MAGAZINE Pastoral Installation Program/Magazine
November 20-22, 2015 • Edition 1
P.08
2015
Back A Look events at pastaped our that sh future.
P.25
MEETING OUR NEIGHBORS @THE WELL P.26
CMBC YOUTH WEEKEND A BLAST!!!
PASTOR G IS POISED TO LEAD BY SERVING OTHERS
CONTENT FORWARD
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A PASTOR POISED TO LEAD BY SERVING
12 UNITE FOR CHANGE.ORG
“I noticed Indy was two cities. It was the one I saw on television and the other I saw when I went to church,” Girton says.
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COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography
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JOE HOGSETT VISITS CMBC
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THE TORCH IS PASSED
17 INSTALLATION PREACHER
Bishop Joseph Walker, III is Senior Pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church and currently serves as the International Presiding Bishop in the Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship, International.
23 SUNDAY SERVICE
Christ Missionary Baptist Church welcomes back a native of Indianapolis and a product of our church to close out Pastoral Installation Weekend.
Our vision is to help build the Kingdom of God by meeting the needs of our members and reaching our community one soul at a time.
MEETING OUR NEIGHBORS @ THE WELL 04
LETTER FROM PASTOR JOHN E. GIRTON, JR.
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LETTER FROM DR. MELVIN B. GIRTON, SR.
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LETTER FROM U.S. SENATOR DAN COATS AND U.S. SENATOR JOE DONNELLY
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PASTOR G’s BIOGRAPHY
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FIRST LADY G’s BIOGRAPHY
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PASTOR GIRTON’S 30 DAY TENT CAMPAIGN
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BISHOP JOSEPH W. WALKER, III BIOGRAPHY
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PASTORAL INSTALLATION PROGRAM
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REV. BRENDA GIRTON-MITCHELL BIOGRAPHY
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2015-IN-REVIEW A LEGEND PASSES THE TORCH JOE HOGSETT VISITS CMBC
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MEETING NEIGHBORS AT THE WELL
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CMBC YOUTH WEEKEND TO REMEMBER
Back Cover
SPECIAL THANKS
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CMBC YOUTH WEEKEND A BLAST! COVER PHOTO CREDIT: Andrea Smith, Studio 57 Photography
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CAMPAIGN BRINGS CITY TOGETHER SERVICE of Installation Program/Magazine
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Thank You
Thank You from Pastor G & Lady G God deposited a vision on the inside of me that was undeniable, yet seemingly unachievable. I recognized that this vision needed God-ordained “pro” vision to come to pass. Upon arriving back in Indy I sensed that the vision God placed in my spirit was needed to provide focus, direction and empowerment in the same way that a laser generates a penetrating beam of light. A vision clarifies, aligns and facilitates. It also sets goals, guides decisions, and unites diverse people and their gifts and talents. It brings out the best in people by offering them a context and a purpose for their offerings of time, talent and
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he Psalmist declares, “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart. I will tell of all thy wonderful
deeds.” (Psalm 9:1) It is with that same wholeheartedness that my family and I thank the Lord, our family, the Christ Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. & Mrs. Melvin B. Girton, Sr. (Uncle Melvin and Aunt Laura), the Indianapolis community, ministers of the Gospel, pastors from around the country, people of God and the countless others who prayed and supported us toward our place in history. Additionally, I’d like to thank each of you for joining us on this momentous Pastoral Installation Weekend. I truly believe that God is moving in an exceptional and extraordinary way throughout the city of Indianapolis
treasure. I believe that it’s time for our faith community to move FORWARD by being in service to others with confident vision to meet the challenges we face all around us. World and community events have taken a toll on courage and trust within our ranks. God is calling us out of our buildings and caves (1 Kings 19:11) to realize the battles we face are won through sacrifice, selflessness, rejecting pride and ego to focus on Him alone. Moving FORWARD isn’t easy. We’ve lost soldiers in the midst of the battles we faced. But we move on in faith, one step at a time because, “without faith, it would be impossible to please God” (Hebrews 11:6).
and most importantly in the life of the historic Christ
It’s time to move FORWARD boldly and with God I truly
Missionary Baptist Church. Your presence and participa-
believe that all things are possible.
tion is an indication that together, we recognize our role in this move of God. Our Journey began in August 2010 when we started praying about returning our family to our home city of Indianapolis. We besought heaven for a way to return and make the kind of impact that represented the weighty calling on our lives to serve God’s people.
