August 2005 Scroll

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Missions Conference and Homecoming

 From The Desk of Pastor Matthews

Hightower Highlights 

YOUTH NEWS

What’s New in Our Library

SENIOR BREAKFAST

LADIES BANQUET “Beautiful In His Time”

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 2005 

TRADING THIS TENT FOR A MANSION 

CHILDREN’S CHURCH  

Missions Conference and Homecoming 

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From The Desk of Pastor Matthews ....by Frankie Matthews

I am glad that I have this opportunity to use this article to discuss the good time we all had with my 50^th birthday. I realize a lot of articles have been written regarding the advancement of age. I really did not have a hard time with “turning 50.” Honestly, I just thought of it as another birthday. I think a lot of my transition was due to your helping me pass through this obvious milestone. I am glad that we have a family relationship here at Sheets. I don’t think of your joking with the “Pastor” as disrespect. I really feel more comfortable with a “brother and sister” type of relationship. I enjoyed the decoration of my office, the many cards poking fun at “old age” and the “honor” bestowed me by the choir but especially the Sunday night service and the video. I didn’t know how I was going to preach after the review of many “tender” times of my life. What a good testimony to visitors that, number one, the Pastor doesn’t take himself too seriously and, two, the congregation knows how to laugh. I think it speaks volumes about our church.  Maybe it speaks volumes about my tenure as pastor.

I think the pastor is a shepherd, not a dictator, he is to lead, not demand, yet he must maintain the respect of the office. The Word says “there is a time to weep” and a “time to laugh.”  We have had many reasons to weep: a derailed brother or sister, or a family facing the prospect of loosing a mother or father in death. We have too few times to rejoice. I desire to lead us through the days ahead with soberness and yet a sense of family, a family that “works” and “plays” together, families with members which help each other through the peaks and valleys of the Christian life. Who know how to encourage and admonish one another! Families have times of stress and times of recreation and rest, and so should the church. We needed the picnic during the fourth of July, which was a good time to sit and enjoy one another. We will need a time of rest after the Missions Conference but during the Missions Conference we will strive to make the conference a success and that will require effort on our part. We will need a time of rest after the Fair Outreach but during the fair we will work to reach out to people who would not attend a church but need the gospel. What better way to invest your life? Do we need to be reminded that our life is short? Maybe my birthday was a “gentle” reminder. I can’t believe that Edith, Zac, Nic and I have been here since before Nic was born. I’m getting old! But, I look forward to us turning 60

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Hightower Highlights....By Dan Hightower

As this is our 75^th Homecoming, I thought it would be good to get a staff kid’s take on growing up here at Sheets. 

Rachel Hightower Ward

For most, a walk through the hallways of the school and church is just a walk down a hall....  nothing special that would appear any different than just about any hall in America.  However, for a few of us, it is much more.  It is where we, as staff kids, grew up.  It is where we spent our days, nights, weekends, and often our summers. As I walk through our halls, I often think of them by certain names (i.e. “Warp Zone”).  I had to learn them quickly after I came so I would know what the guys were talking about.   These names were given to certain areas of the buildings so we would know where to meet when playing spies, hide and seek or just going on a “Journey”. The hallways are where we learned to slide, play paper baseball, tag, and just about anything else that would keep us occupied and out of trouble - or at least most of the time.  

I came to Sheets when I was 7.  I was less than pleased to be here our first year.  My family had come from another local church/school and I was not ready to leave my friends. Little did I know the Lord was placing me in the best place I could be. I could not see, at the time, that the Lord was giving me an incredible family.  I have wonderful grandparents, but they all lived out of town. I did not really have any cousins that I knew, or was seldom in contact with, until I was much older.  In many ways the staff families and others became the family that I did not have around. I grew up with my brother Jonathan and Zac, Nic, Jarrod Wylde, Justin, Clennon and Jonathan Presson. The one thing that Sheets has always done so well, is watch out for their staff.  I realized this when I was young, and it has left a huge impression on me.  I remember when we first came, I had to sit by myself in church.  Momma was in the choir and Daddy was on the platform.  These were the days of one service and everyone stayed on the platform.  It was very intimidating at first. I sat behind John Varron on the second row, and there was never a service that went by, without him talking to me and making me feel welcome.  He was the first person I really remember talking to in church.  I remember Mrs. Benfield and Mr. Parks always had candy or gum, and made sure all the kids got some.  I could go on with names, but dare not because the article may never end.  There are many that I may not get to speak to, or mention as often as I would like, but their lives have so impacted my life.  Our older generation has lived godly lives, and often, without words, they have taught me many lessons that I could not have learned otherwise.   As I traveled back and forth to college, I constantly had someone tell me they were praying for me.  It is indescribable to know that so many people continually pray for your parents and yourself. We have never gone without.  Many times, someone in the church, without knowing, would meet a need that we had, just because they cared so much for us. I never remember being in a church where the people loved the Lord and cared for the staff to the degree that Sheets does.

