Help Alabama
Shine!
The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) is a joint research project between the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health. Its purpose is to determine why some babies are born healthy and others are not in order to aid in the development and assessment of programs designed to identify high-risk pregnancies and reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes. New mothers are randomly chosen from the state birth registry to participate in PRAMS. Surveys may be returned by mail or completed over the phone. Let your voice be heard!
“Happy to be part of this survey.”
“Thank you for checking on us!”
Actual comments from survey responses.
Moms who complete the PRAMS survey receive their choice of a cooler bag, diapers, or manicure set! Responses are kept confidential to the extent of the law. For more information, please call us at 334-206-2923 or go to alabamapublichealth.gov/PRAMS ADPH does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, age, religion, disability, genetic information, and other federal, state, or agency regulations and policies. Inquiries regarding 1 nondiscrimination policies may be directed to Civil Rights Coordinator: ADPH CRC, RSA Tower, 201 Monroe Street, Suite 1010, Montgomery, AL www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents 36104, Tel. 334-206-5226, or email crcomplaints@adph.state.al.us.
Volume 22, Issue 8
Feature Articles
O CTO BER 20 2 0 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 10
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work LaTania Holmes
page 4
Meet LaTania Holmes, a veteran educator currently teaching fifth grade at Carver Elementary and Arts Magnet School. Discover how tragedy led her to a true relationship with Jesus, and how she strives to be a light for Him in her work
Pastor's Perspective Chris Montgomery, Frazer Memorial UMC
page 12
Moments with Kym Kym Klass
and relationships. page 18
Women Arising
page 14
Pastor Kemi Searcy
Stepping Away From Un-Christian Politics
page 23
Counselor’s Corner Jessica Gibbe Fernandez, PhD, LMFT
by Pastor Scott Sauls
With a heated political season upon us, how would Jesus expect us to handle our involvement in politics? Find advice for remaining active in the political process, while continuing to show respect to those God has placed in authority over us and our neighbors with whom we may disagree.
page 24
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 28
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
page 20
Ministry Spotlight:
John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read
by Katie Blair
Discover a ministry of local pastors advocating for improved unity among all people created in God’s image. You can be involved in their mission toward better race relations in the River Region. 1
page 10
Faith @ Work page 26
Support Groups October 2020
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 Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Dr. Jessica Gibbe Fernandez Kym Klass Dr. Chris Montgomery Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager
From the Publisher Beauty That Melts Hearts Anyone else in the mood to take a drive down winding roads under the beautiful hue of changing leaves? My mother was from East Tennessee and made it a point every October to take us back to her hometown so we could take in the beautiful collage of fall colors cascading down the Smoky Mountains. Those beautiful views with the sensation of that cooler fall air are unforgettable. Beauty arrests our hearts! Beauty woos us to come closer and enjoy. I recently read this quote about the Beauty of Christ, “Everything that is lovely in God is in Christ, and everything that is or can be lovely in any man is in Him: For He is man as well as God, and He is the holiest, meekest, most humble, and in every way the most excellent man that ever was.” There is physical beauty, but there’s an even deeper more meaningful beauty. It’s the beauty found in pure goodness, displayed by humility, kindness, meekness, gentleness, and love. We have all seen glimpses of it, and felt it melt away the barriers that guard our hearts. Maybe in a parent’s or grandparent’s affection. Perhaps in a child’s tender touch. Above all others though, pure beauty is found in Christ. Do you focus on the beauty of Christ? Is there one more beautiful that He? Look at Him. Yes, He is mighty and powerful, above all authorities. Yes, He calls us to repent of our sins, but the Scriptures say it’s His loving kindness that leads us to repentance. (Rom 2:4) His beauty woos us to come closer and enjoy. To worship and be set free. If you’re feeling distant from the Lord, like knowing Him is just a ritual of church habits, change course and seek to know Him as beautiful. Meditate on His pure goodness directed at you, a sinner, through His mercy and grace. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:29)
Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
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 2020 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Worship with Us! Sunday Worship with Joyful Communion,Liturgically 9:30am
Join us for an outdoor service or via live-stream
Join us for Upscale White Elephant Items, Bookstore Booth, Silent Auction, BBQ Picnic, Games, Music, Big Screen Football, & more!
Wednesday Evening Christian Education and Worship, 6:00-7:30pm
Silent Auction and Bidding
Join us for outdoor education for all ages followed by an outdoor Worship service
from 9am -1:30pm
Lunch and Music from 11-1pm
$12 BBQ Lunch Plate tickets will be sold in advance in the Christchurch Office or at www.christchurchanglican.net/donate/
Please visit our YouTube page (search for Christchurch Montgomery), which is full of sermons, teachings, and many full services!
All proceeds support missions at Christchurch.
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Pastor’s Perspective by Dr. Chris Montgomery, Frazer Memorial UMC
The Family Motto Growing up in the South all my life, there were many sayings I heard my family and others use regularly. “Fixin’ to,” “madder than an old wet hen,” “if the creek don’t rise,” “hold your horses,” and many more became a part of my daily life. In fact, these sayings along with others, have been used by many people and families throughout the years. Yet, each family has their own unique sayings or mottos that they pass down from generation to generation. For me, there was one that stood out above all of the rest. It was a simple phrase that revealed a deep faith. I have heard grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings say some version of this phrase throughout my life.
