and introducing new found souls to Jesus and allowing Him to do the cleaning/cleansing. 1 John 1:7-9 says, 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

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Connectional Interests PS Form 3526

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Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (All Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications)

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ISSN 07444060

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Editor (Name and complete mailing address) Dr. Ore Spragin 4466 Elvis Presley Memphis, TN 38186

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Connectional Interests 13. Publication Title

Department of Publications 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below

CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH/CHRISTIAN INDEX (THE) 15. Extend and Nature of Circulation

09/22/2020 Average No. Copies Each Issue No. Copies of Single Issue During Preceding 12 Months Published Nearest to Filing Date

a. Total Numbers of Copies (Net press run)

4553

4583

3836

3861

637

642

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0

0

0

4473

4503

51

51

29

29

0

0

0

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80

80

4553

4583

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4553

4583

98.24 %

98.25 %

a. Paid Electronic Copies

0

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b. Total Paid Print Copies(Line 15C) + Paid Electronic Copies

0

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c. Total Print Distribution(Line 15F) + Paid Electronic Copies

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0.00 %

0.00 %

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Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

Ministers’ Spouses Presented Bishop Teresa E. Jefferson Snorton

“Staying Well while Living A Life of Ministry and Service Bishop Jefferson-Snorton presented a thought provoking, informative, and practical guide to spiritual, physical, and emotional well-being during a workshop for ministry providers and spouses on October 10, 2020 via Zoom. The workshop centered participants in (1) Awareness of the transcendent (2) A Sense of Belonging (3) and Creativity and Purpose.

Bishop Jefferson-Snorton shared her extensive knowledge and gifts in providing a “mirror” to self awareness and care. The participants gained skill set tools to recognize strengths as well as weaknesses in vital areas of staying well and developing healthy habits for the life and the mission of ministry. The reaction from participants was enthusiastic, appreciative, and AMEN! The session concluded with emphasis on ongoing points for staying well and recognizing signs that alert us to needs for change and modification. Bishop Jefferson-Snorton gave us these points for everyday :(1) Rest (2) Reflection (3) Retooling (4) Refueling (5) Renewal) The presentation is available for viewing on the MSW/W Department web page, www.cme-spouses.org. Please visit the site for a link to this valuable, instructive, honest, and practical remedy for many of today’s stresses of life.

2020 Scholarship Winners for the Barbara H. Sommerville Awards Congratulations to the outstanding young people who have been awarded the 2020 Barbara H. Sommerville Scholarships.

Our special thanks to the family of Mrs. Sommerviile who support the scholarship each year with their financial gifts.

Starting from top left: Breanna Hunt - First Episcopal District Aaliyah Newsom - Second Episcopal District Jain Finkley - Third Episcopal District Theodoric Stephen - Fourth Episcopal District Btron Mason - Fifth Episcopal District Elaine Mosley - Sixth Episcopal District Dominique Gample- Seventh Episcopal District Maurissa Boston - 8th Episcopal District Jael Hames - Ninth Episcopal District Scholarship Committee: Mrs. Deborah G. Harris, Mrs. Wanda Henry Mr. Montagga Wright & Mrs. Carolyn Hendricks Mrs. Marilyn Griffin, Mr. Willie Williams Mrs. Martha Ann Wiley, Mrs. Cheryl Wooten Mrs. Barbara Cain, Mrs. Norma J. Cummings Mrs. Donna Gives, Chairman

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CME-Affiliated Schools

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CME-Affiliated Schools

"Dear Lord, please hear the silent prayers of our heart tonight. Words fail to escape our lips, but our souls are burdened.

Grief overwhelms us as we continue to watch our children, your children being harassed, abused, and even killed. While many stand silently by, convinced that people of color somehow deserve the harassment, abuse, and even death, their silence is as deadly as the acts themselves. Thank you for those who refuse to be silent and continue to stand up against injustice. Those whose love makes this world bearable. Lord, please trouble every Christian's heart until they stand up for righeousness' sake and the unconditional love of all people. Allow us to se one another formed in your image and through your eyes. We thank you for this day, your grace, and mercy. In Jesus' name, Amen."

--Theresa Wallington-Tipton 18

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Submissions

A TRIBUTE TO TWO SERVANTS Submitted by Matilda (TC) Cornelius On Sunday, August 2, 2020, Pastor Thomasena Rice and the members of Saint Matthew CME Church in Leesville, South Carolina; Charleston-Columbia District; Carolina Region, gave tribute to Brother Fredie R. Gives, Jr. and Sister Lela Ann Davis for their Legacy of Christian Service to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

A special occasion was held during our weekly Sunday conference call service. Dr. John Summers shared the reading of the plaque, recognizing Brother Fredie R. Gives, Jr. for his dedicated years of service as Superintendent of the Sunday Church School Department. Sister Matilda (TC) Cornelius shared words concerning Sister Lela Ann Davis' Christian service to the present [time]. A Certificate of Appreciation was read in recognition of her "Unique Quiet Spirit" and loving commitment to the church. A colorful arrangement of flowers was delivered to her home to show her love from the church family.

Sister Donna M. Gives presided over those who spoke encouraging and inspiring words to both honorees. Reverend Dr. Doris Hicks and Reverend Dr. Acquirneta McNair, former pastors, rendered observations. District Lay Leader of the CharlestonColumbia District, Brother Roman Cunningham, shared his memories of Brother Fredie R. Gives, Jr. when he worked with the Lay Ministry Department.

The service sparked heartfelt memories from family members from the north, east, and west coast via phone. There were some emotional moments and times of laughter as the families and church family expressed their appreciation and love for these two committed, long-time members of the body of Christ.

This special occasion could not have been better [had we been together] in person.

Saint Matthew CME Church is blessed to have these two members as part of our church family.

Sunday, August 2, 2020, was a day filled with joy and praise exemplifying the reflection of God's love for those who serve Him.

Seek God's Guardians Submitted by Rev. John Omondi Mission Supervisor, CME Church, Kenya

This is a very important principle to understand as we go about our Father's business and share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with other people. Many people are literally bound by demonic spirits, either from within or without, so that their wills are not free. They cannot will to accept Jesus as their savior and their minds are similarly bound so that they cannot understand the gospel message as the scripture states, "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:3-4) Fellow Servants of God, make sure you seek His guardians in prayer before you go to His business.

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Submissions

The Importance of Self-Care to the Woman of God Submitted by Rev. Jessie Manuel

One of the most difficult challenges facing clergy is setting healthy boundaries. It is important especially as women to be aware of the contributing factors that affect one’s own spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical well-being.

Pastors, we bear heavy loads, especially in these postChristian and post-denominational ages. Especially now that there is a new norm as we get a grip with the world changes and social media congregations. There are [many] reasons I have been challenged as a pastor for several years and not even thinking about any “me time” or self-care.

Everybody wants the pastor to be a priest, an administrator, a building/facilities repair person, a psychiatrist, the best preacher in the world, the teacher of Bible study, the worship innovator, the congregational growth expert, the ethicist of our day, the political voice of these times, the millennial whisperer, HR specialist, economist, missionary, fund raiser, the model father/ mother/spouse and, in some cases, just a plain ole’ savior.

By the end of the day, I am entirely at the end of myself.

I’m ready for an ice cream sandwich and looking for some classical music to calm my mind from the many worries of the day. Instead of tackling the list of creative projects, I take a power nap, collapsing onto the sofa chair and leaving many things left undone for another day or time.

When I finally peel myself off the couch, I am no better off than when I started. Wow!!!

And yet, I’ve honestly thought the term self-care was kind of lame. [However, after taking “Clinical Pastoral Care” and learning the importance of self-care, I realized how much stress I had voluntarily placed on myself.] I didn’t even think about myself and not even self-care.

I couldn’t put my finger on exactly where to start and what I didn’t like about it. I mean, a bath sounds nice, spa with the works, or, even though I’m not a wine-drinker myself, I know plenty of people who enjoy a glass now and then.

