Gò0dNews November 2016
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
Chattanooga
• Choosing to Be Thankful
p. 8
• Communicating with Seniors p. 28 • What Every Spouse Needs Most p. 32
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Writers
Andrew Lee Andrew Schaffer Bernie Oostra Charles Laws David L. Young Jr. Eddie Schwisow Esmerelda Lee Julius McCarter Mindy White Nicole Wiley Rusty Asble Samuel Burger Wally Coffman
About Us Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have four beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, and Leah Jean. We live in Cleveland and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Letter from the Editor D
uring the last two years I put together a Bible study titled Lessons Learned From Women of the Bible, written by twelve members in the Enetha Circle (Westmore’s women’s ministry group). While rereading the book, I noticed how many of the writers mentioned the significance of being thankful and expressing our gratitude to God, to our family and friends, and to others! While reading Betsy Gilbert’s chapter on Leah, one of the wives of Jacob, I highlighted the following paragraph: I recently saw a post on Facebook that said, “Happy people aren’t thankful; thankful people are happy?” Wow! I believe that hit the nail on the head when it came to Leah. She wasn’t really happy until she became thankful! When she realized that God’s love was enough, then she got it! She no longer was looking for happiness from Jacob, she realized that God’s love for her, God’s gifts to her were enough. Are you in the “Leah place” or are you still searching for happiness from the world? I believe it’s a constant struggle . . . keeping our eyes upon the real prize, remembering that God’s provision is enough, remembering that true happiness and contentment can only come from the Father. Have we learned, as Paul did, to be thankful in whatsoever state we are in—even when at the time it doesn’t seem a very good place to be? Many of the writers in the November issue of GoodNews express how important it is to give thanks by blessing others (see the “Forgotten Child Fund”). Mike Shreve mentions the “Sacrifices of thanksgiving” recorded in Jonah 2:9. The number differs according to different versions of the Bible, but according to my Bible Software, the word thanks (or thankful) is written—maybe even commanded—from 81 to 100 times. So being thankful isn’t just for the Thanksgiving holiday. Scripture tells us to be “thankful in everything, in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:18). When we become overwhelmed with burdens and worries about tomorrow, we can praise God for who He is and His promise to never leave us or forsake us. We have been blessed with the free gift of salvation and eternal life! While reading the Bible verses that reflect on thankfulness, find a quiet time to pray and thank God by reading the scripture out loud. You will find a renewed heart that is filled with peace and joy! Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
November 2016
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
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About Us GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk The Father Waits for You. by Samuel Burger GoodNews for Kids Choosing to Be Thankful by Mindy White GoodNews on Money Matters “Plant an Acorn, Watch it Grow” by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men Peter Denies Jesus by Charles Laws GoodNews for Women To the One Who Doesn’t Believe: You’re My New Best Friend by Nicole Wiley GoodNews for your Taste Buds Thanksgiving Traditions GoodNews for Parents It Will Go Well with Them by Wally Coffman GoodNews for Health & Fitness Why Women Need Weights by Bernie Oostra GoodNews for Teens Hey, Thanks! by Andrew Schaffer GoodNews for Seniors Communicating with Seniors by Esmerelda Lee GoodNews for Everyone My Cup Overflows by Eddie Schwisow GoodNews for Couples What Every Spouse Needs Most by Julius McCarter GoodNews for Everyone FORGOTTEN CHILD FUND by David L. Young Jr. GoodNews from the Outdoors LOST! by Rusty Asble
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Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
The Father Waits for You. You cannot replace the grace of God with good works.
M
by Samuel Burger
ost of us have heard the story of the
all the rules to get his father’s wealth. Breaking all the
Prodigal Son many times in Luke chapter
rules or keeping all the rules will not save you.
15. The younger son leaves home with his
Another point to consider is that the two sons
father’s possessions and ends up eating with pigs.
wanted to control their father. Today, this still exists.
The son comes home unexpectedly to his welcoming
The religious say, “I have done this and now you have
father. However, his brother is not so happy that he
to do this for me.” Good works give them justification
came home. What was his brother’s problem? Is his
to receive blessings. They say, “God, You better bless
brother right for having this kind of attitude? We now
me because I have done everything I could do.” The
see a rift in the family. There are family problems.
difference between a religious person and a true
The older brother has a difficult time accepting his
Christian is that the religious person obeys God to get
younger brother because he believes he doesn’t deserve
control over God and things from God, but the Christian
everything he spent on wasteful living.
obeys just to get God, just to love and please and draw
The older brother trusted in his good works and
closer to Him. If you have the concept that you can
his morality. The older brother thought the father owed
control God by what you do, then you serve another
him since he has been obedient. The older brother
god and that god is you.
thought obedience should be the evidence of reward.
The older brother who is religious doesn’t know
Many people today begin to live life with an entitlement
he is separated from the father. The danger of religion
mentality just like the older brother. They will say:
is the ignorance of his separation from the father. The
• I have been in church for many years.
older brother was still home, but his heart wasn’t with
• I have paid my tithes.
the father. He tried to win his father’s heart through
• I have been faithful.
good works. The father loved both sons unconditionally.
• Why am I still not satisfied? The reason why you’re not satisfied is because
Both brothers were work oriented. One was motivated by
you have replaced the grace of God with
fear; the other was motivated by
your works. If you use your good deeds or
pride, neither of which will gain
morality as the basis of pleasing God, then
acceptance with God. Today isn’t
you will be disappointed. Pleasing God
it time you relate to God based on
is not what you do. Pleasing God is
His love for you?
receiving who He is. There is not one lost son in this passage; there are two lost sons. The younger son broke all the rules to get his father’s wealth. The older son kept
6 // November 2016
Samuel Burger is the pastor of Chestuee Worship Center, 1414 Athens Road, Calhoun, TN 37309. Feel free to contact him at samuelbrgr@yahoo.com for prayer requests or praise reports.
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Gò0dNews for Kids Choosing to Be Thankful
If you believe that God is taking care of you, then you have to trust Him even when things don’t always go the way you want them too.
H
by Mindy White ave you ever received a
I think it makes God smile when we
circumstances?” This scripture
really special gift—a gift
show we are thankful.
means that no matter what is going
that you have been waiting
Sometimes we don't always get
on in your life, you should always
on for a long time? You waited and
everything we want, and things
be thankful. I know this can seem
waited, and someone finally gave
don't always go our way. During
really hard to do at times. Saying
it to you. Did you remember to
these times, we have a choice to
thank you isn't the first thing that
say thank you? Can you think of a
make. We can choose to have a bad
comes to mind when we are having
time that someone did something
attitude, or we can choose to be
a bad day. God knows everything,
really nice for you? Maybe you
thankful. I want to encourage you
and He knows what is best for you.
were feeling sick, and they took
to be thankful. When you show
I hope you will remember to be
extra special care of you. Did you
people that you are thankful, it
thankful all year long and not just
remember to say thank you? Just by
helps teach them to be thankful too.
during Thanksgiving. I hope you
saying these two little words “thank
In the Bible, 1 Thessalonians
will choose to be thankful even
you,” you can make somebody
5:16-18 tells us to “Rejoice always,
else happy. Saying thank you tells
pray continually, give thanks in all
people that you appreciate what
circumstances; for this is God’s will
gift that is above all other gifts.
they have done for you. It lets them
for you in Christ Jesus” (NIV).
There is absolutely nothing that
Did you catch the part
can compare to the gift that God
know that you really do care. In the month of November,
where it says “give thanks in all
when you do not really want to be. God gave us a special gift—a
has given us. Do you already know
we celebrate the holiday of
what that gift is? God gave us His
Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is
one and only Son Jesus. He loved
a time for us to look back and
us so much that He was willing
say thank you for everything we
to send His own Son to die on the
appreciate in our lives. When I
cross for us. Don't forget to tell God
say everything, I mean everything.
thank you for sending Jesus, and
This could range from our family
don't forget to tell Jesus thank you
to our favorite toy. If you have a
for coming!
chance, make a list of all of the things you can think of for which you are thankful. Making a list helps to remind you just how much God has blessed you.
8 // November 2016
Mindy White is married to her husband, Robert. They have 3 kids, Brittain, Noah, and Alaina. She is a member of Cornerstone Church of God where she is the ladies ministry president.
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“Plant an Acorn, Watch it Grow” MONEY MATTERS WITH DR. ANDREW LEE
Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
I
f you haven’t heard, there’s a new website called www.
