The Christian Index - September 2022

The Christian Index The Official Organ of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church • September 2022

Shy Temple children and youth on CME World Youth Day --p. 27

Youth and children at Carolinas Annual Conference.

--p. 30

THE CHRISTIAN INDEX

The Official Publication Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Copyright © 2022 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, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., PO Box 161212, Memphis, Tennessee 38286-1212. 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 2022

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

Volume 155, Number 9

September 2022

Connectional Interests Episcopacy Corresponding with the 11th 4

The Strategic Plan: Going Places 5 Board of Personnel Services 10 Dept. of Evangelism and Missions 11 Dept. of Christian Education/Formation 12 Dept. of CIT 14 CME-Affiliated Schools 19 Submissions Oak Grove Honors Zadaria Southward 21 Atlanta-Rome Celebrates Older Adults 22 South LA Conference and Health Fair 24 Standing with American Muslims 25 Shy Temple "Doubly" Blessed 27 Doing a New Thing in the Carolinas 29 Children/Youth 31 Connectional Directory 35

Cover: Shy Temple children and youth on CME World Youth Day (p. 27). Youth and children at Carolinas Annual Conference (p. 30).

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

Submitted to the Publisher: August 25, 2022

Editorial

Not a Blueprint, but a Guide As is well known, the long-talked-about Strategic Plan for the CME Church was adopted during the 2022 General Conference held this past summer in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Listening tours explaining the plan, including its progress and goals, were held in the two years prior to this conference, and each of those listening sessions included a Q&A period.

Many of the questions raised have been resolved, but one that lingers on is, "How do I put it into use in my local church?" Without fail, I have been asked that question each time I have been present in a discussion or meeting of any kind where the Plan has been mentioned.

We make no mistake when we say that our church is in desperate need for the Rev. Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr., changes acknowledged by the Plan. It is a sign of the work of the Holy Spirit that both our Editor connectional and local church leaders have obtained similar spiritual insight into the present and forthcoming needs of the church. But the execution of the plan seems to be like a lady-in-waiting.

Many persons, it seems, have thought the aim of the Plan was to design and present a blueprint that would detail how to achieve certain ends: more members, increased revenue, lower assessments, etc. Practically speaking, this would mean outlining or listing steps 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. that would not only lead but take the congregations and districts following these steps from specific problem to solution, from need to fulfillment. This, however, is far from reality and from the design intent of the Strategic Planning Core Team. It WAS our intent to develop a plan that sought to identify what we agreed were the greatest strengths and most pressing needs of our denomination, and to build on those strengths and address those needs, thereby giving us a greater likelihood of identifiable successes over the next quadrennium and of survival as a body of Christ into the distant future, God willing, by the power of the Holy Spirit and by our willingness to enter into such a godly venture.

The deliverables (training manuals and instructional videos/presentations) produced and distributed prior to and during the general conference are evidence of this aim and are intended, again, to serve as guides only, not as blueprints, though each is more specific in nature to the strategic goal to which it is related. (For a list of the goals, see the CMEC Strategic Plan Overview presented in writing to the 2022 General Conference and the “Editorial” in the January 2022 issue of The Christian Index.)

In most instances, a blueprint is used to achieve the same look and feel in every location. In our situation, to have, use, or expect a blueprint is to see every church through the same eyes or fitting within a few categories only, and to live in the notion that there is a single best plan for every church or category. A connectional plan cannot be developed or exist with such blinders. To a degree, it must be general or vague enough that every local church or denominational subset, with their pastoral and lay leadership, can find both strengths and opportunities in it.

Every local congregation sits within a unique community that has its own ministry needs. Though surveys were conducted, and generalities were concluded, we did not desire to minimize the local congregation and community by lumping everyone into one pie and saying here is your PLAN, now go do it and you will achieve all the results you each desire. It just does not work that way. It didn't in the gospel ministry of the New Testament, and it does not today. Take up the adopted Strategic Plan of the CME Church as the powerful instrument that it is, a guide to be used in the wisdom of leadership activated and led by the Holy Spirit, and you will have your measure of success.

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.

September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

Eleventh Episcopal District

Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Bishop Kwame Lawson Adjei, Presiding Prelate Kenya, Rwanda, DR Congo, Tanzania, Burundi, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, & South Africa Quadrennial Theme: “BE BOLD: Face Now  Embrace Next  See Now” 501c3 Ministers Spouses, Widows, and Widowers, Chair

Saturday, July 30, 2022 Rev. Dr. Ore Spragin Editor of the Christian Index Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Deliver by Email: ospragin@yahoo.com Dear Editor Ore Spragin, This comes to inform CME’s and all interested friends of the 11th Episcopal District, that all correspondences in and around the United States of America should be sent to Rev. Alfred Harrison, who is the Executive Administrative Assistant to Bishop K. Lawson Adjei, the Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

Also, Account name of the 11th District is “CHRISTIAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ELEVENTH EPISCOPAL DISTRICT”.

All letters designate for the 11th Episcopal District should be addressed to: Bishop K. Lawson Adjei Presiding Prelate of the 11th Episcopal District C/O Rev. Alfred Harrison 4406 Wandering Way Temple Hills, MD 20748 Email: EARevHarrison@CMEDistrict11.org Thank you.

Yours In His Service, Bishop K. Lawson Adjei.

US Office: 4406 Wandering Way, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Post Office Box AN 7639 Accra, Ghana Connectional Headquarters: 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis, TN 38116-7100 Email: BishopKLAdjei@CMEDistrict11.org 4

The Christian Index • September 2022

+233-(0) 244-630-267

Website: District11.org

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy The “Strategic Plan”:

A GPS or Road Map to Multiple Places, Growth, and Ministries

By Senior Bishop Lawrence Reddick The “hype” about the CME Church’s strategic plan adopted by the 2022 General Conference may be worse than its implementation; in fact, it may make implementation harder. I make that statement because the “hype” may be over-presenting what is really a simple (though demanding) agenda for each CME. Each CME is challenged to commit to discovering how the goals in the plan can help each member and each church move to a better place.

I compare the roll of “hype” about the Strategic Plan to what happens when two national candidates are headed to a national debate, and one of the two is promoted in the media as a “great” debater while the other is regarded a “so-so” debater. From that point on, the one promoted as a “great” debater has to “over-perform” because people’s expectations are suddenly higher, and the one considered “so-so” is more likely to be excused for his or her foibles. I am suggesting in this article that we have so “hyped up” the concept of “a” strategic plan for the CME Church that simple things sound overly hard and the steps that are required sound overly complicated.

So, let me address these points about the Plan: things that are simple and things that are complicated and things we can do.

What are things about this strategic plan that are simple?

1. The Plan, remember, comes to all of us from people who, like the rest of us, desire the CME Church to live, to prosper, and to do good things in the world.

It comes from people like you.

2. The plan is built upon a very simple principle: that God call us who are God’s Church to be disciples, that disciples of Christ call others to join in God’s Church as disciples, and God that calls God’s Church to serve the world – God’s field, God’s harvest.

To this end, let me ask you to look at the underlying diagram of three, concentric circles (concentric means that the circles are so close together that they touch each other at the points where they come together).

© Integrated Leadership Concepts, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Used by permission.

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Connectional Interests Continued from previous page And let us imagine that, when we see the picture of these three concentric circles, we are looking at the fact that God is calling us as the Church to do all of these three things: to be disciples, to make disciples, and to serve God’s people and God’s world. We are called to do all three.

