The Christian Index - September 2021

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

IMC PALS Read and Succeed - p18

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 • September 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 9

September 2021

Connectional Interests Episcopacy

Making Good of the Next Opportunity 5

Dept. of Finance and Investments 8

Board of Personnel Services 10

Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 11

Dept. of Christian Education and Formation 11

Department of Lay Ministry 12

Department of Ministry to Men 13

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers 15

CME Calendar of Events 16

CME-Affiliated Schools 17 Submissions

IMC: Responding to the Community’s Need 18

“Payne” Mastered It 19

An 'IN-PIRTUAL' Theology of Presence 20

Mission Work in Motion! Chicago District 22

Spring Hill Homecoming/Anniversary 24

LA EUTHU Hall of Fame Induction 26

St. Paul Pandemic Mother of the Year 30

Special Celebration of Sis. Lottie B. Spencer 31

Philadelphia District Welcomes Another Year 32 Children/Youth 33 Ecumenical News

AMEs Elect New Leadership 35 Connectional Directory 39

Cover: IMC PALS Zyhiry Davis, Shania Baker, and Jeremiah Starks.

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

Submitted to the Publisher: August 12, 2021

Editorial

The Rule of Discipline

What good are rules? Some say that rules were meant to be broken, and some who say that spend a great deal of time showing they believe what they say. They neglect the fact that rules provide a means to ordered society and life, and they often run afoul of those who have been placed or ordained to maintain order before they amend their ways. Thus, we can rightly conclude that rules do not assure what they intend, rather they provide a pathway to it.

God created order to replace the chaos of being nothing. God created a ruled existence and gave a rule in that existence. Our rules do not supersede God's (sin for Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., Editor abundant grace, as suggested in Romans 6:1), and believers are to practice ethics based on rules, not establish rules based on their ethics. Further, we are not rules unto ourselves for that is lawlessness.

Nevertheless, in the presence of God's law, there is grace that ushers mercy. Law seeks to conform us to what God is; grace admits and forgives what we are not. The law is the schoolmaster that brings us into the reality of self and the guide that ushers us to the grace of God in Christ Jesus. We need the law to convict us. We need grace to save us. The Holy Spirit delivers both of these to us by awakening our conscience and by pricking our hearts.

If we are to be an effective church, we must begin with a proper understanding of who God is and with the ethics and subsequent morality that emanate from that understanding. Without rules we would not know righteousness. Without enforcement or adherence, we would not know goodness or holiness. Without the love of God through grace, we would have neither rules nor holiness, and discipline - intentional practices given or inspired

by God - trains us in the ways of God.

This is where THE Discipline comes in. Our Book of Discipline is a practical guide into the ways of God. It is not the Bible or a substitute for it, but it does set forth practices within the church that when followed give us standard, accepted, and proven means to learn, from that Bible, who God is and what God expects. The Discipline is the law of the church, which is the organization through which discipline takes shape and effects change in the lives of those who adhere to it. According to our Discipline, every member of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is subject to The Discipline and is accountable to any other member according to the responsibilities and duties set forth therein. Why do some of us act like it does not apply to them? To the credit of our founders, none are outside its authority or purview.

The significance of this observation is that the Discipline's design, while, yes, establishing a hierarchy of power, also establishes a plateau of accountability. Any who transgress its rules, regardless of their level or place of service within the Church, are liable to its admonishments, remedies, and cures. Those lay members who say the Discipline favors the clergy, and especially the episcopacy, fail to see the ample opportunities and wide latitude provided for laity to develop and execute ministries within the Discipline of the Church to fulfill the discipline of the church. On the other hand, we must also admit there are indeed known failings within clerical leadership at all levels to align their administrative actions with the Discipline. So there are both laity and clergy who fall short of or sometimes sidestep the Discipline of the Church and thus the discipline of the church.

What does all this mean? What good are rules? Rules are good in every way. The apostle Paul, in Romans 13, expounds on the relation between civil law and Christian righteousness, both as established by God and good for the propagation of an ordered and peaceful world. That includes an ordered and peaceful church. Rules, discipline, is meant to establish and maintain a certain order, not just for the sake of order but for an intended end. To use Jesus' own words, "Straight is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life eternal." Discipline is determined practice to reach a predetermined goal. When that discipline is disregarded, the designed end becomes less attainable. For the Christian church, the CME Church, that means that when those who are responsible for ensuring that the discipline of the Church is properly executed fail to do so, it is not just the ministry of the Church that is endangered. The souls of the church are placed in jeopardy as well. We need the rule of discipline.

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

Mission Statement of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The mission of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be disciples of Jesus the Christ by serving individuals, communities and the world as the representative, loving presence of God and as witnesses to God’s salvation and grace.

Vision Statement of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church The vision of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church is to be a transforming church for Jesus the Christ within a changing world.

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.

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

Making Good of the Next Opportunity (Ruth 4:18-22) Notes from a Sermon by Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick

Bishop Hoyt [a bishop in the CME Church, now deceased] once preached a message about Balaam and his ass and titled it, "A Fool on a Mule." Many of us have been fools and done foolish things, but we don't have to keep it going.

The Book of Ruth is the story of both Ruth and Naomi. Widows were provided for by their sons.This is the story of three women, no sons, and no provisions. Ruth is contrasted with Naomi, who now wants to be called, Marah (bitter). The writer ties the furture to the past in connecting verses 18-22 to verse 12.

See now Genesis 38:1-30 regarding Pharez. Pharez means "breaking out." You can break out. Because he was given a chance through Tamar, Boaz came to exist and to be a part of Ruth's story.

Every new opportunity is a gift of God's grace. See Ruth, chapter one. Naomi came home at the time of the harvest. God's grace is "preventing;" it goes before us prviding new opportunities. Recall these words of the hymn: He leadeth me. O blessed thought.

Grace goes before us and leads us, and grace awaits our responses in love and faithfulness. This is why it is the Book of Ruth and not the Book of Naomi. Use the book (the Bible) to show what love can do, what faithfulness can do.. the future is in your response to the grace of God.

Naomi went from sweet to bitter until chapter 4, verse 17, when they said Naomi, not Ruth, has a son. and they called his name, Obed.

Go forward, knowing the Lord can make the best of this year's opportunities.

September 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 • September 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

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Department of Finance and Investments

Connectional Interests

Department of Finance and Investments

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 September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From Where I Sit …”

Retirement Plan Tops $36 Million!

Congratulations are in order! Amid the Covid-19 Pandemic, the CME Retirement Plan surpassed another major milestone having attained $36,008,283 in total assets during the month of June. This achievement represents a 91% increase, nearly doubling the $18,838,977 of total assets reported for December 2002.

What is even more significant is the realization that this growth occurred with fewer active participants in the CME Retirement Plan in 2021 (1,085 compared to 1,277 in 2002), a decline of 15%.

Some might ask, “How did this happen? What sparked the growth?” The answer comes in several parts. 1) Despite the challenges of the Pandemic, the investment markets have performed quite well due to governmental led stimulus infusions into the economy, 2) The Plan has continued with a conservative investment allocation of 60% equities and 40% fixed income even when investment markets experienced downturns, and 3) The Plan has exercised a specific focus on maximizing returns “within” detailed subcategories inside respective allocations.

Some might also remember the sobering effects of the stock market crash of 2000 that led to the establishment of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 which was legislated to help protect shareholders, employees and the public from accounting errors and fraudulent financial practices. Despite the crash of 2000 and the subsequent market crash of 2008 and its long-term implications for the nation in areas of banking, real estate, home building, refinancing, mortgages, etc., this Plan has still rebounded in an astonishing way leading to these all-time highs of total assets.

