Quarterly 1 Vol 2

www.sugarcreekcoc.org www.sugarcreekcoc.org Quarterly June 2013 Quarterly June 2013

High Praise Ι Page High Praise Ι Page

3932 Sofley Road Charlotte, NC 28203

Website: www.sugarcreekcoc.org Phone: (704) 598.5331 • Fax: (704) 598.0058

S e r v i c e T i m e s

Sunday: Morning Bible Class – 9:45am

Children & Adult Class – 11:00am (Nursery & Children’s Worship Provided)

Evening Service – 6:00pm (5:30pm on 3rd Sundays) Ladies & Gentleman’s Bible Class – 4:30 (3rd Sundays)

Wednesday:

Morning Bible Class – 9:00am Evening Bible Class – 7:00pm

Off of W. Sugar Creek Road

make a left off of I-85 S

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“Celebrating the experiences we value”



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F a m i l y P r a c t i c e : G o d ’ s P r e s c r i p t i o n f o r a H e a l t h y h o m e

It has wisely been stated, “He who defines the terms wins the debate. (Pro. 18:17)” For many years we have, as a nation, been engaged in a battle over defining the nature of the family. On one side are those who say family can mean whatever we want it to mean, that family is any group of people sharing a common bond of love within a home. On the other side are those who argue that family is an institution ordained by God, for His purposes and for His glory. Those of us who are on this side of the argument would affirm that God not only gave us family, but He also gave us its structure and design. He gave us these things for His glory and our good. Family is, rightly and biblically understood, a series of horizontal covenants which are together, as a whole, in vertical covenant with God, Himself. This edition of High Praise gives us a snap shot of how God is "Equipping Families for His Excellence." Everyone has a unique story of how God is moving. When we serve together as a church family we find inspiration and encouragement. On a personal note, Marie, Imani, and I want to thank you for blessing us with the privilege to serve you for one year. Sugar Creek has displayed the highest levels of giftedness, generosity, and honor to God than ever before. Over this last year, we have seen souls saved, converts matured, marriages restored and God truly exalted. Our singular, all-consuming passion is to build God's Church and Kingdom, and see everyday people embrace their purpose and calling. If any of our journey or experience can add wisdom and value to yours, then we offer it with God's blessing.

Faithful over a few, Leslie & Marie James

July (07) Tuesday Evenings – Divorce Care Support Group Saturday (20th): Senior’s Meeting Saturday (20th): Ladies Tea/Brunch Saturday (20th): Sick & Shut In Saturday (22nd – 26th): Youth Conference Saturday (27th): Men’s & Ladies Food & Fellowship Sunday (28th): Singles Fellowship Meal August (08) 2nd – 3rd: DMA Leadership Summit Friday (2nd): First Friday Youth 8th – 10th: Men’s Retreat Saturday (17th): Senior’s Meeting Saturday (17th): Sick & Shut In Saturday (24th) : Back 2 School Supply Drive

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι education & events SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι minister’s corner

September (09) Tuesday Evenings – Divorce Care Support Group Wednesday (4th): DMA Starts Friday (6th): Singles Bible Study Friday (6th): First Friday Youth Saturday (7th): Evangelism Training Saturday (7th): Sugar Creek ARC Blood Drive Saturday (21st): Seniors Meeting Sunday (22nd): Singles Fellowship Meal Saturday (28th): Marriage Ministry Vacation Bible School: July 29th – August 1st Bible Camp: July 28th – August 2nd

Calendar of Events

Empowering the Church, Exalting Christ

Get involved!

Answers for Kidz Corner Bible Anagrams (pg. 11)


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What’s Inside

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι contents

4 Point Explanation of Matthew 16:19 Bro. Edwin McClure Book Review Bro. Raphael Thigpen Book by a member of the church, Daddy’s Eva

Using Love & Logic Sis. Tiffany Garner Making Scripture a Priority In The Family Sis. Angela Gay Recipe Corner 2 easy recipes to show dad you love him this Father’s Day! Youth Corner Sis. Allison Woolford “Influences” What the Bible Says About Being Late Sis. Mary Carter A devotional to time management Tested, Tried, & Purified Sis. Danielle Coleman Ladies Day w/ Country Club Church of Christ

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι community engagement

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features

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On the Cover: Bro. Leslie James, A Mother’s Memories of Her Son Sis. Jamia Chislom Cover & feature photo courtesy of Bro. Michael Nail