That was because the phrase was, and still is, a grounding and stabilizing statement of belief for my family. Our “motto” was comprised of three statements. “Don’t give up, pray about it, and God will get you through.” This family saying was drawn upon when there was a crisis. It was leaned upon in the midst of confusion. It was declared boldly from defiant lips when a problem occurred. At the same time, it was short. It was simple. It was easy to say, yet not so easy to live. As my family, like all families, has moved from one season of life to another, this phrase was there. No matter the issue or the size of the obstacle, some version of this phrase was invoked with a strong belief that if we would do our part, God would always do His. As my family has weathered many of the storms of life, this phrase has been a beacon of light and a guidepost for all of us in unique ways. Here is what it has meant to me. First, don’t give up. As humans, we give up too fast and too often. We give up on what is possible. We give up on people. We give up on places. We give up on ourselves. And the truth is, we give up on God. However, God never gives Partnering Together for a Stronger Community up on us. I believe that if we will refuse Register at the Bradford Branch to give up, we, like King David, can be and be known as
BASKETBALL Created at the Y
Played at the Y (334)358-YMCA
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people who fulfill the will of God in our generations (Acts 13:36). Second, pray about it. We must trade in our desire for control, which is only an illusion anyway, and transfer our trust to God. This is what happens when we pray. In the act of prayer, we are declaring that we need someone greater than us to do something, to act! Moments of prayer are moments of unfiltered humility and immense power. The Apostle Paul put it this way: “Do not worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.” - Philippians 4:6 Lastly, we need to remember that God will get us through whatever we are dealing with. Many times, we cannot see our way out of the problems we are in, but God can. Many times, we cannot imagine how what we are going through will work out for good, but, God can. God can see further and more than we ever could. God helped Israel arrive in the Promised Land, David build a kingdom, Solomon build a temple, Nehemiah rebuild a wall, the first disciples believe, and the early church change the world as we know it. That same power works in and through us! So, don’t give up, pray about it, and God will get you through.
Dr. Chris Montgomery is from Florence, Alabama and has served the last several years as an Executive Pastor in the Huntsville area. He, his wife Emily, and son Eddie Ray moved to Montgomery earlier this year where he is now serving as the Senior Pastor of Frazer Church.
Find Hope.
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Now more than ever, we need an encounter with God’s presence.
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Worship with Frazer virtually
Worship with Frazer in person
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• 11:00am Contemporary Worship • 9:30am Traditional Worship • 8:00am Special service with added precautions for those who consider themselves at high risk
• • •
WFRZ-TV: Channel 13 (cable) or Channel 33 (antenna) Frazer Channel for Roku, AppleTV or FireTV Livestreaming at frazer.church/live Facebook Live at facebook.com/frazerchurch
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The Gathering Storm
Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church
R. Albert Mohler The postmodern clouds loom large over our heads. What Francis Schaeffer anticipated in the sixties and seventies in now upon us – in full force. What was once suspected has now arrived. The full force of secularism has invaded our culture and is wreaking havoc in the church. Dr. R. Albert Mohler addresses the theme of secularism, culture, and the church in his latest book, The Gathering Storm. Each chapter sounds a warning cry to followers of Jesus Christ as the author demonstrates how secular humanism has managed to essentially “dechristianize the culture.” As Francis Schaeffer once wisely noted, “The tragedy of our situation today is that men and women are being fundamentally affected by the new way of looking at truth, and yet they have never even analyzed the drift which has taken place.” Over and over, Mohler demonstrates the radical nature of this seismic shift. The central theme of the book is that the storm is real and unavoidable. In the eye of the storm lie several key issues – the sanctity of life, marriage and family, and matters that pertain to gender and sexuality. Ignoring the storm will not alter the forecast. Evangelicals, then, must refuse to plant their heads in the ground like the proverbial ostrich. While the storm is alarming, Dr. Mohler is quick to leave his readers with hope: “The one true God is Lord over history, and he has now called Christians in this generation into the storm.” Anything less would be cowardly and unfaithful to God and his gospel. I commend The Gathering Storm to followers of Christ and also challenge them to pay careful attention to Al Mohler’s keen insight in this area.
Paul David Tripp Paul David Tripp has a special way of delivering a series of “gut-punches” to his readers. These deliberate blows are never meant to harm. Rather, the blows he delivers are meant to build up, encourage, and equip. Such is the case in his new book, Lead: 12 Gospel Principles for Leadership in the Church. Dr. Tripp’s goal is to “propose a positive character model for local church or ministry leadership.” So he invites readers into the boxing ring for twelve rounds. Each round is focused on a particular subject that is ultimately informed by the gospel. “Remember that the gospel of God’s grace teaches us that lasting change of heart and hands always takes place in the context of relationship, first with God and then with the people of God,” writes Tripp. This heart and passion beats throughout the book as the author relentlessly brings struggling readers back to their first love and a better understanding of the gospel. The author writes as a churchman, a pastor, a theologian, and a biblical counselor. But he also writes as a fellow-pilgrim. He never throws “punches” from the cheap seats. Dr. Tripp is quick to admit his own weaknesses, hidden motivations, and sin. He along with all people desperately needs the gospel. I challenge readers to enter the ring. Be prepared for a stringent workout. Be prepared for a few timely punches. When the final bell rings, you will be glad you took the challenge. And you will be better prepared and equipped to enter the real-life world of ministry.
Born Again This Way Rachel Gilson The LGBT airwaves are filled with opinions and books are being written from every angle – both conservative and liberal. Rachel Gilson adds her voice in her most recent book, Born Again This Way. What makes Gilson’s book refreshing is that she approaches the subject with biblical faithfulness and sensitivity. As one who formerly identified in the LGBT community, the author has much to say by way of experience and offers counsel to anyone who needs help with this controversial subject. The writing in Born Again This Way is conversational in tone, gracious in spirit, and filled with a wealth of counsel that is grounded in sacred Scripture and the Christian worldview. Gilson does not come across as preaching or dogmatic, but she makes her points clear from start to finish. She is honest about her struggles and offers hope and grace to anyone who will listen. Her voice is much-needed in a climate that tends to generate more heat than light. There is no compromise here. Gilson never “sells the ranch” to gain a hearing from the LGBT community. But her style is down to earth and winsome. Such an approach is bound to draw people from all persuasions to join in the conversation. River Region’s Journey
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Local Fall Festivals
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St. Michael and All Angels Church Boston Butt Sale
October 24 5941 Main Street Millbrook, AL 9 a.m. until noon. Boston Butt sale. Tickets available for purchase $30 or $35 at day of sale.
(334) 285.3905 stmichaelsallangels@gmail.com stmichaelsandallangels.com
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Dalraida Baptist Church Drive Thru Fall Festival
October 25 3838 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery, AL 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.