Of course, the question on the mind of all participants at the writing of this article is, “What were the returns as of June 30, 2021?” The Plan posted the following returns: Active Participants 10.59%, Safe Harbor 1.30%, and Pre-Enrollees 1.47%.

So, will there be a decline in the investment markets of the near future? Perhaps, but no one can know exactly when! But the guiding thought among most investors is that over the long term the market always rises or, to repeat 2016 quote attributed to Warren Buffet, “In America, gains from winning investments have always far more than offset the losses from [losing investments].” The results reported in this article over the past 19 years seem to so indicate. Or at least that’s the way it looks to me…

“From Where I Sit”

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

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The Christian Index • September 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 Church Belongs to God Whose Church is this anyway? This is the Lord’s Church! As members of the Lord’s Church, we have a job to do. To go where the Spirit leads and preach this Gospel of God’s love to everyone. We must tell the good news every place there are sinners, and Lord knows, there are sinners everywhere! Is this a social assignment? The Church can ill-afford to operate as the pre-pandemic Church. The Church has changed and become an institution of God’s recreating. Amid this change the Church has been experiencing the Grace of God in new, innovative, and fresh ways for recreating and sustaining ministry.

The Church belongs to God: This irrefutable fact helps believers to know our job within God’s Church. It’s God who calls, sanctifies, and equips through the Holy Spirit for us to perform the task. The post-pandemic times have not arrived yet. Did we move too soon? We called it before God finished it. The pandemic is still here.

The work as pandemic leaders (clergy and laity) must be to preach, teach, and reach each generation, but not with a watered-down version of the Gospel. Each local Church could renew and reset for a more extraordinary ministry. Do not miss our opportunity! Are we scared? Are we comfortable? Are we too judgmental? Are we too political? Does the Church belong to God or not? All our actions carry with them some consequences, and these outcomes can be determined by the activities of the person or group.

Back to The Basics: Get back to the power of the Gospel, the fire of the spirit. John Wesley says, “I am not afraid that the people called Methodists should ever cease to exist either in Europe or America.

But I am afraid lest they should only exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion without the power.

And this undoubtedly will be the case unless they hold fast both the doctrine, spirit, and discipline with which they first set out”. Taken from John Wesley, Thoughts Upon Methodism 1786.

Eighty-four years after Wesley’s statement, the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was birthed.

Visionaries infected with the Gospel went where the Spirit led and preached the Gospel of God’s love to anyone and everyone who would listen, telling the good news everywhere there were sinners. In essence, these visionaries’ can be referred to as co-laborers with God in the effort to build God’s Church. They had a mission to be evangelists and church planters, and that, they did! Now amidst a pandemic, we must do likewise. Yes, we must be visionaries infected with the Gospel going where the Spirit leads to preach the Gospel of God’s love to anyone and everyone who would listen.

The Post-pandemic Church Now is the time to develop strategies for the post-pandemic Church. How will the Church look? I suggest you pray, plan, and prepare for a dynamic local church that will serve this present age. Most importantly, do not forget that the post-pandemic Church is God’s Church too.

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

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

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Lay Ministry

THE GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF LAY MINISTRY CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH

Dr. Clifford L. Harris, General Secretary

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

THE EYE OF THE STORM, - THE PLACE WHERE JESUS IS As we live our daily lives, the current hurricanes, storms, and unique challenges of life sometimes toss us to and fro with unpredictable fury. . . There are some who are about to go under because of financial problems; others are caught on their jobs in the high tide of corporate scandal; parents are flooded with one problem after another because one or all of their children are out of control; communities and entire societies are bent over and wind-blown fighting against cold-hearted self-serving leaders; families seek answers and consolation as they mourn the loss of a child; an elderly couple seek peace, guidance and uplift as they wrestle with moving to a retirement center. - - They are seeking deliverance from seas of violence that now grip their once quiet and peaceful neighborhood; a young single mother who has sacrificed over the years and is now watching her youngest child graduate from high school is wrestling with staying faithful in the work of the church. . . Yes, these and other stormy situations, too countless to mention--are real, even without a COVID 19 Pandemic!! So, amid the hurricanes of life that beset those all around us, we must ask the question, “Where is the Church in all of this?”

In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 4 verses 35-41, when the disciples thought that they were going to perish by drowning, they turned to someone who they had confidence and faith in someone whom they trusted, and someone who they knew would take action. They needed someone to quiet the storm in which they found themselves. --- Jesus, of course, became that quieting force, Although the bible doesn’t say so, we might imagine that the area, some distance from where Jesus and the Disciples were in the boat, was still raging from the wind and the rain.

-- But in the middle of it all -- where Jesus was -- there was peace and consolation. I would submit to us that if we are to be a “Vibrant Church” responding to the needs of individuals and communities, there must be some evidence of consistency, stability, calmness, and peace that would command the attention and confidence of those who might be searching for help in a hostile and devastating world.

It is, therefore, my conclusion, that as members of the CME Church, we most live our lives so that those who are looking for someone to turn to in their search for peaceful reflection and answers to life’s most depressing problems - will turn to us. Yes, just as Jesus, was and still is “The Eye of Every Storm,” we should strive to be the same for those who may be caught up in the storms and cesspools of life. Lay men and women working with pastors, must provide a vision of hope in overcoming life’s daily struggles.

Thus, whenever we come together in worship or to do the business of the church, our actions must be spiritually grounded. Let’s stay the course! In times like these, we must be very sure to allow Jesus to be the captain of our ships (churches) and the navigator of our lives. For He is our true anchor and the “THE EYE OF THE STORM!”

Dr. Clifford L. Harris - Email – mrcliffharris@yahoo.com - Telephone: 918.519. 4233

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Connectional Interests

Department of Ministry to Men

Walking With God / Overcoming in Christ For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.

I John 5:4

Circumstances often fill us with fear and we wonder how we could possibly have landed in such situations.

Traumatic experiences, dramatic changes in our personal lives or even mundane everyday problems might cause us to feel lost and seriously threatened.

The only way we could possibly cope with life is in partnership with God. He created each one of us. He sent His Son to die so that we may have eternal life. Therefore He will not allow you to be defeated. He will deliver you from evil.

It is crucial for you to have an intimate relationship with Him. Then His Holy Spirit will work in and through you and you will be able to live victoriously in His Name.

Victorious Living

"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10 NKJV "I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation.

But take heart; I have overcome the world."

John 16:33 ESV What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.

Romans 8:31, 37 KJV

Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God and Him only shall you serve." Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to Him.

Matthew 4:10-11 ESV

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under feet.

The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

Romans 16:20

Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:57 ESV

Continued on next page September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Department of Ministry to Men

Continued from previous page

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.

2 Corinthians 10:4 NKJV

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.

Ephesians 6:10-11 Having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Colossians 2:15

You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.

I John 4:4 NKJV

A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out, till He leads justice to victory.

Matthew 12:20

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

James 4:7 KJV

With God we shall do valiantly; it is He who will tread down our foes.

When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true; "Death has been swallowed up in victory." "Where, O death, is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57

He holds victory in store for the upright.

Proverbs 2:7

Keep Moving Forward Always!

Dr. Leo Pinkett, General Secretary The Department of Ministry To Men 14

Psalm 60:12 ESV

The Christian Index • September 2021

Connectional Interests

Ministers' Spouses, Widows/Widowers

Marilyn D. Mitchell

Ninth Episcopal District Representative Recording Secretary Connectional MSWW Department

Can you imagine how unsaved people feel as they watch us Christians as we proclaim our Lord and Savior? What do they see?

What do they really think of us? What do they hear? Don’t we all want to be a great example to encourage them to come to Christ?

