“When leaders get better, everybody wins.”
—Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church
The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit offers two days of Game-Changing Leadership Development for your business, church or organization, featuring a World-Class faculty of speakers, hosted by satellite right here in Montgomery at Frazer UMC. There is simply no better investment you can make in the strength of your team and the future of your mission. Speakers include: Adam Grant Wharton School Brian Houston Hillsong Church Ed Catmull Walt Disney Animation Sheila Heen Harvard Law School Jim Collins Best-Selling Author Horst Schulze Capelia Hotel Group Brené Brown University of Houston Liz Wiseman Best-Selling Author Craig Groeschel LifeChurch.tv
Individual Registration By May 19: $189 | By June 23: $199 Significant discounts available for large teams (10+), military, faculty and students
Join an expected 260,000 leaders around the world at The Global Leadership Summit 2015. #wcagls
Frazer Church: find hope, Follow Jesus • Sunday worship 8, 9:30 & 11AM 6000 atlanta Hwy. Montgomery • frazerumc.org • 334.2728622 •
FRAZER IS THE PLACE TO BE FOR CHILDREN THIS SUMMER! Children are a top priority to Jesus, and they are a top priority at Frazer! That’s why we strive to offer events like Vacation Bible School that are not only fun and educational, but also life-transforming. This year’s VBS theme, Journey Off the Map, takes your kids to uncharted territory where they will begin to understand that obedience to God can lead them beyond the expected. Our Sports & Fitness Ministry also offers numerous activities for children, including our Good Mornings daycamp and British Soccer Camp.
Volume 17, Issue 1
Feature Articles
MAY 2015 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note Jason Watson
page 12
Faith @ Work
page 4
Pastor's Perspective
John and Mitzi Fleming lead students, both young and old, at Fleming’s Martial Arts in Montgomery. Read how they strive to live out their faith beyond church walls, in hopes of pointing others to Christ.
Scott Weatherford, Vaughn Forest Church
page 13
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 17
Shine
Kim Hendrix
page 14
page 18
Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids Theology
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 27
With All Your Mind
by Aaron Earls
Matt Jordan, Ph.D.
It may seem like an intimidating task, but it doesn’t have to be. Discover natural ways to teach your children about Christ in every day settings.
page 31
Counselor’s Corner Olivia Pierce, LPC
page 35
page 20
Vacation Bible Schools Guide Register your kids today for one or more of these fun weeks at local churches!
Family Teams for Christ: Military Edition Lisa and Mike Conn
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 28
Ministry Spotlight:
page 6
Nehemiah Center by Mandy Pascal
Through programs for children and their parents, The Nehemiah Center helps enable and empower under served communities to better help themselves.
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 24
Support Groups page 31
Event Calendar 1
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Aaron Earls Kim Hendrix Matt Jordan, Ph.D. Mandy Pascal Olivia Pierce, LPC Dave Ramsey Scott Weatherford Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
From the Publisher Over the past several months I’ve had the opportunity to spend Tuesday nights with a group of sixth grade boys discussing placing faith in Christ and how that changes us. Granted, some weeks were more focused than others, but clearly these boys enjoyed learning and discussing how Christianity applies to their lives. Christianity explains life as it should be lived, and that’s important for us to remember. Parenting comes with all kinds of challenges, from changing diapers when they’re babies to staying up late when your teenager has missed curfew. If we’re not careful though we can get caught up in the challenges of raising children and miss the foundation of our parenting. Without building on the correct foundation we’ll never address the challenges in ways that benefit our children. Truly successful parenting is built on the explanation and wisdom of life revealed in the Scriptures. Each May we intentionally try to inspire you to share the love and hope of Jesus with the children in your lives. In this month’s issue, you’ll discover several articles and columns offering helpful steps to take action in this area. Some of you may feel all alone and defeated; you have a deep desire to live for Christ and to make Him known to your children, but aren’t sure how to begin. Besides reading this issue, please get connected with a local Christian church and ask the pastor for advice. You may find many others who have the same desire and they can offer the resources and support you need. If you have elementary aged children, one great way to get connected with a church is to sign your kids up for Vacation Bible School. Beginning on page 20 you’ll find the River Region’s most comprehensive VBS Directory. Find one nearby, and I promise your child will have a wonderful time learning about the Lord. It’s crucial that we train our children in the way they should go. That begins in the home, but it also should be part of the work done by the community of believers. We all have a biblical responsibility to model and pass on the faith to the children. Jesus was known as one who loved children. Let’s follow His example.
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
Our Advertisers Matter!
Each is a wonderful resource for people in the River Region.
Please support our advertisers. If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement email us at ads@readjourneymagazine today. 2
3
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Pastor’s Perspective
O
Scott Weatherford, Vaughn Forest Church
At Home with the Lord parents are no longer living there, it is still home. While there, I pondered my past. I remembered hearing the voice of God whispering to me about direction, Moses was a wanderer...he grew about love, about following Him. I up away from home, lived away from felt the warm embrace of my mother his people, and then was called by and the steadying hand of my father. I God to lead the Jewish people into the reflected on the progress of my own promised land...to lead them “home”. family in that place. I recalled the It is ironic that the man who knew no nights I lay in bed and prayed for Tara, home was the leader toward home. my wife, and our future together But Moses knew something that we praying that she would love me like I don’t know. loved her; the Christmas gatherings; This past week I have been home. Calah, my daughter, running backward Back to the only consistent place that hitting the wall and the stitches that I or my family have known as home. followed; the nights spent sleeping The house my parents filled with love with Caleb, my son, on a blow-up bed and the grace of God. Although my in the middle of the living room. The sweetness of home flooded my heart and filled my eyes with tears. As I pondered, I could not help but recall Moses’ words... “Lord, you are home.” We all have a longing to find the place where SuMMer reSident & day caMP YMCA CAMP CHANDLER we belong. But it is not a place, it is a person...a people...a purpose. FOR MORE INFORMATION YMCA CAMP CHANDLER It is God who is Ages 5-15 making us a famday camp fees: Starting at $150/wk per child ily. We are lookresident camp fees: $245 – $765 per child ing for home and contact: luke dooley it has been God all P 334 538 4658 F 334 269 2387 along. ldooley@ymcamontgomery.org campchandler.org God knows our needs and He meets those needs. He Psalm 90:1 Moses states, “throughout all generations you (God), have been our home.”
growing confidence naturally
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
4
knows we need something tangible something real that we can embrace, name, touch, and declare as our own. The house I grew up in is that space, made sacred by the very presence of the God who filled the hearts of those who lived there. During this sojourn home I am embraced by my brother and sister, reconnected with my children, and as always accompanied by my wife, Tara. I am home - with God and with my family. There is no place like it, and there is nothing that meets the longing of my heart better than it can. As I lead I must remember that my calling is to direct people to the home found in Christ. This requires me to live with heaven in view. Home is where the heart is...with Jesus. When we came to Vaughn Forest we were looking for a spiritual home. I know many in Montgomery are doing the same. We all need a place and a people who share our passions and fill our hearts. One day I will be home. God will whisper to me once again and call me to Himself, and I will discover the truth that Moses, the wanderer, knew all along. I think the first words I’ll hear will be, “Welcome home.” Until then, I am home here in sweet home Alabama!
Scott Weatherford is pastor of Vaughn Forest Church in Montgomery.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e
G s a o o f f a C o c d t
e
s a.
ng
me
g
ll
ll e
l
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 needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
5
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
After Acts
by Bryan Liftin The story of the early church is the story of God working in incredible ways through a group of people known as his apostles. These are the people he had specially chosen and called to serve as his emissaries, to take the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ all through the known world. Again and again we read about these apostles in the book of Acts and in the various epistles, but what happened to all of those characters once the book of Acts was complete and the biblical canon was closed? This is the question Brian Litfin means to answer in his new book After Acts: Exploring the Lives and Legends of the Apostles. What a great idea for a book! Church history is packed full of accounts of the lives and deaths of the apostles, but a shocking number of these accounts are obviously fictional and legendary. Is there a way to cut through the noise and to construct a realistic history of the major biblical characters? Litfin believes that it many cases it is possible to at least weight the evidence and to come to reasonable conclusions. Litfin dedicates a chapter each to Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Mary, River Region’s Journey
May 2015
Thomas, James, Peter, and Paul. Mary makes the list not because she was an apostle but because of her unexpected importance in church history, and especially in Roman Catholic history. Other than her own son, there are more legends about Mary than about any other character! In every case Litfin describes the commonly accepted view of what happened to the character after Acts, what he accomplished, and where he died. Then he looks at all the available evidence to show what appears to be based on fact and what is far more likely to be based on legend. And in most cases his conclusions are quite compelling. At the end of each chapter he puts together a report card to assign grades to the commonly-accepted facts. So, for example, when it comes to Luke he assigns the following grades: Traveled with Paul on missionary journeys - A Remained with Paul until the very end -A Wrote Luke and Acts based on eyewitness sources and personal experiences - AWrote his two volumes in the early 60s from Rome - B+ Used Mark as a source for his gospel -B Went to the region of Thebes and died there - BIs now buried in Padua, Prague, and Thiva - D 6
It makes for quite an interesting and effective format. Now before I conclude, I need to own my ignorance when it comes to early church history and even to the means by which historians weight the evidence before them. This is a highly specialized field and one that is far beyond my area of expertise. That said, I found Litfin’s methodology compelling. He is obviously and unashamedly Evangelical in his approach to the Bible and the Christian faith, but still always does his due diligence. When he looks at Liberal claims about the authorship of books, he never mocks, but always grants them the dignity of examining their position. Not only that, but he is also honest. Sometimes we believe a certain man authored a book or that a particular event took place, but the evidence may be more circumstantial than we would like. It seems noteworthy that Litfin believes in the infamous “Q” source document for the gospels. However, he does so in such a way as to still affirm the inerrancy and infallibility of any of those books that may have used it as one of their sources. I am not wellenough versed to comment too much on the implications, but his view seems similar to CARM’s view: “If Q is an actual source, it does not invalidate the validity of the Gospels. … If anything, the existence of Q would mean that the time between the actual events and their written record is lessened.” After Acts is written to be fastpaced and reader-friendly, and Litfin has succeeded well. I found it an engaging and enjoyable book that served to strengthen my confidence in the authority and the truthfulness of the Bible.
