Q2 2015

Feature: Greeting with Gratitude
Spotlight: SinglesMinistry
APRIL 2015 | ISSUE no 2

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HIGHP R A ISE
n e e d s y o u !
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Minister's Corner
2
JAMIACHISLOM
Deputy Editor
Money Matters
Stiletto Sprint
Pink & Purple Sunday
Young Sister's Academy
3
4
5
7
ANGELAGAY
SHERICAEVANS-TRAORE
Staff Writer
Publisher
FEATURE: Is this Church Right for Me?
9
Gratitude
North Carolina Young Adults Conference
12
16
MONICALEARY
Magazine Coordinator
Poetry
Married Life Ministry
17
19
DANIELLETHOMAS
Advertising Manager
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H
ighP raise
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Interested? Submisssions for April publication are due on February
23, 2014! Email to sccocquarterly@gmail.com

M inister 's Cor ner
Guest Services with
Gratitude
Serving at the Kings
Pleasure,
Leslie & Marie James
E
very week, hundred of guests and visitors come through the
doors at Sugar Creek to worship, learn, and experience
God. We've come to realize, that a person?s path to Christ
can take many different roads. Many of our guests are
going through situations that make them more responsive
to God. These are the people that are most likely to be
moving, changing jobs, getting divorced or having children. For
many, making a decision for Christ is not a single event, but the
culmination of a process involving many people playing different
roles along the way. As a result we take special in creating an
atmosphere that radiates with the Christian virtue of hospitality. In
the New Testament, the Greek word translated ?hospitality? literally
means ?love of strangers.? Hospitality is a virtue that is both
commanded and commended throughout Scripture. Hospitality in
the ancient world focused on the stranger in need. The plight of
aliens was desperate. They lacked membership in the community,
be it tribe, city-state, or nation. As an alienated person, the traveler
often needed immediate food and lodging. Widows, orphans, the
poor, or sojourners from other lands lacked the familial or
community status that provided a landed inheritance, the means of
making a living, and protection. In the ancient world the practice of
hospitality meant graciously receiving an alienated person into
one's land, home, or community and providing directly for that
person's needs. During His public ministry, Jesus and His disciples
depended entirely on the hospitality of others as they ministered
from town to town (Matthew 10:9-10). Likewise, the early Christians
also depended on and received hospitality from others (Acts
2:44-45). Jesus also taught us the second greatest commandment,
to ?love your neighbor as yourself? (Matthew 22:39), and the
Parable of the Good Samaritan teaches us that ?neighbor? has
nothing to do with geography, citizenship, or race. Wherever and
whenever people need us, there we can be neighbors and, like
Christ, show mercy. This is the essence of hospitality. Hospitality
represent step one of accomplishing the Great Commission. Our
guest are the people coming to worship service. These are fish that
swim to the boat before we cast a net. A guest who attends may
represent years of prayer, service and invitation by a church
member. Guest Services plays a significant role in casting peoples'
first impressions of Sugar Creek, and in creating lasting memories
for them. With many different teams to choose from, Guest Services
provides a variety of volunteer opportunities and time availabilities
to welcome, serve, and lead. In this issue of HighPraise you will
learn how gratitude aligns with Guest Services at Sugar Creek.

M eet New Assistant M inister
B r i a n Sm i t h
George Brian Smith is a native of a small southern
river-town called Rome, Georgia. He obeyed the Gospel at
the age of 12 years old at the Callahan Street Church of
Christ through the preaching of Ohio-native Evangelist
Winston Martin. In 2005, Brian met the love of his life the
former Sherrida Peeples, originally from the North Las
Vegas Church of Christ, while they both served in the
singles ministry at their respected congregations. They
were married on 07-07-07. They are blessed to be the
parents of four children: Jalen, Akira, Solomon, and
Nashon.
Photo: Brian & Sherrida Smith
"My role as the assistant minister is to fervently labor in
winning souls for Jesus Christ through the teaching and
preaching of the Gospel message and to serve as a
co-ambasssador for Christ with the astute Evangelist Leslie
B. James. I enjoy learning more and more about God's
word, building relations with all saints, and developing into
a more effective leader". Sherrida and I both love people
and aim to be the best Christians, spouses, parents, and
humble servants to those who are in need of God's
amazing love and grace.
FAMILY AND LIFE
There are many aspects of life that we enjoy but what
Sherrida and I love most is spending quality time with our
children, cooking new recipes, being outdoors, and
traveling on fun-filled adventures. Through our years of
education, work, and experiences; we believe they have
helped us persevere through life's challenges. By our faith
in Christ, it will not only lead us through life's challenges
but into the eternal presence of God.

A
s we continue to grow into that perfect and mature body
of Christ, there are countless lessons we must learn, principles
we must master, and challenges we will have to overcome. At
the core of our development as Christians, there is a concept
that we are commanded to grasp and be obedient in and that is
growing in gratitude. As we look in the Holy Scriptures, we can
see these words: thanksgiving, praise, rejoice, rejoice always, be
thankful in everything, used seemingly countless amount of
times. Have you ever wondered why? Since we are warned that
we will encounter persecution and suffering as Christians, how
is it that James was able to say in James 1:2 ?My brethren, count
it all joy when you fall into various trials? and how was Paul
able to say in Colossians 1:24 ?I now rejoice in my sufferings for
you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of
Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church??
The answer lies in Gratitude. It is the pure, appropriate
response to God's saving power and gratuitous merit called
grace through the obedience of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This
type of gratitude is essentially intertwined with evangelism and
reaching out to others. As we look at instances in the Bible
when Christ returned sight to the blind and healed those that
who were sick; he often told them say nothing to no one, but
did they? Their exultation didn't allow them to sit on such
goodness, so they ran to town or to their closest kin and told
them all about what Jesus had done for them. After Paul was
converted, he began an epic evangelism campaign to make
disciples of many through the power of the gospel message.
Paul was thankful that he was making a difference in the lives
of many through the grace and hope that was shown to him on
the road to Damascus. Paul understood, as well as soul winners
today, that there is no greater joy than to lead a lost soul to
Christ by the power of that life changing gospel message the
same message that changed your life and my life to what it is
today.
In order for us to mature to these heights in our Christian
development, our perspective of the gospel message must be
magnified greater than anybody or anything in this world.
Before we can be experience what Paul stated in Ephesians
4:13, ?I can do all things in Christ that strengthens me?; we
must learn to constantly remind ourselves of the goodness of
God through salvation. Remember, making disciples is a
command and so is showing Gratitude to God.
They both will advance us closer into God's loving presence.
"Gr atitude. It is the
pur e, appr opr iate
r esponse to God's
saving power..."
- Bro. Brian Smith, Associate Minister

