Join us at Frazer for a year of preaching through this life-changing book that will show you exactly who Jesus Christ is. “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” –John 20:30-31 THROUGHOUT THE YEAR 2014, Pastors Tim Thompson and Patrick Quinn will be preaching verse by verse through the gospel of John in all of Frazer’s Sunday morning worship services. Jesus made the remarkable claim that He came to give you life—real, abundant, overflowing life right now, and eternal life in the world to come. This teaching series will lead you to the heart of who this Jesus is and what it means to believe in Him.
Frazer Church: find hope, Follow Jesus • Sunday worship 8, 9:30 & 11AM 6000 atlanta Hwy. Montgomery • frazerumc.org • 334.2728622 •
Volume 15, Issue 10
Feature Articles
MARCH 2 0 1 4 Columns page 2
page 14
Publisher’s Note
Coming Home
Jason Watson
by Candy Arrington Gain a better understanding of why we often rebel and how to make the journey back to God.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Pastor Teman Knight, Heritage Baptist Church
page 6
page 18
Books to Read Tim Challies
Faith @ Work:
Ed & Carly Gannon
River Region’s Journey sits down with owners of The Vintage Olive in Peppertree to find out how they met, how they got into the business of selling gourmet oils and vinegars and how their faith in Christ plays a role in all they do.
page 12
With All Your Mind Matt Jordan, Ph.D.
page 16
Shine
Kim Hendrix
page 20
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 28
page 22
Considering Christian College in the River Region
by Rachel Fisher Discover why Faulkner University and Huntingdon College make great choices for higher education close to home.
Family Teams for Christ Lisa and Mike Conn
page 30
Counselor’s Corner Lou Priolo
page 35
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
On Our Cover . . .
In Every Issue
Former Faulkner University student Adam Okechukwu and current students, Kelsey Bell & Lindsey Ortner. Read all about what Faulkner University and Huntingdon College have to offer your future college student in this month’s feature article.
page 8
Around Our Community page 26
Support Groups page 32
Event Calendar page 36
Movie Reviews 1
March 2014
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 Candy Arrington Kim Bullard Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Rachel Fisher Ed and Carly Gannon Kim Hendrix Matt Jordan, Ph.D. Pastor Teman Knight Lou Priolo Dave Ramsey
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
From the Publisher I’ve heard it said, “The battle for our country’s future will be won or lost on the university campus.” I don’t know if that’s 100% accurate, but it rightfully puts forth the incredible influence colleges and universities have on shaping the world views of future generations. As our society becomes increasingly secular, how will our young adults being trained to lead in the marketplace know that God is behind all things, in all things and the one we honor as we do our work? This kind of training is critical and we have two excellent choices in Montgomery to meet that challenge - Huntingdon College and Faulkner University. If you know a soon-to-be college student or are considering school for yourself, read Christian Higher Education in the River Region on page 22. You’ll discover what sets these local Christian colleges apart from other options, and how you (or the future student in your home) will grow in faith by being part of all they offer. Speaking of secular society, Hollywood usually gets the ire of Christians over the movies they produce, but over the next several weeks there will be multiple “Christian” movies released. Maybe you’re wondering if Hollywood can get it right or if they’ll spin the script in a wrong direction. Turn to Bob Crittenden’s The Intersection on page 20 to get the scoop about “Faith on the Silver Screen.” I’ve been a Christian for a lot of years now. When I was child I thought following Christ was easy, but that’s because life was easy. I now know the older you get the more complex life becomes, and your faith can sometimes wane. There have been times in my life where I’ve wandered far from God wondering if I would ever be close to Him again. Thankfully, I found out that His grace is greater than my wandering heart and that by His Spirit in me I can walk with Him day by day. Journey magazine is placed in more than 450 locations around the River Region each month because we want to share this same grace with you. God loves you and is out seeking you… to bring you home. Are you that person? If so, will you please read Coming Home: Why We Rebel and the Journey Back to God, on page 14. I know you’ll find that God’s grace is greater than your wandering heart, too. I hope you enjoy everything we share in this month’s issue! Be on the lookout for our April issue, which will include our Easter Events Guide for all of you who want to connect with a church family in the area. Until then, be blessed and be a blessing!
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 2014 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
March 2014
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March 2014
River Region’s Journey
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Pastor Teman Knight, Heritage Baptist Church
The Key to Life Life is about relationships, and these relationships are the framework of our lives. God created us to have a relationship with Him. Our relationship with God must be the priority of our lives. Relationships in marriage, family, church, school, the work place, and our community serve as the platform for glorifying God and for serving others. Jesus reminded us that the key to good relationships is love. Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments” (Matthew 22:37-40 NIV).
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Life begins with our love for God. Loving God is the only appropriate response to His great love for us. Paul said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8, NIV). A love like that demands action—entering into a life changing relationship with God through His Son Jesus Christ. Our love must follow His example; as He gave all for us, we must surrender all of ourselves to Him. We must love Him more than any other person or any other thing. Jesus said, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers and sisters-yes, even his own life--he cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:26). Jesus did not mean that we should hate our families; instead He is teaching us that our love for God should be so great that in comparison even our love for these special people should look like hatred. Do you love God more than any other thing? Do you love Him more than money, possessions or popularity? Jesus taught that we cannot serve two masters. We cannot love Him and money at the same time. We must choose one or the other. We must love Him with all of our hearts. Our love for God calls us to love each other. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. 4
As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35). Unfortunately, we are known for fighting with our brothers more than loving them. This breaks God’s heart. If it upsets us when someone mistreats one of our children, why does it surprise us that God is displeased when we mistreat one of His children? We must learn to love each other and help each other as we walk through life together. Hebrews 10:24 states, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” We have been called to not only love God and other believers, but also to show God’s love to the world. God has given His church the mission of sharing His love and the hope of the gospel with those around us. How do you show God’s love to your neighbors? Do you love them enough to tell them the truth about Jesus and lead them into a life changing relationship with Him? We need to love them just as Christ has loved us. Love is the key to building a relationship with them. Relationships are necessary if we are going to lead others to Jesus. My prayer for the believers in the River Region is the same as my prayer for our family of faith at Heritage Baptist - that we will be known as people who love God, love each other and who are sharing God’s love with the world. Dr. Teman Knight is the Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church on Perry Hill Road in Montgomery. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary extension centers in Birmingham and Montgomery. Teman and his wife Darlana have a son Jay and a daughter Alana. He can be reached at teman@hbcm.net.
