Volume 17, Issue 4
Feature Articles
AU G U ST 20 1 5 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 12
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
Terry and Lynn Adams share how their faith in Christ has grown over the years, not only individually, but in marriage and as co-owners of Adams Motorsports.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Kyle Searcy, Fresh Anointing House of Worship
page 11
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 17
With All Your Mind Matt Jordan, Ph.D.
page 18
Shine
Kim Hendrix
page 23
page 14
Counselor’s Corner
Overcoming Hurt
Saralu (Sam) Belkofer, LPC
page 28
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
by Candy Arrington
We’ve all been hurt by others, and often we hold onto our feelings rather than working through them. Discover advice for moving forward, forgiving and finding freedom.
page 30
Family Teams for Christ: Military Edition Lisa and Mike Conn
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 24
Fellowship of Christian Athletes by Laura Jean Bell
Inviting coaches and athletes to receive and serve Christ is the mission of FCA. Discover how the ministry is doing just that, and how you can join with them! 1
page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 12
Faith @ Work Dr. David Stanley
page 20
Support Groups August 2015
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Candy Arrington Saralu (Sam) Belkofer, LPC Laura Jean Bell Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Kim Hendrix Matt Jordan, Ph.D. Dave Ramsey Pastor Kyle Searcy Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
From the Publisher My father didn’t place his trust in Jesus until I was out of the house, so I didn’t have a lot of exposure to Christian men growing up. My mother was the primary person who shared Christ with me when I was younger. Then, when I entered junior high school, I began to see men who loved Jesus and who were still “real men”. Every Friday before football practice, these men would show up and tell our team about the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf and the salvation He offered us if we placed our trust in Him. This was my first exposure to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes. I continued attending FCA meetings for years in junior high and high school, and as an adult I’ve had the privilege of sharing Jesus with many young athletes through FCA. I know I’m not alone; many of you have been blessed through FCA’s ministry. In fact, seeing the FCA logo on our cover may have been the sole reason you picked up this month’s issue. However familiar you are with FCA, I know you’ll enjoy discovering the powerful ministry they continue to offer both coaches and athletes in the River Region on page 24. If this is your first time picking up Journey, don’t stop reading after you finish the FCA article. Journey offers an incredible amount of resources for your life that you won’t want to miss. Every issue is full of inspiration from people who are living out their faith beyond the church walls, like Terry and Lynn Adams, who share their story in this month’s Faith @ Work. The truth of Christianity informs every area of life, even where there’s pain. That’s why we’ve included Overcoming Hurt on page 14, where author Candy Arrington offers five ways we can move beyond recent, or even very old, hurts. Also, let me encourage you to share her article with others you know who may be struggling. You can pass along your copy of this month’s issue or visit our website www.ReadJourneyMagazine.com to share the article digitally. Finally, let me point out the amazing monthly columnists who write for us, most of whom are River Region residents. Each one does an outstanding job in their area of expertise. From covering the latest trends of culture to strengthening your families, you’ll find they all challenge you to look to God’s perfect plan for life. Thank you for allowing us to serve you this month, and I hope you’ll always be on the lookout for a another issue of Journey for yourself and a friend.
Ad Design
Together in Christ,
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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August 2015
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Pastor Kyle Searcy, Fresh Anointing House of Worship
Oh No! Not Another Selfie! I recently ministered in Brazil where there was a significant language barrier. Our team understood almost nothing of their Portuguese. However, we quickly found common linguistic ground when one of our ladies took out her camera, pulled one Brazilian lady close to her, taking a joint photo. The Brazilian woman said, “Selfie!” Though they could not understand, “May I have some water please?” they understood selfie. I think selfies are great fun, but I wonder if the prevalence of what the selfie represents manifests a deeper sign of our times. Paul the apostle warns “…that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves…” (2 Timothy 2:1-2a). This peril does not directly result when men love themselves; it is a consequence of behaviors that accompany love of self. Paul continues in 2 Timothy 2:2b-5; “…covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to
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parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” None of these behaviors are possible unless too much self is involved. Our society has unwittingly embraced narcissism. Nursery school behavior has become society’s norm, demonstrated by a widespread entitlement mentality and lack of personal responsibility. We are self-absorbed. Love of self, like the love of money, is a root of many evils. Let us consider a few. Lucifer fell due to love of self. He repeatedly expressed his desire to become like God when he said “I will” (Isaiah 14:12-17). Adam and Eve‘s motive behind eating the forbidden fruit was self-gratification. “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (Genesis 3:6). Truly embracing the Gospel requires selfless sacrifice. Jesus was clear: “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will save it” (Matthew 16:23,24). Logic dictates that if selfishness produces destruction, selflessness is required for salvation. To fully embrace the Kingdom of God we must embrace the Jesus model: 4
Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:3-8).
Self denial is not asceticism; we cannot use the flesh to deny the flesh. It is simply placing God and others before ourselves. Practice it by: 1. Checking Your Motives. Nothing should be done for selfish personal ambition or from pride. Ask the Lord to show you all that emanates from this motive and repent of it. 2. Estimating Others Higher Than Yourself. This is only possible through the lens of grace. If grace is our measuring rod, even the beggar on the street can receive esteem from us because we realize “but for the grace of God, go I.” 3. Regularly Spending Time Serving Others. This should include not only those you must serve but those you choose to serve. We must find needs and meet them as Jesus did. These seem simple but take effort to practice regularly. Instead of being “selfie” oriented let us be “others-ie” focused. This probably will not be the most popular word in the next years, but let us make it our modus operandi. Kyle Searcy has a passion for developing a new generation of leaders. He serves as senior pastor of Fresh Anointing House of Worship in Montgomery, and also in Norcross, Ga. Learn more at KyleSearcy.com.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e
G s a o o f f a C o c d t
Our Statement of Faith
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In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith.
FAll/Winter‘15 SaleFRIDAY, dates 9/11-9/16 Sept. 11 Wednesday, Sept. 16 we're open: Fri-Wed. 9am-6pm • Sun. 1pm-6pm
Want to make some money too? Become a consignor and receive 65% of the sale price of your items visit our website to find out how to become a consignor, www.childrensclothingexchange.com (Consignor receiving dates 8/29-8/31 & 9/5)
Fabulous Buys on Excellent-Condition Used Children’s Clothing From Sizes Newborn to Juniors, smocked clothes, trunk show items and a selection of new clothes. We also have christmas and halloween themed clothes, Furniture, Shoes, Equipment and Toys. women’s purses, accessories & Jewelry and Home Furnishing Too!