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JOHN E. GIRTON, JR. (PASTOR G)
Senior Pastor
Letters
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Letters
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W E CO N N ECT TO T H E CO M M U N I T Y A N D T H E WO R L D . ECT TO W E WE CO NCONN N ECT TO The IUPUI Office ofY Community Engagement isn’t just CO MMUN IT T H ETHE COMMU NI T Y good works. It’s about contributing to the health and v communities through: WO RLD. ANDAN T HDE THE WOR LD.
• The Center for Service and Le
Family, School and Neighborh The IUPUI Office of Community isn’t just about doing The IUPUI Office ofEngagement Community Engagement isn’t just• about doing Engagement good works. It’s about contributing to the health and vibrancy of good works. It’s about contributing to the health and vibrancy of communities through: • Professional Development an
communities through:
• The Center for Service and Learning
Corporate Education
• The Center for Service and Learning • Family, School and Neighborhood Want to know more? Engagement• Family, School and Neighborhood Connect with us at engage.i • Professional Development and Engagement Corporate Education
• Professional Development and Want to knowCorporate more? Education Connect with us at engage.iupui.edu.
IUPUI
Want to know more? SERVICE of Installation Program/Magazine Connect with us at engage.iupui.edu.
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Biography
Pastor Girton John E. Girton, Jr. is poised to lead by serving others A
native of Indianapolis, John
lead God-fearing, productive and
Edwin Girton, Jr. has a passion
responsible lives. He has instructed
for strengthening his community.
students in various areas of
His style of preaching, teaching and
journalism, multimedia, marketing
leadership is changing the way his
and communications at Tennessee
community views the Christian’s
State University, ITT Technical
responsibility to “Love thy neighbor.”
Institute and The Freedom Forum on
Born in 1969 to the Reverend John
the Campus of Vanderbilt University
and Mrs. Ann Girton, Pastor G, as
in Nashville, Tennessee.
he is fondly known, accepted his calling to preach the Gospel in 1992. Ordained at the Temple Church in Nashville, Tennessee in 2004, he has served in churches throughout the United States. He received his B.S. degree from Ball State University in Communications and will complete the Master of Urban Ministry Studies degree from Martin University this spring. A former Journalism and Telecommunications instructor at Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana, Pastor G uses his creative gifts and visionary talents to empower others to 8
As a serial entrepreneur, Pastor G owns the Mass Media Group, Inc., a creative consulting firm in Indianapolis and travels extensively speaking and training non-profit and non-governmental businesses, faith and community leaders on disruptive leadership development and urban entrepreneurship. The founder of the emerging UniteForChange.org movement, Pastor G has galvanized the city of Indianapolis with his 30-day Tent Campaign raising awareness of the victims of senseless violence in his home city. He is challenged to bring faith, political, business and philanthropic leaders together to unite for positive change in the city. Learn more about Pastor G, his community activities and the UFC campaign at “www.uniteforchange. org” or visit the Christ Missionary Baptist Church at “www.facebook. com/cmbc.org”. For speaking engagements visit “www. johngirtonspeaks.com”.
CONGRATULATIONS
PASTOR JOHN E. GIRTON, JR &
LADY LAWANDA LAMBERT GIRTON The Christ Missionary Baptist Church Family is truly blessed to have you!! We love you and pray for God’s continued blessings over your family, your church & your ministry!! Love & Blessings, Pastor Richard & Lady Tonya Reynolds & The New Revelation Christian Church 6701 Oaklandon Road, Indianapolis, IN 46236 www.newrevelationcc.com
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First Lady Girton
LaWanda Lambert Girton
L
aWanda Lambert Girton is a native
addressing health disparities of the
of Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is the
minority population for the Indiana
daughter of Mr. Samuel and Dr. Ruth L. Lambert. Saved in 1984, the Lord spoke to La Wanda’s heart while attending the Canaan Missionary Baptist Church in Elkhart, Indiana. She grew in her relationship with the Lord and began to operate in her spiritual gifts at the Robinson Community A.M.E. Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. God has blessed her with her primary gift of helps. He gave her a passion and Agape love for the unfortunate, especially youth and senior citizens.