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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. *All editorial content published must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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First Bill O’Reilly and Martin Dugard teamed up to write a book about Killing Lincoln and it sold more than a million copies. They followed it up with Killing Kennedy and it sold briskly as well. And now they turn their attention to their greatest subject: Jesus of Nazareth. Killing Jesus: A History is a short biography of Jesus, focusing on the events leading to his death. From the outset, the authors make it clear that though they are Roman Catholics, they are not writing a religious book. Rather, they are writing a historical account of a historical figure “and are interested primarily in telling the truth about important people, not converting anyone to a spiritual cause.” They necessarily rely on the four gospels for their source material and often tell their story by directly quoting the Bible. They begin, though, by setting Jesus firmly in his historical context and skillfully telling about the rise and fall of Julius Caesar and the subsequent ascension of Caesar Augustus. They introduce a cast characters who each make an appearance in the pages of the Bible: King Herod who would hear of a potential challenger to his throne and order the slaughter of innocent children, Herod Antipas who would behead John the Baptist and later refuse to deal fairly with Jesus, and Pontius Pilate, who would cave to pressure and order the execution of an innocent man. Each of these men becomes a living and breathing character in the narrative. As the authors begin to tell about the life of Jesus, they follow the biblical accounts quite closely. They tell his life skillfully and with all the narrative tension and interest they used to tell their compelling accounts of Lincoln and Kennedy. The reader is left with no doubt that Jesus’ whole life was leading to a cross and that Jesus knew he would end up there. The reader sees that the claims Jesus made about himself put him at odds with both the Jews and the Romans. River Region’s Journey
March 2014
As they approach Jesus’ death, the authors slow the pace a little, showing the injustice of the trial, the torment of crucifixion, and the necessary conclusion that Jesus really and truly died. They take some license along the way, of course. The gospel writers were selective when they wrote about the life of Jesus and any author must at times fill in or at least imagine certain details. But even then, O’Reilly and Dugard have done their homework and refrain from taking large or irrational leaps from their source material. And because they tell the account using the Bible as their source, they are able to tell the story as if it is true and as if they believe it. They do not say, “he supposedly did this” or is “reputed to have done this.” They simply tell it as the Bible tells it. As a historical account of the life of Jesus, the story, though selective, is well told, well written, and very, very interesting. This is especially true when it comes to the historical and cultural contexts, details the biblical writers were able to assume and, therefore, not describe in great detail. I am no expert on this period of history, but spotted no major missteps and felt the authors were attempting to do justice to the historical facts the Bible presents. Their list of secondary sources is quite strong, leaning more toward conservative than liberal authors. However, Jesus’ life is not mere history. Yes, he was a real man who lived a real life and died a real death, but that is not all he was and all he did. He also claimed to be God’s Son and his followers claimed that in his life and death he had done something unique and, literally, world-changing. The same Bible that describes Jesus’ life, also interprets and explains it. And this is the story the authors do not tell. Any author who writes a narrative account of Jesus’ life will find it difficult to do justice to both his humanity and his divinity (and we saw, for example, in Anne Rice’s series on Jesus). These authors err far to the side of his humanity. It becomes quickly apparent they will not focus on Jesus’ miracles. While they mention a few of 6
the wonders he performed, and especially the ones involving healings, they do not commit all the way and tend to present these as events Jesus’ followers believed had happened as much as events that had actually taken place. The authors primarily portray Jesus as a rebel against Rome who threatened to destabilize the region and who, therefore, suffered the inevitable wrath of the empire. They show that through his life Jesus believed he was the Son of God and even suggest this must mean he was either a liar, a lunatic, or that he really was who he said he was. As the book comes to a close they state that Jesus’ followers soon claimed he had been raised from the dead and that his followers believed this to such an extent that they willingly gave up their own lives to his cause. But O’Reilly and Dugard do not ever explain what happened there at the cross between Jesus and God the Father. Of all Jesus said on the cross, each word laden with meaning and significance, they mention only two. They do not explain the cross as substitution, where Jesus went to the cross in place of people he loved; they do not explain the cross as justice, where Jesus was punished as a law-breaker; they do not explain the cross as propitiation, where Jesus faced and emptied the Father’s wrath against sin; they do not explain the cross as redemption, where we now need only put our faith in Jesus in order to receive all the benefits of what he accomplished. Killing Jesus is not a bad book as much as it is an incomplete book. As history it is compelling, but of all historical events, none has greater spiritual significance than the life and death of Jesus Christ. And this is the story they miss. As O’Reilly and Dugard begin this book they claim the story of Jesus’ life and death “has never fully been told. Until now.” That’s very dramatic but also ridiculous. This story has been told repeatedly over the past two millennia and it will be told again and again in the millennia to come. Killing Jesus is another account that will be here for a while and then disappear and be forgotten. In the meantime, it will take Jesus out of the realm of fantasy and place him squarely in history, but even as it does that, it will neglect to tell why his life, his crucifixion, his resurrection are of eternal significance, a matter of his life and death and our own.
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March 2014
River Region’s Journey
From Surviving to Thriving
Marriage Seminar for Foster/Adoptive Parents
March 13, 2014, 6 – 8 p.m. Agape of Central Alabama is proud to bring a marriage seminar for foster and adoptive couples. Mitch Temple, an author, speaker and former Director of Marriage at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, will speak at Frazer United Methodist Church on Marriage From the Heart – taking your marriage from surviving to thriving. In addition to his marriage work, Mitch serves as Founder and Director of The Fatherhood CoMission and has been part of top Christian family movies like Fireproof, Courageous, October Baby and more. Contact Julie Johnston to RSVP at jjohnston@ agapeforchildren.org. For childcare, please RSVP by March 10th. For additional information, please call 334-272-9466.
“Great Day of Service” Open to Pike Road Residents
Woodland UMC will be joining with many River Region churches and organizations on Saturday, March 15, to see to the needs of our community from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Woodland has four projects for church members and folks in Pike Road to take part in on this Great Day of Service. Join us in our kitchen to make meals for MACOA, put together health kits for UMCOR in our life center, work to beautify one of our local schools, or do home repair in our area. Call Ashley Davis at 272-7230 if interested in taking part in this mission opportunity.
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Hospice of Montgomery Hosts 4th Annual Tennis Tournament
Hospice of Montgomery will host its 4th annual Hittin’ for Hospice Tennis Tournament on Thursday, March 13, 2014 at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. Two sessions will be available for play: AM Session 8:30-11:00 a.m. and PM Session 12:00-2:30 p.m. Participation in the Hittin’ for Hospice Tennis Tournament supports Hospice of Montgomery, which is Montgomery’s ONLY independent, nonprofit hospice provider in the River Region. Funds will provide counseling and bereavement services to families, community education seminars, and care for terminally ill patients, regardless of their ability to pay Enjoy a day of competition and fun, all while supporting a meaningful and much needed cause. Cost is $100 Team of 2/$50.00 Individual and includes warm up, breakfast, lunch, player gift and fabulous prizes. Reservations are required. Please call Wynlakes to register at 334-273-8425.
Gateway’s Upper Elementary Basketball Team Goes Undefeated
The Gateway Baptist Church “Knights” celebrated an undefeated season in the Southern Baptist Association Upper Elementary Basketball League. Under the coaching of Alan Cross and Matt Jordan, the boys worked hard learning basic skills and plays, running drills, and working on proper shooting technique. In addition, they learned valuable life lessons like working together; pushing themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally; and overcoming adversity. Congratulations Knights on a successful season!
Aid to Inmate Mothers Hosts Show/Fundraiser of Inmate Art at Local Artists’ Home
The nonprofit agency Aid to Inmate Mothers (AIM) will host a fundraiser and silent auction, “Hearts on Fire,” at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, March 20, featuring artwork created by women in a prison art class. The reception will be held at Firehouse No. 9, 1164 S. McDonough Street, Montgomery. The firehouse is the home, studio, and Italian-style garden of artists David Braly and Mark Montoya. Tickets to this event are $25 each and may be purchased in advance by calling (334) 262-2245 or by writing carol@inmatemoms.org. The art displayed will be available for purchase. The event will kick off a capital campaign to raise funds to pay off the mortgage of AIM’s new transitional home. For more on our programs, see www.inmatemoms.org. River Region’s Journey
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Local Pastor Alan Cross Authors Book on Southern Christianity’s Troubled History with Racism Looking at the past often reveals parts of our history that leave us uncomfortable. This is especially true for Southern Christians who consider our troubled history with racism that blatantly ignores the breaking down of walls that Christ accomplished on the cross. When looking at these moments, we have a choice to explain them away as a piece of history no longer applicable now, or we can use them as a mirror to explore our own culture and its continued wrestling with race. Alan Cross, pastor of Gateway Baptist Church in Montgomery, chooses the latter in his new book, When Heaven and Earth Collide. He refuses to explain away the great chasm between what Southern white Christians believed and their racist actions before and during the Civil Rights Movement.” Cross focuses on one event in Montgomery, Alabama in 1961 when the Freedom Riders were met and beaten by a mob and then surrounded at First Baptist
Church on Ripley Street by a racist mob of up to 3000 people. He uses that event to reflect this great chasm and help explain how the church could remain silent about such injustice. In the end, Cross leaves us asking in what ways we are still perpetuating this separation, and where can the gospel break these barriers now? This is no easy task. Cross tackles an issue that has a significant amount of weight on both sides, and he effectively shows how, while not always specifically complicit in the actions of racist white people, the Southern Evangelical church fostered its perpetuation by adherence to a “Southern” way of life that held prominence over the Gospel of Jesus. What Cross has to say is inherently difficult to hear, but he provides the theological, historical, and philosophical basis of this way of life that forces white Christians to question our understanding of past and present forms of racism that do not agree with the Bible. Cross does not leave it at this challenge, however. This book is not simply an explanation of an ugly past. Cross has a larger goal of understanding history so that we do not continue to live the same way of life that blinded us to the way of Jesus so long ago. Hence the transition from Part 1 to Part 2 makes this text far more
than a historical account and much more of a work that Christians should consider in an honest assessment of how we live our lives now. I am struck by Cross’s links between the sacrificial love of Christ in what could have happened and what that sacrificial love presents for us now. The church can and should be the place that most reflects the open doors of God’s kingdom that has destroyed the boundaries that divide us. Though this is not the Southern Evangelical Church’s past, it can be its future. Cross leaves us with a sense of optimism about how multicultural churches truly reflect the kingdom of God and redeem the pain of separation in the past for a future built on unity in Christ. When Heaven and Earth Collide leaves readers not only with a better understanding of what went wrong, but forces us to look at our lives now to consider where we can respond to injustice through Christ. Visit Amazon.com to order your copy of When Heaven and Earth Collide. To reach author Alan Cross email alancross@charter.net. Review by Jeff Moody.
