The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine by Matthew Gore

NUMBER 10 / VOLUME 190

$6.95 THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE OCTOBER 2018

In Essentials Unity; In Non-Essentials Liberty

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2017

EDITOR: M at thew H. Gore ART DIREC TOR: Sowgand Sheikholeslami C I RC U L AT I O N : M at thew H. Gore

STEWARDSHIP SAVING, SHARING, TEACHING, SAVING

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C O M M U N I C AT I O N S M I N I S T R Y T E A M CMT LE ADER: R e v. S t e v e n S h e l t o n

OCTOBER 2018 Volume 190

Number 10

COLUMNS

C M T P U BL I C AT I O N S M A N A G E R : M at thew H. Gore C M T M E M BE R S Frederika Silvey Johns Dust y Luthy Nathaniel Mat thews A D M I N I S T R AT I V E A G E N C Y : The Ministr y Council of the Cumberland Presby terian Church S U B S C R I P T I O N PAY M E N T S A N D I N Q U I R I E S : C i r c u l a t i o n , C u m b e r l a n d P r e s b y t e r i a n M a g a z i n e , 8 2 07 Tr a d i t i o n a l P l a c e , C o r d o v a , Te n n e s s e e , 3 8 016 . ( 9 01 ) 2 76 4 5 7 2 e x t . 2 21. c i r c u l a t i o n @ c u m b e r l a n d .o r g . O n l i n e : w w w. c p m a g .o r g . POLIC Y: The Cumberland Presby terian is a medium for the communication of the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ. Sign e d e dito rials ref l e c t t h e o pinio ns o f t h e w rit e r a n d n o t n e c e s s a r i l y t h o s e o f t h e a d m i n i s t r a t i v e a g e n c y, t h e M i n i s t r y C o u n c i l , o r t h e G e n e r a l A s s e m b l y. W e w e l c o m e feedback from our readers through let ters to the editor or as articles submit ted in accordance with the submissions p o l i c y.

Immersion in Mexico

Eastertide



MAY 2017

Young Adults Meet In Retreat

Vol. 189 Number 05

––  ––

... T HE CUMBERL AND PRESBY T ERIAN MAGA ZINE ...

WOMEN’S IMMERSION IN MEXICO

SUBMISSION POLIC Y: S u b m i s s i o n s a r e w e l c o m e d , h o w e v e r, w e r e s e r v e t h e right to accept or reject any material submit ted for any re ason. Anonymous submis sions will not b e accepte d. All material submit ted becomes the intellectual proper t y o f C o m m u n i c a t i o n s M i n i s t r y Te a m t o u s e a s t h e y s e e f i t . Contributors will generally not be compensated and never unless arrangements for compensation have been made in a dvance. A ll sub mis sio ns will b e e dite d. Co nta c t M at t hew H . G o r e a t 8 2 07 Tr a d i t i o n a l P l a c e , C o r d o v a , Te n n e s s e e , 3 8 016 . ( 9 01 ) 2 76 - 4 5 7 2 e x t . 2 21. m h g @ c u m b e r l a n d .o r g . T H E C U M BE R L A N D P R E S BY T E R I A N ( I S S N 0 011-2 976 ) i s p u b l i s h e d b y t h e C o m m u n i c a t i o n s M i n i s t r y Te a m o f t h e M i n i s t r y C o u n c i l o f t h e C u m b e r l a n d Presby terian Church in trust for the General Assembly of t h e Cumb e r l an d Pre s b y t e rian Churc h, o f fic e o f p ub lic a t io n 8 2 07 Tr a d i t i o n a l P l a c e , C o r d o v a , Te n n e s s e e , 3 8 016 . P e r i o d i c a l p o s t a g e p a i d a t M e m p h i s , Te n n e s s e e ( U S P S P E14 376 ) . P u b l i s h e d m o n t h l y e x c e p t f o r N o v e m b e r/ D e c e m b e r w h i c h a r e a c o m b i n e d i s s u e . C o p y r i g h t © 2 018 b y t h e M i n i s t r y C o u n c i l . A l l r i g h t s r e s e r v e d . P r i c e $ 6 .9 5 p e r c o p y. S u b s c r i p t i o n r a t e $ 2 5 f o r 11 i s s u e s ( o n e y e a r ) . Printe d in the Unite d States of America. The Cumb erland Presby terian is the publication of record for the judicatories of the Cumb erland Presby terian D enomination. POSTMASTER: S e n d a d dre s s c h an g e s t o : Circu l a t io n, Cumb e r l an d P r e s b y t e r i a n M a g a z i n e , 8 2 07 Tr a d i t i o n a l P l a c e , C o r d o v a , Te n n e s s e e , 3 8 016 .

Editorial

From the Moderator

05-06

This Side of the Confession

09-10

DMT

14 -15

Music You Need to Hear

18 -20

Judicatory Notes & Church News

FEATURES 04

Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies

07-08

Mission Experience

11-13

Our Stories: Dale Alexander

CPCH Announces New President

Unification News

Pastor Appreciation Month

Cover: The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine 190th Anniversary: Church Paper Month OCTOBER 2018 . 1

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE

THE CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN MAGAZINE SEPTEMBER 2017

EDITOR: M at thew H. Gore ART DIREC TOR: Sowgand Sheikholeslami C I RC U L AT I O N : M at thew H. Gore

STEWARDSHIP SAVING, SHARING, TEACHING, SAVING

page11

8/25/17 11:23 AM

CPMAG SEP 2017.indd 1

C O M M U N I C AT I O N S M I N I S T R Y T E A M CMT LE ADER: R e v. S t e v e n S h e l t o n

OCTOBER 2018 Volume 190

Number 10

COLUMNS

Immersion in Mexico

Eastertide



MAY 2017

Young Adults Meet In Retreat

Vol. 189 Number 05

––  ––

... T HE CUMBERL AND PRESBY T ERIAN MAGA ZINE ...

WOMEN’S IMMERSION IN MEXICO

Editorial

From the Moderator

05-06

This Side of the Confession

09-10

DMT

14 -15

Music You Need to Hear

18 -20

Judicatory Notes & Church News

FEATURES 04

Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies

07-08

Mission Experience

11-13

Our Stories: Dale Alexander

CPCH Announces New President

Unification News

Pastor Appreciation Month

Cover: The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine 190th Anniversary: Church Paper Month OCTOBER 2018 . 1

Lectionary Readings

Editorial

October 2018

7 October

. . . AND IN ALL THINGS CHARITY If you haven t heard it, it s news! By Matthew H. Gore

October celebrates a lot of things. October is Pastor/Clergy Appreciation Month, Computer Learning Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, National Stamp Collecting Month, Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, Cyber Security Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, International Month of the Drum, National Diabetes Awareness Month, and, in Tennessee, it’s Archives Month. In food alone October is Apple Jack Month, Cookie Month, Eat Country Ham Month, National Pizza Month, National Popcorn Popping Month, Seafood Month, and National Vegetarian Month. I’m sure there are many other topics I’ve overlooked that various organizations have declared to be this month or that. I’m struggling to fathom how Country Ham and Vegetarian Month could possibly occupy the same space on the calendar. Maybe, just maybe, this “monthing” of topics both important and trivial has gotten out of hand. For Cumberland Presbyterians, October is traditionally Church Paper Month. The very expression “Church Paper Month” harkens back to the day when The Cumberland Presbyterian was a full broadsheet weekly newspaper delivering church and national news to thousands of households across the denomination. Church Paper Month also dates to a time before every cause had a month. I’m excited that my first issue as editor of The Cumberland Presbyterian is October, Church Paper Month! This issue sees the return of more extensive coverage of our judicatories. If your presbytery has a reporter or historian, please urge them to contact me. This month we also turn our reviewers loose on Cumberland Presbyterian materials. If you know someone whose talent might be in writing record, book, or movie reviews, again, please contact me. Finally, this issue we commence a series of “Our Stories” focused on Cumberland Presbyterians noteworthy for accomplishments outside of traditional ministry. I feel safe in stating that for as long as anyone who is reading this can remember, The Cumberland Presbyterian has been a magazine. Some readers may remember the day when we published twice monthly but, I expect, not many. I believe strongly in the idea of a “call,” not just to ordained ministry but also to a particular occupation for any person. I discovered journalism when I was around fourteen and I knew immediately that it was what I was supposed to do. That was it, life choice made.

