May 2008 Scroll

Click on the Headline of the article you would like to read

The Ingrams Jouney

From the Desk of Frankie Matthews

Hightower Highlights

Youth News

Stewardship Banquet

Sportsman Banquet

Special Thanks and Applause

Missions Conference

Ladies Banquet

The Amazing Race

The Ingram's Journey by Jan Ingram

Recently I was asked to write an article for The Scroll and I accepted the opportunity to share with others what God has been doing in my life.  Then the circumstances of my life pushed the thought of writing that article right out of my mind and into some dark corner of my memory.  There seems to be a lot of things rushing into that elusive place lately.  You might ask what in the world could possibly have been happening to make me completely forget?  Well, that answer is just what I wanted to talk about in the first place. Just a few days ago Danny and his dad left North Carolina headed to Alaska with a utility trailer filled with all our possessions, Miki our dog and Max and Rusty our two old faithful cats.  We prayed for safety, said goodbye and started counting the days until Danny would return in June for us.  This was not going to be an easy trip for Danny and his dad, nor were we happy about being separated for so many weeks from them, but we knew that it was the most workable solution to our situation.  Our full support was in and our missionaries on the field needed help, but our children were too close to finishing up their school year to have them transfer to new schools in Alaska.  So here we are, separated for a season, but trusting God to help us through.  Danny and I have been called to serve God in Alaska as missionaries, which has been an exciting and overwhelming prospect for us.  I remember the day Danny told me that God had been dealing with his heart about preaching and more specifically about missions in Alaska.  My immediate response was to say “no way” and “no how” was I going to move that far away from home.  Well, you know the end of that story.  In just a few short weeks, I will be in Eagle River, Alaska.  The amazing thing about it is that my heart is already there.

So, what happened between the time that I said “no” to God and now?  Simply put, I surrendered!  Surrendering to God's call upon my life has been the greatest thing I have ever done, next to accepting his free gift of salvation.  It is very possible to be saved and not be surrendered, but what a contrary way to live.  It is like buying a sailboat (the best one money could buy) and docking it at the edge of the water and never setting sail.  You might get on board every once in a while, just to feel the rise and fall of the vessel from the shifting tide.  Sometimes you might even imagine yourself out there racing with the wind at your back, but you just can't get up enough courage to go.  After all, you were born on dry ground and that must be the best place for you? Right?  Not to mention the storms that brew out on the face of the deep!  Who in their right mind would put themselves in such a vulnerable place?    Well, certainly not me.  I am not a risk taker or a dare devil by any stretch of the imagination.  In fact, I grew up poor and didn't know much about having a normal home life.  My childhood consisted of everything that undermines the confidence of a child.  Fear was my middle name.  I realized early that the only person that was going to take care of me, was me.  So I resolved to one day take control of my life and the situations in my life and surely guarantee a normal life for myself and the family God would later give to me.  More than anything I wanted to have a home and know what it was like to be happy in that home.  All my energy went into making those things happen.  I was married just after graduating from high school, had three beautiful children and landed some really good jobs.  Life was good, or so I thought.  I had been saved as a young child through a bus ministry and I was attending church regularly, but didn't have a clue that God was going to turn my little world upside down.  Everything was the way I wanted it, but God had other plans.  Plans that involved giving up every single thing that I had worked so hard to have, the very things that made me feel safe and secure.  Did I forget to mention, that when I was a child I told God that if He would just help me get through those terrible years at home, that I would live for Him?  Well, I didn't realize that His plan for my life had always been for me to live for Him.  When Danny shared with me that God was calling us to Alaska and I said 'no,' that was not the beginning of my journey, but it sure was a turning point.  It was one of those times in life that you come face to face with the decision that is very clearly one of choosing “my way” or “God's way.”  I wanted to be obedient to God, but under my own terms.  The struggle began.  How could I follow God, but not completely surrender to His plan?  I am a great debater and God heard my arguments (over and over again), but He simply shook His head and told me that what I had been trying to accomplish was the very thing He was going to accomplish, but without my help.  He was going to show me what real safety and security means.  The only way it was going to happen was for me to surrender to His plan, give up control over every aspect of my life and follow Him out into the open sea!  My sailboat was going to have to get used to being in the water and I was going to have to make up my mind to love being free to go wherever the wind of His will would send me. Am I now a risk taker or dare devil?  Not at all, this is the most calculated decision of my life.  When I was trying to control my life and worked so very hard at it, I was always so stressed out.  It was such a fearful thing to put all my trust in me.  No matter how hard I worked and sacrificed, the burden was too heavy.  It was a burden God never intended for me to carry, but when He told me that He would take it from me I didn't know how to let go.  So, what did He do?  He let me carry it until my knees buckled under the weight of it and I found myself on my knees before Him crying out “I surrender!”    The winds blow and the storms continue to brew, but the Master is at the helm.  I don't know of a better place to be than by the side of Him who will safely deliver me to my destination.  I am looking forward to an exciting ride!

