River Region's Journey by KeepSharing

Volume 17, Issue 5

Feature Articles

SEPTEMBE R 20 1 5 Columns page 2

page 12

Publisher’s Note

Faith @ Work

page 4

Meet Anthony Brock, director of Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery. Anthony shares how God has impacted his life from childhood, and led him to his current position offering quality education to young men.

Jason Watson

Pastor's Perspective Dr. Lawson Bryan, First UMC Montgomery

page 17

Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley

page 18

Shine

Kim Hendrix

page 20

The Intersection

page 14

Bob Crittenden

You Are Dust, Not Divine

page 25

Counselor’s Corner Nancy Thomas, LPC

by Tim Challies

page 30

Life is hard, and God calls us to endure it in community. Discover why sharing and bearing one another’s burdens is crucial to the Christian journey.

Family Teams for Christ: Military Edition Lisa and Mike Conn

page 36

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

In Every Issue

page 26

God Speed Biker Ministries by Laura Jean Bell

A new ministry in Montgomery is doing things a little differently. Read about Mark A. Fronduti’s vision to have a place of worship where bikers are welcomed into a judgment-free zone and Christ’s love is the focus. 1

page 6

Books to Read page 8

Around Our Community page 22

Support Groups page 32

Christian Community Calendar September 2015

River Region’s Journey

Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Candy Arrington Laura Jean Bell Dr. Lawson Bryan Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Kim Hendrix Dave Ramsey Nancy Thomas, LPC Sam Whatley

Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood

From the Publisher September is a month of transition. The peak of summer’s heat has finally given way to cooler days that hint at fall’s arrival coming soon. As one season closes and one begins, we get excited about the new experiences we’ll soon encounter, as well as anticipate the cherished traditions that mean so much to our families. Relating this to followers of Christ, Christians are always transitioning from old to new because God is at work conforming us to His image by His Spirit. Paul’s words in Philippians 1:6 are evidence of this when he writes, “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” No matter how bad our past, whether years ago or yesterday, God offers us grace, mercy and hope as we live out our days headed towards our future destiny... a day when we will be with God, and free from sin and it’s trappings. Each day is a day to be excited about what God has planned for us to do in His name and for His fame. One particular story of transition we highlight in this month’s issue is Mark Fronduti and God Speed Bikers Ministries. Mark is well known in the River Region for his talents as a hair dresser, but God has expanded his calling to include loving bikers through Christ and feeding them His word through God Speed Bikers Ministries. This is a new ministry in the River Region that is already having a major impact as God uses them to bring hope and change into people’s lives. Hope and change are always behind God’s work of starting something new in our lives. That’s clearly evident at Valiant Cross Academy, a new Christian all-male school in Montgomery. Their director, Anthony Brock, is featured in this month’s Faith @ Work column. Anthony shares both the new work God is doing at Valiant Cross and how God has prepared him to help students understand the intermingling of faith and education to create a successful future. Every page you turn in each issue of Journey will encourage you to grow (transition) in Christ. You’ll find ways to get plugged into a church or support group. You’ll be challenged to love your spouse more, and to understand that your money is not really your money (page 17). Journey magazine exists to enhance your relationship with Christ and others. What kind of transitions are happening in your life? How is God changing you? Through the free gift of God’s grace in Christ, rely on God’s strength to live in obedience and you’ll receive the sweet fruit of holy living. Thank you for picking up this issue and for allowing us to be a part of God’s work in your life.

River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.

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Pastor’s Perspective

Dr. Lawson Bryan, First United Methodist Church, Montgomery

The Miracle of Cana For many years I wrestled with Jesus’ first miracle as recorded in John 2:1–11. It just did not make sense to me that His very first miracle would be turning water into wine in an out-ofthe-way village like Cana of Galilee. Wouldn’t it have been far better to start with a dazzling miracle like opening the eyes of the blind, or healing the lame, or feeding the 5,000? But water into wine at a wedding reception…really? This miracle got under my skin so much that I could not preach on it! After years of stewing over it I experienced an insight that could only have come from the Holy Spirit. I came to see that this is the primary miracle of all miracles. In this miracle something common and ordinary is transformed into something extraordinary... water into wine. And that is what happens in every miracle: God takes something common and ordinary and transforms it into something extraordinary. Blind eyes, lame legs, hungry stomachs, troubled spirits…all are common occurrences among human beings. Jesus transforms each of these just as he turns the water into wine. Eyes are opened, legs are restored, people are fed, brokenness is healed. Every miracle is a version of the miracle of Cana…water into wine. The Spirit then confronted me with the deeper reason for my troubled reaction to this miracle. I decided to stop avoiding this passage and announced that I would preach on it. But as the week wore on I realized that I had nothing to say. With Sunday only a few days away I sat in my chair and prayed, “Lord, this story has come true in my life. My homiletical wine has run out.” It was at that point that I heard the Lord say to me, “You’ve finally got it.” River Region’s Journey