Well, during the first year of COVID-19, I had to examine my life; my thinking, my actions, my attitude toward my life and the ministry God has given to me. As I began to evaluate me, I realized that I have been very blessed and somewhat sheltered not to have had a lot of bad experiences in life. My choices have not always been the best, but I seemed to manage to move forward with the consequences from my decisions. God showed me that even though I have not made a lot of bad choices, that I am no better than anyone else. WHAT! Yes, I am speaking about me and this season also included me having a rich conversation with my husband. So, I had to take a long hard look at myself.

According to God’s word, this is what I know I need to practice more.

In the New American Standard Bible, God teaches in Matthew 7:1-5, “Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, let me take the speck out of your eye, and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

When I don’t see something the way another does, when I haven’t done some of the things others have, I should not judge them in my heart. God accepts me and loves me as I am, so I need to practice the same grace with others. So a man thinketh so is he, even though I don’t say hurtful things to people about their life styles, my thinking is not always good. God has not given me the responsibility to find fault and point my finger at those who are not like me. It is not my place nor my right to judge those persons whom I don’t understand.

This is the prayer I need God to answer for me. “Lord, you have been my dwelling place all my life, watching over me and directing my path. I need you to teach me how to see others as you see me, an imperfect being with flaws, failures, and fears. Teach me to listen with your heart and judge less with my thoughts. Forgive me for being hypocritical in my service to others.

Lord, I want my service to be loving, kind and intentional by words, thoughts and deeds. Thank you, Lord, that you showed me to myself in ways that only you can. I love you Lord. Amen.

Now my focus is more on God and not about what I think, “The Good That I Would Do….”

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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In case of unknown or unforeseen changes and circumstances, verification and additional information may be obtained by contacting the office of the presiding bishop of the particular episcopal district or annual conference.

August 30 - September 2 - Connectional Lay Institute and 8th Connectional Unity Summit December 4 - Third Episcopal District Winter Meeting

"Why you been singing ‘I am on the battlefield for my Lord’ all these years if there aren’t going to be any battles?"

--Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr.

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The Christian Index • September 2021

CME-Affiliated Schools

Lane College

From: https://www.lanecollege.edu/news. Accessed 8-4-2021.

Lane College receives approval for new educator preparation program.

July 28, 2021

Lane College has been approved by the Tennessee State Board of Education as an Educator Preparation Provider (EPP).

Aspiring Tennessee educators must complete an approved educator preparation program and Lane’s new program includes a variety of pathways. Each pathway includes student teaching, internships, and jobembedded clinical practice.

“Lane has a long history of creating outstanding teachers and our approval as an EPP is the result of a community of scholars who are committed to educational leadership,” said Dr. Cell Waller, Director of Teacher Education at Lane. “This accomplishment comes as the result of our entire Lane community being focused on our goal to have new educators prepared on day one to serve the needs of the State of Tennessee and school districts across the nation.”

“We only have to look at each of our own lives to understand the transformative power that a teacher can have,” said the Reverend Daryll Coleman, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Lane College is committed to recruiting, supporting and training teachers who will continue to make that noble and cherished difference in the lives of others.”

In addition to Lane’s new approval as an EPP for prospective teachers, the college offers over a hundred careerready pathways and credentials to help students succeed.

Lane places record 76 student-athletes on Commissioner's All-Academic Team July 28,2021

A record high 76 student-athletes from Lane College were named to the 2020-21 Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) Commissioner's All-Academic Team for maintaining at least a 3.0 or better cumulative grade point average throughout the 2020-21 academic year.

Student-athletes with a 3.2 or higher were considered for all-academic team honors. The number of studentathletes selected in each sport is determined by the number of positions usually involved in that sport.

Deavion Watt was named to the All-Academic Team for Women's Track and Field.

For a complete list of the 2020-21 SIAC Commissioner's All-Academic Team, [visit]: https://golcdragons.com/documents/2021/7/28/2020_21_Commissioner_s_All_Academic_Team.pdf For a complete list of the 2020-21 All-Academic Team, [visit]: https://golcdragons.com/documents/2021/7/28/2020_21_All_Academic_Team.pdf September 2021 • The Christian Index

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(l-r): Zyhiry Davis (A.J. Whittenburg School of Engineering, second grade), Shania Baker (A.J. Whittenberg School of Engineering, first grade), and Jeremiah Starks (CyberAcademy, third grade).

IMC: Responding to the Community’s Need Submitted by Eunice C. Guyton, Director, P.A.L.S. On August 13, 2020, Rev. Courtney L. Adams, Pastor, Israel Metropolitan CME Church (IMC), Greenville, South Carolina, responded to the needs of working class parents that needed a safe, educational environment for their children. He met with a cadre of retired educators, paraprofessionals, computer personnel, and volunteers of IMC and discussed the benefits of the CARES ACT which would aid in achieving our objectives.

The Department of Social Services granted IMC permission to proceed with our plans. Some staff members completed the required American Red Cross CPR classes and received a certificate. All staff 18

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members underwent a background check as well. The program was launched under The One Church One School initiative.

On August 23, 2020, P.A.L.S., an acronym for Promoting Achievement through Learning and Sharing was launched. Scholarships were donated through the Rick Davis Law Firm and IMC’s A.C.E. Tutorial Program. Our P.A.L.S. Center opened Monday – Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

With a staff of eleven, retired educators worked in their respective areas of certification. In January 2021, the e-Learning students transitioned back to their home schools and the Virtual Learners remained in P.A.L.S. P.A.L.S. was the beneficiary of numerous partnerships.

For example, Roper Mountain Science Center provided a nine-week enrichment program through its Science on Wheels mobile unit. This enabled students to

Submissions conduct hands-on science experiments. Another bonus was its Planetarium show. The Metropolitan Arts Council loaned us a creative dramatics coach for eighteen weeks, allowing students to participate in improvisations, role playing, and scriptwriting.

Additionally, Project Host provided hot lunches and supper daily. During the second semester, P.A.L.S. partnered with the Read: Greenville’s Book Distribution and received children’s books for grades kindergarten through middle school. Three hundred sixty–two (362) books were given to students, allowing them to build their own personal libraries.

On Thursday, June 3, 2021, our end-of-the year celebration recognized student achievement. It was well-attended with parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends of the students. Students’ works were published in bound books and guests signed each book. Teachers introduced each budding author, and the authors selected one of their writings to share with the audience. Gifts and awards were given in recognition of student achievement. Also, a table from which parents and children could select books was available. Pastor Adams reminded parents of the importance of having their children read daily and to monitor what they read. Information was disseminated to parents/guardians relative to

Summer Virtual Reading Tours, the School District’s Summer Feeding Program, and Summer School programs for all grade levels.

IMC P.A.L.S. was blessed that God provided this opportunity to serve families and children within the greater Greenville community. Thanks to the following persons that taught or served as a volunteer – First Lady Mrs. Shalonda Adams, Mrs. Cheryl Berry, Mrs. Latrell Copeland, Mrs. Sandra Grier, Mrs. Eunice C. Guyton, Ms. Amber Lewis, Ms. Joeanne Perry, Mrs. Chyrl Pickett, Ms. Brenda Springs, and Ms. Alicia Watson. Much appreciation to Mrs. Margaret Harrison who served our meals daily and to Mrs. Chryl Pickett who opened the doors every morning and took temperature checks. Also, we thank members of IMC, parents, and members of Nu Delta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. for providing snacks.

We are extremely grateful for the visionary leadership of Pastor Courtney L. Adams and his concern to meet the needs of the community—working families and their children.