2 . OCTOBER 2018

I worked on the school papers for every institution I attended: The Spartan Scroll, The Bagpiper, and several others. Junior and senior year in Glasgow, Kentucky, I was editor of The Bagpiper. Before I left high school I wrote for the Glasgow Daily Times and, after beginning college on a journalism scholarship at Western Kentucky University, for Bowling Green’s paper, the Park City Daily News. While completing my journalism degree I was distracted by the history department and ended up with a history degree as well. Since college, I have written on many history and popular culture topics while working for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, first for the Board of Christian Education and then for the Discipleship Ministry Team. I have often joked that, other than the job I had, the position I’d most like to have at the Cumberland Presbyterian Center was that of Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine editor. So, now, after 25 years working for the denomination, I have the honor of editing the magazine. I have a profound respect for both newspaper journalism and the long heritage and tradition of The Cumberland Presbyterian. In 1830, Rev. David Lowry and Franceway Cossitt commenced publication of the Religious and Literary Intelligencer at Princeton, Kentucky. Although this paper was not sanctioned by the denomination, it was published by Cossitt who was the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, the president of Cumberland College, and a figure of monumental influence in the church.

The General Assembly soon endorsed Cossitt’s paper which, by 1834, under editor Rev. James Smith became The Cumberland Presbyterian. It is to this publication that our present day Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine traces its roots. Never mind that Smith repeatedly ceased publication and started again. Never mind that Smith constantly berated the denomination for not supporting his paper enough. From 1840 to 1874, numerous papers published in the interest of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Banner of Peace, published in Princeton by Franceway Cossitt, was probably the most important during this period. Some of the others even carried the masthead “Cumberland Presbyterian” but they were not the same paper. In 1874, the subscribers to the Banner of Peace became the basis of the new “official” church newspaper, The Cumberland Presbyterian. In recent years, the Cumberland Presbyterian lost sight of a primary purpose, namely, to be the publication of record for the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination. If you are unfamiliar with the concept of a “paper of record,” it is a publicly available publication authorized by a particular judicatory to publish public or legal notices. In our case, this consists of synopses of presbyterial, synodic, and general assembly actions in order that they might be more widely disseminated than those persons in attendance and that they might be preserved for posterity. We intend to get back to being the paper of record, not because the actions of judicatories are necessarily breaking news, but because otherwise the knowledge of said actions can be limited to just that judicatory. The denomination deserves to know what its component parts are doing and, as one of my old journalism professors was fond of saying, “if you haven’t heard it, it’s news!”

14 October

21 October

28 October

Twentieth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Job 1:1, 2:1-10; Psalm 26; Genesis 2:18-24; Psalm 8; Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12; Mark 10:2-16 Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Job 23:1-9, 16-17; Psalm 22:1-15; Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Psalm 90:12-17; Hebrews 4:12-16; Mark 10:17-31 Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Job 38:1-7, 34-41; Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35c; Isaiah 53:4-12; Psalm 91:9-16; Hebrews 5:1-10; Mark 10:35-45 Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Job 42:1-6, 10-17; Psalm 34:1-8, 19-22; Jeremiah 31:7-9; Psalm 126; Hebrews 7:23-28; Mark 10:46-52

NOV/DEC 2018

1 November

4 November

11 November

18 November

22 November 25 November

2 December

9 December

16 December

23 December

24 December 25 December 25 December 30 December

All Saints Day (Sometimes observed on first Sunday in November) (Green) Wisdom of Solomon 3:1-9 or Isaiah 25:6-9 and Psalm 24; Revelation 21:1-6a; John 11:32-44 Twenty-Fourth Sunday after Pentecost (If All Saints not observed on this day) (Green) Ruth 1:1-18 and Psalm 146; Deuteronomy 6:1-9 and Psalm 119:1-8; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 12:28-34 Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) Ruth 3:1-5; 4:13-17 and Psalm 127; 1 Kings 17:8-16 and Psalm 146; Hebrews 9:24-28; Mark 12:38-44 Twenty-Sixth Sunday after Pentecost (Green) 1 Samuel 1:4-20 and 1 Samuel 2:1-10; Daniel 12:1-3 and Psalm 16; Hebrews 10:11-14, (15-18), 19-25; Mark 13:1-8 Thanksgiving Day (Green) Joel 2:21-27 and Psalm 126; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Matthew 6:25-33 Twenty-Seventh Sunday after Pentecost (Green) 2 Samuel 23:1-7 and Psalm 132:1-12, (13-18); Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 and Psalm 93 Revelation 1:4b-8; John 18:33-37 First Sunday of Advent (Purple) Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 and Luke 21:25-36 Second Sunday of Advent (Purple) Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 Third Sunday of Advent (Purple) Zephaniah 3:14-20; Isaiah 12:2-6; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18 Fourth Sunday of Advent (Purple) Micah 5:2-5a; Luke 1:46b-55 or Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, (46-55) Christmas Eve (Purple) Isaiah 9:2-7 and Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14, (15-20) Christmas Morn (Purple) Isaiah 62:6-12 and Psalm 97; Titus 3:4-7; Luke 2:(1-7), 8-20 Christmas Mid-Day (Purple) Isaiah 52:7-10 and Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4, (5-12); John 1:1-14 First Sunday after Christmas Day (White) 1 Samuel 2:18-20, 26 and Psalm 148; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 OCTOBER 2018 . 3

Lectionary Readings

Editorial

October 2018

7 October

. . . AND IN ALL THINGS CHARITY If you haven t heard it, it s news! By Matthew H. Gore

2 . OCTOBER 2018

14 October

21 October

28 October

NOV/DEC 2018

1 November

4 November

11 November

18 November

22 November 25 November

2 December

9 December

16 December

23 December

24 December 25 December 25 December 30 December

FROM THE MODERATOR: By Rev. Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, Pastor Faith CPC, Bartlett, TN

mentioned at a recent presbytery visit that the Cumberland Presbyterian Church has both a Moderator and a Pope this year. The people looked a little confused until I explained. I am deeply grateful to Rev. Buddy Pope, Vice-Moderator, from Columbia Presbytery for his partnership in the work of the office of moderator. Between the two of us, we plan to visit twelve of the nineteen U.S. presbyteries this fall. Pray for us in our travels for safety, and that we may have a word of inspiration and challenge for the denomination.