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Drive Thru fall festival. Bagged chips, hotdog and drink. Candy and booths. (334) 272-2412 thedalraidadifference.org
Eastmont Baptist Church Drive Thru Trunk or Treat
October 25 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL Time to be announced. Begins in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating. (334) 277-6300 www.eastmont.org
East Memorial Baptist Church Family Fun Fall Festival
October 31 1320 Old Ridge Road Prattville, AL 5-7 p.m. Free admission! Car
trunks and Truck bed will be decorated with various themes/stories and filled with lots of candy and treats. Children of all ages are welcome. (334) 365.7500
River Region’s Journey
www.eastmemorial.org
October 2020
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Newsboys United Presents the Love One Another Tour
Friday, October 9, 7 p.m. Lake Martin Amphitheater. With special guest Adam Agee. One of the biggest bands in Christian music history, seating is being sold in “pods” and there is a limited number of them. Get your tickets now, there may not be any available on the day of the show. For more info, visit www.TheAmpOnLakeMartin.com or call (501) 514-1717.
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River Region Ethics in Business Announces Finalists for 2020 Ethics in Business Awards businesses and agencies throughout the community will aspire to be considered for this award. For more information about The River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards, visit www.riverregionethics.com. Founded as a non-profit organization in 1997, The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. provides mental health services, educational programming and consultative services to all in need in the River Region through a wellness-oriented philosophy, emphasizing mind, body, and spirit. The RREB event is the Center’s major fundraiser and is grateful for its sponsors who make the event possible.
River Region Ethics in Business (RREB), along with the Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc., will present community volunteer Nan Hobbs Barganier with its prestigious Maury D. Smith Award for Excellence in Professional Ethics at its awards luncheon on Thursday, October 8, 2020, at noon at the Alabama Activity Center, 201 Dexter Avenue in Montgomery. Additionally. finalists have been named for the 2020 River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards. The recipients will be named at the October 8, 2020 awards luncheon. The following have been named (in alphabetical order) as finalists in their categories:
2020 River Region Ethics in Business and Public Service Awards Sponsors Lead Sponsors: Caddell Construction, Giles Enterprises, Inc., Donation in Memory of Maury and Cile Smith. Community Sponsors: Alfa Insurance Company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Capell & Howard, P.C., CAPTRUST, Dixie Electric Cooperative, Guardian Credit Union, Hans Heating and Air, ServisFirst Bank, TrustMark, Billy and Pay Williamson, Jim Wilson. Supporting Sponsors: Aronov Realty, Baptist Health, Beasley Allen, Chappy’s Deli/Coca Cola, CSX Railroads, CTE Outdoor Equipment, Foshee Residential Management Company, Goodwyn, Mills and Caywood, Gordy-Mead-Britton Foundation, Harmon Dennis Bradshaw, Inc., Jackson Thornton, McConnell Honda, Moore Company, Paragon Construction, Starke Agency, The Locker Room, Thompson Insurance, Inc., Valley National Bank, Warren Averett. Friends of Samaritan: Alabama Power, Dr. Stephen Davidson, Long Lewis Foundation, Dr. and Mrs. Duncan McRae, Merrill Lynch, Dr. and Mrs. John Moorehouse.
Non-Profit: Council on Substance Abuse-NCADD, Girl Scouts of South Alabama, and That’s My Child Small Business: Gardner’s Carpets, New Hope Academy, and State Farm Insurance—Willie Durham, Agent. Medium Business: East Taylor Dental, Health Star Clinic, and United Heating and Air. Large Business: Foshee Management Company, International Paper Company, and PT Solutions The purpose of the program is to bring the importance of business and public service ethics to the forefront of communities throughout the River Region and to honor those individuals and companies that practice and believe in good ethics. It is hoped that
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RR to da all for
RRJ: As Christians, our primary purpose in life is to glorify God. In what ways are you able to glorify Him in your occupation as a teacher or while at work? LaTania: I give God all the glory and praise for being able to have a strong connection with my parents, students and colleagues. He has equipped me with the spirit of patience. When things seem difficult, I ask HIM for guidance. After seeking God and He delivers, I give Him honor. He has blessed me to always be willing to help others at my job, and this is not for selfgratification, but it is again for His glory. RRJ: For most of us, family plays an important role in our lives. In what ways has your family been instrumental in your faith journey?
RRJ: Today we are sitting down with LaTania Holmes who has been serving in education for 22 years and is a teacher at Carver Elementary Arts Magnet School in Montgomery. Thank you so much for taking the time to share how your faith is at work out in the community where God has placed you. You’ve known about Jesus for a long time, but when did you come to know Jesus, and what would you say is different? LaTania: I have grown up in church and, yes, I was taught about Jesus. The turning point was when I experienced a great tragedy in my life with the unexpected deaths of my grandparents. They died in a tragic house fire. I found Jesus to be a mind regulator. Most people would have fallen to pieces. God kept me, and is keeping me today, in my right mind. I don’t take that for granted. River Region’s Journey
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LaTania: My family as a whole has a strong connection with the Lord. We are always trying to support and encourage one another. When I get weak, I am able to regain strength because a family member will call or text at that moment. They may not know that I am at that point, but God knows. When I am overwhelmed with the cares of the world, God will send help. We remind one another of what God has already done in our lives, and just knowing what some family members have been through helps increase my faith. RRJ: I know you encounter many challenges as you help meet the need for quality education for all students, especially during this time of virtual learning. What are some tools of the Christian faith that keep you focused on loving God and loving others? LaTania: There are so many challenges with this new style of education. I have just entered my 22nd year of teaching. I wanted to just give up when I learned how we would provide learning for students. It was at that moment I began to intercede on the behalf of fellow educators who aren’t as tech savvy as me. I as lifted them up in prayer, God began to show me that I can and will make it. I found that journaling has helped me to see growth in my faith. 10
Journal the thoughts that continue to flow through your mind and you will be able to process those thoughts and situations much better. RRJ: What do you enjoy most about your job? LaTania: I enjoy being able to help people. Just this week, I had a student who continued to say that she couldn’t type on the assignment that I posted in Schoology (a learning platform). Her mother couldn’t help her and the child was frustrated. I called the student after class and asked her to log back into my Zoom. I shared my screen and logged in as the student to show her exactly what she needed to do. As I began to walk her through this task, you could hear her calm down and she was so grateful. If I am able to help someone along the way then my living is not in vain. RRJ: How does your Christian faith shape the way you approach your job as an educator? LaTania: My Christian faith shapes my approach by allowing me to find the brighter side of situations. I am often surrounded by individuals who are negative, but I find myself sharing the Word of God with these individuals. I practice being obedient to God and I rely on His word. By doing this it makes my job a little easier. I pray constantly for God to give me strength to make it each day. RRJ: What are some key things that have sustained your faith on the tough days? LaTania: Praise and worship has sustained my faith on the tough days. When things get really rough, I take a break and allow a song to minister to me. That is a way that God reminds me with a message that He is here and nothing is too hard for Him. I try to practice turning things over to God. If I take my hands off the situation, He will handle it. That’s not always easy. I also meditate on His word by finding a scripture that applies to my situation. I ask God to reveal to me what I should learn from the situation.