I started wondering why all the chatter about self-care irritated me so much. Until, one day it hit me. As I began to look at magazine articles and commercials, I 20

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continued to think deeply about this issue of self-care.

Unfortunately, many of these self-care promises barely skim the surface of a much deeper issue: There is no onetime spa escape or miracle product that touches the more serious need for a woman to be revived and replenished from the inside out.

“Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) Ultimately, self-care is not a work we do in ourselves. God does the work in us, we make the space for it to happen, and we participate in that good work by taking hold of the various ways God has supplied sustenance to our minds, bodies, and souls.

Self-care is the physical, emotional, and spiritual equivalent of automobile maintenance. Change the oil, check the transmission fluid, check the air-pressure, and get weird noises checked out; then your car or truck should last. Ignore the “clunk, clunk” or the smoking tailpipe long enough and expect a costly repair later.

We may have missed some simple things that we often do daily without knowing it. [Things as simple] as eating right. Working as a nurse, I would just eat a Snickers, some Sweet Tarts, jellybeans, you name it, and work my morning shift. I have probably eaten more processed sugar in my life than all my children and grandchildren.

To put it bluntly: I treated the temple of the Holy Spirit like a candy store. I do not have a miracle “I started eating salads, lost weight, and feel great” testimony. But, I am learning to eat right because you are what you eat.

I see my neighbors walking briskly every day and yes, exercise is another great thing to put on your to do list.

The Bible does not talk much about exercise, but it didn’t need to. Biblical characters walked, herded, and gardened all the time. Exercise was part of life. We should, as much as possible, adopt that mindset.

I have openly confessed my aversion to taking a Sabbath on Monday’s. I am averse because I feel guilty if I am doing nothing, and I don’t like feeling guilty—like I am wasting time or being lazy. A day of rest does not imply a day of sleep; rest is more than that. It means to stop for a while to let your body, soul, mind, and spirit catch up with each other. Without rest we cannot recharge and without recharging we become like a spent battery: good for nothing except to be [thrown away].

Submissions I am an early riser and, apparently, it is only getting worse the older I get. Most mornings I awake before 3:00am.

Some mornings it is an hour before. I cannot sleep-in on weekends. Only after the most strenuous weeks would I sleep until 6:00am on a Saturday. It is a running joke with my friends that any text message before 8:00 or 10:00am may go unanswered until later that morning. Sleep is essential to optimal functioning, but sometimes it is hard to come-by. It is important to seek help to process post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD) symptoms and address addictions or other means of self-medication.

As women, we are gravely depleted and worn out because we absorb trauma, relational discord, financial stress, and the lion’s share of worry when raising children.

All too often, we simply don’t nourish ourselves with restorative habits to counterbalance the difficult things we experience.

The cumulative depletion that results from years of neglecting these deeper needs for adequate rest, healthy food, mental space and a substantial dependence on God for what enlivens a woman’s soul, ultimately robs us of the true joy God offers us the midst of our circumstances.

God cares for your needs and has the abundance of heaven to offer you, but you cannot be passive recipients of His attention and provision and expect to get the rest you are looking for. You must take responsibility for your side of the equation on a daily basis, consistently taking up the task of not only living within your personal limits but also drawing deep from the well of God’s wisdom for your life.

We should practice self-care not for fear of extremes, but because it manifests this truth: we belong to God—body, soul, mind, and spirit. And, we can love God better with each [of these] if we are taking care of them as we should.

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Submissions

Refreshing the Clergy’s Call to Leading and Living Worship Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, Ph.D Submitted by Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, PhD (Theology and Ethics) Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church, Hopkinsville, Kentucky

The mission of the CME Church in the Second Episcopal District is to form Christian disciples through the systematic training and development of CME clergy and laity. Empowered by the Holy Spirit, CME disciples will preach and teach the word of Christ, nurture spiritual growth and stewardship, and witness and organize for systematic and social change in our communities. In speaking with Bishop Thomas at length, I have been convinced that there is a need to get back to the basics. According to Bishop Thomas, instead of just “getting back to the basics” per se, we need to “Go all the way back (to the basics) and reference the First Century Church” which typically places us in the Great Commission. Even though the Great Commission is found in the Gospel of Matthew, it contains an Actsian energy...an Action synergy if you will ... The Great Commission is the undisputed instruction of the resurrected Jesus Christ to his disciples to spread his teachings to all the nations of the world. We cannot pick and choose. The Holy Spirit leads us into the places we really are not comfortable going. The question is: Are we going where the Spirit leads us?

Retired Episcopal Bishop, Claude Payne, in his important text, Reclaiming the Great Commission, provides a practical model for transforming denominations and congregations. Reclaiming the Great Commission describes a biblically-based model that can restore the missionary power of first-century Christianity to twenty-first century denominations and their congregations ... It is here in the midst of our confession that the Church has either moved away from or forgotten the deep spirituality of the Great Commission, that we suggest that the first way we can be refreshed in our call to leading and living worship is by reclaiming the Great Commission within the local churches of the Connectional Christian Methodist Episcopal Church of these United States and Africa.

The most famous version of the Great Commission is in Matthew 28:16–20, where on a mountain in Galilee Jesus calls on his followers to make disciples of and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit (also see Mark 16:15; Acts 1:2, Acts 1:8; Colossians 1:23. Here, Christ's program of missions, which is the CME Church's program of missions as well, makes disciples of all nations. It involves three steps: (1) “GO” (2) “BAPTIZING THEM” as a sign of their union with and commitment to Christ; and (3) “TEACHING THEM TO OBEY EVERYTHING CHRIST HAS COMMANDED.” ... For Bishop Payne, denominational crisis creates an opportunity to grow. And because denominational outreaches are not meeting the needs of those who are spiritually hungry in the United States, Bishop Payne teaches that we must go back and reclaim the Great Commission. .

With great excitement, Bishop Payne anticipates another great awakening in the twenty-first century, one that is subsequently different from previous religious awakenings. The great awakening of the twenty-first century is driven by spiritual lights and not religious folk. It is driven by the desire and hunger for spiritual values, theological ethics and spiritual discipline ... With excitement, expectation and concern, Bishop Payne reminds us again that, “The focus of the twentieth century was outer space. The focus of the 21st will be on inner space (6).”

For Bishop Payne, The Great Commission is an interdisciplinary conversation. It is one that is closely related to and inclusive of The Early Church, our commitment to Evangelism, our embodying of Great Commandment, our faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and a greater, more unifying vision amongst people of faith. Very similar to Bishop Payne, Henri Nouwen was a spiritual thinker with an unusual capacity to write about the life of Jesus and the love of God in ways that have blessed countless people to trust the spiritual process more fully. Most widely read among the over 40 books Father Nouwen wrote is In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. For a society (Saint Augustine's language is fallen world) that measures successful leadership in terms of the effectiveness of the individual, Father Nouwen offers a counter definition that is witnessed by a communal and mutual experience.

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Submissions For Nouwen, leadership cannot exist, function nor prosper apart from the community. His wisdom is grounded in the foundation that we are a people "called." … I would offer that a second way we can be refreshed in our call to leading and living worship is by expanding our church leadership models out into the local communities in which we seek to serve. What we are finding is that the most effective leaders of the modern-day church are those who hold a [deep-seated] involvement in the communities which they are located ... I am arguing that the most effective leadership model in the 21st century church is one that closely follows the Great Commission.

Because we identify Nouwen as a spiritual leader, his descriptive text provides an attractive guide to Christian Leadership. Here, he helps us by confessing the following: • “After twenty-five years of priesthood, I found myself praying poorly, living somewhat isolated from other people, and very much preoccupied with burning issues ... I woke up one day with the realization that I was living in a very dark place and that the term “burnout” was a convenient psychological translation for a spiritual death (10-11).”

• “I am deeply convinced that the Christian leader of the future is called to be completely irrelevant and to stand in this world with nothing to offer but his or her own vulnerable self. That is the way Jesus came to reveal God’s love ... (17).”

