The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church— Department of Christian Education Making disciples through "events that form and transform"
Volume MMX - Issue XII - December 2010
Points of Interest:
Our “Essential Church” Celebrates 140 Years
Making “It” Essential Rationale: Acts 2:42-47
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church will celebrate its 140th birthday on December 16, 2010. Organ-
Young Adults Help Hosea Feed the Hungry
Inside this issue: Making ―It‖ Essential
2
21st Century Discipleship
6
Christian Edu Courses Online 7 100 Years of Ecumenical Eng
8
Christ Back in Christmas
10
Annual Conf Lecture: TRAIN
12
YAM in the Second District
14
YA Help Hosea Feed Hungry
16
Sunday School Musings
19
Principles of Kwanzaa
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SouperBowl Sunday Update
22
2011 Black History Month
23
C.M.E. Pastor‘s Conference
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ized in Jackson, Tennessee by forty-one ex-slaves, the C.M.E. Church currently has more than 1.2 million members across the United States, and missions and sister churches in Haiti, Jamaica and fourteen African nations. The C.M.E. Church has a celebrated rich history of salvation, education and liberation, and its quadrennial theme, ―An Essential Church: Poised for 21st Century Ministry,‖ defines the urgency to meet the chal-
lenges of today‘s changing world. Over the past 140 years, the C.M.E. Church has been a major participant in the ecumenical, educational and civil
rights movements in local communities, across the nation and around the world. Our denomination is proud to work with many ecumenical organizations including the National Council of Churches, Churches Uniting in Christ, Conference of National Black Churches, World Methodist Council, Bread for the World, Church Women United, World Federation of Methodist & Uniting Church Women and the National Council of Negro Women. During the civil rights movement the C.M.E. Church was at the forefront and Cont‘d on Page 4
Sunday School Resource Available Online (www.thecmechurchced.org) CED provides notes from the Committee on Uniform Series that prepares associated Sunday School lesson outlines long in advance of their usage. Included in this Guide are thoughts that are reflected
in the Lesson Development Guide as published by Abingdon Press Nashville, Tennessee. Send an email to sundayschool@thecmechurchced.org to receive these notes electronically each week.
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Making “It” Essential Rationale Acts 2:42-47 — Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
Lately, I have been wondering what made the Church essential to me as a young adult? What made me go to church, participate as an officer and very involved lay member when I was in my 20‘s and 30‘s? What drove me as a 28-yearold young man to seek out the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church when I first moved to another city and state? And what made me stay a C.M.E. when I obviously had many other choices? The above questions are fundamental for all youth and young adults in the C.M.E. Church. Christian educators must come to grip with these questions and ask them as they pertain to the local church. In the Department‘s resource,
How To Do A New Thing in Christian Education, we challenge and give a tool for local churches to evaluate its program of Christian education because it is our contention that many of us are stagnant in our approach to Christian education due to a ―do the same thing‖ approach.
In essence, we are concerned that the Church, the ‗it‘ in our theme, is essential. Other words for essential are necessary, vital, indispensable, important, critical, and crucial. Are our local churches, districts, and regions essential to youth and young adults? In this theme for Connectional Youth and Young Adult Week, we are particularly concerned about local churches. During this week, we want to emphasize that we must make the ―it‖, the Church, vital to the lives of our youth and young adults. Our resource for the week reflects four elements identified in the 2010 Episcopal address as the keys to making ―it‖, the Church, essential in the lives of youth and young adults.
the local church. We will give some suggested ―reaching out‖ activities, but know that the possibilities are unlimited. Second, we must teach. During the week, we will have a designed Bible Study for youth and young adults. It is our intent for this to be a springboard for further teaching of youth and young adults. If the ―it‖, the Church, is to be important in the lives of youth and young adults, we will have to teach.
First, we must reach out to the youth and young adults. We have to enter into their world and culture and tap into what touches them. During this week, every local church is challenged to reach out to every youth and young adult that has any association with
www.thecmechurchced.org/DailyWord.aspx
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Making “It” Essential Rationale Acts 2:42-47 (Cont’d) We must always keep at the forefront of our minds that it is ours to make disciples. Third, we must train. This is where we must have active CYFs and YAFs. Organization itself lends itself to training. If we are to make the ―it,‖ the Church, essential and vital in the lives of youth and young adults, we must train them, not as much as how to be good CYFers or YAFers, but how the Church operates. We need
strong young people on the trustee, steward and stewardess boards. By strong, we mean those who understand discipleship, evangelism, stewardship and mission. Fourth, we must send out to serve. It is a grand thing to perform a service project like we did in Orlando, Florida through the Connectional Youth and Young Adult Conference and subsequently in New Orleans through the Young Adult Retreat. However, it is the service we do on a consistent basis in our local churches that is so critical. It is from my experience that I know this consistency in service comes from formation of people in Jesus Christ, nurture through teaching, training and leadership.