TAME THE DRAGON.
y
d,
y ble s s
in
e m of
IS HEARTBURN A PROBLEM? Baptist Medical Center East now has Montgomery’s only state-of-the-art diagnostic testing for heartburn and reflux. Our special team of doctors and nurses can put together a treatment plan just for you. And the best news? Most insurance plans will cover it. So call the heartburn team at Baptist
Visit our new
HEARTBURN TREATMENT CENTER
East. And let us help you slay that dragon.
ms
he g, e eir
ag-
or-
Visit BaptistEastHeartburn.com or call 334.273.4444 Some patients may require a primary care physician referral depending on insurance provider.
7
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
A w to
5th Annual Agape Run for a Mom 5k & Fun Run
Big Fun Children’s Lock-in
Agape of Central Alabama is excited to announce that the 5th Annual Run for a Mom 5k & Fun Run will be held on Mother’s Day weekend, Saturday, May 9. The race will take place at the Vaugh Park Church and will continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. Registration for the 5k is now open, and ranges from $5 to $30. After April 29, the registration prices will increase $5, and you will not be guaranteed a t-shirt. All proceeds from the Run for a Mom 5k & Fun Run will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. The Run for a Mom 5k & Fun Run is an effort to bring people together to honor the role of mom. Birth mothers, foster mothers, and mothers alike will be celebrated and honored during this special event. The event features entertainment, a large inflatable slide, food and an optional “mom badge” course. Participants can register online at www.runforamom.org or at Vaughn Park Church on the day of the race beginning at 6:30 AM. The 5k start time is 7:30 AM and the 1-mile fun run will begin at 8:30 AM. An award ceremony and door prizes will be given away following the race. For more information visit www.runforamom.org, or call (334) 272-9466.
Friday, May 29 5-9 p.m. Frazer UMC Activity Center. Children ages 4 years-5th grade, join us for Big Fun as we kick off the summer with a lock-in! Pizza, ice cream sundae bar, games, and a “big” movie. Cost is $5. E-mail cculpepper@frazerumc.org.
Grace @ Bell Road presents... “Tell Me A Story”
Grace @ Bell Road invites children age 5 through rising 6th graders to join us for Creative Arts Camp where campers are excited to learn about Jesus through art, drama, movement and singing! Enrollment is limited, be sure to register early! (nlt May 27th). For more information call 272-4930.
Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield
Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 5 pm Eastmont Baptist in Montgomery, AL The Bible repeatedly uses “father,” “husband,” “bride” and “child” analogies to demonstrate God’s relationship with the church and his followers. There is no better example of the unconditional love God has for us than what we are instructed to have for our spouse and children. Building upon these themes, Love Worth Fighting For is a marriage event, featuring teaching by Kirk Cameron and music by Warren Barfield, designed to strengthen and encourage your marriage. Visit www. itickets.com or call the church at 277-6300.
Team Mother-Son
Friday, May 8, 6-8 p.m. Frazer UMC North Gym in the Activity Center. This event is an evening of fun for moms & sons to have a chance to have a “date night” with just one another. We want young men to see that going on a date can be fun, especially when it’s with Mom! There will be dinner, great door prizes, Minute-to-Win-It Games, fun music & even a tag team kick ball game at the end. This will be something that will make moms feel special and it will be something their boys will never forget. Stepmothers, grandmothers--all mothers are welcome. Cost is $15 dinner for two, $2 for each additional boy. Tickets will be available in the Frazer Atrium through May 3, or stop by the Children’s Ministry Office during the week (located in Activity Center). E-mail cculpepper@frazerumc.org.
Grid Iron Men’s Conference
June 19-20 BJCC Arena, Birmingham In Motion: Moving Men To Make A Change In Their World. Guest speakers include David Jeremiah, Phil Waldrep, Dr. Ben Carson, Charles Billingsley, Fred Luter, Drew Brees and David Uth. $89/person. www.gridironmen.org River Region’s Journey
May 2015
8
W e ro O
d
h ’s
n d ill
ctrt nd
e hhis ble
t 0 l e
Local Author Shares Keys to Becoming a Victorious Woman in New Book
As Christian women we’ve assumed the roles of daughter, mother, sister, wife, aunt, friend and coworker. All of these roles require the wisdom of God and key skill sets to successfully fulfill. Keys to Becoming a Victorious Woman was birthed from my desire to see Christian women victorious in all areas of their life. While working as a manager for many years I have always been in search of self -enrichment resources and conferences aimed at equipping me with the skills necessary to successfully fulfill my many roles. As with every other need in my life I have found the answers within the Word of God. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God has used various women to provide us with master keys, that when applied to our lives, will unlock doors of victory in every area. Keys to Becoming a Victorious Woman presents 26 biblical keys demonstrated by women within the Bible that led them to monumental victories that left their mark in Bible history. The 26 keys discussed in this book provide wisdom to women and girls of all ages, and when applied today, will unlock doors to the their next level of victory spiritually, professionally and relationally. Keys to Becoming a Victorious Woman is laid out in such a way that it may be studied individually, in a group setting, book club or women’s self enrichment workshops. In a group setting each of these 26 keys can be discussed separately where participants are encouraged to share personal life lessons on each key presented. Key to Becoming a Victorious Woman includes a self-development guide, scriptures for further study, group discussion questions and a daily journal to track progress towards personal victories. This book is currently available on amazon.com and BarnesandNoble.com. It can also be ordered at any of the major bookstores. You are called to be a victorious woman – are you ready to become one? Author Brenda K. Fields is a teacher of the Word and currently attends Saints In Action Christian Outreach Church in Montgomery. For information on speaking engagements you may contact her via the following means: Website: BrendaFields.com; Email: AuthorBrendaFields.com; Facebook: Author Brenda Fields.
ty ve nt
all s et. s e
y 9
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Montgomery’s 1st Bible Reading Marathon
The 1st annual Montgomery Bible Reading Marathon, hosted by His Vessel Ministries, will be held at the steps of the Alabama State Capitol beginning Thursday, May 7 at 8:30am through May 10 at 8:30am. This Bible Reading Marathon is part of the National Day of Prayer events and the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast. Governor Robert Bentley, Commissioner Elton Dean, and Mayor Todd Strange will kick off the Montgomery Bible Reading Marathon during the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast being held at the Alabama Activity Center on the morning of May 7. These leaders will begin the Bible reading with the book of Genesis. The reading of the Bible will immediately continue at the Capitol steps by area citizens until the entire Bible is read aloud over the city and state. The purpose of a Bible Reading Marathon is to speak the powerful Word of God over our city and state. Billed as an interdenominational event, all area churches, Christian groups, and individuals are welcome to take part. Each individual will publically read aloud scripture from the Bible for 15-minute segments until the entire Bible is read aloud. The Bible reading will conclude on the morning of Sunday, May 10. Individuals may sign up to read the Bible at www.hisvessel.org, click on the Bible Reading Marathon and sign up to read at a specific date and time. For additional information contact His Vessel Ministries at 334-356-4478 or info@hisvessel.org.
Making It Easy to Know the Bible
His Vessel Ministries invites you to the teaching event “Making It Easy to Know the Bible” on Tuesday, May 26 from 6pm-9pm at His Vessel Ministries. Please join us as Jo Hancock shows you how the Bible is God’s story of His Kingdom on earth and how YOU fit into His plan. Jo highlights why you need to study the Bible, gives a simple overview of the Bible, and recommended study aides to help you know and understand the Bible. There is no registration fee for this teaching and it is open to men and women. For more information or to register call 334-356-4478 or info@ hisvessel.org. His Vessel Ministries is located in the downtown Historic Union Station, 300 Water Street, Suite 100, Montgomery, AL, 36104.
Ti
t
R c ni M ca fre bl se c f
D sp
R
a an p ch
E d River Region’s Journey
May 2015
10
o 6 es.
His nto to ew y nd e n or @ s on ,
Presents Beauty: An Inside Job
You are invited to the Inaugural Celebration of Womens’ Inner Beauty and Strength Brunch Buffet; Saturday, May 16, 11:30 am at Blackfinn AmeriPub Tickets $30; silent auction and door prizes Bring a friend and reserve your space today by calling Samaritan Counseling Center at 262-7787. Proceeds provide client assistance for Samaritan Counseling Center.
“4th Saturday” Outreach Event
River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to their 4th Saturday Outreach event May 23 from 9am-11am at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners, and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc…) in the River City Rummage Sale located on the lower level of the church. Nurses will screen for diabetes (glucose testing), assess body mass index, blood pressure, and other vital signs. Volunteers will also provide homework help and a craft for children. For information, please call 2630549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com.