I was privileged to attend the Ministry Council meeting in August here in Memphis. It was my first ever Ministry Council meeting, and I came away with a new appreciation for the staff and volunteer council and ministry team members who dedicate so much time and energy to our denominational program. There were approximately sixty men, women, and youth who gathered to plan for the next year of service to our churches. One of the highlights for me was a plenary presentation by Rev. Lynn Thomas, Director of Global Missions, on the ways we need to adjust our thinking as we become more global in our membership and our mission. Our fastest growing churches and presbyteries are outside the United States, but we often continue to think like we are a national, rather than an international church. Lynn challenged all the ministry teams to take seriously the fact that we are already a global church, and what that means for the ministries we plan. I was also very much impressed by the planning that is going into The Symposium, an event to be held by the Ministry Council and all the Ministry Teams, in November 2019. The vision is to have a combination ministers’, educators’, elders’ and general leaders’ conference in the Nashville area to provide support to all who are working to strengthen the Cumberland Presbyterian Church for its mission in the 21st century. If you care about the future of the CPC, and the bonds of our connection, I urge you to recruit lay and clergy leaders from your area to attend. 4 . OCTOBER 2018

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN HOUSE OF STUDIES On September 6, 2018, Memphis Theological Seminary announced the creation of a Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies and the appointment of Dr. Michael Qualls as the first director. It is also intended, Qualls stated, to develop the necessary courses and eventually offer a Certificate in Cumberland Presbyterian Studies. According to MTS, the primary goal of Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies will be to provide “students from Cumberland Presbyterian tradition the opportunity: to identify with their tradition intellectually; to engage with other students from the related denominational families socially; and to network with pastors, churches, and judicatory bodies professionally” through events grounded in Cumberland Presbyterian history and theology. The first Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies event will be “Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are Stones” to be held at Lindenwood Christian Church, across Union Avenue from MTS, on October 17, 2018, from 10:00 am to 3:30 pm. This event will focus on the realities of parish ministry as experienced by Cumberland Presbyterians. Scheduled speakers include Rev. Micaiah Thomas Tanck (First CPC, Scottsboro, Alabama), Rev. Kip J. Rush (Brenthaven CPC, Brentwood, Tennessee), and Rev. Endia J. Scruggs (Madkins Chapel CPCA, Huntsville, Alabama). Funding for the initial year of the Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies has been provided by the Baird-Buck Endowment for Cumberland Presbyterian Church Studies. The Baird and Buck families played a significant role in the history of the seminary as administrators and faculty, including past President Colvin Baird and former Academic Dean Clinton Buck. An advisory board, consisting of nine representatives of presbytery probationer care committees and ex-officio members Peter Gathje, MTS Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Clinton Buck, MTS Professor Emeritus of Educational Ministry, as representative of the Baird-Buck family, will assist in developing the initial program and related curriculum. “MTS is committed to the formation and education of Cumberland Presbyterian students for lay and ordained ministry,” Dr. Susan Parker, Interim President of Memphis Theological Seminary, stated, “We are thrilled that this pilot project which has been in the works for many years is beginning this year. We are hopeful that further contributions will complete this endowment so there can be additional activities on campus for the CP family, as well as others.” Dr. Peter Gathje, Vice President of Academic Affairs/Dean added, "This Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies reaffirms and provides needed focus to the important role of Memphis Theological Seminary in forming students for ministry in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. We are delighted to create this opportunity for our students." For further information on Cumberland Presbyterian House of Studies or the Some Days Are Diamonds, Some Days Are Stones event, contact Michael Qualls at Memphis Theological Seminary.

THIS SIDE OF THE CONFESSION: A Post 1984 Understanding of the Confession of Faith

By Rev. T. J. Malinoski, Presbyteries of East Tennessee (CPC) and New Hopewell (CPCA)

POINTS TO PONDER

REGENERATION AND ADOPTION 4.15 – 4.20 Regeneration is God’s renewal of believers and is solely of God’s grace. Those who trust in the Lord Jesus Christ are recreated, or born again, renewed in the spirit, and made new persons in Christ. Adoption is the action of God to include in the covenant family all who are regenerated and made new persons in Christ. This action assures community with God and one’s brothers and sisters in Christ, both now and in the full redemption of the family of God. 4.15 and 4.20 Confession of Faith For Cumberland Presbyterians

Heavily influenced by the twentyfirst century culture and education, the word regeneration drips of two distinct perspectives that can permeate our minds. Regeneration strikes the imagination with images of science fiction characters that can transform into something or someone different under the duress or threat of an injury or death. Without regeneration in the world of fiction we would not have figures like Dead Pool, Doctor Who, and Davy Jones, the sailors’ devil. In biology, we are taught that regeneration is where an organism can replace, reproduce and restore itself. Without regeneration in the biological sense, human skin cells would not replace themselves, tissues, limbs and organisms found in many reptiles, amphibians and even bacteria would not reproduce; life would cease to be. These two understandings of regeneration can be so engrossed in our minds that to consider it in another way is complicated. Yet, in

the Confession of Faith we find the word regeneration. What can the Confession of Faith mean when it speaks of regeneration? Expanding our understanding of regeneration

The Christian Church in the early years of the United States found itself pretty well established along the eastern half of the new country. As people settled into villages and towns, worship was conducted in erected buildings that served as schools, court rooms, community centers and sanctuaries. Moving westward toward what was known as the frontier; worship was in homes, temporary arbors, outdoors, barns, etc. At the turn of the nineteenth century, a growing interest in Christianity was embraced by two different types of people: those who were completely new to the faith and those who were already regular worshippers. ›››

Read Section 4.15 – 4.18 of the Confession of Faith. If regeneration is predicated upon the work and illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit, how can we, as sinful persons, still love and glorify God and love and serve our neighbors? Read Section 4.15 – 4.18 of the Confession of Faith. Does regeneration happen just once in an individual’s life or can we become a new creation, experience a new birth, a new spirit and live as a new person again and again? Read Section 4.19 of the Confession of Faith. Many persons prescribe to the theological understanding that a profession of faith is necessary to experience God’s grace. What do you think is the criteria to fall under the category of all who have never had the ability to respond to Christ are regenerated and saved by God’s grace? Read Section 4.20 of the Confession of Faith. What does the Confession of Faith mean when it says that God assures community both now and in the full redemption of the family of God? OCTOBER 2018 . 5

FROM THE MODERATOR: By Rev. Dr. Jay Earheart-Brown, Pastor Faith CPC, Bartlett, TN

THIS SIDE OF THE CONFESSION: A Post 1984 Understanding of the Confession of Faith

By Rev. T. J. Malinoski, Presbyteries of East Tennessee (CPC) and New Hopewell (CPCA)

POINTS TO PONDER

the Confession of Faith we find the word regeneration. What can the Confession of Faith mean when it speaks of regeneration? Expanding our understanding of regeneration

THIS SIDE OF THE CONFESSION:

Confession of Faith and Government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Cordova, Tenn.: The Office of the General Assembly, 2015.

The Catechism for Cumberland Presbyterians. Cordova, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Resources, 2013.

6 . OCTOBER 2018

The understanding of God’s grace through preaching, teaching and study was heard with two mind frames: again, those new to the faith and those who had been believers for some time. Though a theological concept of regeneration existed at least two hundred years prior to the Great Awakening, the people had taken the concept and claimed it as their own. Regeneration became about a beginning point where there is a transformation: a new creation, a new birth, a new spirit and new person in Christ. Regeneration was also understood as the renewal of existing believers—a revelation that there is more to God than mere worship—but an awareness about God’s initiative in one’s living and how that initiative through grace changes people throughout their lives. Regeneration is about perspective Regeneration, at its core, leads to a new way of thinking, a new way of viewing and responding to the world. It is God’s initiative to unveil our personal assurances and virtues as the prescribing baseline for what is deemed good and evil (religious speak calls this personal righteousness). In this unveiling is the revelation that our perspective is rather small, narrow and short-sighted. Regeneration allows us to recognize that while we strive to be good to others, to the earth, even to ourselves, we still lack the strength, knowledge and wisdom to become whole, complete. God’s grace allows us to see ourselves for who we are and how we perceive ourselves. Regeneration is also about how God sees us. God’s grace sees us as a new creation, a new birth, a new spirit and a new person. When we are ready, God is there to shift our view point and living from “being good” to “being complete.” As we trust in Christ, we are recreated, or born again, renewed in the spirit, and made new persons in Christ (4.15). Regeneration is necessary for without it, we are dead spiritually and unable to love and glorify God (4.16). All of this is accomplished by the influence of the Holy Spirit. Regeneration is

something that we cannot do for ourselves. According to the Confession of Faith, the Holy Spirit sparks regeneration by showing us the truth of Christ, giving us the ability to repent, guiding us to believe in God, and to receive the grace and forgiveness given in Jesus (4.17). It is through regeneration we are able to love and glorify God and to love and serve our neighbors (4.18). A distinctive stance of Cumberland Presbyterians that differs from many other faith communities is that God’s saving grace includes those who have died in infancy and all those who have never had the ability to respond to Christ (4.19). Adopted into the family God’s activity of justification and regeneration brings us into union with Christ. In doing so, we are adopted into the covenant family. This means that we are assured of being part of a family that includes God and our brothers and sisters in Christ (4.20). Adoption is the assurance that though we are a sinful people, our sin will not expel us from the adoption into the covenant family. In this family, we are supported, accepted, given purpose, never rejected, and able to love and serve both God and neighbor. Therefore, regeneration and adoption are connected. As God bestows grace upon us we are also, at the same time, adopted into the covenant family. Is regeneration and adoption necessary today? Regeneration is for those who are being created new today in the sight of God. This includes those who are new to the faith and also those who have been a follower of Christ for some time. We need to see God anew in the midst of our sin. Through the illuminating influence of the Holy Spirit we are able to love and glorify God and love and serve our neighbor more deeply and intentionally than the day before. We also need the affirmation that God includes us into the covenant community bonding us to both God and to our brothers and sisters in Christ. To be adopted into a family as diverse as the covenant family is reassuring and comforting where we can so easily feel isolated and alone. In the covenant family and in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church may we all find meaning, purpose and support.

