The Christian Index - October 2021

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • October 2021

Bishop Godwin T. Umoette (r) with Mission Supervisor Lawson Adjei (l) and members of Holy Ghost Prayer Ministry CME Church in Ablekumah (Accra, Ghana) - p21

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2021 Offices are Housed in The International Headquarters Memphis, Tennessee Contact the Editor at (901) 515-6510 E-mail: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721 Contact Circulations/Subscriptions Office at (901) 396-5400 EDITOR

Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. PUBLISHER Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. EDITORIAL BOARD Chairman Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. PUBLISHING BOARD Chairman Bishop Henry Williamson, Sr.

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX (0744-4060; USPS 0108320) is published monthly by The CME Publishing House.

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

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

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

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

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The Christian Index • October 2021

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

Volume 154, Number 10

October 2021

Connectional Interests Episcopacy

Statement/Guidelines for Re-opening 4

Committee on Resolutions 6

General Conference Delegates 8

Dept. of Finance and Investments 10

Board of Personnel Services 12

Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 13

Dept. of Christian Education and Formation 14

Department of Lay Ministry 15

Department of Ministry to Men 16

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 17

CME-Affiliated Schools

18 Submissions

A Sketch of Ghana-Togo Region Churches 20

The Problem of the Heart 22

2021-2022 Liturgical Calendar 24

Holistic Ministry During COVID-19 26

Rev. and Dr. Agnew Appreciated 28

Catalyst Ashley Sarah Brown 28

Shy Temple and Candy Lane Backpacks 29 Children/Youth 31 Ecumenical News

AME Church Returns to Cuba 33 Obituaries - Joining the Great Cloud 34 Connectional Directory 39

Cover: Bishop Godwin T. Umoette (r) with Mission Supervisor Lawson Adjei (l) and members of Holy Ghost Prayer Ministry CME Church in Ablekumah (Accra, Ghana).

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

Submitted to the Publisher: September 23, 2021

Editorial

The Foolishness of the Cross

God’s greatest power is not exhibited in our deliverance from earthly perils; all these things are either actively or passively under the control and will of God. Rather God’s greatest power is seen in God’s ability to save contrary human beings like you and me. And God does this in a way that is not clearly explained, makes no sense, is illogical.

Worse still is the notion that God’s method of salvation is foolish, stupid. The idea behind this is that God’s could have chosen some other way to save us – just speak it into reality, have us to do some great feat or to solve some riddle. And if Satan is truly the adversary the Bible says he is, why not just let God and Satan fight it out?

The truth is that these imaginative ways of saving mankind are found in other religions and mythologies, and sometimes the gods of these other religions are not happy when humans are saved or when we win. If these other gods offer a family member as sacrifice for humans, it is done so either reluctantly or out of a lack of love or favor for that family member.

Not so with our God. It displeased God that we fell from grace and makes God and al of heaven happy when we are saved. The Father offered his only begotten Son willingly and the Son offered his life willingly in order that you and I might be saved, and this does not reflect a lack of love of the Son by the Father. Instead, the Father often expressed love and favor for the Son while at the same time expressing love for us human beings.

Further, our salvation is beyond our own ability by any and all means. We are saved by the grace of God … amazing grace. If we were saved by our own works, the Bible surely speaks the truth that this would become a human reason for boasting and pride. If any of us

could perform the work of salvation, this pandemic has shown us that we continue to pick and choose who will receive the gift of life and who will suffer and die. Jesus suffered and died that we all Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor might have equal opportunity to be saved! All by the same means, on the same level, to the same degree, for the same reward.

The Lord Jesus entered this world as a baby, just as any human enters this world and grew into adulthood before beginning his ministry. He came on behalf of God in the name of God and labored for the cause of our salvation.

But as the cross drew near it would seem that all was for nothing, especially in the eyes of the multitudes and even his disciples. Many of his followers and those who formed his audiences doubted that the expected Messiah and Jesus could be the same person.

However, it was in being humbled that Jesus was exalted. The world’s rejection was not his undoing; it was his exaltation, his glorification, in the fulfilment of scripture.

Though, Jesus himself said he was the light of the world, he was rejected by world leaders in his day and nailed to a cross. But Jesus took the cross, which was a symbol of failure and defeat, and turned it into a sign of victory and triumph. And ever since then, many rulers of all kinds have been bowing before him in humble submission, and the masses have been coming to him with faith, all receiving salvation because of the cross to the glory of God.

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.

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

COLLEGE OF BISHOPS, CME CHURCH

STATEMENT AND GUIDELINES FOR RESPONSIBLE RE-OPENING OF LOCAL CHURCHES As your chief pastors, we express thanks to our pastors and churches for the stellar efforts you have and are making to adapt during this ongoing pandemic. You are to be commended for having chosen some very creative online presences offering worship, study, fellowship and ministry of your congregations and the larger community. Because of your efforts the CME banner has been extended to multiple audiences in ways we had not previously reached.

However, we believe it is now time for us to responsibly prepare for re-opening our churches for worship and for ministry using best practices to seek to mitigate infections from COVID-19 and its Delta Variant.

Thus, we offer the following statement and guidelines to our Zion: First, all decisions about re-opening should be based on accurate information on the status of the virus in your local community.

Second, we urge all pastors and members to get vaccinated; take the booster shot when appropriate, and continue to follow the guidelines of the Center for Disease Control (CDC) (www.cdc.gov) and other reputable sources in the medical community.

Third, we are recommending that by October 3, 2021 all local churches will prepare a re-opening plan for our church facilities. Pastors, officers and members should be in dialogue to develop the plan for inperson worship, prayer, study, fellowship, meetings and funerals. Local health authorities should be consulted in developing the plan. Online and outdoor opportunities for worship and other activities should be continued and/or added. The process of reopening church facilities demands intentional prayer, physical preparations and vigilant efforts to mitigate COVID-19 infections among all who enter our facilities.

Therefore, churches that are re-opening (or have already re-opened) should follow these basic guidelines: • All gathering places (sanctuaries, fellowship halls, bathrooms, classes, microphones, pews, pulpits, choir seating, musical instruments, etc.) should be carefully cleaned and sanitized prior to and ongoing as persons enter our church facilities.

• If your facilities have been closed for a long period of time, perform a test on the water to ensure it is safe to drink and the ventilation system should be checked and cleaned.

• All attendees (regardless of vaccination status) must wear masks, wash hands appropriately, and practice social distancing when seated or standing and avoid unnecessary physical contact.

• Each church should use temperature gauges to monitor persons attending worship and gatherings. Attendance should be taken for any future notification purposes.

• We urge worship and gathering events be limited to a maximum of one hour. Exit the building promptly after the service ends.

• We encourage you to feel free to consult with other pastors and churches. Take advantage of opportunities to learn from each other; hold each other accountable while supporting others.

Furthermore, we ask that all pastors keep their respective presiding elders and bishops informed of ongoing efforts to navigate through this crisis filled time.

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The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

For our congregations in Mother Africa, Jamaica, Haiti and beyond, we are aware of the problem of vaccine inequity and have raised the issue of equal access to our leaders in Washington DC. The CME Church firmly believes all countries, regardless of their wealth, must have access to life saving vaccines.

Further, in the absence of equal access to vaccines, your diligent efforts in enforcing the wearing of masks, social distancing and sanitization of hands and facilities has preserved life and stand as an example to all of us as we plan for a safe return to our facilities.

Respectfully, The College of Bishops, CME Church Lawrence Reddick, Senior Bishop James B. Walker, Chair Teresa Jefferson-Snorton, Secretary Henry M. Williamson, Sr. Thomas L. Brown, Sr. Kenneth W. Carter Sylvester Williams, Sr. Godwin Umoette Marvin F. Thomas C. James King Paul A. G. Stewart, Sr., retired Othal H. Lakey, retired Marshall Gilmore, retired

"Mountains, in scripture, are places where spiritual encounters happen."

--Bishop James B. Walker, CME Church October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

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

First Episcopal District

Sixth Episcopal District

Second Episcopal District

Seventh Episcopal District

Third Episcopal District

Eighth Episcopal District

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

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

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

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

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

Dr. Patricia McKenzie 104 Palmetto Court

Lufkin, Texas 75901

936-634-2367 patriciamckenzieEDD@gmail.com

Fourth Episcopal District

Ninth Episcopal District

Fifth Episcopal District

Tenth Episcopal District

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

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

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

d2popman@yahoo.com

Eleventh Episcopal District

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

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Connectional Interests

General Conference Delegates

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 8

The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

General Conference Delegates

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • October 2021

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

How to Submit Material to The Christian Index

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

For all other concerns, you should contact the Publisher.

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From Where I Sit …”

School Days in a Covid World!

At the writing of this article, public schools have resumed amid the Covid Mask controversy. School age children are now being required to learn their “A-B-C’s”, their “1-2-3’s” and how to live in a Covid-19 world. I remember the joy of my public-school Fall days in Beatrice, Alabama where I only worried about maintaining my annual records of “perfect attendance” and my maternal grandparents only worried about completing the Fall harvest and the preparations for Winter. My, how things have changed!

Today, some parents, and some school districts, are divided over the Mask Mandate and are taking their differences to the streets. The core of the differences of the two sides rests with public protection on the one hand and individual rights on the other. Unfortunately, our children, especially our youngest children, are caught in the middle of this controversy. And what is most unfortunate is that our youngest children (ages 5 to 12) still do not have access to an approved vaccine.

It is quite clear that our country continues to languish in the division created during the prior administration and science and sound reasoning is still taking a backseat to misinformation that has been publicly advocated by many federal and state officials.