SHE SUCCESSFULLY PLAYED THE SAME PRANK ON HER MOTHER THREE TIMES IN A SINGLE DAY AND REMAINS CONFIDENT SHE COULD DO IT AGAIN. and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.
C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
MontgmeryParents_COA_HeadlineAd_Prank.indd 1
4/9/15 2:08 PM
Email ministry or church news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com. 11
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
always been there so I don’t have that moment of salvation like a lot of people. Sometimes I do wish I had that moment because it might be easier to share my testimony with others. My life has had its ups and downs and I have gone astray at times, but my constant has been to turn to Jesus. RRJ: Since you two have been walking with the Lord for such a long time, is your Christian life as close to perfect as one can expect this side of Heaven? John: “Perfect” in my view is not sustainable. While at times I feel “in sync” with the Lord and his plan, other times I feel off track. It is in those moments I realize my selfish nature taking over and I am living for me. But a lot of prayer and slowing down to listen can be of great comfort. Mitzi: I’m laughing because I am certainly not perfect and will never be. I try my best to always put Christ first in everything I do, but there have been many times when I have fallen short. RRJ: Some people can tell you the exact day and time they realized their need for Jesus’ gift of atonement. You two don’t have a moment like that because you’ve both looked to Jesus for as long as you can remember. Why is that and do you ever wish you had a “moment of salvation”? John: I have been blessed to have godly people in my life since I was young. Seeing the way they acted and reacted to situations in life had a big influence on me. In my younger years, I didn’t think so much of looking to Jesus or the influence of the Holy Spirit as much as I didn’t want to suffer consequences of getting in trouble. Now I realize how God has been working on me. It is true I do not have a moment of salvation, but I do have a journey of salvation. Mitzi: For as long as I can remember, I have always gone to church. Jesus has River Region’s Journey
May 2015
RRJ: For sure, the sanctification process of becoming like Christ through the Holy Spirit is a life-long journey as you learn to implement His redemption in all areas of life. One area that’s unique to your lives is that you’re business partners at Fleming’s Martial Arts. Many people might wonder how a husband and wife can work so closely together in a business environment. Has that been difficult for you? John & Mitzi: We do get questioned quite a bit about how it is to work with each other. The majority of the time, we work very well together; we both have our strengths and weaknesses and compliment each other very well. Sometimes we have contrasting ideas and opinions, but it takes communication to work things through. We have been married for 19 years and know when we are getting agitated with one another and need to take a time out. 12
RRJ: At Fleming’s Martial Arts you work with children as young as three years old all the way up to senior citizens to teach them what you call “Fitness with a Purpose”. How is your Christian faith revealed in your work with both young and old? John: Christ has set the supreme example of showing love. While he knows each individual’s situation, we do not. My goal each day is to make a connection with as many people as I can and put a smile on their face. Mitzi: I want to shine a light on everyone that walks through our door, young and old. John does the majority of the teaching. I am the program administrator, so I am usually the first person they see when they come into our school. I make it a point to greet everyone with a smile on my face and ask our students and parents how their day has been. Sharing and reflecting Christ’s love is my goal and purpose everyday. RRJ: Running your business and offering classes during the day and night, as well as raising your two teenagers, means you live very busy lives. Yet, you’re still involved in your church and in serving the community. Why is making that commitment important to you? John & Mitzi: We strive to put Jesus first in every aspect of our lives and to lead by example. We feel called to get involved and connect to people even if it’s out of our comfort zone. Relationships are important and through relationships, we are hopeful to bring someone to Christ. RRJ: Finally, what’s the one thing you would say has encouraged you most to live out your faith beyond church walls? John & Mitzi: The possibility of connecting someone to Christ through work, missions, or our daily lives encourages us the most. It’s all about pointing people to Him!
ma in in He fac tw alc for an aB
the ma thi thr an Th too riv to int wa sha the ba
sec did pro no co tai tea an At
we Sh aro thr pro he mo fal
he
ch al s n
or,
e
g nd
ns
he -
t by
e
-
le
A Bride in Name Only In April, 1956 C. S. Lewis of England married Joy Davidman of the United States in a civil ceremony. But she became a bride in name only. And even that was a secret. Her British visa had expired and she was facing deportation to America with her two young sons, knowing that her violent, alcoholic, ex-husband would be waiting for them. She needed desperately to find another place to live and decided to become a British citizen. C. S. Lewis, the eminent Christian theologian, medieval scholar, and author of many books, sympathized with the plight of this woman and her children. He had met her through her letters years before. She had read and admired several of his books, especially The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. She, too, was a writer and editor. So when she arrived at his doorstep in 1952, he was pleased to meet someone who shared many of his interests. Joy was witty and intelligent. She was married then, but her marriage was in shambles. As time went by, she returned to the United States, was divorced, and came back to England in 1956. What Joy proposed to Lewis was a secret marriage. As a confirmed bachelor, he did not look at this as romance, but a way to protect this lady and her children. After all, no one would have to know. They would continue to live in separate houses and maintain their separate lives. He would continue teaching literature at Cambridge University and live with his brother, as he had for years. At least, that’s the way it started out. But a few months after the secret civil wedding, Joy was stricken with bone cancer. She was in constant pain and needed care around the clock. C. S. Lewis moved the three of them into his house. The university professor spent many hours with Joy, taking her to the doctor and hospital. During these months Lewis discovered something. He had fallen in love with his wife. When it seemed she would surely die, he proposed a Christian wedding. They said
their vows in December, 1956 at the side of her hospital bed. Then Joy’s cancer went into remission and for three years the happy couple enjoyed being together. They traveled a lot and wanted everyone to know they were married. But the cancer came back. Joy Davidman Lewis passed away in 1960 and C. S. Lewis died three years later. This story of two weddings reminds me of the two-fold experience of many Christians. The Bible calls Christian believers the bride of Christ. John the Apostle quotes the multitudes of heaven in Revelation 19:7 as saying: For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready. Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear. (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of saints.) And Jesus says in Matthew 22:2: The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. This symbolism of bride and groom referring to God (or Christ) and His people is implied throughout the Old and New Testaments. Which brings me to this two-stage experience in the Christian life. Many of us, perhaps most of us, come to Christ early in life without giving much thought to the effect that decision will have on our lives. Maybe we went to a church because our mother or grandmother went there. Maybe we were 13
baptized. But at some point we have to decide for ourselves if we really believe that Jesus is the Son of God. Do we really believe He died for our sins, rose from the dead, and ascended to heaven? Can we accept his forgiveness and surrender our lives to Him? Once we say, “Yes!” and realize the power of God’s love, everything changes. We are no longer the secret bride who doesn’t want anyone to know she is married. Now we want everyone to know we belong to the Lord. We want to celebrate, not only who He is, but also who we are in Him. If you are sharing your life with the King, tell others about it. They need Him too.
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
tea da
R
is W ing
Ho be By yo wo is be
yo yo do
to wa da
qu ha wi see so so
R
Teaching your kids can feel daunting. But teaching your kids theology can feel downright terrifying. Some feel overwhelmed with time issues. They just don’t see how they can fit something else into their day. Others may not feel as if they have adequate theological training. They feel uncomfortable instructing their kids beyond, “Jesus loves you.” How can you weave theological teaching into their daily lives, without necessarily setting them down for an in-depth family sermon (though there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? How can you impart good theology into the lives of your children, without possessing a theological degree (though hopefully there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? You don’t need to feel like you’re trying out the latest parenting fad or complicated system. If you are like me, you’ll try it for a month or two and then give up because it didn’t feel natural.
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
14
mo ch wi bo an dis ral
tog ex Ea the
the thr Wa As Jes
de go ha refl
g.
”
-
it al.
Instead, here are five simple ways to teach your kids theology virtually every day.
Read the Bible
It seems obvious, and it is, but it is the foundation before anything else. Why not let God do much of the teaching for you? He has given us His word with the Holy Spirit who works in the life of the believer to help illuminate that word. By reading the Bible to your children, you’ll allow God to speak through His word, while demonstrating that Scripture is important to you and your faith. Use it before anything else. Will you come across passages that you don’t understand? Absolutely. Will your children ask questions that you don’t know the answer to? Sure. Both of those are actually beneficial to your children and your own Christian walk. They can see that their mom and dad are growing too. They’ll know it’s okay to ask questions and wrestle with some of the hard things in their faith. Hopefully, it will inspire both you and your child to seek answers through your own personal studies and also using some other sources of good theology.
Beautyrest Powerbase adjustable mattresses at Bishop-Parker!
Includes remote control!
Read other books together Some of the memories I cherish the most have been times of reading to my children before they go to sleep. Along with the Bible, we’ve read devotional books, classic fiction, Christian stories and several others. I don’t have to start a discussion time with them, they naturally asked questions. Because of our reading the books together, both of my sons are practically experts on all things Narnia and Middle Earth. They often remember scenes from the novels better than I do. They also caught the spiritual themes before I expected. As we read through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they commented about how Aslan was sacrificing himself just like Jesus did. I didn’t have to tell them that or develop a lesson for that. They naturally got it. And yours will too, if you make a habit of reading them good stories that reflect the great story.