In all, P.A.L.S. had an enrollment of twenty-six (26) students, and each student was promoted. To God be the glory for all that was accomplished!

“Payne” Mastered It Submitted by Annette Payne

Congratulations goes to Mrs. Annette Payne for completing her Master of Science in Human Services degree with a specialization in Community and Schools from Capella University on June 12, 2021.

While completing her masters, Mrs. Payne was inducted into the National Society of Leadership and Success. The ceremony was held virtually from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Mrs. Annette Payne is married to Rev. Leroy Payne, Jr., the pastor of Zion CME Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and they have two daughters, Bailee Elise and Averi Leigh. Mrs. Payne was born and raised in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church and she is passionate about her journey with God and her commitment to use her skills to help uplift the church.

"Our work and witness ought to be as contagious, but not as destructive, as this virus."

--Bishop Thomas Louis Brown, Sr. September 2021 • The Christian Index

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GO(ing) With A Purpose: An 'INPIRTUAL' Theology of Presence Matthew 28:19

Submitted by Rev. Darvin A. Adams I, Ph.D. (Theology and Ethics) Pastor, Lane Tabernacle CME Church, Hopkinsville, Kentucky Dean, Evansville/Hopkinsville District, Kentucky Region Conference Scholar In-Residence, Second Episcopal District

Therefore GO and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Verse 19 of the Great Commission is the thesis portion of this groundbreaking scripture. The more I tried to stay away from it, the more I was drawn to it. I knew it was coming. I just could not stop it. Part of the reason why this particular pericope is so important to us in the contemporary context is because the Great Commission has always been important to us—speaking of the Black Christian Church. We would not have a history of Christian experience if it were not for the Great Commission.

We would not have a Christian Church or a Black Church or a CME Church for that matter if it were not for the Great Commission. As a theologian, I would argue that the Great Commission will be more important to the CME Church in the post COVID-19 context than it ever was when this deadly pandemic was at the height of its numerical advancement.

Either way, I believe that the Church has failed at keeping the Great Commission at the visible forefront of her everyday ministry. For various reasons, known and unknown, the Church has not consistently followed the commandment of Jesus Christ when he tells his disciples to GO and make disciples of all nations. Before I begin to unpack the ever-important word GO, it must stated that the Great Commission takes place after the Resurrection of the body of Jesus Christ and the P.E. Guards' Report. This piece of information is important because it confirms the ministry instructions of Jesus Christ to his followers. The word 'Therefore' at the beginning of verse 19 gives spiritual reference to the fact that all authority in heaven and on earth has been 20

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given to Jesus Christ. It is true that Jesus got up from the grave with all power in his hands.

This brings us to the word GO or what I would term 'Going with a purpose.' In the New Testament Greek, the word GO is translated literally “as you go.” A sizable number of New Testament scholars would argue that the Greek “as you go” refers to believers being disciples and the Church being a disciple-maker as we all go about our daily lives. In other words, the Great Commission is not a global mandate (even as the biblical text uses the language all nations which refers to the world at large), but simply a practical summons to always be in the spiritual disposition of Christian mission—wherever we are and wherever we go. While the biblical text insinuates that the Church should embark upon a world mission of all nations, I would argue that the local churches within the CME Church banner would do well to GO into their local neighborhoods, communities and cities. This particular vision includes family, friends and co-workers. Whether we travel short distances or long distances to spread the Word of God or just have a basic conversation with a potential convert, the key is that we commit ourselves to GOING into the highways and byways with a particular purpose. The latter portion of verse 19 reminds the CME Church of its sole purpose for GOING: to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Even as you all recognize a Trinitarian perspective within the mission of making Christian disciples, the blunt truth of the teaching moment is that we, the Church, must commit ourselves to doing the work of the mission within the Great Commission (v. 19). The mission of GOING with a purpose is not prayer. It is not a good-hearted intention. It is not personal thought. It is not an unfleshed vision and it is not a Sunday morning sermon...although it would help to refer to the Great Commission in our sermons. The mission of GOING with a purpose is a physical act—in the flesh, in the body...in real time. Now more than ever in this COVID-19 season, the people of God need to give favorable witness to the CME Church's embodying of the Great Commission. As God begins to heal the land, my interpretation of doing the work is founded in the words GOING with a purpose. Doing the work

Submissions is closely related to our individual commitment to going to work. In other words, I have work to do and work to go to because our job as ordained pastors in the CME Church is to fish for souls. Because Jesus Christ instructs his disciples TO GO (with a purpose) and make disciples, he is also instructing the CME Church to do the exact same thing—TO GO and make disciples. Still in the text (v. 19), it must be stated that, •

•

•

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Before we can talk about Jesus Christ having all authority in heaven and on earth, we must first GO with a purpose (end of v. 18).

Before we can be there for ministry reasons, wherever there is, we must first GO with a purpose.

Before we can make Christian disciples, we must first GO with a purpose.

Before we can baptize disciples in the name of the Father, we must first GO with a purpose.

Before we can baptize disciples in the name of the Son, we must first GO with a purpose.

Before we can baptize disciples in the [name of the] Holy Spirit, we must first GO with a purpose.

Again, my theological language is 'GOING with a purpose.' As pastors, preachers, leaders and lay people of the Colored, now Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, we must commit ourselves to doing what Jesus instructs us to do in the Bible. We must commit ourselves to doing the work of the Lord for one simple reason: Jesus Christ has commissioned us to do so. We must make the ministry of the Great Commission our top priority. And speaking of priority, this past week I was in conversation with an interdenominational body of pastors and preachers.

They all mentioned to me that they were in the process of getting back into the Church building for in-person worship. With great excitement, they all elaborated on how (strategy) they were going to transition their congregations back into the Church for in-person worship. They all stated that they were happy about getting back into the physical buildings. Within our collaborative conversation on what the Great Commission would look like in a post COVID-19 context (I use the word post lightly), they quickly confessed that they would also continue to do ministry in a virtual capacity by way of using social media and other platforms of effective communication.

Because my colleagues were committed to doing ministry in-person and virtually, I created the term IN-PIRTUAL. A theology of IN-PIRTUAL ministry is one that affirms that God can reach the people in both an in-person experience of praise and worship and in a social media/virtual capacity. In order for the CME Church to be IN-PIRTUAL, we must be steadfast, unmovable...always abounding the work of the Lord. For we know that our work is not done in vain. We must seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. We must be about our Father's business. We must take the ministry of Jesus Christ outside the four walls of the Church building. We must find innovative ways and different places and venues to extend an invitation to Christ (other than after the preached word). In order to GO with a purpose, the Church must demonstrate a visible effort, showcase a visible energy, operate with a visible enthusiasm, remain focused on God, recognize the Holy Spirit's direction and show agape love to everybody with whom we come in contact. With the Great Commission at the forefront of everything that we do ministry-wise, the Second Episcopal District [and the CME Church] must have a greater visible presence in the places that Bishop Thomas [and the Church] has commissioned us to do Christian ministry.

"If there is not a functioning Board of Evangelism and a functioning Board of Christian Education, you’re not going to have a functioning church."

--Bishop Bobby R. Best (deceased), CME Church September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Mission Work in Motion!

Chicago District Missionary Disciples Submitted by Cora Lee Hicks

Psalm 113: Verses 5-9 portrays God as stooping down from his great throne looking intensely for the poor and needy. When he finds them, he lifts them up. On Saturday May 22, 2021 God used the Chicago District Missionaries to seek out many homeless and lowly persons who needed support. The project was spearheaded

by District President, Maddie Tate and District Hunger and Meals for Million Secretary, Linda Lewis.

The Missionaries were overjoyed to contribute to such Mission Work with eleven of our twelve local churches participating. Each church was responsible for filling ten bags with non-perishable food and toiletry items.