• “One of the main sufferings experienced in the ministry is that of low self-esteem (18).”

• “… The leader of the future will be the one who dares to claim his irrelevance in the contemporary world as a divine vocation that allows him or her to enter into a deep solidarity with the anguish underlying all the glitter of success and to bring the light of Jesus there (22).”

• “The desire to be relevant and successful will gradually disappear, and our only desire will be to say with our whole being to our brothers and sisters of the human race, “You are loved…

(27).”

With the Great Commission and leadership development in view, Matthew Johnson's work entitled

Worship: Holy Living-Spiritual Practices for Building a Life of Faith puts a much-needed emphasis on developing and practicing spiritual disciplines. Johnson confesses that, "While physical training has some value, training in holy living is useful for everything.

It has promise for this life now and the life to come (1 Timothy 4:8 CEB).” The modern-day truth of the Church is that Christians crave a deeper, more intimate relationship with God. The spiritual disciplines are historical practices that can guide us in our daily walk, bringing us closer to Christ. Reading the Bible on a daily basis along with a more consistent prayer life bring a fresh perspective on the spiritual disciplines; enabling us to apply those sacred practices to our current lives. Practicing these spiritual disciplines opens us up to God's transforming love. Put another way, both the Old and New Testaments call the people of God to love God completely as well as love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Jesus told his followers these were the greatest commandments. What if by "neighbor," Jesus literally meant the precious people who live in your neighborhoods? What if by "neighbor," Jesus meant all of your neighbors, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, or any other potentially divisive designation?

Johnson's book first defines what is meant by the spiritual practice of "neighboring"; and then it looks at ways we can live into neighboring as a spiritual practice in our own lives and in the lives of our churches and local communities. With Johnson's thesis in mind, I am suggesting that a third way we can be refreshed in our call to leading and living worship is to commit ourselves to practicing the spiritual discipline of reaching out to all of our neighbors. And not the ones we are comfortable with or the ones who look like us. Practicing the spiritual discipline of reaching out to our neighbors is closely tied to practicing Jesus' ministry of the Great Commission. The connection between reaching out to all of our neighbors and going out to make disciples of and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit is quite obvious. Here, the teaching point is that WE MUST GO ALL-OUT in our leadership and ministry endeavors.

We must be aggressive and progressive in reaching the lost and teaching the found. Again, we must be led by God in Jesus Christ by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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Submissions Continued from previous page Because the CME Church is in the season of the miraculous, we must pay close attention to God's notions of rest, renewal and walking in God's love, especially where the Bible is concerned. If we are not preaching and teaching the Bible, then our work has no spiritual direction. What I have discovered in my research is that being refreshed by God for the purpose of demonstrating greater ministry to those who need it the most ... really means that we must know Jesus. For the purpose of learning more about what it means to be refreshed by God, let us visit the Holy Scriptures.

Isaiah 28:12 - To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.

Romans 15:32 - So that I may come to you in joy by the will of God and find refreshing rest in your company.

GOD TAKES US FROM A REFRESHING REST TO A REFRESHING OF THE SOUL Job 29:22 - After I spoke, they did not speak again, and my speech dropped upon them [like a refreshing shower].

Psalm 19:7 - The law of Jehovah is perfect, refreshing the soul, The testimonies of Jehovah are steadfast, Making wise the simple, GOD TRANSITIONS US FROM A REFRESHING OF THE SOUL TO THE REFRESHING OF THE SPIRIT Psalm 36:6 - They are filled from the abundance of Your house; You let them drink from Your refreshing stream, 2 Cor 7:13 - Therefore we are relieved and comforted and encouraged [at the result]. And in addition to our own [personal] consolation, we were especially delighted at the joy of Titus, because you have all set his mind at rest, soothing and refreshing his spirit.

GROWTH CAN BE DEFINED AS A REFRESHING OF THE SPIRIT THAT TAKES PLACE IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD Acts 3:19-20 - Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; So that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and so that he may send you Jesus, whom he appointed long ago to be the Messiah GOD REFRESHES US IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LORD AND IN THE PRESENCE OF OUR COLLEAGUES Philemon 1:7- For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.

Philemon 1:20- Yes, brother, let me benefit from you in the Lord; refresh my heart in Christ.

At first glance, one would think that refreshing the clergy's call to leading and worship implies an extended amount of time off or experiencing some kind of rest away from the pastoral and ministry responsibilities or even slowing down our ministerial pace. What I have discovered is that refreshing or being refreshed by God and our colleagues does not imply resting on anything for any reason. It actually means that we must be even more committed to doing the work of the Lord. We must work harder than ever, preach better than ever, pray more often than we ever have, communicate more effectively than we did in the past and study more than ever to show ourselves approved in conversations within and beyond the church building. The tough truth is that the Church must be transformed. Transformation comes with growth. Growth takes place in the experience of spiritual empowerment. In order to refresh the clergy's call to leading and living worship, we must know what it means to be refreshed by God. We must know Jesus.

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Submissions gives lip service to ethical behavior or assumes that doctrinal affirma on alone is sufficient to sa sfy ethical requirements. A stagnant orthodoxy is biblically unfaithful and ethically irresponsible. It is biblically unfaithful because The Bible affirms that worship, theology and ethics must go together. It is irresponsible because it provides a shallow, ineffec ve witness to those outside the Church. Examples from both the Hebrew Bible and also the Greek New Testament affirm the connec on among worship, theology and ethics.

Prophe c Ministry (Part 2 of 2) Submitted by Thomas B. Slater, Pastor St. Paul CME Church, Athens, GA

Re-introducƟon We live in a me when a prophe c ministry is badly needed. A prophe c ministry is not one which predicts the future, but one which evaluates the present and speaks truth to power when the community has gone astray. The prophe c model is not Hananiah, the prophet who preached to the choir, but Jeremiah, the prophet who spoke the truth without regard to whether it was popular, or poten ally detrimental to one’s career, or even endangered one’s life. A prophe c ministry is peoplecentered and not ins tu on-centered. By people-centered, I mean a worldview which values the social and psychological well-being of human beings over against social ins tu ons, whether those ins tu ons are governmental, cultural/ ethnic, business, poli cal or religious.

Scripture must be the founda on of a prophe c ministry. Scripture is the founda onal story of God’s interac on with the human community throughout history. All other stories find their beginning, their ending and their meaning in Scripture, both literally and figura vely. TradiƟon, or Church history, is important, but it must never become as essen al or as influen al as Scripture. Tradi on is a soap opera where we find the Church striving and failing repeatedly to live up to the ideals of Scripture. This is not to say that Scripture is perfect. It is not, but even in its imperfec on, the voice of God can be heard. Tradi on wants to replace God’s voice with its own voice. When ministers do not keep their vows and the Church covers it up, tradi on has replaced God. When poli cs replace piety, tradi on has replaced God. When the denomina onal shield becomes sacrosanct, tradi on has replaced God. Tradi on o en gives us models to follow, but it also gives us examples to avoid ... Scripture o en requires us to live by faith by not giving us simple answers or by giving us conflic ng answers (see Ma hew 17:9-13; John 1:19-21). However, it is also true that Scripture con nues to inspire, inform and reform our lives in ways that give life meaning … At its core, Scripture is about human rela ons and human rela onships ... Biblical religion is all about orthopraxy, ethics informed by faith and faith made manifest in appropriate Chris an living. However, much contemporary American Protestant Chris anity is a stagnant orthodoxy, doctrinal affirma on which merely

In the Greek New Testament Jesus The New Testament (NT) also requires ac on and one finds this connec on in every layer of the tradi on. In a rabbinical se ng, a emp ng to test him, a scribe asked Jesus to iden fy the most important commandment (Mark 12:28-34). Jesus quotes Deut 6:4 and Lev 19:18b (cf. Lev 19:34). The first is primarily theological, requiring one to love God with one’s en re being; the second, ethical, requiring one to love one’s neighbor as much as one loves oneself. Jesus joins faith and prac ce. This is all the more interes ng in that the ques on presumed that the answer would only require a single commandment! The ques oner should have asked, “In brief, how can one obey the en re Law?” In other words, the answer requires a two-fold, inseparable solu on. Moreover, Luke provides an amendment: the neighbor is anyone in need, not simply those within one’s own ethnic community (Luke 10:25-37; cf. John 13:31-35).