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Mary Ellen’s Hearth Partners with MACOA to Serve Meals on Wheels Mary Ellen’s Hearth at Nellie Burge offers hope, help, and healing through Christian love and values to homeless women and their children. It’s where homeless moms learn how to break the cycle of homelessness by offering longterm housing and equipping them to become self-sufficient. Mary Ellen’s Hearth offers real hope for lasting change, where the children are secure and in a stable home. This is unique in the River Region; there is nothing else like it because it is not temporary. Real change happens over time not overnight. The fact that women and their children can stay for up to two years gives them time to learn new skills needed to succeed and live independently. It’s making a difference in the lives of the women, and the impact on their children will be what changes a generation. Women at MEH don’t just learn to do for themselves; they learn to do for others. They are giving back. MEH has partnered with MACOA and is now preparing meals for Meals on Wheels, where friendly volunteers serve homebound seniors meals. The commercial kitchen at MEH is being used to prepare the meals. One of the residents, Sharda, has been hired by MEH to prepare 46 meals a day for the shut-ins. This is a team effort of the staff and residents at MEH. Since
each mother is expected to volunteer at the center, Sonia Price, Program Manager, assigns a resident to volunteer in the kitchen with Sharda. Annie Smalls, case
manager, works with her on the meals and the menus. Sharda learned many skills from working in the kitchen and serving meals at First United Methodist Church. Sharda says, “My goal is to make the meals healthy, nutritious and tasty.” She has received lots of positive feed back from the recipients. Debbie Dobbins, Executive Director, says, “It’s important to the staff and me that we not only meet the needs of the
families that live here, but teach them to give back to the community. Recently, Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange and his Executive Officer, Bob Steelman, volunteered to help plate the 46 meals prepared for the day. Mayor Strange says, “This is truly a great partnership between organizations that care. At MEH mothers and children find a new life for themselves, but for them to reach out to others in the community gives them dignity and purpose to what they do everyday.” Sharda has been at MEH since October 2012. She and her son previously lived at the Salvation Army. Like all the residents, she participates in chores and rotates in cooking dinner for all the residents. She is preparing to move out and live independently by taking classes and saving money. This is what MEH is all about, changing lives and making a difference by teaching women how to live independently and making a future for their children. For more information on how you can get involved in helping MEH through volunteer opportunities or monetary gifts, please email Debbie Dobbins at debbie@ nellieburge.org.
In early February, Grace @ Bell Road Church, located on the corner of Atlanta Highway and Bell Road, celebrated God’s goodness in the merging of two churches into one. In 2005 Grace Presbyterian Church and Bell Road Methodist Church became one congregation called Grace @ Bell Road. The celebration of this event included a great home cooked meal, a short skit using the lyrics from the song “Love and Marriage” by the newly formed HeArt Players, a time to remember the events leading up to the merger, and a time to talk and pray as members looked forward to the next chapter in the life of Grace@Bell Road. March 2014
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Article and photo of Mayor Todd Strange contributed by Kim Bullard of Mary Ellen’s Hearth.
Grace @ Bell Road — Celebrating 9 Years!
River Region’s Journey
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Montgomery Chorale’s 40th Anniversary Chorale to perform Bach’s B Minor Mass
The Montgomery Chorale will make history this spring in celebration of a major milestone. To mark its 40th anniversary, the chorale will join forces with members of the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra to present a musical work rarely, if ever, performed in its entirety in Montgomery. Johann Sebastian Bach’s Mass in B Minor represents the chorale’s most ambitious project to date. The composition is considered Bach’s most noteworthy achievement. Members of the Atlanta Baroque Orchestra accepted the chorale’s invitation to bring their Baroque-period instruments to Montgomery and accompany the chorale at St. John’s Episcopal Church. With its Anglican heritage and local historical significance, St. John’s Episcopal Church is a befitting concert setting. Its graceful interior and natural acoustics are wellsuited for the work. The concert is scheduled for Saturday, April 5th, at 7 p.m. Premium tickets for $50 per person include a pre-concert reception and reserved seating. General admission tickets are $25. Tickets for students and seniors (65+) are $15. To purchase tickets or for more information, go to www.montgomerychorale.org.
Email your ministry or church news to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.
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Faulkner Students March for Life in D.C.
Students in Faulkner University’s Pro-Life Club joined with 650,000 others on Jan. 22 for the 41st annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. Braving bitter-cold temperatures and snow, Faulkner students showed their support for adoption and opposition to abortion. The group’s sponsors are Dean Itson, Cathy Register, and Jeanette Stubblefield. Cori Woods is student President. Contact us at deaitson@ faulkner.edu for membership or sponsorship info. 11
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Atheism for Lent I had the good fortune, when I was in college, to stumble across a book called Suspicion & Faith: The Religious Uses of Modern Atheism. The author, a Christian philosopher named Merold Westphal, argues that there is much to be gained from the study of atheistic critiques of religion. The book begins with a chapter titled “Atheism for Lent.” Westphal’s suggestion is that the Lenten season—the six weeks leading up to Easter, when Christians have traditionally fasted, focused on sin and repentance, and emphasized the more somber side of our faith—is an ideal time to reflect on those atheistic critiques. The idea is not to refute them, but to listen to them. Instead of calling us to battle and trying to prove how right and how righteous we are, Westphal encourages us Christians to look in the mirror and ask how right and how righteous we are. As the prophet Jeremiah so poignantly put the question, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can understand it?” If the Pharisees of first-century Palestine could be the object of so many of Jesus’s harshest rebukes, in spite of their meticulous study of the scriptures and their best efforts at obedience, perhaps we ought to be a bit more cautious in assuming that our way must also be the Lord’s way. To take just one example, consider Karl Marx’s famous statement that “religion is the opiate of the masses.” Marx was the father of atheistic communism, and believed that religion functions like an analgesic drug: it numbs our pain, dulls our senses, and fails to treat our real illness. For Marx, the real illness—and the fundamental theme of human history—is the oppression of the working classes by the rich. Christian faith, in Marx’s view, reinforces and makes possible this oppression. Throughout history, River Region’s Journey
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us to consider is our own motivation. Are the church has routinely acquired political we truly lovers of God and people, or are we power and then used that power to reinforce lovers of our own comfort? Do we desire the status quo. Instead of challenging unsafe justice and mercy, or affluence and power and unjust working conditions, and instead and pleasure? Do we read scripture intendof standing up for the dignity of all persons, ing to submit to God, or to find support for Christians have used their political power, what we’ve already decided to do and to and even the Bible itself, to rationalize their believe? Do we engage the culture because way of life. we’re passionate about the gospel, or beRight or wrong, what might a Marxist cause we want things done our way and not critique of 21st century American Christiansomeone else’s? ity look like? Well, it might start with quesDefending the faith can wait until tions about our standard of living. According springtime. As Good Friday approaches, to a December 2013 study by Gallup, the global median household income is less than let us consider whether the nonbelievers’ criticisms need to be refuted… or humbly $10,000 per year. In the United States, it is accepted. more than four times that amount. Jesus, the Marxist might point out, had rather strong things to say about camels and needles and rich people and the Kingdom… Do we interpret our lives in light of His teachings, or the other way around? Similar questions might be asked about our views of the minimum wage, or labor unions, or health care, or the capital or vEry gains tax rate. For many of us— E n E r at i o n myself included—it is tempting to immediately respond, “Well, sure, but…” and then Prattville First United Methodist Church point out, perhaps, that 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 capitalism has done a lot of good for a lot of T R A D IT IO N A L W O R S H IP 8 : 3 0 A M & 11: 00 A M people, and that wellS U N D AY S C H O O L 9 : 4 5 A M T H E W E L L 11 : 0 0 A M intentioned social policies sometimes bring bad consequences, and so on. But that’s not the point. What Marx and others challenge www.prattvillemethodist.org
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strength? Faith Radio provides daily programs like... Reclaiming Hope and Safety in a Destructive Marriage (Feb. 5-6, 2014) Host Jim Daly talks with relationship coach Leslie Vernick, who offers practical health for women on breaking free from marital abuse
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When We Feel Burned Out (Jan. 29-30, 2014) Pastor Charles Stanley discusses keys to dealing with burnout: learn to trust God and put the burden of your responsibilities into His capable hands
Picking Up The Broken Pieces of Shattered Trust (Dec. 19, 2013) Host Mark Gregston discusses the notion of trust as a commodity in the context of family relationships and cautions Mom and Dad to not hold on to it too tightly
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Although I can’t recall the circumstances, I remember deciding to run away from home. I was mad because I didn’t get my way. While I jammed things into my bulging suitcase, my mind churned. How far could I walk before dark? Where would I sleep? What would I eat? Tears stung my eyes. I felt sorry for myself. My mother appeared. “What are you doing?” “Running away!” I announced, hoping to upset her. “Why don’t you wait until after lunch?” said Mama. “Then, if you still want to run away, I’ll help you pack.” Relief flooded my five-year-old heart. Mama had just given me an “out” for something I wasn’t sure I wanted to do. After lunch, I waited for her to ask if I still wanted to run away. The question never came. That day, I learned love and security meant more to me than getting my way. River Region’s Journey
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It took the prodigal a little longer to figure this out. He did some riotous living and ate from the pig trough before realizing rebellion isn’t as great as it appears. We all have a rebellious nature. Here’s why:
We’re sinners
Sometimes we have the mistaken idea we’re innately good and mess up once in a while. According to Scripture, it’s the reverse: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is our nature and we have to battle against it constantly. Ignoring this fact causes us to fool ourselves and make bad decisions that get us into trouble.