I heard about Acorns.com on various financial news
acorns.com which allows you to “round up” your
podcasts, and I decided to try it mostly out of curiosity.
purchases from your debit card to the nearest dollar
I opened my Acorns account nearly two months ago,
each time you swipe your card to make a purchase. Those
and already the balance is over one hundred dollars just
extra cents rounded up to the next whole dollar are then
in “spare change.” It will be interesting to see what the
deposited into an investment account of your own choice,
balance might be in a decade or two decades. Meanwhile,
using various portfolios designed by a Nobel Prize-
my wife and I are telling ourselves that this Acorns account
winning economist. For instance, a younger investor might
will be earmarked for our daughter’s future wedding.
choose an “Aggressive” portfolio that is mostly invested in
Thinking of the investment in those terms helps to keep
stocks of small and large companies, both American and
us motivated and makes the idea that much more exciting.
international. An older investor might choose a “Moderate”
Our daughter, by the way, is only six years old right now.
or “Conservative” portfolio which would consist of bonds
Since we’re forbidding her to marry until she graduates
as well as stocks and even money-market accounts in order
from college (we hope and pray), that gives us at least
to decrease the volatility of the account (volatility is how
fifteen years to have this account grow until the “big day.”
wildly your account balance swings up or down whenever
With any luck, we’ll be able to afford the dress, flowers,
the stock markets rise or fall). Over time, just by investing
and cake at least by that time.
your spare change on every debit purchase, your account
Meanwhile, the principle behind Acorns holds true
balance can increase two ways: by adding more money
in every financial situation. Whether you’re saving for a
with every new debit transaction, and by rising in value as
child’s college fund, for your own retirement, or for that
the stock markets rise over time. Hence, the name “acorns”
dream vacation or home renovation, the earlier you start,
illustrates the idea that a tiny investment now can grow
the more time the money will have to grow, and the greater
into something more substantial someday. Moreover, you
your chances of seeing your dreams become a reality. Slow
can make voluntary deposits to your investment account
and steady wins the race, as Proverbs 13:11 says, “Wealth
anytime to make it grow faster, for instance by depositing
gained hastily will dwindle, but whoever gathers little by
an extra ten dollars per month, in addition to rounding up
little will increase it.”
your spare change on every debit transaction.
10 // November 2016
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Gò0dNews for Men
Peter Denies Jesus
When we are truly repentant and can say in our hearts: “You know, Lord, that I love you,” He reinstates us and forgives us just as He forgave Peter. by Charles Laws
I
n Mark 1:17, Jesus saw Peter and his brother Andrew fishing
the response of Caiphas and the decision of the crowd: “Then
and said to them, “Follow me and I will make you become
the high priest tore his clothes and said, “He has spoken
fishers of men (NKJV).” They immediately left their nets and
blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look, now
followed Him. We read that Peter was appointed as an apostle
you have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?”
in Mark 3:16. “These are the twelve that He appointed; Simon to
“He is worthy of death,” they answered.
whom he gave the name Peter (NKJV).”
Peter was following closely and denied Jesus three times,
Peter became one of the “inner circle,” that consisted of him, James, and John. These three were close to Jesus and
as Jesus said he would. After the third time (as recorded in verses 73-74), a rooster crowed and Peter remembered what
went everywhere with Him. However, we see that Peter was
Jesus had told him. In verse 75b, we read a statement that tells
not infallible and still had times of weakness, an example that
how Peter felt: “And he went outside and wept bitterly.” When
is recorded in Luke 22:31-34. Notice in verse 31 that Satan
Jesus was brought before Pontius Pilate, the governor, He
had to ask permission to test Peter. But Jesus knew what was
asked him “Are you the King of the Jews?”
ahead for Peter and prayed for him. God allows Satan to
Jesus answered “It is as you say”(Matt.27:11 NKJV).
tempt us only under restrictions and by God’s
After further questioning, Pilate concluded that Jesus was
permission!
innocent. The people cried out even more, saying, “Let Him
After this, Jesus goes into Gethsemane
be crucified.” When Pilate delivered Jesus to them, Jesus was
to pray and takes Peter, James, and John with
crucified, buried, and arose from the dead on the third day.
Him. Scripture tells us that they all fell asleep.
After Jesus’ resurrection from the dead, He asked Peter
When He had finished praying, He awoke the apostles and told Peter to watch and pray so that he would not fall
three times in John 21:15-17: “Do you love me?” In each case, Peter replied “Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus first replied, “Feed my lambs.” Then He said, “Take care of
into temptation (see Matt.26:41).
my sheep.” Finally, He said, “Feed my sheep.” In other
While Jesus was speaking, Judas
words, Peter was called back into service; He was
and a large crowd, consisting of the teachers of the law and the
reinstated! He was forgiven! Finally, we must realize that Peter was afraid and
elders, came into the Garden,
scared. He certainly was not the Peter we saw in Luke
and Judas betrayed Jesus by
22:31-34! We also have times when we are afraid,
pointing Him out with a kiss. He was taken before Caiphas, the high priest. Peter followed Him at a distance and sat down with the guards to see what Caiphas would do with Him. The high priest said
weak, depressed, discouraged, and just not at our best. If we do not stay close to the Lord, we may fail Him during those times. If we do fail Him, are truly repentant, and can honestly say in our hearts: “You know, Lord, that I love you.” He reinstates us, and even more so, He forgives us just as He forgave Peter!
to Him, in Matthew 26:63; “Tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God?” Jesus replied in verse 64, “Yes, it is as you say.” In verses 65-66, we see
12 // November 2016
Charles Laws is a member of Cleveland First Church of the Nazarene. He has a B.A. degree with a major in Mathematics and minors in Physics and Education from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville TN and a M.A. degree with a major in mathematics from The University of Tennessee (UTK). He enjoys reading, chess, walking and listening to music.
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EOE
Gò0dNews for Women To the One Who Doesn’t Believe: You’re My New Best Friend If I can lead one person to God, if I can help one person see a God who created every special part of them, I’ve done my part in this world.
I’
by Nicole Wiley ve seen it before. I’ve seen the looks of disgust
Mark 16:15 says, “He said to them, ‘Go into all the
that comes from the mention of Jesus’ name. I’ve
world and preach the gospel to all creation’” (NIV).
seen the defiance against God in people’s actions
As a Christian, it is my responsibility to tell you what
and words. I’ve seen all of this, and it motivates me
I believe. I’m not judging, however, out of payment or
to become your new best friend. I may get annoying
threatened punishment if I don’t. I’m simply telling
to you, constantly flooding your messages with “God
you, that because I love you, and I want to spend every
loves you,” but I do it, because I love you. I may seem
day with you for the rest of my life even after we leave
pushy, but it’s because I want you to hear the message
earth. How could I not love you? Can you blame me
that I grew up hearing that inspired me to become who
for wanting you to love the God that created this place
I am today and who I want to be in the future. I guess
we call home? You have a beautiful mind filled with
you could call it selfish of me, because part of the rea-
passions and dreams just like me, because the Creator
son I’m cramming Jeremiah 29:11 in your brain is for
of the world made us out of a love that nobody can
my own sense of fulfillment in life
ever compare to.
With this pouring out of my heart to you, I also
My point in saying all of that is simply this: I
make you a promise. I make you a couple of
do what I do because of this overflowing love
promises, actually, but one probably means
of God and for people I have in my heart. I
more to you than anything I could ever do or say: I do not judge you. That seems to be a bit contradictory to the stereotype of religious people today, but I’ve never been one
understand that hearing something you hate hearing isn’t very much fun, but best friends are known for giving it to you straight, and that’s always been something I’ve been good at doing. I’m not sure if my efforts
to fit into the mold of
will ever be effective, but I leave you
stereotypes; so again
with this beautiful and everlast-
I say, I do not judge
ing truth: “For God so loved
you. After all, it’s not my
the world that He gave His
place to judge a person
one and only Son, that who-
who is equally as flawed
ever believes in Him shall
and imperfect as I am, but
not perish but have eternal
it is my place to speak from
life” (John 3:16 NIV).
my heart and tell everyone I meet that Jesus saves.
14 // November 2016
Nicole Wiley is a junior at Cleveland High School who attends First Baptist Church.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds Thanksgiving Traditions
Expressing gratitude for God’s steadfastness builds faith for the coming days and year.
O
n the fourth Thursday in November, Americans gather for a day of feasting, watching football, and enjoying family. While today’s Thanksgiving celebrations would likely be unrecognizable to attendees of the original 1621 harvest meal, it continues to be a day for Americans to come together around the table—albeit with some updates to the pilgrim menu. In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Turkey, a Thanksgiving staple so ubiquitous it has become all but synonymous with the holiday, might not have been on the menu when the Pilgrims hosted the inaugural feast in 1621. According to the National Turkey Federation, nearly 90 percent of Americans eat the bird on Thanksgiving—whether roasted, baked or deep-fried. Other traditional foods include stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie.