For a long time, I viewed the strategic plan as if the six goals were its core. I was wrong.

The six goals are its targets for this quadrennium and are important, but the core is the underlying remembrance that God intends us to be disciples, to make disciples, and to serve wholesomely. This is the core.

3. This plan calls upon CMEs everywhere to evaluate where they are in their development: as disciples, as congregations, and as servants in the community or in the larger world; and, upon evaluating, to then ask ourselves, “How can I/we do better what we are called to be and do?”

Do you ask yourself: what can our church do better to help our community become stronger? to become better organized? to be of better service for meeting the community’s needs?

Do you ask yourself: What is missing in my discipleship? Am I truly a disciple of Christ or just an admirer or a spectator of His? What do I need to do to be marked, seen, and heard as a disciple?

Do you ask yourself: what does my church need to do to be a more obedient church to Christ?

Why are we struggling to pay bills, to meet our obligations of finance, to grow in our community among our own families and our own neighbors?

Could it be that we have not focused primary attention on discipleship and our callings rather than the comforts of navel gazing or focusing on structures? What does it mean when Jesus said, “He that seeks to save his life shall lose it, and he who loses his life for my sake shall find it?”

This plan calls for us to evaluate… ourselves, our churches, and our services to others … and to ask, “How can we be and do better?”

These three things about this plan are, I believe, simple.

What are the things that are difficult?

Imagine, Family, that we are about to go on a trip – from our house to the sites of the Grand Canyon in Colorado. (Yes, some of us see the Grand Canyon in northern Arizona, but I’m asking even you who see it there to imagine a farther away trip that requires some planning and working on your part – that’s why I say, “in Colorado.”)

Your family’s house may be in Little Rock … or Miami, Florida … or in Chicago … or near Washington, DC … or Seattle … or San Diego … or Savannah … or Montgomery … or any other city or hamlet in the United States.

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Episcopacy

Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

1. You will need to ask: How will we get there? This is the first difficult question, and it is the first answer that the writers of the Strategic Plan have tried to put before us: you can get there, the planning team wrote, by working toward these six goals.

Everybody will not be excited equally about these six goals. Some people may not even think that the second goal about the CME Church in missions is for them or has a place for them to contribute. When we talk, I hear concerns in the conversation in regard to goals four and five about grant writers, about Christian stewardship, and we suddenly see the giants of Canaan like the old Israelites, and we begin to say that among these giants “we are like grasshoppers.” And so, we are awed by the overwhelming nature of new thoughts and new ideas that require new knowledge or new actions on our parts.

But – can we get there?!

I’m a road traveler, whether I am in the U.S.A. or in Nigeria, or Liberia, or in Ghana, Rwanda, or Spain. I’m a road traveler in Ecuador or Canada or in the Gulf of Mexico … and sometimes the road is in the unwritten paths in the ocean, or the road is a superhighway of six or seven lanes, or the road is a two-lane country road, or even a dirt path … but to get where I’m going, I’ve got to choose how I will get there.

Years ago, the editor and I traveled to a community on the district he was serving as presiding elder (the Mobile District), but he was using his GPS and I was using my map of Alabama county roads. We went two directions because we started in different places. We both had a previous engagement that day, but we arrived at the church about the same time, though I arrived first. Yet, within 5-10 minutes of my arrival, we saw a car coming up to the church from the direction opposite the direction I had come from. And when the Presiding Elder disembarked, the people were so amazed that their gaping mouths and wide eyes emphasized what they were saying? “How did you get here from there?” they asked him. “Nobody ever comes from that way!”

That’s the genius of following a map or a GPS: you get to choose the route that you believe suits your style and the place of your beginning best. And that’s the first difficult challenge of the strategic plan: choosing where you will try to go and which roads you will take to get there. And therein lies the work of the plan: (1) it is not a plan “handed down to you” from the Connection; (2) it is not a one-size-fits-allchurches-and-people kind of plan; it is a set of goals asking you to decide, “Where are you? Where do you need to get to? Then, what roads, what plans, and what means will you make possible in order to move in that direction?

2. How will you decide your priorities among the needs you will address?

Remember, we’re all being asked: what is missing in my own discipleship? What is my church missing in order to be not “just a church” but a better, impactful, growing community of disciples? where and in what ways are we as a local church called to give service in this community?

If we truly attempt to answer these questions – whether we ask them and discuss them in a church retreat, or an annual planning picnic, or in church conference, we generally will have more answers that we can do right away. So, we must decide where we should start. “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.”

It may be that the nucleus of your church family can decide to begin with the study of discipleship. Or, it might be that you can begin looking at the prepared manual on

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Connectional Interests

Episcopacy

Continued from previous page congregational ministries and then asking yourselves, “Are there things printed here that we can do to make a difference?” “Are there other things we need to try?” Or you can even ask the question we are afraid, it seems, to ask: “Are there some things we need to stop doing?”

It may be that challenging the church body with book studies and gatherings where you focus on things like story telling from members of your church who can remember how big projects happened and retelling those stories; or by listening to members of our congregations who have not been CMEs all their lives and have been in other churches and seen other plans implemented. It’s okay to hear that things did not all work well, that some people got angry and left, that the journeying from point A to point B was not as easy as we remember and talk about; it’s okay. It’s okay because these are the ways plans unfold.

“The best made plans of mice and men often go astray” – but the conversations will help you as you choose your priorities.

3. You – and others along with you – will need to commit yourselves. In a counseling session, I valued the day the counselor answered my query about how to make a marriage work (after we had talked about many obstacles) with the words, “It’s called commitment, Larry.”

I remember hearing in the church a real call to commitment. On a visit with my father to the Sixth Episcopal District to a state meeting in a church in Atlanta in the late 1960s, I heard the youth of that district, directed by a creative musician in their singing with sometimes soft voices and sometimes crescendo voices, making a hymn “talk” to me as they sang it: “Are ye able?” said the Master, “to be crucified with me?”

“Yea,” the sturdy dreamers answered, “To the death we follow Thee!”

Over and again, the refrain of the song would ring out with great crescendo, and the choir would boisterously sing: “Lord, we are able, our spirits are Thine, Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine!

That guiding radiance above us shall be A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.”

And finally, in the softest of voices, their call came nearest to me when They sang in the softest voices of what the musicians call pianissimo – “Are you able” still the Master whispers down eternity, And heroic spirits answer, Now – as then in Galilee: Then loudly they sang: “Lord, we are able, our spirits are Thine, Remold them, make us, like Thee, divine!

That guiding radiance above us shall be A beacon to God, to love and loyalty.”

“It’s called commitment, Larry.” And Family, the Gospel is about commitment! What will you commit to doing?

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“No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is ready for the kingdom of God.”

The Christian Index • September 2022

Connectional Interests -

Episcopacy

“The kingdom of God is like a pearl of great price, which a man finds in a field, and he goes and sells all he has to buy that field.”

In my days of seminary, a missioner whose name I don’t remember spoke in chapel one day and said, from that last text, “If you are not ready to give up all you have in order to commit it all in this field called the Gospel, you are not ready yet.”

It’s called commitment. The strategic plan is not hype; it is not noise; neither is it a report of things that sound good in the annual conference when you know the truth is worth much less than the paper the report is written on. The strategic plan will only be something once you evaluate where you (as disciple, as church, as community servants) need(s) to go; once you decide which needs will be your priorities and rank them in order of priorities; and once you commit yourselves to following through on your plans.