However, the giving of items spilled over into a much greater contribution and there were enough items to share at other locations. Christian tracks, books and other reading materials were also a part of the items given.

Missionaries represented in picture from ten of our twelve churches: Bray, Hamlet Isom, St. Paul, Carter Temple, St. Luke, Jubilee Temple, Murchison, Calvary, Allen Metropolitan, and Carter Metropolitan. Also pictured, Past President of the Women’s Missionary Council and presently President of the Greater Chicago Area Church Women United, Dr. Elnora P. Hamb.

At the 12th Street Homeless Tent City location, Missionaries begin to walk through the woody and rocky ground area to pass out gift bags as well as talk and pray with the homeless. After visiting that site we were carried to another location, the Canal Street under the bridge area. Missionaries also walked and distributed bags at that location. Overall, the homeless people expressed gratitude and thankfulness for our kindness.

The Missionaries had an awesome experience and a first-hand glance of what it means to be homeless. Most of us had never visited a homeless site. Furthermore, we got an insight of the thoughts and feelings of a few persons. Several persons expressed their hope to soon be able to find housing and a job. We believe that many 22

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Submissions of their wishes will be fulfilled in that many other church groups and city organizations are also working to help bring restoration to those who wish to find a better life.

We would like to thank our District President Maddie Tate for spearheading this project. After this long year of the COVIC-19 Pandemic, we realize even more how important as Missionaries we should support the Bread For The World program. We have much work to do to help spread the love of Jesus and to help bring the lost to know the true Savior of the world.

Missionaries from Walls CME Church

Other Missionary Participants

Missionaries in Prayer with Patron Pastor, Rev. Jennette Harbin.

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SPRING HILL CME CHURCH CELEBRATES 150TH ANNUAL HOMECOMING AND 92ND FELLOWSHIP ANNIVERSARY Submitted by Mrs. Ethel S. Boyd, Recording Steward

On Sunday, July 27, 2021 at 10:30 a.m., the pastor (Rev. Dr. William Dyson) and members of the Spring Hill CME Church Family (Carrollton, Mississippi) and guests celebrated the church’s 150th Annual Homecoming Celebration and 92nd Fellowship Anniversary with Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church (Vaiden, Mississippi). The theme was, “Celebrating 150 Years of Worship…Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and the scripture for the day, “There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee: neither is there any rock like our God.” (1 Samuel 2:2, KJV) Mr. Damon A. Williams (youth) served as the Worship Leader. The celebration allowed members, past and present, to reflect over the 150 years of ministry of Spring Hill CME Church. During the homecoming celebration, the Spring Hill Family also observed its 92nd Fellowship Anniversary with the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. The fellowship between the churches began in 1929 to bridge two communities together. Each year during the month of May, Spring Hill CME worships with Mt. Zion MB Church, where Spring Hill’s pastor serves as the guest speaker. In the month of June, Mt. Zion worships with Spring Hill and Mt. Zion’s pastor serves as the guest speaker.

The members of Spring Hill have continued to serve their community within the past years by tutoring and donating school supplies to Marshall Elementary School in Carrollton, Mississippi. The Spring Hill CME Church Family is grateful for 150 years of worship and service and look forward to many more years to come.

Established by former slaves and descendants of former slaves, Spring Hill Church was founded to provide a place of worship for its community. Spring Hill Church originally operated under a “brush arbor.”

Land was then purchased by Spring Hill Church members on April 15, 1870. The first church structure was used as a church and school building. On December 16, 1870, the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church was formed by forty-one (41) former slaves, and William H. Miles and Richard Vanderhorst were elected as the first bishops of the new denomination.

In 1871, the members of Spring Hill Church joined this denomination. The first structure for Spring Hill 24

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Submissions Church was torn down and shortly after 1871, the most recent structure was built.

At the 1954 General Conference, the name of the denomination was changed to the “Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.” Renovations, including the addition of a fellowship hall, were completed during the 1970s and 1980s.

In 1929, the Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Vaiden, Mississippi, and the Spring Hill CME Church began a fellowship that has lasted to this present time, spanning 90 years. The fellowship formed to bridge the two communities together. Spring Hill CME Church would worship with Mount Zion MB Church during the month of May and Mount Zion would worship with Spring Hill during homecoming services in June.

Some of the original members of this great Zion, who are no longer with us include: Ella Oakland, Mary Smoots, Henderson Smoots, Georgia Martin, Ella Martin, Bessie Johnson, George Ware, Needham Duren, Wilford Brown, Katie Brown, John Johnson, Andy Haslett, Robert Williams, Dave Johnson, Tom Duren, Elbert Duren, Lela Duren, James Hunter, Stephney Blackmon, Hattie Duren, Ruthie Williams, James Ratliff, Shambry Ratliff, Robert Ratliff, Collins Baymon, James George Baymon, Sr., Shane Baymon, Anner Lofton, Ephrom Standberry, Vinnie Smoots Standberry, Florence Roach, Fred Gomiller, Martha Duren, Charlie Shavers, Thomas Duren, Jessie L. Duren, Joe E. Duren, Elizabeth Coker, Inez Ghoston, Eva Ghoston, Sam Haslet, Jane Duren, George Williams, Minnie Martin, Hannah Martin, Ruthie Ratliff, George Ware I, George Ware II, Amanda I. Ware, Lester Johnson, Hattie M. Ware, Wilford Johnson, Lue Ella Gomiller, Cassie Lee Elder, Lorden Standberry, Lorene King, Lula M. Duren, Hattie M. Norwood, Willie Beatrice Stansbury, Louise Lott, Katie L. Duren, and Ceola Duren.

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LA EUTHU Conducts Virtual CME Hall of Fame Induction Submitted by Dr. Caroyl F. Townsend

The Louisiana Region annually recognizes members of its various congregations for their outstanding service to the CME Church and to their respective communities. Traditionally the culminating event is a formal affair with much “pomp and circumstance.” With the continued challenges imposed by the Novel Corona Virus/COVID-19 pandemic, the Region’s Empowering Us to Help Us (EUTHU) committee continued to encourage optimism in the face of adversity. The committee was determined to celebrate its 10th year and inductees to the Louisiana Region CME Hall of Fame and to raise funds to support disadvantaged local churches.

Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 3:00 pm, EUTHU, presented by virtual means The Tenth Annual CME Hall of Fame Induction.

The theme for this affair was “Honoring Faithful Servants Yet Working on an Unfinished Agenda.” Rev. Samuel and Mrs. Caroline McKinsey of the Pine Hill CME Church (Minden District) served as the Master and Mistress of Ceremonies.

Rev. Barbara Johnson, Pastor of Hamlett Temple and New Birth CME Churches (Monroe District), offered the invocation and scripture was read by Mrs. Yvonnie Newsome of New Hill CME (Shreveport District). Mrs. Bonita Black, President of the Women’s Missionary Society of Louisiana Region, greeted the group and shared the occasion. The entertainment was provided by Sis. Maya Hudson, St. Luke CME (Shreveport District). Additionally, throughout the program, Sis. Annetta Garner and Sis. Saundra Roberson served as our technical support and provided videos and still pictures of the inductees and their presenters.

The inductees were recognized by the Presiding Elder of their respective districts. Following the presentation, the inductee and/or a family member was provided an opportunity to give expressions regarding selection for this prestigious award.