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From The Desk of Pastor Matthews by Frankie Matthews

As many of you know the last few months I have had the privilege of ministering to a fellow Christian (Miss Vaughn) who was preparing for her appointment with death. What a privilege! I have dealt with other Christians who were dying but this was very unique in that Valerie was involved in a longer process and had ample time to prepare for the event she knew was approaching. Valerie asked me on January 10^th to “do her funeral.” She was very alert, cognizant and aware of her circumstances! We had a private conversation about what she wanted and I had several opportunities on future visits with her to ask questions about what she was dealing with emotionally, spiritually and physically. I also tried to “minister” to her as a Pastor and a friend.

If you knew Miss Vaughn as a teacher you know she was a spiritually mature individual! Raised in a Christian home, saved at age 5, a consistent church member (attender), graduate of a Christian school and college, athletic, she loved the outdoors and her animals. She chose the teaching ministry as a career (and all the sacrifices that go with that). She was, in every way a role model for the young ladies of Sheets Memorial Christian School. So, this was a confident servant of God facing the reality of her imminent death.

I could write much about her fears, regrets and anxieties as she progressed through her illness, but, I want to share briefly with you what my counsel was as a Pastor and a friend. I hope you can appreciate my position! What do you say that does not sound like a cliché? What can you give of substance that will “minister” and not sound trite and insensitive. Do I talk about death and read biblical passages on every visit like Psalm 23?  Or do I sit and chat about what she brings up and let her lead the conversation? One of our many conversations was about heaven. I want to share with you some of that conversation. Have you really ever spent time thinking about the moments that will lead up to your death? What will it be like? There is a song that deals with being in heaven that has as its title “I can only imagine.” What does a Christian go through as they prepare for death? I want to share an analogy that I think best reflects that “departure.” I have had several opportunities to travel “overseas.” These trips are always associated with modular Bible teaching. As you know, I usually travel without my secretary (if you are unaware, that’s Edith, also my wife). She loves North Carolina! And doesn’t want to leave it. So for me to make these trips it means a separation from Edith, who is my constant (much to her dismay) companion. I am always excited about these trips to the Middle East. To see the “sights,” the Pyramids, to float in the Dead Sea, to explore Petra are all life long ambitions. I also enjoy the new cultures, food and the many great Christians I have the opportunity to meet. I have made friends with people from many different nations. All  have stories of their journey with the Lord that are exotic and soul stirring! Who would not jump at the chance for this kind of travel? OK, nobody but Edith! But, with all that anticipation and excitement there is also the mixture of dread. Yes, dread. Not fear of flying. Not worry about airports or lost luggage but the anxiety of being separated from Edith and the boys (and I must include my favorite daughter-in-law, Mary Beth), my loved ones.

I hate leaving. Before that day arrives Edith and I have both begun the process of “pulling away” emotionally. I begin to focus on the routine of packing. Making sure I have my passport, visas, expense money, airline tickets (all E-tickets now) and deodorant. Many nationals, I have found, do not share my concern about the last item. On the day of my departure Edith does not drop me off at the airport! It is always a staff member (Dan or Ethan) or one of the deacons. Before you call me sentimental or wimpy you need to know that the Allreds as well as Dr. Wemp use this same Modus operandi. They have a friend drop them off without hanging around. The reason for this is that these separations can be very tough emotionally. Separation, even for a short time from family and loved ones is tough! Well. Let me connect these two pictures for you if you haven’t made the connection already!

Going to heaven is a lot like leaving on an exciting adventure. Death is separation. We dread the departure; the separation from this life and our earth bound family and friends. But, we look forward, with anticipation, to the sights we will see, heaven, i.e. streets of gold, the angels and the throne of God, also, those who are waiting for us to arrive. But most importantly, we anticipate meeting the one, whose love for us is immeasurable; who loved us so much that, while we were yet sinners he died in our place. So death is like leaving on an incredible adventure. There is anxiety, even for the most fervent believer. Separation produces anxiety. But, there is also the anticipation of what lies ahead. Meeting new friends and seeing old ones. Seeing the sights we have always read about. What a journey lies ahead for His children.

