A place to worship 1 13

A PLACE TO

WORSHIP power of worship

ISSUE 1 • APRIL 2015

FUNCTION EVENTS P20

Also inside

ncial Plan Make a Fina ture For Your Fu

P8 How To Volunteer: lace In Find Your P Church

P10

Tree The Giving No & How to Say Mean It

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Editor Welcome

PUBLISHER M5 Publishing, LLC EDITOR

Leah Davis SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER Jacob Dixon Stuart Taylor REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Lacy Moore ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Brittany McDonald Christopher Shelton Lillian Peterson Rosanna McNeil CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Haley Gibson George Reinhert, MIRM Carmen Honacker David Jones DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Brandon Sautner Michael Steele

Welcome to A Place To Worship! We are excited to feature local churches and businesses in our community. I personally enjoy the featured stories in each issue along with the announcements page that highlights the happiness going on all around us. Nothing is more exciting than sharing the gift of Faith, Love and Family. So join us on this great journey and experience the joy of Worship.

Leah Davis Editor

Enjoy...

Copyright 2015 by M5Publishing Group, LLC All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form without written permission from M5 Publishing Group, LLC. Every effort has been made to verify contents and information contained herein, however, M5 Publishing Group, LLC assumes no liability in this publication is subject to the Fair Housing Act of 1968.

P.O. BOX 3489, Fayetteville, NC 28311 (910) 476-5635, www.aplacetoworship.co

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CONTENTS 6 6

Power of Worship

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Make a Financial Plan For Your Future

How To Find Your 10 Volunteer: Place In Church

13 Engagement Announcement

10 Reasons: Why People 19 Ten are Not Part of a Church Community

20 Events Friendly, Budget Friendly 21 Kid Spring Break

By Kelli Mahoney

14 Birth Announcements Giving Tree How to Say No 16 The & Mean It

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power of worship

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Worship-v. To regard with ardent adoring esteem or devotion.

All to often, worship is something that many people leave at church, that happens only when people come together with others. However, worship should be a part of a believers lifestyle, intermingled as a part of their daily life. Worship should come to us wherever we are at work, church, home , in the car and just about anywhere; worship and praise brings refreshing positive presence of peace and guidance during our most difficult times. Praise and worship is an expression of faith and victory knowing that our circumstances are not controlled by us alone as we believe and repel the presence of our enemies through faith.

It seems as more people are faced with difficult choices in their life faith and worship are tested and the determining factors may become major in choosing the outcome of these situations. There is no doubt about it, as long as we live our faith will be put to the test. This

is not just another episode that you may see on television , a highlight on the evening news , or a story that you hear from a friend. The very next story may be your own . The depth of your faith is the strength that you will draw upon . It is a blanket when we are cold, and a cool breeze when we are hot. It is the unseen knowing that we do not live by sight alone, it is faith that guides, strengthens, and keeps us. I can personally recall the ultimate test of my faith like it was yesterday.

It started like any other day when my sister received a call from the medical examiner in Tacoma,

Washington that my father had passed. My sister drove to my job to give me the news and fell to the floor my life as I knew it had changed in a second. We had no idea he was ill, that day I could see a little bit of life leave my sisters face. She was a daddys girl and I knew their connection .

She didn’t get to say good bye, my heart was broken I felt trapped in a horrible dream.

My father, my friend was gone.

I knew strength was what I needed and I prayed for it, I went to church and worshipped like never before, I prayed again, again, and again to heal my heart, mind, body, and soul. I received it. I buried my father, I laughed, I cried, and have never felt closer to my dad. My faith took over in knowing that anything is possible through faith that strengthens us. I would need it Five months after I buried my father my cousin passed she was like an aunt to my sister and we laughed, we cried, and wrote the most beautiful poem for my “ Dear Pam�, we buried my cousin. By faith and prayer we are healing, three months after our Pam, our family friend was killed we were in disbelief and dis-traught so young, so beautiful. We prayed, we cried, we laughed over memories we all shared and cherish in our hearts and by faith, prayer, & worship we are healing.

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Future

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Make a Financial Plan For Your

Different seasons of your life call for different financial focuses. When you’re young, you’re in accumulation mode; as you age, your financial focus should be on preserving the money you’ve made. Wherever you fall on the age scale, here are the top financial moves to make at every decade of your life.