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Across the Brotherhood “And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the

least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” – Matthew 25:40

Attending the 28th Annual Church of Christ Ladies Lectureship Retreat presented by the Country Club Drive Church of Christ located in Fayetteville, North Carolina was awe-inspiring! I was so ecstatic to be invited to be a presenter. I had never attended this particular conference before and really didn’t know what to expect, although I was very happy that the conference was being held in Charleston, SC. I was so impressed by the sheer numbers of women who attended (I am told… more than 1,300 women were registered). This was my first experience of a women’s Christian conference of this magnitude! Fellowship, singing, spiritual food, and sisterly love just abounded the entire 4 days. The single best part of the entire experience was sharing it with my mother, Marilyn Jivens. She lives in Savannah, GA and worships with the 50th Ave Church of Christ. She introduced me to Christ and HE is the best gift she has ever given me. It was so wonderful to spend time with my mother praising God with other Christian women from all over the USA. There was a common theme of sisterhood in every part of the conference experience, from traveling in the hotel elevator to sitting in workshops … love and respect was felt everywhere. The actual conference theme was Tested, Tried, & Purified. The testimonies that ladies shared of their various trials and how the Lord delivered them or kept them through their storms was moving and healing. It was a totally wonderful trip and I am blessed for having been able to participate. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to attend my very first Ladies Lectureship Retreat as a presenter.

Tested, Tried, and Purified

“There was a common theme of sisterhood in every part of the conference.”

“What’s unique at the Creek!”

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Editor: Bro. Leslie James Publisher: Sis. Angela Gay Deputy Editor: Sis. Jamia Chislom Assistant Editor: Sis. Susie Johnson

By Sis. Danielle Coleman

Sisters gathered together for Sis. Coleman’s presentation.



Do you know the person sitting next to you? Have you slid down the pew several times to make room for a few more people? Your answers to these questions may very well be “no” and ‘yes,” as the Sugar Creek Church of Christ family is continuing to expand. We are ELATED to have new members added to the body of Christ and humbled that Sugar Creek has been given the opportunity to call their home. Sugar Creek is growing and new members are joining the Lord’s church this spring bringing April showers and May flowers here at Sugar Creek. Visitors were showered with love and given life through the word of God. Our vision at Sugar Creek is to raise the next generation of Christian leaders who will honor God in our theology, culture and practice of the gospel. We encourage each member to make an effort to remember the name of a new face, offer a pen during bible study and graciously make room on your pew. God shapes us all with individual gifts and talents that are to be used to support the body of Christ. Let us guide our new members in discovering how their spiritual gifts, excitement, resources, values and experiences, can be used by God to mold them in His

Welcome to the family!

does not consider others’ time as more important than their own. Most habitual late-comers are concerned only with themselves. Continually being late does not communicate a zeal or diligence in serving Christ by loving others as He loves us. It also does not communicate faithfulness or trustworthiness. For the person who is habitually late, there is hope. For many, it is simply a matter of bad habits built up over time. Sometimes it’s just a matter of changing those habits to be more aware of time, planning far ahead, and leaving ample time for the unexpected. Recognizing the spiritual impact on others is the first step in understanding the importance of reversing the bad habit of tardiness. If we are motivated by love for others and a desire to maintain a good reputation for Christ’s sake, then prayer for wisdom and help is the next step. God has promised wisdom to all who ask for it (James 1:5) and He is never far away from those who call upon His power for godly living.

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι devotion

There is no commandment in the Bible that says, "thou shall not be late, ever" so it’s not as simple as one Scripture reference to determine God’s view on tardiness. Everyone has been late to something at some point, often due to unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances. But if someone is habitually late and unconcerned about being on time, especially if that person professes to be a Christian, then scriptural principles do apply. As with all things God looks at the heart, “For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). For one thing, continual lateness does not express love for others. Forcing others to wait for us time after time is simply rude. Christians are to love one another and love our enemies as well, and “love is not rude” (1 Corinthians 13:5). When others perceive that we are unloving and unconcerned about them, our reputations as Christians suffer. "A good name is better than precious ointment, And the day of death than the day of one's birth" (Ecclesiastes 7:1). A good name, a good reputation is important as a Christian. This

means that we should be known as people of our word, trustworthy and dependable and not be known as always late, slothful, or unconcerned about others. Our actions as Christians point back at Christ. Do they glorify Him? Do they bring Him honor? “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men" (Colossians 3:23). Furthermore, as Christians we never want to cause someone else to sin. Constantly being forced to wait for someone can be very aggravating, especially to those who make an effort to be on time. Minor irritation can very easily become anger. Anger is usually sin and we are never to be the cause of someone else’s sin. “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come’” (Luke 17:1). Waiting can not only be frustrating, but it causes unnecessary stress and wasted time for the person that has to wait. Christians are exhorted by Paul to “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves” (Philippians 2:3). The perpetually late person