By: Sis. Brenda McKinney
Guest Services & Gratitude

S
tudies show that
guests will talk about
their
initial
experiences 8-15
times with other
people. At Sugar Creek we have
plenty of intimidating places to
serve like worship, small groups
and academic life. The Guest
Services Ministry is a great entry
level ministry. We have built a
great ministry that nourishes a
culture of hospitality because of
it?s a reminders to the entire
congregation that guests matter.
Guest Services is a very important
part of our congregational
ministries. It is our first point of
contact with our guest. It is often
said that the first impression is a
lasting impression. It doesn?t start
in the building but it begins in the
parking lot. That means the whole
congregation is involved. ?The
sermon begins at the front
door.? ? Leslie James
Our Mission is to share the
love of Christ, to inform and
serve each guest. We don?t
distinguish between members
and guest, (although membership
has its privileges), but we strive to
make everyone feel valued and
important. As a result, everyone
feels like family. Our duty is to
best provide a safe and friendly
environment that is free of
distractions. This is critical to our
first-time guest as to their
decision whether to return or not.
Every investment in the Guest
Services ministry is an investment
into every other ministry Sugar
Creek offers. We are commanded
in Scripture to be hospitable. The
Greek word philoxenia literally
means to ?love strangers? and is
used in Romans 12:13 and
Hebrews 12:3. Guest Services
relies heavily upon volunteers.
Their roles are defined as follows:
- Captains: These volunteers
work closely with the Guest
Services Director to promote
the vision and goals of the
church and guest services
ministry.
- Greeters: Welcome all
Members and Guests that
enter the church doors. In
addition to greeting people,
Greeters provide bulletins
and answers questions and
help guests find their way
around the church campus.
As a Greeter, you are one of
the very first impressions our
Guests will have of our
church.
- First Time Guest Booth: The
First-Time Guest Team is a
sub-team of our Greeters
Team. The purpose of this
team is to specifically
welcome, inform and serve
our First-Time Guests. This
team serves at our First Time
Visitor Information Booths
located in the Lobby. The goal
of this team is to create an
incredible first impression by
assisting First-Time Guests
from the moment they walk
through our doors.
- Ushers: Ushering begins as
soon as the doors are open!
Your main purpose is to
personally help guests find
available seats. An
inconspicuous scouting of
empty chairs is the best way
to do this. Quietly and politely
asking guests if seats next to
them are available allows you
to put together a mental
inventory of available seats.
Politely ask guests to move to
the center of their row in
order to make as many seats
readily available for our
Guests. Once you?ve located
seats, discreetly escort guests
to them.
From time to time, situations
arise that are true emergencies.
They demand your attention and
affect the safety of one or more
of our Guests. In the event of an
emergency, medical, suspicious
person or missing child; the
Guest Services Team
communicates with the Security
"Our mission
is to shar e the
love of Chr ist,
to infor m and
ser ve each
guest."
-Sis. McKinney
and Medical Professional Teams.
As a Guest Services Volunteer,
you have the unique opportunity
to help create an incredible Guest
experience for every person who
attends our church. Think of your
role as being the ?host? in your
home, and theirs as being the
Guest. Each week that you serve,
you will receive a phone and/or
email reminder from your team
Captain with the meeting
schedule and any additional
important details for the
upcoming Sunday.

Singles at fellowship
Si ngl es
M i nist r y
at Sugar Creek Church of Christ
Written by: Sis. Jamie Hancock
Singles meeting 2015
Singles during game night.
The Sugar Creek Singles Ministry was recently
presented with a more challenging role. During a
special February meeting with Evangelist Leslie James,
members gathered following morning worship service
to hear the goals outlined by church leadership. After
obtaining feedback from members in terms of their
expectations and current role of the ministry, it was
noted that as a singles group, we tend to have a little
more free time to devote than married couples. In
addition, the ministry's focus should be more about
seeking the loss and encouraging the flock as a group,
than we have in times past. As a result, handouts were
distributed with ideas centering on teaching, serving,
cleaning, being youth counselors; including outside
service project ideas such as the Sandbox and Habitat
of Humanity. Several members agreed we need to be
more visible and work to help spread the good news
about Christ, while growing more spiritual in the
process. Evangelist James also noted as a ministry, we
need to be accountable for the things we do for the
Lord. These new opportunities are in addition to our
regular monthly bible studies and in-home
fellowships. Our recent 2015 in-home gatherings
involved a seafood fellowship at Torie Leslie's home in
January. In early February, several gathered for game
night at Angela Gay's residence. although we've
bonded well as a ministry, we can help to become a
more glorious church by offering a more positive
impact on other ministries needing assistance; while
shining our lights more brightly in the Charlotte
community as singles for Christ.