Presiding Elder Arnold Caesar, Sr., Minden District Ms. Freddie M.R. Blow - Ms. Freddie M.R. Blow, educator (36 years) and community activist, is a lifelong resident of Gibsland, Louisiana. Ms. Blow is a member of Anderson Chapel CME Church where she serves as Sunday Church School teacher, secretary, and treasurer. Ms. Blow has earned several degrees from Grambling State University, Louisiana Tech University, and Northwestern State University. She is a member of the Board of Directors for Pine Belt Head Start and Community Coordinating Council. Ms. Blow helped organize “The Scrappy Crafters.” She participates in distributing monthly commodities; worked with KCS, State Department of Transportation and the Police Jury for Stop Arms in Taylor, Louisiana; volunteers with COA for the Senior Site in Gibsland, and also chaired the Building Committee for the Elementary Building and Shop at Gibsland Coleman High School. Ms. Blow has served as a three-term School Board Member representing District III of Bienville Parish Louisiana School Board.

Mrs. Evelyn Braggs - Mrs. Evelyn Braggs is a resident of Ringgold, Louisiana, where she is a member of Ford Chapel CME Church. Mrs. Braggs has served as Adult Sunday Church School Teacher, member of the Board of Christian Education, and president of the Missionary Society. She currently serves as Stewardess, president of the Trustee Board, Youth Sunday School Teacher, recording clerk, member of the finance board and announcing clerk. Mrs. Braggs is active in her community. She is a member of Lakeside #8 Order of Eastern Star (Matron), Juvenile Mother for Golden Star #112, and Associate Juvenile Mother for the State of Louisiana under the Most Worshipful Universal Grand Lodge Ancient Free and Accepted Masons and Star of Hope Grand Chapter. Presently, she does a weekly feed for the sick and needy in the Ringgold community as a community service for Lakeside 26

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Submissions #8 OES and Ford Chapel CME. Recently, she reorganized the Ringgold Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and presently serves as Youth Council Advisor for the Ringgold NAACP youth group. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Mrs. Braggs is a past member of the Bienville Parish Hospital Board, past member of Bienville Parish American Cancer Society, and past secretary for Ringgold United Christian Ministries Food Pantry.

Mr. Joseph Burley, Jr. - Mr. Joseph Burley, Jr. was born on August 30, 1931, and is a member of Mount Zion CME Church in Minden, Louisiana. He has served as Steward for several years and he also sings with the Mount Zion Travelers Male Chorus. He is also a Mount Zion Jewel (members more than 80 years-old). Mr. Burley is a veteran. While in the United States Army, Joseph also served in the Vietnam War, receiving a Bronze Star. Mr. Burley has worked with the federal prison system, United States Department of Justice, zoning commission, and school crossing guard. He is a member of Concerned Citizens of Minden. In his spare time, Joseph enjoys cooking some of his favorite dishes from his South Louisiana roots, such as gumbo and chicken sauce piquant. He also likes taking evening strolls in the neighborhood while God still gives him the strength to walk.

Presiding Elder Earl J. Griffin, Sr., Monroe District Mrs. Mary Wilks Kilgore - Mrs. Mary Wilks Kilgore is a lifelong resident of Arcadia, Louisiana. Mrs. Kilgore is a dedicated member of St. Duty Christian Methodist Episcopal Church where she serves as a Steward and Youth Director. Mrs. Kilgore’s service in the field of education began almost 20 years ago. Currently, she holds the position of principal at Cypress Springs Elementary in Ruston, Louisiana, where she formerly served as Curriculum Strategist and Coordinating Teacher. While serving as principal of Cypress Springs Elementary, Mrs. Kilgore has successfully completed NISL (National Institute for School Leadership), a Louisiana Principal Fellowship course. Mary is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; the Bienville Parish Chapter of the NAACP; Bienville Parish Chapter of GUNAA (Grambling University National Alumni Association); LAP (Louisiana Association of Principals); LASE (Louisiana Association of School Executives); and LAE (Louisiana Association of Educators).

Mr. Terry Raye Matthews - Mr. Terry R. Matthews is a lifelong resident of Morehouse Parish, Bastrop, Louisiana. Terry is a proud member of St. Mary CME Temple, where the Rev. Dr. Marvette J. Thomas serves as pastor. He is a member of the Trustees Board, serves as Recording Steward, Assistant Director of the Choir, a member of the Male Chorus, Class Leader (The St. Mary “Tribes”), member of the Board of Christian Education and Formation, Ministry to Men, and the Lay Leader. Terry is a well-known educator throughout Northeast Louisiana. His affiliations include: Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.; Board of Directors for Children Coalition of Northeast Louisiana; North Delta Planning Regional Development; Morehouse Parish Democratic Executive Committee; President of the Morehouse Parish Police Jury; and, President of Jewel’s Civic and Social Organization. Past affiliations are: Past President of Northeast Louisiana Sickle Cell Anemia; Louisiana Democratic Executive Committee, representing District 16; Morehouse Parish Council on Aging; Morehouse Economic Development Board of Directors, and Past President of The Louisiana Police Jury Association District 5.

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Submissions Continued from previous page Mrs. Annie Warren - Mrs. Annie Warren has been a faithful, active member of the CME Church since 1952. Mrs. Warren’s 69 years of service includes serving as Sunday School Teacher, Junior Stewardess, Choir member, Missionary, and a member of the Christian Youth Fellowship and Missionary president. Mrs. Warren currently serves at the Mt. Earia CME Church in Jonesboro, Louisiana. She has served as Sunday School Superintendent for approximately 25 years. She also serves on the Trustee and Steward Boards, serving as the Recording Steward for over 15 years.

Her favorite scripture is Psalm 23. I guess that is why she loves to hear somebody sing her testimony, “Hold to God’s Unchanging Hand.

Presiding Elder Larry D. Anders, Shreveport District Mrs. Vanessa English Ball - Mrs. Vanessa English Ball is a lifelong member of Mount Canaan CME Church in Bellevue, Louisiana. She has served as the church’s musician for 49 years. Mrs. Ball has served in many areas of the Church. Her offices include Missionary President, Class Leader, Sunday School Secretary, and Church Secretary. She has also served on the following boards: Youth Usher, Choir Member, and the Board of Christian Education.

As a youth, she represented her church several years at Leadership Training School and Sunday School Convention. Vanessa is a retired registered nurse after 33 years of service at Louisiana State University Health, presently known as Oschner’s Health System. She was previously employed at Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 100:2: Serve the Lord with gladness, come before His presence with singing; Come before His presence with singing.

Mr. Malachi Cook - Mr. Malachi Cook is an active member of Lane Chapel CME Church in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he has served on several boards and auxiliaries. He counts it a spiritual blessing to serve wherever needed and is grateful and blessed to have served under the leadership of several former and present pastors for his spiritual growth: Rev. E. D. Hooks, Rev. Curtis West, Rev. Earl Griffin, Rev. Gerald Hudson, and Rev. Manuel Henderson, present pastor of Lane Chapel. Brother Malachi Cook says his reward for working in the Lord’s vineyard at Lane Chapel is the joy of helping his fellowman and the church in any capacity he can be of service. His life’s motto is, “Serving without wavering,” and his favorite biblical passage is Psalm 23.

"COVID-19 is showing the kind of church you were before the virus hit."

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--Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas

Submissions Mrs. Mary B. Whaley Shelley - Mrs. Mary B. Whaley Shelley is a lifelong member of the Charity CME Church in Keatchie, Louisiana. She has been continually active in service since she joined the church in 1932. In her 89 years of service, Mrs. Shelley has held several leadership positions including Church Secretary, Choir President, Usher, and Youth Director.