It is our hope and prayer that through the aforementioned suggested activities, worship services, Bible studies and suggested resources, that local churches will be Making ‗It‘ Essential.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
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Our “Essential Church” Celebrates 140 Years (Cont’d) marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., worked with the NAACP, Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), National Urban League, Rainbow Push, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and other civil rights organizations to advance the cause of freedom and justice.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
Education has been a strong denominational priority, extending from the efforts of our first generation pioneers to develop an educated clergy despite the fact that during slavery it was against the law for blacks to learn how to read. The C.M.E. Church was determined to educate the minds of its members by planting schools throughout the South. Five C.M.E. schools, Lane College (Jackson, TN), Miles College (Birmingham, AL), Paine College (Augusta, GA), Texas College (Tyler, TX), and Phillips School of Theology at the Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA) have provided thousands of men and women with a quality education. The C.M.E. Church is under the leadership of Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr. and the College of Bishops, which consists of eleven active Presiding
Prelates in eleven Episcopal Districts and seven retired bishops. Five bishops were elected during the 37th CME Quadrennial Assembly held in Mobile, Alabama, June 26- July 4, 2010. They were Bishops James B. Walker, W. E. Lockett, Sylvester Williams, Theresa Snorton, the first C.M.E. female bishop, and Godwin Umoette, the first C.M.E. African indigenous bishop. The departments and ministries of the C.M.E. Church, under the leadership of ten General Officers, cover every phase of the mission and the work for Jesus Christ, and assists C.M.E. churches throughout the United States, the Caribbean and Africa in providing ministries to all of our members and the community. Additionally the various departments of the C.M.E. Church including the Women‘s Missionary Council, Lay Ministry, Christian Education and Ministers‘ Spouses provide a significant number of scholarships to young men and women attending C.M.E. colleges, Phillips School of Theology, and other US colleges and universities. The C.M.E. Church is proud to work with the One Church One School Community Partnership Program that encourages
churches around the nation to partner with public schools to improve the academic achievement, social behavior and personal development of students, and provides scholarships to students. Celebrations commemorating the 140th birthday of the C.M.E. Church will be held worldwide in C.M.E. churches during the month of December. Special Founders‘ Day events will be held in Jackson, Tennessee under the leadership of Bishop Lawrence L. Reddick, III, Presiding Prelate of the First Episcopal District. The first established C.M.E. Church, Mother Liberty, will host a banquet on Thursday, December 16 at 7:00 p.m. at the site of the denomination‘s organizing meeting in 1870, First United Methodist Church (located at 200 Church Street). The guest speaker will be Bishop W.E. Lockett, Presiding Prelate of the Fifth Episcopal District. On Sunday, December 19 at 3:00 p.m., Bishop James B. Walker, Presiding Prelate of the Ninth Episcopal District, will deliver the sermon at Mother Liberty C.M.E. Church located at 456 S. Highland. The Rev. Dr. Daryll Coleman is pastor of Mother Liberty.
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21st Century Discipleship: Preparation God wants His church to develop disciple-makers. In the scripture, ―you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you‖, Jesus is answering His disciples‘ question about His restoring the Kingdom www.thecmechurchced.org to Israel. Obviously, Jesus surprised the disciples with His answer. He basically said, ―Don‘t worry about that. It‘s none of your business. God will take care of it in God‘s own time. But there is something Formation else I want you to worry about, so listen carefully! You need to concern yourself with how you + Nurture are going to be My witness in this world until the Father + Leadership brings His kingdom.‖
= Mission
The disciples were focusing on Christ‘s future kingdom rather than on their responsibility to occupy enemy territory and represent His kingdom until His return. So Jesus tells them to wait until they are prepared to be His witnesses throughout the world. When the people of God commit to being His disciples— to live the life into which human beings are called by God in Christ—the Holy Spirit empowers them to be God‘s witnesses. We don‘t receive power because we participate in good church
programs or give money to the church or belong to a big beautiful church. We receive power because the Holy Spirit becomes active in our lives. The power of the Holy Spirit empow-
21st Century Discipleship ers us to actualize God‘s Word in our lives, to be His disciples through our witness in the world. In Acts 1:8, Jesus doesn‘t say His disciples will receive power to do witnessing; He says they will receive power to be witnesses. When the Holy Spirit empowers the church, God‘s people become God‘s witnesses by word and deed, by what we say and by how we live. We become God‘s living testimony, and we have no other alternative. God has commissioned the church to develop God‘s people into disciples. Disciples are those people who have pro-
gressed from spiritual infancy to spiritual maturity. In Scripture, Jesus says, ―The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. As the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into His harvest field‖ (Matt. 9:37,38). We can be certain that there are people waiting to hear the Gospel. The problem is a lack of laborers willing to go out into the harvest. 21st Century Discipleship contends that the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church must set aside time and energy for building disciplemakers. It must give itself to preparing mature disciples who are equipped to go out into the world as laborers, as witnesses. Ron Kincade, in A Celebration of Disciple-Making, says that ―the fastest way to win people to Chrst is by expanding the workforce of laborers.‖ He further contents that ―there are four parts to the cyclical process of making disciples: cultivation of relationships with people in the world, proclamation of the Gospel to unbelievers who become believers, instruction in Christian living to growing disciples, and reproduction of the entire process when disciples mature and become workers.‖
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Christian Education Courses Online — Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield January 27, 2011 will mark a historical milestone in the history of the C.M.E. Church. We will begin a formal process of ―Distance Learning.‖ Although it is new for us, this type of learning dates back to the 18th century. The proliferation of technology and access to the Internet now make it more accessible to more people. Several months ago in a planning session with Dr. Willa Ross, my long-time assistant and now pastor of Collins Chapel C.M.E. Church in Memphis, and Mr. Charles Coney, the Department‘s Webmaster and soon to be Technology Consultant on contract; it occurred to me that we are prepared to help our people in an unique way. Now the major hurdle of distance and space can be overcome through the use of technology; therefore, why not teach and learn using ―Distance Learning‖ that I refer to as on line teaching/learning? Our goal is to use this form of pedagogy, strategy for instruction, as a major way to develop a certification program for Christian educators/ teachers in the C.M.E. Church. I have long surmised that the status of Christian educators in
the C.M.E. Church is minimized; therefore, does not get financial support and resource support as it should. I believe a certification program will lift the status and move us toward a more effective Christian education program and ministry throughout the church. How will this Online learning take place? We have taken the initial stages by announcing and promoting the offering of the class. Many have signed up and shown an interest. Now we must take the next step of finalizing a class list. Through the use of another email blast and this newsletter, we will solicit all people to register no later than December 31, 2010. Registration will be available immediately and the payment of the $50 fee will be necessary so that we will know the registrants‘ intentions. In January 2011, we will establish a telephone communi-
cation to all who have signed up to discuss details of access and answer any questions. On January 27, 2011, we will have our initial class, and prior to the class, students will receive an outline of the class schedule and other pertinent information. I am excited about the journey ahead and look forward to taking the class with you.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
eLearning is the use of technology to enable people to learn anytime and anywhere. eLearning includes training, the delivery of just-in-time information, and guidance from experts. We envision our learning program leveraging the power of technology to overcome the limitations of time, distance, and resources.
