1427 Elmwood Avenue
Columbia, SC 29201
803-765-9711 Office
803-765-4555 Fax
info_elmwoodcog.org
Elmwood is a CONNECTION place
Congratulations to our International Church of God Teen Talent winners....we are so proud of you!
Nate Powers— - Winner, Short Film
Nate Powers— - Superior Rating, Male Vocal Solo
Rachael Shirey and Nate Powers— - Runner-up, Small Vocal Ensemble
Taylor Johnson (son of Eddie & Michelle Johnson)— - Runner-up, Graphics (E. North Carolina)
Ministry staff and volunteers work hard to create, plan, coordinate, and oversee the various ministry activities at Elmwood. Elmwood has many talented people who make our church a great place to be connected. Please feel free to contact anyone listed on this website and they will be glad to give you assistance.
Worship Arts
Connexion - Ministry to College and Career
Women's Ministries
Kindred Hearts - Ministry to Senior Adults
Elmwood Avenue Church of God
Columbia, SC 2920
• From I-26 East, take I-126 toward downtown.
(I-126 becomes Elmwood Avenue)
We are located at the corner of Elmwood Avenue and Bull Street
• From I-77 take 277-South which becomes Bull Street.
Church is located on the corner of Bull Street & Elmwood Avenue
Service Times:
Sunday:
Sunday School 9:45 am
Morning Worship 10:45 am
Evening Worship 6:00 pm
Wednesday
Family Training Hour 7:00 pm
S tepping Stones is an outreach ministry of the Elmwood Avenue Church of God.
The basic goal of this ministry is to reach outside the four walls of the church and compel people to come to Jesus. We believe the "marriage table" has been made ready, the excuses have been given and received and now God is saying "Go into the highways and byways and compel them to come."
Before Israel crossed the Jordan River, God told Joshua to have 12 men, one from each tribe, to pick up a stone from the middle of the river and carry it across. On the other side, they were to take these stones and build an altar before the Lord. All who passed by would know that this altar was a physical marker for a spiritual encounter that Israel had with Jehovah God.
We believe that this ministry, Stepping Stones, will be "a physical marker for a spiritual encounter" for everyone who passes through it.
Stepping Stones Ministry, Inc.
Board of Directors
Byron Powers, Chairman of the Board
Tony Gould, Director
Kenneth Brazell, Assistant Director
Ann Lockman, Secretary
Sarah Gould, Treasurer
Betty Frick
Lumeshia Grimes
Morgan Hill
Gaynelle Thompson
Troy Dishaw
Mission Statement
—1. It is the continuous mission of Stepping Stones Ministry to teach and preach the complete Word of God, to minister to the lost and hurting, and make disciples of all men and women. We will continue in our mandate by Scripture to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, give drink to those who thirst, and visit the sick and those in prison.
—2. We will continue to operate the thrift stores and food pantry (by application)-- always seeking ways to improve and promote these areas of the ministry.
—3. The ultimate goal of the ministry is to assist men and women in their recovery phase of drug and alcohol addiction through the establishment of an extended transitional housing program.
SSM Trans Housing Application 5-13-10.pdf
Stepping Stones In Action
Testimonials
Housing Application
Stepping Stones Ministry, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization as designated under the Federal Tax Code. All gifts and contributions are tax deductible.
Clay Smith serves as Associate Pastor at Elmwood. His current primary ministry oversights include Senior Adult ministries and Christian Education, but he is also actively involved in many other areas of ministry. Clay is a credentialed minister in the Church of God and since 1990 has been involved with Youth and Christian Education both in the local church and in the South Carolina Church of God. Clay and his wife, Dora Ann, have two children and three grandchildren.
Email: csmith_elmwoodcog.org
Byron Powers and his wife, Frankie, assumed leadership as Lead Pastor at Elmwood Avenue Church of God in December 2010. He has a BA in Psychology from Lee University and an MA in Clinical Pastoral Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. Pastor Byron and Frankie view themselves as a ministry team and work hard to fulfill their calling to be a shepherd to the church and community. Along with local church and denominational ministry, Pastor Byron has served various police departments as a Police Chaplain. He and Frankie serve as facilitators for Marriage Strengthening Workshops and Intensive Care Union (ICU). They have three children, Sarah Benton and her husband, Donald, Rachel, and Nathan.