www.childrensclothingexchange.com for more information call anne at 334-462-2591 2260 Eastern Blvd, Next Door to Harbor Freight Tools
*All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Spiritual Friendship by Wesley Hill
Have you ever had a friendship that entered into irrevocable decline because your friend just up and moved away? Have you ever had a friendship that ended over matters of convenience or preference? My guess is that most of us have experienced something like this at one time or another. And I wonder if this is an inevitable part of friendship, or whether it may just be a sign that we take friendship too lightly. Wesley Hill has been wondering the same and has written a thought-provoking book on the subject. In Spiritual Friendship he means to answer questions like these: Should we think of friendship as based, above all, on personal preference? Should we think of it as preserving its voluntary character and thereby vulnerable at every point to dissolution if one of the friends grows tired of or burdened by the relationship? Should we consider friendship as always freshly chosen but never incurring any substantial obligations or entailing any unbreakable bonds? Or should we instead—pursuing a rather different line of thought—consider friendship more along the lines of how we think of marriage? Should we begin to imagine friendship as more stable, permanent, and binding than we often do? Should we, in short, think of our friends more like siblings we’re stuck with, like it or not, than like our acquaintances? Should we begin to consider at least some of our friends as, in large measure, tantamount to family? And if so, what needs to change about the way we approach it and seek to maintain it? Hill comes at the subject from an interesting angle. He describes himself as a celibate gay Christian—a follower of Christ River Region’s Journey
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who fully believes that the Bible forbids homosexual behavior, but who cannot deny or destroy his homosexual orientation. (For the purposes of this review I would suggest we agree to bypass the discussion surrounding the validity and potential consequences of the term “gay Christian.” It is a term that concerns me in some ways, but I do not wish to miss out on Hill’s insights on friendship by focusing on his terminology.) As a Christian man who feels no sexual or romantic attraction to women, Hill finds himself wondering if he is doomed to a life of loneliness. “I feel myself caught in a place of tension between my Christian faith and my sexual orientation that makes me particularly eager to cultivate close friendships but also especially fearful of not being able to find and sustain them.” He imagines a life where he is old and alone, where he has no one to celebrate holidays and special occasions, and, even worse, where he has no one with whom to share the beautifully mundane moments of life. And that raises questions: Where is he to find love, and where is he to give love? If he cannot have a husband or a wife, will he be forever cut off from all relational intimacy? The solution, he believes, is friendship. And yet friendship has fallen on hard times. He presents several contemporary challenges to it: The perverse assumption that every significant male friendship points to hidden homosexuality; the insistence on the ultimate significance of marriage and nuclear family and its assumption that the closest bond we can ever experience must be with that of siblings, spouses, or 6
children; evolutionary biology and psychology which leaves no room for a relationship that is lived for the good of another; and our culture’s obsession with the kind of freedom and autonomy in which a meaningful friendship simply exacts too high a cost to be worth the bother. “If your deepest fulfillment is found in personal autonomy, then friendship … is more of a liability than an asset.” Contra these challenges, Hill proposes a kind of spiritual friendship that has roots right in the Christian tradition. In six chapters divided into two parts Hill explores the cultural background, history, and theology of friendship before focusing on practically living it out. He shares his own experience and his own search for significant spiritual friendship. Without endorsing all of Hill’s sources or agreeing with every one of his conclusions, I still found several of his themes especially helpful. First, it helped me grow in my sympathy for Christians who struggle with samesex attraction. Hill shares experiences that may not have occurred to those who do not struggle in this way, such as a heterosexual same-sex friend eventually becoming an object of intense romantic attraction. Second, it made me want to be a better friend, and especially to those who find themselves in Hill’s situation (or one like it). I have thought too little about the challenges of those who rely on friendships for what so many of us gain through marriage or family. Third, it helped me think in fresh ways about friendship, and especially about the sheer significance of friendship. We all know that the strength of marriage is its bond, the commitment of one spouse to another through any and every circumstance, ’til death do us part. Is it possible that our friendships remain insignificant because they require so much less and can be dissolved on a whim? What could we gain in our friendships if we simply took them that much more seriously? As I think about these questions, I find myself wanting deeper and more meaningful friendships.
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August 2015
River Region’s Journey
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Frazer’s ONEfamily Hosts Ukranian Orphans
Frazer’s ONEfamily ministry had the opportunity to host 12 orphans from the Ukraine through the organization Grace to Ukraine. The children enjoyed a pizza dinner as well as time in the game room and gym while interacting with Frazer members. One of the most memorable parts of the night was the blessing, which was done in English by Jeff VanGilder and translated into Russian by a translator. ONEfamily is so happy to have been able to have been a part of such a wonderful evening.
Military Meet & Greet Plus Newcomer Women’s Group at Saint James UMC
Military Meet and Greet, August 9, 11am Come experience worship at St. James UMC, a thriving group of believers, committed to “Making...Empowering...and Sending Out...Fully Devoted Followers of Jesus Christ.” Sunday morning worship times are 8:30 (Tapestry services, a blended service in the sanctuary), 9:45 (Encounter contemporary service in the worship center), and 11:00 (Traditions service in the Sanctuary). After the 9:45 Encounter service we invite all military and their families to a Meet and Greet to be warmly welcomed and find out more information about the life of St James. Newcomer Women’s Group, September 2, 6:15pm Join other women new to the area and find support and encouragement during the transition process of a move. This group will offer friendship, connection, and the path to emotional well-being and spiritual growth. We will meet on Wednesday nights at 6:15 pm at St. James UMC. Children, Youth ministry, and Men’s LIFE groups also have exciting times of worship and spiritual growth during that time. Wednesday night supper is available for $5 per person or $20 per family. Register or questions: www.sjlife.com under Belong section, or email Ann Pemberton at annpemberton@charter.net.
Don Piper, Author of “90 Minutes In Heaven” Book Signing
Aug. 8, 6-8 p.m. Books A Million, EastChase Shopping Center, Montgomery Aug. 9, 8:10 and 10:15 a.m. Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery Aug. 9, 6:15 p.m. First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St, Montgomery Author of the book “90 Minutes in Heaven” which sold 5 million copies will be in the River Region for book signings. A movie based on his book, and starring Hayden Christenson, will be in theaters Sept. 11.
Financial Peace University
Starting Sept. 7 (multiple classes, days and times offered) at Frazer United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway Dave Ramsey’s class that will teach you how to get and stay out of debt and to budget God’s way. Classes will meet at the church for two hours each week. All classes will meet for nine weeks beginning Sept. 7th (see dates below for each class option). Childcare will be available for all classes except as noted. Classes will be offered: Tuesdays 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.(Sept. 8-Nov. 3); Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. and 5:45 (Fellowship Hall), 6 (Wesley Hall) and 6:30 p.m. (Sept. 9-Nov. 4); Thursdays 9 a.m. (Sept. 10-Nov. 5); Sundays at 8 and 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (Sept. 13-Nov. 8); Mondays 6 p.m. (Sept. 14-Nov. 9). $109. Discounts available. Unchained: God’s Kingdom Plan For Your Financial Freedom will include sermons and small group participation. For more info, call 334-495-6331. River Region’s Journey
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Protecting Your Family In The Digital Age
Aug. 21, 6-9 p.m. First Baptist Church, 138 S. Washington St, Prattville, 365.0606 One night seminar. Free.
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Montgomery Woman Turns 100 Years Old!
Margie David, a resident of Belmont Assisted Living, recently celebrated her 100th birthday. 100 balloons floated on the ceiling, a beautiful cake and other goodies were served, and the one man band played the oldies. Ms. David danced with some friends, too! The residents, family and friends joined in the celebration! Ms David is a devoted believer in Christ, and a true joy and witness to all she meets!
H20 and Mo’ Back-to-School Bash
Saturday, August 15 Community Congregational Church (UCC) will be hosting its annual H20 and Mo’ Back-to-School Bash from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. at 3481 South Court Street, Montgomery (intersection of S. Court Street and Edgemont Avenue). For all children ages K5-12th grade. Festivities will include water balloons and slide, bounce house, music, fun games and giveaways, and a few surprises. Everything is free! For more info call (334) 265-4411.