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RRJ: Sometimes fellow Christians struggle to continue living out their faith beyond Sunday morning. How would you encourage all of us to allow our faith to be a constant force in our lives?
(Still) Serving Children Safely
LaTania: We must remember this is not just a Sunday morning walk. Faith must be put into practice daily. Knowing His promises and Word will help. We have to have something on the inside of us and practice holding fast and firm to God’s word. It is easy to give up, but I encourage you to take baby steps. Don’t give up or abandon your faith. Faith is our most valued possession.
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RRJ: Why do you believe it’s important to get connected with a church and use your talents there? LaTania: It is important be connected with the body of Christ. I am reminded of Hebrews 10:25, which speaks about not forsaking to assemble. When you are truly connected with a church, you gain a whole new family. This is a family that will provide encouragement, advice, wisdom, direction, and you have a place to confess. It helps remind you that you are not alone. We think we have it bad only to find that there is someone who is worse off than us. If we have a connection, we are able to build each other up. If you truly love the Lord it will be easy for you to use the talent He has blessed you with. We need other people to help push us, pull us, grow with us, and experience God’s love with us. RRJ: Who is one person you’re looking forward to hanging out with in heaven? LaTania: I would like to hang out with Job. He was an upright man. I think about how he lost all he had, but he still trusted God. I am reminded of the passing of my grandparents. Some people tried to tell me I should have been angry with God for how they died. I realized that was nothing more than a trick of the enemy to destroy my mind. I didn’t give in to those thoughts. Job was the same way. His own wife tried to get him to curse God and die.
ChildrensAL.org
It has always been our priority to ensure the safety and well-being of each child in our care — and that remains our commitment as we continue our mission during the Covid-19 pandemic. Here’s how we have redesigned our operations to keep our patients and their families as safe as possible: q q q q q q
All visitors are screened immediately for signs of illness and fever. We follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting our facilities. Our staff practices safe hand hygiene. We are wearing masks for your safety. Thank you for wearing your face covering. All visitors to campus are required to wear masks. Waiting rooms have been reconfigured to accommodate social distancing guidelines.
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RRJ: If you could give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
LaTania: The advice I would give my younger self is to listen more and talk less.
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LaTania Holmes is a fifth grade teacher at Carver Elementary and Arts Magnet School. A native of Chicago, Illinois, she attended Alabama State University and has been in education for 22 years. She attends Love and Peace Church.
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M Go to God... Don’t Wait There had been an anger stewing within me for several days that I could not shake off or understand. I had just received news that a man who committed a crime against me – who had assaulted me while on a morning run years ago, and who was serving time in prison – was up for parole, and despite having had forgiven him decades earlier, despite not
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having any fear he would retaliate against me after two decades, I couldn’t understand what level of PTSD had reared its head. I fought it for days. Well, I fought it for days...alone. I tried to will it away and just hoped it would eventually dissipate, figuring I had already consumed enough of my life with this matter. Nothing changed. A few days into this, I went for a routine morning run, still not being able to release whatever it was inside of me. I reached the top of a hill – and retrospectively, the boiling point, the hilltop, of my stress. I stopped, raised my arms up into the skies, and called out, “Okay! You win! What is it? What is going on?” Take this from me, I prayed. Begged. And deep within me – deeper than I had ever felt before – it literally burned in my gut. It swirled. It was on fire. And I broke down on a back road before the sun rose, and was terrified. I whispered out loud, “Okay, okay, okay, okay,” and crept back home. Upon my return, I immediately emailed my pastor, who put me in touch with his wife, who turned me to a faith-based counselor, and who I saw within a day or two. But why does it take signs of this magnitude for us to truly turn to Him in our times of need? Why do we always feel we can handle issues alone, without first turning to God? Without always – first – turning to God? Without not only praising Him in storms, 12
but immediately giving Him our problems and asking Him to provide us what we need. Why do we reach that hilltop where things explode beyond our comprehension and comfort, and where we fall back to where we should have been in the first place? “Okay,” I whispered. “Okay.”
“Look to the Lord and His strength; seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11 I worked hard over the next few weeks to calm my spirit and my mind. I learned some deeper aspects of my past that had contributed to the PTSD which had broken through me. And through this counseling, through prayer, meditation and through a calm spirit, I came out on the other side. That was several years ago. And it hasn’t happened since.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 Do not be afraid...for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Always. Let us substitute our worries and give them to God. Let us turn over our concerns and give them to the one who already knows how it will play out, how it will end. He has already provided us the strength and resources to overcome whatever struggle we face. He is all in. Has been since before we were even born. Trust that from the beginning. Doing this allows us to lean on God wholeheartedly. To sit, be still, and to be patient with what only He can do and provide. I know that if I had turned to Him before reaching that figurative mountaintop, that I would have had peace when I reached the top. That my cries out wouldn’t have been with such force and angst. That my heart wouldn’t have been clinched with anger and defeat. That instead of trying to handle this on my own, I would have had more trust and internal resolve that God was working.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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MEDICARE Open Enrollment October 15, 2020 – December 7, 2020
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Have Questions?