We’re self-focused
The problem of self goes hand-in14
hand with our sin nature. We want what we want when we want it. We’re impatient and usually don’t care who gets hurt as long as things go according to our plans. Luke 9:23 reminds us, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.” Denying self is a conscious decision. Selfdenial requires looking beyond ourselves, realizing blessings, and reaching out to others who are struggling with issues bigger than our own.
We’re resistant to authority
The Bible chronicles many stories of rebellion: man against man, and man against God. We resist authority because we have an inflated opinion of our own wisdom and think we don’t need guidance. Resistance to authority is as old as Adam and Eve and takes effort to overcome.
Rebellion = Freedom?
Rebellion seems to offer freedom, but that kind of freedom is a mirage. Soon the consequences outweigh the momentary thrill of doing as we please.
Why rules?
God set boundaries for our protection. Without them we’d wander into situations that could harm us. God’s rules weren’t designed to keep us jumping through multiple hoops, but to provide guidelines for life. The central guideline instructs to love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). When we keep our eyes on Jesus, and stay connected through Bible study and prayer, rules don’t feel restrictive. They provide security and guidance.
Turning around
Have you ever taken a road and later discovered, after traveling on it for a while, it’s leading you in the opposite direction from your intended destination? It takes an intentional course correction to get going in the right direction. The difficult part of changing direction involves
That relationship admitting you’re Rebellion seems to God. is a haven from the wrong. This requires courage and offer freedom, but challenges we face and a refueling stop on the maturity. But pride that kind of freedom journey of life. stops many of us from acknowledgis a mirage. Soon The Freedom of ing we’ve made a mistake. the consequences Forgiveness The lost son, The prodigal’s outweigh the despite previous compassionate father poor choices, swalmomentary thrill of understood the power of lowed his pride, forgiveness. Although turned from the the Bible doesn’t say, doing as we please. destructive path he perhaps the father, too, was traveling, and was a rebellious son came home. The key phrase in the story with a forgiving father. The prodigal’s is “when he came to his senses,” (Luke father greeted his son with open arms 15:17). Often, God provides a come-toand provided a celebration for a son who our-senses moment, but we refuse to act strayed, realized his mistake, and came on it. But just as my mother gave me an home. God offers us the same celebratory “out” when I threatened to run away from welcome when we make the decision to home, God always provides an escape stop, change, and return. If we’re willing route for irresponsible behavior, if we’re to admit our rebelliousness, our sin, He’s willing to take it. willing to forgive and forget. “He has re-
Coming home
Home isn’t necessarily a house or a destination. “Home” is the process of cultivating an ongoing relationship with
moved our sins as far from us as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12 NLT). What a great promise!
Candy Arrington is a freelance writer.
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Pathway to Life John 8:12: “When Jesus spoke again to the people he said, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.’” “Don’t waste this pain” were the words of Rev. Jay Wolf to a sanctuary packed with young people mourning the loss of a 19-year-old friend. This young man, described as winsome, engaging and personable had struggled through the years and now his life was over, far too soon. His family, distraught and devastated, called on the minister to talk about a better choice. What do we do now? “This is the better choice,” Rev. Wolf said while holding a pocket cross reading ‘Follow Jesus’, “Let Jesus be the light that will get you through the darkness!” As I sat in this “Celebration of Life” for a young man who so many loved, I prayed, “Let them hear you, Dear Lord!” I prayed not only that our young people would catch this message but that we, as parents, would hear it, too. Our children must make a choice, to either live in the light or stumble through the darkness, but are we as parents guiding them along a pathway to life? The road in this life is filled with obstacles and perilous terrain. Our young people, more than ever, are facing temptation that with social media never goes away. There seems to be an endless need for more--more things, more attention, more love, more moments of feeling they’re part of the “in” crowd, and too many times, parents step in to fill that River Region’s Journey
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need in every way but pointing them to Jesus Christ. So again the question, “Are we leading our children on the pathway to life?” Psalm 119:105: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” A Christian speaker sharing tips about relating to our teens said, “Overly responsible adults are creating irresponsible kids.” That’s another way of describing the hovering parent--the one who constantly swoops in to solve problems for their children before they ever get a chance to navigate the situation or experience the consequences that come with poor decisions. He suggested we be intentional about knowing our children’s world--their music, movies, hobbies, books, yes, even Instagram and such, so we can better help them navigate through these years of discovery. I’m blessed to know many parents who live an intentional life for Christ and who model great ways of leading our children on a pathway to life. They’re the parents who offer their homes for times of fellowship, where there is no pressure to take part in immoral or illegal activity, such as underage drinking. These times of fellowship offer a loving, accepting environment with games, good food and conversation rather than unsupervised alone time. You’ve probably heard it said that young people crave boundaries, they just don’t know it. Watch for yourself in certain situations where young people are gathered and you’ll see it’s true. When you present those boundaries in a welcoming atmosphere free of judgment, young 16
people thrive and their numbers tend to multiply. Before you know it, you have a house full of youth who just want to be with one another, sharing laughs and in the process holding each other up. John 8:31: “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Share the love of God with your children and the young people of today and please lead them to God’s word. There’s great freedom in knowing Jesus loves you and has great plans for you--plans bigger than any of us can even imagine! How exciting is that? There’s great freedom in knowing when times are tough or even devastating, His comfort and peace that transcends our understanding, floods our very being, bringing rest and hope. That young man so many gathered to mourn loved to make people laugh and had a contagious smile. Do you know someone like that? If you do, work hard to make sure he lives beyond his teenage years. Work hard to lead him on a pathway to life. Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Dear Heavenly Father, May our lives shine with you-radiating abundant life! May we lead our children and everyone around us into your light. Help us to be intentional about sharing laughter, joy and love and presenting an environment where our young people can thrive without the pressures of today. Please comfort those in despair and may we see every new day as a chance to follow you. In the mighty name of your son, Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.
