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at Frazer UMC
Proceeds will benefit Stella’s Voice, Frazer’s mission partner in the Eastern European nation of Moldova, fighting human trafficking (modern day slavery) by providing a home and a hope to orphaned girls and boys. F R A Z E R FA T H E R S D AY R U N . C O M
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FRAZER CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
C A M P S O N S H I N E June 10-12 rising 1st–3rd graders
C A M P C H A L L E N G E June 10-14 w w w. FRAZERUMC.o r g
rising 4th–6th graders
Volume 15, Issue 1
Feature Articles
JU N E 2 0 1 3 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 16
Jason Watson
2013 VBS Listing
It’s that time of year again...time to register your children for Vacation Bible School. Our listing gives you all the details!
page 4
Pastor's Perspective The Rev. Rusty DeMoss, Associate Rector, Christchurch
page 14
Dave $ays
page 24
Q & A with Dr. John Ed Mathison
by Rachel Fisher Dr. Mathison shares insight on the challenges facing today’s Christian leadership and how his global ministry is helping train up a new generation of leaders for Christ.
Dave Ramsey
page 20
Shine Kim Hendrix
page 22
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 36
page 28
When It Looks Like God Has Failed US
Counselor’s Corner Pamela Boswell
page 30
by Chris Chambers Often we don’t understand why God allows certain hardships in our lives. Discover examples in Scripture of others who shared the same frustration, but learned to trust God in the midst of it all.
Family Teams for Christ Lisa and Mike Conn
page 34
Grace to You John MacArthur
page 42
Get the Point?
On Our Cover . . .
Elaine Britt
After retiring as senior pastor of Frazer Memorial UMC after 36 years, Dr. John Ed Mathison founded John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries in 2008. He now speaks globally to pastors, leaders and world changers about the best leadership practices from his 45 years of experience.
In Every Issue page 6
On the Bookshelf page 8
Around Our Community page 38
Event Calendar page 44
Movie Reviews 1
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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
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Pamela Boswell Elaine Britt Chris Chambers Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden The Rev. Rusty DeMoss Rachel Fisher Kim Hendrix John MacArthur Dave Ramsey Gail Welborn
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson, Joe Bass ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
From the Publisher This month marks the beginning of our 15th year publishing Journey. That’s 169 issues we’ve now printed and shared with people all across the River Region. We’re so grateful to all who have helped in producing and sharing Journey in order to make a difference in the lives of so many. That includes you! You’ve picked up our issues for yourself and your friends or coworkers. You’ve also supported our advertisers so they see the benefits that come from investing in Journey. Thank you! When DeAnne and I first started Journey all those years ago I was the Director of Student Ministries at Frazer Memorial United Methodist and one of our first loyal readers was Dr. John Ed Mathison or “John Ed” as most everyone in the area knows him. He was very gracious in spotlighting Journey from the pulpit and praying for its success. Having grown up at Frazer and then being on staff for eight years I was blessed to receive the fruits of John Ed’s ministry, and I was equally blessed to see the way he went about ministering to others. After many decades of serving our community, I know many of you have also been touched by God through the faithful service of John Ed. Since his retirement, you may not see him as often on television or on Sunday mornings at Frazer, but John Ed is continuing to minister and leave a God-honoring legacy worldwide. Turn to page 24 to read Rachel Fisher’s interview with John Ed and learn what he’s up to these days. How often do you watch the national news? Even if you turn it on occasionally I’m sure you’ve noticed the ever-increasing shift of our culture from one guided by Christian principals to one guided by secular humanist philosophies. If you’re like me, you watch and wonder what life will be like in the years to come. Monthly columnist Bob Crittenden of Faith Radio shares that there’s “Hope In A Post-Christian Age” on page 22. Instead of sitting in a reactionary, “woe is me” position, Bob opens our eyes to the opportunities this shift can give those who follow Christ. Besides the uplifting articles we’ve included this month, make sure to check out our Around the Community and Calendar sections. There are so many excellent opportunities to learn more about Christ throughout our area. Also, many of the opportunities can be found in our advertisements. All of our advertisers felt it was important to invest in Journey so they could share their services, ministries and products with you. Please support them first when in need of something they offer. Finally, we want to welcome any of you who are new to the River Region. Thank you for picking Journey. We’re the area’s leading publication for Christian living and we pray that we’ll be a resource that helps you to feel a part of our special community.
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 2013 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.
River Region’s Journey
June 2013
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WhyWeAreNumberOne.com
Baptist Medical Center East, tops in healthcare for the second year in a row. Out of nearly 3,000 hospitals nationwide, Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery was recently named one of the Top 100 Hospitals in America by Truven Health Analytics when it comes to quality, safety and patient satisfaction. And we are the only hospital in Alabama to make the list. Our employees and physicians are honored to be recognized again among the highest achieving hospitals in the country, but the real winners are our patients.
334.273.4444 baptistfirst.org
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River Region’s Journey
Pastor’s Perspective
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The Rev. Rusty DeMoss, Associate Rector, Christchurch
Heard From God Lately? All of us who follow Jesus and are in love with Him long to hear His voice. He promised, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (St. John 10:27). Many times we wonder how can we hear the voice of God? The answer lies in an obscure passage from one of the Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, the Book of Habakkuk:
Is He walking with you by the still waters? Is He there in the room with you? Is He with you in your favorite place: your church, the beach, the lake, the woods, the mountains? Is He holding you safe? Or simply standing by your side? As you begin to pray, ask Jesus, “What do You think of me?” “What are You saying to me?” Next,
“I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart, and watch to see what He will say to me, and what I will answer when I am corrected. Then the Lord answered me and said, ‘Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.’” (Habakkuk 2:1-2)
Listen: “what He will say to me.”
Prepare: “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart.” Go up to your “rampart.” The rampart was a defensive wall of the fortress surrounding the city. You have to leave the busyness of your surroundings, where you are distracted, where e-mails and text messages and tweets are binging. You have to leave any place where you are having to think and concentrate on something else or someone else, other than God. Go up to the place where your soul can quiet, where you can “be still and know that I am God,” as He directs in Psalm 46:10. This place, commonly known as your “prayer closet,” is your rampart, where you can get away from the world and be lifted into the Lord’s presence. Prepare your soul to receive. Look: “And watch to see.” Envi-
sion Jesus. As you close your eyes and focus your heart on Him, is He on the throne in the courts of heaven, seated at the right hand of the Father in majesty? River Region’s Journey
June 2013
As you open your heart to Him and quiet your soul before Him, He will speak, to you. So many times we engage in only one-sided prayer, wherein we spill our soul before Him and talk to Him, in adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication [petition]. We tell Him our needs and bring before Him our concerns. We ask Him questions. But how often do we stop to listen? Perhaps we should listen to Him first, certainly after we praise, adore and magnify Him and enter into His glorious presence. He will speak. But we must listen to hear Him. Most of the time His words come to us as “a still, small voice” (1 Kings 19:12) from within. We hear Him through the ears of our spirit, through the Holy Spirit’s quickening. It is not our thinking, but His voice impressing on our mind and heart.
Record: “Write the vision and make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.” How quickly we may forget what Jesus has said. Bring a journal or tablet to your prayer time, and write down the impressions, the images, the words you receive from the Lord. There may be many; there may be only a few. Keep track of what the Lord is saying, and be aware of patterns and trends. The Lord is gentle and kind, yet sometimes we are dense and even stub4
born, and it takes awhile for us to get the message! But He is faithful and true (Revelation 19:11). But how do I know it’s God? God wants to speak to us, and He does. Yet not all we “hear” may always be of the Lord. Sometimes our flesh gets in the way, and sometimes even the enemy. We must ask Jesus for discernment. First and foremost, judge what you have heard against the Bible, the Word of God. Is it consistent? Does it line up with God’s Word, and not a proof text but the whole counsel of God? Next, do you have a peace within your spirit, an inner witness with the Holy Spirit Who resides within you? Or is there a “check” inside? When you share what you have heard with close fellow believers, is there agreement? Finally, when and as you obey, is there fruit manifested? All these are ways to keep you on the right track. Jesus loves our spending time with Him...the more the better! Really, we must “pray without ceasing” in living our lives (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Let’s talk to Him, certainly. But He loves to talk to us, too. Let’s listen, that we might hear His voice. The Rev. Robert L. (“Rusty”) DeMoss II is Associate Rector of Christchurch on Vaughn Road in east Montgomery. Christchurch is part of the Anglican Church in North America, in the worldwide Anglican Communion family. Rusty thanks his friend, the Rev. Jon Holland, Christ Church, Mobile, for the inspiration for this teaching. www.christchurchxp.net
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
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Our Statement of Faith 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.
Coming This Month!
A New Indoor Facility Offering 2 Private Party rooms!
*All editorial content published must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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River Region’s Journey
On The Bookshelf
by Gail Welborn
Resolve Conflict God’s Way’
by Dr. Bill Graybill, BT Johnson Publishing, 2012, 187 Pages, 978-1938311024, $16.95—Kindle Edition, $9.95
Resolve Conflict God’s Way teaches Redemptive Management Conflict, a management style that doesn’t destroy relationships like “defensive conflict management” can. Instead, Bill’s biblical approach leads to emotional and spiritual healing and restored relationships. He explores the causes of conflicts such as judging others, bitterness, fear and mistrust, then uses a simple acrostic—AIM (attack, ignore or manage)— to identify classic conflict responses. Chapters include practical worksheets, useful tips, scripture, online helps to identify personal management styles and bonuses: www.billgraybill.com/resolveconflictbonus. Topics include prayer, faith, attitudes, anger, responsibility, forgiveness, self-control and more. Although conflict is inevitable, broken relationships are not. Eugene Peterson endorsed Bill’s writing as a “must read for every Christian struggling with conflict.” The book is also included on Rick Warren’s library list for leaders. I encourage anyone who struggles with relational conflict to read Resolve Conflict God’s Way. The benefits far outweigh the time and price! Bill is also available as a life coach: www.billgraybill.com/.
#Hooked: The Pitfalls of Media, Technology and Social Networking
by Gregory L. Jantz, Siloam-Charisma House, 2012, 256 Pages, 978-1616382575, $14.99
Dr. Jantz, counselor and addiction specialist. looks at the world of technology in #Hooked, where he writes a “cautionary tale” about the positives and negatives of “digital umbilical cords” that tie users to technology. He loves techno gadgets and uses himself as an example to question if “technological tethers” need to be loosened. Since our days include convenient technological devices that save time and offer instant access to work, friends, and family through the Internet and social media channels, users feel “in control, in charge and capable,” writes Dr. Jantz. However, his explanation also describes seductive drugs that alter user’s worlds, their expectations, even defines who they are. That’s why Dr. Jantz sees a strong relationship between addiction and technology where he notes, “The ability to control a thing lies in your capacity to abstain from it,” which many techno users seem incapable of doing. The book’s focus isn’t about the latest and greatest techno-gadgetry. Instead, Dr. Jantz wants to create awareness of our need to control technology instead of technology controlling those who use it. Although technology changes, writes Dr. Jantz, people “tend to stay the same.”