By Sis. Mary Carter

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι celebrations

vessel of honor! To our newest additions, As close as a walk across the street, to hundreds of miles away, our new members, who are from different walks of life and experiences, now share a common bond in an everlasting family. We are glad you are here! New Members: Shateva Bentley Jasmine Billey Ralph Starr Douglas Lawing Kathryn Bourdeaux Michael Hemphill Jaylon Bray Patience Chambers Jevonna Baldwin Thomas Brent Huminik All new members are encouraged to sign up for the New Member orientation with James and Alethia Morris and the Vessel of Honor orientation with Travis and Meka Harris.

What the Bible says about being late By Sis. Meka Harris

Monday (Sis. Mary Carter)

If you believe this fable

true, That rainy days and

Mondays make you blue, Raise your spiritual

altitude. Monday is just an attitude!

If every Monday you feel

crazed, Stop – it is created for your

praise!

On Monday grass can still grow tall,

The sun can shine and rain can fall!

On Monday, still the snow

falls white, And birds in early dawn

take flight!

Monday brings us daily bread,

And countless blessings to be said!

If God is love, and God is

true, Why should Mondays make

you blue?



4 Point Explanation of

Matthew 16:19

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι spiritual enrichment SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι health & wellness

Organ and tissue transplants offer people a new chance at a healthy and productive life, returning them to their families, friends and communities. Right now, more than 115,000 men, women and children are waiting for a lifesaving transplant. As an organ donor, you can help save or heal the lives of more than 50 people. Donation is a personal decision and you can choose which organs and tissue to donate. Organs: heart, intestines, kidneys, liver, lungs and pancreas Tissue: bones, corneas, heart valves, skin, tendons, veins You can also donate life to others as a living donor. Kidneys are the most common organs donated by living donors. The remaining kidney will enlarge, doing the work of two healthy kidneys.

People may also donate a part of their liver, which will grow back and regain full function. Partial lung, intestine and pancreas donations can help others as well. Visit www.sharelifecharlotte.com for more information. Know the FACTS about donation: Anyone can be a potential donor regardless of age, race or medical history All major religions support organ, eye and tissue donation and see it as a final act of love and generosity toward others Your commitment to donation will NOT interfere with your medical care. If you are sick or injured and admitted to the hospital, the number one priority is to save your life In the United States, it is illegal to buy or sell organs or tissue for transplantation

LIFE line

By Sis. Lorrie Lockwood

Donate Life

An open casket funeral is possible for organ, eye and tissue donors. Through the entire donation process, the body is treated with care, respect and dignity There is no cost to the donor’s family for donation. The donor family pays only for medical expenses before death and for funeral expenses It’s about living. It’s about life…You have the power to Donate Life! You can join the North Carolina Donor Registry by signing up through the DMV or online at www.donatelifenc.org

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

By Bro. Edwin McClure

This scripture confounded me for years. I always accepted a surface-‐level explanation of it, (“I guess whatever

rules Peter dictated, heaven would follow…?”) and quickly would read past it. But a closer look at the scriptures

explains what Jesus was really teaching. We will explain this deeper meaning in this paper.

1. “Bind” vs. “Loose.” The term “bind”

appears in scripture 49 times, and the term

“loose” appears 29 times. Throughout

scripture, the concept of restriction and

permission appears regularly. In this

context, the largely Jewish audience

understood the rabbinical reference to

binding and loosening, and understood the

metaphorical language Jesus was using.

2. “Keys?” And I will give unto thee the keys

of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever

thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in

heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose

on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

We can switch out the word “keys,” Jesus is

referring to here, with the word “rules,”

and the scripture becomes more clear.

Jesus tells Peter, that he will be giving him

the rules or instructions to get people to

heaven.