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One Hundred Years of Ecumenical Engagement — Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
I told one of my colleagues from another denomination about my plans to travel to New Orleans for the National Council of Churches of Christ USA (NCCCUSA) General Assembly and he asked, ―What value do you find in that relationship?‖ Immediately, I responded that ecumenical engagement gives the Church of Christ an opportunity to dialogue and come to agreement on critical life issues that affect all of us. Furthermore, it raises the issue of our brotherhood and sisterhood as we seek to live and work together toward an uncertain future.
More than 400 people of faith came to New Orleans November 9-11, 2010. Included in that number were Senior Bishop Thomas L. Hoyt, Jr., Retired Bishop (and the C.M.E. Ecumenical Bishop) Ronald M. Cunningham, Bishop Paul A.G. Stewart, Sr., Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr., Missionary Council President Elnora P. Hamb, Executive Secretary Jeanette Bouknight and yours truly. Senior Bishop Hoyt, Bishop Cunningham and I serve on the Governing Board of the Council which gives oversight to the work of the Council when not in the General Assembly. At this year‘s meeting, the Governing Board affirmed Michael Kinnamon as General Secretary of the Council. Other action that was of great significance was the hearing of a report and the action being taken by Michael Livingston, the new director of the National Council of Churches Poverty Initiative, who
has certainly hit the ground running. Please visit the National Council of Churches website (www.ncccusa.org) in order to see ongoing poverty programming in which the C.M.E. Church can participate. At the governing meeting, a resolution was approved calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan. Subsequently, a letter has been sent to President Obama and officials in his administration. It appears, however, that the government is now planning to extend combat operations in Afghanistan past the summer of 2011 (an earlier stated goal for substantial withdrawal of forces). It is, therefore, imperative that we as members of the C.M.E. Church make our voices heard on this issue. The General Assembly had as its theme, ―Witnesses of These Things: Ecumenical Engagement in a New Era.‖ Luke 24: 48, the scriptural text for the 2010 Prayer of Christian
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church—Department of Christian Education
One Hundred Years of Ecumenical Engagement (Cont’d) Unity, served as the text for the meeting. The gathering opened with worship in the Basilica of St. Louis and closed with worship in the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox church. International ecumenists lead in Bible studies and worship. Among those preaching was Bishop Vasthi McKenzie of the A.M.E. Church. The vision of the ecumenical movement was envisioned through five papers that were discussed in a café setting throughout the General Assembly. This envisioning continued through a panel discussion representing a wide variety of perspectives. In a unanimous vote, the Community of Christ became the 37th communion of the NCCCUSA and Church World Services. Delegates also issued statements on solidarity with
Christians in Myanmar and Iraq, calling for immigration reform and Sacredness of Religious Others which reaffirms the Council‘s stance on positive interfaith relations. To learn more about the Gathering and other related National Council matters please visit www.eculink.org or www.ncccusa.org.
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Putting Christ Back Into Christmas — Cliff Sanders
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
A couple of years ago, I saw the movie The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It was scary and powerfully acted by Jim Carey. The grinch thought he could wreck Christmas by stealing all the Christmas gifts. In the end, he realized that Christmas is not the gifts but the giver. Today, modern day grinches are trying to steal Christmas by bans, laws, and decrees. Some stores and merchants even forbid their employees from wishing their customers a ―Merry Christmas‖. It seems to be fine to make millions of dollars on the back of Christmas, but don‘t mention Christmas, as some merchants demand. It doesn‘t seem to matter that over 85% of Americans say that they are Christians. It seems that the minority rules. America, unlike most countries, espouses religious freedom. But there seems to be a growing bias against Christians in America. Being offended at Christmas or anything to do with it is not new. It was prophesied even before Christ was born that there would be a plot to kill the babe of Christmas. (Jeremiah 31:15) Wicked King Herod was the devil inspired tyrant who
ordered the death of innocent babies in Bethlehem in his endeavor to stamp out the Christ of Christmas. (Matthew 2:16) In places that he cannot outright stamp out Christmas, the devil has tried to secularize or silence it. Just make it a benign ―holiday‖. But a true ―holiday‖ is a ―holy‖ day. People were created to worship. Man will worship something or someone. It‘s in our nature. Don‘t allow the diabolical grinch to steal Christmas from you. This year put Christ back in Christmas. Without Christ there is no Christmas. Remember that Christmas is not the gifts you give or receive, but Christmas is about the GIVER – GOD and the gift that He gave – CHRIST, His only begotten Son. (John 3:16)
When God is about to do something significant, He reveals it to His servants. (Amos 3:7) Why? So they can pray and participate in His plan in some way. Before Christ was born, God sent the angel Gabriel to reveal to Zacharias, the priest, and his wife Elizabeth, that they would give birth in their old age to the forerunner of Christ – John the Baptist. Just as God prepared them for the coming of Christ, we can find scriptural principles to help us put Christ back in Christmas this year. Make this Christmas a true holy -day full of joy and gladness. (Luke 1) First – PREPARE for Christmas. If we would spend as much time in preparing our hearts as many people spend putting up decorations, baking, and buying gifts, we would put Christ back in Christmas and experience a truly Merry Christmas. Both Zacharias and Elizabeth were ―righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord‖ (Luke 1:6). They had a heart for God and walked the talk. Examine your heart. Are you right with God? Second – PROVIDED A MIRACLE. Both were beyond
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Putting Christ Back Into Christmas (Cont’d) child bearing years. (Luke 1:7) But with God it‘s never too late for a promised miracle. Christmas is a time for miracles, if you will believe and receive God‘s promises. Third – the PROVIDENCE of God over rides impossibilities and the pride of man. God is sovereign and involved in His creation. Zacharias was chosen by lot to be the one to enter the ―Holy of Holies‖ to offer incense to God in worship. (Luke 1:9) With God and His children there are no accidents or coincidences. God directs. Trust God‘s providential happenings in your life. (Luke 1:20; Romans 8:28) Expect a God happening. Fourth – PRAYER will put you in the position to put Christ back in your Christmas. Don‘t get too busy to really pray and seek God. The incense offered to God was a type or symbol of worship and prayer. (Revelation 5:8) All the people stood outside the temple with Zacharias. (Luke 1:9-1, 13) An old prophetess, Anna, was given the privilege of seeing the Christ of Christmas before she died, because she was a women of prayer. (Luke 2:36) Pray for a fresh revelation of Christ this Christmas.