Minority Health Coalition. LaWanda attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and received a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in communications, with a concentration in Sales and Management. She also was awarded a Masters of Social Work degree from Colorado State University with an emphasis on community social work. In 1987 she met John E. Girton Jr. her college sweetheart and in 1995 they married. Their covenant union pro-
Presently, First Lady G serves as a
duced 3 children; Faith age 16, Edwin
manager at Girl Scouts of Central
age 13 and Elijah age 8. La Wanda
Indiana. She takes her role seriously
without a doubt knows that she is
and builds girls of courage, confidence,
blessed and lives each day to the full-
and character who make the world a
est no matter what comes her way. She
When asked how she is doing you will
better place. She formerly served as
stands on the scripture, “And the LORD
hear her say with confidence “I am
the minority health field consultant
answered me, and said, Write the
living a good life.”
“
vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” Habakkuk 2:2 (KJV)
The Girton family works off of the premise that one should “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (Luke 6:38 (NIV)
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Cover Story
Pastor Girton’s 30-Day Tent Campaign Pastor G sleeps on corner to highlight community ills, violence
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JESSICA R. KEY @QueenCuriosity3 | Posted: Friday, Sept. 18, 2015
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rive by the corner of 30th and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. streets and you will see various tents hoisted in a small grassy area. It may appear that John Girton Jr. is homeless, but if you look closely, you will see he is squatting on the corner for a purpose. “It’s not one particular thing. It’s a culmination of signs and symptoms of hopelessness that I’ve seen over the past few years. It’s pushed me to the brink,” said Girton, who is senior pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. The Indianapolis native and his wife left the Circle City 20 years ago and lived in various cities. He said when he’d read news reports about Indianapolis, stories reflected growth, economic development and prosperity in his hometown. Five years ago, he moved his family back to Indianapolis and discovered what he read wasn’t entirely true. “I noticed Indy was two cities. It was the one I saw on television and the other I saw when I went to church,” Girton said. He realized the “other side” was countless vacant homes, high homicide numbers and unemployment, among other ills. Most importantly, he saw a community that is invisible. “There are people who don’t go past the Indianapolis Museum of Art — they don’t go past Crown Hill (cemetery). They don’t come over here,” said Girton. “They’ve trained themselves to close their eyes. These communiSERVICE of Installation Program/Magazine
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“Pastor Girton is a friend and a mentor to me. He believes in what he does, and God is in his heart,” said Samuel Carson, Indianapolis resident and recent mayoral candidate
ties represent the part of our society that nobody wants to deal with.” Girton felt compelled to help his community and thought of a simple way to begin change — camp out on 30th and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. streets. Not only is that plot of land a couple blocks away from Christ Missionary Baptist Church, but also the plaza on that corner is currently owned by Girton’s congregation. He calls his campaign Unite For Change. On Sept. 4, Girton began camping out and plans to stay on the corner for 30 days. During that time, he has goals he wants to accomplish: raise awareness of the senseless violence happening in the community and highlight the families left behind who have to live without a loved one lost to violence.
“
He knows “the invisible” have goals and dreams and wants the community at large to know they exist. Girton tells the story of a boy he caught looking in car windows for what he could steal one Sunday morning. They boy told him he was looking for money to buy clothes. Girton invited him into the church and connected the boy with a church member who worked for K&G Fashion Superstore. The boy never showed up to his appointment at the clothing store.
“I noticed Indy was two cities. It was the one I saw on television and the other I saw when I went to church,” Girton said.
“I did a funeral for a 30-year-old who was shot three times in a car. He’s not a problem anymore — he’s dead. My problem is this 8-year-old and 11-year-old sitting here crying because daddy is gone,” 14
said Girton. “I’m dealing with five traumatized children who have to grow up without a mother, and the perpetrator is still in the streets. We have to say enough is enough.”
“He didn’t trust me, and I understand that. He’s been let down so much in life, he didn’t think I was for real,” said Girton.
A few days later, he saw the boy again and asked him what he wanted to be. The 15-year-old said an architect. Girton told him he went to Ball State University for architecture and assured him he could help him reach his goal.