Well, Valerie has “been there and done that.” Her journey is over, but she is thrilling in the excitement of being there, in the now!  I can’t wait to join her and the others who are waiting on us!

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 Hightower Highlights by DanHightower

FOOD!  What is it about Baptists and food?  When you say we’re going to meet as Baptists, the question is always are we going to eat at the meeting, before or after? Hopefully, we will always get our spiritual food from God’s Word daily and from the weekly preaching and teaching of His Word, but today I’m talking about physical food. One of the many things I enjoy around Sheets is the food!!  Working with the cook team is always a lot of fun.  It is true, hard work sometimes, but we always make it into a party with lots of, of course, food, stories and laughs.  Then, there’s always the missions conference with home cooked meals of all Sheets folks favorites daily, and to end the week we have all the food the gym can hold on Homecoming Sunday.  FOOD!!!!

The Wednesday night meals that the youth have been fixing.  I don’t know about you but I think they should just keep raising money if it means the meals keep going!  The food and fellowship has been great.Traveling with the kids from the school means a lot of McDonalds, Subway, Chick-fil-a etc., but it also has brought some interesting dishes my way, such as grits that were cut and served like cake, jerked chicken & pork, watermelon juice etc. Finally, there’s Pat and Mick’s.  About every 6 months Dennis and Elsie set up a trip to Pat and Mick’s.  This last trip about 53 people went.  I personally ate so much I couldn’t sleep that night. What does all this eating together mean?  To me these are times when I get to know my brothers and sisters in Christ.  Just as with your blood family, eating around the table together is very important and so it is with our Christian family.  It’s a time of encouragement and fellowship.  Acts 2:46-47 says  “…..did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God……”.

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Youth News by Ethan Woodward

In the last scroll, I detailed in an article the reasons why ENDZONE Youth Ministries exists. Surely most people can remember the breakdown of that but just in case memory has got the best of you let me refresh it concerning one specific area. The third purpose of E.Y.M. is to learn how to serve and minister to others. As I stated in the last article, this mission statement is not just something we have just to have. It really guides and affects what we do as a youth group. Having said that, I would like to take this opportunity to tell about just what exactly ENDZONE Youth have been doing in this area. Following are just a few of the areas in which the youth of SMBC have been learning to serve others.

-         In the fall, a team of youth raked a very large yard with a large amount of leaves. This was done after a complete stranger contacted the church stating that she needed help.

-         Collected offering for several weeks and then went and bought gifts to give to a needy family around Christmas time. Again, another family that had no previous connection with our church

-         Prepared and served a full meal at the Davidson County homeless shelter

-         Volunteer at the Winston Salem Rescue Mission. – Teams of youth regularly participate in this.

-         12 Youth preparing to go on a missions trip

-         Regularly serve in nursery

-         Serve as leaders in AWANA

-         Work in the Sound Booth as audio/video technicians

-         Help with the Benevolence Committee.

Part of the reason why our church exists is to engage believers in ministry opportunities. Therefore, what we do in E.Y.M. is merely an extension of our church’s purpose as a whole. Hopefully, traits, qualities, and habits learned at an early age will translate into a lifetime of service and ministry to the Lord. Praise the Lord for willing hearts who gladly serve him and others.

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Stewardship Banquet by Jacob Laws

On February 3, 2008, instead of our regular meeting in the sanctuary we met in the gym, for the Stewardship Banquet. Chris Fry, chairman of the trustees, presented a slide show of what has been done for our church.  There was before and after photos of the sanctuary, showing the renovation that took place.  The work that has been done in that area is amazing.   The pews have been reupholstered, and look very nice with the sanctuary renovations. Also, at the end of last year, Bill Benfield spent time working on the hardwood floor that people around the church still talk about.  Chris also talked about future plans, so we are looking forward to seeing what the Lord will do for us in the year. And as always, Mr. Hightower and cook team did an excellent job with the meal.  It just wouldn't be good Baptist without the good food and fellowship.