Summer Nights and Southern Gospel Music
Summer nights and Southern gospel music – does that combination take you back to camp meeting days, church revivals or just foot tappin’ good times around the piano with friends? The perfect harmony of an all-male gospel quartet or the soul-stirring words from a worship choir, if you like your music with a southern flare, a treat is in store for you. The music ministry of Thelma Baptist Church will present an evening of southern gospel music on Sunday, August 30th at 6:00p.m. in the church sanctuary. Following the musical performances, everyone is invited to a sandwich/salad/dessert fellowship in the family life center. Come out and enjoy music you grew up singing and listening to performed by Witness and the Thelma ensemble, soloists and full choir. Thelma Baptist Church is located at 810 Weoka Road in Wallsboro. Childcare will be provided. Please visit our website at www.tlifeonline.com.
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Community-Wide Women’s Conference at Vaughn Forest Church
“Your Divine Design” will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (doors open at 8:00 am). Please share this with your women’s ministry and help us spread the word! The conference will feature, Rochelle Frazier, Speaker & Author. A true Southern belle, Rochelle has a deep and infectious love for the Word of God, and more importantly for the beautiful God of mercy and grace that we encounter there. She is the author of The Sweeteas children series and has spoken and inspired women around the country with her story of brokenness and healing. Through her words and stories, Rochelle desires to see generations of women transformed by the redeeming love of God so that they seek Him passionately, love Him deeply, and follow Him fearlessly. In addition to Rochelle, Jaime and Ryan Bell, gifted worship leaders and musicians, will also be part of this conference. Jaime Bell is originally from Montgomery and was formerly Jaime Weller, a long time member of VFC. Ryan and Jaime live in Florida, where they serve the Lord together through leading worship at Calvary Church in Clearwater. Conference Cost = $20, which includes a box lunch catered by Jennie Weller Catering. Call Tracey Wilson at 334.306.9770 for more information.
Brother’s Keeper Mens Ministry Conference
All men are invited to attend the Brother’s Keeper Men’s Ministry 2015 Men’s Conference August 7-9, 2015. The conference theme is “Fathers Fitting the Profile of Spiritual Men” and will feature three days of exciting sessions just for men. Friday’s reception will begin at 5:30 P.M. and end at 8:30 P.M. Saturday’s seminars will begin at 9:00 A.M. and end at 1:00 P.M. Sunday’s worship will begin at 9:30 A.M. Registration fees are $15 for men ages 18 and under; $25.00 for men 19 and older. For more information, please contact the church office at 265-1807.
Email ministry or church news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.
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Starting Over, After Collapse Once upon a time a four-year-old boy sat in a kitchen doorway stacking columns of blocks to make an imaginary building. His dad was a carpenter and brought home dozens of board scraps. He called them blocks. His three brothers were playing cowboys and Indians and ran in and out of the house, chasing each other. Invariably one of them would kick over his stack of blocks as they passed by. Their mother watched this drama from across the room as she cooked their dinner. She said years later that her son would quietly pick up the fallen blocks and start his building again. This happened over and over. The boy learned something wise and something unwise from that experience and others like it. He learned to be patient and recover from sudden misfortune. That was wise. But he also came to believe something false. He came to believe that he was not very important and that whatever he achieved in this world was temporary and of little value. That fallacy would cast a shadow over many of his hopes and dreams throughout life. The falling blocks were not his only teachers. His father’s unwillingness to use substandard building materials and hide someone else’s faulty work meant that he was fired from construction jobs more than once. And this meant that his family had very little income. It was like someone running through and knocking down the blocks of his life, too. Sadly, I have seen many people buy into the lie that God has nothing important for them to do, that they are not worthy of contributing to God’s world. Are you like that? Are you so accustomed to misfortune that you cannot see the opportunities God is placing before you? We all suffer setbacks. But do not assume that what has been your lot will always be. Trust God and celebrate the person He has created you to be. Attempt great things. As the apostle Paul wrote:
What if all of your blocks, those things “…he who began a good work in you you have built your life on for years, suddenly will carry it on to completion until the day of lay scattered all about you? What if you find Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:1) out that the ladder you have been climbing is Paul started out his adult life on the leaning against the wrong wall? You may be wrong foot. He wanted to serve God, but tempted to give up on God. You may say, “I his devotion to the Hebrew Scriptures was can’t start over again. What’s the use?” clouded by the prejudices of his culture. It Do not give up, my friend; trust God. led him away from his Messiah. It made him He loves you and cares for you. He has unable to discern that Jesus was the Son of a plan and you are part of it. You are where God. Consequently he led his generation in you are in order to become the person He is dragging Christians off to jail and encouragcalling you to be. Whatever you do for Him, ing their execution. Not a good start for a whatever you have done for Him, will last Christian missionary. To get his attention, forever. Find His purpose for your life and the Lord had to knock him down, strike him build on it. blind, and lead him into the desert for years of revelation and reinstruction. But God made sure he could start again. In fact, God lit a fire inside of Paul that no one could put out. God makes it possible for all of us to start again, no matter what has happened to us. But, don’t mix this up with positive thinking or “If you can dream it, you can do or vEry it.” This is not about will power. It’s a matE n E r at i o n ter of faith in God, of placing your whole life in God’s hands: your money, your marriage, Prattville First United Methodist Church your children, your 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 future, everything. As we read in T R A D IT IO N A L W O R S H IP 8 : 3 0 A M & 11: 00 A M Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust S U N D AY S C H O O L 9 : 4 5 A M in the Lord with all T H E W E L L 11 : 0 0 A M your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your www.prattvillemethodist.org paths straight.
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there, trying to lead me back to Him. As I grew older, the term “Sunday Night Christian” really hit home with me. I really wanted a closer relationship with Christ and knew that just being one on Sunday mornings only wasn’t the way to Him. I wanted to live my life like I was in church all the time. (Terry): As a child who was taken to church every Sunday, I never really understood what all the “fuss” was about. As soon as I was allowed to make my own choices, I didn’t go back. When I finally saw the big picture - what spirituality really was and how a relationship with God mattered most - everything changed. Church then became a place where others like me can meet and help each other in our individual walks.