40 Days Through Revelation: Uncovering the Mystery of the End Times
by Rhodes, Harvest House, 2013, 304 Pages, 978-0736948272, $13.99
Ron Rhodes, author and radio show host, penned 40 Days Through Revelation to help readers understand the only Bible book that “…promises a special blessing to those who read it and obey its message…” He writes with spiritual clarity, from a pre-tribulation position, about a book of prophecy many have difficulty understanding and as a result don’t read —the Book of Revelation. In the introduction Ron identifies and explains “four primary” beliefs about the book of Revelation that include, “historicist…idealist…preterist…and “futurist.” Ron favors the futurist view and believes the events described in Revelation will “…take place…” word for word in what is commonly called the “End Times” just before Christ’s return. Chapter Bible verses are broken into bite-size pieces and explained, sentence-by-sentence, while paragraphs guide readers to other Bible verses that supports the statements he makes. The opinions expressed are similar to Jack Van Impe’s, however the author offers a broader perspective. Packed with references and easy-to-read, 40 Days Through Revelation is useful for a group Bible study, a Sunday school class or for personal use. River Region’s Journey book reviewer Gail Welborn lives in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. River Region’s Journey
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Teaching Event “Speaking a Blessing”
His Vessel Ministries invites you to the teaching event “Speaking a Blessing” on Saturday, June 22, from 9am – noon. Please join us as Jo Hancock reveals Biblical Truth on the power of speaking blessings to the heart of others based on the authority of God’s Word. For more information or to register call 334-356-4478 or info@ hisvessel.org. His Vessel Ministries provides Christ-centered teachings that point people to the Truth that will stir and challenge individuals to love God with all their heart, soul, and strength. This is carried out through Bible teachings, yearly discipleship trainings, and special teaching events. The ministry also organizes prayer warriors that are called Watchmen to pray daily for the city and its leaders. His Vessel Ministries is located in the downtown Historic Union Station, 300 Water Street, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL, 36104.
Comedian Tim Hawkins Returns to Frazer
Who says you can’t have good, clean family entertainment that’s roll-on-the-floor funny? Not Tim Hawkins. Whether he’s ranting on aging Rock Stars, questioning life on Noah’s Ark, or singing his famous “Chick-Fil-A Song,” you’ll be laughing along and loving every minute. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 23 at 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $18 advanced group rate (6+). VIP tickets are $40 advance only / $38 advance only group rate (6+). VIP Event starts at 5:30 PM and includes: Hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, VIP tour laminate, Pre-show Q&A with Tim, and preferred seating section for the 7:00 PM concert. Only 300 VIP tickets will be sold. A portion of all proceeds goes to benefit Frazer missions. Go to frazerumc.org and click the ‘Events’ tab and then Tim Hawkins for a link to order tickets online. For more info, videos and testimonies about Tim Hawkins, visit his website at www.timhawkins.net.
“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Proverbs 22:6
C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
334-272-3882 ecalions.org Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.
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Gridiron Men’s Conference 2013
Featuring Tim Tebow, Fred Luter, Phil Waldrep and more! Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) Arena, June 14-15 Gridiron is more than a gathering, or a concert. It is a worship experience created by men, for men. At Gridiron Men’s conference we are committed to your spiritual growth through discipleship, accountability, and worship. We believe that when many men come together seeking the one true God, great things can happen. For more info call: 800-374-1550 or visit itickets.com.
Courageous Dads Simulcast Event
Friday, June 14 from 6-7:30 pm at Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Featuring Dennis Rainey, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, and Comedian Michael Jr. With appearances by pro-athletes and celebrities. Call 399.2536 for more info.
Family Faith Night Concert presented by Faith Radio at Biscuits Game Join us Friday, June 21st at 5:40 pm for a pre-game concert by contemporary Chrstian music artist, Shelly E. Johnson plus postgame MAX Fireworks!
Reality & Truth Ministries Tennis Tournament
O’Connor Tennis Center, 500 Anderson St. Montgomery, AL June 29, 9am – 1pm; “After “ Event at Capital City Club 7pm – 9pm Donation is accepted in lieu of registration for tournament. Registration donation of $30 or more includes an event ticket (player only). Money will be raised through registration donations, sale of business sponsorships, event ticket sales, and silent auction of goods and services donated. Tennis Tournament: donation of any amount, http://tennisfortruth.eventbrite.com (max 48 participants) After event @ Capital City Club: $25 per person, http:// aftertennisfortruth.eventbrite.com (max 200 attendees) Contact for more info concerning tournament is Debby Thomas, 334-224-1460, getdebby@yahoo.com Contact for more info concerning “After” event is Mike Harris, 334-513-7200, michaelk.harris@lpl.com.
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A Christ centered peer based support group for those struggling with unwanted same sex attractions and family members or loved support and encouragement are available. Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM - Landmark Church More information: call (334) 277.5800 OR email barnabas@landmarkchurch.net Landmark Church is a member of the Exodus International network of churches that welcomes those who struggle with unwanted same sex attractions. a ministry of Church
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June 2013
River Region’s Journey
Sponsors Needed for VBS in Inner Cities
Inner City Evangelism (I.C.E.) will host VBS in Cleveland Court and Paterson Court this summer! This will be the second year for I.C.E. to host a VBS in Cleveland Court and the first year in Paterson Court, both of which have weekly Bible studies. To help cover the cost of each child to attend VBS, I.C.E. is looking for sponsors for 140 children in both neighborhoods. The cost is $38 per child, which covers his/ her nightly meals, crafts, decorations, t-shirts and a neighborhood celebration party. When sponsoring a child, the sponsor will receive a bio of each child and a picture so the child can be covered in prayer before, during and after VBS. Most of these children, ages 4-15, have never experienced a VBS and few have ever been inside a church. This is a great opportunity for families, Sunday school classes and even entire churches to share Jesus in Montgomery’s inner cities this summer. If you would like to sponsor a child, checks can be sent to to I.C.E. at PO Box 231562 Montgomery, AL 36123, payable to Inner City Evangelism, or thru Paypal on our website at www.innercityevangelism.com. If you are interested in volunteering for VBS or would like more information, please email Bob at bob@innercityevangelism.com. I.C.E. will continue to have bi-monthly outreaches during the summer at Tulane Gardens, Cleveland Court, Paterson Court, Gibbs Village West and Smiley Court. If you are interested in learning more about the outreaches or volunteering, check out I.C.E.’s website or contact Layne at layne@innercityevangelism.com.
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Prattville Pastor Writes Book on Defeating Giants
People today must conquer invisible giants before they can enjoy life, according to bestselling author Kent Crockett, the Discipleship Pastor at Journey Church in Prattville. Crockett’s seventh book, Slaying Your Giants: Biblical Solutions to Everyday Problems, has been published nationwide this month. Fear, worry, depression, rejection, unforgiveness, and doubt are a few of the 20 invisible giants that attack people. The book gives advice from the Bible concerning how to defeat each destructive attitude. “So many people are not enjoying life and I want to show them how they can,” says Crockett. “It’s actually a fun-to-read book. I’ve included fascinating true stories throughout the book and even some humor to keep the reader turning the pages. When you read how others killed their giants, you will start believing that you can do it too.” Slaying Your Giants is actually a revised and updated version of his bestselling book, The 911 Handbook. “When my 911 book was first published in 1997, I started receiving phone calls and letters from people all over the country, telling me how much they loved the book. I ended up receiving calls and letters from people living in over 30 states.” The book was so popular that Hendrickson Publishers asked Crockett to update it with a new title, new chapters, and fresh information. “I believe Slaying Your Giants is even better than The 911 Handbook because I’ve added more insights and captivating stories.” He has another book coming out in August with Chosen Books, The Sure Cure for Worry. The foreword is written by former heavyweight boxing champion George Foreman. Slaying Your Giants is available at The Family Christian Store in Montgomery and Blessings Bookstore in Prattville. His website is www.kentcrockett.com 11
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Family, Fun, Food & Faith Event on June 29th First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring its first Family, Fun, Food and Faith event on Saturday, June 29, 2013 from 3:00 pm until 8:30 pm. The day will feature carnivalstyle activities such as bingo, inflatables and face painting for the young, volleyball and old fashioned team relay races for youth and young adults (of all ages) and good old fashioned fellowship for all. Fresh-grilled hotdogs, chips, salad and trimmings all supplied. If you are a new to the Pike Road/Montgomery area or a current resident looking for a place to connect, please join us for an afternoon of southern hospitality, fun, food and conversation as we extend a warm welcome and provide a way to become acquainted with other families in the area. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended as you’ll find most of us under the trees with a tall glass of lemonade, ice tea, or
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water and a bag of fresh-popped popcorn. You are welcomed to come and go throughout the day. All events are absolutely FREE! All participants will have an opportunity to register for door prizes that will be awarded throughout the day from sponsoring local merchants. The day will close with a Christian music concert featuring Lori Sealy. Schedule: 3:00 – 5:30 family activities and games; 5:30 – 6:30 cookout (bring an appetite – we’ll supply the food!) 6:30 – 8:30 Lori Sealy in concert (free) Adopted as an infant and raised in the Southern Baptist church, Lori rebelled against the things of Christ during high school and considered herself agnostic. Upon entering college, she met several students who loved Christ and His Word. During that first year of college, she set out to destroy the faith of these young Christians
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while they set out to pray for her salvation. Knowing that “faith comes through hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ,” six college students daily confronted Lori’s sin and challenged her with the truths of God’s glorious Word. Their obedience in proclaiming the good news of the gospel of Christ bore fruit in August of 1988 when she was adopted for the second time in her life - this time into the family of God. Lori is now the wife of Phillip Sealy, pastor of Redeemer Church (PCA), in Sylva, NC and where Lori homeschools their two children Joshua and Elizabeth. Her exquisite music and voice have blessed thousands of people as she lifts up praise to the God of all creation. For more information on this event, call 279-1372. First Presbyterian is located on Vaughn Road at the intersection with Chantilly Parkway.
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“Sweet Singing” at Aldersgate UMC
It was a sweet competition [dessert contest] between Sunday School Classes as the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Praise Singers presented a “Sweet Singing” Do You Remember concert on Sunday night, May 5. Over 100 attendants were treated to a wonderful concert and to a plethora of more than 25 different desserts at the concert. Judges for the competition were Lindsi Hamilton, Patsy Snyder and Mary Badskey. Competition winners of this years event in the Bar Cookies category were: First place – Maria Guillot – Fudge; Second Place – Peggy Massey – Peanut Butter Brownies; Third Place – Aubrey Askew – Gooey Butter Cakes. Competition winners of this years event in the Pie/Tart Cookies Category were: First Place – Sherry Moore – Peach Pie; Second Place – Melissa Mease – S’more Cups; Third Place - Edith Snyder – Hershey Pie. Competition winners of this years event in the Cake Category were: First Place – David Mease – Pumpkin Bar Cake; Second Place – Lynn Champion – Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes; Third Place – Cynthia Bradley – Strawberry Cupcakes. Competition winners of this years event in the Cookie Category were: First Place – Carla Pugh - Chocolate Chip Surprise; Second Place – Ann Gamblin - Sugar Cookies; Third Place – Dave McKinney – Chocolate Chocolate Chunk Cookies. Competition winners of this years event in the Pudding Category were: First Place – Wendy Askew - Banana Pudding; Second Place - Thompson – Shoot For The Moon Banana Pudding. The Best of Show award was given to David Mease for his Pumpkin Bar Cake and the winning Sunday School class was the Ambassadors.