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1.800.243.5463 What is SHIP? SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Through SHIP, certified counselors and volunteers are available to help you make informed choices about health benefits. Counselors and volunteers are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not attempt to sell insurance. SHIP Can Help You: ◼ Understand your Medicare ◼ Determine which Part D Plan best fits your needs ◼ Enroll in a plan of your choice ◼ File a Medicare claim or appeal ◼ Answer questions about your health insurance
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By Scott Sauls
If you’re on social media or are watching the news for more than twelve seconds, you’re sure to spot some sort of rant about a political figure. It has become our habit to mock and insult those authority figures we disagree with. While we can (and should) feel strongly about different political and social issues, as Christians, we’re called to respond to authority with respect. Rather than bucking the system, sticking it to the man, insulting, or despairing, Christians are taught in the Bible to respond to authority with honor. This starts with honoring God, who holds authority over the whole universe, including every earthly kingdom. One of the chief ways we honor God is in how we respond to those He has put in authority over us. Whether we agree or disagree with our authorities, showing honor and respect is presented in the Bible as a non-negotiable. In showing honor and respect, we also honor and respect God, who, in His own wisdom and for His own purposes, ordains who will lead and who will follow.
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Are Government and Politics the Exception? The Bible also says Christians should honor, respect, pray for and obey authorities in positions of government. This can be challenging for us, especially during a heated political season like this one. And yet, because politics are so heated, the season we are in presents Christians with a unique opportunity to live counter-culturally to the typical partisan spin and vitriol. Biblically, Christians have a civic duty to honor their national, state and local officials. As long we aren’t being coerced to sin against God, following Jesus includes submitting to and praying for all of our public authorities. When this happens, citizens of God’s kingdom will be known as the most refreshing citizens of earthly kingdoms, no matter who is in charge. This was true in biblical times, and it can be true now. New Testament Christians were routinely marginalized, persecuted and even put to death by the Roman state. Even in this climate, honoring, respecting, cooperating with and praying for Roman officials was part of being a disciple. The Apostle Peter, who would later be executed by Rome for his Christian faith, said that in all
circumstances, Christians must honor the king (1 Peter 2:17). The Apostle Paul, who would also be martyred by decree of the Roman Caesar, said every Christian must submit to and pray for governing authorities (Romans 13:1). In today’s political climate, it is hard to find Christians who embrace this line of thinking. Instead, many have been drawn into partisan spin and rhetoric. In so doing, these well-intended but misguided Christians have become more like the world than like Jesus. Here are a few thoughts about how we can retreat from the spin and rhetoric, and instead return to more of a New Testament approach:
1. Don’t Label or Smear; Instead, Humble Yourself Right-leaning Christians fall prey to dishonoring our last president. He identified as Christian, yet was labeled as patently anti-Christian. He identified as a social Democrat, yet got labeled as a Socialist. He claimed to champion the poor and under served, yet got labeled as a crook who takes “other people’s money” and uses it to enable laziness.
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Similarly, left-leaning Christians have shown disrespect to the president before him. Words like “Murica” and “Strategery” became part of the American lexicon, but not for honoring reasons. Rather, such words were used to belittle, embarrass and caricature this president and Yale graduate as a bumbling idiot. Left-leaning Christians can also engage in inflammatory and unfair rhetoric that labels right-leaning authorities as anti-poor, anti-woman, anti-immigrant and so on. Christians on both the left and the right have expressed concern about the character flaws, and some of the policies, of our current President as well. This is fine and appropriate, unless of course concerns give way to name-calling and personal insults. Not even the young man David, when King Saul sought personally to destroy him, fell into this trap. Although David had two opportunities to finish Saul off, he would not assassinate him, either in his person or his character. In his own words, he dared not harm “the Lord’s anointed.” Right, left, or neither, we should address the logs in our own eye before we presume to address the specks in someone else’s.
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“I met those of our society who had votes in the ensuing election, and advised them:
2. Show Respect for Authorities with Whom You Disagree. Examples fill the Scriptures. In spite of being put in prison for crimes he didn’t commit, Joseph treated Pharaoh and the Egyptian guards with honor. Daniel and his three friends spoke respectfully to Babylon’s evil King Nebuchadnezzar. David blessed and prayed for King Saul, as I mention above. When David had the opportunity to destroy Saul, he resisted the temptation. Instead, he entrusted himself, and the ways that king Saul had injured him, to God who judges justly. David wouldn’t even speak negatively about Saul. Why? Because God, for reasons only God knew, wanted Saul to be king for a time. Out of respect for God, David gave respect to Saul.
1. To vote … for the person they judged most worthy, 2. To speak no evil of the person they voted against, and 3. To take care their spirits were not sharpened against those that voted on the other side.”
These are great models for us to consider as we engage political discussions, and as we think about how to relate to authorities we don’t agree with.
3. Engage the Political Process in a Grown-Up, Non-Judgmental Way. Amid a heated political campaign in 1774, John Wesley wrote the following in his Journal:
Another thing you can do is organize. With the rise of Facebook groups and hashtag movements, there is no shortage of opportunity to engage in causes you believe in. But activism that’s limited to social media, or “slacktivism,” isn’t enough. If you really want to make a difference, you need to also figure out how you are going to donate your time, financial contributions, and professional skills to leave the world better and, so far as it depends on you, make government intervention and involvement less necessary.
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4. Remember Jesus’ Kingdom is Not of This World. Jesus came to fulfill every part of Scripture. Not one word of God’s just and true law will go unfulfilled by Jesus. How conservative of Him. And yet, as Jesus demonstrates, the more conservative we are in our beliefs about Scripture, the more liberal we will be in the ways we love. Jesus fulfilled the law by feeding the hungry, identifying with the poor, empowering women, reaching out cross-culturally and welcoming and eating with sinners. How progressive of Him. And get this: Jesus brought Simon, an anti-government Zealot, and Matthew, a government employee, into his group of disciples. Of the four Gospel writers, Matthew alone points out this fact, signaling that loyalties to Jesus transcend all other loyalties, including political ones. Even Simon and Matthew, two people on polar opposite political extremes, were able to live and love in community together. Why? Because instead of creating dividing walls, Jesus breaks down dividing walls and prays that His followers—from the political left and the political right—will live as one. In this, we show the world that we are His disciples.