RRJ: You have an interesting story in that God used Lynn to lead you, Terry, to Christ before you were married. How did that happen? Lynn was the first woman I had ever been around whose actions consistently matched her beliefs - in a godly way, of course. Our actions will always follow our beliefs, and hers did...and still do. I wanted what she had! RRJ: Like so many of our readers, both of you had exposure to Christianity through family at a young age, then broke away from gathering with Christians in church. Now that you are both committed followers of Christ, how has your view of Christianity changed? (Lynn): My view changed when I realized that I was off the path and needed to resume my walk. I knew God was always River Region’s Journey
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RRJ: I like the term you used, “Sunday Night Christian,” meaning you keep living out your faith once you leave church. That’s exactly what our Faith @ Work interviews are all about. So you two own Adams Motorsports. Being “Sunday Night Christians,” how is your faith in Christ revealed at work with your customers and employees? (Lynn): Working in retail it can be very hard to let your faith shine. We try to keep a positive and Christ-like attitude in every situation so those around us can see our faith. Everyone who works for us knows that we are always going to do the right thing because we have made it very clear that without God there would be no Adams Motorsports. So we honor Him with all our actions. When the crash happened in 2008, we didn’t have to decrease salaries or benefits, and we only had to lay off one part-time employee who we rehired once things picked back up. ONLY God could’ve done that! (Terry): We have made it clear that God is to be honored in all that we do. We run the business honestly, fairly, and as 12
morally correct as possible, meaning that we don’t inflate labor rates for extra warranty reimbursement, nor do we enter any “grey” areas where honesty can be perverted. RRJ: Living out your faith isn’t easy. The Bible says a Christian wars, through the Holy Spirit’s power and resources, against our old sin nature, worldliness, and Satan. What are some ways you two live by the Spirit and stay on guard against these enemies? (Lynn): I am a firm believer in garbage in/ garbage out. Surround yourself with godly things - godly music, Bible study and prayer. We know that we live in the devil’s domain and that he is everywhere, even in churches. You have to arm yourself with the armor of God daily. (Terry): We keep no secrets. We know everything the other encounters and experiences daily. By talking over everything we each go through, we can better formulate a proper Christ-like response to anything that may test us. RRJ: Finally, a lot of people probably cannot imagine working with their spouse the way you two do. What is that like and do you think it’s different than what people might expect because of your genuine faith? (Lynn): It’s not always perfect because we’re not always perfect, but as we grow closer to God we’ve grown closer to each other and keep each other accountable to work for our Master above. (Terry): Our friendship didn’t end when we got married, it has allowed us to spend even more time together! We enjoy being around each other because we are more than husband and wife, we are best friends. Terry and Lynn grew up in Montomery and attend Catalyst Church.
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It’s not unusual for others to take advantage of us—our talents and abilities, ideas, willingness to work—to ease their own load or make them look better. At first, we may enjoy the attention, and often pride factors in because we feel important or necessary. But it doesn’t take long to realize the relationship is more about usury than friendship, and when the person abandons us for a more useful or popular friend or makes us look foolish, the hurt we feel is real and sometimes overwhelming. Being used or abused is a concept as old as time. The Bible recounts stories of those who were taken advantage of or singled out for harassment. Saul used David and his music to sooth his raging emotions and periods of depression. He wanted David close by when he was having a bad day, but he was also jealous of and threatened by David’s youth, talents, and abilities. On
one occasion, he hurled a spear at David for no reason, and later, he pursued him relentlessly with the intention of killing him. Joseph was an annoyance to his brothers because he was his father’s favorite son. His brothers threw him in a dry well and then sold him into slavery. Sure, Joseph had bragged to his brothers about being the favored child, but
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he didn’t deserve their abuse or being robbed of growing up with his family. Years later, when his brothers were in trouble, they unknowingly came to Joseph for help. He could have refused to help them or had them imprisoned as revenge. Instead, he was overwhelmed with emotion, love, and forgiveness. If Joseph had held onto resentment and allowed his hurt over what happened to control him, he probably would not have responded as he did. But he had matured, with God’s help, from the young boy who taunted his brothers. Despite his situation—growing up in captivity in a strange land—he trusted God to help him move beyond hurt. God blessed Joseph and he thrived in what could have been very difficult circumstances.
Ways to Move Beyond Hurt
As hard as it is to get past feelings of being hurt or betrayed, it’s possible. We’re all sinners who are guilty of letting
August 2015
River Region’s Journey
others down at times or behaving in ways that are not worthy of Christ-followers. But stagnating in hurt and wallowing in self-pity harm spiritual growth and mental well-being. Here are some ways to move forward:
the Son of God. Jesus understands our hurts because he experienced betrayal, rejection, and false accusations, and died for sins he didn’t commit. Although he was divine, he was also very human and experienced all the emotions we do.
Stop replaying the hurt. The easiest way to make sure you never move forward is to keep looking backwards. When you constantly dwell on hurtful words or actions, replaying them in your mind over and over, you get stuck in the hurt. Like trying to wade through deep, sticky mud, constantly talking about or thinking about what hurt you makes it almost impossible to make it to the other side.
Focus on someone or something else. My grandmother used to say, “If you’re upset or depressed about something, find a hard job and do it the best you can.” She was probably referring to housework, but the idea is a good one—find something else to occupy your time, your mind, and your hands. Perhaps for you it means volunteering at a hospital, community center, or with an after school program at your church. Or maybe it means helping an older person with shopping or chores. Doing something for others helps us realize their needs and gives us a sense of purpose.
Realize you’re not the only one who’s been hurt. We’re all pretty self-focused, and when we feel hurt or used; it seems like no one else has every experienced what we’re going through. But you can be sure others have also had similar experiences. Jesus was mocked, attacked, and betrayed by friends, people in his home town, and family members who didn’t believe he was
Decide to forgive. Forgiveness is a vital part of overcoming hurt. It is also probably the hardest part, because when someone hurts us, we want them to suffer for what they did and feel as awful as they’ve
August 5
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August 2015
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made us feel. But that isn’t what scripture teaches. We’re encouraged to forgive, and do it quickly, before the end of the day. Often, that seems impossible, and it is unless we ask for God’s strength and guidance. Forgiveness is a conscious decision that overrides feelings. You may not feel like forgiving at all, but decide you will and then work on getting beyond the feelings. Trust God for what comes next. While you may not think so when you first experience hurt, you will get over what happened. It may take some time, but if you stop thinking about what happened, change your focus, and decide to forgive the process will go faster. God doesn’t want us to be hurt, but he can use even the difficult things in life to help us grow and mature. And often we realize those who hurt us aren’t really those we want for friends. Focus on the One who saved you rather than the ones who hurt you and wait with expectancy for what God is going to do next in your life. Candy Arrington is a freelance writer.
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Reasonable Belief Oxford University Professor Brian Leftow once wrote, “I am a philosopher because I am a Christian. To many intellectuals, this probably sounds like saying that I am a dog because I am a cat.” Indeed. And even those of us who don’t live amongst “intellectuals” of the sort Leftow had in mind can presumably agree: in this day and age, many people simply take it for granted that the life of faith and the life of the mind are intrinsically opposed. This assumption is both harmful and demonstrably false. Certainly, quite a lot has been written about reasons to believe in God, as well as reasons to disbelieve. But the very abundance of philosophical essays and books on such topics reveals that it is possible to be an intelligent, thoughtful person and also to be a serious and devout follower of Jesus. There are hard questions that believers must face, yes, but there are also good answers. We need not check our brains at the door every time we walk into a church. The reality, in fact, should be the opposite; Jesus calls us to love God not only with our hearts, but also with our minds. In that vein, consider how you might respond if someone asked you whether there are any good reasons to believe in God. If the first response that comes to mind is something like “you just have to have faith,” let me encourage you to dig a bit deeper. Space precludes any detailed discussion here, but there are quite a few good reasons to believe in God, reasons that do not depend on any prior religious convictions. Briefly, here are a few of the core arguments for theism that have been developed, discussed, and defended through the ages.
(1) Theism explains why there is something rather than nothing. At least as far back as ancient Greece, thoughtful people have recognized that the physical universe is a “contingent” thing; its existence needs to be explained by something more fundamental, something that exists necessarily… something like God. (2) Theism explains the existence of life and consciousness within the universe. Even for the most committed Darwinists, the existence of life itself (not differing species, but life) and conscious minds are persistent and vexing problems. These things do not fit comfortably into a naturalistic view of the world. By contrast, if the universe was created by an intelligent and conscious being, then it is not so surprising that it would contain living creatures who are themselves intelligent and conscious.