Fifth – the PROMISE of joy and gladness can be yours when you put Christ back in Christmas. ―And you will have joy and gladness‖ (Luke 2:14). Like Zacharias, Elizabeth, and John the Baptist we can participate in Christmas by proclaiming Christ Jesus as Savior and Lord to a world in darkness and despair. Sixth – PREPARE the way of Christ this Christmas by repentance from sin and selfishness. John the Baptist became the ―forerunner‖ of Christ to ―turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous; so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord‖ (Luke 1:17 NASV). Is your heart prepared for the Christ of Christmas? Repent and put Christ in your Christmas by receiving Him into your heart by faith. As the old Christmas carol ―Joy to the World‖ urges us, ―let every heart prepare Him room‖ ―For as many as received Him gave He the power to become sons of God even as many as believed in His name‖ (John1:12).
Formation + Nurture I close by encouraging you to purchase the Advent devotional prepared in concert by the Connectional Departments of Christian Education of the African Methodist Episcopal, African Methodist Episcopal Zion and Christian Methodist Episcopal Churches. You can order the devotional online NOW for a unit cost of $2 or a quantity of 50 for a discounted price of $1.80 each.
+ Leadership = Mission
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church—Department of Christian Education
An “Essential
Annual Conference Lecture: TRAIN — Bishop Thomas L. Brown, Sr.
Church”: Poised For 21st Century Ministry Acts 2:42-47 Annual Conference Lectures
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Overview – These lectures are offered as a continuation of my exposition of the Episcopal Address given in July, 2010 at the 37th Session of the General Conference, C.M.E. Church.
RTTS This third lecture focuses on the components of ―Train‖ and ―Send‖ as we continue our exploration of how ―an essential church‖ positions itself to do effective ministry in this century. In summary, an ―essential church: poised for 21st century ministry‖ requires that we ‗Reach‘ (Evangelism), ‗Teach‘ (Discipleship), ‗Train‘ (Leadership Development), ‗Send‘ (Mission/Service). During this writing, we will high-
light the components of ―Train‖ and ―Send.‖
ance it needs to fulfill its mission.‖
―Train‖ (Leadership Development)
Second, we learn from Acts 6:1-7 that a Spirit-led church will move to respond to the needs of the community of faith so that it may continue to grow. In other words, one of the reasons many churches and organizations stop growing is due to stale and complacent leadership. In Acts 6, the community had outgrown its present leadership capacity. In order to keep the church in a growth mode, it had to select some new leadership to meet the pressing needs of the community. One of the key insights we glean from Acts 6 is that leadership follows need. Where there is no need, there is no need for leadership! The church in Acts 6 was trying to serve its constituents with inadequate leadership, thus neglecting its widows and poor. In many instances, our Church is suffering because we desire the same leadership to serve needs that are multiplying. Let me make myself plain! The day has come and gone when a preacher can adequately serve as the only person in ministry in that local situation. Stewards, stewardesses, trustees, Christian educators, missionaries, and lay council persons are
First, a church nor any people can rise any higher than its leadership. Proper leadership is key to the vitality and essentiality of any church. As the leadership goes, so goes the church! Thus, the Church needs to remain in constant prayer asking God to strengthen, send and raise up leadership for the church for such a time as this. In the later part of Chapter 1 of Acts, the church, under the leadership of Peter, realized that it needed adequate leadership to ready itself for its impending mission as lead by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, the church went into prayer and selected Matthias as to replace the void left by Judas Iscariot. They chose leadership based on both ―qualification (1:21-22) and by divine choice (1:24). Choosing and training leadership, so we learn from Acts 1, is a ―bottom up‖ - from the ranks of those persons whom the prayerful community chooses to lead‖ and from the ―top down‖ - ―as a gift of a gracious God who does not leave his community bereft of the guid-
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Annual Conference Lecture: TRAIN (Cont’d) selected to help create a team designed to meet the needs of a congregation. Again Acts 6 and Exodus 18 (Jethro‘s advice to Moses) inform us that preachers cannot be expected to do everything and effectively address all the needs of a congregation. Third, I wish to share the following about our training or leadership development process: (1) Leadership development within the church, much like being and becoming a Christian is more caught than taught. (2) Leadership within the church arises in response to functional needs for ministry within and beyond the church. Christian leadership is never about position, prestige nor power. People who seek leadership out of a desire to be affirmed and/or get some ego satisfaction generally will become frustrated, weary and disillusioned because they are seeking positions or roles for the wrong reasons. (3) Leadership development in the church is always a two-fold process that is both from ―below‖ (from among the membership) and from ―above‖ by the leadership . (5) Leadership development is a ―gift of the Lord.‖ Ephesians 4:7 -12 bears this out! The writer of
Ephesians states—‖But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it...It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers. (6) Leadership development takes place as a result of the various gifts of Christ working through certain persons to effect component leadership for the church. Ephesians 4:12 following states this: ―to prepare God‘s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.‖ (7) Leadership development is about helping the church to grow both in numbers and in maturity of faith. Acts 6:7—So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly and a large number of priests become obedient to the faith.‖ Also in Ephesians 4:14f, we are informed that leadership development is about helping the membership to become mature disciples. Notice what the writer states in Ephesians 4:14f—‖Then we will no longer be infants, tossed
back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.‖ (8) Consequently, there is nothing wrong in the church that spiritual and gifted leadership cannot to fix with the aid of the Holy Spirit!