Presently she serves as Superintendent of the Sunday School and President of the Women’s Missionary Society. She organized the Annual Charity Chapel Missionary Walk to promote exercise and raise funds for the WMS. She is active and supportive in the District WMS and LA Region WMS. She is diligent in attendance and making sure her church is represented and has a round financial report. She is also a member of the Ministers’ Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department (formerly the Ministers’ Wives group) and served for many years as secretary. Having been gifted a beautiful alto voice, she can be heard singing melodious harmony in congregational singing. Mrs. Shelley was employed in various jobs in retail before her employment with the Caddo Parish School Board. In 2017, she retired with 23 years of service. She enjoys working in her yard and is an avid reader. Part of her daily ritual is reading the Daily Word and biblical scriptures. Her favorite scripture is Psalm 23.

A resounding and spirit-filled musical presentation by the St. Mary CME Church Praise Team provided an upbeat closing followed by remarks from the EUTHU Committee Co-Chairs and The Right Reverend C. James King, Jr., Presiding Bishop of the Fourth Episcopal District.

Many thanks to our sponsors: • Bronze - $100 to $199: Mrs. Bonita Black, Ms. Annette Garner, Mrs. Lucy White, East Mission Church, Reader Chapel Church, and New Zion-East Church of the Shreveport District; Ms. Veda B. Emerson, Rev. & Mrs. Terence Flucas, Mrs. Annie Hamlin, Dr. Princess A. Pegues, Rev. Dr. Marvette Thomas, Lewis Temple Church, and Shady Grove Church on the Monroe District.

• Silver - $200 to $299: Center Spring Church and Mt. Sinai Church of the Minden District; Rev. Dr. Earl & Marilyn Griffin and the Mt. Sinai-Williams Temple of the Monroe District; Mr. Alvin and Rev. Dr. Debra Coleman, Carolina Bluff Church, Liberty Church, St. Paul-East Church, St. Paul-North Church, Washington Temple, and New Hope Church on the Shreveport District.

• Gold - $300 to $399: Springhill (South) Church, Pine Hill Church, Salem Church, Evening Star Church, Point Pleasant Church of the Minden District; Mays Chapel Church, Mt. Earia Church and Youngs Chapel Church of the Monroe District; New Hill Church, Charity Chapel, Mr. Harold Petteway & Dr. Alma Petteway, and Mr. & Mrs. Jewel Wagner of the Shreveport District.

• Platinum - $500 and up: Mt. Zion Church of the Minden District; St. Duty Church and St. Mary Temple of the Monroe District; Lane Chapel Church, Wesley Chapel Church and Williams Memorial CME Temple of the Shreveport District.

The Benediction was given by Rev. Linda Baker of Bracks Chapel CME, Minden District.

The Tenth Annual CME Hall of Fame Induction was well attended and enjoyed by all. Kudos to the LA Region EUTHU Committee. You continued the growing legacy of honoring well-deserving CMEs and extending a helping hand to disadvantaged local churches.

Fourth Episcopal District, Louisiana Region Empowering Us to Help Us (EUTHU) Committee Mrs. Annie H. Hamlin and Mr. Harold E. Petteway, Jr., Co-Chairs September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

St. Paul Presents Pandemic Mother of the Year Submitted by Charlotte Jones (Acting Missionary President)

The St. Paul CME Church(Atlanta, Texas) Women's Missionary Society had to keep busy as the pandemic was still in play. The Missionary Society decided to do a fundraiser for the organization ... The Pandemic CME Mother. We selected different CME mothers as contestants - Mrs. Madie Jackson, Mrs. Latisha Haire, Rev. Melvina Evans Darty, Rev. Patrica Fuller, Mrs. Mattie Thomas, Mrs. Linda Arnold, and Mrs. Cencil Bell. The last three were our top [runners-up], in that order. The ST. PAUL CME Pandemic Mother of the Year is Mrs. Pamela Lincoln.

Pamela Lincoln is a member of St. Paul CME Church, Atlanta, Texas, who supports and willingly works with the Missionary Society. She is a retired educator from Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. Pamela had 37 years of public service. She attended the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and received her Masters degree from Bowling Green State University in Bowling The CME Pandemic Mother Green, Ohio. She is also a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.

Pamela is married to Lewis Lincoln and is the proud mother of Brittany and Jared Lincoln. She is a member of the Trustee Board and Treasurer of her church, and she loves the Lord.

This event took place at her local church on June 27th, 2021. Our keynote speaker was Minister Henri Nell Hodge-Williams, and Regional Missionary President Crystal Timberlake Lewis was present to award the winners.

(l-r): Rev. Melvina-Darty (pastor), Sis. Pamela Lincoln (winner, CME "Pandemic Mother of the Year"), Crystal Lewis (regional Women's Missionary Society president), Minister Henri Nell Hodge-Williams (speaker), and Charlotte Jones (acting Missionary president).

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Submissions

A Special Celebration of Life in Memory of Sister Lottie B. Spencer Submitted by Georgia S. Evans Lampkins Chapel CME Church Rev. Claudette Snorton, Pastor

Sister Lottie B. Spencer was a loving, loyal and dedicated servant of God. She was the mother of three children, Norman (deceased), Della and Mary Helen. She was loved by all, and many referred to her as Mother Lottie.

Sister Lottie lived in the Highland Park Neighborhood and joined the Lampkin’s Chapel CME Church under the pastorate of Rev. C.M. Allen. Upon accepting Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, she was off and running. Sister Lottie was excited about the work of the church and the work that God had in store for her.

In her home church, she served in many capacities, including becoming a member of the Stewardess Board, the Senior Choir, the Usher Board, and she served as a Steward and Trustee. She found her love for the Stewardesses to be the greatest of them all.

Sister Lottie was a person who loved people and she shared her wisdom and knowledge as the president with others. Her goal was to teach others what it really meant to be a Stewardess and the responsibility and commitment of a Stewardess. Sister Lottie loved the position in which she served, and she provided the necessary training for others to become Stewardesses. Sister Lottie was faithful in her services to the church.

She not only served her church, but she also served on the local and district levels and became the Kentucky Annual Conference Stewardess Board President for eight years.

Sister Lottie B. Spencer was a woman of eloquence, one of the most sophisticated persons we know, who had a wealth of knowledge and was always willing to share. She was a loving, kind-hearted, extraordinary person and there was nothing that she would not do for anyone. If you did not have the opportunity to work with her, you truly missed a blessing.

On August 1, 2020, Mother Spencer turned 107 years of age. God promised us three score and ten and she definitely made that mark. She loved to have fun, loved her family and most of all she loved God. She was not afraid to correct you when you were wrong or out of order, but in doing so, she did it in love. She loved all the children and was an inspiration to them and was always giving them words of encouragement. She became Stewardess Emeritus of the Stewardess Board at Lampkins Chapel.

Sister Lottie B. Spencer was the Matriarch of the church and the oldest member of the church. She departed this life on Thursday, May 6, 2021. The Homegoing Service was held on May 12, 2021, at the First Congregational Methodist Church where her daughter, Rev. Della S. Porter, is the Pastor. The eulogy was given by Bishop Marvin Frank Thomas, Sr., the Presiding Prelate of the 2nd Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. His subject was, “The Wait Is Over,” with the scripture from Psalm 39:7.

We salute her for the many lives she touched, the love she showed and the many blessings that she bestowed upon so many others.

WE LOVE AND APPRECIATE THE LIFE THAT SHE LIVED AND HOW SHE ALLOWED GOD TO USE HER IN A MIGHTY WAY. GOD BLESSED HER FOR 107 YEARS AND WE GIVE HIM ALL THE PRAISE AND THE GLORY. She was a Phenomenal Woman who will never be forgotten.