It seems that all such values, along with phenomena like love and humor, would be illusions or accidents. And that is a serious problem for the atheist. Obviously, these brief comments barely scratch the surface of the relevant philosophical issues (and I have not even pretended to have addressed objections that could be raised). My hope is that they are helpful nonetheless, and that they may encourage some readers to go further in thinking about the intellectual foundations of theism and Christianity. Let us use our minds not in spite of our faith, but because of it.
(3) Theism provides a basis for the values that make human life worth living. It is difficult, if not impossible, for rational people to live as though nothing is genuinely good, or right, or beautiful, or meaningful. If atheism is true, however, it is very, very difficult to see how there could be such things as real goodness, rightness, beauty, or meaning. 17
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River Region’s Journey
August 20
Do You Know the Strength of Your Savior? Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” About a month ago, I was about to go for a walk when one of those sudden summertime thunderstorms rolled in. You know the drill here in the Deep South, sudden strong winds, lightning, sideways rain and then, just as suddenly, it’s over. As I headed out for my walk after this five minute blast, I discovered in that short amount of time that large trees were snapped, trash cans were tossed about and the awning from our neighborhood tennis courts was ripped to shreds and thrown across the park. I started thinking, as I often do with intense thunderstorms, that God’s strength is pretty amazing…even when it’s in the form of destruction. I stand in awe at how quickly and mightily He can move. As soon as I allowed this awestruck observation to enter my mind, I heard God say, “I move this way through your life, Kim, when there is no physical storm brewing. I move with this same intensity and force when I’m clearing the way or holding you or providing a sense of calm. Do you know my strength? I move this way when I’m tearing apart insecurities or breaking fears in half; when I’m uprooting despair and hopelessness. I move this way when sadness seems to have an unrelenting grip on your life—I tear it apart as I love you with that same force. Do you know my strength?” Three checkpoints to help you know your Savior’s strength: *Stay in fellowship *Give God control *Stay in His word and in prayer River Region’s Journey
August 2015
A sweet friend, Pat, recently shared a perfect story of how staying in fellowship, in community, will allow you to feel and see the strength of our Savior. This friend is someone who hasn’t felt well or strong enough to do all she wants to do over the past few years, so getting out and staying in fellowship isn’t always easy. A recent visit to church allowed her path to cross with that of another grandmother worried about her 17-year-old grandson who has autism. This grandmother was telling Pat how she wished she could find a way to help her grandson. Pat suggested setting up tennis lessons with a pro in town whom she had just met and who works with teens with learning disabilities. Pat did the footwork to set up a regular weekly lesson that is providing positive results, and it’s a regular gathering for Pat, the other grandmother and the mom of the young man. This grandmother told Pat, “Thank you so much; you’re the only person who has shown any interest in my grandson.” Pat told me with great enthusiasm that this is a great blessing for her to see. In a quick, short amount of time, God’s strength is breaking the grips of depression, shredding hopelessness and raining joy, straight down and sideways! Our Lord can come in with a force, like a storm, tear away your sadness and despair, uproot your hopelessness and restore His joy and peace. I told Pat I’m so thankful she is choosing to stay in fellowship with others. We can’t get through the difficulties of this life on our own, but in community anything is possible. That’s how God made us. Romans 12: 3-4: Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us. Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has 18
a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” When we allow God to weave our lives together in joy and sadness, His strength will amaze us. Look at Romans 12:10-13: “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically, rejoice in our confident hope, be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.” When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.” (And when you do, you’ll know His strength, His will—it’s good, pleasing and perfect!) Have you given God complete control of your life? On a recent vacation, my family and I had to take a very small plane to our final destination. The pilot seemed a little rattled or upset about something as he climbed through his window, then a piece of the border around the window came off in his hand! I thought, Isn’t it amazing how we’ll turn the controls over to a complete stranger in an uncomfortable situation but we struggle to turn our entire lives over to a God who would never hurt us, desires to give us the immeasurable, and is overly qualified to “pilot” our lives? Call on the Holy Spirit to flood, storm into your life—tearing up any worry, doubts, pain or sorrow, and flooding in peace, joy and a sense of calm. Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for your mighty strength! Please keep us in community with another, in your word and prayer, and may you always be at the controls of our lives! Amen.
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Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Location: First Baptist Church (Huff Community Ministries Bldg., 200 S. Perry Street) Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, from 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141. Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
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Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVPThis is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse-CASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334365-4201 for addition information. Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or lifechallenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Led by Jeff McFarland on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Call 279-5433 for more info. Location: Victory Temple Church (located behind Wetumpka Walmart) ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Monday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.
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Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.
Depression
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex. Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272-8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) meets each Tuesday from 6-7 pm. Pre-registration is required. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents separation and divorce. Call (334) 495-6368.
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Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
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Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist,
4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721.
Miscellaneous
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) This group provides understanding, education and information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. This group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 in room 3103. For more information contact Mary Jo Logan (334) 271-2280.
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622.
Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555.
Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets – Tuesday 5:30 PM in the Friendship Sunday School Class Room. Call 285-4114 for more info. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experience. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 2795433 for more information.
Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest
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August 2015
River Region’s Journey
speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174 for information. Location: Redland Baptist Church, 1266 Dozier Road, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com for more info.
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 396-4534. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy The Montgomery Ostomy Support Group is for people who have had or will have urinary or intestinal diversion surgeries such as colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Family members are welcome to attend. Meetings are held every other month generally on a Sunday afternoon. For more information, call Paul at 271-3563 or visit www.montgomeryostomy.info.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday from 6:307:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg. 7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@ aol.com or 354-8869.
Veterans
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.
Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
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Lord, Make Me an Instrument of Thy Peace Something happened too terrible to put into words. What can we do as Christians to come to peace with such a thing and help others do the same? So often we witness tragic losses over which we had no control to stop and no power to rectify. The list is long and covers the breadth of history from the Holocaust to the recent shootings in a Church in South Carolina. Our first instinct, as is that of others, is to begin the 5 Stages of Grief. At first we are in Denial, then we become very Angry, we try to Bargain, we enter Despair and finally, if we work hard enough, we find Acceptance, as the congregation in South Carolina displayed. Christians are blessed, because the foundation of our faith is that God loves us, no matter what happens in the moment. We are reminded of that love in this portion of the 139th Psalm of David… “Whither shall I go from thy Spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend to heaven, thou are there! If is make my bed in Sheol (the grave) thou art there! If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea even there thy hand shall lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.” (KJV)
When God gave to us the gift of His son, Jesus, he gave us a bridge to his love and faithfulness. He gave us a tangible way to bolster and nurture our trust in Him. God has earned out trust over and over again. We are assured that even though there is so much pain and loss in our experience, God’s love is a constant that will not waver. Children hopefully trust their parents to have their best interest at heart and feel safe obeying them even when they don’t want to do so. As Christians, we trust God in the very same way. We know that God knows so much more than we know, and that His vision of All Time far exceeds the Here and Now for us. Our faith helps us get beyond the fear of terrible things outside our comprehension in order to keep us close to the comfort of God’s love and His presence. In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus teaches us… “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Nor do men light a lamp and put it under a bushel, but put it on a stand, and it gives light to all the house. Let your light so shine before all men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” What can we do as Christians to comfort ourselves and others in times of great loss? We can do what we can do. It is that simple. No matter how small, we can give a kind word, a shared sadness, a comforting hug, and our faith in God and his presence. 23
As human beings, we are capable of such strong emotions: love, hate, anger, grief and joy. Traumatic losses reduce us all to the base emotion of fear. God, through Christ, helps us move out of fear into peacefulness. This is a gift that Christians have the opportunity to share at all times but especially at times of great loss. We can use the Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi to show us the way. Lord make me an instrument of thy peace. Where there is hatred, let me sow love. Where there is injury, pardon. Where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, hope. Where there is darkness, light. And where there is sadness, joy. O, Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood, as to understand; to be loved, as to love; for it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Saralu (Sam) Belkofer is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She is a 1969 graduate of Auburn University with a BA in Education and graduated from Georgia State University with an MA in Counseling in 1988. Prior to coming to The Samaritan Counseling Center, Sam counseled adults at Chemical Addictions Program from 1994 until 1999; Therapeutic Programs, Inc., where she worked with children and foster parents of children in need of therapeutic foster care; and at Helping Montgomery Families Initiative, sponsored by Ellen Brooks and the District Attorney’s office, assisting troubled children/youth in Montgomery Public Schools and their families; and as the Montgomery County Director of Adult Outpatient Services with Montgomery Area Mental Health Authority until November 2013. Sam counsels adolescents, young adults and adults, employing psychotherapy to gain insight into problems to develop needed strategies for life transitions, survivors of abuse and neglect, addictions, forgiveness, ADHD, anxiety and depression, issues of abandonment, attachment and development of life skills.
