THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE 7/3//05)

Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram - Chair, Commission on Publications
The Reverend Dr. Johnny Barbour, Jr., Publisher
The Reverend Dr. Calvin H. Sydnor III, Editor

1. JULY 4th IS A TIME TO CELEBRATE THE INDEPENDENCE OF THE UNITED STATES.

We must remember that Black Americans have paid the price for our freedoms, in spite of racism and continued unequal treatment of people of color. You can see the black service persons who have died in the “war on terrorism” by clicking on the “PowerPoint link” after opening the link:

http://www.blackbritain.co.uk/News/details.aspx?i=1497&c=us&h=US

Used by permission of Clyde Dowell II

2. THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER WILL DEVOTE FULL COVERAGE OF THE GENERAL BOARD MEETING / BISHOP’S COUNCIL IN THIS WEEK’S ISSUE. THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE GENERAL BOARD THAT YOU WILL READ IN THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER ONLINE AND IN THE HARDCOPY CHRISTIAN RECORDER:

- Bishop Gregory G. M. Ingram invested as President of the Council of Bishops. Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie passed the President of the Bishops’ Council medallion to Bishop Ingram.

- Edward Waters College took on the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) and was victorious in court; and is fully accredited. Bishop McKinley Young, Supervisor Dorothy Young and the members of the Eleventh Episcopal stood tall as Bishop Young gave the Edward Waters College report that EWC was fully accredited.

- State of the Church speech delivered by Bishop Richard Allen Chappelle received a standing ovation and calls for copy of his speech.

- The General Officers presented the work of their areas in a combined report that modeled efficiency.

- Retired Bishops, retired General Officers and their spouses were full participants in the General Board Meeting.

- The Publication Commission recommended AME periodicals’ subscription increases.

- And when you thought Investiture banquets could not get better, the Tenth Episcopal District hosted an investiture banquet modeled sharing and was the epitome’ of stewardship. Bishop Gregory and Supervisor, the Reverend Dr. Jessica Ingram donated to Payne, Turner, and Paul Quinn College. Bishop Ingram said that a gift would be forthcoming to Wilberforce University.

- President Floyd Flake, President of Wilberforce University and pastor of Allen Cathedral in NYC waxed eloquent as the investiture preacher – it was a full-bodied, Holy Ghost-filled sermon.

- Living Well is our denomination’s theme and Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, the outgoing President of the Bishops’ Council added to her legacy by promoting, along with the Council of Bishops, the issue of healthful living for all members of our Zion. A new publication, The Anvil, has articles written by our active and retired bishops. The focus is Living Well. Information will be forthcoming as to how to order the publication. A poster was also available and will be for those who desire to order it.

- The Health Commission had a training session and provided a video tape entitled “Caring for Your Family’s Health” for all of the participants. The Health Commission is to be commended for their intentional health ministry.

- The Presiding Elders held their Council Meeting and elected officers. The officers elected and their names will be published in the next issue of The Christian Recorder.

- CONN-M-SWAWO+PK’s had its election of officers.

- AME/WIM had its worship service, Awards and Installment breakfast and election of officers.

- Payne Theological and Turner Theological Seminary at ITC hosted their breakfasts for alums and supporters.

- The Connectional Council had its worship service that was inspirational and uplifting.

- The Bishops and General Officers of the African Methodist Church and their spouses were spiritually focused, regal, and modeled the leadership of the Church.

- There were no visible disruptions or disorders at the General Board meeting and for that, we praise God for the spiritual focus and camaraderie displayed at the General Board Meeting / Bishops’ Council.

3. HAVE A GREAT, SAFE AND BLESSED FOURTH OF JULY!