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Men’s Rally in the Valley to include walk
By LINDA M. LINONIS
YOUNGSTOWN
Some “talk the talk” and proclaim their Christianity, but the adage that actions speak louder than words applies to a commitment to “walk the walk” as a Christian.
Men participating in Saturday’s Men’s Rally in the Valley at the Covelli Centre will be asked to do just that in a walk through downtown Youngstown. The walk will conclude the all-day event. Organizers and city officials have arranged for parts of Front, Federal and Walnut streets and Vindicator Square to be cleared of traffic temporarily so that the walk can occur about 6 p.m.
The walk is an expression of commitment to Christian living, said Walter “Bing” Newton, leader of Men of Faith, the group organizing the Men’s Rally.
“The goal of the men’s rally is to inspire men to renew their commitment to walk the walk of a Christian,” he said. “By walking through the downtown, past the centers of influence in business and government and education and social services, we’re making a statement that we want to be Christian men in all facets of our lives … not just on Sundays when we go to church.”
The walk will not include any spoken words. It will be led by the men who conceived the concept for the rally, including Newton and the Rev. David Moncrief, pastor of Triedstone Baptist Church.
Dan Pecchia, a rally volunteer, said 3,000 tickets have been sold so far. Tickets sold after May 2 do not include lunch, but the arena’s concession stands will be open. Ticket are $15 plus $1 service charge and will be available at the door. Visit the Web site at www.mens- rally.org. “We’re hoping to have 5,500,” he said. “It’s a first-time event, so it’s hard to tell.”
Pecchia said financial support from local businesses and more than 20 local churches have made the event affordable.
But Pecchia said the response has been terrific. “We have men coming from Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties,” he said. “There’s a handful from western Pennsylvania and some from the Cleveland-Akron-Canton area.”
He noted that men’s fellowships were well- represented, adding that the groups ranged from 10 to 20 participants.
Two prayer meetings Friday will precede the men’s rally. Sonja Williams, wife of Mayor Jay Williams, will give the opening address in a prayer service at 6 p.m. at the Covelli Centre. A prayer meeting also will take place at 7 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 30 W. Front St. Thirty continuous nights of prayer have led up to the Men’s Rally in the Valley.
The Men’s Rally in the Valley will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Covelli Centre. Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. The Promise Keepers-style event for men only challenges participants to demonstrate their faith. Bob Popa, president of Bob Popa Entertainment and Youngstown radio personality, will be master of ceremonies. Program details follow.
Mayor Jay Williams: Opening remarks at 8:50 a.m.
Old North Church praise and worship band: 9 a.m.
The Rev. Ricky Riggs: Conference speaker and founder of Oak Springs Ministry in Carrollton, Ohio, at 9:25.
The Rev. Kenneth Paramore: Pastor at Christian Revival and Discipleship Center in Youngstown and Akron, at 10:35.
Salem First Friends Praise and Worship Band: 11:20.
The Rev. Gary Frost: President of Concerts of Prayer in New York and former pastor of Rising Star Baptist Church in Youngstown, at 11:45.
Lunch: 12:30 p.m.
Greenford Christian praise and worship band: 1:30 p.m.
34west Drama Team: “Fish Eyes” at 1:55.
Bill Triplett: Former National Football League running back and Youngstown resident, at 2:20.
Dave Dravecky: Former Youngstown area resident and Major League Baseball pitcher and now Christian motivational speaker, at 3:05.
Abundant Life praise and worship: 3:50.
The Rev. Chett Williams Garlington: Lead operations pastor at Covenant Church of Pittsburgh, at 4:15.
Jim Lewis: Former Valley resident and men’s ministry leader at Lakewood Church in Houston, the largest church in the U.S., at 5 followed by closing ceremony at 5:40.
Information: Walter “Bing” Newton, (330) 427-6578; the Rev. Mr. Moncrief at (330) 744-8103; Ed Bernat, (330) 702-1951; or John Locicero, (330) 457-9325.