August 2015
River Region’s Journey
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It is rare to see a ministry serve at the length Fellowship of Christian Athletes has within our community, state, nation, and world. They have been committed to coaches and students around the globe for more than 60 years, and they aren’t stopping. Don McClanen, founder and creator of FCA, said these words in May of 1954, while projecting his idea before a board: “For some time, I have had the idea of forming an organization of athletes and coaches in this hero-worshiping nation of ours. If athletes can endorse shaving cream, razor blades, and cigarettes, surely they can endorse the Lord, too. So my idea is to form an organization that would project you as Christian men before the youth and athletes of our nation.” River Region’s Journey
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Today, FCA is planted in Montgomery, Alabama, touching lives in city schools and private schools, while also providing college campus ministry. During an interview with John Gibbons, State Director for Alabama FCA, John described the organization’s influence in Montgomery like this: “The outreach of FCA is bringing hope to Montgomery, building community and relationships for kids who might not have solid mentorships.” Erik Armster, Urban Director for Central Alabama area of FCA, says, “So many kids in our city have heard of Jesus, but FCA helps them connect with Jesus on a personal level. It takes them from just knowing who He is, to knowing Him personally.” Their mission is to 24
present to coaches and athletes, and all whom they influence, the challenge and adventure of receiving Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, serving Him in their relationships and in the fellowship of the church. FCA likes to describe their ministry with four C’s: Coaches, Campus, Camp, and Community. They use these four tactics to function and run their ministry in its fullness. FCA ministers the Gospel on junior high, high school, and college campuses through weekly clubs called Huddles. This campus ministry is initiated and led by student-athletes and coaches. Through these meetings, young people are given a positive alternative to the
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John Gibbons is the Alabama FCA director and has served with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for 32 years.
negative pressures they are facing today. There are currently 36 staff serving over 425 FCA Huddle Groups throughout the state. In addition to the weekly Huddles, FCA provides sports chapels and Bible studies throughout the year. In Alabama, FCA has a ministry presence on more than 420 school campuses. More than 50,000 students attend FCA. Last year, more than 2,000 young people made a profession of faith in Christ. Locally, FCA is ministering throughout the River Region in 32 private and urban middle schools, high schools, and colleges.
Fields of Faith Rally
Each October, FCA holds its annual Fields of Faith Rally. Last year, more than 800 students attended the local event held at Trinity School. The rally is held on Wednesday nights and students are provided with a free Chick-fil-a sandwich and an awesome experience. This year, the rally will be held in Cramton Bowl, where an estimated 2,000 students are expected to attend. State-wide there were 18 Fields of Faith Rallies with more than 8,000 students and coaches worshipping God. These rallies give the students the opportunity to hear powerful testimonies from their peers who encourage them to live for Christ and help make a difference on their school campuses. Last year, more than 250 students and coaches made a decision to follow Christ at these rallies.
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August 2015
River Region’s Journey
FCA Summer Camps
Each summer, thousands of young people from across the nation attend FCA camps. The local FCA provides scholarships for athletes and coaches in our area to attend FCA leadership camps, coaches camps, and boys and girls athletic camps. Many lives are changed for an eternity at FCA Camps. Last year, FCA sent 585 athletes and coaches to FCA camps. It is the hope of FCA that in addition to the students gaining confidence in their athletic skills, they will also grow stronger in their faith in Christ, or discover a relationship with Him for the very first time. A coach from Jeff Davis High School stated: “At FCA Camps, I learned that we are to be coaching for God’s glory, not just for the wins and losses, and that it is the most important thing that we can do for our kids. It is more about winning souls than winning games! I realized at camp that I need God every day, and I want to include Him more in my life, and in my family’s life.” FCA reaches out to coaches with a monthly Coaches Bible Study. FCA hosts an annual FCA Coaches Lun-
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Erick Armster has served on staff with FCA for 11 years. He is a graduate of Tuskegee University. Currently, he serves as the Urban Director for the Central Alabama area of FCA and leads Bible studies with the athletes and coaches throughout area schools. He also serves as a counselor at FCA summer camps and a mentor to our city’s youth.
cheon, held in conjunction with the Alabama High School Athletic Association All-Star Week. More than 600 coaches will attend this special event. This is an opportunity to share the love of Christ with coaches throughout the state of Alabama. Last year, Bobby
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Bowden was the key note speaker at the luncheon. The Alabama FCA sponsors 32 special events throughout the state to help proclaim the Gospel in local communities across Alabama. Over 50,000 people attended these events in 2014.
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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
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We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
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• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING •
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FCA is the “foot-in-the-door ministry,” helping the church in places where it can’t really go. They are constantly trying to stay on the cutting edge, up to date, and consistent with the body to which they are ministering.
How to get involved
Anyone can be involved in the many different areas of community service that FCA provides. Huddles are certified small group Bible studies/devotions for coaches and athletes, with more than one option of Huddles to join. Camps are certified ministry events that use annual themes and Scriptures for students. The camps are not limited to one, but the option of Coaches Camp, Leadership Camp, Partnership Camp, Power Camp, and Sports Camp. International trips are
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Fields of Faith Rally... Last year, more than 250 students and coaches made a decision to follow Christ at these rallies.