In Summary: My point, Family, is that the strategic plan, adopted and promoted by the 2022 General Conference, is very simply a guide, some suggestions, several considerations for improvement, and organized as six goals. All of them you may not be able to work on from where you are, or within the time constraints you work with, or within your sphere of influence. But “don’t let what you cannot do keep you from doing what you can” (Bishop Coles. So, from where you are, you (and others like you) can draw your own goals as to where you personally or you as a church need to go (increased and more focused Bible study, meeting community needs, etc.), and you can begin to work on your journey by asking the personal GPS or the road map to guide you and other like minded persons drawn together.

So, what is your place? What is your role?

Pastor and Member: You are responsible for deciding WHERE to go (as a disciple, as a member of your church, as a leader in this community).

Your commitment, your vision, and your energy will have a lot to do with whether you get to that place you have decided upon.

Your reward is not only in the accomplishments you aim for, but in the insights that comer from being a part of your journeying from “here” to “there.”

Presiding Elder: You are called upon to help each church see what it can be and do.

Your role as interpreter of the Connection’s plans is essential and invaluable.

Bishop: You bear the responsibility for casting vision, for seeing the new possibilities, for preparing our people to stretch toward the calls upon us.

The vision began with leadership; therefore, we need to be the primary promotors of the vision in our conferences, convocations, and other meetings.

And still the Master asks us: Are we able?

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Connectional Interests

Board of Personnel Services

“From My Perspective…

Back to School/Back to Planning Well, it is that time of the year again; it is back to school season! Whether you are sending your kids to school for the first time (if so, congratulations and God bless your new journey) or if it is back to school for another year of classes, one thing you should do in order to be at the top of your game as summer draws to a close, is prepare for the school year with a checklist of important tasks that should get you and your child(ren) off to a strong start.

My wife, Shonda Barnes, who has been teaching 23 years says having a checklist is a good practice for a smooth transition into the school year. Here are a few of the things my wife tells her parents to do: 1) take inventory: Find out what clothes still fit and clear out the things that don’t; 2) check for supplies: Find the required school supply lists for your child, and before you go out and buy every item, look around to make sure you don’t already have some of those items; 3) mark your calendars: Get your planners and add in all the important dates: registration, meet-the-teacher days, first day of school, fall registration deadlines etc.; and 4) visit your pediatrician: Schedule a visit if your child needs an updated physical or any new vaccinations before the school year starts. Get in soon since doctor offices are typically busy with a back-to-school rush for physicals.

What does this have to do with Personnel Services, you ask? Well, everything! Just as the summer is ending and the school year is about to begin, in our church annual conference season is ending, and a new conference year is about to begin. Whether you are going out to a church for the first time (if so, congratulations and God bless your new journey), or back to you church for another powerful year or planning to retire, one thing financial advisors will tell you to do, to be at the top of your financial management and retirement game is to annually prepare with a checklist.

And just like with school, here are things to consider financially: 1) take inventory of your assets: Evaluate your current budget and write down every asset, debt, liability, savings balance, income stream, insurance policy and other valuable possessions that affect your bottom line. Seek a professional to help you in your planning; 2) check your emergency fund: Emergency funds will cover you in the event of a personal catastrophe, and it can also make up for delays in the start date of work, pastoral assignments, or retirement. Experts recommend you have three months of living expenses, while others suggest you save enough for six months to a year. Again, find a financial advisor who can help you; 3) mark your calendars: Get your planners and add in all the important dates: registration/funding for the retirement plan, retirement document due dates, etc.; and 4) consider your health insurance: One of the biggest expenses you will face as you get older and in retirement is healthcare costs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Expenditure Survey said that healthcare for those aged 55 to 64 cost $5,820 in 2020 ($6,749 for those aged 65 and over). Plan accordingly.

Of course, this is not an exhaustive checklist of things to consider for staying on top of your financial management and retirement game; it is just a start. Personnel Services has a list of resources on our website that can help point you in the right direction. www.gbpsonline.org. Also look for updates on the website in the coming months with more helpful tips.

“From My Perspective”

Rev. Reginald G. Barnes, Sr., 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) 10

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Connectional Interests

Department of Evangelism and Missions

BE BOLD: Face Now-Embrace Next-See New Making the Impossible, Possible!

The scripture declares that God makes all things new! (Isaiah 43:19, Rev 21:5) This gives the believer hope that our God is changing our situation and circumstances. As believers, we must use faith in crafting the possible in our lives. The preacher and songwriter James Cleveland and the Cleveland Singers wrote, “Have you any rivers that you think are uncrossable? And have you any [mountains] that you cannot tunnel through? God specializes in things that you think are impossible, he (God) can do what no other power can do.” (God Specializes 1971). In a season of newness and familiarity, remember the same God is making the impossible, possible. The General and Annual Conferences have been completed, teachers and children are back in schools, and the weather has changed. However, God is making all things new.

Impossible Rivers We are challenged to BE BOLD: Face Now-Embrace Next-See New. Although it may seem impossible, it is not, for with God all things are possible to them that believe. The quadrennial theme may suggest a statement of faith and risk wrapped in newness. Our mental capacity is not to trust in our ability, education, finance, social status, or selfish desire for God’s Church. We are to totally trust God. I suggest we must change from what we can do, to what God can do through us. As I think about Cleveland’s song, it suggests to me that the rivers are the many challenges we face on our journey. Our Church must move with intentionality and not go through the motions of the quadrennial theme. For the ordained and un-ordained people of God, the quadrennial theme must come alive from the paper on which it was written to the voice God used to deliver the message into the hearts of the people.

A Possible Faith What does it mean to have a possible faith? A possible faith is to be where God is moving. We can follow God and know where God is moving through the power of the Holy Spirit. We must not listen to the rivers of doubt, nor watch the rivers of mediocrity in the local church. We must demand more of ourselves, hold each other accountable in love, and have faith to believe that God sent the new Bishop, Presiding Elder, Pastor, and laity. All of us are working to impact the body of Christ and advance the kingdom of God, first through love and then, through service.

A Church bursting with fresh insight and possibilities God can do what no other power can do. Imagine if you will, your church moving in a healthy direction with lionhearted laity, ministry-minded missionaries, committed Christian educators, engaging evangelism, and moving missions. Surely you can see the impossible becoming possible in our local churches. What do you want from your congregation and how badly do you want your congregation to impact the community? Reimagine and recreate a healthy Church model strengthening your weaknesses while improving on your strengths. Reach back and get the things your congregation wants to do but has not done yet. Be bold, have faith and watch God work it out.

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

Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions Anderson Chapel CMEC, Holly Springs, MS

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education/Formation

ROAD SIGNS ON OUR CHRISTIAN JOURNEY Rev. Pat Winston As I drive throughout the city, I have noticed an increasing number of drivers that ignore traffic lights and traffic signs. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (HTSA) much of this is related to distracted driving with texting being the most alarming distraction. A person cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has their full attention. This can also be said about our Christian journey because if we do not devote our full attention to God a distraction could lead us down the wrong way.

As Christian Educators we are leaders in our church and our role in leadership requires full attention to our Christian journey. It is amazing how everyday traffic signs easily have the same meaning and impact to us as Christians. There are traffic signs too numerous to mention, but I have attempted to capture in this article the signs that most affect our Christian lives.