September 2015

Got what? I wondered. “The truth is your wine is always running out, and the only reason that you ever have more wine is that I turn the water into wine. You don’t like that because you want to turn water into wine. Running out of wine ticked me off because I don’t like to run out of things! I want to operate on full all the time. Isn’t that what we perfectionists always prefer? The Lord used this miracle to irritate me into the spiritual truth that I want to be the one who turns water into wine. And He taught me this: If you want to be in the ministry of Christ you had better come to grips with the fact that it will always appear to you that the wine is running out. The good news is: God is always turning water into wine. Reflecting on this miracle can help us all get in touch with our own water-into-wine stories. In premarital counseling sessions I remind couples that their marriage is a version of the miracle of Cana. When the couple first met all they had was an acquaintance. Then that acquaintance was transformed into a deeper friendship. At some point the water of their friendship was transformed into the wine of love. I want the couple to understand that the miracle of Cana is not merely a figure of speech for them, but it is one miracle that they have actually experienced and is leading them into the covenant of Christian marriage. One of my own water-into-wine experiences occurred during a flight to Washington D. C. While talking with my seatmate I learned that as a consultant on community water systems he was returning from Verbena, Alabama, where he had assisted the town water works. It was then that I told him about 4

the medical mission team from our church traveling to a village in Panama that desperately needed a source of clean water. We were raising funds to provide an adequate water system for this village in the rain forest. As we disembarked he asked me to wait a minute. He then went to an ATM machine, withdrew $200, gave it to me, and said, “Use this to help with that water system.” Imagine that! The water of an in-flight conversation with a total stranger was turned into the wine of $200 for a water system in Panama! The following Sunday I shared this story with my congregation. After the service I received a note from one of our church members which read, “This water-into-wine must stop here. Here is my $200, and I think others will want to contribute.” We raised $10, 000! I would never have imagined such a scenario. All I did was “pour the water” during our in-flight conversation. But, in the life of the man sitting right beside me, God was turning that water into wine. What are your water-into-wine stories? Some may have to do with painful relationships in which the miracle of forgiveness has taken place. Others may have to do with failure of one kind or another and the resurrection that was never thought possible. I believe all of us have water-to-wine stories. What’s yours? Dr. Lawson Bryan is senior pastor of First UMC in Montgomery, located at 2416 W. Cloverdale Park.

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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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

September 2015

River Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey

The Compelling Community by Jamie Dunlop

If the number of highlights in a book can serve as an indication of its worth, then The Compelling Community has already proven an especially valuable one to me. It is littered with notes and highlights (or the Kindle equivalent, at least) and many of its ideas and applications are still percolating somewhere in the back of my mind. There is a lot it taught me, and a lot within its pages that I intend to ponder and apply. It was quite a few years ago that I first read Mark Dever’s 9 Marks of a Healthy Church. That book is a call for churches to pursue biblical patterns of health. The Compelling Community is written by Jamie Dunlop, associate pastor at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, and his book is closely related to Dever’s. He says, “This book is about the type of community that I’ve seen form in the congregation I’ve come to love. In that sense, this is Mark’s book. The underlying principles, experiences, and approaches … are all his. He’s been conducting the orchestra, so to speak; I’ve been in the recording booth.” The Compelling Community is the result of their partnership in the gospel and a description of the kind of Christian community that can, and should, form within a healthy congregation. River Region’s Journey