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Reviving Revival at Hall Memorial CME Church
You are invited to worship for REVIVING REVIVAL 2013 at Hall Memorial CME Church, Sunday, June 9th - Friday, June 14th. The Reviving Revival is the time for the church to seek a fresh quickening of the Holy Spirit! You will be blessed by a dynamic line-up of servant-leaders. Schedule as follows: Sunday, June 9th, 3 P.M., Bishop Dr. Willie Bradley, Anointed Remnant International Ministries, Prattville, AL Sunday evening- Wednesday evening, Call for Fasting & Prayer Wednesday, June 12th, 7 P.M., Rev. Dr. Kathy McFadden, Old Ship AME Zion, Montgomery, AL Thursday, June 13th, 7 P.M., Rev. Chuck Glasscock, Lakewood Christian Center, Montgomery, AL Friday, June 14th, 7 P.M., Rev. Nicholas O’Neal, First CME Church, Montgomery, AL For more information call Rev. Anderson Graves at (334) 318-3004. 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116
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River Region’s Journey
Q. I’m a stay-at-home mom now, and
my husband brings home $2,600 a month. We’re trying to get out of debt, but we need more money coming in. I want to go back to work, but emotionally part of me feels like I should stay home with our 2-year-old daughter. What do you think?
A. I understand the feelings involved, especially if you’ve spent all of your time home with your child. But don’t make the mistake of blaming the debt if you simply want to go back to work. You’re not a bad person if you have kids and you work outside the home. I have several ladies on my team who have young children, and they work 40 hours a week. Guess what? They’re excellent mothers! Anyone who says a woman can’t be a great mom because she works outside the home is full of it. On the other hand, if anyone says you’re not fulfilling yourself as a person or you’re stunting your intellectual development because you’re a stay-at-home mom, they’re full of it, too! I’d advise you and your husband to sit down, talk about this a lot, and pray
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about the situation. Don’t worry about what anyone else thinks, because it’s none of their business. You guys are in charge of your lives and your family. That makes it your job to decide what’s best. If you want to stay at home, and you guys can make it happen financially, that’s a great thing. If you can’t right now, or you simply want to go back into the workforce, that’s fine too. It’ll help solve your debt problem. Then after you’ve got your money under control, you might find you want to come home again. The option will be there. For now, I think you should go back to work. Why? Because you want to!
Q. I’d like to start investing in mutual funds, but I have no idea how they work. Could you explain about them please? A.
First of all, don’t rely solely on my answer here. You should never invest in anything you don’t fully understand. Before you do anything else, sit down with a good mutual fund broker, someone who has the heart of a teacher, who will help you find
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what’s best for you and your specific situation and goals. Simply put, a mutual fund—if it’s a stock mutual fund—is a group of 90–200 stocks. If it’s a growth stock mutual fund, then it’s a group of 90–200 growth stocks. Analysts buy the stocks they think will increase in price and sell the stocks they feel will go down in price. When the analysts buy growth stocks, it turns it into a growth stock mutual fund. If they buy bonds instead, it becomes a bond mutual fund. Several people put money into these groups, and that’s where you get the name “mutual fund.” They’re mutually funded. These types of investments are much safer than single stock investing because your money is spread across several different stocks. Plus, you’ve got people who know what they’re doing picking the stocks. My advice would be to take a hard look at mutual funds that have been out there for 10 to 20 years and have a good track record for a long period of time. I have one that has been open since 1934, and that kind of longevity and stability gives me confidence that over time they’ll be just fine!
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River Region’s Journey
2013
Vacation Bible Schools Aldersgate UMC
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
6610 Vaughn Road Theme: Everywhere Fun Fare When: July, 15-19, 5:30 to 8p.m. Optional supper $2, 5:30 p.m. Ages: 3 yrs – 5th grade Register at www.aldersgateumc.org or call 272.6152.
2514 Madison Avenue Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 10-14, 9 a.m. to noon Ages: 4 years old by Sept. 1 through 6th grade. Nursery provided for VBS workers only. Call 264-6461.
Autauga Heights Baptist Church 1393 Highway 31 N, Prattville Theme: Paul’s Journey to Greece When: June 24th-28th Ages: 3 and up Call: (334) 322-3222.
Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 9-11 from 6 p.m. until 8:30 at Hunter Hills Church in Prattville Ages: K-6th grade Visit www.centeringlives.com or call 356-3076.
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
Cornerstone Christian Church
Centerpoint Fellowship Church
4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 14-18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 21st at 6 p.m. Van pick up for children is available. Call 567-4325.
301 Dalraida Road Theme: Tumble Weed Gulch When: July 14-18; 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Ages: Pre-K, age 3 - Rising 6th Call 273-8595.
Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 17-21, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages: 3 year preschool through 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register online at www.camelliabaptist.com. Call 365-0231.
Address: 5 Arden Road, Montgomery Theme: SonWest RoundUp When: July 15-19, 9AM to 12 noon Ages: 4-12 Contact Info: 272-1133 or visit www.covenantmontgomery.com
ChristChurch
3838 Wares Ferry Rd. Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 3-7; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Age: Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade Pre-registration Family Fun Day: June 2 from 4-7 p.m. Call 272-2412.
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Follow Me When: June 10-12 from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. Call 387-0566. River Region’s Journey
June 2013
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Covenant Presbyterian Church
Dalraida Baptist Church
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Dalraida UMC
3817 Atlanta Hwy Theme: Kingdom Rock When: July 7-10, 6:00-8:15pm Ages: 4 years old - 6th Grade For more information call: 334-272-2190.
Eastern Hills Baptist
3604 Pleasant Ridge Road Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 10-14; 8:30 – 12 p.m. Ages: 4 (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or register online@ www.ehbconline.com.
East Memorial Baptist
1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Theme: Kingdom Chronicles When: June 17-21, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Family Night, Thursday, June 20 at 6 p.m. with hotdog supper beginning at 5 p.m. Ages: 4 years through 8th Grade Call 365-7500.
Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway Theme: Sun West Roundup When: June 17-21; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages: 4 yr. - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277-6300.
Evangel Church
3974 Vaughn Road Theme: Kingdom Rocks When: June 24-28: 6-9 p.m. Ages: 3 to upcoming 6th graders Call 272-4882 ext. 107.
Evolve Church
4500 Vaughn Road Theme: TBA When: July 28-31; 6:30 thru 8:30 p.m. nightly Call 224-1879.
First Baptist, Montgomery 305 South Perry Street Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 3-7; 9 a.m. to Noon Call 241-5164.
First Baptist Church, Prattville
138 South Washington Street Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 24-28, 8:30 a.m.-12 Noon Ages: Entering 5 year old Kindergarten in Fall - 8th Grade Call 365-0606, ext. 220.
First Baptist, Wetumpka
205 W. Bridge Street Theme: Colossal Coaster World
When: June 3-7, 8:30 a.m.-noon Ages: K-6th grade. Call 567-5191.
First Christian Church
1705 Taylor Road Time: June 14-16 from Friday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. until 1p.m. Sunday during worship service. Ages 4 years old – 6 grade First Christian – 270-1320
First Presbyterian, Prattville
211 S. Chestnut Street Theme: Son West Roundup When: June 3-7, Registration daily at 8:30, VBS starts at 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 3 years old through entering 6th grade Call 365.6387.
First UMC, Montgomery
2416 W. Cloverdale Park Theme: Travel The Wonderful World of God! Loving Our Neighbors Everywhere When: June 10-14; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Age 3 (by Sept 1 of 2012) through 5th grade. Call 834.8990.
First UMC, Prattville
100 E. Fourth Street Theme: Kingdom Rock When: June 10-14, 9 a.m. to Noon
Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 5th grade Call 365-5977.
Fountain City Baptist
492 East Main Street, Prattville Theme: Son West Roundup When: June 16-20; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages: 3 to 12. Call 365-2034.
Frazer Memorial UMC
6000 Atlanta Highway Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 8-12; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Finishing K4 year olds (as of Sept. 2 of 2013) - Finishing 5th grade Call 272.8622.
Grace Community Church
3515 Highway 14, Millbrook Theme: Tell It On the Mountains When: June 3-7, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Ages: 3 years - 6th Grade Call 334-285-4655.
GracePoint Community Church 78223 Tallassee Hwy, Wetumpka Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 17-21, 6:15– 8:45 p.m. Ages: 3yrs.-6th Grade Call 430-1535.
ith
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River Region’s Journey
Hall Memorial CME Church 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery When: June 18-22, 6:00-8:00 pm Call 288-0577.
Hayneville Baptist Church
1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 14-18, 5:45 until 8:30 Ages: Pre K - 6th Grade (grade completed) Contact info: Email: hbc@connecthbc.com Call 334-548-2620.
Heritage Baptist Church
1849 Perry Hill Road Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 24-28, 8:30 a.m. to 12p.m. Ages: Complete PK3– 6th grade Call 279-9976.
snacks, and much more. Come join us as we have fun growing closer to Jesus. Call 277.5800.
Ages: 6 – 12. The Patriot Camp is designed to teach our elementary aged children about the founding of our nation. His Vessel Ministries provides Christ-centered teachings that point people to the truth that will stir and challenge individuals to love god with all their heart, soul, and strength so they become the vessel that pleases God. Please call 334-356-4478 or email info@hisvessel.org.
Love Center Full Gospel Church
3659 Debby Drive (Lecroy Shopping Center) Theme: Hip Hop Hope: Jesus Makes Me Glad When: July 26-28 from Fri., 6-8 pm, Sat. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sun. during church service. Ages: 3- 8th grade welcomed For more information call 334-315-6851.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church
8570 Vaughn Road, East Montgomery Theme: Kingdom Rock When: June 10-14; 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Call 277-1989 or register online @ www.holy-spirit-church.com.
Messiah Lutheran Church
6670 Vaughn Road Theme: HayDay! Growing in Friendship w/ Jesus When: June 14, 5:30-8:30 p.m.; June 15, 1:003:30 p.m.; June 16, 9:15-10:15 a.m. Ages: 3-12 Please Call 277-4213.
Lakeview Baptist Church
Heritage Baptist, Prattville
1357 S. Memorial Drive Theme: Kingdom Chronicles Dates: June 9-13, Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ages: K3 through completion of 6th grade Call 365-2372.
His Vessels Ministry, Montgomery
Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Theme: Patriot Camp Dates: June 10-14; Times: 9 a.m. until noon
9225 Atlanta Highway Theme: TBA When: July 22-26; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages: K3-6th grade. Call 213-3080.
Millbrook Presbyterian
3480 Main Street, Millbrook Theme: The Case of the Baffling Beginning When: July 15-19; 6:15-8:15 p.m. Ages: Entering K4 thru 6th grade For registration, call 285-4031
Landmark Church of Christ
1800 Halcyon Boulevard Theme: Landmark Movie Studio presents 40 Years in 4 Nights When: July 7-10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Ages: Classes through students who are presently in the 5th grade. Bible classes, games,
Montgomery Area Episcopal Churches
St. Johns Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Ave. Theme: The Rip, Roaring Rodeo: A Good Time with Jesus
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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.
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
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Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722
D RAMA
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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.
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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
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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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FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
• 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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Dates: June 3-6, 8:30 a.m. - noon Ages: Rising K4 through Rising 6th grade For registration or more info, call 263-5529.
Morningview Baptist Church
125 Calhoun Road Theme: TBA When: June 3-7, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304.
Mountain View Baptist Church
1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Theme: TBA When: June 24-28, Times: 8 a.m.- noon Ages: 4 years old - completed 6th grade Call 334-567-4458.