“There’s people like this young man all over the community. A 17-year-old I met wants to be a nurse. A 16-year-old wants to be an electrician. They have dreams. They’re just in a community where they’re stuck and branded,” said Girton. Another goal is to collect signatures and encourage the community to come together as one, despite differences, to tackle the root cause of violence and strengthen the community moral compass. Girton knows the issue is widespread and covers many areas, but he also knows that even one small step can make a difference. Diana Daniels came by Girton’s tent and said she wanted to sign her name on the list to show a sign of love and support. “Pastor Girton is a friend and a mentor to me. He believes in what he does, and God is in his heart,” said Samuel Carson, Indianapolis resident and current mayoral candidate who came by the tent to sign his name on Girton’s support form. Girton said he also wants to use the “Enough Is Enough” campaign to draw awareness to the blight that exists in the plaza and encourage the community to help his congregation keep the property. Girton is prayerful his efforts will catch the attention of policy makers and decision makers. He encourages the community to continue coming by the tent. He also asks local pastors to come by to show their support. Once his campaign is over, Girton will collect the signatures and stockpile the stories he’s heard from community members. He then wants to take that information to legislators. “In the meantime, we have to get tired of being sick and tired,” said Girton. “We have to do something. Find a role and do it. If you have a food pantry, keep giving food. If you own a business, train young people to be good employees. If you’ve got prayer walks, go into more communities. Adopt your block and work with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful. Take up an offering for this corner, so it won’t turn into another check cashing place. Do something. A spark can become a flame.” For more information, visit UniteForChange.org and on social media, use hashtag #EnoughIsEnough.
THE IMPACT OF A TENT... TEXT SENT TO PASTOR G Hi, my name is Dan and the other night I was watching the news and you came on while staying in a tent in a dangerous neighborhood ( I think thats really cool I bet it feels really good to give back to the community) You said something about family members friends and the grief that they go through when someone they love dies. That was a huge eye opener for me because for the last several months and pretty consistently for the last two weeks I’ve been thinking about suicide. I’ve reached out to a couple people and hadn’t felt any better they talked to me that day but haven’t heard from them since and then I hear you say that and I kinda saw the big picture. I’m in no way better but at that moment it was very calming. I keep reading about suicide and most things say just take a little time to think before doing something so permanent and I think hearing you say those things bought me time and right now I feel thankful for that. I guess I just wanted to thank you. I’m not sure what to say or tell you but it seemed pretty powerful to me and I felt like I should share it with you. Thank you. Dan R.
© 2015 Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. SERVICE of Installation Program/Magazine
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Preacher
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III
Pastor, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee Bishop Joseph Warren Walker, III,
Both agree that their most joyous
will revolutionize your relationship
pastor of Mt. Zion Baptist Church of
accomplishment to date has been
with God. With theological wisdom,
Nashville, Tennessee. He was born
the birth of their daughter, Jovanni
insight and a pastor’s heart, he
in Shreveport, Louisiana to Deacon
Willow Walker, who was born in May
shares how to return to God and
Joseph and Rosa Walker.
of 2012.
find a new beginning through faith
Bishop Walker received a Bache-
Bishop Walker currently serves as
lor of Arts degree from Southern
the International Presiding Bishop
Bishop Walker sits on noteworthy
University in Baton Rouge, Louisi-
in the Full Gospel Baptist Church
boards, including the Board of the
ana; a Master of Divinity degree
Fellowship, International. In July
American Red Cross and Citizens
2013, he was chosen to succeed
Bank. He was recognized in the
International Presiding Bishop Paul
March 2010 Nashville Post Maga-
S. Morton, Sr. in 2015.
zine as one of Nashville’s most well
from Vanderbilt University and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Princeton Theological Seminary. He holds two honorary Doctorates from Meharry Medical College and Southern University respectively. He is also a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and the Kappa Kappa Psi Band Fraternity. He is married to the former Dr. Stephaine Hale, who is an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Vanderbilt University.
In 1992, at the age of 24, Bishop Walker began his pastorate at Mt. Zion with 175 members. Presently, the ministry has grown to over 30,000 and continues to grow at a phenomenal rate of over 2,000 souls per year. Under his leadership, Mt. Zion’s ministry has expanded beyond its original
in Him.
educated and influential ministerial leaders. In early 2013, The Root. com named Bishop Walker as one of the 20 Top Black Preachers in the country, and most recently, EBONY recognized him on its “Power 100” list as one of the nation’s most influential African-American leaders.
location on Historic Jefferson Street
Bishop Walker is a regular guest on
to seven weekly services in three
the Rickey Smiley Radio Show as
physical locations, as well as the
well as a host of other nationally
Word Network that reaches over 88
syndicated radio shows that reach
million viewers world wide.
millions across the United States.