MISSION EXPERIENCE By Holton Sandiford, Youth Director, Faireld Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Faireld, Illinois (North Central Presbytery).

I In the summer of 2016 Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church hosted the first annual Mission Experience. The idea was to invite other youth from the North Central Presbytery in grades five through eight to join us for this experience. > > > OCTOBER 2018 . 7

THIS SIDE OF THE CONFESSION:

Confession of Faith and Government of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church/Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Cordova, Tenn.: The Office of the General Assembly, 2015.

The Catechism for Cumberland Presbyterians. Cordova, Tenn.: Cumberland Presbyterian Resources, 2013.

6 . OCTOBER 2018

MISSION EXPERIENCE By Holton Sandiford, Youth Director, Faireld Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Faireld, Illinois (North Central Presbytery).

DMT

D I SC I PL ES H I P M I N I S T RY T E A M O C T O B E R 2 0 18

Don t worry. Be happy. But the truth is, I would be happier if I didn t worry so much. Worrying is just something else to worry about. As clergy, and especially as pastors, it is almost in the job description to worry. Add general stress, potlucks, and long hours, and you ve got a recipe for disaster. But as examples of good stewards for our church members, it is essential for pastors to be good stewards of themselves mentally, physically, and spiritually. Give the following suggestions a try. They might help you to be a better steward of yourself or to help you help your pastor to become a better steward of himself or herself.

Guard Your Time

In the fall of 2015 the idea for Mission Experience came about as Jeff Biggs, Minister of Fairfield Cumberland Presbyterian Church, a few youth students, and myself were touching up the paint on the outside of Mr. and Mrs. Young’s house. The Youngs are an elderly couple from Fairfield CPC. We realized, while the paint was making the house look better, we could just push a finger through the wood siding and see inside the house. It left us with a much larger problem. The problem needed a solution, people who would be willing to help, have enough energy to finish the job, and be willing to pay to do the work. Yes, it would have to be a middle school youth mission project! There were approximately thirty students who arrived Sunday evening carrying work gloves and air mattresses, ready to spend the week in the youth room or a Sunday school room. That week we spent our days going around Fairfield working on small work projects for those in need in our community. The heart behind the planning of Mission Experience was to take care of widows and

8 . OCTOBER 2018

And Sanity

orphans. We spent the week doing things that those in our church and surrounding community were no longer able to do for themselves; we painted gazebos, cleaned gutters, raked gum balls, pressure washed decks, and cut down dead trees. We even sided Mr. and Mrs. Young’s house. The way we worked the Mission Experience in the summer of 2016, and have attempted to model since then, was to have our men’s fellowship lead our youth. Each morning the men of our church would show up with the tools for the job and alongside the youth leaders they would teach the kids how to hang siding or clean out gutters or cut down trees. The kids would pack their lunches and head out to a house in the community to work from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The evenings were filled with rest; rest, worship and an evening activity like a movie night or bowling. Mission Experience was created to fill a need. We had a large number of middle school students who desired to do a mission trip. We also had a hard-working generation who could no longer do the tough upkeep work around their homes. We were able to fulfill both those needs with Mission Experience.

BEI NG A Steward Of YOURSELF By Rev. Elinor S. Brown

Pastors have an unrealistic view of their church’s ability and need to get along without them. You do yourself and church members no favors by being the one who has to open every meeting and close every door. Learn to say “no” to some things. It will give someone else the opportunity to say “yes.” Take a day of Sabbath every week. Of course, it won’t be Sunday, but make sure you take it. You are not the best pastor, preacher, or comforter to your members if you have not had time to refresh yourself. And continue to challenge your brain. Take classes, attend a lecture, or discuss a good book with other pastors. Such activities will exercise the brain and continue to renew your thoughts for the job to which God called you.

Get The Lead Out These days, a pastor’s job can be very sedentary. Working on the computer, making phone calls and visiting members at home all require a good amount of sitting. Combine that with a regular diet of church dinners and other fellowship occasions and it is easy to become overweight—and fast! Plan a time for

regular exercise in your life. This may be the perfect time to meditate by yourself or to check in with your spouse. Exercise also has the added benefit of giving your body more energy to do the work that will wait until you get back to it.

Pray Double I believe it was John Donne who commented that since he had so much to do on a certain day, he would have to pray two hours instead of one. If we are the spiritual leaders of the church, shouldn’t our spiritual lives be at least on par with the most spiritual person in our congregation? Plan time to pray and meditate. Make it a daily and regular practice so it becomes a discipline. If you are having trouble developing a regular habit, try praying a new way. Use the book Praying in Color by Sybil MacBeth. It might help you to focus both sides of your brain on praying at the same time. Whatever you do, be consistent. If I was being honest, I would have to admit that I struggle with each of these things every day. But the good news is God doesn’t need us to be perfect, just willing. And striving to be good stewards of ourselves is one way we can be better servants for God. OCTOBER 2018 . 9

DMT

D I SC I PL ES H I P M I N I S T RY T E A M O C T O B E R 2 0 18

Guard Your Time

8 . OCTOBER 2018

And Sanity

BEI NG A Steward Of YOURSELF By Rev. Elinor S. Brown

WHAT IS “FAMILY” IN FAMILY MINISTRY? By Jodi Rush

You can have wonderful activities, but if members of your congregation don’t feel the word “family” applies to them, they may choose not to participate. Statements like these and others similar are heard all the time: • Family ministry is only for families with young children. • My family lives away from me – so, I cannot participate without them. • Family ministry is only for the younger folks at church. • I do not have a family because I live alone.

Most churches think family ministry should be a priority in the life and programming of their church. This is evident by the naming of activities such as: Family Potlucks, Family Retreats, Family Game Night and other activities with family in the title. The challenge with the word family being used this way is making sure church members know the full scope of the meaning of the word family in relationship to the activities and programming at your church.

Clearly, we have work to do in sharing a more inclusive meaning for this word we use so much in the life of the church. We may think everyone knows the word “family” means everyone is included, but we need to be more intentional in sharing this inclusive meaning with our church members. It is important for all ages and all household configurations to know that they are included in the family ministry plans you are making, especially when they don’t feel they fit the traditional mold. Or, they may find themselves in a new life situation and are grasping at understanding their new reality. Here are some examples in which “family” is being communicated as extending beyond genetic and marriage relationships: • In the world of social work, the term “fictive kin” is used to refer to the idea that family is more than those who are related by blood. Wendy Bryant, member of Mt. Zion Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Falkner, Mississippi, and Deputy Director of Field Operations

1-15 November 2018 10 . OCTOBER 2018

DMT E N I L N O ION T C U A

East with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services shared that in her work, “family” is defined as those that are close to you, support you, and are there for you.