Had more people opted to take the life-saving vaccines earlier in the year, the overall percentage of those vaccinated could well have been near or over the 90% range and thereby creating what had been termed as “herd immunity.” With this herd immunity vaccination rate achieved, we could well have avoided the “Delta” variant and most likely not have needed masks at all. At the same time, the lives of so many of our friends, acquaintances, and friends, who chose not to take the vaccine would have been saved from a lonely death.

The bottom line is that these vaccines save lives, are free to the public, and help to protect others. And the mask mandate helps to protect not only ourselves but, also, others within the confines of our 6-ft bubbles including our children who are not yet eligible to get the vaccine. When we fly, we are instructed that when oxygen masks are needed, we are to fit it on ourselves first and then on our children traveling with us. The same applies with vaccines and masks. We should all take the vaccine, and we should all wear masks. 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) 12

The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

Getting Back to Basics as “We Envision Our Way Forward Taking Care of God’s Business” The Commissioning of the Disciples Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” NRSV Matthew 28:16-20.

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Conceptualizing The Great Commission Now the eleven disciples went (Go) to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

A. The Great Commission give direction.

B. The Great Commission has space for worship.

C. The Great commission has room for doubt. *** D. The Great Commission is about power.

E. The Great commission is not limited.

Practice of The Great Commission • GO! To be in motion, to mobilize.

• disciple all nations.

• baptizing - Not something done for a person but, to a person, this comes from a changed heart and desire to live out the reign of God. • in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

20 • teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.

• And remember, I am with you always, • to the end of the age The Great Commission: An Evangelism and Missions View – Prerequisites • Let’s look at a few prerequisites in the great commission. We cannot assume everyone starts at the same place.

• You must be a disciple • We must be trained to teach others • Know and understand the commandments • Love God – heart, soul, and mind • Love neighbor-as yourself • Love yourself-in service to Christ • Love mission-in service to others • Love evangelism-sharing what God has done to liberate us • Jesus spent several years teaching and sharing with the disciples The Great Commission: An Evangelism and Missions View – Prerequisites • GO and make a difference in our daily lives, being the example of an evangelistic lifestyle.

• Go and be the difference: In many cases, if you have the prerequisites, then make the difference in the world. You may not be able to travel thousands of miles to share Jesus. But make an effort to share because you care wherever you go.

The Great Commission: An Evangelism and Missions View Back to the Basics – 7 principles of evangelism 1. Intentional prayer 2. Learn the scriptures 3. Share the Gospel of Jesus the Christ (faith sharing) 4. Learn a person's name 5. Share your testimony 6. Listen intently 7. Follow-up You can see the entire PowerPoint file and video on the website: https://thecmechurch.org/evangelism/ We are The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church recognizing the importance of Christ in our daily lives.

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

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education and Formation

Presenting the Staff This is the first of a series of articles I will be presenting and introducing the staff of the Department of Christian Education and Formation. I’ll begin with the Director of Connectional Youth Ministry, Rev. Cyreeta Collins.

Rev. Collins or Rev. CeCe as she is affectionately called, is a New Yorker and presently serves as the Director of Christian Education and Formation for the New York Washington Region. She is a Christian Educator with a deep passion for youth ministry. She served for 17 years as her Region’s Youth Director before her appointment. I have had the pleasure of visiting the New York Washington Annual Conference and the youth ministry is top notch.

Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield

Rev. CeCe’s ministry with young people has come full circle as she currently serves as the Connectional Youth Ministry Director of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In July 1988, she was elected the 7th Episcopal District Youth Vice President and later the 1st Chairperson of the CME Youth Vice President’s Council. In her role as director, she presently oversees the nine Youth Vice Presidents helping to shape their leadership skills and engagement of young people across the denomination.

Rev. Collins introduced to the 2018 General Conference legislation that has expanded the Youth Ministry of the Connectional Church. Nestled in paragraph 1138 of the 2018 CME Discipline named Connectional Youth Ministry (CYM), is a strong supplement to the Christian Youth Fellowship (CYF). This new section details the purpose, vision and objectives of the Connectional Youth Ministry and its involvement on every level of the church. Rev. CeCe developed the CME Youth Leaders Network, a community of youth leaders from around the denomination who have a passion to reach teenagers, to serve as a catalyst to get youth leaders together on a regular basis for training, idea sharing, prayer and mutual support.

During the COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020-21, Rev. Collins kept youth engaged through several activities via Zoom hosting the “Pressing Games, Virtual High School Graduations, and iLEAD Youth Leadership Academy. Of course she was the leader of youth ministry at the historic Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference of 2021 (CYYAC21). The Conference also continued the efforts of developing youth leaders through a 6-part Youth Ministry Leaders Track during the conference.

Because of her drive and passion to become a resource for the department, Rev. Collins was accepted in the Urban Youth Workers Institute to receive certification in Urban Youth Ministry Leadership. The program offers both leadership development and personal development designed to equip high-capacity urban leaders with key elements of effective leadership in ministry. This certification was created to fill a void in the Urban Ministry Training landscape to provide solid, practical, leadership and ministry training by experts in ministry who have lived the urban ministry experience.

Rev. Collins has taken the initiative to partner with Download Youth Ministry to assist in the training for youth workers across the connection. Additionally, she has become a member in other Youth Ministry organizations such as the National Network of Youth Ministries, gaining access to tons of resources for the Department of Christian Education and Formation, thus, the CME Church. With the rise of mental health issues amongst teenagers, Rev. Collins received Youth Mental Health First Aid Training with the intent of becoming certified to provide the training within the denomination. She is currently pursuing a Master of Education degree in Instructional Design and Technology.

Most notably, Rev. Collins has done a tremendous job of leading the 2021-2024 Youth Vice-Presidents Council. This was exhibited in a splendid way when the Connectional Youth Ministry presented what was labeled as the 5G Youth Xperience: A Back to School Revival Across the Denomination. It was well planned and executed by the Vice-Presidents with Rev. Collins leadership. The Xperience featured 5 youth speakers, 5 hours of youth sharing in ministry across 5 time zones with sprinkles from our youth family abroad. It reached over 5,000 people in less than 3 days. They are off to a great start.

I have challenged Rev. Collins and Youth Vice-Presidents Council that I want to see a youth explosion in the CME Church.

This means increased engagement of youth on all levels of the church, thus doubling the attendance of youth at the next CYYAC in 2024. I am confident the right leadership is in place, and we can meet the challenge.

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The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr. Clifford L. Harris, General Secretary

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

FULFILLING THE GREAT COMMISSION Who is responsible for fulfilling the Great Commission? The Answer - all Christian Believers and in the CME Church, all organizations, and ministers. In John 20:21, Jesus said to His disciples, “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Jesus was sent into the world to become the savior of those who would believe. We are sent into the world to proclaim what Christ has done in our lives and allow those who don’t know him to kindle a desire to get acquainted with him. All believers and the ministries of which we are a part, should, therefore, purposely seek to impact the evangelical life and witness of the church. Thus, all believers and all ministries must have at the core of their focus, fulfilling the Great Commission. All activities should somehow speak to and/or promote the saving grace of Jesus the Christ.

In moving forward in fulfilling The Great Commission, organizations, auxiliaries, and ministries must work individually and collaboratively in finding natural ways of acting on and promoting the spirit and intent of, John 20:21. Yes, amid the coronavirus pandemic, voter suppression, community and world unrest, and financial struggles, our ministry efforts must be focused and become more collaborative in a world that is seeing the Christian population decrease every year. This means taking a purposeful and sincere assessment of what may have become routine when there is a coming together in person or virtually. . .

In between counting funds and assisting in setting the church budget, Stewards must stress support, promote and be collaboratively active in the churches’ outreach efforts.

Stewardesses must continue to realize the full realm of their calling and responsibility and allow their ministry efforts to go beyond the noble duty of serving the Lord’s Table every first Sunday; teaching and seeking training in how to be effective witnesses about God's love, forgiveness, and salvation will assist in propelling the Stewardess Ministry into greater effectiveness in defending the cross and seeking the lost.

Ushers’ attitudes and actions must reflect the fact that when they share the gospel, they are offering unbelievers, life; the poor, riches; those who are sick spiritually, God’s healing grace; and those who are lost, an opportunity for eternal life.

Trustees must develop a sense of urgency in developing plans of action that will better address the spiritual and physical needs of the masses.

All local, district, region, and connectional organizations, auxiliaries, and ministries must work at and remember - the Great Commission is to be fulfilled not merely through individual energy, but through collaborative efforts as well.

We must together heed the words of Paul in his message to Timothy (2 Timothy 4:1-5): 1 In The Presence Of God And Of Christ Jesus, Who Will Judge The Living And The Dead, And In View Of His Appearing And His Kingdom, I Give You This Charge: 2 Preach The Word; Be Prepared In Season And Out Of Season; Correct, Rebuke And Encourage—With Great Patience And Careful Instruction. 3 For The Time Will Come When People Will Not Put Up With Sound Doctrine. Instead, To Suit Their Own Desires, They Will Gather Around Them A Great Number Of Teachers To Say What Their Itching Ears Want To Hear. 4 They Will Turn Their Ears Away From The Truth And Turn Aside To Myths. 5 But You, Keep Your Head In All Situations, Endure Hardship, Do The Work Of An Evangelist, Discharge All The Duties Of Your Ministry.

Who Are We and What is our Purpose? - “We are the unordained people of God, furthering the mission of the church in the world” Dr. Clifford L. Harris - Email – mrcliffharris@yahoo.com - Telephone: 918.519.4233

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Connectional Interests

Department of Ministry to Men

Peace in God / It Is Well with My Soul Why have You rejected us forever, O God? Why does Your anger smolder against the sheep of Your pasture?