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Sportsman Banquet by Ralph Barrow

The 2008 Sportsman’s Banquet was a success!  As usual, it was more than just a chow-down for the guys as it gives us a time to fellowship with both our Christian and non believing brothers that come as guests.  Most importantly, we get to hear God’s Word.  Being able to do all of  this while dressed in everything from camo shorts to bibbed overalls to faded blue jeans adds to the casual and relaxed atmosphere. As is the norm, the hunters and fishermen filled the tables with wild game entrees…all cooked of course!   The other sportsmen in our church family provided the vegetables, breads, and desserts.  BBQ was there from  several sources.  These included “store bought” from John Wayne’s BBQ,  both wild boar and venison BBQ, and probably some from sources we really don’t want to know about. The best fried fish west of the coast is usually found at our Sportsman’s Banquet.  Once again this year, our expectations were fully met.  No broiled or baked water critters for us guys.  Deep fry those fish and we are happy campers! Dr. Hoyle Bowman, from Piedmont Bible College, was the guest speaker this year.  He delivered the message and presented the plan of salvation to us.  Dr. Bowman  included a slide presentation of a visit he had in New Zealand with Joel and Beverly Shoaf.  Of course, the main focus of his slides was of his hunt in New Zealand with Joel.  His stories and photos of the hunt, intertwined with a spiritual message kept our attention.

A DVD presentation featuring our very own Brody McCullough was shown.  It was recorded during one of Brody’s successful deer hunts during  2007. This was very impressive as we watched documented evidence of Brody showing us old guys how to really deer hunt.  After the DVD, Brody made an appearance on stage and answered a few questions offered up by the audience.  Brody gave some great answers, but once again politely declined to divulge  any of his real secrets of success.  I have no doubt he’ll write a book someday! The grand finale was the drawing for the door prizes.  Again this year, lots of great new items were donated from individuals and local businesses.  Curtis Kelly was the grand prize winner, proudly displaying his newly won Shooting Bench as us rifle shooters all looked on in envy and awe. Pastor Frankie gave the closing remarks and extended the invitation for any unsaved men to accept Christ as their Savior.  Pastor then led us in prayer and we adjourned until Sportsman’s Banquet 2009.

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Special Thanks and Applause

Everybody has been asking me about my hearing since the surgery.  I thought I would give you a brief update.  So far, I am hearing a little better.  It will be several months before I will know for sure.  Each time I go back to Duke, they turn it up a little more.  They did a hearing test last time.  They said it is working.  I will keep you posted.  Keep praying for me as I continue with my hearing.  I also want to thank everyone again for the prayers and the money that was raised for my surgery.  I also would like to thank Jean Brown and Linda Currier.  They have helped with answering my questions.  Thank you again and God Bless!  - Janet Brooks

Applause

Brian Weer, Choir, Sound & Light Crew for a beautiful job with the MESSIAH!!!

To the folks at Sheets for all the Christmas cards, gifts & kindnesses shown to the church staff during the Christmas holiday!

To Charles Shoaf & work crew who put the windows in (& tore windows out!)

To Tim Goodrich for all the “behind the scenes” painting, touching up & many other improvements throughout the church.  He has “pretty much” given the church a face lift!

To Nic Matthews for welding up the preschool playground slide!

To Calvin Lemly for keeping the birds from nesting in the doorway!

Special Thanks   to Dan & the cook team for the delicious Stewardship Banquet Meal!

Also, to the Trustees for the work being done through our stewardship campaign and to all you folks who are still giving to the stewardship fund to make these projects possible!

Special Thank You for the nice surprise of honoring us for 15 years as Pastor of Sheets Memorial!  Thank you for all the cards & gifts & the wonderful gift of sending us away for two nights at a cozy little cabin, & 2 days visiting the Biltmore House.  We had never seen it before & we loved every minute of it!  We are also thankful to the Lord for giving us beautiful weather to enjoy while we were there.  You all are so good to us & you do not know how much we appreciate all of you! Love,   Pastor Frankie & Edith

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Missions Conference by Peggy Allred

IT’S TIME!  -

Don’t Grow Weary…We Will Reap!  -  Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not grow weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

As we prepare yet again for our annual missions conference and homecoming, we need to be reminded of these words.  Our conference will be centering around this verse, and I pray that you will take it to heart.  The missions conference will be from August 4-8, 2008, and will conclude with Homecoming on August 10^th.  This time is made special by so many different people all working together.  A few ways in which YOU can be involved: Housing, Decorating, Meals, Nursery, and just being Available for all the little things that come up. If you would like to help in any way, please let the pastoral staff or Marcus Allred know.  We appreciate all the support everyone gives at this time of the year! 