One finds a similar development in the so-called “Li le Apocalypse” in Ma 25:31-46. (It is actually an eschatological oracle with apocalyp c elements. This is free. tbs) Echoing the Holiness Code, the allegory of the sheep and the goats states that God requires us to help the hungry, the thirsty, strangers (ie, persons outside one’s ethnic group), those needing clothes, the sick and the imprisoned. (Given Roman occupa on, the last category probably refers to poli cal prisoners.) These are persons from whom one would expect nothing in return.

They live on the margins of society. They are easily overlooked. This teaching is all the more noteworthy given that Roman society worked on a reciprocity system: if someone did something for you, you were honor bound to do something for her/him of equal value (see also Rom 12:9-21; Rev 7:16-17; 21:6-7) or receive social ridicule, ie, shame. Loving the neighbor is not a business transac on but an act mo vated by selfless love.

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Submissions Continued from previous page St. Paul One finds the same concern for ethical propriety in the wri ngs of St. Paul as well. In Gal 5:6 Paul writes, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything but faith working through love.” Dunn translates the second half of this verse “faith opera ng effec vely through love.” For Dunn “the point is that rela onship to Christ means a radical reappraisal of what cons tutes acceptability to God” (J. D. G. Dunn, The Epistle to the Gala ans, Hendrickson, 1993, p. 270; cf.

Dunn, The Theology of Paul the Apostle, Eerdmans, 1998, pp. 499-532, 625-69). In other words, a rela onship with Christ is not without high ethical expecta ons for our rela onships with other persons. Faith requires ac on and not just any ac on: it requires love.

Perhaps more importantly, Gal 5:14 quotes Lev 19:18: “For all the Law is fulfilled in one word, in one statement: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”

This statement about fulfilling the Law is all the more poignant in a le er which argues passionately against obeying the Law. This is a significant concession. It should be noted that Paul consistently cri cized the more ritualis c or ceremonial aspects of the Law, but he also consistently upheld the ethical dimensions of the Pentateuch. (Paul might not have been conscious of the dis nc on which he himself made in this regard.

Compare T. B. Slater, “Kingdom-language in Paul” in T. B. Slater, Afrocentric Interpreta ons of Paul and the Pauline Tradi on, Edwin Mellen, 2018, pp. 15-31.)

One finds a similar, surprising statement in 1 Cor 5:10: “For it is necessary for us all to be presented before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each might receive judgment according to what one has done in life, either good or bad.” The surprise for many is that Paul connects works and salva on. (Reading Paul, Wesley taught that faith alone saves, but good works must be done with every opportunity.) Here Paul clearly connects judgment with ethics, either good or bad. What we do in life determines where we shall spend eternity. Again, while Paul gives li le value to the ceremonial dimensions of the Law, he values highly its ethical teachings and does not separate expressing a doctrine and living the life that doctrine requires. (See also J. P. Sampley, “First Corinthians,” New Interpreter’s Bible, vol. 10, pp. 84452; see also E. P. Sanders, Paul, the Law and the Jewish People, Fortress, 1983.) One finds the same exhorta on in Romans 13:9 (cf. Rom 12:9-21) which quotes parts of the Decalogue. Paul’s point here is that all the commandments are obeyed when one loves others.

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In the next verse, Paul goes into more detail that this commandment requires a love which seeks the welfare of the other simply because he/she needs it and expects nothing in return (cf. R. N. Longenecker, The Epistle to the Romans, NIGTC, Eerdmans, 2016, pp. 978-81).

Early Chris an Judaism James and the Revela on to John are two examples from early Chris an Judaism, that segment of first century Chris anity which valued the tradi ons of Judaism more highly than other early Chris ans. That tradi on includes Ma hew, Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, Jude and the Book of Revela on/Apocalypse to John.

“For just as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). James is not arguing against faith alone but against a faith which does not find its comple on in good deeds. For the book of James, faith and works form a theological and ethical whole and are mutually inclusive. One might dis nguish them, but one cannot separate them. Wall states the case succinctly: “God’s final judgment will be without mercy for those whose orthodox faith is without merciful works” (R. W. Wall, Community of the Wise: The Le er of James, TNIC, Trinity Press Interna onal, 1997, p. 157; see also pp. 148-58; cf. S. Laws, The Epistle of James, HNTC, Harper & Row, 1980, pp. 118-39).

The Apocalypse is our second installment from early Chris an Judaism. The book argues that those who have witnessed faithfully, those who lived the faith and gave their lives for it, shall be the most honored in the New Jerusalem. Rev 6:9 refers to “those who were slain because of the word of God and the witness which they had sustained.” Rev 20:4 refers to this group a final me: “And I saw . . . the souls of those who had been beheaded because of the witness of Jesus and the word of God.” These persons had not worshipped the beast or its image or received its mark on either their head or hand. In short, nothing kept them from being faithful to God and Christ, not even the threat of death. This is the ul mate example of comple ng one’s theological affirma ons through faithful living. “Faith is a way of life.

It inhabits one’s body, mind and en re being.” Moreover, “It is the power to endure under extreme circumstances.

Such faith is a power that only God can give” (T. B. Slater, Revela on as Civil Disobedience, Abingdon, 2019, p. 87).

Conclusion The contemporary American Chris an Church has lost its way and there is a great need for a prophe c ministry which re-examines the Bible and calls for a New

Submissions Reforma on. This reforma on must do two things. First, it must remind people of the connec on between faith and ethics, doctrine and prac ce, word and witness. It must proclaim that this bond runs throughout the biblical narra ve.

It begins in the Pentateuch, is re-affirmed in the prophe c tradi on, the early Jesus movement, Pauline Chris anity and early Chris an Judaism. Praise and prac ce are inseparable. They complete one another. “Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one. And you shall love the Lord our God with your en re being. And you shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. This is the complete Law. All else is commentary.”

Secondly, we must remind people how Scripture fills in the details of loving God and loving the neighbor.

We must keep God’s commandments, treat others fairly, protect widows and orphans, take care of the sick, the impoverished, the wrongly imprisoned and be hospitable to foreigners and treat them as if they belonged to our na onal family. We must not exploit those who are socially vulnerable but protect them from further hurt. America needs to be reminded of these biblical truths . . . yesterday! Selfishness drives the fight against the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). Greed exploits widows and orphans. Bigotry fuels an -Hispanic immigra on while encouraging European immigra on. And callous arrogance calmly says that those who died from COVID-19 were on their last leg anyway.

True Chris ans would affirm the Affordable Care Act and remove its loopholes. True Chris ans would welcome strangers and treat them like family. True Chris ans would not accuse people of wrongdoing simply because of their ethnicity, but work to arrest the real criminals regardless of their backgrounds. True Chris ans who want to end abor ons would work just as hard to feed, care for and educate children born into single-parent homes. And they would adopt children themselves. True Chris ans would work to improve and correct social programs, not do away with them because the other side gave birth to the idea. It would mean that we would care for people before programs as a way of demonstra ng how much we love God. Finally, the American Church needs a prophe c ministry which will speak truth to power, not get in bed with power. Currently, the American Church is more a religious social movement which has become seduced by power and lost its soul along the way. We need a Church which picks up the Cross and marches up the hill, not because it is popular, financially rewarding, strengthen social ins tu ons or poli cally correct, but because it is the right thing to do.

“Dude, you know what God requires of you: to be just with others, to be full of mercy for those in need and to walk humbly with your God.” To do less is to be less.

(Transla ons of Scripture are all mine.)

