Women's Ambassador Team

WANDA BENNETT

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF HELPS

Born in rural Kinston, NC, my parents moved to Morehead City when I was only a year old. My older brother and I were raised in Church by loving parents. Even though our parents eventually went their separate ways, we

always knew the love of God and experienced the saving grace of Jesus. I attended Mrs. Fussell’s Kindergarten, Camp Glenn Elementary, West Carteret High School, and Campbell University. My husband, Tommy, and I collectively have four adult children and five grandchildren (+ 1 due May 2023). We live in Morehead City and love being out on the water. I am a business consultant and enjoy helping others connect to relevant resources. I also enjoy being active and involved in our community.

BETH DAVIS

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF ADMINISTRATION 

My name is Beth Davis. I am married to Barrett Davis and we have three boys: Tanner, Carson, and Sawyer. Besides Jesus, those 4 light up my world. I enjoy working alongside other women to serve others whether it is in Bible school. on the Hospitality committee. or on the Seekers class cooking team. My favorite activities include traveling. boating, and spending time with friends and family.

I feel beyond blessed to have been asked to serve on the

amazing Women's Ministry Team at FBC, It will be exciting to see women come to Christ through fun activities and gatherings.

DIANE HERRING

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF INTERCESSORY PRAYER

I was born and raised in Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. My husband, Andy, our daughter Carra, and I moved to Morehead City in 1996. Shortly after moving to MHC, we started attending First Baptist Church. Through the years, I have served on the diaconate, various committees, l taught Mission Friends Gils-in-Action, and became a member of the sanctuary choir. Currently, l am facilitating a women’s intercessory prayer group, and I am a member of a GROW Group at FBC.

In June of 2020 | retired after se years of teaching elementary children both in Virginia and North Carolina. Now, l enjoy spending time in God’s Word, volunteering at Martha's Mission, helping with various church ministries reading and taking long walks with friends, I am excited to see how God will use my gift of serving through the Women's Ministry an FBC.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. lf anyone speaks they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.

If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides. so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power forever and ever, Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

KAREN KERN

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF HELPS

My spiritual journey began in Newport where my family were members of Newport Baptist church. GA's, Acteens and Youth Group were a huge part of my life and of course summer youth camp was too. The seeds of faith were planted early in my life, and I was spiritually nourished by my family and church family. I find building relationships with people to be extremely fulfilling and truly enjoy supporting folks and sharing God's love with them. God is at work in so many ways in our community and I'm thrilled to be a part of the excitement!

HEATHER LAMP

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF EXHORTATION

Throughout my life, the Lord has faithfully pursued me. To that end, I take great joy in pursuing people with a hug, prayer, a delicious home-cooked meal, a shared laugh or tear, and, always, the word of God. In recent years, the Holy Spirit has stirred my heart for the women of this church, leading me to organize monthly craft nights. This has led to new and enriched relationships among the women of our church and community. My aim is to continue serving in this fellowship of women with a heart posture that points them to Christ and encourages others on their walk with Him. I am continually amazed that I can give him my meager gifts and he can use any of them to build his kingdom!  My two greatest joys are Jesus and being married to my "Sweet G" for 28 years. 

NANCY SHARPE

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF TEACHING

I came to know Jesus at a young age, as my parents were strong Christians and very dedicated in service at Gatesville Baptist Church. While in college at NC State, I grew tremendously in my faith through involvement in Campus Crusade for Christ. A few years post graduation, I met and married "Frosty" Sharpe. I first started teaching Acteens and my own young adult Sunday School class while at First Baptist Swansboro. After moving to Carteret County in 1985, we joined First Baptist Morehead City in 1987 with our infant daughter, Sarah, and welcomed baby Hannah a few years later. Again, I began actively teaching, this time with Girls-in-Action and my own young adult Sunday School class. I also had the opportunity to teach other adult Bible discipleship classes and mission studies with the Women's Missionary Union. I look forward to advising curriculum and teaching on occasion as Women's Ministry buds and blossoms at FBC. May Jesus be glorified.

MACKENZIE SHULER

SOCIAL & DIGITAL OUTREACH LEAD

I attended Western Carolina University, where I majored in Graphic Design. During my time there, I found Campus Rock, a campus ministry that became incredibly influential in my life. Through Campus Rock, I met my husband, my closest friends, and a community that continually encouraged me in my walk with the Lord.

I had the opportunity to serve on student leadership, where Campus Rock provided a space to grow, learn to lead, and use the talents God had given me. They modeled what godly leadership looks like and taught us how to reflect that same faith in our own lives.

After graduating, I was honored to join Campus Rock’s staff. In that role, I helped manage their social media presence and created various design materials, including flyers, stickers, and t-shirts. I am now excited to use these same talents in a new capacity at First Baptist Church.

GAIL WHITLEY

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF FAITH

I grew up in New Bern, NC, and made my home in Morehead City after graduating from Carson Newman University in 1976. I taught fourth and fifth graders for 33 years before retiring in 2010. I have served in various teaching, music, and committee roles within the local church, always with a special eye on children and their families' needs. In my spare time, I enjoy painting, sewing, cooking, reading, music, and crafting. But my greatest joy comes through using my gifts to support the ministries and people of First Baptist Church. My passion is for the health of the local church and the needs of that body, from toddlers to the elderly. We live in community to support each other in our walk with Christ and to use His gifts to reach out through local and global missions.

LEANN WILLIAMS

SERVING WITH THE GIFT OF MERCY

Helping others is a passion of mine, and I find great joy in quietly serving. A high calling I treasure in my heart is family. One of my greatest joys in life is serving in the roles of wife, mother, sister, and friend. Being a pharmacist extends my gift of mercy in the community I call home, as well as in times of need on mission trips. For fun, I love to bake and decorate cakes, walk our dog, Bodie, exercise, and go boating. l love UNC Tarheels! I love Jesus most!


I am humbled and delighted that God has called me to use my spiritual gift of

mercy for His glory and for the good of the ladies at FBC.