Sharon Starling

 

Hometown: I grew up in Prince George's County (Takoma Park).

 

/files/Church Gallery/Staff/Sharon 2.jpgMy Story: I have always lived a life full of music. From a preschool age, I have been singing. (It began in church!) I continued my studies in music in college (University of Maryland ’75) and beyond. During my sophomore year in college, I wanted to share what had been taught and I began directing the first children’s choir at University Baptist Church in College Park. For many years, I served on staff at First United Methodist Church and Damascus United Methodist Church. In 1995, while serving at First UMC, I developed an after-school program in the arts as a way for the church to live out the mission of the Shalom Initiative in Global Ministries. Children of all ethnicities & socio-economic backgrounds were encouraged and nurtured in an environment where they could celebrate and learn from their diversities through the arts. Three years ago, I began working on development and implementation of the choral program for the Amalfi Coast Music Festival in Italy. I have traveled to Italy and directed the choral program and taught Italian children African-American Spirituals and Gospel songs. Before coming to Oakdale Emory, I served as music director at Colesville United Methodist Church.

 

Ministry Area: Worship and Music

 

Family: I was married for 30 years to Walt Starling. We met at church when we were 16. Walt is deceased. I have a son Brent, 31, and a daughter Joanna, 27. Both are married and live in the area with their spouses—my wonderful daughter-in-law, Julianna, and son-in-law, Jason. I also have two beautiful grandsons, Dominic, 9, and Nathan, 4. On May 11, 2008, I married Marshall Rea, who has two lovely daughters, Jessica, 16, and Rianna, 13.

 

Passion: Making music and finding ways to use music to increase faith and teach Biblical truths, exploring all the ways to convey our adoration to God through worship.

 

Favorite Pastime Activities: Performing cabaret act of 1930s/40s music and Broadway classics…and planning parties.

 

Little-Known Fact: I wanted to be a dancer but never learned to dance…