TheSis. M arilynJohnsonStory
By: Sis. Torie Leslie, Director of the Sugar Creek Mass Choir
Everyone has their own conversion story, whether you were raised in the
Church of Christ or converted. The place, the moment, the time, the event
and maybe even the song that created that undeniable longing and draw that
led to your confession and baptism. Marilyn Johnson?s pull began before the
spirited congregational and group singing she loves so much now. Hearing
spiritual songs, connecting the message within them to her life and singing
along with thanksgiving started just by hearing and being moved by gospel
music. The Lord marked her salvation on March 4, 1990 after a trip to the
Philippines. She returned to Fayetteville, NC and gave her life to Christ
through baptism at the Spring Lake Church of Christ (now Country Club Dr.).
The power of God?s word communicated through song sparked Marilyn?s
purpose ? to give praise, honor and glory to the Lord and she has not turned
back since.
Sis. Marilyn has served as a Soprano in the Chorus at Sugar Creek for the past
15 (give or take a year) years having experienced Richard Fuqua, Mike Nail,
Mary Carter, Taniya Pointer, Roslyn Cheatham and Torie Leslie as Directors.
She stays focused on her personal mission of praise by surrounding herself
with the message of The Gospel. Her passion is praising God and being
submissive to Him. She strives to stay consistent in all aspects of her life just
like God has been consistent in blessing and keeping her and her family. This
level of commitment has sustained her passion and focus to the Choral
ministry over the years.
Sis. Johnson also works for the Lord by keeping up with delinquent members
and those who are ill. She was previously a 2 to 5 year old Bible school
teacher. She?s completed DMA (Disciple Makers Academy) and assists with
the Yoke Fellows (new covert) ministry. You will also spot her at regional
lectureships, supporting Ladies Day Events and at the Ladies?Retreat. She
says, ?being a part of a ministry is not the only way to do the work of the
Lord?.
When I asked Sis. Marilyn what song she enjoys singing the most with the
choir ,it was hard for her to choose. She said that each song has a different
meaning at different points of trials and blessings in your life. Right now the
song, ?Thank you Lord for all You?ve Done for me? lead by Nikki Jones, really
speaks to her. She also keeps a scripture in her heart, Colossians 3:16-17, ?16
Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing
with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or
deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the
Father by him.? on the tip of her tongue and in her heart.
Here?s Marilyn?s advice for anyone interested in joining the choir:
?If you have passion and you enjoy praising God, singing hymns and spiritual
songs to the Lord, then this is the place for you. God delights when we praise
Him, it?s all about Him. If we know it?s all about Him and He is pleased with
our praise then go for it. Singing is a great way to show gratitude.
Take the time to make sure you understand the spiritual message in each
song you sing because joining the choral ministry is a powerful opportunity
to focus on the message of God?s word. We are praising, learning and
teaching at the same time. If you?re not doing that ? you need to be quiet!
God is more than worthy to be praised. Some people focus on the group
itself and that is not what it is all about. Sure, the melody is nice but don?t let
your focus shift to the wrong thing. Keep your focus and know what it?s really
all about. It?s not about just singing. We are singing for a purpose. Keep
Church of Christ music in your car. It helps to keep you focused and
uplifted.?
The Sugar Creek Mass Chorus is always looking to add voices to our praise
and worship ministry. If you are interested in joining the Chorus stop and
chat with any current choir member and we?ll assist in one of the following
ways: (1) Contacting Torie Leslie ? 828-301-8346 (2) Sending an email of
interest to chours@sugarcreekcoc.org (3) Encouraging you to sit in on a
practice after evening worship.

IN V E S T IN G
Written by: Bro. Donn Perkins
So, you want to become an investor, make millions, and
live the life of the rich and famous. Well before you
jump into your G650 and jet off to Paris or Hawaii, let's
set the parking brake on this dream and start at the
beginning.
What is investing? Well, it's not an annual trip to Las
Vegas, Atlantic City or Cherokee to play the slots. It is
not buying ten lotto tickets each week. That's not
investing, that's gambling (putting your money at risk
betting, hoping, and praying for the big win)! Investing
is simply, "the act of committing money (capital) or
time to an endeavor with the expectation of obtaining
an additional income or profit." Select any wealthy
person that you know, (Oprah, Tyler Perry, MJ, Magic,
The Bonner Brothers etc.) and trace their path to riches
and I'm sure you'll find that each person spent a great
deal of TIME homing their skills to get to the top.
Time! You've heard the saying, "time is money and
money is time..." Well, that reminds me of a poster that
I once read. It went something like this...suppose you
had a bank account that credits you every morning
with $86,400.00. It carries over no balance from day to
day. If you don't use it, you loose it!! What would you
do? Draw out every dime, everyday RIGHT!!!
Well, God has given you such an account and it's called
TIME!! Every morning God credits you with 86,400
SECONDS. It's a free will gift from above. What will you
do with it? The clock is running.
Becoming an investor is like learning a foreign
language. How much time are you willing to invest to
learn this new language? Reading everything that you
can get your hands on or pull up online about investing
will only increase your financial IQ. Hosea 4:6 "My
people are destroyed for a lack of knowledge, because
thou hast rejected knowledge, I will reject thee..." This
scripture applies today, without the knowledge to be (
you name it), you are guaranteed to fail and be
rejected.
Investing is making your money work for you. Don't
have any money to invest? Well two of the quickest
ways to get money to invest is...
1) GET OUT OF DEBT. Imagine, if you are carrying a
loan or credit card balance with a 25% interest rate, for
every $100 you send in you give away $25!!!
2) WORK OVERTIME. The only drawback here is that OT
is not always available, and there are only so many
hours in a day that you can work.
Once you've completed the two game changers above,
you'll begin to have more money available each month.
However, you're not ready to invest yet, you are now in
a great position to start building an Emergency Fund.
Most financial experts agree that you should have at
least three to six months of your essential expenses in
an emergency fund. This fund will help you avoid using
credit cards for unplanned expenses like new tires, new
washer and dryer, braces, etc in the event of job loss.
The National Bureau of Economic Research and the
Brooking Institution have found that more than 50% of
Americans couldn't come up with $2,000 in cash in the
event of an emergency. The half that can't come up
with the $2,000 often tap their credit cards and begin a
new cycle of debt or pile on to existing debt, digging a
deeper financial hole.
When invested correctly (that's a whole new foreign
language), money will become the hardest working
employee you will ever have. Your investment money
will never ask for a day off, holidays off, leave of absent,
vacation, call in sick, have an accident, etc.
Unfortunately, learning to becoming an active investor
is not optional. The days of the big fat corporate
pension after working the same job for 30-40 years are
over. The responsibility for your retirement pension is
now being placed into your hands with the likes of IRAs
and 401Ks.
Fidelity Investments--the biggest 401K provider-- said,
"the average 401K balance was $91,300 at the end of
2014." The news get worst, despite last year's stock
market gains of more than 11%, the typical 401K only
rose 2%!!! This 9% difference is entirely do to a lack of
investment knowledge by you the investor. You will
need to acquire the knowledge to make this money
work for you and take advantage of that mathematical
miracle called : Compound Interest!!! Remember,
Hosea 4:6 "My people are destroyed for a lack of
knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I
will reject thee..."