Mulder UMC
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Dinner provided for children every night. Call 365-7339.
5260 Vaughn Road Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: June 3-7, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. There will be a light snack supper each evening. On Sunday, June 9th, we are inviting parents and families to join us for morning worship and a VBS presentation; a hot dog lunch will follow. Families can pre-register online at www.rbcmontgomery.com/register. Call 277.0011.
5315 Atlanta Hwy Theme: The Justice League When: June 23-26; Time: Sunday, 6 p.m. and Monday – Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. Ages: newborn thru 6th grade Adult classes will be available Please call 386-7320 or visit www.ucoc.org.
Saint James UMC
Vaughn Forest Church
9045 Vaughn Road Theme: Kingdom Rock When: June 17-19, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Call 277-3037.
Taylor Road Baptist Church
University Church of Christ
8660 Vaughn Road Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 3-7; 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ages: Entering Kindergarten through entering 6th grade. Registration online at www.vaughnforest.com. Call 279-5433.
3454 Firetower Road ~ Wetumpka Theme: Quest for Compassion When: June 23-26~ 6 – 8 p.m. For more info please call 567-4225.
1685 Taylor Road Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 15-19, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 year old through completion of 6th grade. Call 271.3363.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
Thorington Road Baptist
2673 Fisk Road Theme: Everywhere Fun Fair When: June 23-27, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ages: 3 years to 6th grade. Call 281-2467.
Trinity Presbyterian Church
4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road Theme: Kingdom Rock When: June 10-14, 5:30 – 8 p.m Ages: 3 years old -6th grade Call 272-7230.
1550 E. Washington Street Theme: TBA Dates: June 23-28, 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Please call 265-1807.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist, P’ville 501 Doster Rd, Prattville Theme:Colossal Coaster World When: June 24-28; 6-8:30 pm Ages: 3-Adult Call 365-2807.
Redland Baptist Church
1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka Theme: Mission Possible Dates: June 17-21, 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Please call 567-8649.
450 Ray Thorington Road Theme: Colossal Coastal World When: June 2-6; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages: 5 yrs. to 5th grade Call 396-9376. 1728 S. Hull Street Theme: Upward Bound When: June 3-7, 9 a.m. to noon. Ages: PreK 4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register.
Trinity UMC, Prattville
610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville Theme: Everywhere Fun Fair When: June 9-13, starts at 5 p.m.
Whitfield UMC
Woodland UMC
Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road Theme: Sports and Art When: June 3-7, 9 a.m. until noon Ages: Kindergarten -5th grade Call 244-1385.
To have your church’s VBS listed next month, send information to Deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.
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June 2013
River Region’s Journey
SHINE!
an he an ah tak the fro da int ise
by Kim Hendrix
Live for Today Hebrews 3:13: “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Are you living for today or are you too busy planning for tomorrow? A young man chosen by his peers to speak at Saint James High School’s graduation in Montgomery last month told his fellow graduates, “Out of all the many promises in the Bible, we are not promised tomorrow.” His point was live for today, right now, don’t delay. Love one another deeply and sincerely and go after your goals—today! The next morning after those words were shared during graduation ceremonies, more than 20 people lost their lives
River Region’s Journey
June 2013
when a powerful tornado ravaged parts of Oklahoma—among the victims, 7 children huddled in the halls of an elementary school. Their tomorrows taken far too soon. I’ve had many reminders as of late that we are truly designed to live for today. Too often we get wrapped up in our plans and we miss the blessing of living in the moment. We might even be working toward what we truly know to be God’s plan for our lives, but instead of soaking in the gift of today, we settle into the worries or the possibilities of tomorrow. Proverbs 27:1: “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.”
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Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” It’s smart to plan ahead, trusting in God’s guidance but never taking your eye off the gift of today. A close family member has just learned she’s facing a very serious medical condition—one that will require five weeks of intense treatment that could lead to more sickness
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and possible side effects. She has done her homework, knows what to expect and is ready for the fight. She’s planned ahead, but together we are helping her take one day at a time. Already, she feels the blessing of an outpouring of kindness from those around her—already each day’s blessings are carrying her forward into the tomorrow none of us are promised. In that same graduation ceremony where a student shared about living for today, another speaker suggested the best way to make an impact in the world today is to do an act of kindness for someone who is incapable of paying you back. That act of kindness will bless both ways—the giver and the receiver. When I heard this advice I thought of something that had just happened to my husband. Scott told me he was filling up his car at a gas station near the interstate when a disheveled man, obviously homeless, approached him. My husband was ready to be asked for money, but instead the man asked for socks, saying he had a long way to walk and he was be-
ginning to get blisters. Scott thought for a moment, then reached down and took off the socks he was wearing and gave them to the man, and then he grabbed a blanket from his trunk and gave that to the gentleman as well. The man on the receiving end simply said, “God bless you,” and walked toward the interstate. Scott said if the man had turned at that moment and asked for money, he would have given everything he had. An act of kindness to someone incapable of paying you back—blessing both ways. There’s a brick that sits on my desk at home where I write, given to me by the principal of Enterprise High School. He reached down in the rubble of what was left of the hallway where eight of his students died when a tornado tore through his school six years ago, and handed it to me as I interviewed him about the tragedy. He said many of the students had taken a brick to remind them there is no promise of tomorrow, so live fully today. Live for you and for those who didn’t get the chance.
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Hebrews 3:13 says, “Encourage one another daily as long is it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. How do we avoid sin’s deceitfulness? We stay in fellowship with other believers, talk about our faith—what’s hard and what we’re thankful for and encourage each other with love and concern.” I’m thankful a graduating senior is already wise enough to know life is all about TODAY. The question is… do we know? Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for the gift of today. May we hear, see and share you every single day we walk on this earth. Help us to plan for tomorrow without taking our eyes off today. In the mighty name of your son Jesus Christ we pray, Amen. Kim Hendrix is the Director of Development at Saint James School in Montgomery. She leads the Shine Your Light ministry at Frazer Memorial U.M.C. and recently ended a 26 year career in television news. Kim and her husband Scott, have a 12 year old daughter, Annie, who brings them great joy.
June 2013
River Region’s Journey
The Intersection:
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Christian Cultural Commentary by Bob Crittenden
Hope in a Post-Christian Age The era in which we live has been described as “post-Christian”, and there is significant research that shows the numbers of people who are religiously unaffiliated, also known as the “nones”. Several months ago, I wrote about that group of people, which could be as high as 1 out of 5 members of our population. There’s more evidence: the Barna Group has actually identified 15 characteristics, or metrics, of so-called “post-Christian” culture. Here is the list of those factors: 1. do not believe in God 2. identify as atheist or agnostic 3. disagree that faith is important in their lives 4. have not prayed to God (in the last year) 5. have never made a commitment to Jesus
6. disagree the Bible is accurate 7. have not donated money to a church (in the last year) 8. have not attended a Christian church (in the last year) 9. agree that Jesus committed sins 10. do not feel a responsibility to “share their faith” 11. have not read the Bible (in the last week) 12. have not volunteered at church (in the last week) 13. have not attended Sunday school (in the last week) 14. have not attended religious small group (in the last week) 15. do not participate in a house church (in the last year)
People are identified as “post-Christian” if they meet at least 60%, or 9 out of the 15 factors. Someone is described as “highly post-Christian” if he or she meets at least 80%, or 12 out of 15. Coverage on the Christianity Today website stated that 37 percent of American adults qualify as post-Christian, with roughly 1 in 4 of such adults qualifying as highly post-Christian. Not surprisingly, it found that Mosaics – ages 18 to 28 - are more likely to qualify as post-Christian
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than Boomers or Seniors. 48% of Mosaics would be considered post-Christian. Among those 15 measures, Barna found that: 57% have not read the Bible in the last week. 47% do not feel a responsibility to share their faith. 33% have not attended a Christian church in the past year. 27% have never made a commitment to Jesus. 18% have not prayed to God in the last week. 13% disagree that faith is important to their lives.
2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org
These are amazing, and, in some respects, alarming statistics, that can reinforce what we may have already heard and challenge us to think more deeply about reaching our culture with the gospel. This data confirms and explains a lot - belief determines behavior, and some of the disturbing cultural trends can be directly traced to the faith perspective of people in our society. It is important to remember that no one is beyond hope, no one is beyond the everlasting arms of God, and even the person whom we characterize in a negative manner is not locked into that pattern – in a moment, the power of God can change a heart. Just because someone is not involved in organized religion or claims no faith at all doesn’t mean he or she may not be searching for meaning in life, perhaps looking for or sensitized to spiritual truth. Even though there are signs all around us of a departure from the ways of Christ, the Bible is a book that contains hope, and our lives are vessels through which hope can be displayed. We have wonderful opportunities to relate the love and life of Jesus to people who have not found the answers or peace they are looking for. We have to be prepared, though. When you look at the top metrics in the Barna survey: those who have not read the Bible in the last week (57%) and those who do not feel a responsibility to share their faith (47%), it tells me that more than just the “unaffiliated” fit into those categories. If we are not connecting with God nor taking His Great Commission seriously, then we are seriously impeded in making the kind of impact on our society that I believe He desires. We need the presence of Jesus to enlighten and energize our hearts, to awaken us internally so that we can align externally with the work of His Kingdom. As we enter into the saving knowledge of Christ, experience His regeneration and develop a hunger for more of Him and His Word, then He will shape our thinking, resulting in transformed behavior. More heart change means a culture that is more in conformity to the principles of Scripture and the presence of Christ. We are not beyond hope – there is a great responsibility on each of us to shine and share the love of Jesus and allow Him to touch people through us. It flows from a right relationship with Him – well-positioned Christians can present the answer to a post-Christian culture.
grass withers
The flower fades but the
and the
word of our God
will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
Join us for worship, fellowship, and service. Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.
Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.
Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister
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. 23
June 2013
River Region’s Journey
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Dr. John Ed Mathison
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Training a New Generation of Leaders Worldwide by Rachel Fisher
John Ed Mathison has been a fixture in leadership for years. After 36 years serving as senior pastor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church in Montgomery, John Ed and several close friends began praying about the next season of ministry. Out of those prayers came the formation of John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries. Since 2008, this ministry has grown and ministers to a wide range of pastors, leaders and world changers all over the globe. John Ed travels and speaks to groups of leaders, sharing with them the best leadership practices that he has developed over the last 45 years. Journey Magazine recently sat down with John Ed to pick his brain on leadership and the new generation of emerging leaders. Q: What are some characteristics of leadership that cause people to follow? River Region’s Journey
June 2013
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A: The most important characteristic of leadership is vision. And people follow vision. Churches and organizations wonder how they can get more resources and the answer is money follows vision. People will give to a vision and will follow. Vision is lacking in leadership today. There’s a phrase I picked up that says, “unless you see it, before you see it, you’ll never see it.” And somebody has to help people see what hasn’t existed. One example is JFK going to the moon. People thought he was crazy. Then Neil Armstrong saw it, and eventually fulfilled it. In sports, the four minute mile is a perfect example. People thought that was impossible, but Roger Bannister saw it and it became reality. People who catch God’s vision do the impossible and He redefines what is possible. The biggest problem with vision is that people will say you can’t do it. Selective deafness allows you not to listen to what people say you can’t do. 24
Q: Who taught you to lead well?