We see this clearly in Acts 2:38, when the

people ask what must they do to enter the

kingdom—Peter tells them the

requirements. “Repent and be baptized.”

3. Is Peter Autonomous in rule making? The

Greek translation of this scripture provides a

very striking interpretation of this verse.

Saying "estai dedemenon" and "estai

lelumenon". The literal translation would be,

'estai'-‐shall be, 'dedemenon'-‐having been

bound, and 'lelumenon'-‐having been loosed.

The usage of the future and past tense shows

that everything the Apostles were to teach

had already been established by heaven.

They were not to deliver anything new,

simply the teachings and expectations from

Heaven.

4. Duality. This exact same phrase appears

again in Matthew 18:18. This repetition from

Jesus shows the importance of the teaching

the disciples were to do.

James 1:5 and 2 Tim 3:16 both echo the

point that Heaven does not need any help

saving souls. We do not need to add anything

to the scriptures. We, like the Apostles need

only to adhere to the scriptures the Lord has

given us.


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Finding our way to the King!

The Senior’s Holy Land Experience

Touching

Memories


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2013 Holy Land Experience!

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι ministry life

Still Transforming-‐4-‐Jesus

The way I prefer to describe SCCOC Senior Saints’ Ministry recent trip to Orlando, Florida is, our time together as a family proved to be a life-‐changing event on so many levels for everyone—including the tour bus driver. Indeed this transformative event began on a picturesque weekend in May 2013 when thirty-‐five members of the Senior Saints’ Ministry boarded a tour bus en-‐route to The Holy Land Experience theme park in Orlando. By all accounts the group’s entire itinerary (traveling, dining, and lodging together) was hailed as a perfect gift from above because of our unprecedented fellowship which overflowed with moments of sidesplitting laughter, heartfelt encouragement, brief frustrations, and more importantly spiritual growth; as a result, group members unanimously praised God for such a wonderful experience and timely theme: Still Transforming-‐4-‐Jesus. With this in mind SCCOC Senior Saint’s Ministry has been reinvigorated to facilitate groundbreaking sociocultural and spiritual enrichment activities as we enthusiastically embrace the ability God has empowered within us to still be transforming for Jesus—in our life and in the lives of those with whom we interact. On behalf of The Holy Land Experience tour group kudos to the faithful few who served us as chaperones, our nurse-‐on-‐duty, and the entire Sugar Creek COC family for your support! Submitted by, Bro. Joseph Burch, SCCOC Senior Saints’ Ministry Asst. Coordinator

A Vision of God’s Army

June 27th - 29th, the Ladies Ministry spent a lovely weekend on the beautiful and awe-inspiring summit of Beech Mountain exploring the theme of “What’s In Your Purse: Striving for God's Excellence” The thematic scripture came from Luke 22:35–37. Guest speakers, Sis. Robin Price and Sis. Angela Gay furthered the conversation with engaging discussions on “Reaching Total Fulfillment” and "The Invisible Things We Carry” respectively. Main speaker, Sis. Susie Johnson tied it all together as she facilitated an encouraging lesson on "The Real Weapons" and being equipped for the journey. Fifteen ladies joined in for a fun weekend of movies, games, bonding, and an appreciation of God's beauty. Each lady felt uplifted and enriched as she journey back to her home. Each equipped with a new purpose to obtain the excellence God has lain before them, and a prayer in their hearts to strengthen them whenever necessary.

D.O.V.E.’s Ministry

The Sugar Creek Singles kicked off their very first Community Pancake Day and it was a great success. There was pancakes along with eggs and bacon. We had many that came out and participated even a few from our community. If you didn’t make this Community Pancake Day that’s ok just come out to the next one on July 27. Following our Pancake Day we had a health fair with lots of information. We had tables filled with great information from donating your organs, to losing that annoying fat with that Crazy Wrap. Also information about insurance, as well as assisted living and we even made stress balls. It was a great time and a great success!!!