By Bro. Darryl Thompson, Finance Committee Chairperson
Debt Fr ee i n 5? You Bet !
I
am sure that by the time you have
received this copy of High Praise you
are very much aware of the Sugar
Creek congregation?s goal to retire
our mortgage on our building. This
strategic plan is known as Debt Free in 5. Under
the leadership and planning of our Evangelist
Bro. Leslie James, Finance Committee, and the
Strategic Planning Group, Goal 1 states that
SCCOC will retire its mortgage within the span
of five years. In this article I will briefly
describe where we are, where we want to go,
and how we plan to get there.
What is a mortgage?
The term mortgage is derived from two Latin
words mort- meaning death, (mortician) and
gage- which means a pledge to forfeit
something of value if a debt is not repaid. As the
word implies a mortgage is often viewed by
many individuals as a debt for life often times
till death, a debt that one should accept as a
necessary part of everyday life. As Christians
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has freed us
from bondage, even the bondage of debt. To
quote Bro. Leslie James as stated in the Debt
Free In 5 Roadmap publication, ?As a church
committed to operating debt-free, we teach the
congregation to save for the future and practice
what we preach.?
Biblical Examples
The Bible is full of examples and teachings
warning against the pitfalls of being in debt.
There isn?t any blessings or encouragement
found in the following bible verses for being in
debt. One might argue that these verses are
dealing with personal finances, not church
finances. HELLO, isn?t the church the saved
individuals the? ekklesia?- the called out
assembly of citizens.
Proverbs 11:15
"He who is surety for a stranger will suffer, but
one who hates being surety is secure."
Proverbs 22:26?27

"Do not be one of those who
shakes hands in a pledge, one
of those who is surety for
debts; if you have nothing with
which to pay, why should he
take away your bed from
under you?"
Proverbs 22:7
"The rich rules over the
poor, and the borrower is the
slave of the lender."
Romans 13:8
"Owe no one anything except
to love one another, for he
who loves another has fulfilled
the law."
Where are we?
We presently owe our
mortgage lender $690,000.00
dollars, and are paying with
interest monthly payments of
$7121.48 at an interest rate of
6.7% term 5 years balloon, set
to refinance on August 2016.
If we continue with our current
mortgage arrangement we
would pay a total of
$318,993.04 in interest and
total of $1,015,575.04 paid off
in 2026.
Where are we going?
How do we get there?
Here is the road map to where
we want to be, and this
journey to becoming a debt
free congregation has already
begun. As mentioned above,
we owe our lender $696,000
on the principal, we will pay
an extra $5,000 per month or
an extra $60,000 per year
toward the principal balance.
When we accomplish this goal
we would have paid off the
mortgage and would have
saved the Kingdom of God
(The Church) $ 205,909.65 in
interest payments.
Many of the saints in our
congregation has already
accepted the challenge set
before us. The extra dollars,
fives, tens, twenties, hundreds,
and thousands received each
Lords day in the collection
baskets and online has already
made an impact. As of today,
February 23rd, the date that I
typed this article, we have
collected approximately $6000
in funds to be applied toward
our debt retirement. Have we
arrived? Certainly not! Is that
something to show God
gratitude for? Definitely YES!
We were off to a slow start,
however we have picked up
steam, and thank you and God
bless you to those that are
participating.
As we all have learned from
God?s word, if we have the
faith of a mustard seed, we
can move mountains, even this
mountain called a mortgage.
The keys to accomplishing any
task is to set SMART goals,
Specific, Measurable,
Achievable, Realistic and
Timely.
Specific- Pay off church
building mortgage within 5
years (2020)
Measurable- Pay $5,000 extra
dollars per month ($60,000 per
yr.) on the principal.
Achievable- 231 members to
commit to contribute 5 dollars
per week ($60,060 year)
Realistic- YOU BET- With God
All Things are Possible [Matt
19:26]
Timely- Receive $5000
monthly or $15,000 quarterly
for a total of $60,000 per year.
Conclusion
The finance committee will
continue to keep you up to
date on where we are in terms
of collecting funds for our debt
retirement. In the coming
weeks you will see visuals,
such as charts and postings
displaying the church?s
progress towards our goals.
For more details about
"... if we have
the faith of a
mustar d seed,
we can move
mountains..."
- Bro. Darryl Thompson
monetary contributions or
non-cash contributions and
ways in which you can
contribute, pick up a copy of
the publication Debt Free In 5
Roadmap. Remember to pray
for the church to be debt free,
and ask God to help us all to
become better stewards of
what he has entrusted to us,
so that we all can give as we
prosper.