Bishop- Parker’s Renew Powerbase foundations from Beautyrest feature adjustable positions for both head and feet. All Beautyrest mattresses fit Beautyrest adjustable bases, and Bishop-Parker has the largest selection of Beautyrest mattresses in Alabama! Stop by for a demonstration. Journey adjustable beautyrest 2-3 page.indd 1
15
3035 E. South Blvd. Montgomery, AL
334-281-6400 May 2015
3/13/15 7:04 AM River Region’s Journey
Pray intentionally
Honestly, this is one that I accidentally discovered with my kids. In praying with them at night, I would try to always pray with the Gospel in mind, with the ideas of creation, fall, redemption and restoration at the forefront of how I talked to God. Thanking Him for the goodness He made, how we messed it up, but how He opened the door for us to be redeemed through Jesus’ death on the cross and how, ultimately, God is going to restore things back to the way they should be. One night, I heard one of my boys praying about how he got a scratch on his leg because this world was fallen, but that God still had good things here. The leg could be healed and God was still here. Those were good things to be thankful for, even though the world is fallen. My son had picked up on that from my prayers. Be specific and intentional about what you are talking to God about with your children. Use that prayer time to speak to God, but also cause your children to think theologically.
Talk about entertainment This one is an opportunity that many parents fail to capitalize on. Most families watch some television or movies, read books or do something for entertainment. Some times those entertainment choices may line up fairly close with your values. Often times the entertainment, even (perhaps, especially) children’s shows, lies in direct contrast to your perspective as a Christian parent. What do you do then? Use both of those situations to create theological conversations. It doesn’t have to seem deep and philosophical in order to be important and impacting. Reinforcing that, no, we
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
16
aren’t a cosmic accident that just purposelessly evolved, can create a lasting reassurance in the mind of your child. Evaluate the entertainment—music, movies, TV, video games, everything—in light of a Christian worldview, through the perspective of Scripture and just talk with your kids about what they just saw or heard. It will help them to see how their faith should be involved in every aspect of their life.
Model it
This may be the most difficult, but it is absolutely the most important. Live out your faith in front of your kids, even when they no longer think you are the greatest thing ever. Even when they know you make mistakes Your kids may have thought you wore a cape when they were younger, but, at some point, you clearly can no longer wear a mask. They see you and how you live. If you say you value Christ, His commands, and His church, but you can’t be bothered with going to services on Sunday because the big game is on or the golf course is “calling your name,” then what you say is pointless. It’s not a matter of being perfect— again, your children know better than anyone else you aren’t. It’s about being consistent and seeking to live for Christ and admitting when you mess up. After all, that probably needs to be modeled more than anything else. Have the humility to acknowledge your own shortcomings, ask them for forgiveness and help them see they can always turn to God for forgiveness. It is our job as parents to teach our children theology. It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t require a seminary degree. You can help your kids know and love Jesus more. Aaron Earls lives in Tennessee with his wife and three children, and serves as a writer and online editor for Facts & Trends. You can connect with Aaron at www.thewardrobedoor.com or email him at wardrobedoor@gmail.com.
lan h
oft Ma enc fro and
per wo do
tap som Sto like
Wo g
Jes of m “fo wa the
me but a fa too an and him boo you min
g
, in
k
s mr
re r. w
re e
n k. w
es or
—
e
s n
m
Let Him Speak Ephesians 4:29: “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” What do people hear when you speak? I often pray on my way to work, “Dear Lord… May my words be encouraging; make me an encourager. May people feel better--lifted up from my words, my presence. May they hear and feel You.” When we have an important meeting or perhaps a speech, we often pray for the right words. But what about everyday conversation-do you give that much thought? For the past several years I’ve had a quote taped to my computer screen, that’s taken from something written by British playwright Tom Stoppard in the play “The Real Thing”. It reads like this: Words are Sacred. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little. Can you imagine nudging the world? Jesus changed life after life during his years of ministry on earth with simple words like “follow me” and “yes, come” and “get up and walk”! He continues to change lives today with the living word. Hebrews 4:12: “For the word of God is living and active.” A coworker of mine shared a story with me recently about the power of not only words, but the Word of God. He said he stopped by a fast food restaurant to grab some lunch, and took his Bible inside, knowing he’d have about an hour to read. While sitting with his food and Bible, two women sitting nearby asked him what he was reading. He told them the book of Matthew, on the cost of surrendering your life to God. They visited for a few short minutes, before it was time for my coworker,
John, to return to work. As he was getting in his of Israel, but he says Hebrew is a very difficult car he heard a man’s voice say, “Excuse me?” language to master. Even if you get the words John turned to find a man who had been in the right you may not achieve the idea or tone, so he restaurant standing by his car. This man told puts about 30 hours into every sermon--writing, John, “You may not believe this, but I was going researching, translating and rehearsing… all so to rob those two women you were talking to, the people of Israel will listen and allow God to but when I saw you reading the Bible, I changed move. my mind.” He told John he was saved, but was We can attempt to put words in the right desperate for money. This led to an extended order everyday in our own strength and posconversation of John sharing his love for Christ sibly get it close to right every now and then. and extending some financial help to this man. Imagine the strength of God’s words flowing John told him that he didn’t know if what the through you! Always in the right order, nudgman was telling him was true but that wasn’t ing, empowering, and changing lives for Him. for him to know or judge; he just wanted the Let’s let Him speak! man to know Jesus. The Bible spoke first…simply the sight of God’s word nudged a man who was on the verge of making a terrible decision. Then God spoke through John, planting seeds that could lead to one man’s eternal life. As John told me this story, it was difficult for him to hold back emotions which caught him off guard. I told him God had worked through him or vEry and that’s an overwhelmingly amazing feeling… E n E r at i o n humbling and empowering all at once. John said he prayed for the words to come as he stood in that Prattville First United Methodist Church fast food parking lot shar100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 ing the love of God. A Messianic Jew T R A D IT IO N A L W O R S H IP 8 : 3 0 A M & 11: 00 A M who works as a missionS U N D AY S C H O O L 9 : 4 5 A M ary in Israel visited our T H E W E L L 11 : 0 0 A M Sunday school class and shared how he prays to God, “Please give me Hebrew!” He preaches in Hebrew so he can www.prattvillemethodist.org minister to the people
F G
17
E
May 2015
.
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
Recognizing the Power of Prayer A few weeks removed from the men’s basketball championship game, I want to steer you again toward Duke University, not to the hardwood, but toward a leading academic who relates the correlation between religion and health. Yes, Duke has a Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health - its director is Dr. Harold Koenig. He is quoted in a piece on the Newsmax website, in the Health section, saying that, “Studies have shown prayer can prevent people from getting sick — and when they do get sick, prayer can help them get better faster.” He referred to an exhaustive analysis of more than 1,500 reputable medical studies that “indicates people who are more religious and pray more have better mental and physical health.” Koenig also stated that “...out of 125 studies that looked at the link between health and regular worship, 85 showed regular churchgoers live longer,” adding, “There’s a lot of evidence out there.” Tom Knox, who was quoted in the Newsmax article, wrote a piece which was published on the U.K. Daily Mail website back in 2011. He wrote at the time, “…I have spent months investigating the science of faith versus atheism, and discovered startling and unexpected evidence.” He wrote, “…a growing yet largely unnoticed body of scientific work, amassed over the past 30 years, shows religious belief is medically, socially and psychologically beneficial.” Knox cited just a few examples: In 2006, the American Society of Hypertension established that church-goers have lower blood pressure than the nonfaithful. In 2004, scholars at UCLA suggested that college students involved in religious activities are more likely to have better River Region’s Journey
May 2015
mental and emotional health than those who do not. In 2006, population researchers at the University of Texas discovered that the more often one goes to church, the longer he or she lives. The American Journal of Public Health reported on a 5-year study of nearly 2,000 older Californians. Those who attended religious services were 36 percent less likely to die during that half-decade than those who didn’t. In the Newsmax article, Koenig mentioned a study published in the Southern Medical Journal that demonstrated that prayer has a remarkable effect on patients with hearing and visual deficiencies. That article also referred to research at San Francisco General Hospital, which looked at the effect of prayer on 393 cardiac patients. Half were prayed for by strangers who had only the patients’ names. Those patients had fewer complications, fewer cases of pneumonia, and needed less drug treatment. They also got better quicker and left the hospital earlier. Koenig is quoted on the CBN.com website, saying, “The benefits of devout religious practice, particularly involvement in a faith community and religious commitment, are that people cope better.” He added, “In general, they cope with stress better, they experience greater well-being because they have more hope, they’re more optimistic, they experience less depression, less anxiety, and they commit suicide less often.” So, how can this inspire us as praying believers, who have access to the throne of God, who desires for us to call upon Him? The physical evidence confirms the spiritual principles - prayer can have a profound impact on our lives and the 18
lives of others. As Christians, we can be convinced of the power that is present as we call upon the name of the Lord. This research can provide inspiration for us as we consider the impact that Biblical prayer can have. And, I think we can be challenged to consider prayer as our first option or course of action. Oswald Chambers said (from the GoodReads.com website): “We tend to use prayer as a last resort, but God wants it to be our first line of defense. We pray when there’s nothing else we can do, but God wants us to pray before we do anything at all…” We can be encouraged that prayer has the potential to impact the trajectory of our nation. We have the Scriptural admonition in 1st Timothy 2 to pray for our leaders, and the problems that are facing our nation are so great, the moral decline so steep, the economic challenges so sharp, and the security issues so troubling, that we need the power of a supernatural God to intervene in a powerful way. God is inviting us to come to Him. He desires for us to cast our cares upon Him, bring our petitions before Him, and have confidence that when we pray according to His will, He will hear and act. The Bible says in 1st John 5: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJV) 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.