Singles Ministry

Pictured Sisters: Tiffany Garner, Tonia Johnson, Susie Johnson, Marie James Robin Price, Colette Leslie, Kim Carthran, Carly Mobley, Cynthia Mobley, Angela Gay, Delsha Traylor, Michelle Brown, Tyla Roberts, Jamie Hancock (Photo Courtesy of Tonia Jonson)

Photos courtesy of Monica Leary


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Many believe that art is supposed to just be admired. On the contrary, music legend Stevie Wonder wrote “But just because a record has a groove, don’t make it in the groove.” R & B singer Lauren Hill wrote, “Come on baby, light my fire. Everything you drop is so tired. Music is supposed to inspire. How come we ain't getting no higher?” Similarly, Hip Hop legend, Chuck D. wrote, “Caught in the middle and not surrenderin', I don't rhyme for the sake of riddlin'.” Each of these artists argued and understood that music, or any form of art, is not meant just to make you move. It’s also meant to make you think and consider. It’s meant to inspire and cause you to react. The novel, Daddy’s Eva, by R. A. Williams (Publish America, 2009; $24.95), met this high standard of art for

me, as it caused me to think and react to a real world situation, that’s relevant in the life of many Christian families. The book opens with Xania, the younger daughter of Xavier and Sienna Ellman, going off to college. She reflected on decisions that her sister, Eva, made when she was a similar age. Eva, a high school senior had fallen in love with her boyfriend, Andrew, who was the captain of the football team. She was raised in a Christian home and taught at an early age that sex before marriage was a sin and therefore not tolerated as she lived in her parent’s home. Eva felt justified in her decision to engage in sexual relations with her boyfriend, however, because she was in love and considered marrying Andrew one day. Her parents reacted strongly when it was revealed that Eva was pregnant and Andrew was the father. The story documents the family and even the church community’s reaction to Eva and her pregnancy. Each character reacts from their beliefs, which leads to intriguing situations and exchanges between the characters. The major conflict is with Xavier and his daughter, Eva. She cannot understand how uncompromising and mean he can be, as she struggles to

cope with her decision. Xavier and his wife, however, do what they think is right in the sight of the Lord. Their stance was the source of this reader’s emotional reaction and cause for debate and consideration of just how a Christian family should react to such a situation. Much of my reaction to the book comes from my feelings toward Xavier, the strong willed and committed father, who believes that his actions are ordered and the only way to react. Is this true? Is the way he spoke to Eva and reacted to her decision the only way a Christian father ought to react? How about other family members, friends and church members? One of the most poignant scenes in the book is when the sisters of the congregation rally around Eva and discuss their life experiences. I believe that this book is timely, straight shooting and thought provoking. It will cause you to feel something for Eva and her family, as they struggle to cope with her actions. In this way, the book is just as appropriate for pre-‐teens as it is for adults. It inspires thought and debate for all who have given their life to God and been faced with this situation. I recommend that we support our sister in Christ, R.A. Williams in her first novel, Daddy’s Eva.

Last quarter we talked about that first step in become a Christian, baptism. This quarter, we are going to discuss the changes you must make in your life so that you can continue to walk faithfully. These changes could be the way you act, who you hang out with and how you spend your spare time. "Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame" (I Corinthians 15:33, 34 NKJV). The first change that we are going to discuss is the company you keep. Your friends and family can greatly influence who you are and who you will become. If your friends

and family spend most of their time hanging out on the streets, disrespecting others, stealing, using drugs and taking part in premarital sex, there is a very high chance that you will do the same thing. The same thing can also be said if you spend your time surround by positive influences. Now this is not saying that people don't fall short and stumble but those positive influences can help you to get back on track. So if you have a friend that is trying to sell you bootleg movies/ music or clothing apparel that they stole from their job, it is better to walk away and not look behind you. If your boyfriend/ girlfriend or friends are pressuring you into engaging in sexual activities or substance abuse, it is better to walk

away and not look back. "Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God" (I Corinthians 6:9, 10 NKJV). Now, nobody can tell you that this change is going to be an easy one. It is hard to let go of things that are considered popular in today's society and look towards the Lord for guidance. It is even harder to go against your family and this step can make you feel lonely but you must always remember, there are people that have been there and know what you are feeling.