Senior & Youth M inistr y's "Young At H ear t"
On Saturday, January 31st, the Senior?s and the Youth Ministry enjoyed the movie SELMA. The story of a movement. The film
chronicles the tumultuous three-month period in 1965, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led a dangerous campaign to secure equal
voting rights in the face of violent opposition. The epic march from Selma to Montgomery culminated in President Johnson signing
the Voting Rights Act of 1965, one of the most significant victories for the civil rights movement. SELMA tells the story of how the
revered leader and visionary Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his brothers and sisters in the movement prompted change that
forever altered history. After the movie, the Youth and Seniors met for a time of reflection on the movie?s significance to the
freedoms that people of all races enjoy today. The Young at Heart Fellowship meets on the last Saturday of each month from
10:00am to 12:30pm. The fellowship includes, Wii bowling, food, PC Skills training and much more.
When people of diverse age groups are active together, they share experiences, learn from each other and help one another.
Physical activity that is co-operative, purposeful and fun can help to strengthen bonds between parents, grandparents and children
in a number of ways:
- Different generations learn new things from each other. Younger people learn from the experience of older people. Adults and
older adults stay current about the activities and interests of younger people.
- Stereotypes and myths that each generation may have about the other are reduced. Children, youth, adults and older adults
are exposed to a wide range of physical abilities, interests, experiences and attitudes. Everyone can gain an appreciation of
how diverse people within a single generation can be.
- Different generations feel more comfortable in the company of one another. Socializing together through physical activity can
encourage people of all ages to find things in common with each other.
People from different generations are instilled with a sense of purpose. Physical activities that involve co-operating and sharing
knowledge can help people feel that their knowledge is valued, that they have something to contribute to other generations and to
their community, and that they are helping others.
Intergenerational physical activity is also an opportunity for the following:
- Retired older adults can socialize, stay connected to their community, be a mentor, share their life experiences and reminisce.
- Younger generations can learn more about cultural heritage, history, healthy aging and health conditions.
- Older and younger generations can receive the health benefits of physical activity.

BLACK
H I ST -
OR Y
M ONT H
AT SUGAR CREEK CHURCH OF CHRI ST
History is a clock that people use to tell their
political and cultural time of day. It is also
a compass that people use to find themselves
on the map of human geography. History
tells a people where they have been and what
they have been, where they are and what they
are. Most important, history tells a people
where they still must go, what they still must
be. The relationship of history to the people
is the same as the relationship of a mother
to her child.
- Dr. John Hendrik Clarke,
prominent African American writer/activist
Black History Month, or National
African American History Month, is an
annual celebration of achievements
by black Americans and a time for
recognizing the central role of African
Americans in U.S. history. The event
grew out of ?Negro History Week,? the
brainchild of noted historian Carter G.
Woodson and other prominent
African Americans. Since 1976, every
U.S. president has officially designated
the month of February as Black
History Month. Other countries
around the world, including Canada
and the United Kingdom, also devote
a month to celebrating black history.
On Sunday, February 22 we
celebrated 2nd Annual Black History
Month Extravaganza. Members and
visitors were treated to musical
selections by the Mass Chorus and
Renew. We will then walked over to
the DTC Family Life Center for a
sampling of some of our family
favorites. As we fellowship, we were
treated to a variety of African
American Art on display. It was a
celebration of our African Heritage
through music, food and art! Special
thank you to Pat Jones, Carla Sams
and those who prepared a dish,
served food, sang and showcased
their private art collections.

Gratitude Journal
Welcome to The Gratitude Challenge, a challenge created to help you Grow in
Gratitude. The following are social media posts from members who used
# gratetudejournal2015. Keep posting your gratitude for the next issue of HighPraise!
Sherika Johnson February 18 at 6:31pm - I PASSED MY TEST!!! Thank you for your prayers!!! Learning two different
policies for two completely different programs in 20 days along with two test stretched me to the limits of
insanity, but I made it!!! I am so grateful for the ones who prayed for me during this challenging time. Now I am
going to bed LOL!!! # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Tamisha Spann February 23 at 4:40pm - Thankful we have evening worship for ppl like me who r not able to
attend morning worship. # ?gratitudejournal2015?# Sugar Creek Church of Christ
Quasilyn Fennell February 18 at 7:19am - Shout out to my Sister in Christ, Tina Smith-Price, because little did you
know, you?re giving this past Sunday was God's way of saying Happy Birthday in advance. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Bianca McClure with Ed McClure January 22 - The moment u get a call that ur husband has been in a car
accident...Thank u to everyone who reached out yesterday to check on my honey. He is ok. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!! Please
continue to pray for his speedy recovery... his back is still sore. Thank u LORD for sparing my husband!!! ?
# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Michelle Brown January 19 - Mooresville, NC - Where there is no vision, the people perish (Prov 29:18) MLK Day
# ?gratefulforthosewholead?# ?gratitudejournal2015?sugarcreekcoc.org
Tamisha Spann January 16 - Cruise paid off!!! Thank God for my income n paid time off from work to enjoy it.
# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Ed McClure January 20 - God is more good than I can tell you. In 2006, I was in the first group of participants in this
trial. God delivered me from the disease meant to eventually kill me. Post transplant I went to the no 1. Graduate
advertising program in the world. Then I married the most beautiful woman ever created. These were all things
given back to me because of this treatment. God is great. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Ayanna G McClinton January 21 - Instagram - Thankful for another day of life, Thankful for my right mind. Thankful
I can provide for my family. Thankful that everyday won't be good but God will get me through it.
# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Travis Harris with Deonslow Cole January 5 - I'm grateful to have a friend that's more like my brother that I can call
and count on no matter the hour. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Quasilyn Fennell January 7 - Day 3....I am grateful for my dear friends. I have been enriched with friends that have
been true, honest, and loyal. They know who they are without any doubt. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Brandi Spool Jones with Mark Jones January 11 Hubby cooked Sunday lunch/ dinner today. After worship I sat, I
relaxed and I ATE!! # ?lovemyhusband?# ?happywife?# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Shanta Moseley Williams January 8 - Concord, NC - I'm a child of the King so I'm living a life of
expectancy.# ?gratitudejournal2015?
MzBeauty Green January 5 I?m thankful for my church of Christ family. # ?Gratitudejournal2015?
Sherica Traore ? with James Alethia Morris at Sugar Creek Church of Christ. January 14 - 7 years ago, the nicest
woman I've ever met; James Alethia Morris invited me to visit her church, I'm blessed to have received that invite,
because I've met some of the most wonderful, kindhearted, God loving people! # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Tamisha Spann January 12 - Thank God it?s my Friday. 3 days off. I?m goin to enjoy n appreciate this as long as it
lasts. # ?gratitudejournal2015?