a part of how FCA is able to be a global ministry. FCA offers a variety of trips with the staff and other partner organizations around the globe. If you are interested in volunteering, there are numerous opportunities to serve. Churches or individuals can help partner with FCA by providing volunteer support, food for Huddles groups, Bibles for new believers, or volunteering at FCA events. All you have to do is check with the staff nearest to your area to find the greatest needs. For more information on how you can get involved with FCA, visit www.fca.org. Laura is a freelance writer, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She enjoys spending time with her husband Cody and finding all reasons to have joy in life! 27
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Upholding Marriage Just days after the U.S. Supreme Court attempted to create a new category of socalled “rights” in the U.S. Constitution and in advance of Independence Day, a study, conducted by the Newseum Institute’s First Amendment Center in partnership with USA Today, found that that one-third of Americans can’t name any of the rights that the First Amendment guarantees. According to a USA Today story, less than two-thirds of survey respondents – 57% vs. 68% a year ago -- were able to cite freedom of speech as one protected by the amendment. Only 19% were able to cite the freedom of religion, down from 29%. I have aired a variety of conversations on The Meeting House about the Supreme Court ruling legalizing so-called “same sex marriage.” I want to summarize some of the concerns expressed by Christian leaders and commentators. One of the leading ones is the audacious attempt to redefine an institution that has been established by God Himself, and it is very clear - marriage is the union of one man and one woman. Another is the override of the democratic process. Voters in some 30 states had authorized their state constitutions to include an amendment defining marriage in that way. As Emily Belz reported in a story for WORLD Magazine, Chief Justice Roberts said, “Just who do we think we are?” He declared: “This is a court, not a legislature.” Another area of concern relates to the creation of a new so-called “right.” Several months ago, Dr. Jerry Johnson, President and CEO of National Religious Broadcasters, River Region’s Journey
August 2015
wrote: “For those who think sexual liberty trumps religious liberty, they need to be reminded that the free exercise of religion is explicitly framed into the Constitution. The same is not so for sexual rights, especially not a revolutionary redefinition of marriage.” Moving forward, there is concern about the threat to one of our fundamental rights, built in to the First Amendment - the freedom of religion. I think it’s unfortunate that in that survey I mentioned earlier, less than a fifth of respondents identified religious freedom as one that is protected by the Amendment. According to Belz, Justice Kennedy, writing for the majority, said: “The First Amendment ensures that religious organizations and persons are given proper protection as they seek to teach the principles that are so fulfilling and so central to their lives and faiths, and to their own deep aspirations to continue the family structure they have long revered.” Belz pointed out that Roberts didn’t buy that, writing in his dissent, “The majority graciously suggests that religious believers may continue to ‘advocate’ and ‘teach’ their views of marriage,” adding, “The First Amendment guarantees, however, the freedom to ‘exercise’ religion. Ominously, that is not a word the majority uses. … Unfortunately, people of faith can take no comfort in the treatment they receive from the majority today.” So, where do we go from here? Guests on The Meeting House highlighted how people of faith can respond to this ruling. At the International Christian Retail Show in Orlando, I spoke with Doug Napier of the Alliance Defending Freedom, who stated, “... It’s not a settled social issue; maybe ‘settled’ 28
as a matter of law according to 5 out of 9 of the Supreme Court justices, but that’s a bare majority, and just like with Roe v. Wade, it was not a settled issue then, it still isn’t.” Ryan Anderson of the Heritage Foundation, author of the new book, Truth Overruled: The Future of Marriage and Religious Freedom, related how those who believe in the sanctity of marriage should follow the example of the pro-life movement. He shared three ideas with me: 1) the pro-life movement saw Roe as judicial activism and has never accepted it as the truth, and said that the same thing needs to happen regarding marriage, 2) the pro-life movement worked to ensure their rights of conscience were protected, and 3) he said that the pro-life movement bore witness to the truth about the unborn child, and similarly, it’s important that we rebuild a strong marriage culture. At ICRS, I interviewed Ed Stetzer of LifeWay Research, who offered these thoughts in response to the court ruling: “...I hope we’re going to show and share the love of Jesus to a world that needs the love of Jesus…” He cautioned against panic and lashing out in fear or anger, encouraging believers “to speak winsomely and graciously...,” adding, “The mission field has changed, but the mission hasn’t changed.” In our conversation, he said those who hold a perspective on marriage consistent with the Scriptures are part of a “convictional minority.” We have opportunities to live out our faith in a profound way: to declare the truth, to demonstrate the love of Christ, and to devote ourselves to building stronger marriages than ever before. Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.
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Stand Your Ground Deuteronomy 24:5, Ephesians 5, Galatians 5:22
know that his spouse and children have a support system in his absence, which helps him give his undivided attention to his mission. When Mike was flying as a EC 130 navigator, for safety reasons, he had to have a certain number of hours of crew rest before each flight. If he gave the wrong heading All military commanders and planor altitude, the results could be disastrous. ners spend a lot of time determining what Because he is “my ground” and he needed “ground” they will defend. In war, we stake the American flag and will defend that ground uninterrupted sleep so he could be at his best, I made sure the children didn’t wake him up. with our lives. In marriage, whether military In the early 80’s when he was training for a or civilian, Mike and I tend to view each potential second rescue raid into Iran, all the couple as having either a red flag, yellow crews deployed so they could give 100% flag, or a green flag staked on their marriage to the mission. Mike ground. What color is the was able to prepare flag staked in your ground? confidently because he knew his family (the If a man has recently marground he stands on ried, he must not be sent to and defends) would be war or have any other duty provided for. laid on him. For one year Red Flag Marhe is to be free to stay at riages. In all our years home and bring happiness of teaching civilian and to the wife he has married. military couples, we’ve (Deuteronomy 24:5) only had a few red flag marriages, where we In this scripture, we had to stop everything see the magnitude placed and intervene. Years on building and protectago, we had a wife who ing your relationship with calmly told us that she your spouse. Here your Captain Gary and Beka Olkowski and their twins--one of several “Big Green Flag” couples in our was thinking about relationship with your recent Maxwell Chapel Family Teams for Life class. committing suicide and spouse is distinguished taking her four children from everything else; that’s with her. Mike and I immediately stopped how important marriage is to God! everything and focused entirely on caring for In Ephesians 5, Paul says husbands, her children and taking her to mental health. love your wife as Christ loved the church and Her husband showed up hours later after he gave himself up for her to make her holy. In had taken a jog. He brought several books the same way, husbands ought to love their with him to read in the waiting room. We wives as their own bodies. A strong marriage had been watching their children for hours is built and maintained with a lot of, time, while the woman was being counseled. She energy and hard work. When the spouse has ended up being hospitalized, and the husband to be away, military commanders, units and received counseling as well. bases purposefully invest in making sure that Yellow Flag Marriages. During our his dependents are taken care of. Especially workshops for military couples, sometimes when deployed, a military member needs to Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:13)
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only one spouse attends. There are always extenuating circumstances, but when we see a spouse coming alone each week, a yellow flag goes up. Our first thoughts are, we need to be praying for this marriage--that both husband and wife will make it a priority to invest in their relationship. In some cases, however, a previously absent spouse will start coming later with his wife. The next thing you know, they are going to church together! They’re taking down the yellow flag and raising a green flag. Green Flag Marriages. Most military couples we are blessed to work with are green flag marriages--they are moving forward, investing in their marriage and family together. For example, in our last five-week Air Force Family Teams for Life class we taught in support of the Maxwell chapel, many of the 19 couples lit up the room when they walked in. Their marriage is strong, their parenting is strong, and they obviously love each other and the Lord. They exhibit the fruit of the Spirit in their countenance--love, joy, peace, patience, etc. (Galatians 5:22). These couples stand their ground with a big green flag. When you understand what your ground is and how important your marriage is to you and the Lord, it will be easier to stand your ground when the day of evil comes. 1. Are you defending your marriage ground? How? 2. Which flag represents your marriage? Red, yellow or green? 3. What is one thing you can do now to stake a green flag or make it a BIG green flag? Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.