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Submissions

Philadelphia District Lay Ministry FROM THE DESK OF THE DISTRICT LAY LEADER Submitted by Bro. Bruce Benson

We have survived another conference year and look forward to another, prayferfully, successful year serving the Lord! Please accept my sincere thanks for the prayers and support you afforded me as your Lay Leader for another conference year. We are still in pandemic status and I pray constantly that you will remain covered by the precious blood of Jesus and adhere to the direction of the medical and science professionals as we battle this virus together.

Pleae join me in congratulating Mr. Jaylin Lemon of New Visions CME Church of Newark, New Jersey, under the pastorate of Rev. Joseph Fairley, who was selected as our representative for the Nellie B. King Scholarship.

Jaylin will be attending Lincoln Technical Institute and studying to be a licensed electrician. Thank you Rev. Fairley and Sis. Portia Rivers for your support and preparation for such a fine young man.

Also, let us congratulate and welcome back to the Philadelphia Distict, Rev. Patricia Degrafenreid, as our newly appointed Presiding Elder. We wish Rev. Pat a very blessed and successful year as we gear up to make her job welcoming, prayerful and successful.

On the same note, we sadly say good-bye to Rev. Kevin Agee who will represent the Washington-Virginia Districts as Presiding Elder. We will miss the guidance, prayers and hard work that PE Agee offered the Philadelphia District. We also want to thank Sis. Gwen Agee for her gracious and constant support of Rev. Agee and the members of the Philadelphia District: two wonderful people that we pray will stay safe and blessed by God. The Philadelphia District also welcomes Rev. Michael Green to the pastorate of Hoyt Memorial CME Church, Wilmington, Delaware. We say good-bye to Rev. Dale Dennis as he pursues other areas of the ministry.

Congratulations are in order for Rev. Cynthia Bryant of Hoyt Memorial CME Church and founder of Faith & Hope Ministries for being elected to Full Connection of the CME Church. Celebration is in order for Rev. Luis Lazado on being elevated to Elder in the CME Church.

More congratulations to Bro. Ken Thomas for being re-elected Lay Leader of the New York-Washington Annual Conference (Region). Bro. Thomas has gallantly served our Zion as a dedicated solider for Christ and a leader among leaders for our annual conference.

Bro. Bruce Benson, Lay Leader for thePhiladelphia District, was re-elected 1st Vice Lay Leader for the New YorkWashington Region. Both Brother Thomas and Brother Benson continue to solicit the support of the region and the Philadelphia District as they execute their duties as Lay Leader and 1st Vice Lay Leader.

Annual Conference was hosted by Calvary CME Church of Jersey City, New Jesey, where the Rev. George Dix and Sis. Maria Dix serve as Pastor and First Lady.

Annual conference will be held in Norfolk, Virginia, next year. We are praying that we will meet in person. The District Lay Ministry will sponsor a bus to conference, if conditons will allow. Please reserve your room and seat on the bus early. More information will be forthcoming as we get direction from our Presiding Elder and conference.

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for September Romans 13:1-8

EVERY SOUL SUBJECT HIGHER POWERS GOD ORDAINED WHOSOEVER RESISTETH ORDINANCE RECEIVE DAMNATION RULERS TERROR

GOOD WORKS EVIL AFRAID PRAISE MINISTER BEARETH SWORD VAIN REVENGER EXECUTE WRATH CONSCIENCE CAUSE

TRIBUTE ATTENDING CONTINUALLY RENDER THEREFORE DUES CUSTOM FEAR HONOUR OWE LOVE ANOTHER FULFILLED LAW

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

1 Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 2 Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 4 For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 5 Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 6 For this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God's ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law. -- Romans 13:1-8

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

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The Christian Index • September 2021

Ecumenical News From The Christian Recorder, July 14, 2021. Mr. John Thomas III, Editor.

AME Church elects new leadership and begins LGBTQ+ discernment process at 2021 General Conference The 51st Quadrennial Session of the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church met from July 6-10, 2021, at the West Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Over 1600 delegates met as the church’s supreme governance body to review and change the denomination's laws and policies, receive reports from its agencies, and elect denominational leadership.

Due to restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 200 delegates representing countries on the continent of Africa were unable to travel to the United States and were to participate via a satellite location in Cape Town, South Africa. After the South African government restricted in-person gatherings due to public health concerns, a virtual platform was created to allow these delegates to participate in the deliberations virtually.

“The 2021 General Conference was truly a test of the denomination’s resilience and capacity to adapt,” stated Dr. Jeffery B. Cooper, General Secretary of the AME Church. “In spite of the last-minute difficulties, we were able to ensure that all members of our family were able to share in this important aspect of the life of our Church. I am proud of our planning team and grateful to the AME Church leadership and delegates for their patience and understanding as we made this shift.”

In addition to the business of the General Conference, greetings were received from the President and Vice President of the United States. AME Church member Congresswoman Val Demings of Florida delivered a keynote address to the assembly as well. Demings exclaimed that the role of the Church is to ensure that no one is left behind and that the most vulnerable among us are protected. Representative Demings called the Church to collective action, “The urgency is now.”

Among the legislation approved by the AME Church General Conference was an “AME Sexual Ethics Discernment Committee” designed to begin a three-year process to bring back recommendations to the 2024 General Conference. The committee is designed to “develop and propose legislation that undergirds the evangelical responsibility of the church ‘to minister to the social, spiritual, and physical development of all people’ – including people of sexual orientations and gender identities.”

At the General Conference new Bishops, General Officers (Department Executives) and members of the Judicial Council were elected. The five incumbent General Officers were retained. New persons elected to leadership in the AME Church include: Bishops The Right Reverend Silvester Beaman, 139th Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Wilmington, Delaware).

The Right Reverend Marvin C. Zanders, II, 140th Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of St. Paul AME Church, Jacksonville, Florida) The Right Reverend Francine A. Brookins, 141st Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Bethel AME Church, Fontana, California) The Right Reverend Frederick A. Wright, Sr., 142nd Elected & Consecrated Bishop (Pastor of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Cincinnati, Ohio).

General Officers Mr. Marcus Henderson, Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer of the AME Church Rev. Dr. James Miller, Executive Director, Department of Retirement Services

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Ecumenical News Continued from previous page General Officers (cont.)

Rev. Dr. John Green, Executive Director, Global Witness and Ministry Rev. Dr. Marcellus A. Norris, Executive Director, Department of Church Growth and Development Judicial Council Members Rev. Dr. Jonathan C. Augustine, Judicial Council – Clergy Rev. Dr. O. Jerome Green, Judicial Council— Clergy Advocate Thabile Ngubeni, Judicial Council – Lay Rev. Jeffery B. Cooper II, Judicial Council--Clergy Alternate Rev. Jimmie Williams III, Judicial Council--Clergy Alternate Mrs. Monice Crawford—Judicial Council Lay Alternate These elections marked several significant milestones. As a South African, Advocate Ngubeni became the first African lay person elected to the General Conference to serve in the AME Church in any capacity. Bishop Beaman delivered the benediction for the inauguration of President Joseph Biden. Bishop Zanders is the first Morehouse College graduate elected as a Bishop in the AME Church. Bishop Francine A. Brookins is the fifth woman elected as a Bishop and is the daughter of the late Bishop Hamel Hartford Brookins. Bishop Wright is the first Bishop elected from Ohio since 1948 and the son of the first AME female Presiding Elder, Reverend Cornelia Wright.

The AME Church General Conference will next meet in July 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

“The 51st Session of the General Conference had ended with its joys and sorrows, challenges, and accomplishments and through it all we saw the hand of God. To God, be the Glory!” stated Bishop Anne Henning Byfield, President of the Council of Bishops.

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The Christian Index • September 2021

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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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

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The Christian Index • September 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)

September 2021 • The Christian Index

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