Formation + Nurture + Leadership
RTTS
= Mission
The above article along with many other resources written by Bishop Thomas L. Brown are available on the Fourth Episcopal District‘s website: www.4thdistrictcme.org using the link ―Training Material.
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Young Adult Feature: Second Episcopal District
Formation + Nurture + Leadership
There has been a great wave of enthusiasm in our Young Adult ministry across the connection. There have been reports of many Young Adult groups coming together to work on different projects, community events and a new sense of empowerment since the instal-
= Mission
lation of the Connectional Young Adult President, Brian Magwood. In Brian‘s message to the Young Adult Attendees in Louisville, Kentucky 2009, he stated ―Go out beyond the conference and become active.‖ He asked us to be noticed in the local churches, to attend quarterly conferences and ask questions so that we become fully involved in the church we love.
The Young Adults in the 2nd Episcopal District CincinnatiDayton-Indianapolis Region decided to create a group: Indianapolis Zone Young Adult Ministry. The ministry started off with just a few people with great ideas and swelled to an organized ministry focusing on the betterment of the community, to help smaller churches attract Young Adults and encourage participation in the local church. Their first service in September was to help Emmanuel CME Church, where Rev. T.C. Thomas was the Host Pastor. The Zone Ministry blessed the congregation with a thunderous message from Min. Tasha Marshall challenging the Young Adults to realize our time is now. It‘s time to move forward. It‘s time we are accountable for what is required of us, and it‘s time that we let the strings of our parents and grandparents go and be bold in
spirit doing what God has for us to do.
October 8-10, 2010 The Zone ministry held their first Revival with the Theme: ―Going Beyond the Ordinary with Unity, Fellowship and Evangelism. It was a dynamic revival held at Womack Memorial C.M.E. Church, where Rev. Henry Peterson, Sr. was the Host Pastor. It was a community Young Adult event. On Friday Rev. Henry Peterson, Jr. brought the message titled; "How Did You Get Here & Where Are You Going" focusing on Matthew 7:13-14; 2123. SOPW (Sound of Praise and Worship) ministered in song bringing 30 Young Adults to the revival to perform. On Saturday Minister Maria Muse
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Young Adult Feature: Second Episcopal District (Cont’d) brought the Word titled: ―Don‘t Put your Praise on Layaway‖ coming out of 2 Samuel 6:14-15 & 21-23. 2nd District Presiding Prelate, Bishop Sylvester Williams, Sr. climaxed the revival with a powerful word on Sunday asking the Young Adults to do more and to make a difference focusing on the scripture from Mark 9:17-29. We thank God for the spirit of the Young Adults and their willingness to serve. Next highlight; in a small town in Texas we have Rev. Gregory Chalk who is the Pastor of New Hope C.M.E. Church in Nash, Texas. Rev. Chalk was assigned this church 2 years ago and commutes back and forth 2 hours each way to meet the needs of his congregation. He too realized that the scripture says we are to be helpers one to another and decided that every month the church would fellowship with other church‘s working together. Following the pattern of united we stand, divided we fall; the churches came together with fellowship and created Greater Texarkana Fellowship of Churches. On November 7th, Rev. Chalk gave a powerful thunderous message entitled, ―We Fell Down but We Can Get Back Up‖, scripture Acts: 20:7-10. Rev. Chalk de-
cided to do something different to involve people not only from his congregation but across the connection. Realizing it‘s hard for people to come out to the traditional Wednesday night Bible Classes with work schedules varying, the Lord directed him in addition to his Wednesday Night Bible Class to start a conference call bible class that‘s open to everyone and allow active participation in this study . This Class is Every Tues-
thew 6:33 "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto you. Is there a certain part of the day that you set aside for the Lord? If not, why not? Some of us have become so arrogant, that spending time with God has become optional. Have we gotten to a point that we know everything there is about God's word, we shouldn't spend time with Him daily?