TIPS FOR DEEP-FRYING OUTDOORS Although you’re outdoors using propane, a deep fryer can be very dangerous. Never leave your deep fryer unattended and be sure to carefully follow these instructions: • To start, remove the wrapper and discard the neck and giblets. • Deep-fry your turkey outside on a flat surface, far away from homes, garages, wooden decks, etc. • To determine how much oil is needed, place the thawed turkey in the fryer basket
16 // November 2016
and place it in the fryer. Add water until the top of the turkey is barely covered. Remove the turkey, allowing the water to drain from the turkey back into the fryer. Measure and mark the water line, using that line as a guide when adding oil to the propane fryer. Make sure that all water has been removed from the fryer. • Pat the turkey dry with paper towels. • Add oil to the fryer (based on the water line). • Preheat oil in the fryer to 375° F. • While the oil is heating, prepare your turkey with any seasonings, marinades, or injected flavor that you desire. When the oil is hot, turn the burner off and slowly lower the turkey into the hot oil. Slowly lowering the basket helps prevent the oil from bubbling over. Turn the burner back on. Cook the turkey about 3 to 4 minutes per pound. The turkey is done when the dark meat is at an internal temperature of 175° F to 180° F and all white meat is at an internal temperature of 165° F to 170° F. When the turkey is done, slowly lift it from the pot and place it in a pan or on paper towels to drain. Let the turkey stand for 20 minutes before removing it from the rack or basket.
IN-YOUR-FACE
FAMILY FUN FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 25 McKamey Animal Center 4500 North Access Rd • Chattanooga, TN www.mckameyanimalcenter.org
FREE Child's Admission
With the purchase of one adult admission. Not valid for special events. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.
Gò0dNews Christian Magazine
Volunteers in Medicine’s passionate group of volunteers offered 6,814 hours of service last year making 5,241 patient visits possible.
Now Recruiting Volunteers! Doctors Nurses
Our dedicated team of compassionate volunteers all share common qualities. They enjoy interacting with a variety of people, are passionate about helping those in need, and serve with hearts of caring and compassion. They have positive attitudes and share a common commitment to care for our needy patients with dignity, courtesy, and consideration. We love our volunteers and are always looking for more. Check us out at www.vim-chatt.org!
Lab Techs Administrative
Volunteers in Medicine is a free primary health care clinic for qualified, low income and uninsured residents of Greater Chattanooga. Medical care is delivered by volunteer doctors and nurses. VIM is funded by individuals, businesses, foundations, and churches. All these sources view VIM as a domestic mission, and are investing in the health of our community. No government funding is part of the VIM revenue stream.
Chattanooga Church Directory Anglican
Anglican Church of the Redeemer 423.892.1101 104 McBrien Rd, 37411
Assembly of God
Calvary Church 423.629.1200 1212 South Seminole Drive, 37412 Fresh Fire Awakening 423.255.3103 Chattanooga, 37421
Baptist Bayside Baptist Church 423-344-8327 6100 Hwy 58 Harrison, TN 37416 Covenant Baptist Church 423.892.5542 1640 N. Joiner Rd, 37421 Duncan Park Baptist Church 706.899.3707 1609 Glowmont Dr, 37412 New Haven Baptist Church 423.855.4910 1058 Graysville Rd, 37421 Middle Cross Baptist Church 423.877.5742 4009 Norcross Rd, 37343 Heritage Baptist Church 423.499.5060 2934 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Ridgeview Baptist Church 423.899.1530 6 Moore Rd, 37411 Spring Creek Road Baptist 423.894.0700 1312 Spring Creek Rd, 37412 Alpine Baptist Church 423.875.3522 4720 Stagg Rd, 37415 Ashland Terrace Baptist Church 423.877.4392 906 Ashland Terrace, 37415 Avondale Baptist Church 423.344.2208 5479 Hwy 58, 37416 Bartle Baugh Baptist Church 423.344.5207 6129 Champion Rd, 37416 Berean Baptist Church 423.629.1634 1614 Kirby Ave, 37404 Bethel Baptist Church 423.875.9107 632 Lullwater Rd, 37405 Bethlehem Baptist Church 423.266.5484 101 Lawn St, 37405 Bible Way Baptist Church 423.624.2149 2003 Elmendorf St, 37406
18 // November 2016
Brainerd Baptist Church 423.624.2606 300 Brookfield Ave, 37411 Brainerd Hills Baptist Church 423.892.6645 6611 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Calvary Baptist Church 423.875.8154 5201 Dayton Blvd, 37415 Central Baptist Church 423.624.4678 901 Woodmore Ln, 37411 Charity Baptist Church 423.267.6576 2340 Rossville Blvd, 37408 Clifton Hill Baptist Church 423.867.4887 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Concord Baptist Church 423.892.9313 7025 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Brainerd Baptist Church 423.892.4235 1047 Graysville Rd, 37421 East Lake Baptist Church 423.698.1597 3315 12th Ave, 37407 East Ridge Baptist Church 423.698.2421 4201 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Edgewood Baptist Church 423.629.5821 3604 Ringgold Road, 37412 Empowerment Church 423.355.5576 1203 Blocker Lane, 37412 Faith Baptist Church 423.344.9712 8834 North Hickory Valley, 37416 Fellowship Baptist Church 423.894.8080 5335 Clemons Rd, 37412 First Baptist Church 423.265.2257 401 Gateway Ave, 37402 First Baptist Church 423.629.1950 1228 Latta St, 37406 First Baptist Church 423.265.3229 506 East 8th St., 37403 First Calvary Baptist Church 423.267.5159 300 Bell Ave, 37405 Grace Baptist Church 423.892.4869 7815 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Greater Beulah Baptist Church 423.624.0418 1301 Commerce St, 37404 Harmony Baptist Church 423.629.9660 3832 Youngstown Rd, 37406
Hickory Valley Baptist Church 423.892.1916 2320 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of the Highlands 423.493.4111 6621 Hunter Road, Harrison, TN 37341 Hillcrest Baptist Church 423.867.2812 3300 East 42nd St, 37407 Independent Baptist Church 423.875.3054 2624 Lyndon Ave, 37412 International Baptist Church 423.624.8638 1512 Old Ringgold Rd, 37404 Kings Point Baptist Church 423.624.5202 2834 Harrison Pike, 37403 Kingwood Baptist Church 423.624.7301 3522 Ringgold Rd, 37412 LifeSpring Baptist Church 423.892.8469 1701 Hickory Valley Road, 3742 New Hope Missionary Baptist Church 423.697.7000 3777 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 North River Bible Baptist 423.313.2658 4810 EB Hixson Pike {Suite 106) Hixson, TN 37343 Lookout Valley Baptist Church 423.825.5335 23 Lilac Ave, 37419 Macedonia Baptist Church 423.267.6915 1156 East Main St, 374081 Mission Ridge Baptist Church 423.624.0424 302 Shallowford Rd, 37411 Morris Hill Baptist Church 423.892.2071 1804 Morris Hill Rd, 37421 Mount Paran Baptist Church 423.629.2377 1319 Moss Dr, 37411 New Grace Baptist Church 423.899.5510 7861 Lee Hwy, 37421 Orchard Knob Baptist Church 423.629.6115 1734 East 3rd St, 37404 Philadelphia Baptist Church 423.629.5786 2230 East 18th St, 37404 Pilgrim Rock Baptist Church 423.894.7548 1726 Church Rd, 37421 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church 423.892.0237 1441 Crawford Rd, 37421