OU R S T O R I E S By Matthew H. Gore

• At the De Mata de Sao Joao Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Brazil, all the adult women of the church who watch over and care for the children and youth are given the title “Tia,” which means “Aunt.” This embraces the idea that we are all “family” working together to care for each other across genetic or marriage lines. • When a child is baptized in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church not only the child’s parents, but the members of the congregation are asked to “promise to share with this child the good news of the gospel, to surround them with love and compassion, and support them through prayer, fellowship, and direction.” • In the Bible in the book of Ruth we are given a great example where a strong bond was created between two women who were not born into the same genetic family unit. Similar relationships across genetic and marriage lines are happening in all our churches. The work we have to do as planners, educators, and pastors is to intentionally communicate the full scope of the meaning of the word “family” often and with emphasis. Our language and communication of what we mean by the word “family” is the first step in nurturing and encouraging these type “fictive kin” relationships and allowing them to have a positive impact on the life of your congregation.

April 26, 1903 March 2, 1979 D M T O n l i n e Au c t i on will take place 1-15 November 2018. Look for us on FACEBOOK as D M T O n l i n e Au c t i on You can also view items at https://cpcmc.org/shop

x OCTOBER 2018 . 11

WHAT IS “FAMILY” IN FAMILY MINISTRY? By Jodi Rush

1-15 November 2018 10 . OCTOBER 2018

DMT E N I L N O ION T C U A

East with Mississippi Department of Child Protection Services shared that in her work, “family” is defined as those that are close to you, support you, and are there for you.

OU R S T O R I E S By Matthew H. Gore

x OCTOBER 2018 . 11

“I don’t look for anything except a good ball. If it looks good, I swing at it.”

Dale Alexander’s Playing Years “Dale Alexander on Bat Spree” - Los Angeles Times, September 11, 1932.

- Dale Alexander

In the early 1930s, Dale Alexander was well on his way to becoming a baseball superstar. As a power hitter, the Hall of Fame seemed likely to be in his future. The reason most people have never heard of him, the reason he isn’t a baseball icon the like of Ruth, Mantle, or Aaron, was a relatively minor injury suffered sliding home on Memorial Day in 1933 and a horrifically botched diathermy treatment. Dale was a lifelong Cumberland Presbyterian from the Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Tusculum, near Greeneville, Tennessee. His son, Don, became a Navy Chaplain and Cumberland Presbyterian minister and his son Steve an elder at Shiloh. Members of the Alexander family have often been active denominationally.

12 . OCTOBER 2018

“He sure bruises the ball!” - Babe Ruth

ix-three 215 pound Tennessean, Dale “Moose” Alexander played professional baseball for twenty years, beginning in 1923, with his hometown team, the Greeneville Burley Cubs of the then independent Appalachian League. His father, Don, also once played catcher for the Burley Cubs. In 1929, Dale Alexander had the best batting average in the International League also leading the league in runs, runs batted in, hits, bases, and doubles. Called up to the majors in 1929 by the Detroit Tigers, Dale became one of the American League’s best hitters from 1929 to 1932. Rumor had it that Dale cost Detroit a hundred grand which was really big money at the time. In 1929, as a rookie Tiger, he led the league with 215 hits. The Atlanta Constitution said he had the power of Ruth and while Babe Ruth was the undisputed Sultan of Swat, papers dubbed Dale the “Prince.” He played for the Tigers until 1932, winning the major league batting title before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.

In five major league seasons, Dale Alexander compiled a .331 batting average with 811 hits and 459 RBIs. In May 1933, Alexander sustained third degree burns on his leg and later developed gangrene after being given diathermy treatment for his knee, twisted as he slid into home plate. Introduced in the late 1890s, diathermy exploited relatively low electrical currents to warm the body in the area to which they were applied. Still, by the 1930s, the technology was in its infancy. Doc Watson, the Red Sox trainer, set up the device and then left Alexander alone. The burns and infection limited his mobility and effectively ended his major league career. According to his son, Steve, the treatment “barbecued his leg.”

Despite initial fears that his leg might be lost, Dale recovered well enough to play in the minor leagues until 1942, compiling a .334 batting average with 2,145 hits and 1,171 RBIs in minor league play. He served as a minor league manager for the Sanford Lookouts (1939), Thomasville Tourists (1940), Selma Cloverleafs (1941), Greeneville Burley Cubs (1942), Knoxville Smokies (1946–1948), and Jacksonville Tars (1950). Dale also served as a scout for the New York Giants and Milwaukee Braves in the 1950s and 1960s. After his professional career, he coached baseball at Tusculum College near Greeneville and was inducted into their Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. One son, Don Alexander, spent

“He never felt like anyone mistreated him in baseball.” - Don Alexander a year in industrial ball with the Monsanto Chemical Company team before becoming a Navy Chaplin and a minister in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Son Steve Alexander also played baseball and went on to coach the Tusculum College baseball team for years.

Year

Team

League

AVG

1923

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

1924

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

.332

1925

Charlotte Hornets

South Atlantic League

.331

1926

Charlotte Hornets

South Atlantic League

.323

1927

Toronto Maple Leafs

International League

.338

1928

Toronto Maple Leafs

International League

.380

1929

Detroit Tigers

American League

.343

1930

Detroit Tigers

American League

.326

1931

Detroit Tigers

American League

.325

1932

Detroit Tigers

American League

.250

1932

Boston Red Sox

American League

.367

1933

Boston Red Sox

American League

.281

1934

Jersey City Skeeters

International League

1934

Newark Bears

International League

.336

1935

Kansas City Blues

American Association

.358

1936

Kansas City Blues

American Association

.315

1937

Nashville Volunteers

Southern Association

.319

1938

Chattanooga Lookouts

Southern Association

.309

1939

Sanford Lookouts

Florida State League

.345

1940

Thomasville Tourists

Georgia-Florida League

.338

1941

Selma Cloverleafs

Southeastern League

.438

1942

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

.158

Information for this article came from Bill Nowlin at the Society for American Baseball Research and from the Sports Reference family of websites. OCTOBER 2018 . 13

“I don’t look for anything except a good ball. If it looks good, I swing at it.”

Dale Alexander’s Playing Years “Dale Alexander on Bat Spree” - Los Angeles Times, September 11, 1932.

- Dale Alexander

12 . OCTOBER 2018

“He sure bruises the ball!” - Babe Ruth

Year

Team

League

AVG

1923

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

1924

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

.332

1925

Charlotte Hornets

South Atlantic League

.331

1926

Charlotte Hornets

South Atlantic League

.323

1927

Toronto Maple Leafs

International League

.338

1928

Toronto Maple Leafs

International League

.380

1929

Detroit Tigers

American League

.343

1930

Detroit Tigers

American League

.326

1931

Detroit Tigers

American League

.325

1932

Detroit Tigers

American League

.250

1932

Boston Red Sox

American League

.367

1933

Boston Red Sox

American League

.281

1934

Jersey City Skeeters

International League

1934

Newark Bears

International League

.336

1935

Kansas City Blues

American Association

.358

1936

Kansas City Blues

American Association

.315

1937

Nashville Volunteers

Southern Association

.319

1938

Chattanooga Lookouts

Southern Association

.309

1939

Sanford Lookouts

Florida State League

.345

1940

Thomasville Tourists

Georgia-Florida League

.338

1941

Selma Cloverleafs

Southeastern League

.438

1942

Greeneville Burley Cubs

Appalachian League

.158

Information for this article came from Bill Nowlin at the Society for American Baseball Research and from the Sports Reference family of websites. OCTOBER 2018 . 13

MUSIC YOU NEED TO HEAR: BY CHRIS WARREN

“Womack Mixes Country, Blues, And Rock Like A Fast-Fingered Bartender.” - The New Yorker