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November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

CONNECT, GROW, SERVE Submitted by Sister Ericka Thomas, South Florida District Director Board of Christian Education and Formation

Under the leadership of Presiding Elder Calvin Hopkins, the South Florida District kicked off their conference year with the Board of ChrisƟan EducaƟon and FormaƟon’s 1st Annual Retreat. On Saturday, August 22, 2020, the District Director facilitated the 3-hour Virtual Retreat which was filled with interac ve, engaging, and informa ve sessions on topics such as, The Meaning of Chris an Educa on and Spiritual Forma on, The Role of the Chris an Educator, Ministry Planning, Conduc ng Effec ve Mee ngs, Chris an Educa on Tools and Resources, Church and Technology, Membership, Fellowship, and much more.

The Purpose of the Retreat was to Encourage, Equip, and Engage BOCE&F Officers to: 1.

Spiritually encourage each other; 2.

Provide a network of support and resources; 3.

Get excited as they start the year focusing on the LOVE of Jesus Christ; and 4.

Set the tone for Spiritual Growth and Educa on within their Churches.

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up un l we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, a aining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

- Ephesians 4:11-13 (NIV) The Objec ves of the Retreat were to: 1.

Acquaint all BOCE&F Officers within the District and unite them under one common theme; 2.

Ensure they had a Structural Overview from the Connec onal to the Local Church Level; 3.

Assess their Ministry’s current state and evaluate where they were and where they need to be; and 4.

Create a Visual Roadmap of ac onable steps they could take to make their Ministry Goals a reality.

“Put your outdoor work in order and get your fields ready; a er that, build your house.” – Proverbs 24:27 (NIV) Even in the COVID-19/Virtual environment, par cipants were encouraged to get ideas, share ideas, and come up with crea ve ideas to con nue to move their Ministry’s forward. The South Florida District’s Board of Chris an Educa on and Forma on’s 2020-2021 Conference Year theme is CONNECT (John 15:4-5), GROW (Colossians 1:9-10), SERVE (Romans 12:4-8)! They are striving to CONNECT deeper with GOD and GOD’s people. They are looking to GROW their Faith and their Ministries. They are planning to SERVE the body of Christ and the world in a way God intended! Everyone le the Retreat “INFORMED”, “EXCITED”, “ENERGIZED”, “RENEWED”, and “READY TO DO GOD’s WORK!”

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Submissions

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Submissions Continued from previous page

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Submissions

Ninth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Northern California Region Conference Submitted by Chairman, Janet Goodson, and Co-chair, LaWanna Montgomery Committee on Public Relations

"Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you before you were born, I set you apart. I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5 The Northern California Region, Ninth Episcopal District, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, under the leadership of the late Bishop Bobby R. Best, Presiding Prelate, convened the 35th annual conference session via Zoom at Beebe Memorial Tabernacle Church, recognizing the host pastor, the Reverend Dr. Charley Hames, Jr., on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, and Wednesday, August 5, 2020.

The conference theme, “Back to Basics through Leadership Development,” was set in motion by Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III of the 8th Episcopal District with prayers and condolences, [regarding] our bishop, Bobby R. Best, Presiding Prelate of the 9th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, to our First Lady, Mrs. Jacqueline Best, and to the family. Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III called the service to order, expounding on the role of leadership. From the first day to the last day, the annual conference uplifted and encouraged all to become the leaders that God has equipped us to be. The Ministerial Examination Committee report was given by Elder T. J. Davis, Jr. and Elder Eloise Knox. Holy Communion and worship service followed the Tuesday program of preparation and consecration.

The August 4th agenda included worship and devotional services and business sessions by multiple pastors with our theme "Back to Basics through Leadership Development” intertwined throughout each message. After lunch, the conference attendees were introduced to the candidates running for the office of Bishop followed by a memorial service and training sessions. The day concluded with a praise-filled Lena Jones Rice $100 Missionary March via Zoom.

The annual conference was concluded on Wednesday, August 5th, by a closing of the business session, followed by a celebratory Men to Men's Ministry March, a Commissioning Service of Worship, and a Reading of Pastoral Appointments for the 2020-2021 conference year by the presiding prelate, Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick III.

"If you're having sex before marriage, go to church anyway. If you are a drug addict trying to beat addiction, go to church anyway. If you were out drunk all night the night before, go to church anyway. If you aren't sure what gender you prefer, go to church anyway. If you can't quit that disgusting habit, go to church anyway.

Church is a hospital for the broken, lost, empty, confused, desperate, and rejected. Every sinner has a future, and every saint has a past. How do we break the chains of addiction and bondage? By prayer, prayer for you and prayer with you! There isn't a single person in the four walls of the church that doesn't have something they hate or regret about their past. We've all made mistakes, and will continue to do so. BUT His Grace is enough!! There are things that I'd never want to admit out loud about myself, but God knows. And He loves me none the less. So whatever you've done, whatever you're doing, whatever you will do ... go to church anyway, it might just change your life!!

"If you are in church and don’t have any of those problems, stop running those people away. Just like you got saved, don’t hinder someone else from a life changing/saving experience. It’s time to shepherd some lost sheep ..."

--Unknown November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

ST. JAMES CME DRIVE-BY VISITATION St. James CME Church-Chicago Heights, Illinois Submitted by Rev. Dr. Claudia Dunlap, Pastor Gary District, Rev. Curlee L. Adams, Presiding Elder Third Episcopal District, Bishop Sylvester Williams Sr. Presiding Prelate

"Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto Thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." - Ma hew 25:39-40 Ma hew 25:32-46 records the words of Jesus regarding ministry to the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the prisoner.

During this me of isola on, the majority of church doors have been closed. Parishioners don’t get to fellowship with those they haven’t seen in months.

The St. James CME church located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, followed the mandate of Christ to visit the sick.

A few have par cipated in virtual worship via Zoom, but most have not. Rev. Dorothy Merri , a member of the St. James ministerial staff, was asked by the pastor to organize a Drive-by Visita on.

On Friday, August 14, 2020, ten members, including ministers, officers, ushers, and missionaries, gathered on the St. James parking lot. Signs were made and balloons were fastened to cars. The caravan of four cars moved out at 11:00am and returned a li le over 3 hours later. A balloon, a mask, and a floral gi were given to those visited. A couple of balloons flew off the cars, but that didn’t dim our enthusiasm. It was a beau ful, sunny day to carry out the ministry of visita on. In addi on to Chicago Heights, the visita on took us to the towns of Park Forest, Ford Heights, and Steger. All were apprecia ve of the visit and the gi s. Pictures were taken with those visited. The last visit was to a nursing home. The resident was brought to the window. Those who visited, remarked on how blessed we were by the response of those visited. One member was moved to tears.

Another visit will be planned for the month of October.

God be praised!

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The Christian Index • November 2020

Submissions

Chandlers Temple in Verona MS Conducts Bottled Water Drive Submitted by JoJean Coleman

In an eort to help keep our children from dehydrating, the church members donated bottles of water since water fountains have been removed from the schools during this pandemic. Later we may be participating in a Water Bottle Drive. If the school installs touchless water fountains, our children will need something to hold their water.

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

Virtual Tea Celebration Hosted Bethel CME, Sarasota, Florida Submitted by Cynthia Howard

The Women’s Missionary Society of Bethel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Sarasota, Florida, hosted a Virtual Tea Celebration on Sunday, August 30th, in recognition of Missionary Day, which is celebrated each fifth Sunday. Florida Region Missionary President, Sis. Marian Hannah, and South Florida District President, Sis. Tunis Wilcox, were among those who participated in the Zoom fellowship. Participants had an opportunity to share their favorite tea cup, coffee cup or mug and its significance to them.

Sis. Gloria Darville, Bethel’s missionary president, gave the welcome and greetings. The prayer was given

by Sis. Ina Black, and the scripture was read by Minister Felicia Scurry. Sis. Shelia Atkins gave a beautiful rendition of the song, “We Gather Together,” which spoke to the occasion of bringing members from across the state together to celebrate during these unprecedented times.