Fa to ma
H ho in
May 2015 FFN Window ad_Layout 1 4/20/15 12:06 PM Page 1
Family Faith Night Friday, June 26 | 5:45pm Riverwalk Stadium with the
89
.1 FM
WLBF
Montgomery
we n o e e e
vs Chattanooga Lookouts
Ticket info can be found at faithradio.org. Bring your church group and honor your pastor or youth minister.
r n
n
he n
e
o
ve o
at f
he
featuring...
Faith Radio is devoted to strengthening marriages and families!
Help for our homes is rooted in God’s Word!
John Waller Faith Radio is listener supported. Your support matters! 800.239.8900 | mail@faithradio.org www.faithradio.org
19
Mail your donation to: Faith Radio, P.O. Box 210789, May 2015 River Region’s Journey Montgomery, AL 36121
Aldersgate UMC 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Time Travel 3D When: June 22-25 Ages: 3 yrs – 5th grade Register at www.aldersgateumc.org or call 272.6152. Autauga Heights Baptist Church 1393 Highway 31 N, Prattville When: June 22-26 Ages: 4 years – 6th grade Call (334) 322.3222. Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 19-23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 26th at 6 p.m. Call 567.4325. Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 15-19, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages: 3 year preschool through 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register at www.camelliabaptist.com. Call 365.0231. Capitol Heights Baptist Church 2514 Madison Avenue, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 8-12, 9 a.m. to noon Ages: 4 years old by Sept. 1 through 6th grade. Nursery provided for VBS workers only. Call 264.6461. Centerpoint Fellowship Church 2410 Wall Street, Millbrook Theme: Everest When: June 22-25; 6 pm to 8:30 pm For information or registration, call 356.3076. Covenant Presbyterian Church and Two Cities Church 5 Arden Road, Montgomery Theme: Summer Sea Quest: Jonah When: July 15-19, 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Pre-K4 - 6th grade. Call 272.1133 or visit www.covenantmontgomery.com. Dalraida Baptist Church 3838 Wares Ferry Rd., Montgomery River Region’s Journey
May 2015
Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 1-5; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Age: Kindergarten through 6th grade Pre-registration Family Fun Day: May 31st from 5-7:30 p.m. Call 272.2412. Eastern Hills Baptist 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 8-12; 8:30 – 12 p.m. Ages: 4 (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or register online@ www.ehbconline.com. East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Theme: Camp Kilimanjaro When: June 15-19, 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Family Night, Thursday, June 18 at 6 p.m. with hot dog supper beginning at 5 p.m. Ages: 4 years through 8th Grade Call 365.7500. Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Theme: Son Spark Labs When: June 15-19; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages: 4 yr. - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277.6300.
Evangel Church
3974 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Everest When: July 20-24; 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Ages: 3 to upcoming 6th graders Call 272.4882 ext. 107.
First Baptist Church
305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 22-26; 9 a.m. to Noon You can register on our website at www. MontgomeryFBC.org or call 834.6310.
First Baptist Church, Prattville
138 S. Washington Street, Prattville Theme: Journey Off the Map June 22-26, 8:30 am-12:00 noon Ages: 3 years- 8th grade Children must turn 4 on or before September 2, 2015 to attend. Register at fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606. 20
First Baptist Church, Wetumpka 205 W. Bridge Street, Wetumpka Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 8-12, 8:30 a.m.- 11:30 Ages: K-6th grade. Call 567.5191.
First Presbyterian, Prattville
211 S. Chestnut Street, Prattville Theme: Summer Sea Quest: Jonah When: June 8-12, 8:30 to noon Ages: 4 years old through entering 6th grade Call 365.6387.
First UMC, Montgomery
2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery Theme: Ready, Set, Go: On the MOVE with God When: June 15-19; 9a.m. until noon Ages: Age 3 (by Sept 1 of 2015) through 5th grade. Call 834.8990.
First UMC, Prattville
100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Theme: Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power When: June 9-13, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 365.5977. Fountain City Baptist 492 East Main Street, Prattville Theme: To The Edge: Encounter the God of the Universe When: June 14-18; 6-8 p.m. Ages: 3 to 12. Call 365.2034.
Frazer Memorial UMC
6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 13-17; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Finishing K4 year olds (as of Sept. 2 2015) - Finishing 5th grade. Call 272.8622.
Gateway Baptist Church 3300 Bell Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map! When: June 22-26 9am-12pm Ages: K5-6th grade Call 272.9494 to register.
Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 8-12, 5:45 to 8:30 pm
Th
A
A
W
e
de
Ages: 4 through grade 6 For more info and to preregister, go to www.glynwoodbc.com or call 361.9180. GracePointe Church 1565 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Theme: Then & Now: A Journey to Nazareth When: June 18-July 1 from 6-8 pm Ages: 4-12. Visit www.grace-pointe.com to register or call 271.2525. Hayneville Baptist Church 1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 12-16, 5:45 until 8:30 Ages: Pre K - 6th Grade (grade completed) Email: hbc@connecthbc.com or call (334) 548.2620. Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 8-12, 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.
Ages: Complete 4K - 6th grade Call 279.9976.
Call 277.1989 or register online @ www.holy-spirit-church.com.
Heritage Baptist, Prattville 1357 S. Memorial Drive, Prattville Theme: Mount Kilimanjaro Dates: June 7-11, Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Ages: K3 through completion of 6th grade Call 365-2372.
Lakeview Baptist Church 9225 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Theme: Camp Kilimanjaro: An Epic Expedition through Proverbs When: June 22-26; 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m. Ages: 4 years old thru entering 6th grade. Free meal for kids at 5 pm. Call 213.3080.
His Vessels Ministry, Montgomery Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Theme: Patriot Camp Dates: June 8-12; Times: 9 a.m. until noon Ages: 6 – 12; Cost: $15 per child, max $45 for family. Call 334-356-4478 or email info@hisvessel.org. Holy Spirit Catholic Church 8570 Vaughn Road, East Montgomery Theme: God’s Big Backyard When: June 15-19; 8 a.m.- 11 a.m. Age: Entering Preschool – entering 6th grade
Landmark Church 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery Theme: The Mystery of Christ When: July 12-15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ages: Nursery through adults Call 277.5800. McGehee Road Baptist Church 2877 McGehee Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 7-11; 5:30 – 7:30 Call 262.0689.
m-
d
2
21
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Millbrook Presbyterian (PCA) 3480 Main Street, Millbrook Theme: TBD When: July 6-10 6:15-8:15pm Ages: Entering K-4 thru 6th grade For registration, call 2854031. Montgomery Area Episcopal Churches St. John Episcopal Church, 113 Madison Ave. Theme: Building Faithful Friendships with Legos Dates: June 1-4, 8:30 a.m. – Noon Ages: Rising K4 through rising 6th grade For registration or more info, call 263.5529. Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, Montgomery Theme: Mount Everest
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
When: June 1-5, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304.
Mountain View Baptist Church
1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 15-19, Times: 8 a.m.11:30 Ages: 4 years old - completed 6th grade Call (334) 567.4458.
Mulder UMC 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Theme: Blast to the Past When: May 31 – June 3; 6 – 8 p.m. For more info please call 567.4225.
22
Pilgrim Rest Baptist Chruch 501 Doster Rd, Prattville Theme: TBD; When: June 22-26; 6-8 pm Ages 3-Adult. Call 361.0574. Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 1-5, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. On Sunday, June 7th, we are inviting parents and families to join us for morning worship and a VBS presentation; a hot dog lunch will follow. Families can pre-register online at www.rbcmontgomery.com/register. VBS t-shirts are available for pre-orders at a cost of $11 each. Call 277.0011. Saint James UMC 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Everest: Conquering Challenges with God’s Mighty Power When: June 22-24, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Ages: K4-5th grade Call 277.3037.
A
A
m
nts p
e S st
Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 20-24, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completion of Kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 271.3363.
Trinity UMC, Prattville 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville Theme: TBD When: June 14-18, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Dinner provided for children every night. Call 365.7339.
Thorington Road Baptist Church 450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: May 31-June 4; 6 to 8:30 p.m. Ages: 5 yrs. to 5th grade Call 396.9376. Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Theme: Summer SeaQuest When: June 1-5, 9 a.m. to noon. Ages: Pre-K 4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register.
Registration online at www.vaughnforest. com. Call 279.5433. Whitfield UMC 2673 Fisk Road, Montgomery Theme: Workshop of Wonders When: June 22-25, 5:30 to 8 p.m. Ages: 3 years to 6th grade. Call 281.2467. Woodland UMC 4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road Theme: Everest When: June 22-25; 5:30 – 8 p.m. Ages: 4 years old -6th grade Call 272.7230.
Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: June 1-5; 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ages: Entering Kindergarten through entering 6th grade.
23
Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Sports Camp 2015 When: June 1-5, 9 a.m. until noon Ages: Kindergarten-5th grade Call 244.1385.
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Loc AD day
Loc Div from is f age div
Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Location: First Baptist Church (Huff Community Ministries Bldg., 200 S. Perry Street) Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, from 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141. Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVPThis is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse-CASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334365-4201 for addition information. Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or lifechallenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis. Led by Jeff McFarland on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Call 279-5433 for more info. Location: Victory Temple Church (located behind Wetumpka Walmart) ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Monday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.
24
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.
Loc Div env Fac Har
Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.
Loc Hu
Loc Hw
Ga can
Ala
•
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.
Depression
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex. Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.