DADDY: LET’S DO THIS by Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack

I had a rare treat when I opened up and put on the album I am reviewing this month. Often I have been reviewing releases from huge record companies that have production and content distilled and sometimes standardized so that the record will sound like other records of the genre and the theological content will be somewhat suggestive of the Christian Church without saying anything that might be controversial. This album is a breath of fresh air. One of the artists grew up Cumberland Presbyterian, and some of the music is surprisingly theological, even given the titles sound anything but. For example, the second track, “Pissed Off at the World,” turned out to be a reflection on the wickedness of society, our broken political system, and the hypocrisy that we see around us in media and economics. Given the title, that wasn’t what I expected. The balance of different genres is only possible in an independent release like this one. Instrumentation changes, the tone of the singing changes, the feel of the songs changes. Sometimes the feel is rock-a-billy, other times it’s straight blues, and sometimes it’s old school 60s rock. All of it is produced professionally, but not in a way that feels too smooth or over produced. This is the kind of stuff that feels 14 . OCTOBER 2018

even better with a little bit of grit, and the artists leave all that in. The first line of the album sort of sets the mood, “Will the last one on earth with a little bit of soul please turn the lights out?” That song, “Start All Over,” goes on to critique our fascination with the good ‘ol days, by saying, “Back then the women and the people of color had to bow down to the old white man...” That’s something that is all about Jesus’ ethic of treating people with love and respect and loving our neighbors as ourselves, and yet I have rarely heard that sentiment in mainstream Christian music. Another favorite track is “Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop.” It is a raw, fun reflection on what happens when you get caught up in something, a lie, a mistake, a betrayal. The song doesn’t explain, but it captures a feeling of fear and regret, and maybe the instinct to run that people get in those situations. I enjoyed the entire CD, but I laughed out loud at the song, “When Disney takes Jerusalem.” What a reflection on commercialism in religion! The imagery is so ridiculously tongue-in-cheek, and still it rings true. The country feel of the music juxtaposed with words like, “The big mouse don’t like killin’ no

Photos: Scott Willis

DADDY: LET’S DO THIS Released on CD March 30, 2018, by Soundly Music LLC. matter what the killin’s for...” Well, I’m not sure I can describe it—you need to take a listen. Themes are all across the board. I have focused on ones that are a bit theological, but you’ll hear lots of common themes about love and sadness and all kinds of other things you might expect in Americana. I hope you’ll get a copy and listen; I think you’ll find these songs are fun, meaningful, and timely.

Daddy are Tommy Womack and Will Kimbrough. Let’s Do This is the third Daddy album after their debut At the Women’s Club (2005) and For a Second Time (2009). Tommy has recorded seven solo albums. He was also a member of the bands Government Cheese and the Bis-quits.

Genre: rock/folk. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Start All Over 5:03 Pissed off at the World 3:08 Don’t Kick Me When I’m Down 3:50 Friday Night at the Villager Tavern 4:09 Cadillac Problems 2:22 State of Blue 4:33 Rock ‘n’ Roll, Part 3 3:17 When Disney Takes Jerusalem 3:31 Two Birds Blues 4:19 Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop 3:49 Half Drunk 4:04

Tommy Womack grew up in Kentucky in a most Cumberland Presbyterian family. His father, Rev. J.C. Womack was stated clerk and synodic executive of Kentucky Synod from 1969 to 1983. References to his youth as a preacher’s kid frequently find their way into Tommy’s music as does an occasional dollop of theology. Tommy was one of the musicians who entertained the crowd at the Birthplace Shrine during the 2010 General Assembly celebration. He writes a regular column, “East of Normal,” in East Nashvillian magazine, is a frequent contributor to the Oxford American, and has written two books, the autobiographical Cheese Chronicles and a somewhat controversial novel, The Lavender Boys and Elsie. OCTOBER 2018 . 15

MUSIC YOU NEED TO HEAR: BY CHRIS WARREN

“Womack Mixes Country, Blues, And Rock Like A Fast-Fingered Bartender.” - The New Yorker

DADDY: LET’S DO THIS by Will Kimbrough and Tommy Womack

Photos: Scott Willis

Genre: rock/folk. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

Unification News

CPCH News

DRESS CODE AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CPCA & THE CPC IN 2018

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

Yet just before the meeting commenced, I traveled aisle to aisle handing out pamphlets and greeting every commissioner. Their lovely smile as they received the bulletins gleamed of Christian radiance. Their hugs and thanks soon melted into small chats about church, family, work, and other significant events. No sooner had I started conversation with another commissioner than the meeting was called to order. The aura full of free-form conversations now transformed to a much structured and measured event. And consequently, I stayed to enjoy the meeting as a visitor. The usual business followed under the frame of our constitution and the guidelines of Roberts Rules of Order. Behind the formality, I sensed an eagerness and desire from the whole Assembly to approve the commissions’ decisions as well as digging in understanding each recommendation before voting. But the most enthusiasm appeared while discussing the future role of the youth at the General Assembly. Being witness to Trienniums, CPYC’s, YEC’s, and other joint youth events, I was more than glad to be listening to their plans concerning the youth. All in all, our brothers and sisters in Christ made decisions out of compassion, unity, and discernment. Then, and cheerfully with the evident will to unify, the CPCA General Assembly approved the timeline proposed by the Unification Task Force of both denominations. Right then and there, my dissonant clothes from that morning run seemed no longer out of touch with my brothers and sisters, but rather coherent with everyone’s. And two days later, as I was now a commissioner serving in the 188th General Assembly of the CPC, those memories of the CPCA General Assembly motivated me throughout the meeting. With hardly any surprise, the same timeline was also adopted by the CPC with its recommendations accepted as they were. Much grace and love was seen in this remarkable decision. Both CP denominations agreed on the same time line for unification! After one week of denominational meetings, I left with a shared sentiment of hope. I left with an attire of acceptance, compassion, and true Christian love. This dress code I know is the Cumberland Presbyterian dress code. 16 . OCTOBER 2018

1. Of that number there are solo pastors, senior and associate/assistant pastors, chaplains, youth pastors, retirees, and those searching for a call to pastor a church. 2. Of that number there are single pastors, married or divorced pastors, those with children and those without children, pastors who are providing care for parents or loved ones, pastors struggling with serious health or mental issues, those just starting out in ministry and those who are getting ready to retire.

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written” “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)

By Rev. Dr. Gloria Villa Diaz Coming in sweaty from the CPC Run on that Tuesday morning, I entered the 143rd General Assembly of the CPCA. Of course, my athletic wear of beige tennis shoes with gray sweat pants and a flashy green shirt were no match for the formal attire of the event. Contrasted with the ornamented carpet of lavish red and flowery decors, an aura of elegance and subtleness impressed me even more. Indeed, I was no match with the surroundings.

PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH

“We are ver y excited to have someone of the caliber of M rs. Banatoski join us as our new leader. She will no doubt have a positive impact on the Children’s Home.” CPCH Board Chairman Richard D ean Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home (CPCH) has announced the hiring of Mrs. Courtney Banatoski as their new President/CEO to fill the position left vacant by the retirement of Rev. Richard Brown. Brantoski will relieve Jennifer Livings who served as interim president. According to CPCH, Banatoski has over sixteen years of demonstrated success in developing, accelerating, measuring, and influencing the growth of nonprofit organizations. Banatoski was with the University of North Texas in Denton for over fourteen years where she served variously as Director of Innovation & Strategic Partnerships, Director of Research Development, and as an instructor in the NonProfit Management Program in the Department of Community & Professional Programs. She has a Master of Science in Applied Economics as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration. Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home in Denton, Texas, serves children in foster care through an emergency shelter and long-term cottages, assists single-parent families in crisis, and provides low-cost community counseling and classes. CPCH has long been a ministry of the Cumberland Presbyterian denomination. Victoria W. Jackson left her home in Bowling Green, Kentucky, to Logan Presbytery in 1904 with the intention that it become an Orphan’s Home. In the partial union of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Church (USA) in 1906, the Orphan’s Home was one of the few denominational institutions to remain in control of the continuing Cumberland Presbyterian Church. In 1932, despite intentions to move the home to McKenzie, Tennessee, it ended up in Denton.