The Moment of Meditation was given by Rev. Geraldine McDaniel. Her subject was, “In the Name of Jesus,” coming from Philippians 2:9-11. Rev. McDaniel told us that “the name of Jesus is a priceless name, a name that is above every name. Jesus urges us, commands and implores us to call upon Him in difficult and turbulent times.” Rev. McDaniel also reminded us of our civic duty to register and exercise our right to vote.

Closing prayer was given by Sis. Ina Black. Rev. Dr. John W. Walker, Jr. is the pastor at Bethel CME.

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The Christian Index • November 2020

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

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"When you accept someone into your life, you're also accepting their baggage, and no one travels without a packed bag."

--Larry Brown 36

The Christian Index • November 2020

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for November (Elections Issues)

DEMOCRACY ELECTORAL DEMOCRAT REPUBLICAN LIBERAL CONSERVATIVE EVANGELICAL CHRISTIAN RIGHTWING BALLOT OUTCOME

RELIGION POLITICS POLL REGISTER STEALING INDEPENDENT PROGRESSIVE AMERICAN PRESIDENT CONGRESS SENATE

LEGISLATURE SUPREME COURT VOTER SUPPRESSION RACISM ISSUES GOVERNOR MAYOR COUNCIL VOICE

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

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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The Christian Index • November 2020

Ecumenical News From: https://www.thechristianrecorder.com/...est+1203..2017_COPY_03&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_1b584cea2e522053cd74-47390849[9/15/2020 1:41:00 AM]

Pandemic Provisions: Food for the Body and Soul

By Fiona Stokes, 16th Episcopal District, AME Church

The Rev. Jermaine Mulley has been the pastor at St. Luke AME Church in St. Croix for just under two years. In his short time, he has focused on the spiritual health of his congregation along with their physical and social health.

As social distancing mandates began to fall into place and stay-at-home orders were sanctioned in the rise of the COVID-19 global pandemic in March, Pastor Mulley had already transitioned his services away from in-person gathering. He was the first pastor in the territory to do so as he prepared to move into virtual services to keep his membership safe. Mulley was very vocal about it and has since furthered his plans for an outreach program that he hopes will reinforce safety and well-being and cultivate a healthy lifestyle while preparing the church membership for the vision of being more present and active within the community.

Following the transition to the virtual church, the pastor said that it became more apparent that only providing spiritual food through the word of God for his congregation at the Estate Grove Place Church during the pandemic would not be the best he could do. He said that he should also provide them with nourishment for their bodies to boost their immune system against the coronavirus. “The goal was all-encompassing for me to help our congregation stay home, eat healthier, and adopt a change in their diets and hopefully allow them to become more resistant to the virus,” he said. “I began going to the farmer’s market early on Saturday mornings and picking out some food that I’d been distributing to the members weekly,” he added.

The Rev. Mulley’s care packages, called “Pandemic Provision, include a variety of locally-grown items that he purchases from the farmer’s market. He includes spinach, kale, collard greens, tomatoes, herbs, parsley, local eggs, pumpkin, mango, and any other fruits and vegetables that he can get. He noted, “It fosters a change and a shift to a healthier lifestyle … It may not be everything that they need right now, but it is a start.”

The Church’s steward and RAYAC leader, Sister Colleen Liburd-Azubuike, who is also a registered nurse, said, “The personal efforts and financial sacrifices of Pastor Mulley are to be commended and appreciated by the membership. We have a diverse congregation and there are some of our members who are elderly and some who have compromised immunes systems and underlying health issues,” she said. “According to the CDC, these are the ones who are hardest hit by the virus. It is great that he thought of this way to assist them in staying healthy,” she added.

According to Azubuike, “[For] the church membership and the community, on the whole, it is better to start sooner than later to incorporate fresh fruits and vegetables into their diet, and many are opening up to that.” She also said, “The produce that they’ve received, some of our members are talking about small boxed gardens they have started in their homes to encourage the health change in their lifestyle.”

As the Rev. Mulley thinks about moving the program to its next phase of providing pandemic produce, he said he plans to develop some of the land owned by the church in the area and turn it into a community garden. He said the community and world learned lessons about food security during the pandemic. The most consistent way to control food supply is to grow it yourself. “Your body is your temple; and as we focus on stewardship, we have to practice taking care of our bodies,” he said. Continuing, “Our bodies should be filled with foods that are good for us and gives us energy. It is a start to prepare us for more growth with a collective responsibility of stewardship.”

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Mr. Charles L. Coney Mr. Charles L. Coney was born to the parentage of the late Mr. Edward Jordan and Mrs. Bertha Mae Coney-Jordan in Fitzgerald, Georgia. Charles passed away on September 16, 2020, doing what he loved best - offering his leadership talents in business and service for the church and the upbuilding of the Lord's Kingdom.

Charles was a loving son to Mrs. Bertha Mae Jordan and an adored brother to Mrs. Patricia Coney-Turner.

He received his early education in Fitzgerald and graduated from Fitzgerald High School. He was a member of Holsey Chapel CME Church where he was in the music department and the Christian Education Director at one time.

Charles L. Coney lived in several states across the country and in each city connected with the local administrations and leadership, offering his talents in business and service. Charles was a transformative agent with creativity and innovation. His corporate affiliations, in both the private and public sector, included Arby's Inc., MCI Telecommunications, Cotelligent, Rexam, and consulting experiences with Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Home Depot, City of Atlanta, City of Denver, City of Fitzgerald, Macon-Bibb County, and many other governments. These organizations sought his expertise relative to organizational development, technology implementations, and data-driven processes towards higher service delivery.

Among his other notable national and global entities were Census efforts in 2010 in rural Georgia and Census efforts in 2020 across Georgia, and he was a Japan - America Society of Georgia Executive Board Member - a position directly involved with the development and augmentation of cultural relations across the city, the state, the nation and the globe.

Charles walked an established mission of faith, his bridge of fellowship included the CME Church and the AME Church, in music, technology, and high levels of expertise in administrative consulting. Coney served his hometown community, Fitzgerald, as an elected City Councilman, Mayor Pro Tem and Finance Committee Chairman.

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The Christian Index • November 2020

He leaves to cherish his memories: his loving and caring mother, Mrs. Bertha M. Jordan of Fitzgerald, Geaorgia; his lovely sister, Mrs. Patricia Coney-Turner of Brunswick, Maine; and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, cousins, associates and friends.

Mrs. Rosa Lee Newsome McGhee Mrs. Rosa Lee Newsome McGhee was born on July 4, 1927, in Reynolds, Georgia, to the late Mr. Charlie Newsome and Mrs. Mary NewsomeSpencer. She received her early education in the public schools of Taylor County. In later years, her family moved to Albany, Georgia, where she completed her public-school education at Tift Street Elementary School and Madison High School. She enrolled in Albany State where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and later received a Master’s Degree in Middle Grades Education at Georgia State University. She was also a certified Reading and Adult Education Specialist.

Mrs. McGhee met and married the love of her life, Floyzell McGhee, Sr. To this union three children were born. She started her teaching career in 1953 in Taylor County and retired in Dougherty County after 40 years of nurturing many students. She was a member of Hines Memorial Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where she served faithfully until her health declined. She sang in the Julia Davis Senior Choir and served as a Stewardess, Missionary, Christian Educator, Church Secretary and Church Historian/Librarian.

Mrs. McGhee departed this earthly life on September 16, 2020, and was preceded in death by her husband, mother, father, brother William, step-daughter Jewel, grandsons Decarlos and Robert, great-grandson Alex, great-great-granddaughter Kendall, and a cousin, Sarah, who was more like a sister. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter, Darol; two loving sons, Floyzell, Jr. (Butch) and Derek; 11 sweet grandchildren: Michael, Tori, Telisa, Demetrius, Zacharian, Jabari, Masaalih, Aneesa, Janine, Gregory, and Kennedi; an awesome caretaker BJ; and a myriad of greatgrandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends.

Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Mrs. Joy Amelita Rogers Jackson Joy Amelita Rogers was born in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, on June 7, 1931, to the union of Albert Lewis Rogers and Rachel Ann Hawkins Rogers. She was baptized as an infant at the Bethel AME Church of Pottsville. She later made her confirmation in the Roman Catholic Church receiving the names of Saints Cecilia and Bernadette. She enjoyed telling us her name was Joy Amelita Cecilia Bernadette Rogers Jackson!

Because Joy's mother died when she was three years old, she was raised alternately between her paternal grandmother and aunts in Los Angeles, California, and her maternal grandparents, aunts and uncles in Pottsville and later in Washington, DC. She and her brother, Reece, lived a year in each environment until high school when it was decided she and her brother should remain in Los Angeles to complete their education. It would be 17 years before Joy would see her beloved Aunt Dorothy again.

Joy graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in Los Angeles in 1949.

While at 'Jeff', she met Mance Cal Jackson, the young man who would be her husband. Mance and Joy married on December 17, 1950. Their first child, Diantha (DeeDee), was born in 1951, during their time in the US Army at Fort Lewis, Washington.

After Mance's discharge from the service, he and Joy returned to Los Angeles where they welcomed four more children: Claudius, Darlene, Deborah and Doreen.

While living and pastoring in Seattle, Washington, Myron was born. Donna, the last of the children, was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Joy considered her children her 'treasures' and she cherished each of them.

In 1955, Mance accepted the "Call to Ministry" in the CME Church. Joy, the dutiful wife, never considered not accompanying him in his work. Her love for the work and God gained her lifelong friendships along the way. The last move the family would make occurred in 1968, when Mance accepted an Associate Professorship with the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

The family joined the Shy Temple CME Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. W. Clyde Williams. During her membership, she served with her time, talents, tithes and resources. She was a willing and dedicated worker and financial supporter of the Missionaries, Ministers' wives organizations, Pastor's Aide Board, Children's and Youth departments, Culinary Staff, and any special event held at Shy Temple. After the death of her husband, she donated his books and many papers to the establishment of the Rev. Dr. Mance C. Jackson Memorial Library at Shy Temple Church.

In the summer of 1970, in order to meet the needs of her daughters, she created educational, as well as fun activities for her daughters and their friends in her family's recreation room. She provided indoor and outdoor activities such as cooking, sewing, games, songs, poise and etiquette. Two years later, with the opening of the Samuel L. Jones Boys Club, Joy accepted an offer from the Decatur City Schools for use of a house on Mead Road and she named the program the Decatur Girls Club. Joy Jackson's Girls Club became one of the best summer programs in Decatur.

More than 150 girls were served each summer with many turned away due to a lack of space and funds.

In the 52 years of Joy's residency in the City of Decatur, she was an active member of the PTAs of College Heights Elementary, Renfroe Middle, and Decatur High Schools. Memberships included: Decatur High Band and Sports Booster Clubs; Downtown Development Board; South Decatur Community Council; and Oakhurst Community Health Center Board. She was the campaign manager for her friend Elizabeth Wilson's successful runs for both Mayor of Decatur and City Commissioner.

She founded the College Heights Neighborhood Association and Volunteered with the Beacon Hill Senior Citizen's Club. In 2003, The City of Decatur honored Joy and Mance with a Decatur Hometown Hero award. At the time she became ill, she was sewing masks for healthcare workers at a Senior Nursing Home.

We, her children: Diantha, Claudius, Darlene, Deborah (Carl), Doreen (Sheryl), Myron and Donna (Keith); and her grandchildren: John, Avien, Derek, Christopher, Ethan, Ariel, Nina, Danielle, Deonna and Xyron, her 10 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild have a void only God can fill.

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY at the ITC “The Seminary of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church”

TWENTY-FOURTH PASTORS’ CONFERENCE &

SEVENTY-SIXTH FOUNDERS’ CELEBRATION

January 11-12, 2020 Theme: “Getting Back to Basics: Breakingg The Chains Of The Trraditional Pastor (A Covid--19 Edition)””

A Virtual Event Monday and Tuesday January 11&12 7:00PM-10:00PM (Each night) Note: Chapel Service will be Tuesday January 11, 2021 at 11:00AM (Streamed via ITC Zoom Platform, log in information to follow soon) Mail Registration Form to: PHILLIPS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY P. O. Box 92366 Atlanta, Georgia 30314

REGISTRATION FEE: $100.00 (Please Print)

Date: _________________

Episcopal District: ________

Name: ________________________________ Phone#:__________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________ State: _____________ Zip: _______________ Email: _________________________________________ Church: _________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City: __________________________________ State: _________ Zip: _______________ General Officer ____ Judicial Council _____ Presiding Elder _____ Pastor ____ Lay_____ Minister’s Spouse ______ Musician ____ Student _____ Other ________________

PLEASE FILL OUT FORM COMPLETELY!!!

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The Christian Index • November 2020

CME Connectional Directory THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS

Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick - 8th Episcopal District - 1616 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75216; 214-372-9073 (office); email: llreddick3@yahoo.com Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr. - 1st Episcopal District, Suite 222, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116; 901-345-4114 (office) and 901-345-4115 (fax) Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. - 6th Episcopal District, 680 Beckwith Street SW, Atlanta GA 30314; 404-963-6652 (office); 404-963-6656 (fax); 6thDistrictCME@gmail.com Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter - 11th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 174084, Arlington TX 76003-4084; 817-938-3747; KWCarter8@gmail.com.

Bishop James B. Walker - 7th Episcopal District, Post Office Box 6095, Waldorf MD 20603; seventhhq@yahoo.com Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. - 3rd Episcopal District, Post Office Box 211237, Normandy MO 63121; 314-381-3111 (office); 314-381-2060 (fax); email: sw58cme@aol.com

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton - 5th Episcopal District CME Church, P.O. Box 13383, Birmingham AL 35202; office: 205-929-1145 (office); 205-929-1190 (fax); email: cmec35203@yahoo.com; Web site: www.cmefifthdistrict.org; office located at 4901 Lloyd Nolan Parkway, Fairfield Al. 35064 (do not send mail to the office address) Bishop Godwin Umoette - 10th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 4312, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; email: godwin.umoette@yahoo.com; phone: 08024086495

Bishop Bobby R. Best (DECEASED) - 9th Episcopal District, 3844 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 1, Los Angeles CA 90043; 323-294-3830; email: ninthhq@SBCglobal.net; Website: ninthdistrictcme.org

Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas - 2nd Episcopal District, P. O. Box 36455, Cincinnati OH 45236; 513-827-6651(office); email: marvinthomas671@gmail.com Bishop C. James King - 4th Episcopal District - 5417 Robinson Road Extension, Jackson MS 39204; 769-251-0531 (office); 769-251-0758 (fax); 502-494-5366 (cell); email: kingcmep1@aol.com

Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart - 9th Episcopal Disrict - 8145 Summerwood Circle, Olive Branch MS 38654-7060; email: bishoppstewart@aol.com; phone: 662-890-0021 Bishop E. Lynn Brown, Retired (DECEASED) - 4250 Thunderstone Circle, W., Memphis TN 38125; 901-729-7476 Bishop Ronald M. Cunningham, Retired (DECEASED) - 200 Big Bend Drive, Desoto TX 75115; Cell 901-337-7138 Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired - 4441 Magnolia Path Pl., Buford GA 30518; 678-482-7066 (h) Bishop William H. Graves, Sr., Retired (DECEASED) - 1089 Oakridge Dr., Memphis TN 38111; ph. 901-452-3399 Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired - 683 Beacontree Court, Concord NC 28027; 704-786-3226 THE GENERAL OFFICERS

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield - General Secretary, Department of Christian Education & Formation - Suite 300, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis TN 38116-7100; 901345-4109 (office); 901-261-3289 (fax); basiz1@aol.com; also 1119 Linksview Lane West, Cordova TN 38018.