Tyre'sha Mathis January 4 - I am thankful for God providing me with wisdom to read, understand & apply the
serenity prayer to my life. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Ayanna G McClinton January 6 - Thankful I slept better than the night before. And I'm alive among the living
blessed to get another chance to get it right with the Lord. Thank You Jesus. Make it a great one people
# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Michelle Brown January 15 - Charlotte, NC - Eph 1:13 I am grateful that when I heard the message of truth, I
believed and was marked with a seal, the promised Holy Spirt. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Quasilyn Fennell January 20 My grandchild is now back with our Father though short lived, I'm grateful for the
experience. God knows what is best. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Shanta Moseley Williams January 11 - Charlotte, NC When we thank him, it entices him to bless us. However we
must be correct and do all things in spirit and in truth. We all have a spiritual ailment we need to be healed of. Say
thank you for ALL things. I know that I'm thankful that I'm a work in progress and he's not done with me
yet.# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Tamisha Spann January 20 - Having a position at work to have time to spend with my family / friends n catch up on
much needed rest. Thank God. # ?gratitudejournal2015?# ?sugarcreekcoc?
Quasilyn Fennell January 14 Day 8...I'm grateful that God has allowed my family to move from my sister's into our
own humble abode. A place where I can have fellowship meals with my Sisters in Christ, Olympia Johnson, Sherika
Johnson,MzBeauty Green, Shontrell George, and Monica Leary# gratitudejournal2015
Ayanna G McClinton January 19 - Thankful the Lord saw fit to bless me with 30 years of life. He continues to show
me grace and mercy despite of my shortcomings. I'm so grateful that in my 30 years of life GOD has blessed me
with a loving husband Nicholas C. McClinton, two loving children, and a loving family and my a dynamic momma
Angela Gordon-Capers. I'm looking forward to seeing how the Lord will use me to serve him and bless others. I'm
nothing without GOD and I'm blessed and highly favored. # ?30dirty?# ?blessed?# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Shanta Moseley Williams January 17 - Charlotte, NC - I'm thankful that my grandmother dragged me to church
EVERY time that door was opened... now it's just in me and I don't need to be dragged anymore.
# ?gratitudejournal2015?# ?LivingWithExpectancy?# ?ChildOfTheKing?
Quasilyn Fennell January 15 Day 9..... I am grateful for my immediate and extended family. To all my peeps from
Savannah and Philly. Danielle Ellison, Topgas Pop, Derrick Leonard Duncan, Hollis Manor, Tonya Duncan-Witter,
Renee Jackson,Lisa Burton Adams, and Chris Manor . I love you guys. FAMILY!!# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Leslie James ? with Bernadette Bobo. January 10 I thank God for my mother...for teaching me the meaning of
compassion and resilience...for dragging me to worship, when I was sure I had better things to do...for having
resolve in God when the storms of life were at its worst...for being a caring and loving mother at age 16, when she
had an alternative...for doing the best she could with what she knew to raise four brats....for throwing down the
best West Indian food ever...Thank God for my mother and sister in Christ, Bernadette Bobo
# ?gratitudejournal2015?# ?gratitudechallenge2015?
Quasilyn Fennell January 9 Day 5.....I'm grateful to my Minister in Christ Bro. Leslie James and his wife, Nedral
James,(Sis) who has become a dear friend to me. This young couple exemplify true Christianity. I have grown under
Bro. Leslie teaching and they have been essential in me reaching my full potientials in many of my endeavours in
life and walk with Christ. I am amazed how he has made sacrifices so that God can use him for His Glory. I will
always follow him as he follows Christ. # ?gratitudejournal2015?
Quasilyn Fennell January 6 Day 2...I'm grateful to be blessed with 3 beautiful children, Jovan Harvell, Jocelyn,
Jordan, and my grandchild that is on his/ her way.# ?gratitudejournal2015?
Leslie James January 9 - I'm grateful to God for my daughter Imani James...for my early morning hugs and
kisses...for calling me your hero when you're afraid...for being brutally honest whenever I cook a meal and
reassuring me when you say that I make the best Cheerios in the world...for teaching me the difference in a tutu
and a skirt...for convincing me that I actually know how to put a ponytail in your hair...for keeping me wrapped
around your little finger...for teaching me that it's ok to pray for Doc McStuffin, Dora and Boots...for giving me a
glimpse of what God must think when He looks at me. I'm grateful for my precocious princess!
# ?gratitudejournal2015?# ?gratitudechallenge2015?
Quasilyn Fennell January 5 - I'm grateful for Christ's sacrifice so that I am now in his Holy family of believers.
# ?gratitudejournal2015?