In your 20s *Create a budget. Check out free online tools like Personal Capital that let you see all your accounts at a glance, or use budgeting worksheets to construct your spending plan. *Build your savings. This includes an emergency fund of three to six months worth of income and funds for any special savings goals like vacations, holiday gifts, etc. *Start saving for retirement. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow. Start off by opening a 401(k) or a Roth IRA and see if your employer offers matching contributions. *Avoid consumer debt. Nothing you’re thinking of purchasing is worth spending the next few decades of your life repaying. Find a way to pay for your purchases in cash. *Get insured. Even though you’re fairly carefree right now you should absolutely have renter’s insurance, health insurance, car insurance, and life insurance. Don’t cut corners; skipping insurance is penny-wise and pound-foolish. *Liven within your means. Stick to a frugal lifestyle to make money stretch as far as possible: furnish your first apartment with hand-medowns, get a roommate to share the cost of rent and drive that old junkie car into the ground.

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In your 30s

In your 50s

*Up your savings game. Your savings goals are bigger now- paying for a wedding, putting a down payment on a house, having a baby. Revisit your budget to see where you can free up room to put aside more money.

*Gather an advisory board. As you near retirement, you want to make sure all your ducks are in a row and your retirement and investment strategies are ready to take you through the financial stretch.

Research and meet with fee-only financial advisers and CPA’s for professional advice. Make sure your financial adviser is bound by a fiduciary obligation “to you, meaning that they legally must give you advice that’s in your best interest, not theirs.

*Review your insurance coverage. With more assets and more people depending on you, you may need more coverage. Review all your policies to make sure they’re still right for you. *Continue your retirement contributions. Aim to put aside 10 to 15 percent of your income.

*Evaluate your portfolio. Review your asset allocation- are you being too conservative (or taking more chances than you’re comfortable with?)

*Invest. You don’t need to be a stock market whiz . Simply split your portfolio among basic low-fee broad market index funds, exchange- traded funds and bond funds. As a general rule of thumb 110 minus your age is the percentage you should put into bond funds, with the rest in stock funds.

*Discuss care for aging parents. Sit down with your spouse and siblings or immediate family members to discuss what you’ll do if your elderly parents need in-home care or must be moved to an assisted living facility. Who will pay for it ? How?

*Start Estate Planning. Create a power of attorney, healthcare proxy ( also known as a living will) and a will that outlines who will get your assets should you pass away.

*Consider long term care insurance for yourself.

This covers things like nursing homes and in-home care when you get older and can give you the peace of mind of knowing you won’t be a burden on your loved ones.

*Avoid Lifestyle Inflation. As your salary increases, channel those funds towards goals like savings and retirement, not towards a more lavish lifestyle.

In your 60s

In your 40s *Plan for your mortgage payoff. Calculate when you’ll be done with payments and what that will man for your overall financial strategy. If possible, make extra payments towards your mortgage so you can be debt free by the time you turn 50. *Save for your children’s education. If you haven’t already done so; it’s time to start, pronto. Open a tax advantaged account like a 529 College Savings Plan. *Check your retirement goal progress. You should be able to replace 70 percent to 85 percent of your current income when you retire. Are you on track?

Use an online tool to see how close (or far) you are from your retirement goals. *Maximize your tax savings. You’re likely paying the highest taxes of your life, but you may also qualify for some great deductions. Meet with a certified public accountant to make sure you’re claiming everything you can.

*Review your estate plan. Does anything need to be changed with your will, health-care proxy or power of attorney? *Create a retirement budget. You’ll lose some expenses, like that mortgage you’ll have paid off, but you’ll gain others, like additional medical expenses or the need for someone to help you with yard work. Work out a budget to make the most of your retirement funds in this stage of life. *Plan out you withdrawals. How will you make use of your retirement assets? In what order will you withdraw your funds, and how much will you withdraw at a time? Sit down with your financial advisors to discuss what makes the most sense for tax purposes. *Downsize. Stretch your funds further by moving to a smaller home or apartment. You’ll save on maintenance, property taxes, utilities, and more.

Paula Pant offers financial advice, creating riches and maximizing life through her blog Afford Anything.