•
Grief
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272-8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) meets each Tuesday from 6-7 pm. Pre-registration is required. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents separation and divorce. Call (334) 495-6368.
101
S
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.
Gambling
ach
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476
hn
nter.
t
D at
Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information.
.
Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets – Tuesday 5:30 PM in the Friendship Sunday School Class Room. Call 285-4114 for more info. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experience.
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 2795433 for more information.
Miscellaneous
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) This group provides understanding, education and information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. This group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 in room 3103. For more information contact Mary Jo Logan (334) 271-2280. Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555. Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.
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.
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.
day
mes
first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...
Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
www.riverviewcamp.com
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive. 1
D RAMA
-
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode
AND
ch,
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
C RAFTS • C HORUS
m.
New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
AND
1.
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
0000067769-01
g
FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
at
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 25
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
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 April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, Montgomery 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information.
Location: Redland Baptist Church, 1266 Dozier Road, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com for more info. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Maxwell / Maxwell Gunter AFB SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids) is connecting and empowering single parents and their families through information, encouragement, and many family-oriented events throughout the year. We meet the last Wednesday or Thursday of each month. For more information, email t2763@aol.com. Join us on Facebook—SWAK (Single with Amazing Kids) for daily restaurant specials, area kid friendly events, and tips/ideas for families on a budget.
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152.
Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174 for information.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 396-4534.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday from 6:307:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg. 7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@ aol.com or 354-8869.
Veterans
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.
Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
a
De ath Ch sta im to cha tiv So mo and cal see rec
mo in Go thi art to wi me De oth all ste a-s wi
ish sec spe in ma in tau yea sor River Region’s Journey
May 2015
26
sup ily
2.
ort or ach @
al
p ay
Christians, Art, and the Academy Not long ago, I watched God’s Not Dead, a 2014 movie about an aggressively atheistic philosophy professor and a brave Christian undergraduate who is willing to stand up to him. It raises some genuinely important questions about what it means to be faithful to God in the face of serious challenges. In that regard, it’s an effective film. Other aspects were positive too. Some of the actors did a very nice job, the movie as a whole was visually appealing, and the actual content of the philosophical discussions wasn’t bad. I can certainly see why some of my friends liked it and recommended it to me. With that said, I hope that fans of the movie will forgive me if I am too blunt in my criticism. Overall, I thought that God’s Not Dead was, well, lousy. And this worries me a bit. When it comes to art, American Christians have a tendency to overlook poor aesthetics and otherwise shoddy workmanship as long as the message is one we agree with. God’s Not Dead includes a lot of unrealistic (and otherwise badly written) dialogue, nearly all of the characters are one-dimensional stereotypes, and the you-too-should-takea-stand-for-your-faith message is delivered with all the subtlety of a punch in the face. Also worrisome is the film’s cartoonish representation of what professors at a secular university are really like. I have spent most of my adult life as a Christian in the academy. I came to faith as a freshman at Ohio University, earned my Ph.D. in philosophy at Ohio State, and have taught at Auburn Montgomery for five full years. Now, it is true that there are professors at American colleges who are hostile
to Christian faith. And it is probably true that one will find more open hostility on a university campus than in a typical American neighborhood. On the whole, however, the professoriate is not aggressively opposed to Christianity. University professors are people, after all. With respect to the gospel message, we professors look a lot like the Athenians of Acts 17: some mock, some will hear it again, and some believe. Professors do tend to be aggressively in favor of critical thinking, but if asking hard questions and “being prepared to give a reason” (1 Peter 3:15) is interpreted as antagonism to the gospel, well… that says a lot more about the church than it does about the university. In short, I am troubled by God’s Not Dead, both as a work of art and as a reflection of attitudes toward the university. It encourages Christians neither to create things that are beautiful nor to engage with the world outside the Christian subculture. These are harmful attitudes. We should be wary of them. Happily, many people already are. Biola University’s Center for Christianity, Culture, and the Arts and Houston Baptist University’s Master of Arts in Cultural Apologetics 27
are both examples of Christian institutions taking up the challenge of seeking to create great art that is grounded in a Christian understanding of reality. And there remain many thousands of Christian students who seek to follow the biblical examples of Daniel and Paul, participating in the life of the university both as citizens of a pluralistic society and as ambassadors of the kingdom of God. Let us go and do likewise! If there are topics you’d like to see Dr. Jordan address in a future column, please email him at mjordan5@aum.edu.
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
he str Di
pro Ne to po gra in res co
in is fam tio wh
cla is tak
tha yo sel we we
But Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” (Matthew 19:14) For the past 10 years, Montgomery has had the pleasure of being home to one of the leading Christian Community Development Programs, The Nehemiah Center. The Nehemiah Center was created using the model of community development which involves going into an under served area and enabling and empowering the community to better help themselves. When the program first began, it conducted a survey in the Chisolm community asking what exactly the residents believed was the area’s biggest need. Surprisingly, the majority of the people polled had the same answer, “find a way to keep our kids off of the streets.” Ever since, The Nehemiah Center has worked hard to ensure that happens, and has made the children their primary focus. One of the wonderful things about The Nehemiah Center is there is absolutely no charge for any of the families involved. They are supported by First Baptist Church Community Ministries and survive strictly on grants and generous donations. Although the main focus of The Nehemiah Center is the children, they know in order to make a real impact, they have to begin in the home. River Region’s Journey
May 2015
28
t -
“We have learned that in order to truly help the children, we must first begin with strengthening the families,” said Executive Director Rhonda Thompson. In order to ensure the families are provided for, as well as the children, The Nehemiah Center has several programs to offer adults as well. Probably the most popular is the GED and Job Readiness program. The Center helps adults participating in the program work to create an impressive resume, as well as teaching them how to conduct themselves in an interview. Due to the growing Latino population in the Chisolm area, The Nehemiah Center is beginning a new program to help these families. They are now offering Conversational English and ESL classes for anyone who wants to participate. The Center also offers a parenting class called Moms and Mentors. This class is available to anyone who has children or takes care of children. “We have discovered over the years that you can’t take care of your children if you don’t know how to take care of yourself first,” said Thompson. “This is why we work just as much with our parents as we do our children.”
The Nehemiah Center also knows they cannot do it alone, so often times they partner with other local organizations such as the Family Guidance Center to work with the families. “We don’t want to reinvent the wheel or do what everyone else is doing,” explains Thompson. “We want to partner with as many preexisting organizations in town to work toward a common goal. We don’t want to compete with each other, we want to strengthen each other.” Although The Nehemiah Center provides many family activities to help strengthen the home, the heart of the organization is definitely the children. They offer a free after school program to any children in the community who want to come. Currently, there are 35 children who participate in the after school program. Every day, children are picked up from Chisolm and Highland Gardens
Elementary Schools and brought to the Center. There they are given a snack and a little free time before diving into the daily activities. Over the years, The Nehemiah Center has been able to make some wonderful connections, which in turn have been a huge benefit to the children. Each week, the kids receive tennis lessons, art lessons and daily tutoring. Every Wednesday, the kids are taken down to First Baptist Church where they meet with their individual tutor/mentor. “The primary tool The Nehemiah Center uses is relationships,” said Thompson. “We are a relationship ministry that tries to minister to mind, body and spirit. We know you cannot have one without the others.” Since such a heavy emphasis is placed on relationships, they know the mentoring is just as important as the tutoring for the
The Dentists of Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, P.C. want you to...
Live Life Smiling! John H. Payne, IV D.M.D.
J. David Stanley, D.M.D.
R. Davis Denney, D.M.D.
Montgomery Location 2600 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 277-6690
Robert H. Owen, Jr. D.M.D., M.S. Prattville Location 460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, AL 36066 (334) 358-6411
Follow us on www.SmilesFromUs.com
n 29
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
children. One way they help to build these relationships is by showing the children how much they truly care about them. Not only does this help the children, it also helps to build trust in the families. This lets the children know they can come to the Center with anything at all, not just problems, but also when great things happen. The Nehemiah Center has had the privilege for the past six years to partner with the Supreme Court of Alabama. Because of this, the children have been given the opportunity to do something no one else in the state of Alabama has ever gotten to do. Since Christmas, students from the Jones School of Law have come to The Nehemiah Center’s after school program and spent time teaching the children all about the law and the court system. Recently, the kids took a field trip to the Senate chamber and
practiced some of the skills they have been learning. With the school year coming to a close, the children have something wonderful to look forward to. The Nehemiah Center hosts a fullday summer program for 50 children each year. This program includes two meals (one hot meal), sports activities, dance lessons, as well as art lessons. They also work on a musical each summer, including drama, choreography, sets and music. At the end of the program, they put on the musical for the Chisolm community as well as First Baptist Church. The musical has several positive aspects... it keeps the children reading all
summer long whether it be memorizing their lines in the scripts or learning songs. The choreography and dancing also keeps them physically active. There is never a dull moment during the summer at The Nehemiah Center. One of the things the children love is the big field trip they get to take. Each summer, the children visit a different college campus in the state. This is a positive tool that shows them how wonderful college can be, and that if they keep doing well in school, they can go to college one day as well. God is definitely hard at work at The Nehemiah Center. Lives are truly being changed due to the outpouring of love and hard work to make a difference in not only the child’s life, but also for the entire family. Volunteers are always needed and appreciated, so please contact Rhonda Thompson at 334-263-6663 if you are interested in helping. You can make a difference in the lives of children and families right here in the River Region! Mandy Pascal is a graduate of Troy University with a degree in Print Journalism.
edu car the par pla kid say sle bu nap and
act wi Ho
1. No
rea mo tw
cou ing fra thi ste new of dis River Region’s Journey
May 2015
30
s. ps
g ne
ol
n s
e
ot re
er-
th
Navigating the Transition to Parenthood as a Team Expectant parents are bombarded with educational classes on how to nurture and care for their newborn, but who nurtures the couple during this transition? New parents are thrown into a scary, unknown place when they go from ‘couple without kids’ to ‘couple with kids.’ Or should I say, ‘couple with sleep’ to ‘couple without sleep.’ Not only are they sleep deprived, but they are trying to figure out feeding/ nap schedules, in-laws, unsolicited advice, and the car seat! Overwhelming! Yet God calls upon the couple to actively reinforce their foundation, which will naturally steady their bond and minds. How can couples accomplish this? 1. Practice Interdependence, Not Dependence. Ephesians 5:31 (NIV) “For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh.” During this fast-paced transition, couples can lose each other. Well-meaning in-laws get tangled up in the couple’s fragile ecosystem and impose what they think is best. Perhaps the new dad is steadily phased out by a grandmother or new mom. This potentially sends a signal of incompetence to a new dad, leaving him disinterested in the newborn’s daily care.