Psalm 74:1

There are many people whose lives fall apart, and they feel abandoned and forsaken. Yet it is not true to believe that God will ever forsake you.. He has promised to be with you always and to never leave you (Heb. 13:5). He even proved His unfathomable love by sacrificing His only Son on the cross for us.

God has a divine purpose for everything that happens in your life. Even when you are the victim of adversity, don't despair. He wants to use these circumstances to bring about His perfect will in your life.

Be still, my soul, the Lord is on your side. Patiently bear all sorrow and grief and leave all decisions in His loving hands. When everything else fails, You, Lord, remain faithful.

Amen Light in the Darkness peace

To those who have been called, who are loved by God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ: Mercy, and love be yours in abundance.

Jude: 1-2

It seems as if the world is in a perpetual state of chaos. Lawlessness and violence are increasing, and people live in fear and insecurity. What is the solution to such a sad state of affairs?

There can only be one answer and that is to turn to Jesus Christ. He has already conquered this dark and hostile world and replaced fear with love so that You can confidently place your faith and trust in Him.

Believe in Jesus and His promises and He will give you the blessing of His peace that transcends all understanding. Trust in Him and He will lead you from the darkness into the light of His immeasurable love for humankind.

Thank You, my Lord and God, that You grant perfect peace to Your children in this dark world.

Amen God Is with You "The Lord your God is with you. He is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you."

Zephaniah 3:17

When things go wrong in life it is easy to despair and become overwhelmed by a sense of complete helplessness and hopelessness.

If everything seemed hopeless, it was on the day of Jesus' crucifixion. The hopes and dreams of those who thought that He was the promised Messiah were shattered when He died on the cross. But then God intervened and miraculously turned apparent defeat into victory. The sorrowful triumphant resurrection of the Easter Sunday - when Christ rose victoriously from the grave.

Whatever circumstances you might find yourself in, however dismal, always remember that God is with you and that He is in control of your circumstances.

Redeemer and Friend, thank You that I can be sure that God loves me and is always with me.

Amen Respectfully submitted: Dr. Leo Pinkett, General Secretary The Department of Ministry To Men "Keep Moving Forward Always" 16

The Christian Index • October 2021

Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

2021 Social Concerns Project

The MSWWD Social Concerns Committee continued its excellent work assisting our students at our schools. The Committee settled on a two-phased approach to distributing facial masks and Amazon gift cards beginning with Miles and Lane Colleges in 2020. Phase two focused on Texas and Paine Colleges in 2021. The MSWWD gifted $3000 in gift cards to Texas College and Paine College.

The committee has gifted $9000 to our schools from 2019 through 2021! This is only possible because of the tireless efforts, sacrifice, and concern by the Ministers' Spouses Widows/ Widowers Department and the many kind members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

The committee is chaired by Mrs. Regina Dillard, Fifth Episcopal District.

Regina is married to Rev. Rodney Dillard: they have two adult children, and the most adorable grandson, ever! The Dillards make their home in Birmingham, Alabama.

LS

TS

CHOO S R

CME

STUDEN

OU

Mrs. Regina T. Dillard, Chairman (5) Mrs. Shirley Nelson (4) Mrs. Doris Jordan (6) Mrs. LeBertha Smith (3) Mrs. Juanita Mitchum (1) Mrs. Fayette Davis (9) Mrs. Lynette Cradle (7)

OU

R

Hats off to this great team!

and the

OUR Historically black colleges and universities October 2021 • The Christian Index

17

CME-Affiliated Schools

Lane College

From: https://www.lanecollege.edu/lane-life/faith-community. Accessed 9-16-2021.

[Lane College Keeps Faith in Education] FAITH AND CAMPUS LIFE Lane College has a longstanding and rich religious heritage. Its religious programs are dedicated to enriching the living/learning experience and providing a spiritual life program that integrates faith and learning and fosters spiritual development. The College believes that spiritual growth is an important part of the development of the individual. Religious life at the College is viewed as a quality-filled experience, rather than a specific and narrow range of separate activities. Religious programs of learning, worship, and service have the purpose of illuminating life and making life more meaningful.

College Assembly/Chapel is held every Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. Students, faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to participate in an hour of spiritual uplift. A program observed annually is Religious Emphasis Week. The Office of Student Affairs coordinates the program. While the College is affiliated with the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, the College makes no attempt to impose specific denominational views upon students, faculty, or staff.

All students are required to attend a minimum of ten (10) College Assembly/Chapel services per semester.

Students failing to meet this requirement may not be permitted to graduate until the requirement has been met.

Rev. Freeman McKindra

Dr. Deborah Rogers

OFFICE OF THE CHAPLAIN The Office of the Chaplain is led by Rev. Freeman McKindra who serves as chaplain and Dr. Deborah Rogers who serves as assistant chaplain. Chapel takes place every Wednesday throughout the fall and spring semesters. Bible study takes place on Thursdays throughout the fall and spring semesters.

Additionally, the Office of the Chaplain facilitates praise explosions a few times each semester. Praise explosions begin at 10 p.m. and offer an opportunity for students who have early evening obligations (i.e. sports, band, etc.) to participate in the life of the faith community. The Office of the Chaplain also facilitates worship arts ministries on campus.

Both the LC Chapel Choir and LC Dance Ministry contribute to worship experiences on campus in chapel and the praise explosions. The Office of the Chaplain also provides pastoral care to the campus community.

18

The Christian Index • October 2021

CME-Affiliated Schools

Texas College

From: https://user-jq5ypqx.cld.bz/The-INSIDER-Spring-Summer-2021/2/. Accessed 9-17-2021.

New Grant Expands Research & Aims to Save Lives Professor of Biology and Physics Alexei Iakhiaev, PhD, continues to expand research on the Texas College campus with his recent award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Adding to his Fall 2020 $150,000 research grant, NSF recently approved Dr. Iakhiaev’s latest proposal “Excellence in Research: Molecular mechanism of Tissue Factor Encryption and Decryption,” awarding a three-year grant in the amount $448,000.

Dr. Iakhiaev will serve as the principal investigator, bringing a wealth of value to the study with a multitude of publications and extensive experience as a biomedical researcher. The project will include training for three students, and further deepens collaborative efforts with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler (UTHSCT). Partnering with UTHSCT’s Vijaya Lella (Rao), PhD, and his laboratory team, Dr. Iakhiaev and Texas College students will study the molecular mechanism of tissue factor (TF), a protein involved in blood coagulation and thrombosis, as well as an important function for cardiovascular diseases.

“The human body needs to keep blood flowing; however, when a blood vessel is damaged, the body needs to stop bleeding as soon as possible. TF helps Dr. Alexei Iakhiaev with both of these processes,” explains Dr. Iakhiaev.

“When blood should flow, TF is encrypted, or inactive, and allows the blood to flow as it should. But, when the body needs to stop bleeding, the TF is decrypted, or activated, and initiates blood clotting and the formation of a “plug” to stop the bleeding. The goal of this research is to understand the molecular mechanism of TF encryption and decryption to achieve better control of these life-threatening situations.”

“The receipt of this award is great news, and I congratulate Dr. Iakhiaev on this signal honor,” commented President Dwight J. Fennell. “He continues to work toward elevating academic experiences for our students and thus the College as well. His Herculean motivation and efforts are greatly appreciated for such.”

Dr. Iakhiaev’s receipt of this award also serves to increase the research capacity at Texas College across all disciplines. Dr. Iakhiaev anticipates this grant to serve as a project that will foster additional growth and development for research experiences for undergraduate students in the sciences, as well as transcend to interdisciplinary research activities. Further, this award affords prime opportunity to expand the College’s collaborations with the research-intensive components of The University of Texas System.

16

The INSIDER│Volume 16

October 2021 • The Christian Index

19

Submissions

A BRIEF SKETCH OF SOME CHURCHES IN THE GHANA – TOGO REGION TENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH Submitted by Rev. Adjei K. Lawson Mission Supervisor of Ghana-Togo Region and Justice on the CME Church Judicial Council

1.

Bethel CME Church This church, pastored by Rev. Mercy Adjei, is located at Israel, a suburb of Accra. It has a congregational membership of about 120 with 6070 actively at church every Sunday. Their vision is to rebuild the church building where she is situated to serve as headquarters of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Ghana – Togo Region and also to increase the seating capacity of the chapel so it can match every occasion of the church calendar.

This church was planted by the Mission Supervisor, Rev. Justice Adjei K. Lawson with humble beginnings from a school room. They migrated to Bethel CME, Sunday morning worship the current location after buying a landed property to have their own place of worship. The church has become one of the most reliable edifices and ownerships of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Ghana.

2.

Christian Prayer CME Church This Church was planted by Rev. Godwin Adu and is situated at the old site of the Christian Methodist Senior High School.

It is one of the most vibrant CME Churches in Ghana, with a total congregation of about 250. Active membership is about 120 - 150. God is using the minister to heal and offer prophetic ministry to the membership. They are interested in getting their own property since where they are at the moment is rented and they could be evicted at any time the landowners want back their land.

3.

Hebron Temple CME Church This church was planted by Rev. Samson Fianko.

He appointed his brother to be in charge of the local church. They have managed to secure a good relationship with the landlord who has allowed them to put up a structure to serve as a place worship for the church. However, they have been asked by the landlord to look for a place of worship, else they should make advance to buy the land.

The area is developing so quickly that if the CME purchases that land it will greatly enhance the prospects of the church in the Volta Region of Ghana. The cost of the land is about $3,500.00. The congregational size of the church is about 50 with 25-30 actively at worship. It is a very young church.

The Pastor in charge is Rev. Abel Fianko.

Hebron CME, Volta Region

4.

House of Champions CME Church This local church is situated in Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana with a congregational size of about 80 members.