Email: srpastor_elmwoodcog.org
Donna Meares serves as Worship Arts Director at Elmwood. She oversees the various art expression opportunities, but all with a single purpose— to lead people into the presence of God. Music has always been a part of Donna’'s life— singing in the church and with her family quartet. She tells how those experiences exposed her to various music styles that have prepared her to develop a “blended” style at Elmwood. In addition to her role as Worship Arts Director at Elmwood, Donna is a member of Together For Him, a Christian recording group. Donna and her husband, Bill, have two grown children, Bill and Jessica.
Dorothy Hollis serves as Administrative Assistant to Elmwood. Dorothy earned an Associates Degree from Midlands Technical College. She received the Lord at the age of 9 years old and has, through the years, committed herself to the Lord, Jesus Christ, to her family and to the church. Dorothy and her husband, Gary, are very involved in many areas of ministry at Elmwood. She was also a Home Educator to her two boys, Gary and J.C. who are also very involved in the life of the church.
Email: dhollis_elmwoodcog.org
John Hyatt has served as Treasurer at Elmwood for many years. Elmwood is a giving, generous church deploying the gifts of our attenders for use in ministry; therefore, each tithe, offering, and gift is carefully accounted for. John and his wife, Jeannie, do a wonderful job in recording contributions and keeping track of business transactions. Please feel free to contact John if you have any questions concerning your contributions.
Bible Studies are conducted at Morris Village each Sunday at 9:00 AM and in transitional housing throughout the week. Over 11,000 Bibles have been given to those in need of one. These Bibles are made possible through the generosity of the families and friends of Elmwood Avenue Church of God.
The Food Pantry operates on a bi-weekly basis. Eligibility is by application; eligible recipients are senior citizens, those on an inadequate fixed income, the poor, and the homeless. This area of ministry is designed to be a supplement to the individual's income and is provided at no cost to recipients. Approximately 35 families are assisted on a weekly basis.
Thrift Stores: SSM operates two thrift stores to assist the ministry in being self-supporting. Items sold range from all types of clothing to household items and new or used furniture. We accept all donations. Large items may be picked up by calling either store. Tax receipts are available for donations. Stores are located in Columbia & West Columbia, SC, at:
6000A Two Notch Rd (803-754-1114) • 1916 Augusta Rd (803-794-1786)
Transitional Housing operates to assist men in the recovery phase of drug and alcohol addiction, providing a Christ-centered living environment through an initial 90-day program with an extended program for qualified residents on a space-available basis. This program is designed to assist residents in becoming established in the community and the church.
House rules have been established and must be adhered to. The residents:
a) Receive spiritual guidance through Bible study.
b) Attend AA, NA, & group sessions.
c) Attend anger-management, resume', job interview, & appropriate training.
We are in partnership with the following agencies:
Voc Rehab
One Stop Workforce
Richland One Adult Ed
SC Dept of Mental Health
Columbia Free Clinic
Columbia Area Mental Health
LRADAC
Morris Village
Dept of Veteran Affairs
If you have questions, please call (803)765-9711 or e-mail: info_elmwoodcog.org.
SSM Shoes for the Journey - Outside EACOG.pdf
SSM Recovery House Contract _Final_ 09-28-09.pdf
STEPPING STONES SHOES FOR THE JOURNEY
CLICK FOR FULL SIZED POSTER
FAX to: (803)765-4555, ATTENTION: T. GOULD
TESTIMONIALS
My name is Andrew Herbert. In my early 20s, I completed the recovery program offered by Stepping Stones Ministry. These are the things in my life that I had lost . . . everything, and in no specific order. And whether for fear of losing something or having already lost it, for five years I tried to replace those things with drugs and alcohol among other things. Until finally, though my flesh required those substances moment by moment, my spirit had already died within me. All my dreams were lost and all hope was gone. And the devil, my puppeteer at the time, still had me believing that continuing to sin was the only relief. But lo and behold, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ came on the scene. He told me through His Spirit that He had bought me already with His blood, and that if I would just repent, He would take care of me. Now, I'm here. He's right; I'm wrong. I'm weak; He's strong. He's big; I'm small. I'm short; He's tall. I'm nothing; He's all. I know He has a plan for my life, and every day I ask him to help carry my troubles. And though I lost everything, I gained Jesus. Now the only thing I fear more than God Himself is not being with Him.