5. Ask Yourself the Most Important Question. In consideration of Matthew and Simon living in community together under Jesus, we should wrestle with the following question: For whom do I feel greater affection, and with whom to I feel most kindred? 1. People who agree with my politics but don’t share my faith? Or … 2. People who share my faith but don’t agree with my politics? If it’s the first instead of the second, we are rendering unto Caesar what belongs to God. And that can’t be a good thing. The way we answer this question will, in many ways, determine what kind of honor— or what kind of dishonor—we will give to those in authority over us. It will also reveal whom and what it is that we truly follow. Will we be disciples of a partisan platform, or will we be disciples of Jesus, who is King of kings and whose kingdom is not of this world? I pray it will be the latter, not the former. Scott Sauls is a pastor, author, and blogger.
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Recipe for Blessings What if someone said to you, “You will inherit the earth; heaven is guaranteed for you and you will receive great rewards there; you will definitely see God face-toface; you will experience extreme comfort when downhearted and never-ending mercy when you mess up; you will experience righteousness in your life; you will have the reputation of being a daughter of God.” Does it sound too good to be true? You must be thinking, What’s the catch? Yet, these are the blessings the Lord Jesus said we can have according to Matthew 5:3-10, popularly called The Beatitudes. Jesus spoke wonderful phrases to encourage the people who followed Him. They were a downtrodden, conquered people, experiencing just the opposite of these beautiful rewards under Roman rule. Yet, Jesus dared to speak these words of hope. So, what is the catch? We look to the beginning phrases of each verse and our hearts sink, “those poor in spirit; those who mourn; those who are meek; those who are persecuted…” Do we always have to experience problems before we see the goodness of God? No! But just like the Jews in Jesus’ time, we face our own 21st century challenges – the COVID-19 pandemic and its multiple related effects; racial and civil unrest; hurricanes and tornados; political animosity and so on. Struggle is a part of the human existence. So how do we, as women, deal with these difficulties and receive His great rewards from the beatitudes? First, let’s look at a metaphor for your creating a process toward being blessed. I have a favorite recipe handed down from my family. I can make cornbread dressing that creates smiles on every face in my River Region’s Journey
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family. They expect to eat the delectable morsels of that dressing every Thanksgiving. Having it on the table is not an option. The ingredients within the recipe are not necessarily delicious in and of themselves. I mean, whoever came up with the idea that sage and fennel would make pork taste like sausage anyway? But as I work my “magic” and put just the right ingredients and the correct amounts together, the process produces a wonderful reward. In the same way, God has a recipe for blessedness. He puts ingredients together to make a divine reward for us. So how do we work through the process? What ingredients do we need and how do we put them together? I think the fruit of the spirit from Galatians 5:22-23 can take us over the top.
Look at the first verse of the Beatitudes: “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” This describes those of us who feel like no one loves us…we want to give up. If we stir in a large cup of love to counteract those feelings, life can turn completely around. The circumstances may remain the same, but your posture will be one who is beginning to experience reward. I can give you examples from my own life of how challenging situations and the fruit of the spirit have been the key ingredients to make something wonderful. In the Matthew verses, “blessed” is often translated as “happy.” How happy are you at this time? I may make my family happy with my cornbread dressing, but that is nothing to what God can do with His recipe for blessedness! Woman of God, stir up some Fruit of the Spirit in the midst of your challenge and watch His happy rewards come to your table!
Here are some other recipes that you might want to try: BEATITUDE Those who are poor in spirit Those who mourn Those who are meek Those who hunger for righteousness Those who need mercy Those who are pure in heart Those who work for peace Those persecuted for righteousness Those who have been insulted
FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT Love counteracts self-pity and doubt Peace that views the circumstances from God’s view Gentleness with strength that defies man’s logic Goodness that permeates each day to right wrongs Kindness toward others without expectations it will be returned Joy that goes beyond circumstances and challenges Patience that focuses on peace with God more than peace with men Faithfulness that is powered by the Holy Spirit beyond your own strength Self-Control that floods over any desire to avenge
REWARD The Kingdom of Heaven Supernatural comfort Inherit the Earth Filled with righteousness Receive God’s mercy Will See God Called the children of God The Kingdom of Heaven Identity with the saints
18 from my own life of how challenging situations and the fruit of the I can give you examples spirit have been the key ingredients to make something wonderful. In the Matthew verses, “blessed” is often translated as “happy.” How happy are you at this time? I may make my family happy with my cornbread dressing, but that is nothing to what God can do with His recipe for blessedness!
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October 2020
River Region’s Journey 7/24/20 10:29 AM
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Over three decades ago, church and city leaders were invited to be part of a gathering that would have a profound impact on the city of Montgomery. The group that met that day is now known as the John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship and is still coming together to pray for the citizens of the River Region and celebrate the work that God is doing in the church.
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Birthed out of the desire for unity among the people of Montgomery and the church denominations spread throughout the city, today the group is led by Pastor C.J. Falcione, who reflected on the beginnings of the John 17 group. “In 1983, a former Alabama State Trooper, Don Hyde, asked some pastors and other church leaders in Montgomery to meet at a church downtown. The gathering was multi-racial and multidenominational,” he explained. “Mr. Hyde wanted to gather these men together to confess, repent and ask for forgiveness of the African American pastors for the role he played as a State Trooper during the Selma March. He used his baton in a violent manner, and he struggled with that for many years. He wanted an opportunity to seek forgiveness and reconciliation through identificational repentance. Out of this gathering, came an emphasis for unity in the body of Christ according to John 17:21 where there would be no racial or denominational divide.” “Three instrumental men in the birth of the John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship who were there that day were our present Chief Justice Tom Parker, Pastor Carmen Falcione (my father), and attorney Tom Kotouc. These men felt the Lord leading them to continue this gathering monthly to pray for our city and fellowship together,” he said. The work that these men set out to do has continued to present day and has grown to include more pastors and church leaders, with the emphasis on relationships and bringing pastors from all denominations together to encourage one another as they shepherd their flocks.