Formation + Nurture + Leadership
day night at 8PM Central. The direct phone number to call is 605 477-3000 with the access code: 792840#, best of all it‘s a free call. He welcomes all to join in and share in this engaging Bible Class Weekly. In addition to his new Conference Call bible class he sends via email inspirational words of encouragement and wisdom which gives his readers challenges each week. People look forward to his columns weekly Titled Chalk Talk. The most recent Chalk Talk XVII was titled : Are We Giving Our Best? Mat-
It could be that some of just feel that we have it all together and that we are "all that and a bag of chips". For others it could be that you can't seem to slow down enough to fit God into your busy schedule. Most of us have some type of smart phone that has a calendar for planning activities and meetings in daily. Is there anyone in your life more important to be meeting with then Jesus Christ? When is his scheduled appointment? Cont‘d on Page 18
= Mission
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Young Adults Help Hosea Feed the Hungry — Michael Pell & Amina McIntyre
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
This past Thanksgiving while people around the nation arose before the rays of the sun to baste turkey marinated overnight in special seasoning, a group of volunteers from the Atlanta-Rome District Young Adult Council were preparing to volunteer at the Annual Hosea Feed the Homeless at Turner Field in Atlanta, Georgia—an event that provides meals, showers, hair cuts, and clothing, and receives volunteers from all over the country. For the Young Adults, this was as an extension from the community service project in New Orleans at CYAM Focus Retreat and meet their desire to provide for the needs of those less fortunate was strong. As a group, the district decided at a recent meeting to give some of their time on a day that is about celebrating with family, to spread
joy to those whose families may not have they need. This year, Georgia‘s unemployment rate of 9.9 percent has created thousands of additional people in need across the metro. The Atlanta-based charity Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was pushed to its limits in providing its latest signature Thanksgiving dinner: 12,000 people showed up for the charitable event at Turner Field and another 5,000 received home deliveries. Our Young Adults joined the volunteers for this noteworthy cause. The combined 21,000 fed by the charitable organization made this Thanksgiving the busiest day in the charity‘s 40year history, said Elisabeth Omilami, Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless executive director. She estimated her organization served 20 percent more people over last year. ―People‘s salaries are not matching the increased cost of living,‖ Omilami said. ―People are struggling.‖ ―The President, Brian [Magwood] got us together,‖ said Seketha Edwards, secretary of the Atlanta-Rome dis-
trict. ―I took it from there, contacting Hosea Feed the Hungry about volunteering.‖ At 8:00 a.m., ten young adults and 2 advisors representing a few of the Metro Atlanta C.M.E. churches, including Holsey Temple and West Side, met at Greater Hopewell. Wearing tee-shirts, the group walked the three blocks to the volunteer site. During the two hour volunteer processing line, the twelve kept up their hopes, taking pictures, observing other groups, and making connections with members of the districts.
―Patience is a virtue,‖ commented Rev. Fernandas Robinson about the wait. And this patience truly paid off when the group finally received their red wristbands, signifying access into the work areas. The group was split up among three jobs: sorters, escorts, and loaders. The sorters helped to sort clothes out of large brown cardboard boxes, into men‘s, women‘s, and children‘s clothing, as well as blan-
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Young Adults Help Hosea Feed the Hungry (Cont’d) kets. Escorts greeted those receiving services and lead them around the clothing area, finding clothes that matched their requirements and making sure they left with what they needed. Loaders were on the loading docks, counting out plates, drinks, and utensils for companies transporting supplies to other shelters and organizations in the Atlanta area.
While the group originally decided to allocate about three hours of their day, after getting into the groove of the work, many stayed for four hours. One pair of volunteers stayed until after 5 p.m.. All the members of the Atlanta-Rome District Young Adult Council agreed
that it is a ministry to continue throughout the year and in our representative communities. ―This is what you call dedication to the community,‖ said Emmitt Starr. In front of the concession stands, where Braves fans normally wait for $4 hot dogs and $6 beers, the organization set up rows of serving trays to provide a Thanksgiving feast that consisted of 1,000 turkeys, 900 cans each of greens beans, corn and yams, and two pallets of stuffing. Adding variety to the typical holiday fare, they also served thousands of egg rolls and sushi rolls and enough Korean barbecue to feed 2,000 people. Besides the food, the organization also provided hot
showers, clothing, barber and beautician service, medical screenings, employment and housing referrals, and children‘s services. Anthony Shepherd of Atlanta said he appreciated all of the services offered, but he was really looking forward to the dinner. He said it helped take his mind off his troubles and gave him hope that one of the jobs he recently applied for will work out. ―It‘s joyful because at least you know somebody cares for you,‖ Shepherd said. ―Somebody has taken the time to feed you and to show you kindness.‖ Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless was founded in 1971 by the late civil rights leader Hosea Williams and his wife, Juanita. Since 2001, with his daughter, Elisabeth Omilami, and her husband, Afemo, in charge, the organization has become a year-round resource for food, shelter, clothing, job training and human resource referrals.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
Young Adult Participants were: Aaron Baker; DeAryon Butler; Jimmy Jucks; Jonathan Jucks; Seketha Edwards; Mrs. Shirley Hilmon; Amina McIntyre; Veronica Parks; Rev. Fernandas Robinson; Rev. Raphael Robinson; Inger Richardson; and Emmitt Starr
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church—Department of Christian Education
Young Adult Feature: Second Episcopal District (Cont’d)
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
Why is it that we spend more time trying to impress man, and we tend to leave our leftover energy for God? Too many times in life, we give people around us the best of us and we give God our scraps, when it is convenient for us.
the path to success, we know we are congruent in following the new Quadrennial Theme: The Essential Church Poised for 21st Century. The Young Adults are working together with the Leadership of the church and making a difference.