Youth Corner By Sis. Allison Woolford

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι ministry life

Book Review Influences

By Bro. Raphael Thigpen

seesign ____________________________ hemwatt ___________________________ usedoz _____________________________ visitclue ___________________________ nailed ______________________________ nominaltaste ______________________ violentera __________________________ lastagain ___________________________ hazephina __________________________ asheepsin __________________________ onmars _____________________________

Kidz Corner

moodytenure ____________________ hobaida ___________________________ ijeerham __________________________ hemplion __________________________ shoea ______________________________ tileaccesses _______________________ beshrew __________________________ socialsons ________________________ shipinpipal _______________________ human ____________________________ chairhaze _________________________

Bible Anagrams: use your bible to decode the words for 22 Books of the Bible

Answer key on page 17


High Praise Ι Page High Praise Ι Page 7 10 SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι parent’s corner SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι recipe corner

By Sis. Tiffany Garner

Father’s Day Favorites!

Topping 1 cup walnut or pecans roughly chopped 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cup rolled oats 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar 8 tablespoon cold butter cut into small pieces Preparation: Position an oven rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F. Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch slices. Place apples in a large mixing bowl and toss with sugar, lemon juice, flour, and cinnamon. Pour into a lightly greased 9 by 13-inch baking dish, and spread out into an even layer. Set aside. In another large bowl, mix together the nuts, flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, gently work in the cold butter until pea-sized lumps are formed. Top apples evenly with mixture and bake until apples are bubbly and topping is golden brown, about 45 minutes, rotating once halfway through cooking.

Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled) 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup Dutch-process cocoa powder 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup milk 1 large egg 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup mini chocolate chips & ¼ cup chopped pecans 4 tablespoons vegetable oil Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, cocoa, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla; pour over flour mixture, whisking to combine. Fold in chocolate chips and pecans; let batter stand until slightly thickened, 5 to 10 minutes.

2. In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1-tablespoon oil over medium heat until a water droplet sizzles; swirl to coat bottom of pan with oil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Spoon four small mounds (1 heaping tablespoon each) of batter into skillet. Cook until bubbles appear in center, 3 to 4 minutes. With a thin spatula, flip pancakes; continue cooking until set, 3 to 4 minutes more.

3. Transfer to a baking sheet; cover loosely with foil; place in oven to keep warm. Repeat with remaining oil and batter in three more

C h o c o l a t e

P e c a n P a n c a k e s

Using l ove & logic

This spring, Sugar Creek COC is proud to offer the first The Love & Logic Parenting course, which is designed to provide parents an opportunity to gain practical and proven tools for raising respectful, responsible and happy kids. We are blessed to have a gifted facilitator, Christine Howell, MSW, present on various customized topics within the Love & Logic curriculum that provides practical steps to improve parenting

techniques. The primary mission of Love & Logic Institute is to make the world a better place by helping parents raise great kids.... kids who'll grow up to be great citizens or in our case, great Christians. The Love & Logic curriculum was developed by Foster Cline, M.D., Jim Fay & Dr. Charles Fay Ph.D who infuse great Christian principles within the curriculum and strategies for parents since

1977. Sugar Creek parents are learning how to tackle parenting challenges from "Putting An End to Arguing, Back Talk & Begging," "Teaching Responsibility Without Losing Their Love," to "Setting Limits Without Waging War" as well as "Avoiding Power Struggles" and so much more!!! Love & Logic parenting classes will continue throughout the month of June and concluding in early July.

Ingredients: 4 Large Golden Delicious (about 3 pounds) 1/2 cup sugar 1 lemon juiced 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Decadent Apple Crumble

batches (adjust heat as necessary to avoid overbrowning).

4. Stack 4 pancakes on each plate, sprinkling each layer with confectioners' sugar, if desired. Serve immediately, drizzled with hot fudge sauce, if desired.

By Sis. Angela Gay

Make Scripture Priority in the Home

It is vital to equip our families for the windstorm of the world. There are multiple scriptures, which tells us to take heed and to be prepared. In fact 1 Corinthians 16:13-‐14 instructs Christians to “watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong. Let all that you do be done with love.” We are led by the example of Christ in which we see the sacrifice of love He gave to save our souls from our transgressions. Jesus laid down His life with the purpose of preparing a place of salvation for us saying “I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am […] I am the way and the truth and the light. (John 14:3,6)” A family who makes the word and living Word (Christ) of God a priority and example in which to live is establishing a firm foundation of God’s love, wisdom, and fortitude. It is important to set God’s word, not the word of men, as

the final authority on any subject. Scripture says of building a firm foundation, “therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (Matthew 7:24).” The word of God is a firm foundation for every family type, whether you are single, a couple, with children, or extended. When you stand on the word of God you can be strong in your convictions, because God is not the author of confusion nor does His word yield contradiction. By building yourself in the word you are providing an example for your family, creating excitement, and building character and spiritual maturity. When your foundation is built on Christ you