Dream Team
Our world moves at a frenetic pace, and most Christians are just as
busy as non-believers. Think about the average week of church
activities available to at Sugar Creek. Before implementing the 2025
Strategic Plan, we decided that it was best that we not reinvent the
wheel or seek a model that is not rooted in scripture. If we fail to do
so, ministry leaders and member become weary and unproductive.
The end result isn?t a Christian who has a deeper relationship with
God, but a tired soul who?s unable to hear God?s voice. What we have
observed from the earthly ministry of Jesus, is that God is not
impressed by our activity, He is impressed by our effectiveness. Jesus
called it fruit. Effective ministry happens when we take care of the
depth of ministry and God takes care of the breadth of it. In a sense it's
sort of against the grain of a young man's ambition to be driven by
depth rather than breadth, to be driven by significance rather than
size, to be driven by quality rather than quantity.
Jesus and the Dream Team
You may remember the 1992 United States men's Olympic basketball
team, nicknamed the "Dream Team." It was the greatest collection of
basketball talent on the planet that was a phenomenon on and off the
court. Jesus had a Dream Team. He did not started with a group of high
profile, high octane, rock stars, instead He choose a group of
unlearned, irreligious, sinful men. After three year of training and
practicing ministry alongside them, they became His Dream Team.
Within a generation, His followers turned the world upside down (see
Acts 17:6). As we strive for congregational health and effectiveness, we
are developing our very own Dream Team at Sugar Creek. The goal of
the Dream Team is to develop and equip ministry leaders at all levels
of maturity and skills for effective ministry leadership. It is designed
for every member seeking a strengthened and deepened ministry
practice. The Dream Team students will be stretched theologically and
exposed to new models of ministry to multiply leaders. All current
ministry leaders, zone leadership teams and emerging leader are
required to complete the Dream Team course. All students will engage
in 20 hours of in class training and 140 hours of development
opportunities.
Dream Team Overview
The Dream Team is a practical course that focuses on how God shapes
and develops leaders for effective ministry contribution in the local
church. Student will learn how God shapes leaders through life
experiences and developmental transitions, gaining: (1) understanding
essentials of the Organic Leadership Development, (2) focused
understanding of his or her own developmental stage and giftedness,
and (3) insight into how to recognize and facilitate the organic growth
of generational leaders. Students will learn how to facilitate discovery
processes that surface and clarify the calling and contribution of
leaders, thereby increasing the leadership potential within a ministry
context. Learning to recognize and mentor leaders organically, helps
steward and develop leaders according to God?s unique shaping, as
opposed to ministry and its demands. Other subjects include: Ministry
Technology & Process, Effective Communication, The Art of Listening,
Team Building, Building Process Excellence, Strategic Leadership
Development, Event Planning, Vision & Purpose, Customer Service in
Ministry, Unleashing Your Team's Talent. Find more Information at
Sugarcreekcoc.org/DreamTeam
Written by: Bro. Leslie James

Open Letter
A letter home from Sis. Jazmine Morris who is
attending college at Southwestern Christian College. If
you would like to reply, you can email
jazminemorris1002@gmail.com
Greetings from Terrell Texas, if you could imagine heaven
you?d probably imagine singing, praising, and God in your
presence, well that?s exactly how Southwestern is to me. It
may not be the best looking college and the food may not
be the best either, but the singing is indescribably breath
taking. From chapel every day and ?devo? which is reading
of scriptures, amazing singing and a small sermonette from
the ministerial students, I?m getting a small glimpse of what
heaven is like. But the one thing that I know heaven won?t
have is the experience. Being surrounded by students who
love the Lord and are struggling with some of the same sins
I struggle with is truly a blessing. I?m literally surrounded by
amazing boys and girls and there here to support and uplift
me. During the summer if someone asked me why I choose
to go to southwestern I couldn?t give them an answer, now I
know that I?m here for a reason let?s just say I?m just a saint
trying to sin less and I believe I need to be as close to God
as possible. But it doesn?t matter if I?m in church every day,
24/ 7. The devil will still find a way to deviate me from my
goals which is to one graduate, and two are a perfect
example for my little brother Javari. I had a conversation
with my mom that really broke me down, she told me it?s a
shame that your little brother has no one to look up to both
you and your brother are letting him down. And that really
made me think ?Jazmine get your life?, as Sis Tiffany
Gardner would say. I came to southwestern with a mindset
that I was going to be a better Christian and I wanted make
my parents and my church family proud of me. I
wrote a small sermonette for my little brother
about being on the winning team, my mom
showed me the recording and for some reason it
broke me down. You would think it wouldn?t
affect me as much because I wrote it so I know
what it says, but it had me thinking ?Jazmine
how long are you going to write sermons for
your little brother and not apply the same
principles to your own life?. Like I said I?m not
perfect but that was definitely an incentive for
me to not do a 360, because that?s what I?ve
been doing, noticing my wrong doing, asking for
help and repentance then, I eventually go back
to doing the same thing. This is what I call
?Jazmine 360 circle of lies?. I call it that because
I know what I?m doing is wrong I know that I
need to repent and turn away as it says in
Matthew 3:2 and I can?t repent if I find myself
doing the same foolish things. But southwestern
taught me to do a new angle it?s called 180
degrees not to do a complete circle but turn
around and from my old ways and try not to
adapt new bad ones. To my high school babies
that are looking at me and up to me I would like
to leave you with some pointers. One, if Mama T
comes to you to talk to you about southwestern,
stop what your plans were and go I promise it?s
worth it and two, whatever rules your parents
give you and the information you learn from
brother Lesley and your Sunday school teachers
hold on to them they?re effective and you?ll
need them trust me. Lastly before I end this
letter I would just like to ask for prayers of
strength, understanding, and recollection. Also
please look after my little brother Javari; he?s
going to be the next John the Baptist. And pray
for my dad and make sure my mom continues to
feed him. And also pray for my brother James.
Thanks to all the my Sugarcreek family that
impacted my life I can?t name you all but just
know I wouldn?t be where I am if it was for they
prayers of you guys. I lastly want to leave the
congregation with a small chant I learned during
chapel ?GOOD! BETTER! BEST! Never let it rest!
Until your GOOD Is BETTER and your BETTER is
BEST!?
With Love, Jazmine Morris