A prolific writer, “Bishop,” as he is fondly called, is the author of nine
He also has been a guest on CNN and on CBS Morning News.
books. He and his wife co-author
Throughout his life and ministry,
book number eight, Becoming A
Bishop Walker has demonstrated a
Couple of Destiny. His latest book,
caliber of leadership well beyond
RESET: Make A New Start, Walker
his years. Recognized as a man
explains how the eight “R’s” (Reset,
from humble beginnings, he is a
Return, Review and Recalculate,
teacher, humanitarian, philanthro-
Reclaim, Redirect, Reinvigorate and
pist, businessman, community vol-
Revive, Reinvest, and Reinvent)
unteer, husband, father and pastor.
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Program CHRIST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
INSTALLATION PROGRAM Pastor John E. Girton, Jr. & First Lady LaWanda Lambert Girton
Praise and Worship
Kendall Wyatt & HisStory Movement
Processional
Deacons, Trustees, Ministers, Administrative Staff Ministry Leaders, Pastor Emeritus Program Participants, Pastor G and Family
Presider/Officiant
Pastor Michael Jones, Progressive Baptist Church
Opening Hymn Praise Dancers
Christ Missionary Baptist Church Fruit of the Spirit
Reading of Scriptures
Rev. Frank Alexander, Oasis of Hope Church - Old Testament Dr. Preston Adams, Amazing Grace Church - New Testament
Invocation
Pastor Oliver DeWayne Walker
Ministry of Music Presentation of the Occasion
Pastor Tony McGee, Zion Hope Baptist Church
Community Greetings Part 1
Disciples of Christ (Dr. David A. Hampton) African Methodist Episcopal Church (Elder E. Anne Henning Byfield) COGIC (Pastor Johnson Beaven, III) American Baptist Convention (Pastor Frank Alexander)
Ministry of Music Community Greetings Part 2
Full Gospel Baptist Church, Fellowship (Bishop Fred Jackson) United Methodist Church (Dr. Marion Miller) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention (Pastor Phillip James) State Representative Vanessa Summers City County Councilor Vop Osili City County Councilor Joe Simpson Community Groups and Associations
Ministry of Music Offertory Period Dr. J. C. Wade, Jr.
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Introduction of the Preacher
Pastor Jeffrey Johnson, Eastern Star Church
Ministry of Music The Preached Word
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Nashville, Tennessee
Service of Installation Recommendation of the Search Committee Christ Missionary Baptist Church Deacons & Trustees
The Charge to the Congregation Dr. Melvin Girton, Sr., Pastor Emeritus Christ Missionary Baptist Church
The New Testament word for church (ekklesia) means “to call out.” Thus, the Church is a community of “called out” persons. The good news of God’s great gospel has called us from the shadow of sin to the marvelous light of salvation. In gratitude for our emancipation, we gladly serve as tangible testimonies of God’s invincible love and infinite grace.
will your heart be also. Use your God-given skills for the congregation’s ministries and initiatives. Attend the services and meeting whenever possible. Most importantly, pray without ceasing for your church and pastor and live in expectancy of the Lord’s return.
Therefore, members of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, on this 20th day of November in the Year of our Lord 2015, I offer the following charge to you:
I charge you to regularly demonstrate love, care and compassion for the total well-being of your pastor and his family. To honor the pastor’s family is to honor the pastor.
If you concur, when appropriate, please respond, “We accept.” I charge you to be a spiritual community of love. You should also be a community where care and compassion abound. The ministry of care and compassion is not simply the job description of the pastor. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to eagerly accept the leadership of the pastor. Great leadership is dependent upon willing and consistent “followship.” Trust that your pastor is a person of prayer who desires to lead the congregation according to the perfect will of God. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to respect and work with individuals in positions of authority, including lay leaders and members of the church staff. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to be committed to Christian Education. Also, support the work of the church through the faithful stewardship of your time, talent and treasure thereby extending the reach of the church’s four-fold mission. Put your love of God and the church into action by your generosity. Jesus said that where your treasure is there
If you concur, please say, “We accept.”
If you concur, please say, “We accept.” I charge you to strive diligently for unity and peace (Ephesians 4:3). This church should have a peaceful aroma in it. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” Finally, I charge you to joyously embrace change and never major in minor things. God has united you with your pastor for the purposes of transforming this congregation, community, and even the world. Thus, do not waste God’s time in trivial pursuits. Worry less about the church By-Laws and focus more on the Bible. Worry less about a renovation project and focus more on building up torn-down lives. Worry less about the budget and focus more on God who can supply all your needs. Dream big dreams for God and wait expectantly as God transforms dreams into reality. Always remember that our God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we can ask or think. If you concur, please say, “We accept.” Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:5-6.
