1. Diana Sharpe, Director
2. Debbie Ledford, President
1 - Director, Diana Sharpe
Diana has a very diverse background in Women's Ministry. During her
college years, she lead a women's Bible study of 25+ women. She enjoyed
working with the Women's Ministry at a church in Cleveland, TN, for two years.
More recently, she served three years on the women's board where she lead
women's Bible study as well as other functions to include occasionally teaching
a women's Sunday School class.
Diana endeavors to draw the Elmwood Avenue Church of God women together through
monthly Bible studies, spiritual retreats, shopping trips, monthly outings to
local restaurants, and other such activities. Her main goal is to bring
our ladies together for a special time of learning about God and what He wants
and expects from us as Christian women in today's environment.
"Charm is deceitful and beauty
is passing, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised."
Proverbs 31:30
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2 - President, Debbie Ledford
email:
dledford@elmwoodcog.org
People
who really know me understand the potpourri of life events that have molded me
to be the person that I am. I was born several years ago in Lenoir, North
Carolina, the second oldest of 5 children. Two very special people intervened
in my life after the divorce of my parents and the loss of home life as I knew
it. I thank God for Kenneth and Priscilla Hensley and for the investment they
made in me. I also thank God that they could see something in me that I could
not see in myself. I am also thankful for the Church of God which became and
still is a haven for me. I consider it a high privilege to serve this Church.
My husband, Charles, and I met at the North Carolina State Bible School. Our marriage has been blessed with two fine sons, Erek and Aaron. We entered full-time ministry, first serving as Ministers of Music and finally as Pastor. We feel that we have pastored some of the finest congregations in the Church of God - Cooleemee, N.C.; Marion-Cross Mill, N.C.; Shelby-Royster Avenue, N.C.; Asheboro-Sunset Avenue, N.C.; Hickory-Huntington Hills, N.C.; and finally, Columbia-Elmwood Avenue, S.C.
Every pastorate has been a proving ground for me. In Cooleemee, I learned as a fledgling pastor's wife, the absolute love of a congregation for their pastor. In Marion, I learned the value of team work and that "little IS MUCH" when God puts His blessings on what we do. In Shelby, I learned that although only three weeks into a new pastorate and facing a devastating illness, God's angels are not only the ones with wings. In Asheboro, I learned what a vital part of the community a church should be. In Hickory, I learned that when the enemy comes in like a flood - (1) God will keep our heads above water and (2) just how valuable true friendship is when you need someone to stand with you. In Columbia, we are where we want to be found working when Jesus comes, and it is evident that our people "have a mind to work." Who could ask for a better group of people to shepherd? It is the highest honor to be called the First Lady of Elmwood Avenue.
God has answered many prayers for us - some of them very spectacular and noteworthy. At other times, we have come out at the end of it all and simply been thankful "we made it through."
I am aware of the fact that I have had several significant losses in my life; the loss of home and family, the loss of a child through miscarriage, the tragic death of a sister, a double mastectomy, and learning to live with a disability. I want to emphasize that I have learned to LIVE. I literally move about daily on the strength that the Lord gives me. I am certain this is why my favorite song is "My Help," as my fellow choir members can attest to.
God continually redeems gold from the ashes of life, and I long for the day we will walk on gold. I want my life to be one of decency, honor, and a high standard of morality. I strive to keep my word to people. Our children may not fully realize this yet, but Erek and Aaron will receive a heritage from their parent’s adherence to the principles of high moral integrity. Integrity is a heart thing!
I thank God that He counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry. I want to be found ever faithful to that high calling.