“That heart has continued to this day. In the mid-nineties, my father took the leadership role in facilitating John 17 and led it under his own ministry called The Gathering. For the past 25 years, the John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship has been held on the 3rd Wednesday of each month. It is a time of worship and prayer for Montgomery and the River Region, and we end the time with lunch and fellowship. When my father passed away in May of 2017, it was passed on to me to lead,” Falcione said. “My father knew that when the shepherds were unified, the flock would be unified,” he added. Little has changed in that mindset from the first John 17 meeting. Pastors are still meeting to strengthen and encourage one another, and ideas are still being born out of the monthly meetings to help foster relationships amongst the racial and denominational lines of the city. Falcione said that with a growing number of younger pastors serving some of Montgomery’s largest churches, the group gives pastors a place to go to foster relationships of varying ages and “shepherd the shepherd”, which is something his father felt strongly about, as well. “Whether it is pulpit flips where other pastors visit other churches to give a sermon or host prayer times for the city, the bottom line is that it is all about the Gospel,” he said. “The goal of this group is to foster and cultivate unity in the body of Christ by pastors and church leaders of different races and denominations coming together as the ‘One Church’ in Montgomery through worship, prayer and relationship building. As we are unified, doors are open for the Gospel to be effectively seen through the many congregations in Montgomery for
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This is what John 17 is all about. We are “one body of Christ” who meet in various congregations around our city. These men would never have met or connected apart from the John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship. We call these ‘Kingdom Connections’, and it’s what we love about this gathering.” Falcione encourages the people in the River Region to pray for the John 17 Pastors’ Fellowship and let their pastors and church leaders know about the monthly gathering, which averages 20-25 pastors meeting on the third Wednesday of the month. “What a blessing to bring pastors of all denominations together,” he said. “God is moving and it is exciting to see the work being done in Montgomery. What a sense of joy the people of this area can have in knowing that God is at work in this city, and that our pastors who love their church and their city are standing in the gap.”
the advancement of the Kingdom of God. We desire this gathering to connect congregations of different races and denominations to work together to reach people with the Gospel,” he said. Falcione, who serves as associate pastor at Gateway Church in Montgomery, has seen some incredible examples of God working through the relationships formed within the group. “There are many which I can share, but one recent story took place at the first of the year before COVID. I invited the coteacher in my Sunday School class to come and pray with us. He’s a gentleman in his sixties, and he has pastored before, so I knew this was his heart as well. He started coming at the end of 2019. As he was getting to know some of the pastors during our lunch fellowship time, he began a close friendship with one of the pastors. They started having lunch together, and began to cultivate a close relationship. After getting together a few times, they felt a deep spiritual connection, and the pastor, who is bivocational, asked my friend if he would consider helping him at his church with some administrative responsibilities and sometimes teaching. My friend had been praying for the Lord to open some doors for ministry opportunities, and here the Lord made a way to serve another congregation. I was so excited for he and his wife since the Lord ordered their steps.
If you would like to know more or become involved with the group, please contact C.J. Falcione at Gateway Baptist Church, cj@gatewaybaptist.com. Katie Blair is a freelance writer who has a deep interest in sharing stories about everyday people living extraordinary lives for Christ. She lives in Wetumpka, Alabama with her husband Steve, and their dog, Rosie. She is the mom of two young adult children and serves as a children’s ministry partner with Frazer Church.
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Taking Care of “Self”
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We are living in a different world. The pandemic has changed us all in so many ways. Some people are still waiting for “things to go back to normal”. Some are still struggling to adjust, and with good reason, we don’t know how to. There are so many unknowns. These unknowns of how life will be have increased everyone’s anxiety. With this anxiety and waiting for the dust to settle, we have forgotten about ourselves. With unknown expectations, we are all having a hard time focusing on exactly what to do. Here is one of the many approaches that can help: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modality, a type of behavioral intervention used to help individuals and families live a more meaningful life. It does not deny the pain and discomfort of life. It is helpful in learning how to live with the pain and make necessary steps to act based on personal values and principles. The acronym of ACT is also the steps; it stands for Accept (being present with thoughts and feelings), Choose (direction based on values and principles), and Take Action (the behavioral change). ACT can be a tool to help take care of ourselves during these changing times. An easy technique is to use the Bull’s eye. The Bull’s eye was developed by Tobias Lundgren, a Swedish Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) therapist. He separated the dartboard into four main domains: a) work/education, b) leisure,
c) relationships, and d) personal growth/ health. Work and education includes looking at how you function within the workplace, pursuing your career, educating yourself or developing skills. Leisure entails how you play, relax, be creative, enjoy activities, rest and enjoy yourself. The relationship part is to observe your behaviors around a partner, your children, parents, relatives, friends, co-workers, and other social contacts. Finally, personal growth and health includes religion, spirituality, meditation, yoga, exercise, nature and healthy lifestyle (addressing risk factors like smoking, alcohol, drugs and overeating). The practice is to look at the different areas and ask yourself how close you are to where you see your ideal self. “Am I doing the best I can at work?”, “Do I behave in the best way I want to with my partner, my friends or children?”, “If I believe family is important, am I doing the best I can to inform them of it and act on it?”, “Do I take time to relax, and have fun?”, “If my religion or spirituality is a central part of my life, do I practice it as I feel I need to?” The closer you are to the bull’s eye means that you are behaving like the person you want to be. That is, you are behaving consistent with your values, what you believe in, and what you stand for. It is looking at all the parts in our daily life and doing the best we can. However, it is important to note that the bull’s eye is not perfection. It is the best you can do with the tools, time, 23
and circumstances you are in (e.g. the pandemic). It is not denying, but accepting the difficulties and acting close to the best you can and who you want to be. That is taking care of yourself. You will feel better by acting the best you can on these four areas every day. Pain and discomfort will always be a part of life. It can be valuable to learn to live with those negatives “next” to you rather than “in front” of you. ACT aids in learning to be present, to really see and feel what you are facing in the moment. It is a practice of becoming aware of present feelings, worries, and negative or anxious thoughts, but not reacting based on these. Learning to accept what is happening in the present rather than fight it or wish it away can help. Because, despite the pandemic we are going through, we are still going. We are living with the pandemic next to us, not in front blinding us from what is important in our day-to-day life. “More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (Romans 5:3-4)
Dr. Jessica Gibbe Fernandez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alabama. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, a Certified Hypnotherapist, a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, The Alabama Counseling Association, and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jessica’s clinical interests include marriage and couples therapy, healthy relationships, and family therapy. She sees adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and personal growth issues, life transitions, gender issues (LGBTQ+), sexuality issues, family adjustment and acculturation.