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A: My dad was a great leader. He didn’t have formal education or training, but that
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Coupled with vision, you have to have the ability to execute. Vision without a plan is nothing more than just a dream that could be a nightmare. Q: You were at Frazer for 36 years as senior pastor. What are some leadership qualities you gained during that time? A: Pick people who are visionary to surround yourself with. I didn’t start off as a very visionary person, but picked leaders who could see into the future and weren’t afraid to dream big. At Frazer we started dreaming, and with every executed vision by our leaders, we made a deposit into the bank of vision that we were able to draw from again and again.
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didn’t matter. I had coaches who put in my mind that when you go out to play someone and think you’re going to lose you will, but if you visualize being a winner you can win. When I came to Montgomery, God put people in my life who were great visionaries, people I watched and learned from. I always enjoy being with people who have vision and let it rub off.
real winning when it comes to leadership isn’t scoring the most points, but doing what God applauds. I’m very excited about the potential in the younger generation of leaders. Q: What is one trait you have seen derail leaders?
Q: How is the ministry you are doing now allowing you to keep “making deposits” and casting vision? A: I’ve been meeting with young pastors and investing in the lives of these leaders who are wanting to go to the next level. I’ve had the chance to train 8,000 pastors since I’ve been retired. The biggest things happening in the church are overseas. I am involved in the vision of the Billion Soul movement (billion.tv). I am a very small speck in a sea of leaders who have the opportunity to influence leaders in communities all over the world. Q: What leaders from history or that you’ve known have inspired you? A: There are many I like, but the ones who stand out the most are Ronald Reagan, because in a quiet servant-leadership style he kept talking about an “America that could be”, and people regardless of political persuasion could buy in. Another is Bill Gates who didn’t create something everybody wanted, but instead created something everybody needed and then marketed them to want it. In the church we often try to do what people want and not what they need. And leaders are folks who can create hunger for what people need and help them get there. Truett Cathy from Chick-fil-A started something huge, but as most things go it started small. His people are visionary and their strong principals have been a big part of their success. In the religion world I’d have to say Billy Graham because he was always talking about things people had never thought of, as far as scope of ministry, and he did that with integrity. Q: What do you think Jesus’ style of leadership was and how do you think
we can implement that today no matter who we are or what we do? A: Everything is always relative, but God expects us to utilize the gifts He’s given us and maximize their effectiveness. Jesus was the ultimate visionary whose vision ran totally counter to the culture. What Jesus considered victory, the people considered losing. He didn’t come to take over politically or reinstate power. He came to love, to serve, to forgive and to redefine what it means to be victorious in life. Jesus was devoted to His Father’s purpose for His life. And fulfilling that purpose didn’t mean Jesus scored the most points, but He was here to give and not get, forgive and not seek revenge. Jesus was a servant leader and was a huge disappointment to some because He didn’t come to establish the things they expected Him to, but instead the Kingdom of God. Q: What do you think of the upcoming generation of leaders and how would you encourage them to face the world that is always changing? A: The new generation of pastors and leaders in general have a greater opportunity, but the greatest obstacle. The culture is no longer “Christian”. A poll just came out that said more than 50% of people did not profess a religion. This is an obstacle, but it’s also an opportunity because in our day and age religion and Christianity was diluted into society and became a part of culture. Now I think young leaders have the opportunity to redeem culture, which is really a greater opportunity. One thing young leaders need to keep in mind is that 25
A: Right off the bat, pride. Leaders are servants and if you let it go to your head you’re done. We tend to think we become invincible whether religious or political. When that starts happening you better watch out. When you look at the Old Testament you see kings who began as humble folks, who then let the power go to their heads. It’s a temptation to me and everybody, but it’s something we can guard against. Q: What ways can leaders guard against pride and the things that can cause them to go off track? A. The best way is to have a relationship to God in which you remain teachable before Him. Secondly, have relationships with people who will be honest with you... because we all have a much higher opinion of ourselves! Everybody likes to tell a leader how great they are, and it’s easy to swallow some of that. Most of those good comments are like perfume, and as someone once said, “You should smell it not swallow it.” And that’s where leaders fall. You can look at religious leaders and political leaders who believed they were beyond criticism. We need a right relationship with God and with others that will keep us honest and transparent. Q: What advice would you give someone who is going into a leadership position for the first time? A: Always ask, “Is this where God wants me to be?” The reason...if I’m not really gifted in the area I’m trying to lead in, it’s not going to work. Secondly, surround June 2013
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myself with people who will hold me accountable, so as I begin leading they will speak words of truth to me. Leadership is never dictatorship. Q: What resources would you recommend to someone looking to become a better leader? A: The best resource for leadership is to pick someone who you think is the kind of leader you’d like to be and sit down with them and learn. If someone is a pastor they might pick a pastor who had proven he was worth following. If someone wants to go the political route, find a politician who has shown integrity and abilities you’d like to cultivate. Sit down with them. Ask them questions. There have been many books written on leadership, but the danger is that leadership is not something that can be learned through comprehension. It’s what’s applicable in given situations. You have to always play within your abilities. Leadership is being open to all God wants to do, but not trying to do it like someone whose gifts I don’t have. Leaders have to know themselves and their gifts and ask how God can use that. For instance, David couldn’t wear Saul’s armor when he went out to fight Goliath. But he did realize he could use a sling and stone. Leaders know their sling and find their stones and that’s how you lead. To be involved in what John Ed Mathison Leadership Ministries is doing, visit their website at johnedmathison.org. John Ed post blogs weekly on leadership and his books and resources are also available for purchase. His newest book, When God Redefines the Possible, is being made into an interactive book that will be available through iTunes. The book tells 52 stories about God redefining what’s possible. It’s perfect for small group or family use with questions for discussion. Rachel Fisher loves learning about what God is doing in the world and writing about it. She and her husband Chase live in Montgomery where they enjoy cooking, traveling and building meaningful relationships. **Photos by Lori Mercer Photography. River Region’s Journey
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Counselor’s Corner
by Pamela Boswell, Eastwood Counseling Center
Understanding Emotions It is often said that it is love that makes the world go round. But love is only one of many emotions that can lead us into action. For example, fear, anger, delight and sorrow can be powerful motivating emotions as well. Rarely do people come to counseling unless they are troubled by a powerful emotion. We worship a powerful and passionate God. Because He is holy his passions are holy and true. His emotional character is constantly revealed throughout the Old and New Testaments. Here is a bit of what we know about his affections. He delights in His son (Matthew 3:17), He rejoices over His people (Isaiah 62:5), He loves justice (Psalm 33:5), He hates evil works and lies (Psalm 5:5-6, Proverbs 6:16-19), and he shows wrath to those who oppress the poor (Exodus 22). One of the results of being created in the image of God is that we experience powerful emotions as well. So what’s the problem? Why do our emotions cause so much controversy and problems? In part it is because our emotions are not always based in truth and they often are polluted (if not entirely generated) by our sinful selfish desires. We must look to the Word of God to truly understand our emotions and benefit from them. When we examine the life of Jesus as it is recorded in the gospels we get a glimpse of the thoughts and actions that accompanied His emotions. We know that some of the emotions Jesus experienced were compassion, anger, grief, sorrow, and joy. Jesus’ compassion was stirred by the physical and spiritual needs of people. In Mark 6:34 we see that he felt compassion for the multitude because they were like sheep without a shepherd. This led him to action and he began to teach them. In Matthew 15 he felt compassion for the crowd that had been following him for three days because he knew they were hungry and he fed them. The pattern is that Jesus thought, felt and acted. River Region’s Journey
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Jesus’ anger was usually evoked by the religious leaders who cared more about the letter of the law than loving others and doing good. Mark wrote about the thoughts behind Jesus anger in chapter three. While in the temple, just before he healed the man whose hand was withered he looked at the Pharisees in anger, but was grieved by the hardness of their hearts. The more familiar example of Jesus’ anger is in Mark 11, which led to Him clearing the temple of moneychangers. His anger led to action but was caused by his zeal for the purity of the temple and worship of God. There were no selfish motives involved. Isaiah 53:3 prophetically speaks of the Lord Jesus as “a man of sorrows acquainted with grief”. When he arrived in Bethany at the death of Lazarus Jesus wept (John 11:35). He knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, so why did he weep? Looking to verse 33 we read that when he saw Mary and her friends weeping he groaned in His spirit and was troubled. He shared the feelings of those he loved. We see the intensely intimate side of Jesus for his people in his prayer in the upper room on the last night of his earthly ministry. In this prayer we see that he desired for us to share in the joy that he had. He taught the disciples how to have that joy. “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11). His joy came from a loving and obedient relationship with the Father. It was not dependent on circumstances. So how do we apply that to our lives? First think, really think, about what you are thinking? The emotions are likely coming from your thoughts. As 2 Corinthians 10 teaches, we must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. If our thinking is selfish, deceitful, or 28
otherwise biblically inaccurate, we need to correct it. If our thinking is true and biblical we may be in a period of suffering that we must endure. Even our Lord Jesus experienced suffering, and so will we. Go to the Psalms as he did. There you will see people crying out to God in their trouble reminding themselves of God’s character and faithfulness and love. We can be confident that God will make all things right in his time. If we follow Jesus example, (and Paul’s instructions in Romans 12:15) we will laugh with those who laugh and cry with those who cry. We often need to seek fellowship with those who will come along beside us and direct our thoughts outward and upward. Even though we may not feel like doing what is right, we do it anyway. We do not have to let our emotions rule us because we have the power of God in us. As Paul reminded Timothy, “God has not give us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” He thought, he felt and he acted. Sometimes we need to rethink (which is what the Greek word for “repent” literally means), after we feel, before we act, to avoid the problems that emotions can bring. **If you would like to get in touch with this or any counselor at Eastwood Counseling Center, please call 334-386-2384. Pamela Boswell is a native of Montgomery, Alabama. After receiving her undergraduate degree in Horticulture Business in 1980, she and her husband moved to Orlando, Florida where she worked and they started their family. Moving back to Montgomery in 1995 she pursued a Master’s degree in Counseling from Auburn University Montgomery, which she received in 2001. She has 8 years experience in a non-profit organization obtaining extensive experience with troubled children and their families. She has recently received certification from the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors having been supervised by Lou Priolo. Pamela currently leads a small group Bible study at Trinity Presbyterian Church finally accepting that she is an “older women” according to Titus 2.
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HEAD SOUTH AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A
STROKE Get To The Area’s Only Nationally Certified Stroke Center
The first moments after stroke symptoms appear are critical. Receiving the right treatment quickly could save your life and minimize brain damage. That’s why you should immediately get to Baptist Medical Center South. As the area’s only Nationally Certified Stroke Center, Baptist South has a specialized Stroke Team on site 24/7, with the expertise to provide the fastest, most effective treatment. So in case of symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, blurry vision, or sudden severe headache, head south…call 911 and get to Baptist Medical Center South.
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Family Teams for Christ
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by Lisa and Mike Conn
A Snake in the Grass Have you ever been plodding along pretty well when, out of the blue, you’re surprised by an unexpected, unwelcome challenge? That’s what happened to me a few days ago. It was a beautiful morning, and I was happily preparing for a visit from our daughter and our two grandchildren, ages one and three. I had been planting flowers in our backyard for several hours when I happened to look down and observe that I was only a foot away from a BIG snake, who had his head and neck raised and was staring right at me! As my entire life flashed before my eyes, an inner dialogue sounded something like this: “He may be harmless, but my grandchildren are coming!” I retrieved a large, flat-bladed, long-handled shovel, engaged the enemy... a struggle ensued, but the battle was eventually won!