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How did you two meet? Ed: I was born and raised here in Montgomery while Carly is from Michigan. After doing missionary work in 25 countries, God crossed our paths in a small village in the mountains of Peru while leading separate missionary groups there. How did the mission field become such a big part of your lives? Ed: My first wife died of cancer when our son was two years old. I got involved in raising money for cancer research at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham. My first missionary trip was when a friend of mine who was a missionary to Russia asked me to go with him to Moscow. While in Moscow we went to the children’s hospital where we met a young girl who had a curable cancer, but the hospital didn’t have her medicine. My friend and I came home and purchased her medicine and ten days later took the chemo drugs back to Moscow. As you can imagine, the reacRiver Region’s Journey
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tion from the girl and her family was overwhelming. I was overwhelmed that God had allowed me to be a part of the girl getting her medicine. My belief in serving God at that point went from something I was supposed to do to an honor I was privileged to do.
urday, for a complimentary tasting of all of our selections. They make incredible dressings, marinades, sauces, drizzles and dips to transform everything you eat! There is an entirely new world of ideas to make even everyday food extraordinary.
Carly: I was “raised in the church,” my dad is a pastor, etc. When I was 16 my mom and little sister were killed in a car accident. Instead of turning to God for healing, I turned my back on God and had a dark spiral downward. When I was 24, God saved me when I came to the end of myself. Only then did I realize I had always known all about God, but had never truly known Him. I went on my first international missions trip some months later and knew I was called to be more involved. Over the next five years I traveled to 25 countries and have been amazed at the eye opening experiences of God at work. I have had the privilege of meeting and serving with our brothers and sisters all across the globe. Many times we didn’t speak the same language, but words aren’t needed to communicate love when two people follow our amazing God.
Has your Christian life changed now as business owners compared to being missionaries?
From around the globe to back here in Montgomery, is there any connection between your travels and your store, The Vintage Olive?
The realness of Christ. No matter where on the planet we are, the truth of Christ and Scripture never changes. This does not hold true for any other religion.
Part of our mission work is to study the culture. The kitchen is often the best place to do that. Among many of the experiences we’ve been able to have around the world, we discovered gourmet olive oil and aged balsamic vinegar and decided to open an olive oil specialty shop here at home. It’s been a fun 4 ½ years of introducing people to this amazing world of flavor & possibilities!
Many people can be intimidated to live out their faith in the market place. How would you two encourage other Christians to live for Christ 24/7?
What all does The Vintage Olive offer? We specialize in Gourmet Extra Virgin Olive Oils, with over 55 varieties from around the world and Aged Balsamic Vinegars from Italy. Everyone is invited to visit our shop in the Peppertree Shopping Center from 10-6, Monday through Sat18
Very little has changed other than we don’t travel near as much. We believe Christians are always full time missionaries. You will never look into the eyes of someone Christ didn’t die for. A lot of eyes come through the door of The Vintage Olive. Plus, we are on the board of Friendship Mission which operates two homeless shelters here in Montgomery. We use the advertising and support of The Vintage Olive to raise funds and awareness for Friendship Mission and the struggle of the homeless. What are some of the key things that have sustained your faith through all your ventures?
Our neighborhoods and daily interaction with people is a mission field. A great part of The Vintage Olive is all the people God brings across our paths everyday. We inevitably get asked, “How did you get into this?” It’s the perfect opportunity for sharing our personal Christian testimony. Romans 1:16 is a familiar Scripture that applies: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation…” We need to better understand that it is a privilege to tell others about the loving salvation Christ has provided for us.
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Faith on the Silver Screen A recent article by Andrew Romano of The Daily Beast, “Hollywood Declares 2014 the Year of the Bible,” posed a pop quiz: How many of the top 15 highest-U.S.-grossing movies of all time - adjusted for inflation - star comic-book characters? Answer: Zero. And how many are based on the Bible? Answer: Two. Romano informed readers that in the late 1950s, The Ten Commandments and BenHur teamed up for $1.795 billion in adjusted domestic ticket sales. That’s more than Avatar, The Dark Knight, and Transformers combined. He points out that over the next 11 months, counting forward from the article’s release in January, “Hollywood is planning to release more big Biblical movies than it put out during the previous 11 years combined, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down in 2015 (or beyond).” He identified that 20th Century Fox would be first out of the gate with Son of God, a Jesus biopic culled from the History Channel’s hit 2013 miniseries, The Bible. (A sequel to The Bible, titled, A.D. is set to air next year on NBC.) It was released to theaters on February 28th. This month, Paramount is up with Noah, director Darren Aronofsky’s epic re-imagining of the life of the Old Testament’s most famous ark-builder (played by Russell Crowe). Coming in December: Mary (Ben Kingsley, Julia Ormond) and Ridley Scott’s Exodus (Christian Bale, Aaron Paul). Other faith-based projects possible from Hollywood include a Cain and Abel movie directed by Will Smith and a Pontius Pilate picture starring Brad Pitt as the titular villain. Keep in mind that practically speaking about these theatrical releases, not all depicRiver Region’s Journey
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tions of Bible characters are going to square with the Scriptures themselves. You may even encounter a mischaracterization or two or more. I do think that these films can bring an awareness of these stories, giving moviegoers the chance to be exposed to the glorious narrative of the Bible. We can engage people with respect to the true Biblical account and its meaning for them. Perhaps people will be encouraged to study God’s Word and discover more about Him. For Christians, as we consider these stories and characters, we can ask ourselves some questions about their application to us – for instance, what qualities does a person possess and do I want to model those (or not)? Sometimes, characters can provide a cautionary tale for us or remind us that God redeems and uses flawed individuals to carry out His mission. Movies can be used to present compelling stories that can entertain us and maybe even challenge us to reflect on God’s principles. Think about how Jesus used the power of story. He spoke in parables and He gave wonderful examples in order to challenge and engage the listeners, but there was always a lesson in mind. There is no shortage of films coming to theaters in the next few months that are intended to present a Christian worldview perspective using the context of a dramatic story. In March, the long-awaited film sharing the name of a Newsboys song and featuring a cameo by the band, God’s Not Dead, will make its debut – with Kevin Sorbo playing a skeptical college professor who squares off against a Christian student, played by Shane Harper. There’s also an appearance by Willie and Korie Robertson from Duck Dynasty. In April, on Easter weekend, Heaven is for Real debuts. It’s based on a Christian bestseller about a young boy who claims to have experienced heaven. It stars Greg Kinnear as 20
the father, and is directed by Randall Wallace, a Christian who has been involved with Braveheart, We Were Soldiers, and Secretariat. Mother’s Day weekend, in May, marks the release of Moms’ Night Out, a comedy which is the latest from the Erwin Brothers (October Baby). Kevin Downes, one of the four leads in Courageous, is one of the producers. Alex Kendrick and Robert Amaya from Courageous appear. Co-executive producer Patricia Heaton stars in the film, along with Sean Astin, Sarah Drew, and Trace Adkins. The wider theatrical release of Alone Yet Not Alone is coming in June. It’s the story of two young sisters whose family had fled a tumultuous Germany to start a new life in Pennsylvania and is set in 1755, against the backdrop of the French and Indian War. The title song from the film, sung by Joni Eareckson Tada, was nominated for an Oscar for Best Original Song, but that nomination was rescinded after (questionable) allegations that one of the songwriters inappropriately lobbied Academy members. These films present some potentially excellent entertainment choices that are consistent with our faith. While I think some of the Biblical epics may be a mixed bag for Christians, there are some great possibilities in some of these others, produced by filmmakers who share our faith perspective. Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.
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by Rachel Fisher
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hoosing a college is one of the most important decisions young people face. Over 4,000 universities are scattered around the United States and the decision can be daunting, to say the least. This decision is not one to be taken lightly either. Choosing a college has lasting significance on the trajectory of the lives of the kids we love in more ways than one. College presents young people with new ideas and experiences that will shape them, mold them and, if they choose, allow them to be the best they can be for a waiting world. For many families and their children, choosing a college calls more into play than a family member’s alma mater or scholarships. Many parents and kids desire to integrate their faith and college education in a more tangible way. According to Christianity Today, “Enrollment in faith-based colleges has soared over the last several years due largely to Christian schools offering a unique educational experience, preparing students for positive and productive lives beyond college. Enrollment statistics from the U.S. Department of Education indicate that the benefits of a Christian college education are drawing more and more students. Schools that belong to the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) increased their fall en-
rollments by 70 percent between 1990 and 2004. Other private schools had 28 percent growth in their fall enrollments, and state institutions saw only a 13 percent rise during that period.” The decision to stay close to home and attend a faith-based college can be a great one for many families. The River Region is home to two outstanding universities where faith, life and academics are combined in a way that causes students from all over the nation, namely the Southeast and the River Region, to enroll each year. Huntingdon College and Faulkner University are home to nearly 4,000 college students in Montgomery and provide a college experience many are looking for, but didn’t know existed right here.