First, there is the stop sign and the red traffic light. Stop signs and red lights are in place for our safety. People do not like stop signs because they prefer to be on the go continuously without slowing down or stopping. This is because we are an in a hurry generation of people. Just as the stop sign and red light are vitally important in driving so is our intimate personal relationship with God. We must slow down and sometimes come to a complete stop to hear from God. We must turn our back on distractions and the noise of the many distractions that plague our society. We must be in tune to gather our strength, courage, and fortitude to keep on keeping on according to the will of God. Therefore, sometimes on the Christian journey we need to come to a complete stop and open our ears and our heart to hear from the Lord.

Secondly, sometimes people are traveling down the highway which seems wide open to them. How-ever, if it is unfamiliar to them a wrong turn can lead them to a sign that says wrong way. Traveling down the highway going in the wrong direction can prove disastrous. The same thing can occur if we get off the path of our Christian faith and head completely in the wrong direction, it too could prove to be disastrous. Unfortunately, not all roads lead to God. Some roads lead us away from God. We should be grateful that God has given us a map that beats any navigation system. It is the Bible, and not only did God give us the ultimate road map, but God also gave us the one who knows the way, his Son Jesus the Christ.

Thirdly, there is the U-Turn sign. God offers us redemption by turning from whatever is leading us away from God. We can turn around and get our feet back on solid ground. It is available to whoever seeks it.

Finally, all drivers at one time or another encounter a No Parking Sign. In life very often we need to be careful to not park ourselves in an area were there is no growth in our Christian faith, no love shared, no Bible reading and Bible study, no prayer life, no worship. We must at all costs avoid being parked in the wrong place in life.

We must keep our communication with God open in order that we hear God’s call that leads us to a particular place in life, we can be assured that God will fully equip us for the work to be done while we are there.

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Connectional Interests

Department of Christian Education/Formation

As Christian Educators in this society that chooses many times to be Godless, we must remain strong and stay on course for the work we have been called to do. We must continue to tell the story of salvation and redemption. We must help people avoid running red lights, stop traveling in the wrong direction and not making U-turns when needed, as well as being parked in the wrong spot. Let us stay focused for the task and answer our call without reservation.

National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), Washington, D.C

Winston, Pat. 2022. "Road Signs on Our Christian Journey." The Practitioner: A Christian Education and Formation Publication, 16-17.

"A mistake repeated more than once is a decision."

--Mary Agyare

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Connectional Interests

Communication and Information Technology

Dear CME Members, Greetings! I’d like to share news and updates to the members of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church on behalf of the new General Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) established at the 2022 General Conference.

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve as the first General Secretary and Chief Information Officer of the CIT Department, and I'd appreciate your support during this next four years. You are welcome to contact me by email or telephone and I will respond in a timely manner.

The purpose of the CIT Department is to oversee communication and information technology for the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, and to connect, unite and share information within and beyond the walls of the Connectional Church. The Chair of the CIT Department is Bishop James B. Walker, and Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. is the Vice Chair. Additional information about the CIT Department is located here: https://thecmechurch.org/citdepartment/.

I’d like to provide our connectional members with the latest CIT news, and updates are below. Look for news from CIT on a regular basis. You can view this message online at the CIT Department’s Web site: https://thecmechurch.org/citdepartment

Planning Underway A roadmap or strategic plan for the CIT Department is being developed for short-term and long-term goals, and the major steps needed to reach them. The roadmap will help to ensure that the department’s mission and vision are carried out to provide communication and information technology resources for the CME Church at all levels; and to connect, unite and share information internally and externally to better help our Zion tell its story and witness in God’s kingdom.

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Connectional Interests

Communication and Information Technology

Our new quadrennial theme, BE BOLD: FACE NOW – Embrace Next – See New, is our new mantra!

Deuteronomy 31:6 states, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you."

God is on our side! And the CIT General Department will BE BOLD, Face Now, Embrace Next and See New! CIT is re-imagining service delivery for the CME Church through digital transformation and digital equity! Digital transformation creates new or modifies existing business processes, culture and member experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. Digital equity is a condition in which individuals and communities have the information technology capacity needed for full participation in our society, democracy and economy. Both digital transformation and digital equity will drive change and lead to a more fair, just, and impactful future for our denomination and its members.

Refresh, Redesign, Re-imagine is CIT’s theme as this department is shaped to provide robust and sustainable support resources and services for the CME Church with an inter-generational team beyond what has been imagined and what we have dreamed for a while in the CME Church, and through the “new” CIT Department!

The official CME Web site (https://thecmechurch.org) will be revamped in phases beginning with the new landing (main) page rolling out in August 2022!

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Connectional Interests

Communication and Information Technology

Continued from previous page

New Team Members of the CIT Department I am pleased to welcome the following persons to the CIT Department.

Mr. Aaron Price [will be] the Web Administrator, responsible for the design and functionality of the CME Church Web site! After the redesign phase, Aaron will provide the monthly upkeep of the CME Web site, providing the graphic designs for all connectional events, and more.

Mrs. Sharon Doss, former Vice President and Business Manager of the CIT Connectional Department for many years, will serve as our Business Support Services Administrator and collaborate on such business support services such as connectional event registration support, technology support services, and training and development.

Monthly CIT Events Monthly virtual CIT Tech Talks will feature guest speakers on interesting and worthwhile communication and IT topics to empower our members at all connectional levels. Look for the first CIT Tech Talk to occur on Saturday, August 27th.

Virtual training webinars are being planned and will feature a variety of training sessions on topics such as must-have hardware and software for local CME churches, live streaming tips (from accomplished CMEs who do it well), Zoom tips and tricks, and more.

Tech Services for Local Churches Graphic designs (including the new Quadrennial theme, #IAmCME, and other useful ones) will be made available free through a graphics library for our CME members to download soon.

Technology support services will become available later this year to support local churches’ communication online. The goal is to provide Web sites and domains, hosting, email, mobile apps, and graphic designs services for local churches at nominal fees.

New Tech Platforms CME Learning Management System The CME Church’s Learning Management System (LMS) was implemented earlier this year growing out of the Strategic Plan. A Learning Management System is software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs. Most students and educators use some type of LMS in their schools, colleges and universities.

Using the LMS, our connectional leaders have an opportunity to provide training and other resources to our members.

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Connectional Interests

Communication and Information Technology

Our members around the world will be able to go to one online location, a platform to download or purchase manuals, publications, research archives of our history, or watch a training video or one of our CME events on demand.

The CME Church LMS is now available for new members to access training classes on demand, where our teachers, instructors, Christian educators can create courses using a variety of media, and where one can track a new minister, his or her ministerial examinations, or officers and their training classes.

You can preview a few courses in the CME Church LMS at the links provided below

Getting Started with Zoom: https://cmechurch.talentlms.com/shared/start/key:LZQIDNHR CME Google Workspace: https://cmechurch.talentlms.com/shared/start/key:LZBIDNHR

Internship Opportunities Internship opportunities are being explored for youth in our local churches and students at our CME Colleges majoring in communications and information technology to assist the CIT General Department with projects and tasks. An internship will give a youth or student the opportunity for career exploration and development, and to use their skill sets or learn new ones.

CIT is looking for CME members - youth, young adults and adults - with skill sets in digital designs, marketing and strategy, Web development, and videography. As CIT builds its team and revenue is generated, we want to ensure that we recognize and utilize our own talented CME members! Please email your resume and areas of interest to cio@thecmechurch.org.