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, with Sunday, October 7, being the day set aside for churches in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to recognize and honor their pastor or pastors. According to the 2018 General Assembly Yearbook there are 886 ordained pastors serving in the denomination.

3. Of that number there are women and men who have answered God’s call to serve the church as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.

886 is just a number – but that number represents 886 lives that are doing their best to live out God’s call for the sake of God’s reign in the world. It is 886 pastors who are trying their best to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ to a hungry and hurting world. October 7 is the church’s opportunity to say “Thank You” to the pastors of our denomination. If October 7 is not an appropriate time for your church to honor your pastor or pastors, then pick another day. Say “thank you” and offer your appreciation to the one who walks alongside you as your pastor in your journey of faith. Pastoral Development Ministry Team, pdmt@cumberland.org Pam Phillips-Burk, Team Leader 901.276.4572, x203 https://cpcmc.org/pdmt/

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS FOR SAYING “THANK YOU” IN A TANGIBLE WAY: Gift card to their favorite restaurant • Treat to fancy restaurant and movie Gift basket of ‘favorite’ things • P l

ff •C

/l M

(call for more information on how to do this)

w l

l p

M OCTOBER 2018 . 17

Unification News

CPCH News

DRESS CODE AT THE GENERAL ASSEMBLIES OF THE CPCA & THE CPC IN 2018

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHILDREN’S HOME ANNOUNCES NEW PRESIDENT

And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written” “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)

PASTOR APPRECIATION MONTH

3. Of that number there are women and men who have answered God’s call to serve the church as a Minister of Word and Sacrament.

HERE ARE A FEW IDEAS FOR SAYING “THANK YOU” IN A TANGIBLE WAY: Gift card to their favorite restaurant • Treat to fancy restaurant and movie Gift basket of ‘favorite’ things • P l

ff •C

/l M

(call for more information on how to do this)

w l

l p

M OCTOBER 2018 . 17

Judicatory Notes Church News

that the Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine be the “paper of record” for the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination and many of our readers have told us they want to know what is going on across the denomination. With that in mind, we have expanded greatly the “news” we are reporting. In theory, “reporter” is an official position within each judicatory yet few bodies actually seem to use the office. To make these pages complete, we need information from every presbytery and synod. If you are in a position to officially report for your judicatory, please contact us. If information from your judicatory is not included, we mean no slight, we have simply not been informed.

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

JUDICATORY MEETINGS

Presbytery del Cristo, August 9-10, 2018 (316 Fellowship, Denver, Colorado). Pastor Hosts: Rev. Jean Hess & Rev. Rick Hess Moderator: Rev. Rick Hess Vice-Moderator: Rev. Lyle Reese Stated Clerk: Karen Avery Recording Clerk: Ken Smith August 9, 2018, candidate Karen Gnewuch-Schmidt preached on Psalm 130.

Hong Kong Presbytery, September 3, 2018 (Tao Hsien CPC, Kowloon, Hong Kong). No report received as of press date. Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018 (Mt. Pleasant CPC, Caneyville, Kentucky). Pastor Host: Greg Bowen Moderator: Rev. Marc Bell Stated Clerk: Rev. Darrell Pickett Engrossing Clerk: Rev. Steve Delashmit

Candidate Mike Francher brought the morning message. Presbytery voted to send a letter to the Permanent Committee on Judiciary supporting the intent of “Resolution from Ron McMillan of West Tennessee Presbytery Regarding Human Sexuality” which was denied by the 188th General Assembly. >>>

No report received as of press date. Arkansas Presbytery, September 14-15, 2018 (Faith CPC, Mountain Home, Arkansas). Moderator: Rev. Alan Meinzer Presbytery resolved September 15, 2018, to petition to the concurrent Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America General Assemblies meetings in 2019 for constitutional changes which state: 4.2 When persons find themselves openly within a sexual relationship that is outside the boundaries of marriage as described in the Confession of Faith 6.17, with no desire to abstain, then such a situation makes those persons ineligible to serve (as an elder on the session of a church within the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. 7.02 When persons find themselves openly within a sexual relationship that is outside the boundaries of marriage as described in the Confession of Faith 6.17, with no desire to abstain, then such a situation makes those persons ineligible to serve a church of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church or the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America in any of the afore mentioned relationships found in 7.01. Contact faithinrapidmotion@ gmail.com for the full text.

Covenant Presbytery, September 15, 2018 (Fredonia CPC, Fredonia, Kentucky).

East Tennessee Presbytery, October 6, 2018 (Union CPC, Knoxville, Tennessee).

No report received as of press date.

West Tennessee Presbytery, October 6, 2018 (Savannah First CPC, Savannah, Tennessee).

Robert Donnell, September 15, 2018 (Scottsboro CPC, Scottsboro, Alabama). Pastor Hosts: Rev. Micaiah Tanck & Rev. Brian Tanck Moderator: Rev. Cardelia Howell Diamond Vice-Moderator: Christie Ashton Stated Clerk: Frances Dawson Joint opening worship with Cumberland Presbyterian Women’s Ministry led by pastor hosts. Missouri Presbytery, September 22, 2018 (Warrensburg CPC, Warrensburg, Missouri). No report received as of press date. Choctaw Presbytery, September 2122, 2018 (Rock Creek CPC, Honobia, Oklahoma). No report received as of press date. Hope Presbytery, September 22, 2018 (Springfield CPC, Lexington, Alabama).

Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery, October 6, 2018 (New Hope CPC, Whitwell, Tennessee). North Central Presbytery, October 12-13, 2018 (Union North CPC, Fairfield, Illinois). Grace Presbytery, October 19, 2018 (Steam Mill CPC, Union, Mississippi). Red River Presbytery, October 20, 2018. (Burns Flat CPC, Burns Flat, Oklahoma). Nashville Presbytery, October 23, 2018 (West Nashville CPC, Nashville, Tennessee). Columbia Presbytery, October 28, 2018 (West Point CPC, Columbia, Tennessee). Cauca Valley Presbytery, November 11-13, 2018 (Colegio Americano, Cali, Colombia). Japan Presbytery, November 23, 2018 (Sagamino CPC, Tokyo, Japan).

No report received as of press date.

Emaus Presbytery, November 24 (Horeb-Central CPC, Medellín, Colombia).

Trinity Presbytery, September 28, 2018 (New Journey CPC, Longview, Texas).

Andes Presbytery, December 7-8, 2018 (Camp Emanuel, Armenia, Colombia).

No report received as of press date.

Presbytery del Cristo, March 14-15, 2019 (Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church, San Francisco, California). >>>

Murfreesboro Presbytery, October 4, 2018 (Smithville CPC, Eagleville, Tennessee).

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

It has always been the intention of the General Assembly

Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery, September 10, 2018 (America’s Keswick Retreat Center, Whiting, New Jersey).

Judicatory Notes Church News

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

JUDICATORY MEETINGS

Covenant Presbytery, September 15, 2018 (Fredonia CPC, Fredonia, Kentucky).

East Tennessee Presbytery, October 6, 2018 (Union CPC, Knoxville, Tennessee).

No report received as of press date.

West Tennessee Presbytery, October 6, 2018 (Savannah First CPC, Savannah, Tennessee).

No report received as of press date.

Emaus Presbytery, November 24 (Horeb-Central CPC, Medellín, Colombia).

Trinity Presbytery, September 28, 2018 (New Journey CPC, Longview, Texas).

Andes Presbytery, December 7-8, 2018 (Camp Emanuel, Armenia, Colombia).

No report received as of press date.

Presbytery del Cristo, March 14-15, 2019 (Cumberland Presbyterian Chinese Church, San Francisco, California). >>>

Murfreesboro Presbytery, October 4, 2018 (Smithville CPC, Eagleville, Tennessee).