Prospect Baptist Church 423.698.4149 734 Dodson Ave, 37404 Resurrected Reformed Baptist 423.698.8086 2230 East 18th Street, 37404 Ridgedale Baptist Church 423.499.0994 1831 Hickory Valley Road, 37421 Rose of Sharon Baptist Church 423.629.9534 2001 Blackford St, 37404 Second Baptist Church 423.629.6039 1619 East Main St, 37404 Shiloh Baptist Church 423.267.3131 1708 Carr St, 37408 Silverdale Baptist Church 423.892.2173 7236 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37421 Standifer Gap Baptist Church 423.892.8596 8159 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421 Stanley Heights Baptist Church 423.867.8060 1512 Mcbrien Rd, 37412 Temple Baptist Church 423.622.1913 3200 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Terra Vista Baptist Church 423.892.3879 4412 Oakwood Dr, 37416 Tucker Baptist Church 423.510.9684 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Washington Park Baptist 423.899.9408 1823 Shepherd Rd, 37421 Westview Baptist Church 423.899.0127 9516 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 Woodland Park Baptist Church 423.899.9185 6735 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Church of God East Chattanooga COG 423.894.7926 4924 Hwy 58, 37416 East Lake Church of God 423.698.6522 2949 East 29th St, 37407 Brainerd Hills Church of God 423.892.2092 410 Friar Rd, 37421 City Church of Chattanooga 423.894.6982 7122 Lee Hwy, 37421 Church of God of Prophecy 423.899.4074 3927 Webb Rd, 37416 Church of God of Prophecy
423.894.0597 2201 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of God Seventh Day 423.899.5490 7504 Old Lee Hwy, 37421 East Brainerd Church of God 423.899.4755 8312 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 The Crossing Church 423.867.7287 7501 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421 East Side Church of God 423.624.8797 2105 Citico Ave, 37404 Fellowship Church of God 423.867.3194 3426 Clio Ave, 37407 Holy Temple Church of God 423.629.2649 2311 Bliss St, 37406 Joyful Noise Church of God 423.698.1813 1614 Foust St, 37404 Pure Holiness Church of God 423.622.4667 420 North Holly St, 37404 Redemption Point 423-855-7321 3831 Ooltewah-Ringgold Rd. Ooltewah, TN 37363 Redemption Point Highland Park 423.855.7321 1907 Bailey Ave, 37404 Temple of Faith Church of God 423.698.2700 2139 East 27th 37407 United Temple Church of God 423.624.1037 2418 Dodson Ave, 37406 Vision Church of God 423.624.7170 4901 Midland Pike, 37411 Woodmore Church of God 423.899.0827 1115 North Moore Rd, 37411 Word Center Church of God 423.867.3330 4803 13th Ave, 37407
Nazarene Alton Park Church of the Nazarene 423.756.2468 4004 Dorris St, 37410 Nazarene Calvary Church of the Nazarene 423.892.5771 4400 Bonny Oaks Dr, 37416 East Brainerd Church of the Nazarene 423.499.8643 8101 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Church of the Nazarene 423.894.8656 1202 Spring Creek Rd, 37412 First Church of the Nazarene
423.624.2679 2099 East Main St, 37404
Community Church Cosmopolitan Community Church 423.622.3217 3031 Wilcox Blvd, 37411 Friendship Community Church 423.698.3471 7 North Tuxedo Dr, 37411 Metropolitan Community Church 423.629.2737 1601 Foust St, 37404
Lutheran
Ascension Lutheran Church 423.698.5047 720 South Germantown Rd, 37412 First Lutheran Church Pastor Mark McCrory 423-629-5990; www.first4u.org 2800 McCallie Avenue Chattanooga, TN 37404 Good Shepherd Lutheran Rev. H. Christopher Sheets 423.629.4661 www.gslcflock.org 822 Belvoir Ave, 37412 Saint Phillip Lutheran Church 423.267.1475 51 West 25th St, 37408
Methodist Jones Memorial UMC 423.624.6073 4131 Ringgold Rd, 37412 Mount Crest UMC 423.881.4165 8206 Cicero Tr, 37421 St John UMC 423.892.2257 3921 Murray Hills Dr, 37416 Wesley Memorial UMC 423.892.6446 6314 E. Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge UMC Pastor Ken Sauer 423-892-8451; eastridgeumc.org 1601 Prater Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 Stanley UMC 423.624.6729 501 Dodson Ave, 37404 Washington Hills UMC 423.892.8050 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416 Cleveland Trinity UMC 423.892.6926 9028 Warbler Ln, 37421 East Lake UMC 423.624.4921 2903 East 37th St, 37407 St Elmo UMC 423.855.0807 3030 Towerway Dr, 37406 Lake Vista UMC 423.892.4941 6216 Hadley Dr, 37416
Saint Mary CME Church 423.622.2742 1417 Wheeler Ave, 37406 Sheares Memorial UMC 423.855.2004 515 Airport Rd, 37421 Sheares Memorial UMC 423.698.4114 400 Glenwood Dr, 37404 Tyner UMC 423.892-0444 6805 Standifer Gap Rd, 37421
Non-Denominational Christian Family Church 423.774.8888 88 Hunt Drive Rossville, GA 30741 Celebration Church 423.892.8979 6425 Lee Highway, 37421 The Sacred Heart Mission of Chattanooga 423.238.3835 3914 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Faith Connection Church 423.933.6986 7312 Shallowford Rd, 37421 Metropolitan Tabernacle 423.894.3377 2101 West Shepherd Rd, 37422 Carpenters Cowboy Church 423.867.4232 3616 Rossville Blvd, 37407 Brainerd Hills Chapel Church 423.899.3098 5931 Pinegrove Tr, 37421 Chattanooga Church 423.892.2888 6188 Adamson Circle, 37416 Christian Church of Hope 423.855.0767 2330 Hickory Valley Rd, 37421 Church of Jesus 423.629.5051 2118 Wilson St, 37406 Church of the First Born 423.756.0704 3418 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Church of the Lord Jesus 423.265.8235 200 West 19th St, 37408 Mount Summit of Peace Church 423.899.0434 6925 Shallowford Rd, 37421 New Covenant Church 423.867.2121 3700 Clio Ave, 37407 New Covenant Fellowship Church 423.899.8001 1326 North Moore Road, 37411 Walker Avenue First Church 423.622.2982 2101 Walker St, 37404 Worlds Church of the Living God 423.622.2992 2110 Glass St, 37406
Pentecostal Emanuel Pentecostal Church 423.821.5261 4204 Ohls Ave, 37410 Sharon Pentecostal Church 423.867.7088 1400 East 48th St, 37407 Virtuous Church Pastor Richard O. Smith 5952 Brainerd Road Chattanooga, TN 37412 (423)521-4440 www.virtuouschurch.org Word of Pentecost Church 423.624.2620 1722 Newton St, 37406
Presbyterian First Cumberland Presbyterian 423.698.2556 1505 North Moore Rd, 37411 Central Presbyterian Church 423.629.1401 1815 McCallie Ave, 37404 Covenant Presbyterian Church 423.899.5377 8451 East Brainerd Rd, 37421 East Ridge Presbyterian Church 423.867.2717 4919 Court Dr, 37412 First Presbyterian Church 423.267.1206 554 McCallie Ave, 37402 New Hope Presbyterian Church 423.892.0853 7301 Shallowford Rd, 37421 North Minster Presbyterian 423.894.3773 4791 Hal Dr, 37416 St Elmo Presbyterian Church 423.821.1424 4400 St Elmo Ave, 37409 Second Presbyterian Church 423.266.2828 700 Pine St, 37402
Vineyard Vineyard Christian Fellowship 423.704.2188 10615 London Ln, 37302
Seventh-Day Collegedale Community 9503 Four Corners Place Collegedale, TN 37363 Hamilton County Church 7997 Shallowford Rd Chattanooga, TN 37421
Wesleyan Faith Community Wesleyan 7725 Shallowford Road Chattanooga, TN 37421
issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 19
FEATURED COVER STORY
The Samaritan Center—Help for Today, Hope for Tomorrow Whether it’s their destination for bargain new-to-you clothing, the spot they gather to spend their morning volunteering, or the place that has helped their family members during financial crisis, the Samaritan Center has filled a vital role in the lives of the residents of eastern Hamilton County for thirty years.
A Storied History
T
he concept for the Samaritan Center began in the early 1980s when a group of community members asked the question: “How can we best pool our resources to
make a lasting impact in the community?” From the question was born the Adventist Community Services Center, a two-story building located at 7413 Old Lee Highway, which opened its doors October 22, 1986. Within ten years, the Center outgrew its building, and
expansion and remodeled facility was completed in the spring of 2015. Not only did the project add 50 percent more square footage to the Center’s thrift stores, it gave the Center an additional interview office and expanded current offices to better accommodate clients with disabilities.
Community Impact
The Samaritan Center provides basic social services
to individuals and families in eastern Hamilton County, covering nine zip codes (37302, 37308, 37315, 37336, 37341,
the former Red Food store in Ooltewah was purchased. The
37353, 37363, 37416, 37421), with a total population of well
Center was named in honor of the thousands of community
over 100,000 people. The Center’s service area expands when
members whose generous hearts reflected that of the Good
disaster strikes, enabling anyone with a validated need to
Samaritan in Jesus’ parable.
receive assistance.