There were some hard times.  It was difficult, especially as a teenager, because no matter what I did someone, somewhere, was watching and scrutinizing everything I did.  It felt as if I lived in a glass jar for all the school and church to see. There were often things I had to do, just because I was a staff kid, or I could not do for the same reason.  That tends to get old after awhile. I think one of the hardest things, even now, to deal with is when decisions have to be made on an administrative level, whether good or bad. Many times staff kids get caught in the middle.  For some reason people tend to think we know everything that is going on...most of the time we do not. Even if we did, there is nothing we could do about it. I thought it was hard when people’s attitudes or actions would change.  It, generally, took me awhile to realize what was going on or why it had happened. But these were all great learning experiences, and they continue to be. If I could go back to age 7 when I did not want to be here - I would. Knowing what I know now, I would be excited to be at Sheets.  The Lord has used Sheets in so many ways to shape who I am.  The people who have passed through the church and school halls have left a lasting impression on my mind and heart.  Now, as I walk the halls, I not only think of the fun things I grew up doing, but also of the lessons learned.

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YOUTH NEWS.... By Ethan Woodward

2005 Vacation Bible School

 Jungle Adventure

What a remarkable testament to what a team can accomplish when they are unified together and striving towards one goal. How encouraging it was to see so many people get involved with Vacation Bible School and cheerfully work together to teach young minds about God’s Love. Many were involved in one way or another whether it was teaching a class, baking cookies, cutting out crafts, passing out flyers, or simply praying consistently that the Lord would work in our V.B.S. For some, Vacation Bible School is a Herculean exercise in patience, but for most of the kids it is a time of fun, learning and love. Indeed some kids were heard asking Jungle Jim on the last night if they could come back tomorrow and “Why was V.B.S. only two hours long when school is all day long.”  It is unsure if Jungle Jim had a good answer for that question. Nevertheless, please pray for the many who heard about God’s love this week. We never know when a seed planted in Sunday school or VBS will take root and sprout into a tree of majestic proportions. Please, also, specifically pray for the several young people who made decisions for Christ this week and that the Lord will work in their hearts as they grow in their new faith.

As in everything- TO GOD BE THE GLORY GREAT THINGS HE HAS DONE!

--Jungle Jim.

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What’s New in Our Library

 Please accept my appreciation for your many gifts to the library.  You are invited to take advantage of the numerous books that provide good reading and information.

Lee Wrenn, Librarian

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SENIOR BREAKFAST...  by Mildred Copley

Approximately 25 DMA members were treated to sausage, pancakes, waffles, strawberries, coffee, etc., Saturday, May 21st in the Fellowship Hall.  Our appreciation goes to Dennis (president of the DMA) and Elsie Burnette, along with some real good helpers.  Needless to say, the early-risers sacrificially gave up their Saturday time to sleep late to prepare a great meal.

A representative from the Davidson County Dept. of Senior Services presented a program, informing those present of services available to help meet the needs of the older adults’ community of Davidson County.

Thank you, Dennis and Elsie, for the love and care you have shown for the DMA ministry.

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LADIES BANQUET “Beautiful In His Time”.... by Mildred Copley

 The Ladies Banquet, held Saturday, May 7th in the Fellowship Hall, presented the theme, “Beautiful In His Time.”  Pat Shoaf, indeed, impressed the ladies with her unique talent of combining an evening of fun, interest, talent and a most delicious meal prepared by the On-Time Caterers. Mrs. Shoaf greeted the approximately 100 ladies of the church and guests.  After praying, the meal was served. Special guests were Inez Vanderford, one of our shut-ins.  She lives with her daughter-in-law and her husband, Jennifer Cockeraham and Ron in Kernersville.  Kameron McCullough brought her grandmother, Ruth Comer, who has been a shut-in for a number of years. The ever-popular event of Door Prizes consisted of donated items and potted plants.  Each of the children who attended received a gift. Bonnie Washburn was the speaker for the evening.  She focused on the Book of Esther and “He made everything beautiful in His time.”  Mrs. Washburn and her husband, David, are missionaries with the Enlistment Ministry.  Bonnie is the Women’s Department Coordinator. The Washburn’s live in Mocksville. Music was provided by Katie Johnson, singing several beautiful selections. Thank you, Pat, for another enjoyable Ladies Banquet and for your tireless efforts to create new and exciting ideas each year.

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INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION 2005....  by Mildred Copley

Spirits were not dampened by the rain Sunday evening, July 3rd.  The crowd of approximately 100 gathered in the Pre-school gym and enjoyed a lot of noisy fellowship. Dan Hightower and helpers prepared some great burgers and hot dogs on the grills.  As usual, trimmings, ice cream and plenty of desserts were provided by Sheets Memorial’s good cooks.  It’s a known fact that if you have food, Baptists will come and they did. What would we do without Dan Hightower’s faithfulness, energy and hard work?  Thanks, Dan, for all you do for us! My special appreciation goes to Amber Haynes for being an angel of mercy when she knew I needed help (and I surely did) (and she volunteered-I did not have to ask).  Love you, Amber!!!

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TRADING THIS TENT FOR A MANSION..... by Mildred Copley

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CHILDREN’S CHURCH.... By Laura Moretz  

“Let the little children come unto Me, and forbid them not. . . .”  Mark 10:14a.  Where can you find fifteen (to twenty) 4 - 7 year olds drinking Kool-Aid, playing games, doing crafts and best of all, having a Bible story. Children’s Church! Introducing Jesus to some, teaching them how to serve on their level, and sparking their interest in the things of God are just a few goals of Children’s Church.  It, also, provides parents an opportunity to worship without interruption. I am grateful for the opportunity to teach these little ones.  Besides myself, we have Stephanie Yountz, Lisa Paul and Tammy Pressley, serving as teachers at Children’s Church.  I want to encourage parents to be at church each Sunday, and have their children at Children’s Church

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