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Charge to the family
Elder E. Anne Henning Byfield
The Charge to a Pastor-Elect Dr. Charles Emery
Prayer of Installation
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III
Presentation of Installed Pastor Pastor Girton and family
Benediction
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III
God has blessed you
CHRIST Missionary Baptist Church With a pastor after His own heart in the person of
JOHN E. GIRTON JR.
Pastor and First Lady Girton may you experience the success promised in Joshua 1: 5-8 Pastor Alexander and the Oasis of Hope Baptist Church Frank Alexander Senior Pastor Oasis of Hope Baptist Church Office: 317-925-6970
On behalf of my wife Evangelist Jameel James, the Officers, and members of the Mount Zion Baptist Church family, I extend congratulations to Christ Missionary Baptist Church as you have heard the voice of God and received His gift to you in the Rev. John E. Girton, Jr. as your Pastor. Congratulations to you Pastor Girton and family for saying yes to the call. As you begin this new chapter in your faith story, the hand of God continue to guide the journey and the Holy Spirit empower your witness as pastor and people together do ministry that makes a difference.
Dr. Philip Karl James, Pastor The Historic Mount Zion Baptist Church 3500 N. Graceland Avenue Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 Celebrating 146 Years, Doing Ministry that Makes A Difference Redefining Forward www.mzbchurch.org
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The pastor, members and friends of Progressive Baptist Church love and support the ministry of Christ Missionary Baptist Church. We are proud to stand up and celebrate the selection and installation of
Pastor John Girton
as the Senior Pastor of Christ Missionary Baptist Church.
4625 W. 59th Street Indianapolis, IN 46254 Tel: 317-347-9261 Email: info@pmbchurch.com
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Traveling Holliday
Dr. LeRoy Wadlington, Pastor 1060 W. 30th Street | Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 | 317-925-4563 www.pilgrimmbc.org
Congratulations
Pastor & Mrs. John E. Girton, Jr. as you begin your assignment at Christ Missionary Baptist Church
May God Richly Bless and Keep You! Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 22
Sunday Preacher
Reverend Brenda Girton-Mitchell Minister of Stewardship, Metropolitan Baptist Church, Washington, DC
R
everend Brenda
Department of Education. She provides leadership
Girton-Mitchell
to help meet the goal of engaging community-based
received a Bachelor
organizations, both faith-based and secular in building
of Science degree in
a culture of high expectations and support for educa-
elementary education
tion.
from Ball State University and a Master degree from Indiana/ Purdue University in Indianapolis. She graduated with honors from Chicago Kent College of Law. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, DC.
Rev. Girton-Mitchell has received numerous awards including the 2007 National Council of Negro Women Bethune Recognition Award for Outstanding Woman in Ministry, the National Bar Association Presidential Award, and the 2008 Society of John Wesley Award of Merit, the highest award granted by Wesley Theological Seminary. In April 2008 Rev. Girton-Mitchell was inducted into the Martin Luther King, Jr. College of Preachers at Morehouse College. In January 2012 she received the MLK Drum Major for Service Award from the US Department of Education. Rev. Girton-Mitchell was licensed and ordained by
Rev. Girton-Mitchell served the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA as Associate General Secretary for Justice and Advocacy from 2000-2007. She gave leadership to the NCC Washington Office and was responsible for coordinating social justice and advocacy initiatives on Capitol Hill.
the Metropolitan Baptist Church where she currently serves as Minister for Stewardship and Missions, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. H. Beecher Hicks, Jr. She is married to her husband and business partner Mr. James A. Mitchell. Through her consulting group Girton-Mitchell Associates, and her ministry Grace and Race Ministries, Inc, Rev. Girton-Mitchell continues to
In 2010 Rev. Girton-Mitchell was appointed by Pres-
dedicate her life to leadership development, advocacy,
ident Obama as the Director of the Center for Faith-
and the promotion of racial understanding and recon-
based and Neighborhood Partnerships for the U.S.
ciliation in the Church.