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August 2015 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8.
August 3
Men’s Fish Fry, St James UMC, 6pm Guest Speaker: Brad McClain. Come join the men of the community and be inspired by Brad McClain from Mobile, AL. Brad appeals to people of all denominations, sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with much passion. His heart is to help people experience the liberating grace of God through Jesus Christ, and especially to help men and their families become all
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God intended them to be. Register or questions: www.sjlife.com or email Melissa at melissa@ sjlife.com.
August 16
Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be changing their Sunday morning worship schedule and adding an additional worship service time on Sunday, August 16. The new schedule will include concurrent worship services with a Traditional Worship Service in the Sanctuary and Contemporary Worship Service in the Christian Activities Center at 10:30 a.m. The new 8:15 am Chapel Service will provide an early option for those who appreciate liturgy and will feature weekly communion. For more information visit our website at www.aldersgateumc.org.
August 18, 25 and September 1
The Renew Women’s Ministry at Saint James United Methodist Church is hosting a summer community-wide Bible study called ‘Word on the Street.’ It will be a 3-week study on Tuesdays at 9:30am or 6:30pm on August 18, 25, and Sept. 1. Childcare available by reservation.
August 20
Precepts Class--Matthew Part 1: Beginning Thursday, August 20! Bimonthly Precepts Bible Study at His Vessel Ministries. Call 334356-4478 to register or for any questions.
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August 21-22
Deeper LIFE Conference at St James UMC Friday 6:30pm & Saturday 9 am -12 noon Guest Speaker: Ralph Sigler of Harvest in Dothan, AL. Come join other believers wanting to grow deeper in their walk with Christ and be refreshed in His presence. Ralph Sigler has a passion for helping people find life at its best -- which is found in knowing and following Christ. He loves to see people experience Jesus firsthand, grow to love Him, and become strong disciples. Pastor Ralph teaches the continual filling of the Holy Spirit as the key to a victorious, joy-filled, fruitful life. He explains that the Lord wants to pour out His Spirit in abundance on everyone who is earnestly seeking Him. Register or questions: www.sjlife.com or email Ann Pemberton at annpemberton@ charter.net.
Sunday, August 23
Community Congregational Church (UCC) will be celebrating Back-to-Church Sunday during its 10:45 am service at 3481 South Court Street, Montgomery (intersection of S. Court Street and Edgemont Avenue). The morning will include spirited singing, fellowship, and ministry through the worship arts (such as liturgical dance and mime) as well as a relevant sermon from our new pastor.
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September 2
Frazer’s Got Talent, 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. show Frazer United Methodist Church, Wesley Hall, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Enjoy the talent of Frazer members and attendees. Tickets are $10 and are available in the church office. Proceeds benefit Community Ministries United Appeal Fund, an organization which helps those in need in our community through the In Christ’s Way benevolence fund, Transformation Montgomery neighborhood revitalization project, and the ministries of Frazer UMC. Visit www.frazerumc.org.
Ongoing Happenings AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com. Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges...not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www.bridgeoflife.tv.
Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30), morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail.com. Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info. Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201. Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter.net or call 262-6437. First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m.
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The Youth of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday Night Live, a time of praise and worship in “the attic”. Also, every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. is MYF which includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org. First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990. Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org. Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133. Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com. Call 334-288-0577. The City
August 2015
River Region’s Journey
August 2015 Community Calendar Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m. (BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road) Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. For information, call 277-4213. Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750. Open Door Christian Faith Worship Center, 2450 Presidents Drive, Montgomery, holds Sunday School at 9:00. Sunday Morning worship 10:45. Wednesday night
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Bible study 6:00. Youth Sunday Every 2nd Sunday. Women’s Prayer Monday 6:00. Our Mission is producing believers who make an impact on a fallen society. Motto: Living –Loving-Praying and Walking In The Spirit of Excellence. William E. Cromblin, Pastor. For information call 334-270-6498. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information. River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. All denominations welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor. The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net. Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children! Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will start checking children in at 6:00p.m. This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided
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until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897. Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For info call 286.8577. S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles. Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. For info email sstop04@gmail.com. True Divine Community Development hosts the Community Yard Sale every third Saturday from March to October, 4525 Virginia Loop Road Time: 7:00- 11:00 AM. Sign up for $10 Booths by calling 286-4008. Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues. Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs. Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radio-homecominggospel.com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m. Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS. All women of all denominations or race are welcome. This ministry is available to teenagers as well. For info contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.
Send your events to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.
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August 2015
River Region’s Journey
Q. How do cash-back rebates work on electronics and other items?
Q. Can you explain interest-only mortgages? Are they a good idea?
A. I like this question. Most consumers don’t think about how the process works. They only care that it’s benefitting them from a financial standpoint. Let’s say you buy an item for $1,000, and you get a cash rebate for $100. Basically, you just paid $900 for that item, right? So, what the companies are trying to do is incentivize certain retailers to buy a particular product or amount of that product, yet sort of protect the sticker price in the minds of the consumers. To me, it’s really a little ridiculous. Why not simply take off the money, and price it at $900? That keeps retailers from jerking around with the margins. It purifies the process a little bit, but it adds to the hassle.
A. An interest-only mortgage is just what
River Region’s Journey
August 2015
it sounds like. You’re paying only the interest on the loan, and none of what you actually owe. It’s a good way to stay in debt for the rest of your life, so they’re not a good idea. Lots of people look at this product and say, “Wow, I’ll get a lower monthly payment, and then I can throw tons of cash at the principal.” Guess what, in most cases it doesn’t work out that way. Why not take out a good 15year fixed rate mortgage and put a bunch of money toward the principal? Everyone thinks they have a great idea for tricking the system. But the only system that really works is to pay off debt as quickly as you can. Interest-only mortgages are like adjustable rate mortgages and high fixed rate mortgages — they’re good things to stay away from completely!
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Q. My wife and I are in our twenties. We have no debt and $50,000 in the bank. Our income is $90,000 a year, and we’re cautious to live on less than we make. Still, we can’t seem to get motivated to make a budget. How can we get inspired to do this? A. Two of the biggest motivators we have are pain and pleasure. Financially, you guys don’t have any pain. You’re killing it! So, we’re going to have to figure out something associated with pleasure. I think you need to look for something bigger than money to push you. You guys need to ask yourselves, “What are we saving for?” On a bigger scale, ask yourselves, “What can we do with this money?” It sounds to me like you both realize money can’t be the goal. And that’s a good thing. You guys are obviously smart, gifted people. I’m sure you have ideas and goals, dreams and desires. Talk about them and write them down. By doing this, you’ll be taking the first steps toward making these things reality. When you have something specific that you want money to do, it gives you a reason to make it behave.
you know it's time to quit. Here’s How we can help.
call. online site. coaching. nicotine patches.* If medically eligible and enrolled in coaching
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First Baptist Church welcomes
Don Piper Author of 90 Minutes in Heaven
Sunday, August 9 6:15
pm
:: Main Sanctuary
Gospel Sing Capital City
First Baptist Church Sunday, August 30 6:15 pm | Main Sanctuary An evening of Southern Gospel music that you will not forget! Come hear soloists, trios, quartets and choirs share timeless gospel music and sing along with treasured favorites in old-fashioned homecoming style.
Be encouraged by Don’s amazing story of Hope, Healing, and Heaven!
Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310
www.montgomeryfbc.org