Sandy has served the organization for more than 20 years, first as communications director, then as office administrater, then as Executive Coordinator. Highlights of her service include staffing regional and national movements such as the Working Class Ministry, Synagogy, Rural Ministry Network, Small Church Network and the Commission on Religion in Appalachia (CORA). A leader in ecumenical relations, Sandy is a well-known figure in many organizations and congregations throughout Appalachia.
When asked about the accomplishments of which she is most proud, Sandy answered, “My work at EAM has always been such a team effort and has built so on the work of the people who went before us, that it is hard to say 'these are my accomplishments.' Things that have happened that I'm pleased about include reinstituting work camps, especially adding the third week recently; the publication of Distinctive Thumbprints in Regional Ministry and the companion study guide; the work the religious community (with some real leadership from APSO/EAM) has done around mountain top mining -- including having most of our dioceses go on record through resolutions at Diocesan Conventions asking for good regulation of MTR; the much more normative idea of mutual ministry in most dioceses; the proliferation of diocesan training programs in small church ministry; the excellent presence and ministry showcase at the last General Convention (due in great part to the Diocese of Southern Ohio EAM Committee); the growth of awareness of Appalachian ministry in the Diocese of East Tennessee; establishing our web site; the number of people who say work camps have been life changing for them; the number of young work campers who have gone into the ordained ministry and/or the helping professions; the sense of community that has developed among the EAM family.
“My major frustration is after all these years and every body's hard work and dedication, EAM is still one of the best kept secrets in the Church.
“My major thanksgiving has been all the people I've been privileged to work with and learn from.”
The EAM Board presented Sandy with a lovely quilt made by the Rev. Theresa Kelley, Board member from the Diocese of West Virginia. The Diocese of Southern Ohio EAM Committee gave her a porch rocker with a brass plaque reading “Sandy Rocks!” and a hand made baby quilt reserved for the new grandson her daughter and son-in-law are adopting from Russia. In
Sandy Elledge was honored at a retirement dinner at St. Matthew's in Wheeling, in conjunction with the Mountain Grace VI conference and the EAM Board meeting. Her retirement is effective January 1, 2008.
addition, the Committee gave a matching rocker in Sandy's honor to their diocesan Procter Camp and Conference Center. The Board also established an Elledge Scholarship Fund with contributions from individuals and congregations within the EAM family to enable members of small Appalachian congregations to attend national and regional conferences or training events that will enhance their ministry development. Guidelines for applying for these grants are available from the EAM office.