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Volunteer: How To Find Your Place In Church

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ith busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer. However, the benefits of volunteering are enormous to you, your family, church, and your community. The right match in your church can help you find friends, reach out to the community, learn new skills, and even advance your career.

Volunteering is also known to enhance your mental and physical health. Even helping out with the smallest tasks can make a real difference to your church or organization. Here are ten tips to start your volunteer search.

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3. Outline your time commitment 4. Speak with your church organization 5. Try different opportunities in the church 6. Attend weekly meeting 7. Volunteer at church functions 8. Speak up if it is the wrong fit

1. Find something you are good at

9. Have an open-mind

2. Speak with other church volunteers

10. Have fun and enjoy the experience!

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Engagement

Announcement Johnson-Gilford

Brown-Gardner

David and Michelle Johnson of Fayetteville announce the engagement and forth 窶田oming marriage of their daughter Sarah Ann Johnson to Blake Michael Gilford, son of Thomas and Jillian Gilford of Wake County.

Donald and Mary Brown of Fayetteville, NC announce the engagement of their daughter Shannon Brown of Atlanta to Desmond Gardner of Atlanta. He is the son of John Gardner and Ora Gardner of Albany.

A wedding is planned for June. Invitations will be sent and the couple will reside in Raleigh, NC.

The couple graduated from Albany State University. Shannon is an engineer at the Georgia Department of Transportation.

Desmond teaches in Atlanta. A June wedding is planned and the couple will reside in Atlanta.

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Birth

Announcements Amalia Charlotte Harris 03/18/2015 7lbs 9oz 11:14 am Gregory and Rochelle Harris

Ashton Avery

03/22/2015 8lbs 6oz 20in Dustin & Alice Warner

Cameron Luis Gonzalez 6lbs 13oz twenty inches March 03, 2015 3:14 am Luis & Angela Gonzalez

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The Giving Tree How to Say No & Mean It By: Carmen Honacker

Some

people don’t have a problem saying “no”, while others have a huge problem with it.

Most of it boils down to how comfortable you are with setting boundaries; and this is where the real issue comes in for most of us.

Generally, we learn to set boundaries from our parents.

However, if we grew up in an environment where our boundaries were consistently ignored and not respected we tend to also find ourselves unable to set and keep healthy 16

boundaries. Instead, we will repeat what we are familiar with, which may be the only way we know how to be.

The art is to not just learn saying “no” but meaning it and sticking to your answer. Because if we do not, we only send the message that our word is meaningless and that anyone can bully us into submission, by merely applying the right amount of pressure, manipulation, or threat. This, in return will leave us feeling weak and resentful; and to much pinned up rage will actually make us physically ill over time.

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In order to say “no” you will first have ti know what’s stopping you. You can only find a way to clearly communicate what you want if you’re fully aware of your strengths and weaknesses. This includes a question like why you don’t stand up for yourself, why you just give in, and what compels you to agree to things you never meant to agree to?

If you are about to be run over by someone who is trying to force or manipulate you into giving in just remember similar or even exactly the same situations from the past, and more importantly the consequences and cost to your sanity, bank account, or self esteem. What makes human beings unique is the, at least in theory, ability to learn from our mistakes. Repeating the same patterns over and over, regardless of what it does to us or others; makes us not only weak, but also pretty mentally unbalanced.

It doesn’t matter how long it takes a person to “get it” as long as they are getting it eventually and it is never to late too get it, i.e. to do the right thing !

When someone asks me for a favor, or is requesting something from me, I think about the following things before I grant it, commit or simply say “yes”.

What do I want?

Can I grant this favor or request realistically, i.e. do I have the time and resources?

What will it cost me if I default on my promise?

What will it cost me if I have to deliver on it, i.e. will I be able to live with that decision?

How “big” is the request and who is making it?

I always look at patterns in people’s behaviors and find that the most outlandish or unreasonable requests generally come from the same type of individuals. Knowing what that type is allows me to weed out the “high risk” people before they can cause me harm. Plus, I watch my own patterns and I keep track of my past choices and how they have affected me negatively. This allows me to literally say “never again” and move on. We all have the right to say no to things that we don’t want to be part of, and things we disagree with. Saying no does not require an explanation and is delivered best in a quiet but firm voice.