Huntingdon College – Grow and Go in Wisdom and Service
Huntingdon Facts Founded in: 1854 Motto: “Enter to grow in wisdom; go forth to apply wisdom in service.” Affiliation: United Methodist Church Student body size: Approximately 1,100 students in traditional and Adult Degree Completion programs representing nearly every county in Alabama, approximately 30 states, and several countries; 50% male, 50% female; student/faculty ratio,13:1; average class size, 16. Honors and Distinctions: Huntingdon is listed among the top tier of Regional Colleges in U.S. News and World Report’s “America’s Best Colleges;” and in the Princeton Review’s The Best Colleges, Region by Region; the campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The College has been named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the past three years. Washington Monthly, which rates colleges based on their contributions to the
In the beginning, Shirn Torabinepublic good, places Huntingdon in the top 20% jad’s college search was based on one among 352 baccalaureate institutions. simple question: Who would give her the most in scholarships? It didn’t take ing for yourself where you will call home for long for Shirin to discover the decision four years.” When Shirin visited Huntingdon, she was making was about much more than she immediately fell in love. “I loved the money. “Deciding where to attend college is beautiful campus, the family atmosphere and a leap of faith,” she says. “It’s one of the first the morals and values of Huntingdon. I de“big kid” decisions you make. You are decid-
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Comparative Religions, Interpreting the Bible and Church History, but they Founded in: 1942 discover how to integrate their learnMotto: To glorify God through education of the ing through service. whole person, emphasizing integrity of character “We believe strongly that in a caring, Christian environment where every information about those matters is individual matters every day. insufficient if students do not learn Student body size: 2,763 in undergraduate proto serve Montgomery and the world grams (3,327 total) The student-faculty ratio at with the things they are learning,” says Faulkner University is 15:1, and the school has Chad Eggleston, Religion professor 71.5 percent of its classes with fewer than 20 and Assistant Provost for Learning students. The school offers 60 academic majors Enrichment. “We want our students with the most popular including: Business Adto be genuinely wise in the sense that ministration and Management, General; Criminal they not only know the content of our Justice/Safety Studies; Human Resources Manclasses, but they also know how to put agement/Personnel Administration, General; that knowledge to use for others.” English Language and Literature, General; and Shirin says one of the best parts Mental Health Counseling/Counselor. of her Huntingdon experience has Affiliation: Church of Christ been being at a college where faith is Honors: Faulkner is home to the Montgomery’s only encouraged, rather than discouraged. law school, which currently enjoys at 98.3% bar pas“I enjoy that my professors can talk sage rate – the highest in Alabama. Faulkner’s athopenly about God and that I attend letic program is also moving on up. The football team church with some of them.” made it to the first round of NAIA National Football And it’s not just faith and learning Championship and the baseball team won the NAIA that makes Huntingdon special. Shirin National Championship World Series in 2013. and Chad both agree that the community of people they call “family” is what cided that day that money mattered, but how I makes Huntingdon a great place to learn, grow felt about where I was going meant more.” and serve. Students who choose Huntingdon can As you wander the campus, it doesn’t expect a well-rounded education. Not only take long to see a sign that says, “We are do students take core classes on faith like
Faulkner Facts
Huntingdon. We are family.” Chad believes this captures the spirit of the school well and notes this is not a place where students sink and swim on their own. “We are a strong academic institution that holds its students to a high standard of achievement both inside and outside of the classroom, but we are working together to reach our goals, so that no one is alone as they work on a paper, struggle with a difficult idea, or grow in their spiritual lives.” With a small student ratio (15:1) and commitment to the Church, Huntingdon proves to be a special family. “This family atmosphere challenges us as students to grow and we are constantly cared for by the personal touch of a small institution where the President knows your name, you can text your professors and where you meet your lifelong friends,” says Shirin.
Faulkner University – Glorifying God Through Education of the Whole Person
For undergraduate students who have a desire to live and study in a caring Christian academic environment, but are also attracted to the flexibility of offerings both on campus and online, and in three major cities in Alabama, Faulkner University might be for them. With their main campus
One of the many reasons to smile...
“ ” Prattville Location 460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, AL 36066 (334) 358-6411
www.SmilesFromUs.com River Region’s Journey
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on Atlanta Highway in Montgomery and extension campuses in Birmingham, Huntsville and Mobile, Faulkner’s mission is “to glorify God through education of the whole person, emphasizing integrity of character in a caring Christian environment.” Laine Kelly, a senior at Faulkner, spent her first two years in college at a state school before transferring to Faulkner. “I chose Faulkner because I saw a university whose purpose was to enrich the lives of their students and give them the tools to grow intellectually and spiritually.” Laine has found her faith amplified through studying abroad in Greece, Turkey and Israel and an atmosphere where professors give personal attention and support students in their spiritual growth. According to Marci Johns, the Interim VP of Academic Affairs, “Faulkner provides a Christ-centered higher education for students of all ages. Students are challenged to grow spiritually through daily chapel, Bible classes and a rich academic program that includes a Western Cultural Heritage series where faith is infused throughout.” The school is also a Champions of Character campus where mission, ministry and community service are emphasized. “We believe in not only shaping intellect, but character,” Marci says. “It’s a journey that begins at freshman orientation and continues over the course of a lifetime.” Students at Faulkner can be found serving in various capacities all over the community and averaging 23,000 hours of service a year. Cindy Walker, the Director of Faulkner’s Quality Enhancement Plan, says they require service hours for all students each year. “Part of faith is knowledge that service is an integral part of our life,” she says. “Through these service efforts students grow in their faith through learning they are truly serving God as they serve others.” For Katherine Harris, who graduated in 2013, the most memorable part of her time at Faulkner was spent in service to others. “Serving other people touches them in a way no sermon can,” says Katherine. “While serving during my time at Faulkner, I hope I have been a beacon of love to those who may not otherwise see such love in their lives.” Behind their heart for service, Faulkner works to express faith in all academic disciplines making it a priority for all faculty and staff to consider how to teach their class through the lens of faith in Christ. It is quite possibly this heart that made student Maurice Whitley say, “Faulkner does everything in their power to keep you satisfied yet hungry to know more about the Lord, while providing you with ways to find yourself.” Rachel Fisher loves learning what God is doing in the world and writing about it. She and her husband Chase live in Montgomery.
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March 2014
River Region’s Journey
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Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Cloverdale Baptist, 608 E. Fairview Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m., Praise and worship, 6:30, Open Share Small Groups, 7:30, and 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 River Region’s Journey
March 2014
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 5:30pm (meal), 6pm (large group), 7pm (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364. 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 AnonymousSaturdays 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. 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, 26
Christian fellowship, and helping turn adversity into prosperity. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, 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.
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.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272-8622. Location: 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) 284-2721. 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.
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Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets – Tuesday 5:30 PM in the Friendship Sunday School Class Room. Call 285-4114 for more info. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experience.
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Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.