We live in a fast-paced society where everything has to be fast and easy; we are at a point where we don't care about the quality. Let me remind you that we should be "in" the world and not "of" the world. Don't let the pace of your world dictate where you give your best service. Make sure you schedule some time with Christ before you give the best of to others. You can not be a man (or woman) of God, if you are not a man (or woman) who has spent time WITH God. God gave His very best on Calvary for us. Why not give Him our very best today and everyday. He does deserve it, don't you think?!!!! The Young Adults are on
May 26 - 29, 2011
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Sunday School Musings — Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield Through my association with the Committee of Uniform Series, I met and worked with a wonderful Baptist pastor named Rev. Marcel Kellar from Nashville, Tennessee. I consider him to be very wise, especially in regards to Sunday School; therefore, I am using his book Building a
Strong Sunday Church School in today‘s feature. Rev. Kellar writes, ―The Sunday Church School is one of the primary agencies in the Church where Christian Education is taught.‖ During two recent workshops, I challenged those in attendance to support Sunday School for their own edification. I explained to them the process of how the lessons materialize and come to local churches on Sunday morning. It is a long, arduous process that began with the Committee of Uniform Series some ten years prior to a lesson getting to the local church. Through much prayer, and through the work of the Holy Spirit and the hard work of many dedicated persons, we see lessons produced and provided at a very low cost. I boldly told those present at the workshops, ―How dare you not attend Sunday Church School or purchase materials
period. This is one reason why a pastor should visit as many classes as possible and show concern about attendance. from someone outside the C.M.E. church.‖ According to Rev. Kellar, the key to a good Sunday Church School is a willing church, a strong pastor and a Sunday Church School Superintendent who are committed to sound Bible teaching, coupled with the best innovative teaching methods that will inspire students to learn. What do we mean by a strong pastor? One who is the pastor of the Sunday Church School. He/she cares deeply and appoints a very capable Superintendent. The pastor helps recruit teachers and promotes the Sunday Church School through sermons, lectures, church conferences, official boards and generally encouraging all to attend. As a pastor, I always thought it was important for my presence in Sunday School, even though there were times I could not attend the class. I recognize that Sunday Church School is the only place where a systematic study of the Bible will expose the congregation to the entire Bible over a six-year
The Sunday Church School Superintendent must show an interest in the Bible. This interest will be seen in the Superintendent‘s attendance and participation in other Bible study opportunities. The Superintendent must conduct teacher meetings designed to improve teaching. He/she must be willing to work through the Board of Christian Education to provide adequate budget allowances for literature and other material essential for a strong Sunday Church School. I strongly recommend that all pastors and Sunday Church School Superintendents purchase, read and study the Sunday School Superintendent resource available from the Department of Christian Education. It is my prayer that all pastors and Superintendents of Sunday Church School will take this responsibility seriously. Remember, the more biblically literate our congregations become, the stronger disciples we have available for ministry throughout the entire Church.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
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Principles of Kwanzaa — Dr. Maulana Karenga & Sarah Ganly
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
As an African American and Pan-African holiday celebrated by millions throughout the world African community, Kwanzaa brings a cultural message which speaks to the best of what it means to be African and human in the fullest sense. Given the profound significance. Moreover, given the continued rapid growth of Kwanzaa and the parallel expanded discussion of it and related issues, an authoritative source which aids in both framing and informing the discussion is likewise of the greatest importance. Therefore, this article seeks to provide information which reveals and reaffirms the integrity, beauty and expansive meaning of the holiday and thus aids in our approaching it with the depth of thought, dignity, and sense of specialness it deserves. The holiday, then will of necessity, be engaged as an ancient and living cultural tradition which reflects the best of African thought and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity
of the human person in community and culture, the well-being of family and community, the integrity of the environment and our kinship with it, and the rich resource and meaning of a people's culture There is no want to understand and appreciate the meaning and message of Kwanzaa without understanding and appreciating its profound and pervasive concern with values. In fact. Kwanzaa's reason for existence, its length of seven days, its core focus and its foundation are all rooted in its concern with values. Kwanzaa inherits this value concern and focus from Kawaida, the African philosophical framework in which it was created. Kawaida philosophy is a communitarian African philosophy which is an ongoing synthesis of the best of African thought and practice in constant exchange with the world. Kwanzaa was created to introduce and reinforce seven basic values of African culture which contribute to building and reinforcing family, community and culture among African American people as well as Africans throughout the world African community. These val-
ues are called the Nguzo Saba which in Swahili means the Seven Principles. Developed by Dr. Karenga, the Nguzo Saba stand at the heart of the origin and meaning of Kwanzaa, for it is these values which are not only the building blocks for community but also serve to reinforce and enhance them. This article discusses the seven basic principles.
ď‚Œ Unity is the first basic principle of Kwanzaa, and it is also know as Umoja (OO-MO-JAH). This principle stresses the need for unity amongst family and the African-American people. The first principle of Kwanzaa is unity and it stresses community and togetherness. Umoja is
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Principles of Kwanzaa (Cont’d) represented by a black candle.
candle.
Self Determination is the seconf principle of Kwanzaa and it is also know as Kujichagulia (KOO-GEE-CHA-GOO-LEE-YAH). Self-Determination is an important principle of Kwanzaa that reflects defining who you are as a person. This principle is represented by a red candle.
Cooperative Economics is the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, and it represents the idea of African-Americans supporting each other's businesses. This principle is also known as Ujamaa (OO-JAH-MAH), and it is represented by a red candle. Nia (NEE-YAH) is the fifth principle of Kwanzaa and it represents purpose. This principle reminds African-American people that they must work to build the strength and greatness of the African-American race. This principle is represented by a green candle.
Ujima (OO-GEE-MAH) is the third principle of Kwanzaa, and it represents collective work and responsibility of the African -American people. This principle means that it is the responsibility of all African-American to support each other in their goals and problems. This principle is represented by a green
Kuumba (KOO-OOM-BAH) is the sixth principle of Kwanzaa and it means creativity. This principle reminds AfricanAmerican people that they should use their creativity to improve their community and leave it better than they found it. This principle is symbolized with a red candle. Faith is the final and seventh principle of Kwanzaa, and it is also known as Imani (EE-MAHNEE). This principle of Kwanzaa symbolizes the idea that African -Americans should have faith in
their abilities; it also reminds African-Americans to believe in the strength, power, and righteousness of their race. The principles of Kwanzaa are important ideas that are celebrated during Kwanzaa, and they are the basic practices recognized during this holiday. The Kwanzaa principles are righteous beliefs and practices that should be represented throughout all of humanity. The ideas of goodness, strength, creativity, and support should reach people of all races because they have a positive message. For more information, visit the official Kwanzaa website: www.officialkwanzaawebsite.org
Theme 2010: "Kwanzaa and the Nguzo Saba: An Ethics of Sharing Good in the World" Dr. Maulana Karenga
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SouperBowl Sunday Update — Charles L. Coney
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
With less than 100 days to the kickoff, 12,655 groups are registered to participate in Souper Bowl of Caring. Are you among them? Thousands of youth from churches across the country will Tackle Hunger on Super Bowl Sunday, February 6, 2011. No matter the size of your congregation or of your youth group, you can help provide shelter to the homeless, food to the hungry and compassion to the needy. How? Join the Souper Bowl of Caring. It‘s as simple as holding soup pots at church doors following worship on or near Super Bowl Sunday and asking worshippers to drop in a dollar to help people who are hungry. Souper Bowl of Caring provides all the materials you need. All you have to do is:
COLLECT donations on or near Super Bowl Sunday.