In 2006, the Center expanded again by building a 27,000
Social Services: From light bills, to food or warm, winter
square-foot, two-story warehouse to process and store
clothing, Samaritan Center case managers make sure no one
donated items efficiently. During its time in Ooltewah, the
goes without. Parents who cannot afford the required school
Center expanded its services, branching out from providing
supplies for their children receive assistance. At Christmas
basic financial support, to offering help with school supplies,
time, the Center empowers parents to provide gifts for
Christmas gifts, food assistance, and personal-care items.
their children. Those who are financially challenged for an
In 2010, a major effort began to modernize and expand the Center’s campus. Through individual gifts, a $3.2 million
20 // November 2016
extended period of time may also receive a monthly food box—a shopping cart full of fresh and nonperishable food.
In 2015, the Samaritan Center assisted 9,787 clients through the following programs: • Housing/utilities assistance
win because they can find great deals and unexpected treasures; and the environment wins because the Samaritan Center keeps these donated items out of the landfill.
• Monthly food boxes • Thrift Store vouchers for clothing, furniture, and household items • Cleaning and personal-care items • Baby layettes filled with items for new mothers • School supplies • Thanksgiving food boxes • Christmas toys and presents • Disaster relief including house fires • Service agency referrals
Community Connections and Volunteering: The
• Special assistance on a case-by-case basis
Samaritan Center acts as a glue, bringing the community
Natural Disasters: Whether fire, tornado, flooding, or
together. In addition to connecting those who want to help
earthquake, when disaster strikes, the Samaritan Center
with those who truly need help, the Samaritan Center fosters
stretches out a helping hand to give people a fresh start.
a number of positive relationships within the community:
The tornadoes of 2011/2012 left many people in need and
• In the East Hamilton Ministerial Association, church
the Samaritan Center was there, helping those who had
leaders come together with the Samaritan Center to
lost their homes or sustained damage that exceeded the
encourage each other and find new ways to help the
funds provided by insurance and FEMA. Recently, the
community.
Center reached outside of its local service area to provide
• People in need of medical equipment can borrow
supplies and funds to victims of the flooding in Louisiana
donated items from the Samaritan Center and return
and Hurricane Matthew.
them later for the next person in need.
Thrift Stores: Many of the people the Center helps never meet the case managers. These are the shoppers that purchase items that would be out of their budget if bought at full price. The Samaritan Center’s three stores: the Thrift Shop,
• Volunteer nurses share their skills with customers and make new friends as they take blood pressure readings in the Samaritan Center lobby. • Automotive technology students from Southern
Clearance Shop, and Toy Shop, provide a positive shopping
Adventist University help the community and practice
experience, helping many community members to make ends
their customer service skills by holding a car-care day
meet. Additionally, after covering expenses, revenue from
in the Center’s parking lot.
the thrift stores is available to help fund social services. This means every shopper is also giving back to the community.
• The Spirit of Christmas Parade is organized by the Samaritan Center, bringing the community together in a fun, family-oriented way, while raising funds for the Center.
Looking Ahead
The Samaritan Center has been blessed to be an
integral part of this community for more than thirty years. And with the support of good people and the blessing of the Lord, the Center aims to continue to provide help for Recycling: The majority of items donated to the
today and hope for tomorrow.
Samaritan Center are recycled in some way. Items sold in the store are given a second chance at life, and donations that cannot be sold are sold to another organization or broken down and recycled as much as possible. This creates a winwin-win situation: donors win by not having clutter in their homes and being able to help their community; the shoppers
issuu.com/goodnewschatt // 21
Gò0dNews for Parents It Will Go Well with Them
This article inspires parents with hope and assurance that their children will not be swallowed up in today’s social upheaval. by Wally Coffman
I
f you are like me, you will have heard someone ask you
There are few things more motivating, and fear has
how someone can raise children in this day and age.
motivated me to seek as much help as I can find. The
Usually, this question is followed by a description of how
problem then becomes how to define what the actual
bad things are today, that things were different in days gone
problem is. As a Dad, what do I need to do or provide that
by, and how things are only getting worse. Having become
will ensure that my children will not be swallowed up in
a father only in the last five years, this question with the oft
social upheaval? What can I do, if anything, to eliminate as
resulting diatribe tended to create fear and doubt within me
much of this uncertainty as I can?
for the life my children will ultimately lead as adults. Reading or watching the news certainly does not put
If there is anyone to look to for hope, it's God. The Book of Isaiah describes Israel's society then as one with lots of
me at ease. Neither does listening to some of my colleagues
social maladies that included people oppressing each other,
describe the situations that they are in with their children
people being misled, and a lack of leadership (3:5-12 HCSB).
and how it concerns them, especially if their children are not
Much like today, these maladies do not inspire parents’
transitioning into adulthood well or, heaven forbid, drug
hopes for their children's future.
abuse is involved. If I am honest, my responses have not
But rather than dwell on the ills that plague our society
always been the best at inspiring hope, and I fear letting my
and the sense of hopelessness that it creates, we can look at
children down because, as most parents do, I want what is
Isaiah 3:10 which says "Tell the righteous that it will go well
best for them. I know that God gave me and my wife our
for them, for they will eat the fruit of their labor." (HCSB)
children, and I certainly do not want to let Him down with how I raise them.
This verse inspires hope for me as a parent because God chose to tell a righteous segment of Israel’s society that things would go well with them despite the social turmoil that surrounded them. To be righteous is to be in a right standing with God and that is done through belief in Jesus Christ (see Rom. 10:9-10 HCSB). I cannot control society and what it does. But what I can labor to do as a dad first is to make sure that I am in a right standing with God daily. I can also labor to do everything possible to make sure that my children have everything they need to ensure that they become righteous through belief in Jesus Christ. I also can labor to do everything I can to ensure that they transition into the adults that God wants them to be. I can and want to labor for these things because God promises that if my children are righteous, it will go well with them to His glory.
22 // November 2016
Wally Coffman lives in McDonald, TN with his wife of 16 years, Angela, and their two children, Ella (age 5), and Eli (age 3). He and his family attend Silverdale Baptist Church. He is a professional engineer licensed in multiple states.
Church Activities & Events Venue Church Discover Venue
Become better acquainted with the story, vision and values of Venue. Come to connect with others and have the opportunity to become an Owner. Location: Shallowford :Full Life Auditorium (Suite 213) Location : Ringgold : Full Life Room (Located in main lobby) Time: Shallowford – 8:30am | 10am | 11:30am | 1:00pm | 6:00pm Ringgold – 10:00am | 11:30am | 1:00pm Pre-Register for North Georgia Full Life Here! Pre-Register for Shallowford Full Life Here! Questions: info@venuechurch.com
City Church of Chattanooga Glo Ladies Fall Dinner Event
“A Story Worth Telling” Special Speaker: Teresa Swanstrom Anderson November 11, 2016 at 6:30 pm. City Church of Chattanooga Cost: $12.00 - Register Online!
C/S Guys Fall Retreat
FALL RETREAT is all about middle/high school students connecting with God and others through intentional activities throughout the weekend. There’s nothing like being in the middle of nowhere, eating amazing food, spending quality time with other students/leaders and encountering the CREATOR of the UNIVERSE!! STUDENT INFO: When: Nov 11-13 Who: Middle/High School Guys Where: Tellico Plains, TN. Cost: $100 (includes: lodging, food, survivors kit, transportation).
Rock Point Church Vertical Reality
Nov. 4-6 - $175 - More info online!
Brainerd Baptist Church
Churchwide Thanksgiving Dinner
DATE & TIME:Wednesday, November 16 5-6:30pm LOCATION:BX COST:$6 per person, $25 family max CONTACT:Julie Prescott jprescott@brainerdbaptist.org
Surviving the Holidays
DATE & TIME: Saturday, November 12 10am-12pm LOCATION: BX CrossView COST: $5 CONTACT: Deb Parsons dparsons@brainerdbaptist.org DETAILS:For separated/divorced, Dealing with emotions, Surviving social events, Good experience for kids
The Crossing Church
Operation Christmas Child Drop Off November 14-21, The Gathering Place
St. Stephen Catholic Church Fall Clean-Up Day
Mark your calendar for St. Stephen Fall Clean-Up Day on November 5th from 10am – 1pm. Sign-up in the Church vestibule.