I n Whose A rms A mI Blessed
By: Dr. R. Cox
As I faithfully move through the New Year?
I move with the gratitude and confidence of my God?s belief in me?
That I can be all, that He needs me to be:
A Child devoted to an Omnipresent Father who watches over me.
A Father, Whose Omnipotence nurtures and strengthens me
With, the Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding of His Holy Word.
A Father, Whose Word I heard, believed and obeyed.
A Father, Who has forgiven me of my repentant sins.
A Father, Whose Love hung, bled and died for me.
A Father, Whose Son?s Name I faithfully confess?
For, in the name of Jesus, I have been baptized and sanctified.
A Father, Who will not abandon me,
But guides me through the Fruits of His Holy Spirit.
A Father, Who sent His Son?s Gospel, for me to obey and follow.
A Father, Whose, Son?s death bought Salvation to set me free.
A Father, Whose, Holy Spirit of Grace, Mercy, and Love
Will see me through this world?s trials, tribulations, and temptations.
A Father, Whose Heavenly Home is waiting for me.
A Father, Who will take my redeemed soul through
His Heavenly Gates of Love. .
An Omniscient Father, in Whose Loving Arms,
I am most assuredly blessed.
© Author?s Copyright . . .January 1, 2006

In the U.S. today, 16 million children face hunger ? that?s
1 in 5. Chances are, someone your child goes to school with
struggles to get enough to eat. Just as hunger knows no age,
neither does fighting it. We all have a role to play in solving
hunger, whether old or young. Only when we all work
together ? young and old ? can we solve hunger, and make
sure every child in our nation has the food they need to grow
healthy and strong.
During the months of November and December, we
collected new, unwrapped toys and distribute those toys as
Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in our community.
By giving toys and books, played an active role in the
development of one of our nation?s most valuable resources,
our children. You gave from the heart. Because of you, we
shared hundreds of foods and gifts items with our Sugar
Creek neighbors. Special thanks to everyone who donated
money, gifts, sorted food, hung door hangers and prayed for
God?s glory to be seen.
THE GREAT GIVEAWAY

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Kangan Water
Change your water, change your life
A word from Bro. Sam Howard:
"I've had Sickle Cell all my life. Before 2010 when My wife and I purchased our Alkaline Water
Machine, I was constantly sick. The LEVELUK SD 501 Electrolosis will change your health, and help
change your life. My business is to distribute water, and mmachine, to help those who are sick and
want to feel better."
What is Kangen water? Purified water ionized water-antioxidant-Electron
Rich-Micro Clustered-Active Hydrogen saturated. Turns body chemistry from
Acidic to Alkaline powerful living water.
Purpose: To activate cells-disease fighter.
To remove acid and toxins from the body that causes disease.
Promote Good Health
Kangen water is first purified then given an electrical charge to create
electron rich water, including Hydrogen which is our most important
nutrient. Hydrogen fuels and heals our bodies. PH Equals the amount of
hydrogen in liquid; it?s a measure of available Life force in a liquid. Kangen
water goes through a special electrolysis process that changes the PH of the
water to alkaline that help to return the body to its original condition when
you were young.
Kangen water is a powerful antioxidant, more powerful than any single food
or vitamin supplement because Kangen water contains active hydrogen
which supplies huge amounts of extra electrons to your body. Free radicals
are known to cause cancer and many other diseases. However when
introduced to Kangen water they bond with the hydrogen electron water and
are flushed out of the body. The Kangen water machine produces the best
available life force in a liquid known to mankind.
Some of the areas people have noticed improvements in their health include
arthritis, chronic fatigue, leg cramps, migraines, and diabetes. Included also
are heartburn, poor circulation, gout, high blood pressure, high cholesterol,
asthma, skin rashes, dermatitis, psoriasis, obesity, diarrhea, indigestion, heart
disease, allergies, constipation, stomach ulcers, hepatitis and cancer. Many
more areas have considerable results.
Order Now:
Sam Howard, Retailer
Email: samhow194@gmail.com
Phone: 704-281-1132
Web: drinkitallup.com
TO Order:
RevolutionizeYour Lifestyle!

we love sweet baby girls
Brooke Robinson - 3 months
Born to parents Bobby and
Taj Robinson, baby Brooke
was born on November 25,
2014.
And the Chi l d gr ew and
becam e str ong i n spi r i t,
fi l l ed w i th w i sdom ; and the
gr ace of God w as upon Hi m .
Luke 2:40
Baptisms
Chambers - January 18th
Cameo Goodwin - January 22nd
Brenay Myers - January 20th
JaQuan McNair - January 25th
Taheem Spearman - January 24th
Aaron Carter, Jr.- February 1st
Jalen Alford - February 3rd
Shaniqua Gilmore - February 3rd
Freda Taylor - February 2nd
Transfers
Charles Crawford - January 25th
Mary Giles - January 25th
Darius Johnson - February 7th
Gina Merritt - February 8th
Darlene Turner - February 15th
Taylor Bradshaw - February 15th
Arletha Flowers - February 22nd
20 15 Ne w Me mb e r s
Sugar Creek in Bloom

Stay Connected
with Sugar Creek
At Sugar Creek Church of Christ
everything you need is just a click
aw ay!
Utilize on-line tools to access:
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on-line content)
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h ig h p r a is e
704.598.5331
3932 Sofley Rd. Char lotte, NC 28206
http:/ / sugar cr eek coc.or g