A snake in the grass can surprise and threaten us in more ways than just an encounter in the backyard. A snake in the grass can be overwork and stress causing spouses to neglect their relationship, resulting in marital isolation. A snake in the grass is a seemingly harmless flirtation at the office that becomes an emotional connection leading to temptation that can destroy a marriage and family. Another snake in the grass can raise its head when parents are not unified, causing strife and discord. We must recognize these threats and arm ourselves with God’s help to protect ourselves and our loved ones. The book of Proverbs is filled with instruction on the importance of gaining Godly wisdom and understanding, as seen in chapter 4: “Listen, my son, accept what I
say, and the years of your life will be many. I guide you in the way of wisdom and lead you along straight paths. When you walk, your steps will not be hampered; when you run, you will not stumble. Hold on to instruction, do not let it go; guard it well, for it is your life. Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evil men. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not
Building the lives of young people on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.
Congratulations and Best Wishes to the Class of 2013! At Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to be effective leaders and servants for our Lord Jesus Christ. Morningview Baptist Church • 125 Calhoun Road • (334) 356-7788 • www.ccamontgomery.org River Region’s Journey
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swerve to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.” We are warned of the consequences of ignoring Godly wisdom: “Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the Lord, since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. But whoever listens to me will live in safety and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (Proverbs 1:29-31, 33) More than ever before, we are bombarded with a monstrous amount of entertainment choices that embrace violence and promiscuity--another snake in the grass. It takes a strong resolve to resist filling our minds with the shameful images, disrespectful language, and immorality that have found acceptance in our culture. If we feed ourselves (and our children) a diet of poor choices, the result is a mind that embraces and craves more violence and immorality,
and a heart that is hardened. Remember--our minds are like a computer that stores away everything we see and hear--that is, a computer with no “delete” function. The result? Enslavement to poor choices and increasing isolation from God. Please read Galatians 5. “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. You were running a good race. Who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature.” (Galatians 5:1, 7, 8, 13) Warning signs that indicate a lifestyle not in sync with the Lord’s will are also found in Galatians 5. “Live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious:
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sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you... those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:16, 19-21) Our lives are a reflection of a Holy God when we keep in step with the Holy Spirit: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Let’s resolve to protect ourselves and our loved ones from “snakes in the grass” by keeping our eyes fixed on the One who so desires to have our mind and our heart! Remember, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:24, 25) 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 30 years, Mike and Lisa have three wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two precious grandchildren.
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River Region Support Groups Adoption
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 interest network for individuals who want to support orphans.
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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: Cloverdale Baptist, 608 E. Fairview Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hangups, meets Friday nights, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m., Praise and worship, 6:30, Open Share Small Groups, 7:30, and Solid Rock Cafe, at 8:30. Call 265-9223. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. 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, group meets in Fellowship Hall at Coosada Baptist Church, Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 6pm (meal), 7pm (large group), 8pm (small group). Childcare available. Call Chuck at 850-723-9705. River Region’s Journey
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group meets the 3rd Thursday from 6:007:30pm in room 8253 at Frazer Memorial UMC. Provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. For information, call A. Kai Mumpfield, 409-9477 or call the church office at 272-8622.
Location: Centerpoint Fellowship, 2050 Commerce St., Millbrook. We are located one block east of I-65 just off Cobbs Ford Road. Celebrate Recovery meeting every Tuesday night at 6 pm. Call (334) 356-3076.
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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 hangups. Call 567-2364. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This 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: 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 life-challenging 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.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
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. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 32
3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For info, call the LifeCare office at 272-8622. 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: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Montgomery’s first and only faith based cancer support group for men is intent on providing information, Christian fellowship, and helping turn adversity into prosperity. Meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Please call 272-2412 email cancerpatient@ bellsouth.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, friends or anyone interested in becoming a part of this compassionate journey, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net.
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Depression
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Mike & Suzanne Greene (334-271-3331) Every other Tuesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 117. Goal is to create an atmosphere of acceptance and trust, where people can feel free and safe to discuss their feelings and thoughts without shame or embarrassment. 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 Highway in Church Annex. For more info, call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@ yahoo.com.
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care and Divorce Care 4 Kids, Wednesdays starting August 22, 6:30 pm. Cost $15.00 (scholarships available) Contact Kathy Cooper at kcooper@ montgomeryfbc.org or 334-241-5125. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Divorce Recovery meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Bldg. 101. Call 365.5977. 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: Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Divorce Care Support Group meetings are held Sundays at 6:15 p.m. Divorce Care for Children also at this time. Call 279.9976. Grief Share groups are held each Sunday at 5 p.m. Call 279.9976.
Gambling
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 US HWY 231 (Across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center) Wetumpka. Saturdays @ 7pm. 334-567-7534 Location: Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline number: 334-541-5420
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. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 2842721. We will also collect Toys for Tots. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Recovery, Thursday nights at 7 p.m., in Wesley Hall Room 104. 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: 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 more information contact Glover at 334-2812754.
Homosexuality
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. The Barnabas Group, created to address the needs of those in conflict with homosexual thoughts and feelings meets first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the library at the Life Center. 277.5800.
Mental Illness
Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway 1. Beginning January 28, 2013, NAMI Montgomery will host General Membership meetings on the 4th Monday of the month at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. This meeting is open to anyone who is interested in issues concerning mental health. 2. The NAMI Montgomery Family Member Support Group continues to meet on the 2nd Monday of the month, starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Dalraida UMC annex building. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) for directions/details. 3. Beginning in February, 2013 NAMI Montgomery will offer the 12 week NAMI FAMILY TO FAMILY education program (free) on Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. at the Bell Road Lowder Regional Library. Call Mary Jo Logan (271-2280) to register for the course.
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 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 Kelley Manning at 361-7919. 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 information e-mail VFCMOPS@ gmail.com. Location: First Baptist Church, Montgomery 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) If you are a woman who is pregnant or has a child birth through kindergarten, desires to make new friends, wants to share the challenges and joys of motherhood, is looking for opportunities for personal growth through trusted resources,then MOPS is for you. Call Kristi Gay at (334) 233-8989 for more information. 33
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 Aldersgate UMC 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Fibromyaligia Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month from 6-8pm in room 8114. Call 272-8622. 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 who is affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected are encouraged to attend. To receive information, please call 396-4534. 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. Location: Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1785 Taylor Rd., Montgomery Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery meets on 2nd Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings and other info at www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com.
Pregnancy Loss / Infertility
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Hannah’s Prayer--for women dealing with pregnancy loss/infertility issues. Meeting 2nd Thursday and 3rd Sunday of each month. Call 365.5977.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. 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 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg. 7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call the Singles office at 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. June 2013
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Grace to You
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by John MacArthur
Blessed Are the Poor...But Why? Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3) Ptochos (poor) is from a verb meaning “to shrink, cower, or cringe,” as beggars often did in that day. Classical Greek used the word to refer to a person reduced to total destitution, who crouched in a corner begging. As he held out one hand for alms he often hid his face with the other hand, because he was ashamed of being recognized. The term did not mean simply poor, but begging poor. It is used in Luke 16:20 to describe the beggar Lazarus. The word commonly used for ordinary poverty was penichros, and is used of the widow Jesus saw giving an offering in the Temple. She had very little, but she did
have “two small copper coins” (Luke 21:2). She was poor but not a beggar. One who is penichros poor has at least some meager resources. One who is ptochos poor, however, is completely dependent on others for sustenance. He has absolutely no means of self-support. Because of a similar statement in Luke 6:20-“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God”-some interpreters have maintained that the beatitude of Matthew 5:3 teaches material poverty. But sound hermeneutics (the interpretation of Scripture) requires that, when two or more passages are similar but not exactly alike, the clearer one explains the others, the more explicit clarifies the less explicit. By comparing Scripture with Scripture we see that the Matthew account is
the more explicit. Jesus is speaking of a spiritual poverty that corresponds to the material poverty of one who is ptochos. If Jesus were here advocating material poverty He would have contradicted many other parts of His Word, including the Sermon on the Mount itself (5:42)that teaches us to give financial help to the poor. If Jesus was teaching the innate blessedness of material poverty, then the task of Christians would be to help make everyone, including themselves, penniless. Jesus did not teach that material poverty is the path to spiritual prosperity.
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Those who are materially poor do have some advantages in spiritual matters by not having certain distractions and temptations; and the materially rich have some disadvantage by having certain distractions and temptations. But material possessions have no necessary relationship to spiritual blessings. Matthew makes clear that Jesus is here talking about the condition of the spirit, not of the wallet. After He began His public ministry, Jesus often had “nowhere to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20), but He and His disciples were not destitute and never begged for bread. Paul was beaten, imprisoned, shipwrecked, stoned, and often economically hard pressed; but neither did he ever beg for bread. It was, in fact, a badge of honor for him that he worked in order to pay his own expenses in the ministry (Acts 20:34; 1 Cor. 9:6–18). The Lord and the apostles were accused of being ignorant, troublemakers, irreligious, and even mad; but they were never charged with being indigent or beggars. On the other hand, no New Testament believer is condemned for being rich. Nicodemus, the Roman centurion of Luke 7, Joseph of Arimathea, and Philemon were all wealthy and faithful. That “not many mighty, not many noble” are called (1 Cor. 1:26) is not because they are rejected due to their positions or possessions but because so many of them trust only in those things (1 Tim. 6:6–17). To be poor is spirit is to recognize one’s spiritual poverty apart from God. It is to see oneself as one really is: lost, hopeless, helpless. Apart from Jesus Christ every person is spiritually destitute, no matter what his education, wealth, social status, accomplishments, or religious knowledge. That is the point of the first beatitude. The poor in spirit are those who recognize their total spiritual destitution and their complete dependence on God. They perceive that there are no saving resources in themselves and that they can only beg for mercy and grace. They know they have no spiritual merit, and they know they can earn no spiritual reward. Their pride is gone, their self-assurance is gone, and they stand emptyhanded before God. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God’s Word, John MacArthur is a fifthgeneration pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children and fifteen grandchildren. John’s pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You. 35
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When It Looks Like
God Has Failed Us by Chris Chambers
We are told that God is faithful, that he always keeps his promises. As long as our experience of God lines up with such beliefs, all is well. But what if it appears that God has not kept his word? Or what if he fails to meet certain expectations that we had of him as the all-powerful God of love? Even if we refuse to abandon our convictions about God, these kinds of disappointments can cast a shadow of doubt on his character. If he failed to keep one promise, how do we know he won’t break another? If he failed to meet our expectations in one important area, what exactly can we expect of him? It hurts when someone you love lets you down, but when that person is God the pain can be overwhelming. If you have ever felt the pain and confusion of being let down by God, you are in good company. Some of the godliest people in the Bible felt the same way. Examining how they interacted with God can be extremely helpful as we seek to deal with our own disappointment with God. River Region’s Journey
June 2013
John’s Doubt-filled Question
When Jesus began his earthly ministry, he had no greater proponent than John the Baptist. John had often spoken of the promised Messiah, or Christ, who was coming after him. When Jesus appeared, John publicly declared him to be that very person. So it is puzzling to hear the question John posed to Jesus months later: “Are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” (Luke 7:19) John preached about forgiveness, but he also spoke of impending judgment in relation to the coming Messiah (Luke 3:17). This message was perfectly consistent with Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah, who would bring both deliverance for God’s people and judgment on God’s enemies. John’s uncertainty seems to have arisen from the lack of judgment in Jesus’ earthly ministry. Jesus answers John by pointing to his acts of mercy as fulfillment of Messianic prophesy. “The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are 36
raised, and the good news is preached to the poor” (Luke 7:22). Jesus is alluding to the words of Isaiah 35:5-6, but he says nothing of the “vengeance” and “divine retribution” in the immediately preceding verse. Sometimes God doesn’t do things the way we think he should. His timing seems off. His methods seem inappropriate. If we fix our attention on these divine conundrums, we’re bound to become frustrated and discouraged. Jesus tells John, “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me” (Luke 7:23). The Lord urges us all to turn our attention to the ways he is currently demonstrating his faithfulness and to not lose heart on account of the things we do not yet understand.
