LEADING BY EXAMPLE

Clergywomen’s Alliance

reaching out to community

Founded by Rev. Lillie North, the group strives to help youth find faith and hope.

LINDA M. LINONIS

Vindicator Religion Editor

YOUNGSTOWN — The Rev. Lillie B. North had a vision that has come to fruition in the Interdenominational Clergywomen’s Alliance.

“My mentor was the Rev. Lonnie Simon,” the Rev. Mrs. North explained, adding that the pastor emeritus of New Bethel Baptist Church ordained her in 1981. She said at the time some male pastors opposed women becoming ministers but the Rev. Mr. Simon supported women who were called by God.

“He did a good thing ... he asked us to be responsible for ourselves in our call by God,” Mrs. North said. “Now it’s our turn to make ourselves available to the community where we’re needed.”

Mrs. North said she wanted the ICA to be instrumental in creating a better community. The ICA had a prelate bishop ordination ceremony in 2008 for Mrs. North, pastor of Friends House Chapel.

Sheila Conley, public relations chairwoman for ICA, said the organization hopes to accomplish that goal in part by leading by example. “God has changed me,” she said. “I want to show and share what he has done in my life. It’s a privilege to learn from these Godly women,” she said, adding that this example is important to youth in the community.

The Rev. Eleanor Felder, first executive president and pastor of Holy Bible Church of God, said, “Example speaks louder than words.” She is pastor of Holy Bible Church of God.

Conley said among projects that the ICA has in the works are community outreach including three scholarships totalling $3,000, a seminar for young married and single women and a ministry to women in prison. Other activities being planned include a trash-and-treasure sale, prayer breakfast Oct. 24 and concert in November. The organization will have its second annual fund-raising banquet Aug. 29 at the Elm Tree in Struthers.

Phyllis Liggens, program chairwoman and member of Holy Bible, said speakers and various presentations are part of the ICA’s agenda. “I feel I can relate to young people and help show them the way,” she said of ICA goals.

Conley and other ICA members agreed that words only are meaningful when backed up by actions. “It’s up to us to be role models,” she said. “The best role models do the right thing.”

Ollie Williams, first vice president, said she felt the group’s objective — “to strengthen, to inspire, educate and train everyone with a desire and a gift” was indicative of the ICA’s commitment to the community and one another. Williams is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church.

Rev. Mrs. Felder has been active in the Alliance for Congregational Transformation Influencing Our Neighborhoods in which she served as president. She said the ICA will strive to show youth in various ways that “there is a better life and better way” than the wayward path they may be following.

Mrs. Felder said it is the responsibility of women in ministry to take on roles of leadership in the community. “We can show young people they can do better,” she said, emphasizing roles as mentors and role models.

The Rev. Gwen Alexander, pastor of Solid Rock Interdenominational Church, said, “Women are natural nurturers and can minister to all people.”

She said she came into the ministry to use her leadership skills. “It’s part of being a leader to inspire and teach men, women and youth,” she said. “We want to empower the community by using our gifts and talents,” she said of the goals of ICA.

Mrs. Felder and other ICA members said that there faith was a driving force in their lives. “Too many young people have drifted away from their faith,” she said. “There’s too much fault-finding in church. We need to less critical of youth ... they turn to the streets to find acceptance and they should be accepted in church.”

She and the ICA members agreed that by helping youth find their way back to faith and church, they also will find hope. “We want them to be welcome and not be put down,” Mrs. Felder said. “We need to show more love.”

Mrs. North said, “We are making ourselves available to people who may be in crisis.”

The ICA members are known within the community and are part of area churches. The ICA meets at noon on the second Saturday of the month at Holy Bible Church of God; for information, call (330) 788-7328. The organization also works with the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance and Baptist Pastors’ Council.

“We come together as a body of Christians,” Mrs. Felder said. “God is our foundation and we want to be able to serve his people.”