HONORED: Baker named ‘Woman of Excellence’
Published 3:00 am Saturday, July 1, 2017
Susie Baker, a member of McClure Town Church of God in Christ, has been selected “A Woman of Excellence” by the Church of God in Christ, Alabama Second Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction.
Each year, the Church of God in Christ selects a lady to represent the Women’s Ministry throughout the churches in its jurisdiction. The lady chosen must be honest and given to hospitality. She must also be a woman of integrity and one who demonstrates leadership abilities.
Baker serves as president of the Jurisdictional Usher Board and is also president of the local Usher Board.
Baker said it is an honor to be selected as “A Woman of Excellence” and also a humbling experience.
“I always want to serve my church any way I’m needed and whenever I’m needed,” she said. “I grew up in the church. It seemed like my mother took me to church on Sunday morning and it was the next morning before I got out. I grew up among strict women and men.”
And, she grew up “loving the Lord” and she continues to be an active member of her church.
“I’m honored to serve my church as president of our local Usher Board and also of our Jurisdictional Usher Board,” Baker said.
The members of Usher Boards are volunteers and they usually are the first official representatives seen when entering a church.
“Ushers can be men or women and we greet church members and visitors as they enter the church door,” Baker said. “We make sure that things are where they are supposed to be. We make sure the pastor has everything he needs and that there are no disruptions during the service.”
As president of the Jurisdictional Usher Board, Baker will visit all nine churches in the Jurisdiction and work with them to address any concerns they might have about the usher program.
Baker moved with her family to Ohio when she was 12 years old. She attended high school and college in the Buckeye State but moved back to Alabama in 1979 to learn more about the South.
She has worn many hats since returning to Alabama. She has worked in day-care and recycling and as a caretaker, which is her “calling.”
“I love to sit and listen when people talk,” she said. “You can learn a lot by sitting and listen. I like taking care of people. I enjoy doing what I can to bring a little light into the lives of others.”
The Church of God in Christ is an organization with more than six million members worldwide. The church has congregations in all 50 states and 54 countries around the world.