Or perhaps new moms become riddled with anxiety when families communicate they are “doing it wrong.” To avoid these scenarios, new moms and dads can set boundaries with whoever is hindering their learning the ropes together. When couples can learn to consistently meet the baby’s needs, it builds a level of confidence that screams, “We got this!” They therefore feel empowered to make good decisions interdependently (as a team) in the future, rather than dependently (on grandma or grandpa). 2. Give Respect, Receive Love. Ephesians 5: 33 (NIV) “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” It’s not uncommon for couples to feel unloved or slighted during the initial stages of new parenthood. Neither one means to get snappy or edgy; they simply forget to show love and respect. Have I mentioned sleep deprivation?! Everything is new, and each team member has a lot to offer, but sometimes it doesn’t seem like you’re playing on the same team. For instance, I didn’t see my caesarian section as a blessing at the time. As a headstrong young woman, God knew what it would take for me to allow my husband to diaper, rock, and carry my baby. God made it very clear to me, however, that it was our baby when I could not get out of bed to change the first diaper. My husband had to give her to me, change her for me, and soothe her for me while I recovered. God helped facilitate a renewed respect for my husband; and likewise, God facilitated love and support from my husband. It was an individual choice on each of our parts to follow God’s lead, play as a team, and offer the love and respect we both desperately needed. 31
3. Download Old Memories, Upload New Information. Proverbs 14:18 (NASB) “The naive inherit foolishness, but the sensible are crowned with knowledge.” In And Baby Makes Three, Doctors Julie and John Gottman suggest that building “Love Maps” is one of the very first steps in forging a solid marriage and successfully transitioning to parenthood. A couple falls in love by getting to know each other. This “knowing” process does not cease at the altar. Love Map development is continuous—“until death do us part,” so to speak. If you have an outdated map in your vehicle, you cannot expect to reach your destination easily unless you purchase new maps. The same is true for our spousal memory banks. We run the risk of not reaching a desired destination with our spouse unless we have uploaded new information about each other. Couples learn many new things about each other when a little one is introduced into their world. They discover new traits about each other that they never knew existed. Your spouse has changed as a result of becoming a mother or father. Get to know your spouse as an individual, parent, and lover again. What are your hopes, fears, and expectations? Share them with your teammate while enjoying that new baby smell together!
Olivia Pierce is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor. She works with adolescents, adults, and couples. She provides traumabased psychotherapy that addresses multiple anxiety disorders, such as acute stress, posttraumatic stress, and generalized anxiety. She enjoys providing couples and organizational workshops, certified in the Prevention and Relationship Enhancement Program, Bringing Baby Home Program, 4 Lenses™, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator®, and Seven Habits of Highly Effective People®. May 2015
River Region’s Journey
May 2015 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8. May 1 and May 2 Trinity Youth Yard Sale will be held on May 1, 6-9 p.m, May 2, 6-11:45 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 610 Fairview Ave, Prattville. All proceeds support youth summer missions. Bring your discarded items to the church for the youth to sell. Donations accepted starting April 23. Saturday, May 2 A Missions Flea Market will be held from 7 a.m.-1 p.m. at Frazer United Methodist Church, Parking Lot by Frazer Soccer Fields , 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. The annual Missions Flea Market, sponsored by the Frazer Single Adult Ministry, raises funds to support mission projects. Rent a Booth: space to sell your own stuff at this high-traffic market costs only $20. Call 272.8622. Monday, May 4 Dream Center Montgomery, 1922 West Street Montgomery, will be starting The Genesis Process Relapse Prevention classes from 6:30 p.m. 8:30 p.m. The Genesis Process is for anyone who is stuck and wants to change their destructive behaviors. This includes but not limited to: being critical and judgmental, codependency, legalism, drug and alcohol abuse, gambling, food, anxiety, sex addiction, secrets, workaholism, isolation, or any negative behavior or emotion that is used to cope with life’s issues. For more info call 205292-9899 or 334-819-4112. Thursday, May 7 The 2015 Montgomery Prayer Breakfast for the City and County of Montgomery is scheduled at 7 am, in downtown Montgomery. Mayor Todd Strange and Commissioner Elton Dean invite local citizens to join them on this day in a spirit of humility and prayer. The Prayer Breakfast will be held at the Alabama Activity Center, located at 201 Dexter Avenue, downtown Montgomery, from 7 am to 8:15 am. A full buffet breakfast River Region’s Journey
May 2015
will be served. Tickets for the breakfast are $12 per person. Individuals may purchase tickets at His Vessel Ministries located at Union Station, 300 Water Street, Suite 100, or the You Name It shop at 5350-A Atlanta Highway in Montgomery. Seating is limited and will be available on a first come first served bases. For more information about the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast, call 334-356-4478. The 1st Annual Montgomery Bible Reading Marathon, hosted by His Vessel Ministries, will be held at the steps of the Alabama State Capitol beginning Thursday, May 7 at 8:30am through May 10 at 8:30am. This Bible Reading Marathon is part of the National Day of Prayer events and the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast. Governor Robert Bentley, Commissioner Elton Dean, and Mayor Todd Strange will kick off the Bible Reading Marathon during the Montgomery Prayer Breakfast the morning of May 7. These leaders will begin the Bible reading with the book of Genesis. The reading of the Bible will immediately continue at the Capitol steps by area citizens until the entire Bible is read aloud over the city and state. For additional information contact His Vessel Ministries at 334-356-4478 or info@ hisvessel.org.
6:30 AM. The 5k start time is 7:30 AM and the 1-mile fun run will begin at 8:30 AM. An award ceremony and door prizes will be given away following the race. For more information visit www. runforamom.org, or call (334) 272-9466.
Friday, May 8 Team Mother-Son, 6-8 p.m. Frazer UMC North Gym in the Activity Center. This event is an evening of fun for moms & sons to have a chance to have a “date night” with just one another. There will be dinner, great door prizes, Minute-to-WinIt Games, fun music & even a tag team kick ball game at the end. Stepmothers, grandmothers--all mothers are welcome. Cost is $15 dinner for two, $2 for each additional boy. Tickets will be available in the Frazer Atrium through May 3. E-mail cculpepper@frazerumc.org.
Saturday, May 23 River City Church, a United Methodist congregation, invites the entire community to their 4th Saturday Outreach event from 9am-11am at the church, located at 301 Dexter Avenue. Admission is free. The River Region will have access to blood pressure/glucose screenings, career services, free haircuts, hygiene items and canned goods. Participants can register for a drawing for a weekly bus pass and gasoline gift cards. During the 2-hour period, attendees can speak with prayer partners, and purchase items (clothes, furniture, etc…) in the River City Rummage Sale located on the lower level of the church. For information, please call 263-0549 or visit www.rivercityumc.com.
Saturday, May 9 24th Annual Pancake Run For Missions at 8 a.m. 5K; 9 a.m. Fun Run/Walk; 9:15 a.m. Tot Trot. First United Methodist Church, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery. Participants may register online at www.fumcmontgomery.org. The course will run through Old Cloverdale, one of Montgomery’s most scenic neighborhoods. Participants are invited to a complimentary pancake breakfast immediately following the race in the Fellowship Hall, sponsored by The United Methodist Men. Non-racers may enjoy pancakes for a $5 donation. Agape of Central Alabama is excited to announce that the 5th Annual Run for a Mom 5k & Fun Run will be held on Mother’s Day weekend. The race will take place at the Vaugh Park Church and will continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. Registration for the 5k is now open, and ranges from $5 to $30. After April 29, the registration prices will increase $5, and you will not be guaranteed a t-shirt. Participants can register online at www.runforamom.org or at Vaughn Park Church on the day of the race beginning at 32
Sunday, May 17 Love Worth Fighting For Marriage Event with Kirk Cameron and Warren Barfield at 5 pm, Eastmont Baptist in Montgomery. Visit www.itickets. com or call 277-6300. Wednesday, May 20 The 25th Annual Charity Golf Classic benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region will be held at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club. The tournament provides an opportunity for companies and individuals to participate in an event that benefits the children of Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region. The day includes a lunch, golf fees, many great awards, goody bags and pictures with coaches fore kids. Nearly 200 golfers will enjoy a fun and relaxing day of golf during this year’s tournament. For more information about this tournament or Boys & Girls Clubs of the River Region, a River Region United Way Agency, email lgiles@ bgcriverregion.org or call (334) 832-4288.