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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. 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. 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: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. 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.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152. 27
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 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 Highway Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350. March 2014
River Region’s Journey
How Dads Sow Seeds of Love One of my favorite photographs sits on Mike’s bedside table. It’s a framed black and white picture of a little girl sitting contentedly upon her daddy’s lap--his arms wrapped protectively around her. The little girl is our daughter, Ashley, at about 20 months old. She doesn’t remember that day in 1985, but when she looks at the picture, Ashley knows the secret--that her daddy loves her with all his heart. Mike’s years of investing time and energy into the physical, spiritual, and emotional well-being of his first-born turned a corner and entered a new season when he walked her down our church aisle in 2006. The years had passed quickly, and we wouldn’t have the benefit of a second act or encore performance. His moment to impact her young life had passed, yet thankfully, my husband had chosen early on to sow seeds of love by praying for all three of his children, investing his time and his values in them, and by being a good role model and servant-leader in our home. Praying for our children is the greatest gift we can give them. Each night, Mike has knelt by our children’s beds and prayed for them, knowing that his prayers will help shape their world and their future. Our children are worthy of the sacrifices demanded by faithful and consistent prayer. And, as they witness Dad harnessing God’s power through prayer, they learn to do the same. Investing time in your family can be a sacrifice, as Dennis Rainey, founder and River Region’s Journey
March 2014
president of FamilyLife and father of six shares. Tired from a long day at work, Rainey reasoned with himself why he shouldn’t be able to chill on the couch. “I struggled over the lure of just one evening of selfishness—to do my own thing. But what if Barbara (his wife) had a similar attitude? Then who would carry the baton?” Rainey chose instead to engage in meaningful conversation with his family that night at the dinner table. Then he sowed seeds of love by entering his children’s world and wrestling on the floor with them! If Dad disengages from the family because of exhaustion, frustration, or divorce, someone else will influence his children. In fact, Dad is so important, even his level of involvement in church will impact his child’s faith as an adult. Living out your values and being a good role model helps shape who they become as adults. If Dad watches a movie or TV show that depicts low moral standards, his children witness that Dad’s convictions are convictions only when it’s convenient. Our children are bombarded with violence, disregard for human dignity, and moral relativity every time the television is turned on. Dad has to be strong and courageous to consistently present a higher moral standard to his family—one which reflects his relationship with Christ. Being a great dad means being a great husband and a servant leader. Paul 28
says in Ephesians 5 that husbands are to love their wives as Christ loved the church and must love his wife as he loves himself—feeding and caring for her, just as Christ does the church. Our three children have grown up witnessing servant leadership demonstrated by their dad, such as bringing mom coffee each morning. Or dropping everything to help a friend in trouble. Emptying the dishwasher, cleaning the kitchen, folding laundry, taking care of the cars, are all examples of what a servant leader looks like. He leads his family spiritually through meaningful conversation, prayer, and Bible study, always pointing to Christ as the head of the family.
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“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity.” (Ephesians 5:15, 16) Whether you are preparing the soil, sowing and watering seeds, or bringing in the harvest, remember that your children’s security comes from being sure of their Father’s love (in heaven and on earth). Remember the little girl in the picture--they grow up so fast! Choose each day to sow seeds of love by praying for your children, investing your time and values in them, and by being a great husband and modeling servant-leadership in your home. 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 daughters, two sons-in-law, and two grandchildren.
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March 2014
River Region’s Journey
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What is Biblical Counseling? Biblical counseling reflects the Scriptures at every point (major and minor). That means that every bit of advice you get from your counselor should have solid biblical support. At any point in the process, you have the right to stop and ask him to explain the biblical basis for his counsel. Now it’s not that everything a truly biblical counselor tells you will be based on a biblical directive (imperative / command), but there should be at least a firm biblical principle behind everything he says. Moreover there is often more than one way to skin a cat (or ice a cake) biblically. From time to time, when giving advice based on a biblical principle rather than a directive you might hear him say something like this: “Unless you have a better idea (in other words, unless you can come up with another biblically-derived solution), may I suggest that you do this.” Other times, when the Bible clearly directs you to follow a particular course of action, your counselor will be more directive. Sometimes the solution to life’s problems is found by simply beginning to obey certain clear biblical directives. Sometimes the answer to a problem is clearly delineated in the Bible. River Region’s Journey
March 2014
Counsel from the Scripture is the privilege of every believer. God has given us His Word as our only rule of faith and practice. Allow me to briefly acquaint you with some of the elements of the counseling process so that you might know what you as a believer in Jesus Christ may expect from biblical counseling.
1. You should expect to see good results from biblical counseling.
No matter how difficult your struggle might be, you should have hope that you can change. You should expect to see results first and foremost in your own life because as a Christian all the conditions for you to change have been met by God.
2. You should expect the Spirit of God to work through the Word to bring about change.
You can expect that the Holy Spirit is going to take the Scriptures you will be internalizing (through Bible reading, study, memorization, and meditation, etc.) and change you from the inside. No Christian can properly grow or change apart from God’s Word.
3. You should not expect to break any bad habits.
We all have struggled to overcome a variety of bad habits we’ve picked up along the way. Many Christians, however, when they “struggle” with sin don’t really struggle at all. Rather, they simply confess their sin to God, pray that He will help them change, and 30
promptly get off their knees expecting that God has somehow infused (“zapped”) them with a special infusion of grace which will enable them to never commit the same sin again, without any (or very little) further effort on their part. It is not enough merely to pray that God will change us. We must also do what the Bible says is necessary to “put off” the sin and “put on” Christ. So, change is a twofold process for the Christian.
4. You should expect to be taught, convicted, corrected and trained by the Scriptures.
One of the best ways to view the counseling process is through the eyes of 2 Timothy 3:16. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The Scriptures have been given for four distinct purposes: teaching, reproof, correction and disciplined training in righteousness. The processes of biblical counseling will take you through all four of these distinct procedures.
5. You should expect to be given a fair amount of counseling homework. Biblical counseling requires work not just insight. It requires the counselee to know the truth, but more importantly to practice it. Biblical counseling homework helps translate the truth you are learning from the Bible into daily living. It helps you “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk.”
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In addition to counseling homework, your counselor will occasionally ask you to make specific commitments to certain general courses of action. He might ask you to spend a specific amount of time each day (for at least as long as you are in counseling) reading and studying the Scriptures. You may be asked to commit to spending time each day with your spouse in uninterrupted, undistracted communication. You could be asked to commit to learning how to be a more biblical spouse, parent, or employee). Your counselor might ask you to make a commitment to radically amputate something from your life that has habitually enticed you to sin. (See Matthew 5:27-30)
7. You should expect a bit of temporary discomfort (pain). I know you didn’t expect this one but going to counseling is sometimes like visiting the dentist. Nobody really likes going, but most are willing to put up with the “discomfort”—the scraping and poking, the pushing and prodding, the slobbering, the bleeding, the unpleasant aromas, the temporary numbness, soreness and inability to articulate properly. Why are we willing go through all that? Because we have considered the alternative: PAIN! Either we put up with some temporary, discomfort for a few hours or we live day in and day out with constant and ever-increasing pain (not to mention the risk of further complications). Change is hard, no doubt about it. But there is something that is much harder: not changing.
Know what to do in case of suspected concussion.
A concussion
is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior.
Any athlete with a suspected concussion: l Should be IMMEDIATELY REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY l Should be urgently assessed medically l Should not be left alone l Should not drive a motor vehicle
**If you would like to get in touch with this or any counselor at Eastwood Counseling Center, please call 334-386-2384. Lou Priolo is the director of counselling at Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He is the author of several books, including The Heart of Anger, The Complete Husband, Teach Them Diligently, Getting a Grip, Picking Up the Pieces and Pleasing People. In addition to his books, Lou has dozens of recordings extrapolated from his twenty seven years of lectures, teaching and preaching. He is the editor of the Resources for Biblical Living series of booklets dealing with numerous counselling issues. Lou is a Fellow in the Association of Certified Biblical Counsellors and an instructor with the Birmingham Theological Seminary. He travels frequently throughout the United States and abroad training pastors, laymen, and fellow counsellors. Lou and his wife Kim are the parents of two girls, Sophia and Gabriella.
CONCUSSION CLINIC 205.934.1041 www.Childrens AL.org/concussion IN CASE OF MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL 911 OR GO DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCAL ER
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March 2014
River Region’s Journey
March 13
March 2014 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8.
