For Immediate Release: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 For Information: Vernon Williams 317.626.7575
BALTIMORE BISHOP THOMAS SET TO KICK OFF IBE ECUMENICAL SERVICE JULY 12TH
INDIANAPOLIS – Baltimore native Bishop Walter Thomas will deliver the sermon for the kick-off of the 42nd Annual Summer Celebration presented by 1.800.QUIT.NOW at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 12th at Light of the World Christian Church, 4750 North Michigan Road.
The annual Ecumenical Service draws different dominations from churches throughout Indianapolis to a single place of worship on the first of the 11-day celebration. The spirited service includes the IBE Ecumenical Choir of more than 100 voices.
IBE President & CEO Tanya R. Bell said, “Indiana Black Expo is always proud and gratified to launch our signature in the place the organization was born – the Indianapolis churches from which charter members emerged in 1970. We never want to forget our roots.”
Bishop Thomas is pastor of New Psalmist Baptist Church and Presiding Prelate Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors. Under his leadership his congregation has grown from 200 in 1975 to more than 7,000 today. Bishop Thomas is also an author whose books include “Spiritual Navigation for the 21st Century” and “Good Meat Makes Its Own Gravy.”
The ecumenical service is free to the public. The host pastor is Dr. David Hampton. He is in his first year after, succeeding iconic long-time pastor, Dr. Tom Benjamin.
Parking and shuttle services are available from the International School at 4330 Michigan Road.
Summer Celebration continues through Sunday, July 22nd – climaxing with another religious service and Gospel Explosion. In between, the approximately 250,000 who attend will enjoy a film festival, education conference, youth summit, employment fair, celebrity basketball game, fashion show, cultural arts exhibit, vendors, free health screenings and entertainment – including Gladys Knight, Keith Sweat, and Earnest Pugh.
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ABOUT INDIANA BLACK EXPO, INC.
Indiana Black Expo, Inc. (IBE) is a year-round, multifaceted community service organization with 12 chapters around the state of Indiana. IBE is well known for its two major fundraisers, Summer Celebration and Circle City Classic. This 501(c) (3) nonprofit is governed by a board of directors comprised of individuals and community leaders from around the state of Indiana and employs a full-time staff. The mission is to be an effective voice and vehicle for the social and economic advancement of African-Americans. To learn more about Indiana Black Expo, Inc. go to