They are trying to buy the land on which they worship so the building they have put up will not be destroyed just in case 20

The Christian Index • October 2021

Submissions the landlord wants to take back the land. The vision of the Pastor, Rev. Alfred Acheampong, who is also Presiding Elder of the Central District, is for the local Church to become a district headquarters of Central District.

5.

St. Andrew CME Church This church is situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It is a country Church with a congregational size of about 60 members. The Pastor in charge, Rev. Abigail Quaye, is far due for retirement but still keeps serving until we get someone willing to serve in that country Church.

Transportation to the place is a challenge. Periodic visits with some foodstuffs, clothing and useful gifts would help these rural folks of the CME.

House of Champions CME Church

6.

Temple Dieu Est Capable (The Lord Is Capable) This Church is situated in the capital city of Togo, Lome. It was planted by Rev. Samson Fianko and is pastored by him.

The church has a congregational size of about 80 members. The land on which they worship does not belong to the church. Their vision is to get a permanent place of worship which will greatly advance the evangelistic ministry of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. The local church will also serve as the headquarters of the CME Church in Togo, West Africa.

7.

Holy Ghost Prayer CME Church This church is located at Ablekumah, a suburb of Accra. It was planted by Rev. John Fosu, who has been appointed as the pastor-in-charge of the church. They have a congregational size of about 90 members. They wished to have their own place of worship, which they have started building after securing a land. Helping them build this church will add more value to the ownership of this church as a CME. The pastor [lacks formal education], but God is using him mightily to build his church.

The Lord Is Capable CME Church

8.

Salvation Gospel CME Church This church is located in Aflao, Volta Region of Ghana. Aflao is a border town between Ghana and Togo. The pastor who planted this church is Rev. Innocent Donu, who is also the pastor-in-charge. It has a congregational size of about 30 members. They worship within the premises of where the pastor lives with his family. Their vision is to buy a land and Some members of Holy Ghost Prayer Ministry CME Church pose with Bishop Umoette after Sunday worship. build their own place of worship.

9.

St. Nicholas CME Church This church is located in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It is one of the oldest CME Churches but is not doing well. It has a congregational size of about 11 members. The Pastor-in-charge is Rev. Richard Alorsey. The church was running a school by the name of Pauline B. Grant Day Care, but the school is now defunct for lack of funding to sustain it.

Replanting this church [and investing its leadership with improved training and skills] will help to revamp it. Funding to send someone is what is needed at this point in time.

October 2021 • The Christian Index

21

Submissions

THE PROBLEM OF THE HEART Submitted by Rev. Jessie Manuel

Have you ever had someone tell you, "Just be yourself and everything will work out?" It sounds so simple, doesn't it? "Be Yourself."

What does that even mean? After all, if we could simply "be ourselves," then wouldn't the world that surrounds us be a lot different?

I have here an old pocket watch that used to be my Grandpa’s. It looks like any other pocket watch. It has a case, hands and a face. It has a chain and all the requisite parts that are necessary for it to carry out its function as a timepiece. However, there is a problem with this watch. You see, it just won't run! Why not?

It won't run because it has a problem with its heart.

Inside this case, there is a spring that is the heart of this watch. That spring is essential to the proper operation of this watch as a timepiece. That spring, the heart of this watch, is defective! The heart of the problem with this watch is a problem of the heart of this watch.

There are plenty of people in the church and in religious circles who are just like this watch. On the outside they look fine. They appear to be religious, and they do good things, but they cannot function as they were designed to function. They cannot truly worship and bring glory to Him because they have a problem that cannot be readily seen by a mere surface inspection of their life. They have a problem with their heart!

Now, the fact of the matter is this: I do not know who has a problem with their heart and who does not! I do not know who reading this is redeemed and who is merely religious. In fact, I would venture to say that some people who are reading this do not even know their own heart. Some may think they are redeemed, when in fact they may still be lost in sin.

While I do not know your heart, God does! He knows all about what is inside of you and me. He knows 22

The Christian Index • October 2021

what makes us tick! In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus deals with some people who are suffering from heart trouble and don't even know it. But He does, and He takes the time to expose the true nature of their hearts. As He does, He also gives us some principles by which we can look at our own heart and determine if there may be a problem with it.

I often wonder what friendships would be like if we could simply be who we are inside; to not feel so much pressure to be less or more of an individual than we think we are supposed to be. One thing I've begun to focus on in recent months is being the same person everywhere I am no matter who I'm around, but that's a lot easier said than done.

Don't get me wrong. I realize that none of us are exempt from sin. 1 John 1:8-10 says this: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us."

Can you see how not dealing with sin appropriately keeps us from being ourselves? Behavior like this causes us to trick ourselves into thinking we are someone who we really aren't. When we ignore or hide sin, it breeds all kinds of issues, not only in us, but also in the body of Christ.

So how should sin be handled? How can you "be yourself?" Well, here are 3 things that will certainly get us going in the right direction: Confession, confrontation, and forgiveness.

We all know that we are supposed to confess our sins to God, but what about confessing our sins to one another? Where does that fit into the picture?

The answer lies within James 5:16, which instructs us to, "...confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." Why isn't the confession of sins more of a focus in the church today? Shouldn't we be doing this every chance we get if it results in "healing and righteousness?"

Submissions Secondly, there is confrontation. Jesus says in Matthew 18:15-17 that, "If another member of the church sins against you, go and point out the fault when the two of you are alone. If the member listens to you, you have regained that one. But if you are not listened to, take one or two others along with you, so that every word may be confirmed by the evidence of two or three witnesses. If the member refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church..." Notice that this scenario starts with someone taking the initiative to point out the sin. Also notice that this person risks not only putting his friend in an uncomfortable situation but also being humiliated in front of others if he is wrong about his assessment. It's easy to see why the church struggles with this; it's not a simple solution.

Lastly, we have forgiveness. After discussing confrontation and confession, doesn't forgiveness make a lot more sense now? There is a very good reason why Jesus instructed us to forgive, "seventy times seven times " in Matthew 18:22. Jesus knew we were going to be surrounded by sinful people

because we live in a sinful world. Rather than avoiding it, we need to be brave enough to be the one who chooses to forgive sin unconditionally and infinitely.

Our reaction to sin determines the impact it is able to have on us. Who knows? Our reaction may even be so powerful that it may stop that sin in its tracks before it affects others too!

Remember my broken watch? I can have it fixed. A good watchmaker can repair the problem in the heart of this watch and make right again. If there is a problem in your heart today, Jesus Christ can take it like it is and He can make it like it ought to be! According to the prophet Ezekiel, God can take away our faulty "hearts of stone" and replace them with new ones that will beat in turn with God's own heart. He can save us from the deceptive work of our own heart!

Today, just take about 15 minutes and ask God this simple question: "God, how is the sin in my life keeping me from being who you have created me to be?"

October 2021 • The Christian Index

23

24

The Christian Index • October 2021

White

White

White

White

White

White

White

January 16, 2022

January 23, 2022

January 30, 2022

February 2, 2022

February 6, 2022

February 13, 2022

February 20, 2022

White

Purple

White

Purple

Purple

Purple

Purple

Purple

Purple

Black

Black

White

March 25, 2022

March 27, 2022

April 3, 2022

April 10, 2022

April 10, 2022

April 11, 2022

April 12, 2022

April 13, 2022

April 14, 2022

April 15, 2022

April 16, 2022

April 17, 2022

Purple

White

January 9, 2022

March 20, 2022

White

January 6, 2022

Purple

White

January 2, 2022

March 13, 2022

White

January 1, 2022

White

White

December 26, 2021

March 6, 2022

White

December 24, 2021

White

White

December 24, 2021

Purple

White

December 24, 2021

March 2, 2022

Purple

December 19, 2021

February 27, 2022

White

Purple

December 12, 2021

November 28, 2021

December 5, 2021

Color

Purple

Calendar Date

Liturgical Date

Resurrection of the Lord

Holy Saturday

Good Friday

Maundy Thursday

Wednesday of Holy Week

Tuesday of Holy Week

Monday of Holy Week

Liturgy of the Passion

Liturgy of the Palms

Fifth Sunday in Lent

Fourth Sunday in Lent

Annunciation of the Lord

Third Sunday in Lent

Second Sunday in Lent

First Sunday in Lent

Ash Wednesday

Transfiguration Sunday

Seventh Sunday after the Epiphany

Sixth Sunday after the Epiphany

Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

Presentation of the Lord

Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

Third Sunday after the Epiphany

Second Sunday after the Epiphany

Baptism of the Lord

Epiphany of the Lord

Second Sunday after Christmas Day

New Year's Day

First Sunday after Christmas Day

Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper III

Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper II

Nativity of the Lord ‐ Proper I

Fourth Sunday of Advent

Third Sunday of Advent

Second Sunday of Advent

First Sunday of Advent

Hebrew Reading

Acts 10:34‐43 or Isaiah 65:17‐25

Job 14:1‐14 or Lamentations 3:1‐9, 19‐24

Isaiah 52:13‐53:12

Exodus 12:1‐4, (5‐10), 11‐14

Isaiah 50:4‐9a

Isaiah 49:1‐7

Isaiah 42:1‐9

Isaiah 50:4‐9a

Isaiah 43:16‐21

Joshua 5:9‐12

Isaiah 7:10‐14

Isaiah 55:1‐9

Genesis 15:1‐12, 17‐18

Deuteronomy 26:1‐11

Joel 2:1‐2, 12‐17 or Isaiah 58:1‐12

Exodus 34:29‐35

Genesis 45:3‐11, 15

Jeremiah 17:5‐10

Isaiah 6:1‐8, (9‐13)