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

It has always been the intention of the General Assembly

Cumberland East Coast Korean Presbytery, September 10, 2018 (America’s Keswick Retreat Center, Whiting, New Jersey).

Robert Donnell Presbytery, March 16, 2019 (Gurley Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Gurley, Alabama). PASTORAL RELATIONSHIPS Rev. Nataniel C. Mathews, Lubbock (Texas) First Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. From Nashville Presbytery. Rev. Dr. George Estes, interim, Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Germantown (West Tennessee Presbytery), Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. Rev. Aaron Craig, Bridgeport (Illinois) Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018. From East Tennessee Presbytery.

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

Rev. Phillip Dunford, Radcliff (Kentucky) Church (union CPC/ PUSA), Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018.

LICENTIATES Karen Gnewuch-Schmidt, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. Barry Craddock, Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018. ORDAINED Daniel Hedley, Presbytery del Cristo, April 21, 2018. Kun Ho Cho, Presbytery del Cristo, April 29, 2018. Tami Terpstra, Presbytery del Cristo, August 11, 2018. Mary Anna Townsend, Missouri Presbytery, October 21, 2018.* RETIRED Rev. Sonny Wan, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. ORDINATIONS REVOKED

Rev. James Walter Diamond (Cumberland Presbytery), August 18, 2018. Born April 19, 1941. Retired. Ordained by Cumberland Presbytery in 1990. Former pastor of Lansdown CPC in Lexington, Kentucky, and Joywood CPC in Smyrna, Tennessee. Father of Rev. Steven Diamond Father-in-law to Rev. Cardelia HowellDiamond (Robert Donnell Presbytery). Rev. Beverly Burroughs Johnson (East Tennessee Presbytery), August 30, 2018. Born September 30, 1926. Retired. Son of Rev. Edward W. Johnson. Rev. Mary G. Bailey (Ohio Valley Presbytery), September 14, 2018. Born October 19, 1920. Retired. Former pastor of Trinity CPCA in Louisville, Kentucky.

CHURCH CLOSINGS

DROPPED FROM ROLL

Mildred Talley, September 15, 2018. Widow of Rev. James Talley (Covenant Presbytery). Mildred was 89.

Covenant Presbytery moved to merge their Paducah new church development, Zion Fellowship, with Margaret Hank Memorial Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The merged congregation would then continue as Zion but in the Margaret Hank building. Although tentative, the goal is to have the merged church functional before the end of 2018, but ideally by November 18, in order to host a Thanksgiving service.

Candidate Lee Little, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

Helen Fletcher Wynne, September 23, 2018. Born March 21, 1926. Active

CANDIDATES Rev. Myung Sik Kang (Busan Presbytery, Presbyterian Church of Korea), received as a candidate, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. Dan Willis, received as a candidate, Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018.

Pablo Mata, Presbytery del Cristo, March 21, 2018.

Rev. Francisco Giron, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

MARRIAGES Elder Mary Lyn Hunter (Missouri Presbytery) to Gene Collier, September 8, 2018. Mary Lyn is a long-time denominationally active elder. MISSION EFFORTS October 7 - 12, 2018, New Hope CPC (Birmingham) to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to rebuild and repair tornado damaged homes. Contact Ollie McClung olliewjr@bellsouth. net. OTHER EVENTS

Rev. Jerry Patterson, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

October 5-6, 2018, CPWM Synodic Retreat (Tennessee Synod), Crystal Springs near Fayetteville, Tennessee. Contact Brent Wills bwills9185@ yahoo.com.

Rev. Kyung Shin, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018. DEATHS Gregory Kenneth Miller, (Discipleship Ministry Team), December 18, 2017. Born December 12, 1956. Longtime (32 years) shipping clerk for Cumberland Presbyterian Resource Center and Cumberland Presbyterian Resources at the Cumberland Presbyterian Center. Sports enthusiast and friend to all.

Rev. Margaret Louella Basham Lively (Covenant Presbytery), September 30, 2018. Retired. Ordained by Cumberland Presbytery in 1993. Former pastor of Petersburg CPC in Petersburg, Tennessee. She served as stated clerk of Owensboro Presbytery from 1968-1971 and 1978-1984. She served as children’s director of Logan Presbytery 1958-1959 and as children’s director of the Owensboro CPC in 1972-1973. Mother of Rev. Jamie Lively (East Tennessee Presbytery). Widow of Rev. James Lively.

in CPW & CPWM, president of the Nashville Presbytery CPWM, treasurer of the Tennessee Synod CPWM, as well as denominationally as a Trustee for nine years of the Cumberland Presbyterian Children’s Home. Widow of Rev. Lewis Wynne (Nashville Presbytery).

October 16, 2018, A Day in the Park, fellowship and heritage at Montgomery Bell State Park, sponsored by the Discipleship Ministry Team and the Historical Foundation. Contact: Cindy Martin chm@cumberland.org (901) 275-4581. October 25 - 21, 2018, Homecoming events, Bethel University, McKenzie,

Tennessee. Contact Myra Carlock carlockm@bethelu.edu. November 3, 2018, CPWM Yard Sale in the fellowship hall, Marshall, Missouri, Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. December 8, 2018, Christmas at the Bell, Montgomery Bell State Park, sponsored by the Friends of Montgomery Bell State Park and the Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in America. Contact the Historical Foundation: archives@cumberland.org (901) 276-8602. Christmas 2018, Christmas Gathering Place at Camp Clark Williamson’s Savannah Hill Lodge. Catering available for Church Christmas gatherings and other functions. Contact CCW for availability and costs: campclarkw@ click1.net (731) 784-3221 or (731) 2255589. POSITIONS AVAILABLE Coordinator for Women’s Ministry The Missions Ministry Team of the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is currently accepting applications for the parttime position of Coordinator for Women’s Ministry. This position will be able to work from their home, utilizing their own office equipment, provided the Coordinator can attend monthly staff meetings. Deadline: Noon, Wednesday, November 7, 2018. https://tinyurl.com/yc8olxqg Coordinator of Adult Ministry The Discipleship Ministry Team of the Ministry Council of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church is currently

accepting applications for the position of Coordinator of Adult Ministry. The position may be housed in the denominational headquarters (Center) in Memphis (Cordova), Tennessee, or in a local church, Coordinator’s home office, or other approved location, provided the Coordinator can attend monthly staff meetings at the Center in Cordova. Deadline: Noon, Friday, October 18, 2018. https://tinyurl.com/ ycs2bpq3 *Scheduled

Judiciary Notes are provided by the official reporters of specific judicatories or are gleaned from the official record of the various synods and presbyteries. If your presbytery is not covered here encourage your presbyterial reporter or clerk to contact the editor. Church News is reported by the congregations. If you have news of your church which you think would be of interest to other churches, we invite you to submit the same for publication, realizing that submissions will be accepted or rejected and edited in accordance with the space available. Reproduction quality of pictures submitted will be considered in selecting those for publication.

OCTOBER 2018 The CP Magazine

Rev. Phillip Dunford, Radcliff (Kentucky) Church (union CPC/ PUSA), Cumberland Presbytery, September 8, 2018.

CHURCH CLOSINGS

DROPPED FROM ROLL

Mildred Talley, September 15, 2018. Widow of Rev. James Talley (Covenant Presbytery). Mildred was 89.

Candidate Lee Little, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

Helen Fletcher Wynne, September 23, 2018. Born March 21, 1926. Active

Pablo Mata, Presbytery del Cristo, March 21, 2018.

Rev. Francisco Giron, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

Rev. Jerry Patterson, Presbytery del Cristo, August 10, 2018.

October 5-6, 2018, CPWM Synodic Retreat (Tennessee Synod), Crystal Springs near Fayetteville, Tennessee. Contact Brent Wills bwills9185@ yahoo.com.

Periodical Postage Paid at Cordova, TN

Contact Bob Watkins at 319.431.0990 or watkr@mac.com

The Cumberland Presbyterian Magazine

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Our Stories: Dale Alexander