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Ladies Banquet by Molly Barrow

The 2008 April Ladies Banquet brought together a festive gathering of approximately 100 ladies (and little ladies) of all ages . The entryway of the Fellowship Hall graced two giant fluffy ruffle ferns atop ornate floor stands. Upon entering some received a greeting or two from our guest rooster and hen that were nestled in an antique chicken coop crate. The chickens spoke to our souls, reminding us of the Lord’s early morning creatures. All of the ladies’ unique charm, smiles, and colorful dresses blended with ease amidst the yellow and blue gingham table runners and yellow gerbera daisy centerpieces.

We were plenty hungry and our mouths were watering in anticipation of being served from the beautifully decorated buffet tables, bordered by yellow gerbera daisies with ivy vines intertwined.  Delicious Delights catering service by Debbie Robins, catered the delightful affair offering a scrumptious choice of pork fillets or marinated chicken breasts, baked apples, mashed potatoes, salad and yeast rolls, and many different wonderful desserts to choose from!

This year’s theme focused around seeking the Lord early in the morning: Psalm 63:1 “O God, You are my God; Early will I seek You; My soul thirsts for You; My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.” Our special speaker, Mrs. Jan Ingram – SMBC’s very own missionary bound for Alaska -  wove a beautiful message from the chapter Psalm 63, richly retelling in picturesque descriptions King David’s circumstances, the turn of events, and how we can identify with such in our lives today.  I was so blessed with Jan’s reminder that we must always focus on joyfully and thankfully seeking the Lord in each and everything that we do, no matter the magnitude, large or small! It is all so significant in our lives as we seek to please our Lord and Master, Creator of all! We so enjoyed singing together as Mrs. Stephanie Weer and Mrs. Martha Temple led us in the songs, “God You Are My God” and “Seek Ye First.” Stephanie topped it off with a glorious rendition of “”Lord I Need You” as Martha accompanied her.

Then, let us not forget what we all look forward to – winning a prize! Prize winners were announced and 3 beautiful gift baskets were given away that were created by Mrs. Sarah Stephens, one of various gourmet teas and teapot, a gourmet coffee basket and coffee mug, and a muffin basket—all adorned with a giant blue gingham ribbon. Also given away were 3 different types of devotional books—one for a mother, one for a teenager, and one for an elementary aged girl. A couple of ladies won a 30 minute therapeutic massage from Sheets’ very own certified massage therapist Marjorie Kelly.  Marjorie’s sister, Amanda, and Laura Smith donated their unusual creation of a fantastic cookie bouquet to the wisest, most mature lady who that evening was Mrs. Ellen Wrenn, at a beautiful age of 90 years. At closing we enjoyed some question and answer time with Jan Ingram, getting to know and love her more, along with her lovely daughter Cori. Seemed we just couldn’t find a good time to break away and end the evening to go our separate ways. I’d say that’s confirmation of a blessed  evening, gathered together around women who love the Lord! “I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands.” Psalm 63:4 And so, until next year!  Selah!

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The Amazing Race  by Andy Myers

The Amazing Race, as seen on TV, is a series of events in which teams race around the world completing a series of events and tasks in the process. When each task is completed they are rewarded by a simple piece of paper leading them to their next clue. ENDZONE Youth Ministries liked the idea, therefore the leaders of the ENDZONE created their own style. In the TV version, teams race to the finish for a reward prize of one million dollars. In the ENDZONE version the reward was slightly less but still substantial nonetheless – 200 dollars. There were eight teams with four people in each team. The team then had to choose a driver to take them to their clues. The drivers took the teams all over Davidson County trying to find clues. Starting off teams had to race to the first checkpoint where they would have to find their next clue. The next clue led to the next event where they would have to complete it and find the next clue. There were individual  events as well as team events. Some of the tasks included trying to find a marked cupcake in a pile of 800 cupcakes. Contestants had to bite into each one until they found the special one. Another task tested the contestant’s fire starting skills. Some events were harder than others but, the hardest would have to have been finding a clue hidden somewhere in Lanier’s Hardware store. Some teams were left empty-handed searching in Lanier’s for hours. It came down to two teams who were neck and neck and the competition could not have been any closer. All teams exceeded the leaders expectations of completing the competition in eight hours, which was completed in about half that time. Congratulations to all teams for completing the competition and thanks to all the leaders who spent their time helping the Youth have fun!

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