Malachi 3:1‐4

Jeremiah 1:4‐10

Nehemiah 8:1‐3, 5‐6, 8‐10

Isaiah 62:1‐5

Isaiah 43:1‐7

Isaiah 60:1‐6

Jeremiah 31:7‐14 or Sirach 24:1‐12

Ecclesiastes 3:1‐13

1 Samuel 2:18‐20, 26

Isaiah 52:7‐10

Isaiah 62:6‐12

Isaiah 9:2‐7

Micah 5:2‐5a

Zephaniah 3:14‐20

Baruch 5:1‐9 or Malachi 3:1‐4

Jeremiah 33:14‐16

Psalm 118:1‐2, 14‐24

Psalm 31:1‐4, 15‐16

Psalm 22

Psalm 116:1‐2, 12‐19

Psalm 70

Psalm 71:1‐14

Psalm 36:5‐11

Psalm 31:9‐16

Psalm 118:1‐2, 19‐29

Psalm 126

Psalm 32

Psalm 45 or Psalm 40:5‐10

Psalm 63:1‐8

Psalm 27

Psalm 91:1‐2, 9‐16

Psalm 51:1‐17

Psalm 99

Psalm 37:1‐11, 39‐40

Psalm 1

Psalm 138

Psalm 84 or Psalm 24:7‐10

Psalm 71:1‐6

Psalm 19

Psalm 36:5‐10

Psalm 29

Psalm 72:1‐7, 10‐14

Psalm 147:12‐20 or Wisdom of Solomon 10:15‐21

Psalm 8

Psalm 148

Psalm 98

Psalm 97

Psalm 96

Luke 1:46b‐55 or Psalm 80:1‐7

Isaiah 12:2‐6

Luke 1:68‐79

Psalm 25:1‐10

Psalm Reading

2021 ‐ 2022 Liturgical Calendar Year C Prepared by the Editor of The Christian Index Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, jr.

Epistle Reading

John 13:1‐17, 31b‐35

John 13:21‐32

John 12:20‐36

John 12:1‐11

Luke 22:14‐23:56 or Luke 23:1‐49

Luke 19:28‐40

John 12:1‐8

Luke 15:1‐3, 11b‐32

Luke 1:26‐38

Luke 13:1‐9

Luke 13:31‐35 or Luke 9:28‐36, (37‐43a)

Luke 4:1‐13

Matthew 6:1‐6, 16‐21

Luke 9:28‐36, (37‐43a)

Luke 6:27‐38

Luke 6:17‐26

Luke 5:1‐11

Luke 2:22‐40

Luke 4:21‐30

Luke 4:14‐21

John 2:1‐11

Luke 3:15‐17, 21‐22

Matthew 2:1‐12

John 1:(1‐9), 10‐18

Matthew 25:31‐46

Luke 2:41‐52

John 1:1‐14

Luke 2:(1‐7), 8‐20

Luke 2:1‐14, (15‐20)

Luke 1:39‐45, (46‐55)

Luke 3:7‐18

Luke 3:1‐6

Luke 21:25‐36

Gospel Reading

1 Corinthians 15:19‐26 or Acts 10:34‐43

1 Peter 4:1‐8

John 20:1‐18 or Luke 24:1‐12

Matthew 27:57‐66 or John 19:38‐42

Hebrews 10:16‐25 or Hebrews 4:14‐16; John 18:1‐19:42 5:7‐9

1 Corinthians 11:23‐26

Hebrews 12:1‐3

1 Corinthians 1:18‐31

Hebrews 9:11‐15

Philippians 2:5‐11

Philippians 3:4b‐14

2 Corinthians 5:16‐21

Hebrews 10:4‐10

1 Corinthians 10:1‐13

Philippians 3:17‐4:1

Romans 10:8b‐13

2 Corinthians 5:20b‐6:10

2 Corinthians 3:12‐4:2

1 Corinthians 15:35‐38, 42‐50

1 Corinthians 15:12‐20

1 Corinthians 15:1‐11

Hebrews 2:14‐18

1 Corinthians 13:1‐13

1 Corinthians 12:12‐31a

1 Corinthians 12:1‐11

Acts 8:14‐17

Ephesians 3:1‐12

Ephesians 1:3‐14

Revelation 21:1‐6a

Colossians 3:12‐17

Hebrews 1:1‐4, (5‐12)

Titus 3:4‐7

Titus 2:11‐14

Hebrews 10:5‐10

Philippians 4:4‐7

Philippians 1:3‐11

1 Thessalonians 3:9‐13

This calendar is modified from the following: Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.

Red

White

Red

Red

Red

Red

White

Red

Red

Green

White

Green

Green

Green

White

Green

Green

Green

June 26, 2022

July 3, 2022

July 10, 2022

July 17, 2022

July 24, 2022

July 31, 2022

August 7, 2022

August 14, 2022

August 21, 2022

August 28, 2022

September 4, 2022

September 11, 2022

September 18, 2022

September 25, 2022

October 2, 2022

October 9, 2022

October 16, 2022

October 23, 2022

Green

Red

June 19, 2022

White

White

June 12, 2022

November 24, 2022

White

June 5, 2022

November 20, 2022

White

May 29, 2022

Green

White

May 26, 2022

White

White

May 22, 2022

November 13, 2022

White

May 15, 2022

November 6, 2022

White

May 8, 2022

Red

White

May 1, 2022

White

White

April 24, 2022

November 1, 2022

White

April 17, 2022

October 30, 2022

Color

Calendar Date

October 2021 • The Christian Index

Thanksgiving Day, USA

Reign of Christ ‐ Proper 29 (34)

Eleventh Sunday of Kindomtide

Tenth Sunday of Kingdomtide

All Saints Day

Reformation Sunday

Ninth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Eighth Sunday of Kingfomtide

Seventh Sunday of Kingdomtide

Sixth Sunday of Kingtomtide

Fifth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Fourth Sunday of Kingdomtide

Third Sunday of Kingdomtide

Second Sunday of Kingdomtide

First Sunday of Kingdomtide

Twelfth Sunday after Pentecost

Eleventh Sunday after Pentecost

Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Ninth Sunday after Pentecost

Eighth Sunday after Pentecost

Seventh Sunday after Pentecost

Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Fifth Sunday after Pentecost

Fourth Sunday after Pentecost

Third Sunday after Pentecost

Trinity Sunday

Day of Pentecost

Seventh Sunday of Easter

Ascension of the Lord

Sixth Sunday of Easter

Fifth Sunday of Easter

Fourth Sunday of Easter

Third Sunday of Easter

Second Sunday of Easter

Easter Evening

Liturgical Date

Amos 6:1a, 4‐7 and Psalm 146

Amos 8:4‐7 and Psalm 113

Exodus 32:7‐14 and Psalm 51:1‐10

Deuteronomy 30:15‐20 and Psalm 1

Sirach 10:12‐18 or Proverbs 25:6‐7 and Psalm 112

Isaiah 58:9b‐14 and Psalm 103:1‐8

Jeremiah 23:23‐29 and Psalm 82

Genesis 15:1‐6 and Psalm 33:12‐22

Ecclesiastes 1:2, 12‐14; 2:18‐23 and Psalm 49:1‐12

Genesis 18:20‐32 and Psalm 138

Genesis 18:1‐10a and Psalm 15

Deuteronomy 30:9‐14 and Psalm 25:1‐10

Isaiah 66:10‐14 and Psalm 66:1‐9

1 Kings 19:15‐16, 19‐21 and Psalm 16

Isaiah 65:1‐9 and Psalm 22:19‐28

Psalm 104:24‐34, 35b

Psalm 97

Psalm 47 or Psalm 93

Psalm 67

Psalm 148

Psalm 23

Psalm 30

Psalm 118:14‐29 or Psalm 150

Psalm 114

Psalm Reading

Jeremiah 23:1‐6 and Luke 1:68‐79 Deuteronomy 26:1‐11 and Psalm 100

Jeremiah 23:1‐6 and Psalm 46

Philippians 4:4‐9

Colossians 1:11‐20

2 Thessalonians 3:6‐13

2 Thessalonians 2:1‐5, 13‐17 Malachi 4:1‐2a and Psalm 98

Job 19:23‐27a and Psalm 17:1‐9

Haggai 1:15b‐2:9 and Psalm 145:1‐5, 17‐21 or Psalm 98 Isaiah 65:17‐25 and Isaiah 12

Ephesians 1:11‐23

2 Thessalonians 1:1‐4, 11‐12

2 Timothy 4:6‐8, 16‐18

Sirach 35:12‐17 or Jeremiah 14:7‐10, 19‐22 and Psalm 84:1‐7 Isaiah 1:10‐18 and Psalm 32:1‐7

2 Timothy 3:14‐4:5

2 Timothy 2:8‐15 Genesis 32:22‐31 and Psalm 121

2 Kings 5:1‐3, 7‐15c and Psalm 111

2 Timothy 1:1‐14

1 Timothy 6:6‐19

1 Timothy 2:1‐7

1 Timothy 1:12‐17

Philemon 1:1‐21

Hebrews 13:1‐8, 15‐16

Hebrews 12:18‐29

Hebrews 11:29‐12:2

Hebrews 11:1‐3, 8‐16

Colossians 3:1‐11

Colossians 2:6‐15, (16‐19)