A Hymn of Complaint
The 89th psalm begins with a fireworks celebration of God’s glory, turning our gaze heavenward and showcasing the attributes of God in brilliant array. The Lord’s enduring faithfulness is especially featured. Verses 3-4 and 19-37 are a poetic
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restatement of God’s promise to David to establish his dynasty forever (2 Samuel 7:816). For the Israelites, this covenant with David meant that they would always have God’s blessing and protection. But during certain chapters of Israel’s history God appeared to have forgotten his covenant. After a lengthy litany of praise, Psalm 89 takes a sudden turn. The king, a descendant of David, has suffered a crushing military defeat. The nation is disgraced. The song becomes a lament, bewailing the ways God is not keeping his covenant. “O Lord,” the psalmist asks in anguish, “where is your former great love, which in your faithfulness you swore to David (Psalm 89:49)? When we believe that God has failed us, we may only want to tell him how much he has hurt us; praising him may seem out of the question. Or, we may endeavor to worship God without acknowledging feelings of mistrust and resentment that lie deep in our hearts. Psalm 89 presents us with a third, much healthier option: offering God both lamentation and adoration. We choose to praise God as much as we sincerely can while also voicing our frustration and hurt.
The Disillusioned Prophet
In the final years of the Israelite monarchy the Lord appointed a young man named Jeremiah to be his spokesman. At his commissioning, God warned Jeremiah that the people would resist him, but he gave him a promise. “They will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you and will rescue you” (Jeremiah 1:19). In an age when the whole nation had become corrupt, Jeremiah’s message of repentance made him the country’s most unpopular preacher. Men from his hometown plotted to kill him, and his own family turned against him. Hurting and overwhelmed by such antagonism, the prophet pours out his heart to God in Jeremiah 15:15-18. He apparently feels that God is not keeping his end of the bargain. “Will you be to me like a deceptive brook, like a spring that fails?” he asks in verse 18, suggesting that the Lord may prove to be as unreliable as the regional streams that disappeared in the dry season. God responds in Jeremiah 15:19-21. The Lord graciously repeats and expands upon his original promise in Jeremiah 1:1819, essentially re-commissioning Jeremiah as prophet. Often the source of our difficulty with God lies with the assumptions we have
made about him. Those assumptions may be based on biblical truth but mistaken in their application of that truth. The solution is to go back to the Scriptures, asking God for clarification and a deeper understanding of his Word.
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Best Practices for Disappointed Believers
Because of our limited human point of view, there will inevitably be times when God appears to have failed us. The Scripture passages above reveal that this has long been the case; they also provide principles for working through disappointment with God. When we have a painful, confusing experience with God, we may tend to look at that experience through a telephoto lens, so to speak, bringing it into sharp focus and excluding everything else from view. What we really need, however, is a wide angle lens to keep the experience in its proper perspective and also allow us to take in the evidence of God’s faithfulness. Taking our grievances against God directly to God may seem counterintuitive, but he himself is the highest court of appeal. As we offer praises to God, we are reminded that he is righteous and compassionate, and this becomes the basis for our appeal. When we encounter suffering, we may find it hard to believe that God truly cares about us. But the point at which we are ready to discard God’s promises as untrue is precisely when we need to give them a fresh hearing. The biblical accounts in which God is presumed unfaithful also teach us to watch and wait. In every case, what appears to be a failure on God’s part turns out to be merely appearance. The one who, at times, seems to have failed us is in fact the only one who never would. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cross of Christ, where God graphically displayed the extent of his love for us—in response to the countless ways we have failed him. As we work through our frustration and disappointment with God, the way forward will be clearer if we remember that God has, more than any other, earned the benefit of the doubt.
CRAPPIE We can help you with this problem. Whether you need a new website, a catchy logo, or a better presence online, our team can create a solution for you.
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Christopher Chambers and his wife, Nicki, live in central Minnesota with their two young children. Christopher’s struggle with chronic illness has given rise to his own questioning of God, which has in turn lead to a more meaningful relationship with the Lord. 37
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Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian 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. Capitol Heights UMC, 2000 Winona Ave., Montgomery offers Parenting Classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays. 264-2464. 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. Church of the Highlands meets each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. downtown Montgomery in the MPAC theater located in the Renaissance Hotel, 201 Tallapoosa Street. Visit churchofthehighlands.com or call 1-205-980-5577. 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 Family Night every Wednesday beginning at 5:20 p.m. with supper, followed by a study on prayer. Everyone is welcome. For more information call (279-1372). First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m. 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 or call 334-834-8990. 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 $2.00. Every fourth River Region’s Journey
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Tuesday the time will extend until 3:00 p.m. for bridge, games, and other activities in room 203 in Wesley Hall. For additional information please contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990. 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, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, offers Bible Study Tuesdays at 5:30 P.M. and Wednesdays at 6: 30 P.M. For directions or information call 334-288-0577. Email HallMemorialCME1@aol.com or visit www. HallMemorialCME.blogspot.com. 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 Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com. iConnect.coffeehouse provides a place for women to experience meaningful fellowship with women seeking genuine connection. Meetings will be held in the Atrium at Frazer UMC 3rd Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. For more info, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391. 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. New Freedom Worship Center, 6004 –A East Shirley Lane, Apostle T. Briggs~ Pastor; Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Open Door Christian Faith Church, 1601 Dewey St. Montgomery, offers Women’s Prayer Mondays at 5:00, Men’s prayer Wednesday at 5:00, followed by bible study at 6:00. Couples ministry held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Pastor William Cromblin, and the Open Door Church family invites you to “come experi38
ence the move of God. For more info, call the church at 334-269-6498. 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 is $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. People of all denominations are 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. We invite you to”come experience God in a personal way, feel loved by all and know that you belong”. Office 334-657-0392 or visit www. theriveroflifechurch.net. River Region Contra Dancing-Everyone schoolage through adult is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples, and families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more information check out the website: www.riverregioncontradance.com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572. 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 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
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Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian 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. Pastor Farrell J. Duncombe is the teacher and Senior Pastor of the church. Come and join us for Sunday School each Sunday at 9 a.m. and Morning Worship at 10 a.m. Need transportation, call (334) 264-7618. For info call 286.8577 or www.saintpaulamemontgomery.com. 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. 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 radiohomecominggospel.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...THE POTTER. All women of all denominations or race are welcome. This ministry is available to teenagers as well. Come join us as we lift, encourage and build each other up through the Word of God and the words of our testimonies. For more information contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924. Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, invites you to attend its Sunday Respite Care Program on 1st Sundays from 4-6 pm. Children with physical and cognitive disabilities (and their siblings) ages 6-18 are invited for a time of activities and a light dinner so parents can have a night out. Call Susan Clements at 3010355 for information and to make a reservation, or rooftopfriends@gmail.com.
This Month June 9-14
You are invited to worship for REVIVING REVIVAL 2013 at Hall Memorial CME Church, Sunday, June 9th - Friday, June 14th. The Reviving Revival is the time for the church to seek a fresh quickening of the Holy Spirit! You will be blessed by a dynamic line-up of servantleaders. For more information call Rev. Ander-
son Graves at (334) 318-3004. Located at 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, Alabama 36116.
Wednesday, June 12
River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, 301 Dexter Ave., begins their Wednesday night Summer Book Study on June 12 at 6:15pm. A community dinner will be served at 5:30pm in the fellowship hall followed by small group study of the book Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire by Jim Cymbala. Please RSVP by calling the church office at 263-0549 or info@rivercityumc.com. Visitors welcome.
June 14-15
Gridiron Men’s Conference 2013 featuring Tim Tebow, Fred Luter, Phil Waldrep and more! Birmingham-Jefferson Civic Center (BJCC) Arena. Gridiron is more than a gathering, or a concert. It is a worship experience created by men, for men. At Gridiron Men’s conference we are committed to your spiritual growth through discipleship, accountability, and worship. We believe that when many men come together seeking the one true God, great things can happen. For more info call: 800374-1550 or visit itickets.com.
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LET YOUR BODY RaisE YOUR sPiRiT EasT YMCa aND BELL ROaD YMCa
JOiN YOUR FRiENDs
At the Y, there is a group of neighbors getting together this week to enjoy a cup of coffee and a stretch or two! Yes, they are exercising together! The Y has saved a spot just for you in their water and group exercise classes! Sign up today! MakE THE Y’s CHOiCE JOiN ONE LOCaTiON aND ENJOY aLL 13. FOR MORE iNFORMaTiON CONTaCT East YMCa p 334 272 3390 Bell Road YMCa p 334 271 4343 ymcamontgomery.org
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Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian Friday, June 14
Courageous Dads Simulcast will be held from 6-7:30 pm at Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Featuring Dennis Rainey, Alex and Stephen Kendrick, and Comedian Michael Jr. With appearances by pro-athletes and celebrities. Call 399.2536 for more info.
Saturday, June 15
Father’s Day 5K Run at Frazer Memorial UMC will begin at 7:30 am. Call 2728622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.
Friday, June 21
Faith Radio Night at Biscuits Game. Join us at 5:40 pm for a pre-game concert by contemporary Chrstian music artist, Shelly E. Johnson plus postgame MAX Fireworks!
Saturday, June 22
Wildfire Youth Explosion will be held at Marbury High School from 4-10 pm. Free events for all ages. His Vessel Ministries invites you to the teaching event “Speaking a Blessing” from 9am – noon. Please join us as Jo Hancock
reveals Biblical Truth on the power of speaking blessings to the heart of others based on the authority of God’s Word. For more information or to register call 334-356-4478 or info@ hisvessel.org.
Sunday, June 23
Comedian Tim Hawkins returns to Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway, in Montgomery. He will appear at 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, $18 advanced group rate (6+). VIP tickets are $40 advance only / $38 advance only group rate (6+). A portion of all proceeds goes to benefit Frazer missions. Go to frazerumc.org and click the ‘Events’ tab and then Tim Hawkins for a link to order tickets online. For more info, videos and testimonies about Tim Hawkins, visit his website at www.timhawkins.net.
June 23-27
Church of Christ Crusade with speaker Dr. Jack Evans, Sr. Event held at Renaissance Montgomery in the Convention Center, Sunday 10 am and 5 pm and M-Th at 7 pm. Attendance is FREE!
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Saturday, June 29
First Presbyterian Church is sponsoring its first Family, Fun, Food and Faith event from 3:00 pm until 8:30 pm. The day will feature carnival-style activities such as bingo, inflatables and face painting for the young, volleyball and old fashioned team relay races for youth and young adults (of all ages) and good old fashioned fellowship for all. A special concert by Lori Sealy will begin at 6:30 pm. For more information on this event, call 279-1372. First Presbyterian is located on Vaughn Road at the intersection with Chantilly Parkway.