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Connectional Interests

Communication and Information Technology

Continued from previous page

The General Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) has established partnerships with Adobe, Apple, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Microsoft, Mobile Beacon and Zoom through our membership with TechSoup. All CMEs can save from 5%-50% on technology products from top vendors! CIT continues to work on discounts with mobile wireless carriers and other membership perks for connectional members.

Spread the word about these discounts to members in your local church! Shop at the Technology Portal located here. https://thecmechurch.org/techproducts/ Amazon Smile CIT has established a partnership with AmazonSmile! AmazonSmile is a way customers can support their favorite charitable organization every time they shop with Amazon, at no additional cost. When you shop @AmazonSmile, Amazon will donate to the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. You can help to support the CME Church and CIT when shopping Amazon by visiting here: https://smile.amazon.com/ch/58-1381196 .

Thank you for your support! Comments, questions or concerns may be emailed to me at cio@thecmechurch.org. Your feedback is welcomed and appreciated!

In the Service of the Lord, Dr. Theresa Duhart, General Secretary/CIO Department of Communication and Information Technology (CIT) Christian Methodist Episcopal Church cio@thecmechurch.org

https://thecmechurch.org/citdepartment/ 1-855-CME-1870 (1-855-263-1870) 18

The Christian Index • September 2022

Connectional Interests

CME-Affiliated Schools

September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Connectional Interests

CME-Affiliated Schools

"It takes 6-8 pallbearers to lift you up when you're deceased. Imagine what you can accomplish if you had 6-8 people lifting you up while you are living."

--Cassandry Keys

Subscribe to The Christian Index Only $30.00 per Year Call Rev. Dr. Roderick Lewis, Sr., Publisher, at 901-396-5400 20

The Christian Index • September 2022

Submissions

Oak Grove Honors Graduate Zadaria Jajuan Southward Submitted by Linda K. Whitlock, First Lady "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

– Matthew 19:26 (KJV)

Born and raised in Booneville, Mississippi, Zadaria is a 2022 graduate of Thrasher Attendance. She is currently taking dual enrollment classes at her future college, Northeast Mississippi Community College. She is the daughter of Bonny Renard Southward and Sabrina Laquita Davis Southward. Zadaria is also the oldest sister of Khloe Zanae Southward.

Throughout her years as a student, she has accomplished many things at such a young age. Zadaria loves and has always participated in sports. Her parents enrolled her in the JIG Dance Company when she was 5 years old. For many years she played softball at Westside Park. During grammar school, she participated in beauty reviews, mini cheer camps and Girl Scouts. While participating in Girl Scouts, she received silver and bronze medals. During her junior year of high school, she participated in many sports that her heart desired: track, softball, basketball, cross country, cheer and dance. She also, continued doing pageants and was crowned Thrasher Junior High Most Beautiful 2018-2019. The goals she set for herself entering high school have pushed her to become a better person each day. During her senior year, she continued to play sports and gained many more accomplishments.

She states, "While getting more involved with my community. I was honored to represent Dr. Hill Eye Clinic at [the] Booneville Charity Ball; Kiwanis Club in the Booneville Miss Hospitality Pageant, and I was a recipient of the DAR Good Citizenship Award. During my Senior year, I was crowned Miss Slugburger Corinth 20212022 and chosen captain for basketball and track." She qualified for state with track, cheer and cross country.

Also, she was crowned Thrasher Homecoming Queen 2021-2022. "I received class favorites, senior class vice president, Thrasher Hall of Fame, who’s who most school spirited, Sophisticated Senior, and most likely to be remembered."

Over the years she has been a faithful member of Oak Grove CME Church in Rienzi, Mississippi, as a member of the Youth Choir, Usher Board, and CYF President and representative. Although she has been blessed and proud to have received many awards, she knows her greatest accomplishment was when she gave her life to God and joined Oak Grove CME Church (Rienzi).

Rev. Q. H. Whitlock, Jr. is the Pastor/Presiding Elder Emeritus of Oak Grove CME Church on the Aberdeen Tupelo District.

"You don't always have to tell your side of the story. Time will."

--Unknown September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

ATLANTA-ROME DISTRICT CELEBRATES OLDER ADULTS Submitted by Rev. Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr., Presiding Elder

On June 5, 2022, the Atlanta-Rome District of the Georgia North Region of the Sixth Episcopal District held a celebration and appreciation ceremony at the College Park Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to honor Presiding Elder Dr. Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr. and Dr. Thelma Woodfork. It was a grand occasion attended by many from the Atlanta-Rome District.

In addition to the celebration and appreciation for Drs. Jerry and Thelma Woodfork, another major highlight of the occasion was the recognition and honoring of those eighty (80) years old and older.

On June 2, 2019, Presiding Elder Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr. held the Presiding Elder Jerry D. Woodfork, Sr. initial acknowledgement and recognition celebration for seniors 80 and Dr. Thelma Woodfork years old or older in the Atlanta-Rome District. The celebration was also held at the College Park CME Church in the City of South Fulton, Georgia. Pastor Albert Lee III was the host.

Elder Woodfork thought it worthy and appropriate to recognize our older congregants. So, he instituted action to identify those who were 100 years old or older. However, since few live to be 100, he decided to lower the age to 90 as [this] was considered significant longevity and a true blessing from God. [These persons] could be deemed “super seniors” and should be acknowledged.

Attendees at the 80 and older celebration.

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Submissions The thirty-one churches in the Atlanta Rome District were notified and asked to identify any members in their congregations who were at least 80 years old. As a result of the inquiry, eighteen (18) were identified. Each of the identified persons was presented a Certificate of Longevity, a monetary honorarium, and dinner.

Entering 2020, we were stymied with a Covid pandemic which put a hold on several planned activities that were to be held on an annual basis. With the advent of vaccines, social distancing and other safety measures, Presiding Elder Woodfork decided in 2022 that it was now safe enough to again acknowledge and recognize seniors, except this time it would be those 80 years and older.

With the help of Karen Searcy and Olivia Woodfork Bradley, churches were notified to identify and present their 80 and 80+ members. Their effort led to recognizing and honoring 122 seniors in 15 churches on the Atlanta-Rome District. Each was given a Certificate of Longevity, a monetary honorarium, and a meal.

It was a grand event! Each senior was worthy of the recognitions of their longevity and their commitment to the CME Church.

NOW AVAILABLE!!!

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September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions

South Louisiana Conference and Health Fair Written by Presiding Elder Maggie C. Banks Submitted by Saundra Roberson Editor, The Fourth Estate, Monthly Newsletter of the 4th Episcopal District

On Saturday, June 4th, the combined districts of New Orleans and Crowley held their District Conference and Health Fair at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Lafayette, LA. It served as a health outreach throughout the districts and a connection to the community. The theme for the event, Do you know your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit? was based upon 1 Corinthians 6:19-20.

The Conference/Health Fair was a call to each of us to take care of this unique gift given to us by God known as the body, to encourage healthy lifestyles, to prevent and manage diseases, and to connect to available community resources for assistance.

Pastors, ministers, officers, and members across the two districts were in attendance as well as members of the community. The day began with the young adult team - Dana Carney, Keevon Citizen, Darius Grant, Claraion Hill, Jazzmin Evans, Shana Hill, and Rev. Christopher Nelson - leading the Praise and Worship and spirit-filled Devotion. Elder Banks presented the purpose for the event and outlined the plans for the day.

The Lafayette Fire Department was on site with a fire engine to provide safety rules and precautions for the children and youth, followed by a hands-on tour of the fire engine. Each child/youth was made an honorary fireman with a badge and fireman's hat. The participants also shared in some outside physical competition activities, classes for study and interactions care for the body, and arts and crafts for the children.