Colossians 1:15‐28

Colossians 1:1‐14

Galatians 6:(1‐6), 7‐16

Galatians 5:1, 13‐25

Galatians 3:23‐29

Romans 5:1‐5

Romans 8:14‐17 or Acts 2:1‐21

Revelation 22:12‐14, 16‐17, 20‐21

Ephesians 1:15‐23

Revelation 21:10, 22‐22:5

Revelation 21:1‐6

Revelation 7:9‐17

Revelation 5:11‐14

Revelation 1:4‐8

1 Corinthians 5:6b‐8

Epistle Reading

Daniel 7:1‐3, 15‐18 and Psalm 149

Habakkuk 1:1‐4; 2:1‐4 and Psalm 119:137‐144

Joel 2:23‐32 and Psalm 65

Jeremiah 31:27‐34 and Psalm 119:97‐104

Jeremiah 29:1, 4‐7 and Psalm 66:1‐12

Lamentations 1:1‐6 and Lamentations 3:19‐26 or Habakkuk 1:1‐4; 2:1‐4 and Psalm 37:1‐9 Psalm 137

Jeremiah 32:1‐3a, 6‐15 and Psalm 91:1‐6, 14‐16

Jeremiah 8:18‐9:1 and Psalm 79:1‐9

Jeremiah 4:11‐12, 22‐28 and Psalm 14

Jeremiah 18:1‐11 and Psalm 139:1‐6, 13‐18

Jeremiah 2:4‐13 and Psalm 81:1, 10‐16

Jeremiah 1:4‐10 and Psalm 71:1‐6

Isaiah 5:1‐7 and Psalm 80:1‐2, 8‐19

Isaiah 1:1, 10‐20 and Psalm 50:1‐8, 22‐23

Hosea 11:1‐11 and Psalm 107:1‐9, 43

Hosea 1:2‐10 and Psalm 85

Amos 8:1‐12 and Psalm 52

Amos 7:7‐17 and Psalm 82

2 Kings 5:1‐14 and Psalm 30

2 Kings 2:1‐2, 6‐14 and Psalm 77:1‐2, 11‐20

1 Kings 19:1‐4, (5‐7), 8‐15a and Psalm 42 and 43

Proverbs 8:1‐4, 22‐31 and Psalm 8

Acts 2:1‐21 or Genesis 11:1‐9

Acts 16:16‐34

Acts 1:1‐11

Acts 16:9‐15

Acts 11:1‐18

Acts 9:36‐43

Acts 9:1‐6, (7‐20)

Acts 5:27‐32

Isaiah 25:6‐9

Hebrew Reading

2021 ‐ 2022 Liturgical Calendar Year C Prepared by the Editor of The Christian Index Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, jr.

John 6:25‐35

Luke 23:33‐43

Luke 21:5‐19

Luke 20:27‐38

Luke 6:20‐31

Luke 19:1‐10

Luke 18:9‐14

Luke 18:1‐8

Luke 17:11‐19

Luke 17:5‐10

Luke 16:19‐31

Luke 16:1‐13

Luke 15:1‐10

Luke 14:25‐33

Luke 14:1, 7‐14

Luke 13:10‐17

Luke 12:49‐56

Luke 12:32‐40

Luke 12:13‐21

Luke 11:1‐13

Luke 10:38‐42

Luke 10:25‐37

Luke 10:1‐11, 16‐20

Luke 9:51‐62

Luke 8:26‐39

John 16:12‐15

John 14:8‐17, (25‐27)

John 17:20‐26

Luke 24:44‐53

John 14:23‐29 or John 5:1‐9

John 13:31‐35

John 10:22‐30

John 21:1‐19

John 20:19‐31

Luke 24:13‐49

Gospel Reading

This calendar is modified from the following: Revised Common Lectionary, Copyright © 1992 Consultation on Common Texts. Used by permission.

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Submissions

EFFECTIVE MINISTRY DURING THE COVID-19 SEASON: EMBODYING A HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE

INSIDE THE PASTOR'S STUDY: Conversations with pastors about their lifestyle as a pastor – a program created and instituted by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr., Presiding Prelate of the Second Episcopal District Submitted by Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, Ph.D. Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church, Hopkinsville, Kentucky Dean of the Evansville/Hopkinsville District Scholar in Residence of the Second Episcopal District

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism in England and the United States, approached Christian ministry with a biblical motif that was layered spiritually into the therapeutic processes of human life.

Wesley used physical, mental and social (political, economic and psychological) healing to reach as many people as possible. He used “whatever means” which were biblical, ethical, and theologically expedient in Christian mission. Especially where his critique of American capitalism was concerned, Wesley longed for the Christian Church to spend more ministry time with the poor. In other words, if it was effective, then it was fair game in terms of reaching the people where they needed help the most. The help that I am referring to is found in the CME Church actively reaching people for Christ and helping to heal their hurts no matter what caused them.

This brings me to the title of my presentation: EFFECTIVE MINISTRY DURING THE COVID-19 SEASON: EMBODYING A HOLISTIC LIFESTYLE. The word effective means BEING successful in producing a desired or intended result for the purpose of existential excellence. The word effective also means BEING significant in remaining faithful to the task of doing holistic ministry within the context of the Black Christian Church. In other words, doing effective ministry in the midst of any communal distinctive is a state of BEING in that if the pastor, preacher and minister is committed to doing a significant ministry within the context in which he or she has been appointed, then he or she is automatically successful.

The first way that I have attempted to do effective ministry during the COVID-19 season is

by communicating with the members of the Lane Tabernacle CME Church congregation in a ministerial way. I have completed this particular task by way of phone calls, text messages and email messages. By way of shoring up the important lines of communication between the pastor and the membership, I have also created a bi-monthly mail-out that is sent to the membership every other month. This form of ministry is something similar to Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas Sr.'s Second Episcopal District Newsletter which is designed to keep the episcopal district updated on what is going on with the ministry of the local church and the Connectional church.

Whenever and wherever I see members in person or out in public, I intentionally make it a point to give them face to face ministry. Perplexingly, I am seeing more of the church members out in the community and out in public places than I am in church on Sunday mornings. So, I minister to them wherever I see them. I try to bring the Black religious experience to those members I see in public places. Here the teaching point is that we must ascertain the importance of ministering to people where they are ... in their physical context. Especially during the COVID-19 season. In deciding to have church on Sundays, I changed the worship time on the church sign to read 11am to 12pm, and included notice of temperature checks, wearing of masks, social distancing, etc., which marketed the church's 55-minute morning worship with specific instructions. Even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I have attempted to systematically grow a new church by way of gathering new members inside an old church building. As a result, I am seeing more

"If YOU are not a disciple, how can YOU make a disciple?"

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The Christian Index • October 2021

--Pastor George Dix

Submissions non-members and visitors than I do the actual members of the church. On the home front, my greatest challenge during the COVID-19 season has been the lack of giving from those members who do not attend church in-person. I have been inspired to teach the principles of Tithing, Sacrificial Giving and Benevolent Giving.

Because the COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to do even greater ministry within and beyond the church building, I have been able to embrace The Five Pillars of Effective Leadership: 1.

Effective pastoral (spiritual) leadership in the local church at the Lane Tabernacle CME Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

2.

Effective political leadership in the public square; remaining visible to my neighborhood’s constituents and the community as an elected City Councilman in Ward 1.

3.

Effective academic scholarship in being published locally and nationally, and writing new books with interdisciplinary themes.

4.

Effective organizational leadership in my family’s business, Adams & Sons Mortuary, here in Hopkinsville, which is a ministry service in and of itself.

5.

Effective cultural leadership in my everyday life. My pastoral lifestyle is one of organic intellectualism, teaching, empowerment, cultural creativity while remaining committed to effective preaching and the embodiment of a strong biblical spirituality ... all of which has been done under the theological banner of being a CME preacher. We are all Christians and we are all governed by what we term the Episcopacy – the Executive Branch of the CME Church, or the College of Bishops. However, that M in

CME (Methodist) represents an irreplaceable part of our church's theology.

As a preacher, pastor and theologian, John Wesley's commitment to doing holistic ministry is what ultimately defined his lifestyle. In the ministerial embodiment of the Methodist way, Wesley referred to Christian mission as a form of Church ministry.

The reason why Wesley referred to the world as his parish is because he viewed the world, and all that was in it, as an all-day, everyday opportunity to reach the masses. Wesley was more missiological in his thinking than he was religious. Another word for missiological is theological. To be sure, Wesley understood that if there were no mission work attached to our individual spirituality and embedded into our religious convictions, then our church religion becomes a ritualistic opium of testimonial nothingness and cultural irrelevance.

In the spirit-mind of John Wesley, the embodiment of holistic ministry was, in essence, his lifestyle. It was his calling, his purpose, his mission, and his ministry both within the church building on Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings and beyond the church building, wayward and deeper into the communities and neighborhoods in which he sought to serve.

Most of the leadership outreaches that I just described in this presentation were birthed in the prayerful meditations that took place in the Pastor's Study. Theologically speaking, effective holistic ministry is the metaphysical result of time spent in the Pastor's Study. The COVID-19 pandemic has given us an opportunity to do an even greater ministry within and beyond the church. Holistic ministry is effective ministry.

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 October 2021 • The Christian Index

27

Submissions

Rev. and Dr. Agnew Appreciated Submitted by Mary Irons, Secretary Saulter's Chapel CME Church located in Michie, Tennessee, celebrated an Appreciation for our Pastor and Wife, Rev. James Agnew & Dr. Earnest Agnew, on June 27, 2021. A powerful morning Message was given by Minster Gwendolyn Tall of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, preaching and lecturing about getting a better understanding from the Bible as it concerns love and forgiveness. Tributes, solo's, love gifts, and monetary envelopes were given to our Pastor and First Lady from our congregation.

The members at Saulter's Chapel thank you both for 13 blessed and happy years of service, and we are anticipating another great year with Pastor James and First Lady Dr. Earnest Agnew.