St. Jude Church Chattanooga
Catholic Charities of Chattanooga Annual Bake Sale
November 12-13. St. Jude Church has always been a major supporter of this Annual Bake Sale in 3 very special ways: contributing homemade baked goods, selling the baked goods at all Masses, and buying the baked goods on sale! This year we need your help in all 3 areas more than ever to help Catholic Charities of Chattanooga to meet their goals for all the local programs that they support!! 1. Start early making your favorite homemade treats by baking & freezing them, then bringing them to church the weekend of Nov 12-13. 2. Help sell the baked goods at one of the Masses (Call Judy & Dick Smith to volunteer: 842-1483 or email: jas6360epbfi.com). 3. Buy LOTS of the yummy baked goods to help support all Catholic Charities outreach endeavors in Chattanooga! Note: High School Students can get service hours credit for baking Goodies too!
Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness Why Women Need Weights
Regular training of just 20-30 minutes, a couple times a week, can help to offset thinning bones and muscle loss and actually help you build back youthful levels of muscle. by Bernie Oostra
W
eightlifting or strength training has many
and other chemicals that tell the body to build muscle,
names, but no matter what you call them,
burn fat, and slow the aging process. In addition, it
adding heavy resistance to your body can
improves immune and cognitive functions, focus,
provide incredible benefits for your health. The trouble is
and a general sense of well-being. Strength training is
that too often, weightlifting is thought to be only for men
beginning to look like the real fountain of youth.
that want to build big muscles.
Strength training can be even more important for
This myth couldn’t be more wrong, and it gets
women because they tend to start with thinner muscles
perpetuated by certain stereotypes, such as the bronzed-
and bones that can become thinner still with age. Regular
up bodies of unnatural looking people on steroids.
training of just 20-30 thirty minutes, a couple times a
Strip away these and you will find a lifestyle that is
week, can help to offset thinning bones and muscle
outstanding for lowering body fat and increasing muscle
loss, and actually help you build back youthful levels of
shape and tone. There is also no longer any question that even the markers of age are
muscle and strengthen bones. More muscle is also important for up-regulating our metabolism. This happens because muscle is living
significantly forestalled by
tissue that burns three times as much energy as the same
weight training—as well
amount of fat just sitting there! This means, even if you
as a good diet. Science
are sitting at your desk, if you have more muscle, you
continues to prove it.
will be burning more calories. Since the muscle is burning
Strength training
calories all day, the benefits compound and grow—
is a powerful stimulus
making it easier to stay lean. You just don’t want to miss
to the body for releasing
out on the massive wellness benefits of strength training
hormones, growth factors,
because you fear you will look big. The opposite is true. It will help you burn fat and look lean. The bottom line is: If you have only thirty minutes to exercise, strength training is the best exercise you can do, because it will up-regulate your entire system. Then if you have more time, you can add some extra cardio or conditioning work. But the conditioning work should never be the priority. The priority should be the strength work.
24 // November 2016
Bernie Oostra has been a personal trainer for the last 10 years; currently at Bradley Wellness Center. After two previous careers, spanning thirty years and raising three wonderful sons, he desired to give back in the area of helping people to change their lives for the better.
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10/19/15 11:18 AM
Gò0dNews for Teens Hey, Thanks!
Being truly thankful isn’t just saying thanks. It’s about how we look at the world, how we view our circumstances and even how we see ourselves in it.
Gò0dNews for Teens
by Andrew Schaffer
H
The Lenten Season . . .
ow often do you say
different than being thankful
“Gratitude bestows reverence,
thanks? I mean really say
because of every situation. A time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving leading toallowing Easter. us to encounter everyday and mean it. If you’re like A by fewAndrew years ago we had a epiphanies, those transcendent Schaffer
me, you were raised to say thanks
H
death in our family—something
moments of awe that change forever
fasting! Lent begins get would excited. be thankful 40 days canfor, produce. I fasted from foods: bread, on autopilot.ooray, It’s an impulse; we this month; no one how wevarious experience life and the didn’t grow up practicing Lent. didn’t know we meat, soda,That’s caffeine, and so forth. Although mine were instinctively sayI thanks constantly, andI obviously weren’t. world.” Or in other words, being what I was missing. I knew about lint, but that’s
but that’s all it is—we don’t think
always food oriented (priorities), my friends gave up music,
insane. Even in that situation, I
different. Lent was something Catholic kids did, like mass or
genuinely thankful changes how we
Facebook, and even driving. Each created a unique moment
aboutconfirmation, it. couldn’t imagine being thankful, live and see life around us. but that was the extent of my knowledge. My or opportunity to consciously refocus on God. It can be
Thanksgiving is coming up, as I ventured because it ofwas However, So between this year, don’t’ just ask what familiarity eventually increased outside my terrible. challenging to find the sweet spot difficult and
littlethen Protestant bubble something too insignificant misses but even we tend toand be discovered a little how asimpactful familiesthese tend toridiculous—sacrificing do on such you’re thankful for. Look for ways six the weeks couldgiving be. light on actual of thanks.
occasions, we gathered from all
pointthankful of both fasting to bethemore about things
Sure, we say thanks to the cooks
across the country for the funeral.
you already have and the situations
and we’re thankful weofcan enjoy our traditionally a time prayer,
And because of this, I was able to
food comes stuffing leading ourselves, fasting, after and almsgiving
reconnect with cousins whom I
you’re Take some evenalready become given. more intent
to Easter. Thisthankful 40 days (doesn’t but really being is hard!
hadn’t seen in years. Looking back,
If you aren’t familiar
with the Lenten season, it is
Sundays) is analogous to Ininclude 1 Thessalonians the apostle
and Lent, but something
too big and we give up or
timeontoself-discipline channel Paul and find ways than faith. Part thanks of the beauty Lent is to give in allofsituations. Is
I could have easily been thankful
more self-aware yourbecoming family getting on your nerves?
Paul tells us to be thankful in all
for all sorts of things that happened
Give thanks for an opportunity to
things. Wait, all things? What about and enlightenment for new
as a result of a really terrible
create livememories. without andAre whatyour mightgrades not
the bad stuff?back Who would give converts when all believers
situation. It turns out that Paul was
where they should be?over Be thankful be taking precedence
were baptized Easterhappen? Sunday. thanks when bad on things
really on to something.
time with what God. not to do. for learning
Jesus’ time in the desert and once served as a period of purification
Beginning with Ash Wednesday
Come on, Paul, that’s crazy! and awareness of our own
Don’t get too excited.
in examining our habits and
quirks, revealing what we can
Got it. So what do I do?
Being truly thankful isn’t about just saying thanks.
finitude, brokenness, and general uselessness apart from
I could go on with examples all Just like our faith, this
day, but I think you get my drift.
is a personal thing. Jesus tells us in Matthew 6 not to look
Paul says initnot for, bigin our celebration of the Resurrection. It’s more than while saying, Beingthat truly thankful helps us find Christ, culminates miserable we fast because only attracts attention. This is Or whymaybe the Orthodox Church calls Lent the season of “I’mOutside of the necessary accountability, this between you and difference. glad we have God working inislittle things “Bright andbecause God. Honestly, have to give up bad. anything it’s easier toSadness.” think We celebrate Lent in that spirit, calling us food somewe don’t bigreally things, good and And back to God and deepening our faith.
of it this way: Find
That’s cool. Why fasting?
something to be How much do you do in a given day without even
thankful for inWe’re so accustomed to being on autopilot—grab a thinking?
to “fast.” We can take on more intentional time to create space
folks don’t.” John
eventually it turns us outward to see
and commune with God; it’s the concept that’s important.