Dr. Tyrone T. Davis - General Secretary, General Board of Personnel Services - P.O. Box 74 - Memphis TN 38101-0074; 901-345-4100; FAX 901-345-4107; email: tyrone.t.davis@comcast.net

Dr. Leo Pinkett - General Secretary, Ministry to Men, 2850 Shoreland Dr., S.W., Atlanta GA 30331; 404-349-1722; email: lpinkettace@yahoo.com Dr. Clifford Harris - General Secretary of Lay Ministry, 15485 Prairie Bell Rd., Okmulgee OK 74447-8690; 918-519-4233 (c);918-304-1999 (h); MrCliffHarris@yahoo.com

Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. - General Secretary, Department of Publications, P.O. Box 161212, Memphis TN 38186-1212; 901-396-5400; rdlsr@aol.com Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. - Editor, T C I , 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721; 901-515-6510 (office); email: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org Dr. Victor Taylor - General Secretary of Finance & CFO, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - Dept. of Finance and Investments, 1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224, Evanston IL 60204; 847274-0182 (main); 312-648-5232 (work); 240-359-6272 (fax); finance@thecmechurch.org; https://www.hightail.com/u/cmefinance (securely upload confidential documents here) Dr. Pene' G. Woods - Executive Secretary, Post Office Box 1536, Cordova TN 38088; Email: cmeexecutivesecretary4@gmail.com; Nationwide Mobile Office: (901) 489-9253.

Rev. Leon C. Moore, Jr. - General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions, 50 Sunset Ave NW, Unit # 92763, Atlanta GA 30314; 678-362-7549.

Ms. Jacqueline I. Scott - President, Women's Missionary Council, 7255 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125; 901-737-7675; scottjacqueline210@yahoo.com

Dr. Joseph C. Neal, Jr. - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Finance, P.O. Box 75085, Los Angeles CA 90075; 323-233-5050, Fax: 323-233-2797.

Dr. William George - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Publications, 535 Harwood Dr., Memphis TN 38120; 901-683-7833; email;weg38@aol.com.

Dr. N. Charles Thomas (DECEASED) - General Secretary, Emeritus, Dept. of Personnel Services, 308 Henry Street, Hot Springs AR 71901-6364; 501-318-6991.

Dr. Jeanette Bouknight - Executive Secretary, Retired, P.O. Box 27408, Detroit MI 48227-0408; 313-433-7207; email: cmeexecutivesecretary3@yahoo.com.

THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

Rev. Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr., President (Class of 2018), 1315 Heatherland Drive SW, Atlanta GA 30331; 404-629-0055; jerrywoodfork@comcast.net.

Judge Bertina Lampkin, Vice President (Class of 2018), 3200 N. Lake Shore Drive, Unit 2308, Chicago IL 60657; 773-750-7203; lampkin506@aol.com, Attorney Bernard Snell, Clerk (Class of 2018), 136 Myrick Drive, Macon GA 31220; 478-731-1897; 478-935-3188; bernard.xsnell@usdoj.gov.

Mrs. Barbara Nichols, Immediate Past President (Class of 2018), 1937 Fawn Drive, Glenside PA 19038; 215-572-5516;frebargroup@aol.com.

Rev. Roland Johnson Jr., Member (Class of 2014), 4945 Bradfield Run, Memphis TN 38125; 901-497-9588; revrjohns@aol.com.

Rev. Kwame Lawson Adjei, Member (Class of 2018), P. O. Box AN 7639, Accra, Ghana, West Africa; 011-233-244-630267; rev.adjei@hotmail.com.

Attorney Shirley C. Byers, Member (Class of 2018), P. O. Box 5008, Holly Springs MS 38634; 662-252-6530 or 662-820-2763; scbjudge@gmail.com.

Dr. Lynda Brown-Wright, Member (Class of 2018), 3157 Dale Hollow Drive, Lexington KY 40515; 859-433-3396; Lynda.brownwright@gmail.com.

Rev. Russell Fuller, Member (Class of 2018), 647 Shadyway, Dallas TX 75232; 214-793-1945; fwdistrict@yahoo.com.

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS

Rev. James Smith - Coordinator, Chaplain Services; 493 Robin Song Ct., Blythewood SC 29016; 803-800-9788; SmithJEJR@aol.com Atty. Ouida Brown - General Counsel - P.O. Box 587, Tuscombia AL 35674; 256-383-9620; fax: 256-383-9933 Mrs. Claudette Nichols Branch - President, CME Historical Society; 1511 Brownwood Avenue, Memphis TN 38116-4403 Rev. Cassandry Keys - President of the Ministers' and Laymen's Council - P.O. Box 170703, Spartanburg SC 29301; 251-689-7969; email: cassandry@att.net Mrs. Carolyn Hassell - President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers, 1030 N Park Avenue, Brownsville TN 38012; 901-907-9427; carolynhassell68@gmail.com; website: www.cme-spouses.org Rev. Carole E. Richardson - President, Connectional Christian Educators’ Council - 822 Marietta Pl., N.W. - Washington, DC 20011; 202-291-8566 Ms. Barbara Christian Campbell - President, Connectional Lay Council - 4819 Eagles Ridge Loop, Lithonia GA 30038; or 2012 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317; dstbc@bellsouth.net; 404-587-8311 or 678-641-9745

Rev. Amina McIntyre - President, Connectional Young Adult Ministry; email: aminacyam@gmail.com Rev. Dr. Earl J. Griffin, Sr. - President, Presiding Elders’ Council; P.O. Box 612, Grambling LA 71245; 318-245-2743; email: earlgrffn2@gmail.com Ms. Jolinda Dugger - President, Connectional Stewardesses, 110 Montclair Dr., Jackson TN 38301; 731-736-0961 (h); 731-394-7504 (cell); email: Jmdugger810@aol.com

Rev. Dr. Denise Anders-Modest - Coordinator, Commission on the Concerns of Women in the Ministry, 19 Scattered Oaks Drive, Byhalia MS 38611; 318-348-8982; email: dmodest1990@yahoo.com Mr. Freddie McKnight - President, Connectional Stewards, 24 Canton Street; West Haven CT 06516; 203-933-7230 (h); 203-500-6377 (cell) Ms. Diana Winton - President of Connectional Ushers, 729 West 155 Street; Gardena CA 90247; 310-415-4336; email: ladydicme@aol.com Dr. Theresa Duhart - President, CIT Connectional Dept., 1907 Willow Lane West, University Place WA 98466, 253-376-6361 (cell); 253-830-9512 (fax); email: theresaduhart@thecmechurch.org Rev. Jermaine Marshall, PhD - General Conference Secretary; 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.Blvd., New York NY 10027; 904-422-1627; jermmar25@gmail.com Rev. Valencia Edner - Coordinator, Connectional Music and Arts Ministry - 17206 Atascocita Bend Dr., Humble TX 77396; 936-465-7284;Pastorvee522@yahoo.com HEADS OF CONNECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

Rev. Dr. William E. George - Administrator, Collins Chapel Health Center, 409 Ayers St., Memphis TN 38105; 901-683-7883; email: weg38@aol.com Dr. Paul Brown - President and Dean, Phillips School of Theology, Atlanta GA; 404-527-7768 Dr. Logan C. Hampton - President, Lane College, 545 Lane Ave., Jackson TN 38301; 731-426-7595 (office); 731-427-3987 (fax) Ms. Bobbie Knight - President, Miles College, P. O. Box 39800, Birmingham AL 35208; 205-929-1428; 205-929-1448; 205-929-1429; 205-929-1426 (fax) Dr. Dwight Fennell - President, Texas College, 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler TX 75702; 903-593-8311; 903-593-0588 (fax) Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones - Office of the President, Paine College, 1235 Fifteenth St., Augusta GA 30901-3182; 706-821-8230 (office); 706-821-8320 (Admissions)

November 2020 • The Christian Index

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