The day for adults and young adults began with a light exercise session, "Walkercise," led by Jo Charles and her group. It was enjoyed by all and truly got our hearts pumping!

We were truly blessed to have eleven vendors and presenters: two hospitals (Lafayette General and Lady of Lourdes), Dr. Ernest Kinchen (surgeon), Acadiana Black Nurses Association, Acadia Health Care Unit, Pathway Behavior Health, Humana, Security Life Insurance, Primerica Investment, Medical Ride Assistance, and "Spiritual Food" (represented by the districts). Each gave an overview of their services and guides for healthy lifestyles. Blood pressure checks were available along with Covid-19 vaccinations and booster shots.

Door prizes were donated by Sis. Esther Vincent and lunch was compliments of Elder Maggie C. Banks, Bro. David Carney, Jr., and Bro. Eric Singleton, Sr. The District Conference and Health Fair concluded with an inter-generational basketball game. Pastors and ministers [competed] with the teens, while other attendees cheered and watched the hilarious moments, missed shots, chills, and spills.

Well, it was exciting, to say the least!! We are still not sure what was the final score.

Sis. Clarion Hill is the Director of the Board of Christian Education.

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Submissions

Standing Shoulder to Shoulder with American Muslims Submitted by Dr. Kai Horn El-Amin, DMin, BCC, Fellow Several years ago, a friend invited this consideration, “Muslim women wear their faith daily, often facing public ridicule. "How would you function with your faith on display?" At the time, being both bivocational, pastoring, and teaching second grade, this unusual challenge affected me spiritually. So, Monday morning, I arrived at school wearing a hijab.

A Muslim student saw me and began sobbing while smiling. The next day, she proudly wore a hijab, perhaps feeling empowered. I had not seen her wearing a hijab before. "As Salaamu Alaikum! Glad that you are here," whispered another student. Finally, a single father of three sent a note that read, "Asa. Idris needs help in math. May Allah reward you."

One week in solidarity became a symbol of hope for Christians, Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, and all other faith traditions represented in that institution.

I am taking those lessons forward with me as a representative of the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, Inc., part of our efforts towards building Interfaith relationships in Christian Methodism. Interest in the campaign came at a pivotal time. For the first time in three decades, this past April, people around the country – and the world – celebrated Ramadan, Passover, Easter, Vaisakhi, Mahavir Jayanti, and the Feast of Divine Mercy, all at the same time. As a result, we can reflect on how far we have come and how far we have yet to go. We have a chance to allow the interlacing of our faith truths to become a symbol of hope from which others glean.

Symbols of hope are essential as America recovers from the racialized religious intolerance stemming from September 11. Politically and religiously employed, xenophobia instills fear in many people, causing a chasm between friends and family, human dignity, justice, and integrity. Moreover, changing administrations and conflicting interpretations of the First Amendment skew religious rights the religious freedom promised.

As a person of faith, to refute religious doctrines that include some and exclude others; feed some and starve others; shelter some and evict others; restore some and convict others is a call to social justice—fighting against that which keeps people, other faiths, and traditions from God's beloved community. Religious chauvinism promotes hatred and disharmony.

Embracing others where they are exchanges hate for unity and justice, engaging a God of common ground.

The hijab brought a sense of healing and visible hope. My students experienced a heartfelt expression of God's lovingkindness. In covering my head and breast, children experienced recognizable faith. Today, scarves are a sacred expression of inward spirituality, solidarity, and reconciliation. It is not the only way to practice solidarity; it does suggest that justice on the inside ought to show up on the outside.

We have an opportunity to take a moral stance against racialized religion. Host a "Faith Over Fear Campaign" to combat religious discrimination.

Racialized religion is when Christian privilege supplants other faiths and imposes upon other cultures’ religious ideals. Social justice is the response of believing communities to racialized religion.

Believing communities take an ethical and moral stance affirming the sanctity of humanity towards goodwill. It renounces in word and praxis any attempts to deny freedom, inalienable rights, and self-evident truths of religious freedom. Social advocacy for religious freedom lets other faith traditions know that we stand with them shoulder to shoulder.

Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, Inc., is a national coalition of 36 religious organizations and communities committed to ending the discrimination and violence against Muslims in the United States. On November 30, 2021, Executive Committee members Kathryn Lohre (Campaign Chair), Rabbi Esther Lederman, Rev. Margaret Rose, and Nina Fernando Continued on next page September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Submissions Continued from previous page welcomed the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church to this Interfaith initiative. As a part of the Steering Committee, we express our support, openly advocating human rights for the Muslim Community.

The call and vocation of this appointment are embedded within my spirit. It is an essential focus of my doctoral thesis. I am grateful for the opportunity, passionate about the work, and willing to bear the responsibility of representing our Zion amongst this marginalized group. In the spirit of the sacredness and light of social and ecological justice, we assert: The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Inc. is a historically black religious institution that recognizes that the world is God's realm and that our responsibility to human concerns is to live and advocate the shared principles of "loving for our brothers and sisters what we love for ourselves." We are honored to continue this tradition of standing "Shoulder to Shoulder" with American Muslims and campaign partners to combat anti-Muslim bigotry and systemic xenophobia. We commit to helping cultivate sacred space, where social justice, equity, ethics, and diversity are the norm.

For further information about the Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, Inc. and the Faith Over Fear Training, go to www.shouldertoshouldercampaign.org.

As a testimony to the importance of this work, I was chosen to be one of the 25 educators elected to train in Interfaith awareness. I spent seven days in Chicago studying Interfaith theology, spaces and pedagogy.

This afforded the opportunity to present a case study, and to apply for and receive a grant in the amount of $5,000.00 to explore the topic: “Contextualizing the intersectionality between Religion and Psychology integrating Constructivist and Relational Theology as a foundational for plurality in transformative learning to address spirituality as a social competency needed for student success in freshman and sophomores on HBCU campuses.” Finally, I ask, "How does Interfaith formation affect transitioning first- and second-year students on a HBCU campus?

This Fall semester, at Lane College, our Religion Department is piloting a new version of our World Religions General Education course, creating a local religious immersion experience entitled "Faith, Culture and Formation," examining Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, their history, spirituality, practices and world views. The product will be a philosophy and methodology for Interfaith work.

I am grateful for the appointment to Shoulder to Shoulder. I am excited about the journey ahead and the work to be done. I am also grateful for those whom God called to come alongside and fight this good fight.

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.

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Submissions

Shy Temple “Doubly” Blessed on CME World Youth Day Submitted by Dr. Barbara Campbell Director of Christian Education

On Connectional CYF Youth Day, the church was honored to have as the speakers for the worship service, a set of twins, Jazmyne and Jayla Jarrett. Both are recent honor graduates, and they have each been accepted into the college of their choice.

Jazmyne focused on Praise, and her biblical research revealed that there are 334 verses in the Old and New Testament that mention praise.

She emphasized that we should all continually offer a sacrifice of praise to God, and we should not neglect to do good and to share what we have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. Jazmyne shared that an early age she was taught to praise and to share.

Jazmyne and Jayla have praised the Lord through their services as CYF officer, praise dancer, and usher. They both highlighted that praise is a gift that should be shared.

From Isaiah 25:1 Jayla quoted, “O Lord, you are my God; I will exalt you and praise your name, for in perfect faithfulness you have done marvelous things.” Excerpts directly from Jayla’s speech include:

potential within us. If we praise Him, He will give us the power to face anything that comes our way.”