Milton said, what’s going on outside ourselves, This Lenten season, try something a bit different. If
uswill look toward others and see you’ve never participated,makes anything be different, so
eat dinner, turn on the TV, check instagram/snapchat, everysoda, situation.
you’re golden. If you have,the change it up! This year I invitereally by bigger picture. Which,
binge on Netflix. Giving up a part of this could This isand very
you to fast; give up something you you’ll miss, itself, is know something to betake thankful for!
completely derail our routine. Fasting removes something, typically something difficult to go without and interrupts
on something new, and discover what God can show you in this season of Bright Sadness.
our lives. It’s not simply about forgoing your favorite useless habit or snack; it’s self-denial, creating a space for intimacy with Christ. Practicing Lent quickly taught me both the value of fasting and the challenges that avoiding something for
// February2016 2016 26 //26 November
Andrew Shaffer is the minister to to youth and Andrew Schaffer is the minister youth families and theirat families at First Baptheir First Baptist Dalton, GA. He tist Dalton, GA. He is a graduate of is a graduate of Mississippi State, Samford Mississippi State, Samford and Truett and TruettHeSeminary. worked in Seminary. has workedHe in has youth youth ministry way orsince another since ministry one way one or another 2000, andhas hasbeen been bitten byotter. an otter. 2000, and bitten by an
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Gò0dNews for Seniors Gò0dNews for Seniors
Seventy Years Strong Staying involved with their church, their work in the community, and their family has kept this couple’s love strong! by Esmerelda Lee
I
enjoy an inspiring old love stories. Favorites like adhere to a strong work ethic. Mitchell attributes his An Affair to Remember, Love is a Many Splendid sons’ successes to their mother. He did say that he Thing, and others move me more than some and Betty believed in giving their children “some of the modern-day love stories on the Hallmark good lickings,” that helped too. Channel. There is something to be said about the In a world where so many people focus on their purity and innocence of the courtship and love own happiness and make life-altering decisions depicted through old movies. I am also honored to based on these motives, I asked Betty and Mitchell see these love stories played out in real life through if they were happy throughout the sixty-nine years older adults. Couples that fell in love and stayed of marriage. “We always worked it out, and if we in love through a world war, the Depression, life didn’t laugh at each other, we found someone or challenges, raising and burying loved ones are something to laugh about. You’ll have problems in couples that loved for life. marriage, but who doesn’t? You just have to talk it Providing support and encouragement Betty and Mitchell Lyle are a local Cleveland out,” Mitch replied. couple thatbecomes met in thethe firstprimary grade atrole of children to their older parents. When I asked if they ever fought, Arnold Memorial School. For Mitchell it they looked puzzled. “Who doesn’t by Esmerelda Lee was love at first sight. Betty believes that fight? We are both so different, and fter watching the recent presidentialgrew debates, we want to improve communication withdifferent others, wethings. need to truly the grinning first-grader onI am her we like When we convinced that communication is regressing instead listen to what they are saying. fought, the one with the strongest over time. According to Mitchell, they “sweet” on each other but did not casewith won.” Mitchell also added, ofwere improving. Nationally, we have experienced Accept differences of opinion your family members. get in serious until War II. “We but Betty made marked growth technology, allafter in the World name of improving Just because a person is a member of compromised, your family does not mean Mitchell enlisted in the Navy in 1943 the most compromises. I am still our communication; but I am convinced that many can learn that you have to think alike. Respect the opinions of others; do not and stayed out to sea for most of that surprised that she chose me.”In from Emily Post and her communication etiquette who said it disregard them. Listening to both sides and then making a decision time. He remembers a year and half Betty’s much softer voice, she said, best: “love, care, consideration, and kindness” are four essential is the best possible outcome for improved communication. going by before his feet even touched “If there is something to fight about, ingredients dry of a happy family. However, there is one more I would When communicating, it’s important we speak distinctly. land. But each week when mail there is something worth saving.” add—respect. Thedelivered Bible also hastomuch say aboutcarrier, respecting and Our older parents may be embarrassed admit that are Betty and was his to aircraft Onto August 22,they 2016, Betty’s unrelenting letters and her faith Mitchell Lyle will celebrate honoring our parents; in fact, it is the first commandment. These experiencing hearing loss. Having a higher pitched voice may be their that he would return home kept their love strong. seventieth wedding Today, are crucial ingredients when communicating with older adults. a problem for older adults. However, anniversary. speaking distinctly does these When Mitchell and Betty were finally reunited lifelong Cleveland residents live at Garden Plaza at When children sense their parents are becoming forgetful, not mean speaking loudly with a slower speech pattern. This can after the war, they dated for eight short months Cleveland Senior Living. Their apartment has little even in their sixties, they tend to step in and offer their advice. come across as condescending, especially to a person who has before they were married. After graduating college, awards they won from serving in their vocations That parent-child role reversal is hardest on the parent. Even if mild dementia. environment you are in and the other Betty became a school teacher with Cleveland City andConsider in theirthe community, war-torn photographs the advice isSchools, given withand love,Mitchell children are still seen as children distracting noises. Oncemembers, those are turned or eliminated, it may is a went to work for the railroad. of family andoffbeside each recliner Later heallowing became one ofoutsider the members of our City andinworn and would do better a trusted to offer needed be easier to tattered communicate a gentleBible. and intentional manner. Council. They each other advice. However, in communicating with older parents, providing According to Peggystill Post,laugh “If youat are feeling goodand aboutwith each When asked what was the secret to loving what you are other. There are also days where the laughter and support and encouragement is your role as their child. saying, make sure you have a smile on your face.” each other through sixty-nine years of marriage, the talking are silent. On those days, Fox News Listening is one of the most difficult skills to master. It is Laughter is always the best medicine. Take the time to laugh with they both stated, “Stay busy so you don’t get into anchors are the only voices heard in the apartment. something Itrouble!” struggle with daily, and many times I have to stop my your aging parent. Communication still progressing. There isI no Betty and Mitchell were married at First Mitchell said it best,is “What she forgets, can mind from wandering or refrain from jumping in and offering my secret device that can bridge the gap between people, generations, Baptist Church in 1946, and were always involved in remember. When she laughs, I am happy, and even opinion. Older adults sometimes leave a period of silence theirtwo sons. and cultures. As an art, communication canshe be learned their church, work, and family. Theyinhad though there were days didn’tonly like me, she Both Tony and David were strong boys, raised by always loved me.” sentences, trying to contemplate what they are wanting to say. through love, care, consideration, kindness, and respect. a strong, no-nonsense working mother. Many people are uncomfortable with these moments of silenceBetty was Esmerelda loving, but she always made it clear that her sons EsmereldaLee Leeisiscampus campusmanager manager for Garden and tend to interrupt. This could be frustrating for both parties. If for Garden Plaza of an Plaza of Cleveland,Cleveland, an independent and assisted would love education like she did, and they would
Communicating with Seniors
A
28 // November 20162016 34 // March
independent facility living facilityand forassisted seniors.living She and her husband for seniors. She and her husband Andrew have three children. Andrew have three children.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone My Cup Overflows
“You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” —Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
R
by Eddie Schwisow ecently I heard the story of someone I’ll call
Michelle entered our offices that day dry, but left
Michelle. As many who come to the Samaritan
with her cup full. She had the resources she needed for
Center, Michelle came with her life in upheaval.
her immediate needs, but more than that, she had hope
Life events outside of her control had dried up not
that long-term things would work out. Her dry cup
only her financial resources, but also her courage and
was full again.
hope. Her cup was empty. She was used to being the
Michele’s story couldn’t have happened without
one providing help to others (not asking for it), but
the investments of time, energy, and means made
here Michelle was, in our offices waiting to meet with a
by dozens of people living in the communities and
case manager Ms. Jordan.
neighborhoods near Michelle. The reasons they gave
It was her turn. With her heart racing, she walked with
were many: some gave out of duty, others in honor of
Center case manager Stephanie into her office. Calmly and
someone who has made a difference in their life, while
gently, Stephanie invited her to share her story.
others (knowing the pangs of “want” firsthand) wanted
Her trouble had started when her ex-husband lost his job with the Post Office. What had once been a
to free others from the pain they had experienced. As I’ve talked with dozens of such generous
steady stream of income was now only a trickle. Then,
individuals, an underlying refrain has arisen time
when he was incarcerated six months later, it dried up
again: “I’ve been blessed, so I want to give back.”
all together.
Whether it’s Tim, a school teacher, whose family
Fortunately that same month, she
regular donates their items not needed at our donation
was able to secure a higher paying
dock, emergency room physician Robyn, who spends
job. All was well, that is, until her
several hours each month providing free health
water heater broke, and then her air
coaching to our clients, or Irene, a retiree and widow,
conditioner quit. Desperate, Michelle
who month-by-month sends a portion of her very
turned to the Samaritan Center.
limited income to add her support—each person has
As Michelle continued sharing her story with Stephanie, she began to relax. As Stephanie outlined how the Samaritan Center could help with
experienced the joy of taking from their overflowing cup and sharing with another. During this holiday season as you think of God’s blessings to you and your family, consider for a moment those who are lonely, in pain, or in need. And
her mortgage, with
more than considering, do something about it. As you
personal care items,
do, you’ll find, in a real sense, the truth of Jesus’ words
with food and litter
found in Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to
for her cats, she
receive” (NIV).
found relief.
30 // November 2016
Eddie Schwisow is the communication director of the Samaritan Center, a Christian social service agency that serves the eastern third of Hamilton Country. He lives in Apison with his wife and three young children.
