United Church of God, an International Association
Council of Elders Meeting Report

Thursday, May 10, 2001 - Cincinnati, Ohio

                 On its last day of meetings, outgoing Council of Elders member Burk McNair spoke on his thoughts in completing six years of service, and the Council wrapped up business on numerous topics in executive session.

Executive Business

             Several items of business remained which required executive session for the last day of Council meetings. Among the topics covered:

á        Approval of minutes of previous executive sessions in March

á        Discussion of possible ordinations

á        Update on Ministerial Services activities

á        Festival speaking assignments for the Council of Elders

á        Update on the work in areas of Europe

á        Deliberation on how to progress in the contact with the Church of God, a Christian Fellowship

á        Discussion of the LifeNets program and its affiliation with and benefits to the United Church of God

á        Feedback from the General Conference of Elders. 

Message from Mr. McNair

             Mr. McNair reminisced with the Council about his time of service with them, that began at Indianapolis in April 1995. He spoke of how much forward progress had occurred since then, and urged his fellow Council members to remember the words that have been a hallmark of the goals of the United Church of God, words like ãcollaborationä and ãworking together.ä He asked them to ãplease work hard at that. There is so much yet to do.ä He quoted Andrew Carnegie, noting that so many eyes are on this body (the Council): ãI used to listen to what men said; now I watch what they do.ä

             The most important eyes on all of us, he said, are Godâs. He expressed the hope for God to continue to be pleased with what He sees in each of us in our service to Him. And of course, he stressed, Godâs eyes are on all of His people around this globe.

             But there are other eyes watching too ö those of the great enemy of God and His people, Satan. He wants to keep the sheep of God scattered; but he will not prevail, Mr. McNair stated firmly. God has built His House on the Rock that is His Son, Jesus Christ. ãThis Council has done its best to make sure the house doesnât slide off the Rock,ä he said. He pointed out that the future of the United Church of God depends in no small measure on the work of the Council, the General Conference of Elders, and all the church members. 

Billie Sue McNair

           He thanked the Council members for their patience; then lovingly thanked his wife, Billie Sue McNair, for her help and patience. ãDonât underrate the part our wives have taken in our ministry,ä he stressed. ãThey contribute immensely. Work at your Council and ministerial work,ä he said, ãbut take care of your wife!ä

             Mr. McNair thanked both Robert Dick and Roy Holladay for their work in the chairmanâs office, and noted that though he wouldnât be present routinely at Council meetings anymore, he was pleased that Clyde Kilough would follow him, and he would be watching the Councilâs continued work with great interest.

             Following Mr. McNairâs message, Mr. Holladay presented him with a gift and a plaque on behalf of the entire Council. The inscription on the plaque reads:

 ãH. Burk McNair
1995-2001

ãIn deep appreciation for the invaluable and tireless service you have generously given to Godâs people, Christâs ministry and home office staff while serving as a member of the Council of Elders of the United Church of God. It has been a privilege to work with you in the spirit of brotherly love and teamwork that has been the hallmark of our efforts to serve God, His Church, and the ministry.

ãWith deepest thanks and love,

The Council of Eldersä 

-Doug Johnson

© 2001 United Church of God, an International Association