are fostering love like Christ and living like Christ. You are showing value and building confidence. There is an idiom that states “a family that prays together stays together.” Prayer shows faithfulness and requires perseverance. When you are grounded in God’s word and pray steadfastly unto Him (Colossians 4:2) then the God of endurance and encouragement may grant you to live in harmony with one another, in one accord with Christ, so that that with one voice God may be glorified (Romans 15:5-‐6). Therefore, “let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another… (Colossians 3:16)” Let your families be prepared by using biblical principles to make decisions, to manage finances, to understand current events, and to define what it means to show and express love.



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Our Minister, Bro. Leslie B. James, A Mother’s Memories of Her Son Only a few may recall Bro. Leslie’s first sermon, given years ago, during the end-of-year youth appreciation in 2004. His Mother, Bernadette Bobo remembers several members being impressed by his words and his delivery. He wrote his own sermon, presented his own ideas and spoke clearly about the things his teenage mind found important. Sis. Bobo stated “I recall it being really profound” as others approached her in praise of the young man’s sermon, she still at that time had no idea how that sermon, would eventually lead to many more. Bro. Leslie B. James is the current Minister at Sugar Creek, he was formally installed June 3rd of last year. Sis. Bobo, the loving and always kind, mother of our Minister sat down with me to reveal a more intimate portrait of her son. Bro. Leslie and his mother are natives of the West Indian Island of Dominica. “Leslie loved the water,” Sis. Bobo recalls when the family assisted tourist when their yachts docked near the James home. He would enjoy playing with his cousins on his grandfather’s small farm. As a kid, he tended to the animals, particularly collecting fresh eggs from the chicken coop. His mother jokes that they were living organically even then. For the first nine years of his life it was just Bro. Leslie and his mother. They both grew up as Catholics. Catholicism is practiced heavily in the Caribbean; their family was also a part of that tradition. They attended services such as Lent, Passover and many other Catholic Holidays. During that time Bro. Leslie was active in the church he

was an Acolyte. This is an altar server who carried a metal censer suspended from chains in which incense would be burned during worship services. Bro. James attended the Saint Mary’s Primary (SMP) where he received his elementary education. In 1995, Bro. James and his mother packed their bags and headed for Fort Lauderdale, Florida. As a young child he loved being outdoors, climbing trees and playing basketball with other kids. His fun loving ways came with a few bumps and bruises. After visiting several denominations, it was her then roommate, Selma, who had recently been converted, that invited her to the Church of Christ. They attended the Golden Heights Church of Christ which was a few minutes from their home.

Sis. Bobo gave her life to Christ in 1996; she has since remained faithful and is so thankful for having found the truth. Bro. Leslie was baptized soon after during the first few months of 1997.” He was twelve years old and I didn’t force or push him.” On that day he understood the gospel and made his way to the Lord. A few years later the family moved to Charlotte, where Bro. Leslie attended East Mecklenburg High School. Before graduation, his mother wanted him to become an Electrical Engineer. Two years after graduation, he decided to attend Southwestern Christian College. The Lord had a plan for his life that was much different from what his mother desired for him. At Southwestern he met his beautiful wife Sis. Marie James. This year they celebrated their

sixth year of marriage. Bro. Leslie is his mother’s older child. His siblings are Kayla James, Brittney & Darius Bobo. His Step- Father Brent Bobo who is serves in the Transportation Ministry and DMA Teaching Team. Bro. Leslie has made it his job to challenge and engage the church in everything that takes place at Sugar Creek. His sermons are always filled with knowledge offering understanding and more insight of the word. However he often concludes with a task on our end to research and ask questions. During my interview I could hear the sound of a child vying for attention and Sis. Bobo quickly halted our conversation to offer love and attention to her only grandchild Imani M. James, the first child of Bro. & Sis. James. Through her heavy West Indian accent I could hear the kindness, humility and faithfulness that she lives and is portraying to the next generation.

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι feature

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”

Psalm 139:13, NIV

SCCOC QUARTERLY Ι feature

Photography by: Bro. Mike Nail Written by: Sis Jamia Chislom

Quarterly 1 Vol 2

Documents

Transcript of Quarterly 1 Vol 2