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Gò0dNews for Couples
What Every Spouse Needs Most
One of the most important things our spouses need is to find us affirming God’s love daily for them and regularly planting that truth in their hearts and minds.
Y
by Julius McCarter
our spouse may or may not realize what he or she
enemy to their own happiness. With good and earnest
needs most. Christians, of course, focus more on
hearts, the standard they’ve set for themselves (and their
what will profit our discipleship more than what
refusal to embrace grace) is such that no one criticizes them
we need or ask for. Jesus, in fact, didn’t always give people what they wanted; He gave them what God’s merciful love knew they needed. Those of us who love our spouses with Christ’s love
more than they do. And spouses, if this describes your partner, don’t let him or her hear you be a dissenting and persistent voice counterbalancing all that stuff with God’s forgiveness,
must do the same. So I want to be so bold and say what
pardon, affirmation, acceptance, and lavishly undeserved
your spouse needs most. It isn’t a regular date night (though
love. One lecture or sermon is like placing a drop of dye in
Kendra and I are both fans of those). It isn’t even a satisfying
the ocean and expecting the Atlantic to turn purple. It takes
sexual relationship. It’s not the love notes left in lunch bags
a steady stream of spiritual encouragement to color a wife’s
each day. It’s not the morning coffee, the chocolate, or even
(or a husband’s) soul.
the flowers for their birthday. The best life possible means living in constant
If you and your spouse are in Christ, God doesn’t see your worst or even most petty sins. He sees Christ in you.
remembrance of the simple truth of Christianity: Though
Consequently, God sees the faith you’ve exercised. He sees
we are deeply loved by God, we were once separated by our
the good works you’ve done. He sees the glory that God put
own sin and won back through the finished work of Jesus
in you by the Holy Spirit. He defines you by the good and
Christ on the cross. Now in Christ, grace covers everything.
the glory that is there only because God is there, but you get
God is their “physician,” not their “judge,” and God treats
the credit all the same.
each accordingly—and so should we.
I want you and your spouse to walk in the joy of
This will sound religious and pietistic. So let me be
forgiveness and grace, your rightful excitement that, as a
more specific. What I’m about to say is true of some men—
child of God, forgiven by Christ and empowered by the
but it’s especially true of most women I
Holy Spirit, everything bad you’ve done is forgotten—
know: They brush the teeth of their
gone—and everything good is celebrated and remembered!
worst enemy. In being so hard on themselves, they’ve become an
When our guilt has been dealt with, definitively and powerfully; when our acceptance has been declared by an authority that far exceeds our own; finally, we can embrace something far superior to “you’re special.” We can embrace, “You’re forgiven, adopted, and secure. You’re cherished.” In the dark days and cold nights, remind your spouse of the spiritual riches he or she enjoys. It’s what your spouse needs most and what you’ll benefit from the most.
32 // November 2016
The Reverend Julius McCarter, Ph.D., is a minister and spiritual director who lives in Loudon, TN. He is the author of eleven books—most recently a theological commentary on the Book of Revelation. His ministry, Sunergoi Ministries, maintains a blog at www.the-little-friar.blogspot.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone FORGOTTEN CHILD FUND by David L. Young Jr.
I
n 1961, on Christmas Day, Officer Johnny Wright and his partner were dispatched on a domestic disorder call to one of the poorer parts of town. When they arrived on the
the Forgotten Child Fund. He had shown me the way." From its small earnest beginning in 1962, the Forgotten Child Fund has evolved into a highly visible, nonprofit and
scene, they were confronted with drunken parents fighting,
respectable community charity that is funded completely by
while their two children watched. In an effort to calm the
private donations. It is officially sponsored by the Chattanooga
children, Mr. Wright asked them, "What did Santa bring you
Fire and Police Departments. All that are personally involved
for Christmas?"
are volunteers driven by a labor of love and compassion.
One child proudly showed him an apple and the other an orange. This was their sum total for their Christmas. After Officer Wright left their home, he called several merchants and after telling them the story, convinced them to open up their stores so that he could buy the toys he needed. He then went back to their houses and gave them to the kids. At this point he decided he was going to do what he could to see that no child would ever be forgotten at Christmas again. As Christmas of '62 approached, Officer Wright found himself in real trouble. He had personally promised over two
The Forgotten Child Fund of Chattanooga is a 501(c)
dozen kids that Santa would come this year, and they could
(3) nonprofit organization that helped over 9,100 children
count on it. He knew that there was a way this could be done,
during the 2014 Christmas season. This Christmas season the
and the people of Chattanooga would be more than happy
Forgotten Child Fund is reaching out like Officer Wright did
to help—if he could only show them how. He had struggled
in 1962 to local churches and faith-based groups to be able to
with this problem for a year and had not found the answer.
help more children. We would like to bring a toy donation
Now time was running out. It seemed that the only thing to do
box to collect new, unwrapped toys or ask for a monetary
was get a loan company to finance the cost this year, and then
donation. Your gifts are tax deductible. The Application
maybe things would work out by the next year.
Center and Toy Store is located at 1715 East Main Street. If you would like a toy donation box, please contact me at dyoung@ chattanooga.gov; revdavidyoung@epbfi.com, or at the office number below. “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again” (Luke 6:38).
Mr. Wright describes, "It was close to Christmas of '62 when the Lord and his Sunday school class answered the question, ‘How?’ I came into the room and the Sunday school class informed me that my wife had told them about my problem and that they were going to help. This wonderful class had raised $85 in donations! The solution seems so
3000 ALTON PARK BLVD CHATTANOOGA, TN 37410 Phone Number: (423) 697-0031 Fax: (423) 697-0041 Office Hours: Monday - Friday 10am to 2pm Website: www.forgottenchildfund.org
simple now, but up until that time, it was one I couldn't solve. The Lord used me and the $85 to start what is now known as
34 // November 2016
Reverend David Young Jr. is pastor of St. Mary CME Church. He is a Board Member of the Forgotten Child Fund.
Gò0dNews from the Outdoors
LOST!
Have you ever been lost? No, really lost! I have and here is what I learned.
I
by Rusty Asble
t was October 1985. I was 18 at the time and desired to
help me.” In the quite of the moment of exhaustion, prayer, and
be adventurous and go hunting in a 21,000-acre Wildlife
yes—desperation—I heard something. It was the faint sound of
Management Area in Florida about one hour from my house.
I-75 at its finest. The sound was semi-trucks decelerating way
Upon getting there, I parked about a quarter mile in the
off in the distance when going over the wet overpass due to
woods on an old logging road. I opened the trunk of my car, got
merging cars. I knew that the interstate was to my west and my
my rifle, retrieved my bearings on my compass, picked up my
car was that way. After walking for another two hours, I found
rifle cartridges, closed my trunk, and took off into the swamp. It
my car about 7:30 p.m. right at dusk. As I opened my trunk to
was a beautiful morning that led into the afternoon. I must have
place my gear back inside, there was my compass where I had
walked for miles discovering bits of old Florida, hog signs, deer
placed it nice and dry.
tracks, and turkey feathers. About 4 p.m., I knew it was time to head back to the car. So
Many things happen when we are lost. We may panic, run, lose self-control, give up, rely on ourselves, not think
I reached in my hunting vest to get my compass and discovered
straight, shut-down, or cry out. But have you ever thought of
it was not there. Checking every pocket on everything . . . no
just stopping and asking Christ to help you? I believe it was my
compass. Then it hit me. I had accidentally placed it down in the
simple request and peaceful moment with Him that He, as my
trunk when I picked up my rifle cartridges.
True Compass, revealed the right direction for me to go.
Trying not to panic, I looked for the sun, and, as expected,
So let me ask you. Are you lost? Where is your compass?
heavy clouds had moved in. Taking a deep breath and thinking
Have you ever asked Christ to help you . . . save you . . . make
I knew where I was, I took off toward the car. After about an
Himself real to you? Take a moment right now and ask Him.
hour and a half, I realized I didn't know where I was. Still, there
Then listen and watch in the moment of your peace.
was no sun due to the light rain that had begun. Okay, so here is the scenario: lost in the swamp in knee-deep water with low
Taking Faith to the Field,
light and rain. I had already walked around for an hour and a
Rusty Asble, pastor of Recreation Administration
half, with no sense of direction . . . nothing. Coming to a high, sandy spot, I squatted down by a huge cypress tree and prayed a simple prayer; “Lord Jesus, please
36 // November 2016
Rusty Asble is the associate pastor of recreation administration at First Baptist Church, Cleveland, TN. He and his wife Stacy have three children: Ridge, Garrett, and Susie. They reside in Cleveland.
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