The program included all the officers of the CYF. They were totally in charge, as the CYF President was the Worship leader, and the scripture and prayer were read and [offered] by a youth.

Dr. Barbara Campbell, Director of Christian Education, installed the officers for the new year, and the installation included an oath of support from the CYF members and the congregation.

Rev. James Clements had the children, youth, parents, youth advisors, and educators come to the altar for prayer for success in all their educational pursuits and for safety. Each was admonished to pray without ceasing and to give thanks and put God first.

In attendance was the Episcopal Leader, Bishop Thomas L. Brown, who expressed his thanks for being present on such a special day for our youth.

“We should never underestimate God’s power and especially what He can do in and for our lives. He can turn our trials into a triumph.

He can turn a No into a Yes when we need it.

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"Teach your children to pray, so when their young hearts are broken and hurting, they can go to God instead of turning to this world."

--Marvella Ivery

"No storm is too big when you have faith in God."

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The Christian Index • September 2022

--Unknown

Submissions

Doing a New Thing in the Carolinas Dr. Debra Lowe, Carolina Region BOCEF Director; 7th Episcopal District BOCEF Director Photo Credit: Rod Charles, His Photography

The children and youth of the Carolina Region in the 7th Episcopal District are excited and ready for change, hence this year’s conference theme “Doing a New Thing” Isaiah 43:18-19. Approximately 60 children and youth attended the first in-person meeting since 2019. The conference renewed old friendships and formed new ones.

This year’s conference was held in Greensboro, NC at the Sheraton Greensboro at Four Seasons, and the Koury Convention Center.

On Day One, Ms. LaVette McDaniel, a childcare professional who attends Brown Temple CME Church in the Winston-Salem/Greenville District presented the “Super God, Super Me, Super Possibilities! Doing a New Thing workshop for the children. Mr. Michael Lowe, a Career Development Coordinator for Guilford County Schools who attends Williams Memorial CME Church, Durham District presented for the youth “On Your Mark, Set, Goals” and “It’s My Thing: The Vision.” Through interactive workshops, youth verbalized goals and objectives associated with their intended careers and created vision boards that provided a visual direction of how to get where they want to be in the future.

Choildren Present at Annual Conference

Day Two focused on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Children and youth were divided into three age groups: 6-8, 9-12, 13-17. Dr. Misty Terry, STEM Specialist from NC A&T State University and her team conducted a workshop on Robotics where the children and created directional computer code to manipulate robots. They learned the importance of a budget and managing their finances in the Financial Literacy workshop. The children and youth learned how proper eating habits affect the body physically and mentally. They The choir sings during the closing program.

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Submissions Continued from previous page had fun creating vegetable and fruit smoothies powered by them riding a stationary bike. And were they delicious!

Day Three showcased the musical and acting talents of the children and youth. Both groups performed creative summaries of things learned during the conference. They formed a conference choir accompanied on organ and piano by Mr. Ken Norman, conference musician and directed by Ms. Latosia Gibson BOCEF Director of the CharlestonColumbia district. With very little time to rehearse, the children and youth did an amazing job expressing themselves in word and in song.

Youth and children at annual conference.

I am grateful for the opportunity to be the Carolina Region BOCEF Director for the 2022-2023 conference year.

The children and youth are excited and look forward to their next opportunity to get together in person. I share their excitement as we do a new thing in Christian Education!

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The Christian Index • September 2022

Children/Youth

Wordsearch Puzzle for September (Some Nigerian Spices and Seasonings)

Thyme Curry Black Pepper Calabash Nutmeg Onions Ogiri Okpei Anise Sweet basil Dried Herring

Turmeric Lemon Grass Bay Leaf Cloves Cumin Shallot Chives Paprika Uziza Uda

Coriander Tamarind Coconut Red Pepper Nutmeg Achii Garlic Salt

September 2022 • The Christian Index

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Children/Youth Answers to Puzzle

"Wealthy people invest first and spend what's left, and broke people spend first and invest what's left."

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The Christian Index • September 2022

--Unknown

Commission on Social Justice and Human Concerns Voter Engagement Recommendations March 10, 2022 Part A: Goals Proposed for Voter Engagement 1. Goal - Getting Souls to the Polls: Do more than talk about the importance of registration and voting but encourage members to engage in specific actions and to make a personal commitment to vote.

2. Goal – To recruit members to advocate in their churches and communities for the voting process.

3. Goal – To strive for 100% of eligible members of your church being registered to vote and voting.

4. Goal – To recruit two or more members to become certified Registrars with the local board able to register eligible persons “on site” at the church or in the community.

5. Goal – To sponsor two or more communitywide activities annually at the church where voter registration will be a designated activity, i.e., a health fair or “Community Impact Day”, or church anniversary.

6. Goal – Since people must first register in order to vote, the church will make an intentional and concerted effort to register people correctly and in a timely manner. Afterwards the church will aggressively encourage people to take part in the full voting process.

7. Goal – To organize and sponsor a political forum where candidates are invited to dialogue with voters in the church and community concerning those issues which affect them as citizens and residents.

8. Goal – To fully accommodate the elderly, the disabled and the underserved, etc., so they arrive at the polls and are able to successfully navigate long lines or delays when encountered.

9. Goal – To educate the youth of the church concerning the rights and responsibilities as a citizen.

10. Goal – To make all voters aware of options available should one be unable to vote in person on Election Day, i.e., absentee ballot, early voting opportunities, etc.

11. Goal – To help voters with a personal plan of action for voting in each election as well as an alternative plan should it become necessary.

12. Goal – To prepare and present displays, videos, activities which educate, inspire and underscore the historical significance of voting and voters rights, such as the Jane Pittman Story, the Civil Rights Movement and Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. 13. Goal – To keep voter registration efforts discretely integrated in the church’s programs, activities and events throughout the calendar year in the church and among the community.

14. Goal – To keep necessary data for assessing church’s overall effort to reach the above goals.

Part B – Recommendations – SMART GOALS 1. To inspire, educate, implement and execute strategies which increase registrations and improve the overall voter turnout.

2. To study the post-election results and the statistical data gathered from the present and earlier elections 3. To survey the church and community for its reaction to the voting experience as well as the results of the last election.

4. To figure out percentage of members who took part in the voting process and evaluate the significance of those results.

5. Seek other methods, ideas or concerns which might produce action points or develop other goals and expectations for the church, its leaders and members as relates to voter engagement.