Ashley Sarah Brown: A Catalyst for Change Submitted by Sandra R. Chambers

Ashley Sarah Brown, a member of St. John CME Church, Washington, D.C., and the current New York Washington Region Youth President, is the co-recipient of the 2021 Catalyst iGen Influencer Award from Jack and Jill of America, Prince George's County Chapter. The Catalyst iGen Influencer is awarded to a young woman (19 years of age or younger) who has been a catalyst for change in her school and/or community.

Ashley, a senior at Chesapeake Math and IT Academy South, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, and her friend and classmate, Takaya McFarland, founded Youth Tutor Initiative, Inc. (YTI), a non-profit tutoring service in Prince George’s County, Maryland. We are grateful for Jack and Jill recognizing and honoring young female visionaries on the rise. YTI was started in July 2020 due to the overwhelming impacts of remote learning on students. The goal of YTI is to help and motivate young minds to be the best they can be academically, especially during the extended period of remote learning. They use Zoom for tutoring sessions and all services are free. For more information on YTI or to inquire about their tutoring services, visit their website: https://youthtutorinitiative.wixsite.com/home or find them on Instagram at @youthtutorinitiative.

Ashley is a gifted poet and writer and has already received [numerous] awards in her young life. In May 2021, Ashley graduated high school with a 4.54 GPA and completed an Associate’s Degree in Information Technology. Ashley received many acceptance letters from top schools all around the country, but in the end, she selected to attend Dillard University in New Orleans where she will work towards receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Film. Ashley believes film and television has the power to alter emotions, change perspectives and raise awareness, and wants to be a part of that influence. No matter where her path leads her, we know Ashley will succeed. Ashley is so thankful for all the love prayers and support she has received and hopes for that same support in her next chapter.

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The Christian Index • October 2021

Submissions

Shy Temple and Canby Lane Backpacks for Success Submitted by Jacqueline Carter

The Pandemic has thrown some curves in the way ministry is done. However, it has also created many opportunities for the One Church One School Partnership between Shy Temple CME Church and Canby Lane Elementary School (Decatur, Georgia) to continue to flourish. Once schools began to reopen on a hybrid schedule, there was a need for the kindergartners and first graders to have a way to protect and transport their technological devices. Since the communication between the partners was ongoing throughout the pandemic, when the request for backpacks was made to solve the problem, Shy Temple’s members responded quickly.

It took only a couple of days for the first delivery of 30 backpacks to be made. These were received by Dr. Keshier Smikle, Principal, and Mrs. Kia Dennis, Assistant Principal, with much excitement. Dr. Smikle immediately called the teachers to come to the lobby to receive the bags for students who were present that day. Within the next week, an additional 20 backpacks were delivered and again received with much excitement and gracious thanks. (l-r): Dr. James C. Clements, Pastor of Shy Temple CME, and Jacqueline Carter, Director of Evangelism

The One Church One School Partnership between Shy Temple and Canby Lane began when Shy Temple relocated to the community in Dekalb County two years ago after having established long-time previous partnerships with City of Atlanta schools, East Lake Elementary School, and the ML King Middle School. Shy Temple’s partnership is anchored by the Lucile Jones Missionary Society (Rebecca Carter, President) but is supported by the entire congregation under the leadership of Rev. Dr. James Clements. Jacqueline Carter, Evangelism Chair, serves as the liaison.

Dr. Keisher Smikle (Principal of Canby Lane), Mrs. Dennis, and Teachers of Canby Lane Elementary.

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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NOW AVAILABLE!!!

The Christian Index . . . ONLINE issuu.com/OreSpragin

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• Issues available from March 2020 for online viewing only • Cost: $5.00 per issue • Profit shared equally by the Department of Publications and the Department of The Christian Index

The Christian Index • October 2021

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for October Biblical Feasts

SABBATH PASSOVER PENTECOST TABERNACLES TRUMPETS NEW MOON

PURIM DEDICATION SABBATH YEAR JUBILEE LORD'S SUPPER LOVE FEAST

DAY OF ATONEMENT UNLEAVENED BREAD MARRIAGE SUPPER FEAST OF WEEKS INGATHERING

October 2021 • 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 32

The Christian Index • October 2021

Ecumenical News From The Christian Recorder, July 2, 2021. Mr. John Thomas III, Editor.

African Methodist Episcopal Church Returns to Cuba The 16th Episcopal District announces the reestablishment of the AME presence in Cuba. In 1898 the African Methodist Episcopal Church records its first church in Santiago, Cuba. In 1938, a high-level delegation of church leadership led by Bishop Reverdy Ransom visited the island and was well-received. Until 1960, there were many AME active congregations and members of the AME Church in Cuba who participated in all aspects of the life of the denomination. When the change of government occurred, the AME presence diminished and became almost non-existent. Hoping for an eventual return, the Cuban Annual Conference was never legally dissolved by the General Conference and various attempts were made to restore AME congregations on the island.

In May 2020, these hopes were realized with Pastor Ilsido Perez Carrion requesting membership into the denomination. Pastor Perez Carrion learned about the church from a Brazilian AME member and inquired about joining. He and Jehovah Nisi Church were received on May 21, 2021, at the Planning Meeting of the 16th District (Caribbean, South America, and Europe) after numerous conversations, prayer sessions, and appropriate vetting. Five other pastors and congregations were received pending appropriate vetting by the Dominican Republic Annual Conference which will have temporary administrative oversight of the AME congregations in Cuba.

“Returning to Cuba has long been a dream of my predecessors who have served in the 16th Episcopal District. I have even heard stories from the descendants of Cuban members who still remember stories of an AME Church on the island. I thank God to be able to bear witness to this moment—even amid the suffering of this global pandemic,” stated Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, President of the Council of Bishops and Presiding Prelate of the 16th Episcopal District.

An official request by Bishop Byfield has been received by the Cuban Government for the AME Church to be reactivated as a denomination and full restoration is expected. The reopening of the AME Church in Cuba will expand the work of the Church and reunite our Cuban brothers and sisters to African Methodism.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."

--Mark 16:15 (KJV) October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Juanita Lorina Lee Varner

Juanita Lorina Lee Varner was born on the first day of spring, March 20, 1914, to John Henry Lee and Willie Bell Barnum Lee in Americus, Georgia. She was the second child and had an elder brother, Vance Barnum Dennis Lee, who preceded her in death and whom she loved dearly. At an early age, she and her brother moved to Moultrie, Georgia, where she was raised by her father and stepmother, Ann Lee Jones. Her father introduced and insisted on piano lessons that she began at age eight. She joined the Williams Tabernacle CME Church in Moultrie and attended every time the church doors opened, not only because she lived across the street from the church, but also because her Aunt Ethel Finney encouraged her by setting the example.

She attended and graduated from Moultrie Elementary School, the Paine Institute High School in Augusta, Georgia, and earned a B.S. Degree in Music and English Education from Knoxville College in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Her first teaching experience was in Manassas, Virginia, where she taught English and Music for one year. The next year she began teaching at Douglass Elementary School in Thomasville, Georgia. During this time, she met, fell in love, and married William James Varner. He was a mathematics teacher at Douglass High School who later became principal of the school. They married May 16, 1934, and in later years had two daughters, Wilnita Yvette and Sandra Jacquelyn. She also taught private music lessons at home and had many successful students, such as the Hadley family, the late Francis Green Williams, Carolyn Anderson Henry, and Patrick Lundy to name a few. Her extended Music Education career included Florida A&M University, the Fred Waring School of Music in Delaware, and Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. She retired from teaching after 35 years. Mrs. Varner is found pictured on the wall of the Black History Museum in Thomasville alongside other Black educators.

She worked diligently at Saint Luke CME Church where she served on the Stewardess Board, Board of Christian Education, Women’s Missionary 34

The Christian Index • October 2021

Society, and served as organist for several years at First Missionary Baptist and St. Luke CME Church.

She also served as the youth department musician on Wednesdays and Sundays and worked tirelessly preparing vocalists for church Cantatas and weddings in the community. She also enjoyed walking on the deck ramp, playing with her dog, washing dishes, picking greens, snapping beans, folding clothes and rearranging items in her room. In 2019, Mrs. Juanita Varner was given the distinct honor of serving as the first Grand Marshall for the Thomasville Black History Parade.

Mrs. Juanita Varner was the devoted wife of the late William James Varner and a loving mother to Wilnita Yvette Fortson and Sandra Jacquelyn Dunbar.

Her grandchildren are Henry David (Alicia) Fortson, Dennis Gregory (Terri) Fortson (Atlanta, Georgia), William Christopher Fortson (Statesboro, Georgia), Winfield Oliver Varner and Maria Alesa Dunbar (Atlanta). Great-grandchildren are Justin Davon Fortson, Montoya Hubbard, Sydney Joelle Fortson, Joshua David Fortson, Jenesis Marie Hardy, Terrell Dewayne Taylor, and Brandon James Taylor. She had one great-great-grandchild, Jayden Hubbard. She is also survived by a nephew, John King Lee (West Virginia); nieces, Lucille Hixon (Michigan), Rose Delaine (New Jersey), great nephew, George Varner (Florida), beloved cousins, Dr. William Anderson (Detroit, Michigan), Dorothy Jean Anderson Mills (Atlanta), Barbara Jelks (Moultrie), Roselyn Lewis (Atlanta), Rheubin Lewis (Savannah, Georgia), and many devoted extended family and friends.

God blessed and kept her with abundant life for 107 years. Mrs. Juanita Lorina Lee Varner departed this life for her eternal reward on May 21, 2021, in perfect peace. Her Homegoing Service was held on May 26, 2021, at the Peaceful Rest Cemetery, Thomasville, Georgia.

"Instead of asking a person if they are saved, why not ask them what Jesus Christ means to them?"