And finally, I’m going to quote Dr. Seuss

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind!”

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TEN REASONS

WHY PEOPLE ARE NOT PART OF A CHURCH COMMUNITY Church People are negative and judgmental (Really? I haven’t noticed LOL; Are you coming for you or them?)

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I Don’t have Time for Church (We make Time for what’s Important)

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I Don’t like People in my Business (Then don’t tell it)

Church Is Boring ( I don’t know how many times I have Heard this one just come and see for Yourself.)

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Church is Exclusive (But the Message is Inclusive for all) I Don’t like Organized Religion ( A little Organization never hurt)

Churches are full of Hypocrites (We have all been Hypocrites at one time or another.)

The Church just want your Money (Are you sure that’s all they want, they want to help Save Souls too)

There is Discrimination in the Church (There is Discrimination everywhere, Find your Fit)

I Don’t Believe in God (But he Believes in You!) 19

EVENTS Downtown Farmers Market

@ Fayetteville Area Transportation and History Museum April 1 @ 2:00 pm-6:00 pm

Fayetteville Art Attack @ The Rock Shop April 1 @ 6:00 pm- 7:00pm

Hop In The Park April 3 2015

Worship with United Nations Church International Charlotte Family April 2-12, 2015 @ 7pm 13925 Erwin Rd, Erwin, NC

Easter Egg Hunt Lagrange Park Baptist Church 7502 Ascot Ave, Fayetteville, NC @ 10:45 am (910) 867-1405

Annual Easter Egg Scramble 7469 Century Circle Fayetteville, NC April 4 2015 3-5 registration required

Al-Anon Serenity Seeker Snyder Memorial Baptist Church 701 Westmont Dr Fayetteville, NC April 14,21,28 (910) 850-1444

Gospel Fest For The Homeless Hood Memorial, 2801 Rosehill Rd Fayetteville, NC (443) 534-6146 $ 10.00

As One Prayer Walk Downtown Fayetteville April 11th 2015

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KID FRIENDLY, BUDGET FRIENDLY SPRING BREAK

By Kelli Mahoney

Not every spring break vacation has to be a big budget over the top affair.

Not to worry a lot of families don’t go on vacations during these breaks from school. Instead, here are some things you can do to make the most out of your spring break vacation.

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VOLUNTEER Giving back to others can be the biggest reward and Spring Break is a wonderful time to do that giving. Joining an outreach team or contacting various organizations is the best way to get started.

START A DEVOTIONAL Spend some time in the Word during your break. Head out to the bookstore and see if there is a new devotional that interests you. There are plenty of devotionals geared toward teens and smaller kids alike.

MOVIE MARATHON Get a list of movies that you really want to see, have some friends over and watch them one after the other or contact your local church and have a lineup that includes games, songs, and trivia on the movies.

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READ A BOOK OR START A BOOK CLUB If you are a reader or want to start becoming one now is the perfect time .

You have free time to immerse yourself in your favorite books that interest you.

Visit your local library and speak with a librarian to get started.

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TRY SOMETHING NEW

FAMILY TIME

PLANT A GARDEN OR TREE

For some teens “something new” can be an adventure in the making like hiking ,rock climbing, praise team, joining the choir, riding a horse, learning to swim, or learning to cook. Take the time to learn a new skill or a new activity. You may just love it.

Spend quality time with your family and extended family during your Spring Break even if it’s only an hour. Ask about their day and listen to their story, give a hug, and praying with them can brighten their day.

By planting a garden or tree this Spring Break you are leaving your permanent mark in this world. A garden or tree I cared or properly can leave a lasting impression.

JUST “VEG” Many kids are fairly busy during the school year. Between school, activities, homework, chores, church, and more a student’s life can be pretty nonstop.

Take a day or two during your Spring Break to actually take a break. Spend some time relaxing.

GET ORGANIZED When kids are really busy, things tend to get a little disorganized . Spend some time on your Spring Break cleaning up and putting things in order. It may not sound like the most exciting activity, but you will be pretty proud of yourself when you are done.

Pray Spring Break mean that you have more down time, meaning you have more time to devote to prayer. Make a list of the things that you want to pray about and devote some time in prayer about those things.

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