March 2
Montgomery Area Council On Aging, MACOA, will host the 20th Annual Culinary Caper at the Alabama Activity Center on from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Local chefs from the area’s finest restaurants will donate their delicious fare to the fortunate guests at the reservations-only event. A dedicated a team of community volunteers will serve each course to the hundreds of patrons at the seated luncheon. Individuals can purchase a reservation for $75 per seat and space is limited. For reservations and more information, please call (334) 2630532 or contact Director of Development Karen Allen Green at kallengreen@macoa. org. All proceeds from the Culinary Caper will directly benefit MACOA’s Meals On Wheels program
March 5
Woodland UMC, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, in Pike Road, will have a traditional Ash Wednesday service in our sanctuary at 6:30 p.m. with the imposition of ashes. All are welcome to attend. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent and is a special time to remember your mortality and need for repentance. The service will include singing of songs, scripture reading, message and receiving ashes on the forehead or hand in the shape of a cross. The ashes are symbolic of mourning and repentance to God. For more information, please call Woodland United Methodist Church at 334-272-7230. River Region’s Journey
March 2014
Surviving to Thriving Marriage Seminar for Foster/Adoptive Parents will be held from 6 – 8 p.m. Agape of Central Alabama is proud to bring a marriage seminar for foster and adoptive couples. Mitch Temple, an author, speaker and former Director of Marriage at Focus on the Family in Colorado Springs, will speak at Frazer United Methodist Church on Marriage From the Heart – taking your marriage from surviving to thriving. In addition to his marriage work, Mitch serves as Founder and Director of The Fatherhood CoMission and has been part of top Christian family movies like Fireproof, Courageous, October Baby and more. Contact Julie Johnston to RSVP at jjohnston@agapeforchildren.org. For childcare, please RSVP by March 10th. For additional information, please call 334-272-9466.
March 20
Capitol Sounds and Montgomery Recreators Concert, 7 pm, Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1685 Taylor Rd., Montgomery. THIS IS A FREE CONCERT. For more info call 334-625-4661.
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. Capital City Church of the Nazarene, 4450 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Free Tutoring throughout the school year. All subjects. Grades K-12. Every Wednesday night from 5:00 to 6:00. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information: 272-8176. Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30), morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail. com. We are a church where you can be you, you can be loved and where you can grow! 32
Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info. Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201. Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@ charter.net or call 262-6437. First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts 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. 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 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. Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. 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
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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. 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 experience 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.
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.
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 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.
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
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!
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Calendar 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 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) 3541897. 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 radio-homecominggospel. com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m. Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS...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 301-0355 for information and to make a reservation, or email rooftopfriends@gmail.com.
Send your events to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com. River Region’s Journey
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Q. I’m a little worried about investing in the market due to volatility. Are there safer investments?
A. You’re right; the market is volatile. It’s not a volatile as some things, but you have to remember that anywhere there’s money to be made—including long-term investing—there are ups and downs. For instance, I like real estate. It’s not as volatile as the stock market, but there are no guarantees. We experienced that big dip over the last few years, and it was probably one of largest dips ever in the real estate market, except for the Great Depression. Aside from real estate, I also like mutual funds. When it comes to these, one way to smooth out the volatility of the market is through diversification. That means you spread your money around instead of investing in one or two things. That’s how I handle my mutual funds, and I recommend others do the same. Spread your investments across these four types of mutual funds: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth and international.
There are no guarantees when it comes to long-term investing. But diversification can help make the ride a little bit smoother!
Q. My parents co-signed on government loans so I could go to college. Would my forbearance or non-payment affect their credit if I don’t pay? A. Yes, it would. I’m not trying to lay
a guilt trip on you, kiddo, but you’ll be trashing your mom and dad’s credit if you don’t pay the bills on time. If they co-signed for you, they’ll start getting phone calls, too, if you don’t do the right thing and pay back these loans. The truth is, your mom and dad shouldn’t have co-signed for you in the first place. There’s only one reason lenders want a co-signer, and that’s because they’re afraid the person taking out the loan won’t be able to pay back what’s owed. My goal here isn’t to beat you up. It’s to give you information that you—and your parents—need in order to make different, smarter decisions in the future.
We all do dumb things sometimes. In the past, I did some really dumb things with very large numbers attached. The goal is to grow, learn, and try to use what we learn in order to do fewer dumb things in the future.
Q. I’m 26, and I just started a new job making $50,000. I’ve also been offered a 401(k) with no match. Should I put money into the 401(k) or open a highyield CD? A. I’ve got another idea. I’d open a
Roth IRA with good growth stock mutual funds inside and fund it up to $5,500 a year. Make sure these mutual funds have been open at least five years— preferably 10 years or more—and have performed well. Mathematically, this investment, growing tax-free, will be superior to a non-matching 401(k). Then, if you want to invest more than $5,500, you could put some additional money into the 401(k) offered by your company. Again, make sure you’re invested in good growth stock mutual funds with long, successful track records.
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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.
Winter’s Tale
Robocop
Production Quality: ** Moral Acceptability: -3 (Excessive) Starring: Colin Farrell, Jessica Brown Findlay, Russell Crowe, Jennifer Connelly, William Hurt, Will Smith, Eva Marie Saint, Kevin Corrigan Genre: Fantasy Audience: Teenagers and adults Rating: PG-13 Content: Four obscenities and two profanities; strong but brief violence includes climactic fight with punching and kicking, men fall through cracked ice and drown, man turns into monster demon briefly and it’s implied he either slit a man’s throat or decapitated him off-screen, man takes blood of victim and draws an impressionistic image of a red-haired female, angry Lucifer character bears sharp teeth to threaten one of his demons, man threatens to torture another man, man falls into river from great height, gangsters chase man, character dies of poison, and little girl has a seizure; depicted fornication in one scene and the fornication is portrayed as justified; upper male nudity; alcohol use. WINTER’S TALE is a mystical fairy tale set in 1916 and 2014 in New York City. A narrator tells viewers that each person gets to perform one miracle for one other person. In 1916, Peter Lake, a young immigrant thief, meets a beautiful red-haired woman named Beverly Penn. They fall in love, but Peter is being hunted by an evil gangster who also happens to be a demon serving the Devil, Lucifer. With the aid of a mystical white horse, Peter Lake fulfills his destiny; but, will that destiny include Beverly, who’s suffering from a fatal case of tuberculosis? WINTER’S TALE has some entertaining, touching moments. However, it also becomes a bit boring and repetitious. Worse, the movie’s worldview is all over the place. Thus, despite some Christian references, the movie contains New Age, pagan elements. It also talks about the universe in a mystical way and sometimes even in a humanist way. WINTER’S TALE also contains some foul language and some intense violence. However, it’s WINTER’S TALE’s confused worldview that ultimately makes it unacceptable and unsatisfying, no matter what you believe.
Production Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: -2 Starring: Joel Kinnaman, Michael Keaton, Gary Oldman, Abbie Cornish, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael K. Williams, Jackie Earle Haley, Jay Baruchel Genre: Science Fiction Audience: Teenagers and adults Rating: PG-13 Content: 25 obscenities (mostly “h” and “s” words), five strong profanities (two GDs, one JC, and man says “Holy Chr*st!” twice but those two are almost said in reverence and shock, so they’re borderline), and one light profanity, plus an “f” word and an “s” word are bleeped during a TV news program; strong and very strong violence includes a lot of gun battles, villain shot dead, explosions, and medical-related images of man’s brain, lungs, and spinal column; man and wife start to have a bedroom rendezvous when they’re interrupted; upper male nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or illegal drugs, but doctor does use some drugs to lessen hormones in man’s brain that allow his human soul to express itself; and, deceit, manipulation. ROBOCOP is a remake of the famous 1987 movie about a Detroit policeman transformed into a menacing robot cop. Alex Murphy is an honest cop and loving husband and father, who’s severely injured in a horrific car bombing by gun-running criminals. His wife agrees to let OmniCorp save his life by using robotic technology, but it turns Alex into a mere shell. At first, Alex wants to die but soon accepts his fate. However, there are complications to the robot-human interface in Alex’s suit. The corporation orders its doctor to suppress Alex’s human side, but it alienates Alex from his family. Can Alex regain his humanity? This ROBOCOP remake has a more serious tone than the original. It discusses such issues as free will, conscience, the concept of a human soul, and doing the right thing. As such, it has a Christian worldview, with strong moral, pro-family elements. However, there’s some very strong action violence, disturbing medical images during the policeman’s robot transformation and lots of foul language. So, extreme caution is advised. That said, ROBOCOP has some terrific acting.
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
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Programs offered for all ages and stages of life. Sunday 8:30 am 9:45 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 6:15 pm
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Bring them in... Build them up... Send them out... 305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org
Jay Wolf, pastor