--Rev. James Larry

Obituaries

Joining the Great Cloud

Robin ReNee Scott

Robin ReNee Scott, is the daughter of Gloria Anne Lee Scott and the late George Albert Scott, Sr. She was born February 20, 1963, at St. Dominic Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi (MS). Robin was ALWAYS full of joy and had an "impish/mischievous" spirit that her family and friends truly loved. Her earthly pilgrimage ended at 7:56 a.m. on August 1, 2021, following an intense battle with pancreatic cancer, while a patient at Angel House Hospice Care Center in Whiteville, North Carolina (NC). Robin was preceded in death by her father, George Albert; maternal grandparents, Dan and Allene Lee; and paternal grandparents, Bernice and Willie Albert Scott.

Robin attended Jackson Public Schools and participated in volleyball, basketball, and cross country while at Jim Hill High School. She received her diploma with the Class of 1981 and furthered her education at "The" Jackson State University (Jackson, MS) on a volleyball scholarship. On May 22, 1987, she was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army at Jackson State University. Robin was a lifelong member of Lynch Street CME Church (Jackson, MS) and served as youth director under Rev. Dr. Charles E. Holbrook, Sr.

Robin had an extensive employment history with the Federal Government, having tenures with the Veterans Administration, Census Bureau and Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, where she was an enforcement investigator at the time of her death. Robin also worked as a sports assistant for the Clarion Ledger (Jackson) and covered High School Sports. Robin was an avid photographer and was often seen behind and in front of the camera.

To celebrate her life and mourn her passing, "RaRah" leaves: a loving mother, Gloria Anne (Jackson); three children, Marques Darryl (Atlanta, Georgia), Jarvis Reynard and Taylor

ReNee (Raeford, NC); five siblings, Lori McIntyre (Atlanta), George "Bo" Scott (Jackson), Carmen Michelle (Denver, Colorado), Richard (Doreen) Scott (Orlando, Florida), and Eric McKinnie Scott (Jackson); three aunts, Barbara Brown (Greenville, MS), Josephine Weatherspoon (Roswell, GA) and Ruby Malik (Los Angeles, California); a special friend and cousin, Veta Weathersby Jackson (Jackson, MS); nieces and nephews: Sean, Ryan, Kyle, Michael, Micaela, Brandon, Allen, Trey, Aaliyah, Nykeshia, Erica, Derek, Darryus, Isaiah, Makayla, Erica and Brandon; extended family, Tony and Mary Helen Clay and Family (Jackson, MS); Arlene Shyrell Scott (Orlando, FL), and a host of cousins and friends.

Lillian Smith

Lillian Elizabeth Cochran Smith, 69, of Holly Springs, Mississippi, died August 9, 2021, at her home.

She was a member of Hebron CME Church where she served as treasurer, recording secretary, steward and trustee. She was a member of Order of Eastern Star and a head teller at Merchants and Farmers Bank for over 45 years.

Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. on August 16, 2021, at Hebron CME Church Cemetery. Rev. Lexine Smith officiated. J.F. Brittenum and Son Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

She leaves her husband, Freddie Smith; two daughters, Audrey Wright and Fredrica Smith, both of Holly Springs; eight sisters: Jo Anner Edwards of Olive Branch, Hannah Tunstall of Victoria, Alice Jean Frazier of Memphis, Tennessee, Willie Etta Wortham of Jackson, Inez Collier of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sarah Moore and Pearlie Smith, both of St. Louis, Missouri, and Ida Mae Brown of Florissant, Missouri; three brothers: Philander Cochran of Atlanta, Georgia, David Cochran of Ashland,and Elree Cochran, Jr. of Holly Springs; three grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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Announcing the 2021-2022 Connectional Clinical Pastoral Education (CCPE) program Connectional Clinical Pastoral Education Program, an educational experience for ministers and laypersons of all denominations to enhance their professional pastoral skills and personal development but are unable to be in a traditional CPE program due to time or other restrictions. It also enables probationary ministers in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME) to meet the requirement of one unit of CPE for full connection clergy membership. This unique program brings ministers from across the country together and in small groups for interactive, reflective learning using their own community and place of ministry as the context.

2021-2022 Program Dates We will be offering two separate groups during the upcoming year.

FALL 2021

Deadline for Applications……..July 1, 2021 Orientation (Virtual)…….Thursday, Friday, Saturday, August 19, 20, 21, 2021 Monthly meetings via Zoom – TWO TIMES PER MONTH IN SEPT, OCT, NOV, DEC 2021 Final Evaluations (Face-to-Face, Pastor’s Conference, Atlanta)…….Mon-Tues, January 10-11, 2022 Graduation, Atlanta, GA…..Wed, January 12, 2022

SPRING 2022

Deadline for Applications……..November 1, 2021 Orientation (In person, Pastor’s Conf, Atlanta)…….Wed, Thurs, Fri, January 12, 13, 14, 2022 Monthly meetings via Zoom – TWO TIMES PER MONTH IN FEB, MARCH, APRIL, MAY 2022 Final Evaluations (Format and location TBD)…….Th, Fr, Sat, June 16, 17, 18, 2022 Graduation, Cincinnati, OH (Gen Conf site)….Friday, June 24, 2022 The student is responsible for all of his/her travel, lodging and food costs at the in-person educational sessions.

The focus of this CPE program is on ministry in the congregation. Participants must have an approved place of ministry in order to complete the required hours in ministry each month of the program. The recommendation of a presiding bishop or supervising pastor is required as well. In addition to the ministry hours, attendance at all sessions is required.

There will be written assignments, readings and some internet-based assignments. The program operates under the auspices of the Academy for Public Theology of the Fifth Episcopal District of the CME Church. The faculty is comprised of certified CPE Supervisors and certified professional chaplains.

TUITION is $500, which includes $50 non-refundable application fee, a $100 deposit once accepted into the program and a balance of $350 payable before the program begins. The tuition includes the required books. There is currently no scholarship program, however a payment plan can be arranged.

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The Christian Index • October 2021

HOW TO APPLY FOR CONNECTIONAL CLINICAL PASTORAL EDUCATION The electronic application packet is available at http://academyforpublictheology.com/programs/connectional-clinical-pastoral-education/ or at https://thecmechurch.org/clinical-pastoral-education/

The application includes several forms as well as essay questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Space is limited in each group, so apply early!

For more information, send an email to: info@AcademyForPublicTheology.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------Released by Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton CME Endorsing Agent for Chaplaincy and CPE Program Coordinator Send applications and fees payable to “Academy for Public Theology” to: Connectional CPE Program Academy for Public Theology P. O. Box 13383 Birmingham, AL 35202 or Email to: info@AcademyForPublicTheology.com

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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38

The Christian Index • October 2021

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, 6524 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012; 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

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

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

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

THE GENERAL OFFICERS

Dr. Leo Pinkett - General Secretary, Ministry to Men, 2850 Shoreland Dr., S.W., Atlanta GA 30331; 404-349-1722; email: lpinkettace@yahoo.com

Dr. Clifford Harris - General Secretary of Lay Ministry, 15485 Prairie Bell Rd., Okmulgee OK 74447-8690; 918-519-4233 (c);918-304-1999 (h); MrCliffHarris@yahoo.com

Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. - General Secretary, Department of Publications, P.O. Box 161212, Memphis TN 38186-1212; 901-396-5400; rdlsr@aol.com Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. - Editor, The Christian Index, 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721; 901-515-6510 (office); email: ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org

Dr. Victor Taylor - General Secretary of Finance & CFO, Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - Dept. of Finance and Investments, 1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224, Evanston IL 60204; 847274-0182 (main); 312-648-5232 (work); 240-359-6272 (fax); finance@thecmechurch.org; https://www.hightail.com/u/cmefinance (securely upload confidential documents here) Dr. Pene' G. Woods - Executive Secretary, Post Office Box 1536, Cordova TN 38088; Email: cmeexecutivesecretary4@gmail.com; Nationwide Mobile Office: (901) 489-9253.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rev. James Smith - Coordinator, Chaplain Services; 493 Robin Song Ct., Blythewood SC 29016; 803-800-9788; SmithJEJR@aol.com Atty. Ouida Brown - General Counsel - P.O. Box 587, Tuscombia AL 35674; 256-383-9620; fax: 256-383-9933 Mrs. Claudette Nichols Branch - President, CME Historical Society; 1511 Brownwood Avenue, Memphis TN 38116-4403 Rev. Cassandry Keys - President of the Ministers' and Laymen's Council - P.O. Box 170703, Spartanburg SC 29301; 251-689-7969; email: cassandry@att.net Mrs. Carolyn Hassell - President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers, 1030 N Park Avenue, Brownsville TN 38012; 901-907-9427;

carolynhassell68@gmail.com; website: www.cme-spouses.org Rev. Carole E. Richardson - President, Connectional Christian Educators’ Council - 822 Marietta Pl., N.W. - Washington, DC 20011; 202-291-8566

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS

Ms. Barbara Christian Campbell - President, Connectional Lay Council - 4819 Eagles Ridge Loop, Lithonia GA 30038; or 2012 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317; dstbc@bellsouth.net; 404-587-8311 or 678-641-9745

Rev. Amina McIntyre - President, Connectional Young Adult Ministry; email: aminacyam@gmail.com Rev. Dr. Earl J. Griffin, Sr. - President, Presiding Elders’ Council; P.O. Box 612, Grambling LA 71245; 318-245-2743; email: earlgrffn2@gmail.com

Ms. Jolinda Dugger - President, Connectional Stewardesses, 110 Montclair Dr., Jackson TN 38301; 731-736-0961 (h); 731-394-7504 (cell); email: Jmdugger810@aol.com

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

HEADS OF CONNECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS

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

October 2021 • The Christian Index

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