REPORT your results to tacklehunger.org for the country to see the power of caring.
DONATE 100% of your collection directly to the charity of your choice. Everyone who is registered will receive a resource kit that includes the materials you need to plan and promote your event. In 2010, youth across the country generated $10 million for local charities through the Souper Bowl of Caring. In 2011, we hope to mobilize even more youth and generate even more money for those in need. Act on Jesus‘ call to care for our neighbors. Go online today
and register at tacklehunger.org. REGISTER at tacklehunger.org or call 1-800-358-SOUP (7687) to receive your free promotional materials.
The following C.M.E. Churches are registered: Antioch; Hazelhurst, GA Austin Chapel; Waycross, GA Bethel; Valdosta, GA Broaches Chapel; Ocilla, GA Calvary; Buffalo, NY Carter Temple; Greenville, TX Centennial Zion; Scotland, GA Churchill; Jacksonville, TX Collins Chapel; Memphis, TN Corinth; McRae, GA Cray Chapel; Albany, GA Everette Chapel; Douglas, GA Everette Temple; Tifton, GA Graham Chapel; Quitman, GA Grant Chapel; Vidalia, GA Holsey Chapel; Fitzgerald, GA Hopps Memorial; Syracuse NY Horne Mission; Alamo, GA Linden Shorts; Atlanta, GA Mother Liberty; Jackson, TN Mt. Zion; Baxley, GA Oak Grove; Ambrose, GA Phillips Chapel; Youngstown, OH. Phillips Metro; Hartford, CT Phillips Metro; Monroe, NJ Rock Hill; Jacksonville, GA Rockwell; McRae, GA St. Andrews; Brunswick, GA St. James; Lumber City, GA Taylor‘s Chapel; Pritchard, AL Temple Chapel; Jacksonville, GA Trinity; Toccoa GA Wesley Chapel; Rhine, GA Williams Tabernacle; Moultrie, GA
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2011 Black History Month Theme: African-Americans & the Civil War
In 1861, as the United States stood at the brink of Civil War, people of African descent, both enslaved and free persons, waited with a watchful eye. They understood that a war between the North and the South might bring about jubilee--the destruction of slavery and universal freedom. When the Confederacy fired upon Fort Sumter and war ensued, President Abraham Lincoln maintained that the paramount cause was to preserve the Union, not end slavery. Frederick Douglass, the most prominent black leader, opined that regardless of intentions, the war would bring an end to slavery, America‘s ―peculiar institution.‖ Over the course of the war, the four million people of African descent in the United States proved Douglass right. Free and enslaved blacks rallied around the Union flag in the cause of freedom. From the cotton and tobacco fields of the South to the small towns and big cities of the North, nearly 200,000 joined the Grand Army of the Republic and took up arms to destroy the
Confederacy. They served as recruiters, soldiers, nurses, and spies, and endured unequal treatment, massacres, and riots as they pursued their quest for freedom and equality. Their record of service speaks for itself, and Americans have never fully realized how their efforts saved the Union. In honor of the efforts of people of African descent to destroy slavery and inaugurate universal freedom in the United States, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH) has selected ―African Americans and the Civil War‖ as the 2011 National Black History Theme. We urge all Americans to study and reflect on the value of their contributions to the nation. When Carter G. Woodson established Negro History week in 1926, he realized the importance of providing a theme to focus the attention of the public. The intention has never been to dictate or limit the exploration of the Black experience, but to bring to the public's
attention important developments that merit emphasis. For those interested in the study of identity and ideology, an exploration of ASALH's Black History themes is itself instructive. Over the years, the themes reflect changes in how people of African descent in the United States have viewed themselves, the influence of social movements on racial ideologies, and the aspirations of the black community. The changes notwithstanding, the list reveals an overarching continuity in ASALH-our dedication to exploring historical issues of importance to people of African descent and race relations in America.
Formation + Nurture + Leadership = Mission
The Christian Methodist Episcopal Church - Department of Christian Education Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Christian Education P. O. Box 16507 Memphis, TN 38186-6507
Telephone: (901) 345-4109 Fax: (901) 261-3289 E-mail: news@thecmechurchced.org
We are of the belief that the ultimate essence of "Doing A New Thing" in Christian Education is discipleship. We strongly believe that an emphasis on discipleship will lead to formation, nurture, leadership, and mission taking place in our local, district, regional, national, and world wide communities. We believe that the witness of the love of Jesus Christ will be spread in such a way that lives will be saved, educated, and liberated. There are four aspects of understanding of what is involved in "Doing A New Thing" in Christian Education. Namely, they are formation, nurture, leadership, and mission. When the first three aspects are attended to, mission will be the result.
Make disciples through "events that form and transform"
Dr. Carmichael Crutchfield, General Secretary Dr. Willa Ross, Executive Assistant Christian Methodist Episcopal Church Department of Christian Education
We‘re on the Web! www.thecmechurchced.org
Mark Your Calendar for the
Connectional Youth & Young Adult Conferences
July 2 - 6, 2012 Rosen Shingle Creek 9939 Universal Boulevard Orlando, Florida 32819