—Andrew Herbert '07
I came to this program beaten down, desperate, and confused. I knew that I had a long road of recovery, but I was determined. I would like to give praise and glory to my Redeemer, Jesus Christ, for loving and restoring me. I knew Jesus could help me. I Peter 5:7 says, "Casting all your care on Him for He cares for you."
I know that this is a continuing process of recovery. I have faith that Jesus is watching over me and strengthening me, and I am determined not to return to that destructive lifestyle.
—Josiah '10
May 22, 2008—I dropped to my knees, and I prayed to the Lord in desperation, “Please help me! Take me away from the obsession and circle of death that I continue to do to myself. I need You in my life.” Right then I realized that I could not do it on my own—that I needed Him more than ever.
May 23, 2008—I asked a friend to drive me to the Morris Village treatment facility where I asked for help. I was told that they did not except walk-ins, but that day they admitted me into the facility--that was the work of God doing for me what I could not do for myself. I spent 30 days in Morris Village, attending drug treatment classes, NA, & AA meetings, and church services. At one of these church service I met the director of Stepping Stones who was delivering the Word of God to us. I asked him if I could enter the Stepping Stones transitional housing program. After an interview, he accepted me into the program. While still at Morris Village, the medical staff informed me that I was HIV positive…I was devastated, but I also knew the life I had lived had played a big part in it & that God would overcome this stage of my life and give me acceptance. As time has progressed while in Stepping Stones, I have grown and learned to have a better relationship with the Lord. He has shown me that I never have to be alone again. When man judges or fails me, God will always be there. It has not been an easy trip, but knowing that I am not alone helps me more every day. Stepping Stones has been a great help to me and has taught me that in life you get what you put in to it – whether good or bad. You can fool man, but you can never fool God.
May 23, 2009 – Now a year clean! I know that I could not have done it without the Lord’s help and guidance. I ask Him to guide me throughout the day and night to follow His will and not mine. With Him, I know all will be well. I might not be where I want to be, but I am not where I was—praise God! Amen.
—Angel '09
Our mission as the Worship Arts Ministry at Elmwood Avenue Church of God is to lead others into all-out, uncompromised worship of God. Our primary purpose is to give God the glory, honor and praise that He deserves.
Drama
For those who love to act or dance there are opportunities to get involved. Our drama groups are all open to enrollment at various times of the year (some by audition).
YOU CAN BE INVOLVED
Choir/Ensembles
If you love to sing, we offer a group for every age - Children, Youth, and Adult. We are a community of people who are working toward improving our effectiveness at leading worship and living as disciples of the Lord Jesus. These all meet on a regular basis and have year-round enrollment.
Musicians
Perhaps you play an instrument, our orchestra is a wonderful place to meet other musicians and develop your gifts through worship. The orchestra meets weekly and is open all year to enrollment.
Media Team
If you are gifted in the area of media, our media team is a great place to use your gifts in worship. A skills assessment is required and hands-on training is provided.
The Church of God Women’s Ministries has a rich heritage of over 70 years of service. Many women have been blessed and saved through this international ministry. Elmwood Avenue Church of God is proud to be a part of such a powerful group of women.
Our purpose is to encourage spiritual growth, personal development, and leadership among women; also, to contribute to the general welfare of the home, church and community. Our desire is to develop a sisterhood among our church family and to reap the harvest in our community.
Women’s Ministries at Elmwood offers many opportunities for women to be CONNECTED to God, to Family and to Others through:
Fellowship Meetings
Bible study
Ministries for special needs
Retreats/seminars
World and home missions
Benevolence
Teaching
Intercessory prayer
Social concerns
Assistance to ministries of the church
Our desire is that many will catch the vision and join with us in ministry!
Are you post high school, in college or working toward your career? Are you 18 to 29 years old? This is a unique time in your life with unique opportunities and unique questions to address. Therefore, we have a group for you...it’s a place of fellowship, a place of discipleship, a place of seeking answers to life from a Godly perspective.
Each Tuesday
6:30 p.m. a time to connect with others & 7:00 a time to connect with God
Elmwood Ave. Church of God
1427 Elmwood Ave. ~ Columbia, SC
For more information call 803-765-9711