Tuesday, May 26 His Vessel Ministries invites you to the teaching event “Making It Easy to Know the Bible” from 6pm-9pm at His Vessel Ministries. Please join us as Jo Hancock shows you how the Bible is God’s story of His Kingdom on earth and how YOU fit into His plan. There is no registration fee for this teaching and it is open to men and women. For more information or to register call 334-356-4478 or info@hisvessel.org. His Vessel Ministries is located in the downtown Historic Union Station, 300 Water Street, Suite 100, Montgomery. Friday, May 29 Big Fun Children’s Lock-in, 5-9 p.m. Frazer UMC Activity Center. Children ages 4 years5th grade, join us for Big Fun as we kick off the summer with a lock-in! Pizza, ice cream sundae bar, games, and a “big” movie. Cost is $5. E-mail cculpepper@frazerumc.org.
AG 9:3 wel ano
Bri Mo a.m a.m is p inv bui 334 brid
Cen Per clas mo (6:3 Sun or b
Ch fers De Ha birt mo
Ch Joh 11t
d olw.
ith stts.
e
t e es, h a ur-
,a @
a-
e
Ongoing Happenings AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com. Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges...not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www. bridgeoflife.tv. Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30), morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail.com. Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info. Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital.
Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201. Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter.net or call 262-6437. First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m. 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.
Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133. Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com. Call 334-288-0577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m. (BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road)
First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990.
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.
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.
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
o es,
kly ur
wer
ng
se le ow n
e
e e ail
33
May 2015
River Region’s Journey
May 2015 Community Calendar Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information. River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30
P.M. Cost $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. All denominations welcome. 7:3010:30 open dance floor. The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/ Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net. Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children! Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will start checking children in at 6:00p.m. This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and
share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897. Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For info call 286.8577. S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles. Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. For info email sstop04@gmail.com. True Divine Community Development hosts the Community Yard Sale every third Saturday from March to October, 4525 Virginia Loop Road Time: 7:00- 11:00 AM. Sign up for $10 Booths by calling 286-4008. Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues. Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs. Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radio-homecominggospel.com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m. Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS. All women of all denominations or race are welcome. This ministry is available to teenagers as well. For info contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.
Send your events to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.
Y ne l p
ou wa EC Co use get gra nee Ho wo On ho com
cal wo few tia ou the wa exp Am Re and his anx wo
mu att me Ca fol his
ide me wh River Region’s Journey
May 2015
34
7.
m at .m.
d,
., :45
ts ay. o-
S. . fo
Cuba: Friend or Foe...to be determined (part 1) You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:43-45 In the fall of 1983, I was pregnant with our first child, due in late December. Mike was an Air Force Captain; a navigator on EC-130s, Airborne Battlefield Command and Control Center (ABCCC). Mike and I were used to mobility exercises when he would get called in the middle of the night, quickly grab his mobility bag packed with essentials needed for a sudden deployment, and leave. Hours later, he would come home. On October 25, however, he didn’t come home. In fact, Mike called to ask if I would bring him a few more “essentials”, especially our camera. I knew then something was up. Two days prior, a truck bomb had exploded in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 241 American marines. We expected President Reagan would respond with swift action and assumed that this was where Mike and his unit were going. Days were long as I anxiously worried about him, wondering if I would deliver and raise our child alone. On the other hand, there was unrest much closer to home in the Caribbean. An attempt to install a Marxist-Leninist government on the island of Grenada had other Caribbean states and the U. S. alarmed. The following is what happened--now part of our history: (www.u-s-history.com). At stake was not only a struggle of ideologies, but also a threat to about 1,000 medical students living on the island, many of whom were Americans.
The invasion of Grenada in late 1983 can be seen as a small part of the rivalry between the U.S. and Cuba during the Reagan years. A bloody coup in Grenada, along with a perceived threat to American students on the island provided the U.S. with an excellent excuse to eliminate a Marxist regime allied to Fidel Castro’s Cuba. On October 25, the president dispatched an invasion force, dubbed “Operation Urgent Fury,” to liberate the island and rescue the students. Grenadan troops numbered about 1,200, with about 800 Cubans (mostly construction workers with handguns) and 60 advisors from the Soviet Union, North Korea, East Germany, Bulgaria, and Libya. That small contingent was soon confronted by a U.S.-led international force of about 7,300 men. The operation was deemed a success, with minimal U.S. casualties (19 killed, 106 injured), and was wrapped up in mid-December. The remaining Cubans and other survivors were arrested; native Grenadans were released, and a pro-American government took power. Mike returned home from Grenada six weeks later, and in time for Ashley’s birth. Fast Forward Thirty Years. In November 2013 we made our first mission trip to Cuba. We never dreamed that we would be ministering to our enemies from 30 years ago--to people to whom religious freedom was denied for so many years. The communist government declared Cuba an atheist state, however, religious restrictions began to loosen in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Today, Christian couples in the Protestant churches of Cuba crave Biblical 35
teaching and desire to overcome Cuba’s 70% divorce rate. Entering Cuba four times in the last two years has been made possible by our friends and supporters who have answered God’s call to send us. In addition, we are so thankful for our prayer warriors, especially those who were praying during this last trip (April 2-10), because of the spiritual warfare we were fighting. We don’t know what the future holds, but what we do know is that God has blessed us with strong friendships in Cuba. We’ve been able to teach Biblical principles that assist the people in their walk with the Lord and in building a strong marriage and family team. During our last training session, 125 people attended, including 20 teenagers and several singles. Leadership couples have been trained to continue to strengthen marriages and families in their church and to encourage couples as they bring up the next generation of Godly men and women in Cuba. Finally, we thank the individuals and Sunday school classes who helped us purchase the “Armor of God” coins. These keepsake coins mean so much to the Cuban people. They understand the passage from Ephesians 6 and are reminded also that there are people in Alabama and other states who love and pray for them. Please pray for us, too! Ephesians 6:19 says, Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel. Next month: Cuba: Friend or Foe? (part 2) Life Application: Who is your enemy? Will you pray for them as God has commanded? Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. May 2015
River Region’s Journey
Q. What’s your opinion on rewarding kids
with money for getting good grades in school?
A. Honestly, I don’t have
a strong opinion about it one way or the other. We didn’t pay our kids for good grades, but I can’t really think of a strong argument not to pay them for success in school. You could say you shouldn’t pay them because it’s something they’re expected to do anyway, and that’s somewhat valid. But you could also make the same point where chores around the house are concerned. We paid our kids to do some chores, but really the point is not about the economic value. It’s the fact that you want your kids to associate work with money. I still meet people my age and older who haven’t made that connection. Work creates money, and that’s an important thing to teach your kids. Once they’ve created some money by
River Region’s Journey
May 2015
working, then you want to use those moments to teach them to save, spend and give wisely. You can do this around the subject of grades if you want. There’s probably a valid case to be made that getting an “A” takes a lot more work than getting a “C.” You’re certainly not obligated to pay them for work or grades, but if you don’t do some of this – and teach them the proper ways to handle the money they earn — you’ll miss out on a lot a fantastic teachable moments.
Q. We have two girls in competitive gymnastics, and it’s costing $12,000 to $15,000 a year at a professional gym to do all this. My wife and I both work, and we make about $115,000 a year, but virtually all of her income goes toward paying the gymnastics bill. We’re also trying to get out of debt and get better control of our money at the same time. Should we focus more on our finances right now?
36
A. If I were in your shoes, I’d be asking my-
self why the kids are in gymnastics. Unless you guys are trying to send them to the Olympics — and they’re actually good enough to reach that level — teaching them things like discipline and to master their bodies through physical training can be done at a local amateur level. And at a much lower cost. My son played ice hockey in local leagues for years when he was growing up. We did it as a family thing, and he had lots of fun and we all made great new friends. He even played some in high school, too, but he wasn’t NHL material. It didn’t change his life that he didn’t play on a traveling team or with pro trainers, so we had to ask ourselves, “What will it matter when he’s 30 years old?” You make good money, so that’s not really the big issue. If you guys made $50,000 or less, I’d be yelling at you. But with your income, the gymnastics thing probably isn’t going to slow you down too much when it comes to getting your financial house in order. In other words, it’s a parental thing. Ask yourself why you’re investing so heavily in this, and what the goal is when they’re adults. I think that will help you make the smart decision.
a m a b a Al ted a u d a r G s ' r e v i Dr e Licens
Limit Distractions. Wear your seat belt. Every Trip. Every Time.
Stage One: Learner's Permit
• Must have 30 hours supervised practice driving
Stage Two: Restricted License
• No more than one non-family passenger • No use of any handheld electronic devices while driving • Cannot operate vehicle between the hours of Midnight (12:00am) and 6:00am (with exceptions)
Stage Three: Unrestricted License • Minimum age 17 and must have held restricted license for at least 6 months
adph.org/teendriving
-the-map ff o r o f s u in Jo ture fun as we ven d into uncharte rt sta territory and that to understand d Go obedience to eyond can lead us b ... the expected
l o o h c S e l b i B n o i t aca n
V
o o N o t M A 0 9:0 : : 6 2 – 2 2 e EE! R F Jun :: e d a r g h ugh 6t ages 4 thro
r, visit
registe o t r o n io t a m e infor
s
b v / g r o . c b f y r .montgome
For mor
www
305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310