Prepared and submitted by Rev. Larry Fryer, Pastor -- Mulberry CME Church Augusta-Sparta District CME Church Commission on Social Justice and Human Needs Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. Presiding Prelate 6th Episcopal District CME Church

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The Christian Index • September 2022

CME Connectional Directory THE COLLEGE OF BISHOPS Senior Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick - 8th Episcopal District - 1616 E. Illinois Ave., Dallas TX 75216; 214-372-9073 (office); email: llreddick3@yahoo.com Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr. - 6th Episcopal District, 680 Beckwith Street SW, Atlanta GA 30314; 404-963-6652 (office); 404-963-6656 (fax); 6thDistrictCME@gmail.com Bishop Kenneth Wayne Carter - 4th Episcopal District - 5417 Robinson Road Extension, Jackson MS 39204; 769-251-0531 (office); 769-251-0758 (fax); 817-938-3747; KWCarter8@gmail.com Bishop James B. Walker - 7th Episcopal District, PO Box 1929, Hartford CT 06144; email: bishopjbwalker@thecmechurch.org OR seventhhq@thecmechurch.org 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 Marvin Frank Thomas - 1st Episcopal District, Suite 222, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis TN 38116; 901-345-4114 (office) and 901-345-4115 (fax) Bishop C. Kelby Heath - 5th Episcopal District CME Church, P.O. Box 13383, Birmingham AL 35202; 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 Denise Anders-Modest - 2nd Episcopal District, P. O. Box 36455, Cincinnati OH 45236; 513-827-6651(office); email: marvinthomas671@gmail.com Bishop Charley Hames - 9th Episcopal District, 3844 W. Slauson Ave., Suite 1, Los Angeles CA 90043; 323-294-3830; email: ninthhq@SBCglobal.net; Website:

ninthdistrictcme.org Bishop Ricky Helton - 10th Episcopal District, P.O. Box 4312, UYO, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria; email: godwin.umoette@yahoo.com; phone: 08024086495 Bishop Kwame Lawson Adjei - 11th Episcopal District, P. O. Box AN 7639, Accra, Ghana, West Africa; 011-233-244-630267; rev.adjei@hotmail.com.

Bishop Teresa Jefferson-Snorton - Ecumenical Representative and Development Officer Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Retired - 8145 Summerwood Circle, Olive Branch MS 38654-7060; email: bishoppstewart@aol.com; phone: 662-890-0021 Bishop Othal H. Lakey, Retired - 4441 Magnolia Path Pl., Buford GA 30518; 678-482-7066 (h) Bishop Marshall Gilmore, Retired - 683 Beacontree Court, Concord NC 28027; 704-786-3226 Bishop Henry M. Williamson, Sr., Retired Bishop C. James King, Retired THE GENERAL OFFICERS Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield - General Secretary, Department of Christian Education & Formation - Suite 300, 4466 Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis TN 38116-7100; 901-3454109 (office); 901-261-3289 (fax); basiz1@aol.com; also 1119 Linksview Lane West, Cordova TN 38018.

Dr. Roderick D. Lewis, Sr. - General Secretary, Department of Publications, 4237 Elvis Presley Blvd., PO Box 161212, Memphis TN 38286-1212; 901-396-5400; rdlsr@aol.com Dr. Ore L. Spragin, Jr. - Editor, The Christian Index, 1700 Whisperwood Street, Albany GA 31721; 901-515-6510; ChristianIndex@thecmechurch.org Dr. Victor Taylor - General Secretary & CFO, Dept. of Finance and Investments, 1101 Davis St. - Suite 5224, Evanston IL 60204; 847-274-0182 (main); 312-648-5232 (work); 240-3596272 (fax); finance@thecmechurch.org; https://www.hightail.com/u/cmefinance (securely upload confidential documents here) Rev. Dr. Leon C. Moore, Jr. - General Secretary of Evangelism and Missions, 2893 Hwy 178 West, Holly Springs MS 38635; 678-362-7549; cmegdem@gmail.com Ms. Jacqueline I. Scott - President, Women's Missionary Council, 7255 Richmond Road, Memphis, TN 38125; 901-737-7675; scottjacqueline210@yahoo.com Rev. Reginald G. Barnes - Gen. Sect. General Bd. of Personnel Services, P.O. Box 74 - Memphis TN 38101-0074; 901-345-4100; FAX 901-345-4107 Mr. Anthony J. Smoaks, Sr. - Gen. Sect., Ministry to Men Mr. Shannon L. Faulk - Gen. Sect. of Lay Ministries Dr. Theresa Duhart - Gen. Sect. of Communications & Information Technolgy; 1907 Willow Lane West, University Place WA 98466, cio@thecmechurch.org; 1-855-CME-1870 or 253-376-6361 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. Jeanette Bouknight - Executive Secretary, Emeritus, 11928 Steven Drive, Sterling Heights MI 48312; 313-433-7207; cmeexecutivesecretary3@yahoo.com.

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

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

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

OTHER CONNECTIONAL OFFICERS Dr. Pene' G. Woods - Executive Secretary, 517 Forest Hill Irene Rd. South, Cordova TN 38018-4829; Email: cmeexecutivesecretary4@gmail.com; 901-489-9253 Rev. James Smith - Coordinator, Chaplain Services; 493 Robin Song Ct., Blythewood SC 29016; 803-800-9788; SmithJEJR@aol.com Atty. Ouida Brown - General Counsel - P.O. Box 587, Tuscombia AL 35674; 256-383-9620; fax: 256-383-9933 Mrs. Claudette Nichols Branch - President, CME Historical Society; 1511 Brownwood Avenue, Memphis TN 38116-4403 Rev. Cassandry Keys - President of the Ministers' and Laymen's Council - P.O. Box 170703, Spartanburg SC 29301; 251-689-7969; email: cassandry@att.net Mrs. Felicia Johnson - President, Connectional Ministers' Spouses, Widows and Widowers Department Rev. Carole E. Richardson - President, Connectional Christian Educators’ Council - 822 Marietta Pl., N.W. - Washington, DC 20011; 202-291-8566 Ms. Barbara Christian Campbell - President, Connectional Lay Council - 4819 Eagles Ridge Loop, Lithonia GA 30038; or 2012 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta GA 30317; loviebarbara1@gmail.com; 404-587-8311 or 678-641-9745 Ms. Tiffanie Thompson - President, Connectional Young Adult Ministry; email: cyampresident@gmail.com Rev. Dr. Earl J. Griffin, Sr. - President, Presiding Elders’ Council; P.O. Box 612, Grambling LA 71245; 318-245-2743; email: earlgrffn2@gmail.com Ms. Jolinda Dugger - President, Connectional Stewardesses, 110 Montclair Dr., Jackson TN 38301; 731-736-0961 (h); 731-394-7504 (cell); email: Jmdugger810@aol.com TBA - 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. Dorruth Boyd - President of Connectional Ushers, 5135 Menefee Drive, Dallas TX 75227; 214-533-7553; email: dorruthboyd@att.net Rev. Jermaine Marshall, PhD - General Conference Secretary; 2239 Adam Clayton Powell Jr.Blvd., New York NY 10027; 904-422-1627; jermmar25@gmail.com Rev. Valencia Edner - Coordinator, Connectional Music and Arts Ministry - 17206 Atascocita Bend Dr., Humble TX 77396; 936-465-7284;Pastorvee522@yahoo.com HEADS OF CONNECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS Rev. Dr. William E. George - Administrator, Collins Chapel Health Center, 409 Ayers St., Memphis TN 38105; 901-683-7883; email: weg38@aol.com Dr. Paul Brown - President and Dean, Phillips School of Theology, Atlanta GA; 404-527-7768 Dr. Logan C. Hampton - President, Lane College, 545 Lane Ave., Jackson TN 38301; 731-426-7595 (office); 731-427-3987 (fax) Ms. Bobbie Knight - President, Miles College, P. O. Box 39800, Birmingham AL 35208; 205-929-1428; 205-929-1448; 205-929-1429; 205-929-1426 (fax) Dr. Dwight Fennell - President, Texas College, 2404 N. Grand Ave., Tyler TX 75702; 903-593-8311; 903-593-0588 (fax) Dr. Cheryl Evans Jones - Office of the President, Paine College, 1235 Fifteenth St., Augusta GA 30901-3182; 706-821-8230 (office); 706-821-8320 (Admissions)

September 2022 • The Christian Index

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