Sunday, June 30
Youth Choir Concert at 6:30 p.m., featuring the Eastern Hills Baptist Church Youth Choir. The choir will present their “Homecoming Concert” after a week of touring in Florida. The 35+ choir will share a program of songs and drama. Located at 3604 Pleasant Hill Ridge in Forest Hills neighborhood, Montgomery.
Please send your calendar events to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com by the 18th of the month for FREE print.
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June FFN & Golf Journey 2013_Layout 1 5/22/13 10:10 AM Page 1
Family Faith Night Friday, June 21
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vs Pensacola Blue Wahoos Bring your church group and honor your pastor or youth minister.
Pre-game concert at 5:45pm in Riverwalk Stadium
More ticket information can be found at
www.faithradio.org.
Also join us for...
89
.1 FM
WLBF
Montgomery
The 14th Annual
Faith Radio Golf Tournament
Tuesday, September 17, 2013 • Arrowhead Country Club The ministry of Faith Radio/WLBF is supported by individuals in the Christian community. You can participate in strengthening families as we provide spiritual encouragement with your financial support. We also have more information about the above events. June 2013 AL River Region’s Journey Contact us at www.faithradio.org, call 800-239-8900 or by 36121-0789. 41 mail at P.O. Box 210789 Montgomery,
Get the Point?
by Elaine Britt
The Point of the Passage:
Be Still
God is our refuge and strength, an everpresent help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear…The Lord Almighty is with us… Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalms 46: 1,2,7,10 While travelling with the assistance of a GPS, one word is likely to be heard repeatedly… recalculating. Whether making a wrong turn or simply exiting for a gas or food stop, the GPS, not aware of the difference, shifts into a mode allowing it to redirect your path by … recalculating. As God’s living word, passages from the Bible often stop us in our tracks, capturing our attention and causing our thoughts to ‘recalculate.’ Two words in the opening Scripture affected such a shift recently, namely the admonition to ‘Be still.’ Knowing that every word in the Bible is intentionally placed and aware that the passage would have been effective without these two words included, the message is clear. Sandwiched between God being our refuge, strength, and help in overcoming fear - and being exalted in all the earth - is the instruction to ‘be still,’ directly preceding “and know that I am God,” indicating an interrelationship between the two. “… this verse is not so much about meditation as it is about the mediation of God’s kingdom in the heart of faith. The command to ‘be still’ comes from the …stem of the verb rapha (meaning to be weak, to let go, to release), which might better be translated as, ‘cause yourselves to let go’ or ‘let yourselves become weak’. But to what end are we to be still, let go, surrender? We surrender in order to know that God is in control… the Master of the Universe. We let go in order to objectively know the saving power of God in our lives. We give up trusting in ourselves and our own designs River Region’s Journey
June 2013
in order to experience the glory of God’s all-sufficiency (Exodus 14:14).” (Hebrew4christians.com) Bombarded by media mandates to ‘GO’ here, ‘DO’ this, and ‘BE’ that, how often have we heard, “Be still?” Our collective answer would likely be ‘never,’ our daily itinerary over-booked, every moment accounted for with much left unaddressed. Deliberately including or setting aside time to “Be still and know…” is difficult at best; however, this directive can be embraced as an opportunity rather than erased as a guilt trip! The Lord knows our hearts. In the midst of a busy day, pausing to gaze out the window and ‘inhale’ the wonder of our Creator God within the miracle of nature is to “Be still and know…” A quiet moment of awed fascination regarding the people who cross our paths – each a unique and treasured handiwork – is valuable in that our focus shifts to God’s Omnipotence and Creative Genius. We need not be alone, secluded, and on our knees to be aware of our Omnipresent Lord…although that is a positive posture in which to find oneself! An apt description of this state of mind, titled ‘The Discipline of Meditation,’ cites Luke 2:51 where Mary, “… treasured all these things in her heart.” It suggests, “…reflecting on God’s word and allowing God’s Spirit to move the word from our head to our heart where spiritual perception and transformation occurs. Where Bible study is informational the holy habit of meditation is formational as we posture our whole being for God’s word to be assimilated into our lives.” (emphasis mine). (UMC AWF Spiritual Formation Leadership Team). Realistically, how often do we stop… solely to concentrate on God? Even when we go to the Lord in prayer, don’t we take a laundry list of issues with us? Only when we are still and focused on Him – removing ourselves from the equation – do we 42
gain the full assurance that God is real and ever-present. Only then are our minds completely available to hear and receive what the Lord desires to convey to us. Choose one day during the next week and set your mental GPS to ‘recalculating’ mode at least three times that day. Whether it be quiet time apart in Bible study or prayer or simply a conscious intellectual departure for a moment in God’s presence, commit to these three ‘sessions,’ noting any difference in your peace of mind at day’s end. “When we surrender to the sure truth that the LORD God of Israel is in complete control of this world, we will find peace and be delivered from our temporal fears. Indeed, even though the present world be shaken (v 2), with the nations raging and the kingdoms of men tottering (v 6), we will not fear, since we know that God is our present help in time of trouble (v 1)… Meanwhile, “set your minds on things that are above, not on things on the earth… (Col 3:2) Time is indeed very short, friends, and the world is tottering in fear. Soon and very soon we are going to see our King! So let’s “be still” – in order to know that “the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge (v 11).” (Hebrews4christians.com)
Elaine Britt and her husband, Tim, reside in Montgomery, with son Bryan at UAH in Huntsville and son Kevin at the University of Montevallo. She counts her family as a great blessing. By profession, Elaine is a 33 year veteran Interior Decorator and owner of Carriage House Interiors, now freelancing from home. By God’s calling and to her great joy, she is a writer, whose published works include stories in A Cup of Comfort Devotionals; Lord, I Was Happy Shallow; and Heavenly Patchwork; one book, Messages, as well as various e-zine and magazine articles.
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In 2011, 82 people ages 10 to 24 died by suicide in Alabama.
Social support is the best protective factor against suicide.
Talking about suicidal thoughts helps reduce the pain.
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There are more suicides than murders in Alabama every year.
1 suicide in the US occurs every 14.2 minutes.
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1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• It is a confidential call. No one will know you called but you. • If you or a friend are having suicidal thoughts, just talk about it...to a friend, to a teacher, to a coach, to a leader, to us...but TALK! 43
June 2013
River Region’s Journey
Movie Reviews Reviews provided by MovieGuide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment Ratings are based on production quality and moral acceptability. See details below. ***Reviews do not necessarily reflect views of the publishers of River Region’s Journey.
Epic
Star Trek Into Darkness
Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: -1 (Caution) Starring: The Voices of Amanda Seyfried, Josh Hutcherson, Beyoncé Knowles, Colin Farrell, Christoph Waltz, Judah Firedlander, Jason Sudeikis, Steven Tyler Genre: Family, Animated, Action Adventure Audience: Older children to adults Rating: PG Content: Conflicting monistic, polytheistic, Gaia, environmentalist worldview with redemptive, moral, sacrificial, good versus evil plotline, with overt faith instance that says only someone special would die for those in another world, and lots of references to we are all one, the leaves are many but there’s only one tree, which doesn’t make sense; no foul language; lots of animated action violence as the Leaf people fight against the Rot people, people falling on spears, people get beaten, tortured or killed, people grabbed by birds or attacked by mice; no sex, but the love interests kiss one another; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or drugs; and, father too preoccupied to pay attention to his daughter and a boy runs away from his responsibility, but both issues are resolved at the end. EPIC is a big story in a little world. A human girl, MK (short for Mary Katherine), returns to the father she’s never known. The father is obsessed with finding another dimensional, teeny tiny world. MK finds the tiny world, a world where the Leaf people are fighting the Rot people to save nature. The Rot people have mortally wounded the queen of nature just after she finds the bud that will become the next queen when the full moon hits it. The dying queen hands the bud to MK, and MK becomes a little person. Now, MK, along with two Leaf soldiers, must fight the evil Rot king to save nature. EPIC is fast-paced, with plenty of laughs and tears. The valiant Leaf people show loyalty, honor, self-sacrifice, and forgiveness. These traits would suggest a Christian story. However, the story’s setting involves an overtly monistic worldview promoting Mother Nature. The good news is that this part of the story is kept very light. Finally, EPIC is a little scary for young children and has two parallel plotlines, which is slightly confusing.
Quality: *** Moral Acceptability: -2 (Extreme Caution) Starring: Chris Pine, Zachary Quinto, Zoe Saldana, Benedict Cumberbatch, Karl Urban, Simon Pegg, Alic Eve, Bruce Greenwood, Anton Yelchin, Peter Weller Genre: Science Fiction Audience: Teenagers and adults Rating: PG-13 Content: 36 obscenities (mostly “d” or “h” or “a**” words with some “s” words, two or three SOBs, and calling bad people “bas***d”) and four light profanities (such as MG); lots of action violence with many violent fights, villain crushes one person’s head between his hands so his head explodes but this isn’t shown, many violent situations where people are blown into space, leading characters die, and villain breaks heroine’s leg; implied fornication when hero wakes up in bed with two girls and brief sexual kissing; shot of heroine in her dark bikini-looking underwear while changing into spacesuit and some revealing costumes and clothes; alcohol use; STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS opens with Captain Kirk being removed as Enterprise captain after violating a major rule. However, a traitor named Harrison attacks Starfleet’s leaders and escapes to the Klingons’ home planet. So, Admiral Marcus orders Kirk and his crew to follow Harrison to kill him. Spock urges Kirk to arrest Harrison instead. Harrison tells Kirk that Admiral Marcus is the real villain because Marcus wants to start a war with the Klingons. He implies Marcus wanted Kirk to kill him to silence him. Sure enough, Marcus suddenly appears commanding a new spaceship and threatens to blow up the disabled Enterprise if Kirk doesn’t surrender Harrison. Epic battles ensue, but Harrison’s story starts to unravel. STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS has some poignant references to previous STAR TREK movies and a redemptive, moral worldview. However, it has several cobbled-together openings and endings. Also, some action scenes lack suspense. Despite some positive references to God, Spock says there are no miracles. There’s also a brief bedroom scene and an excessive number of obscenities. So, MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution for STAR TREK INTO DARKNESS.
The previous reviews are a selected sample of informative reviews from MOVIEGUIDE: A FAMILY GUIDE TO MOVIES AND ENTERTAINMENT, a syndicated feature of Good News Communications, Inc. To subscribe to MOVIEGUIDE which includes a complete set of at least 10 reviews of the latest movies as well as many informative articles, please visit our web site at www.movieguide.org or write or call:”MOVIEGUIDE,” P.O. Box 190010, Atlanta, GA 31119 (800) 899-6684. What the ratings mean: Production Quality: (1 to 4 stars) Moral Acceptability: -4 (Abhorrent), -3 (Excessive), -2 (Extreme Caution), -1 (Caution), +1 (Wholesome), +2 (Good), +3 (Moral), +4 (Exemplary) River Region’s Journey
June 2013
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J o i n u s f o r t h e J O Y S i n g e r ’s 1 3 t h a n n u a l
First Baptist Church
Sunday, June 30
6:15 pm :: Main Sanctuary 305 South Perry Street • Jay Wolf, Pastor • 334.834.6310 www.montgomeryfbc.org • www.fbcmsenioradults.com