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Proclaiming Christ A mayor in Ohio has declared that he is submitting to a higher authority and has dedicated his city to Jesus. That’s according to a ChristianHeadlines. com article, which relates that at a recent “solemn assembly” held at a large park in Ashland, Ohio, Mayor Matt Miller stated:
“As I stand before you tonight, in the bright light of his Son, to the extent I am able, I give this City of Ashland to the LORD Jesus Christ. May this be a land where He rules supreme. May this be a land where His love is genuinely felt by believers and non-believers alike...” The mayor also expressed his thanks to God for a relatively small amount of COVID-19 cases in the city. Around 25 churches which are part of the Ashland County Ministerial Association sponsored the event. Organizer John Bouquet “told Mayor Miller that he found inspiration for the spiritual gathering when he read the book of Joel in the Old Testament, and the prophet called the southern nation of Judah to ‘call a solemn assembly’ in repentance before God...” The article references Joel 1:13, which says, “Gird yourselves and lament, you priests; Wail, you who minister before the altar; Come, lie all night in sackcloth, You who minister to my God; For the grain offering and the drink offering Are withheld from the house of your God (NKJV).” The association had another idea for the month of September:
Bouquet also said that the AMCA want to establish a “Prayer Force” in River Region’s Journey
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September, where they plan on visiting a church for each day of the week in praying for revival, followed by more churches in the coming weeks. It is heartening to see public officials go public with their belief in God. In an interview with CBN News, the governor of South Dakota, Kristi Noem, said, “...what I found in our culture today is people love being offended...” She added, “And that that is wreaking havoc on our culture and our way of life in people’s hearts,” and said, “So I am hopeful that, while we are seeing some challenges, while we’re seeing things happening in America that break our hearts every day that God will find a way to reveal a healing process that really will bring us together and help us make more progress towards loving each other and seeking after God again than we’ve seen in decades.” Noem has become well-known for her response to the Coronavirus, in which she did not, as the article notes, issue a “shelter in place” order or close any businesses. She believes that the response to the virus has become politicized and has become unfair to people of faith. The governor stated, “... we need to use every tool that we have to make sure that we still have the ability to practice our faith and to gather as we see fit. And we have directly seen in many of these states, where they have allowed other gatherings yet restricted those who want to go to church and worship together.” The Ohio mayor reminds us that we are invited to proclaim Jesus over our lives, our families, our homes, our
church, and our communities. While that certainly involves words, we also recognize that we can take the actions to back that up. When we proclaim the name of Jesus, we establish a standard to which we are called and empowered to live up. A key element of that is to have a repentant heart, isolating, confessing, and turning away from those areas in which we are sinning against God. The South Dakota governor’s words about God’s healing remind us that repentance is a key element. Scores of people gathered for a “solemn assembly” in Washington, DC in late September for “The Return: National and Global Day of Prayer and Repentance” on the National Mall. Coinciding with it, also on the Mall, there was a prayer walk led by Franklin Graham. Local communities staged their own versions of “The Return” to coincide with the national event. Hopefully, these events originating in the nation’s capital will remind us that we need to restore collectively our relationship with God. In a nation that is fractured, we need a release of God’s power and a proclamation of His truth. We can also be reminded to be involved in prayer for and participation in the upcoming elections on November 3. Be certain that you are registered to vote, and if you do not plan to vote in person, make sure that you have taken the necessary steps to acquire an absentee ballot. It is critical that we are informed about the candidates, using God’s Word as a measure of our views, and that we depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us as we make these important choices.
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Journey.SE
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8/11/20 8:30 PM
Adoption
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Alcoholic / Addiction
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 Christcentered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday mornings. Call 272.2190 for details. Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, 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: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520. Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for
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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 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 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. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428. Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverregion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, 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 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6350 for more information.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd 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 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
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Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334-399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
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Grief
Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.
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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 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 365-5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. 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. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
Mental Health
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S.Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 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 ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for info. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.
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. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, 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. Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850-529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. .
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October 2020
River Region’s Journey
Christmas in...October?
Q. I know it may be early to talk about Christmas, but do you have any advice on saving for the holiday season? A. It’s never too early to talk about Christmas! I’m glad you’re thinking about things ahead of time. A lot of people wait until December to buy gifts and make plans. That’s fine if they’ve got the money set aside to handle things, but most of them don’t. Then, they panic and turn to credit cards. You don’t want to end up in a situation where you’re still paying off Christmas in April. If you don’t have anything put aside yet, I’d suggest setting some spending goals now. Taking a close look at your income and living expenses should be part of this. If you’re not doing it already, what I’m talking about here is living on a written, monthly budget. Look at how much you can afford to put toward Christmas each month,
make a gift-giving goal amount, and stick to it. Along with this, you might consider opening a separate account just for your Christmas savings. Start looking for gift deals now, too. There are end-of-summer sales still going on, and you never know what you might find. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to have a wonderful Christmas or make the season special for others—even when it comes to giving. Thoughtful handmade items, meaningful photographs set in a frame, or special baked goods are great ways to show the folks in your life you’re thinking about them and how much you care. Now, let’s talk about next year. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with including a line just for Christmas in your budget each month. Putting a little money aside all year long might just take some of the stress out of your Yuletide planning.
Simple Steps
Q.
With COVID-19 and all the resulting economic problems, do you have advice for what a person can do to prepare for the future?
A.
Regardless of the coronavirus or any economic situation that might arise, there are always a few smart, simple things people can do to protect themselves financially. The number one thing is to live on a written, monthly budget. When you give every dollar a name, and write it down on paper, you’re telling your money what to do, instead of scratching your head and wondering where it went. Staying out of debt and saving as much money as possible are two other great ideas. Remember, your income is your biggest wealth building tool. If you’re saddled with a bunch of debt, your money goes to creditors—not into your pocket. Saving prepares you for the future and all the unexpected things, good and bad, life will throw at you. These are all simple things. But they’ll make a huge difference in your financial situation now and in the years to come!
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October 2020
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