Installation Weekend Events
Friday, November 20, 2015 • 6 pm Service of Pastoral Installation at St. Luke Baptist Church, 5325 E. 30th Street Saturday, November 21, 2015 • 11 am Ladies Luncheon with First Lady G at The Jewel Center, 3333 N. Illinois Street Sunday, November 22, 2015 • 11 am
Installation Weekend Worship at CMBC
Sunday, November 22, 2015 • 5 pm
Pastor’s Choir 40th Year Reunion Concert at CMBC SERVICE of Installation Program/Magazine
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2015-IN-REVIEW CHRIST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH A Legend Passes the Torch of Pastorship on July 31, 2015 The Rev. Dr. Melvin B. Girton, Sr., after 51 years of pastoring the congregation of Christ Missionary Baptist Church, retires. He announced the new shepherd, Rev. John E. Girton, Jr. Dr. Melvin B. Girton, Sr. reminded the Christ Missionary Family, “God is in me, God is with me, God works through me, God is for me, and where God is there can be no failures.” Through him we recall our church motto, “I Know My Redeemer Lives.”
Mayor-Elect Joe Hogsett Visits CMBC During the Indianapolis Mayoral campaign, Joseph Hogsett came to Christ Missionary to share his thoughts of how he wanted to shape Indianapolis if elected. However, during the weeks before the election Mayor-Elect Joe Hogsett had several meetings with Pastor G to sharing their vision in terms of stopping the violence in the community. Mayor – Elect visited the tent several times and attended morning worship when it was held at the tent.
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MEETING OUR NEIGHBORS
WRITTEN BY: Lindia Williams, CMBC Staff Writer IMAGES: Ian James, CMBC Photographer
@THE WELL As a result of Mr. Archie Wells compassion for the 800 block of Eugene, Christ Missionary has adopted the 800 – 1000 Block of Eugene and Radar between 29th and 30th Streets.
D
riving toward church one Sunday morning Pastor G was struck by the horrible state of the neigh-
borhood, since the passing of Mr. Archie Wells the neighborhood was not well kept. So, Pastor G comes to church picks up a garbage bag, gloves and begins to pick up trash. Archie Wells took pride in the neighborhood and so should Christ Missionary. As a result of Mr. Archie Wells compassion for the 800 block of Eugene, Christ Missionary has adopted the 800 – 1000 Block of Eugene and Radar between 29th and 30th Streets. In partnership with Keeping Indy Beautiful, Christ Missionary schedules regular clean-up events for the adopted blocks. During the 30-Day project at the tent, volunteers walked Dr. Martin L. King from 30th – 25th Streets picking up trash. Because of the frequency of seeing parishioners walk the neighborhoods picking-up trash, the residents are becoming engaged in keeping the streets and especially their yards free of trash. The spirit of the “The Well” is growing in our neighborhoods.
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Youth Weekend 2015
CMBC Youth Weekend to Remember Christ Missionary Baptist Church Youth Department sponsored a Youth Block Festival on July 11, 2015. It was a wonderful weekend! We had over 200 in attendance. At Sunday morning worship, over 130 in attendance with one being baptized and one reunited with the church family. To God Be The Glory!!
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CMBC YOUTH
BLOCK PARTY!
CMBC YOUTH
SUNDAY!
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SPECIAL THANKS Union District Baptist Association, Inc.
Min. Melody Boone
Rev. Curtis L. Vance & St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church Family
Mrs. Lindia Williams
Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III Min. Ann Stallworth Christ Missionary Baptist Church Fruit of the Spirit Dance Ministry Mr. Jerry Porter and the Christ Missionary Pastor’s Choir
Mrs. Linda Adeniyi Mrs. Sherry Jackson Ms. Tonya Wright Mrs. Cynthia Bates and the Jewel Event Center Staff Dean Toni Wheatley
Mr. Kendall Wyatt & HisStory Movement
Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
First Lady Shirley Alexander
Marion County Sheriff’s Department All Program Participants Mr. Benjamin Hunter Min. Nadine Walker Mr. Ian James Rev. Marilyn Jenkins
Ms. Jackie Cooper Christian Theological Seminary I.U.P.U.I. Fred Douglas - EPI Printing Front Runner Productions Mr. Eric Jackson
Min. Melissa Lewis
Christ Missionary Baptist Church
1001 Eugene Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208 (317) 925-4132 phone • (866) 792-8187 fax http://www.facebook.com/cmbc.org • Email: cmbc1001@yahoo.com