September 2015

This book is not a quick-fix or a church-wide program of change. It’s not a how-to guide and not a biographical account of a person or church. Instead, it is “a set of biblical principles that can guide gradual change in your congregation over several years. … It’s a book that attempts to focus on God’s purposes for church community instead of our own. … [It’s a] modern retelling of truths that have been discussed throughout church history, and especially in the centuries following the Protestant Reformation.” It is not theoretical but practical, drawn right out of the authors’ experiences with their own congregation. As Dunlop begins, he shows that God’s plan for each local church is that it would form a kind of supernatural community. Then he holds out two different visions of community. He refers to the first as the “gospel-plus” community where all of the church’s relationships are founded on the gospel plus something else—similar demographics or shared interests. Because this community unites around something other than the gospel, it is a community that could easily exist apart from the gospel. The gospel may be present, but it is not necessary. He refers to the second church community as the “gospel-revealing” community. This community reveals the power of the gospel by the unity that comes despite all kinds of diversity. It is full of relationships that would never exist except for the truth and power of the gospel. It will not surprise you to learn that Dunlop advocates the second kind of community, and calls for our churches to 6

move away from affinity-based relationships to gospel-based ones. “My concern for the evangelical church,” he says, “isn’t so much that we’re out to deny the gospel in fostering community. Instead, my concern is that, despite good intentions, we’re building communities that can thrive regardless of the gospel.” The kind of community God desires is one that has both breadth and depth—it spans the most divergent peoples and demographics, and it brings these people into deep, loyal, and loving relationships. God chooses to reveal his gospel in the clearest way through this kind of church. With all of that groundwork in place, Dunlop expends most of his effort in describing how a church can foster this kind of community: Through preaching, corporate prayer, and meaningful fellowship. He describes how to protect this community by proactively addressing discontentment and responding biblically to sin. And he describes how this community labors together in evangelism and in kingdom expansion, most notably by planting new churches or revitalizing old ones. In The Compelling Community Dunlop channels the best of Dever, and provides a compelling case for a church that is marked by both life and health. This is a church that exists only, and obviously, because of the gospel, and a church that exists primarily to reveal the gospel. He defines it and describes it as a beautiful thing. If you have read 9 Marks of a Healthy Church and wondered how to actually implement it, or if you have read the book and wondered what that kind of church really looks like, The Compelling Community is exactly what you have been looking for. Though it is written specifically and primarily for church members, it will prove valuable for any Christian. I benefitted from it and gladly recommend it to you.

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River Region Prayer Walk

Trinity Presbyterian Church invites you to join us for Midweek every Wednesday. Relax during family night dinner at 5 p.m. Renew with prayer, sharing and singing at 5:40. Refresh with small groups, Bible studies and choirs at 6 pm. You will find something for every member of the family! Visit the Trinity website for a complete listing of Midweek opportunities. All women are invited to join our Women in the Church (WIC) for fall Bible studies beginning in September. Bible studies are offered at various times during the week. Visit our website for a listing of studies and times.

Beauty by Fire Ministries is excited to announce the 4th Annual River Region Prayer Walk will be held on Saturday, October 3, at the Union Station Train Shed. It is a FREE community event! Join us as we come together to spiritually unite our community through prayer under the Lord our Banner, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to seek His favor, His protection, and the restoration of His people and His land. We will fortify our community as we pray over our cities, government leaders, schools and teachers, uniformed heroes and servants, pastors and ministry leaders, businesses and all of the people that make up the River Region. First, we will gather at the Union Station Train Shed for a praise concert and time of preparation for the walk. Next, we will walk a route through downtown Montgomery using guided prayer focused on the above-mentioned groups. For those who are unable to walk the route, there will be a time of corporate prayer at the train shed. Finally, we will conclude the Prayer Walk at the train shed with a FREE concert led by Surviving The Fall, FREE hot dogs hot off the grill, and lots of fun fellowship! Registration at 8:30 am and activities begin at 9 am. Register online at http://riverregionprayerwalk.eventbrite.com. For more information, call 300-5407.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Reﬁnement, Program, Campﬁres night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!... Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!... 1

Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

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www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 31st Annual Barbecue

Women’s Event with

Point of Grace

Fall is almost on us and that means it is time for some slow cooked BBQ at the Aldersgate United Methodist Men’s 31st Annual Barbecue on Saturday, October 17, 2015. For only $8 per box, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken that Montgomery has to offer on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. Projects include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other disaster relief organizations, hunger relief (such as the Society of Saint Andrew), short term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly. For more information, contact Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 272-6152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@gmail.com.

Prattville First Baptist Church will host a special women’s event with Point of Grace on Thursday, October 22, at 6:30 pm. Speaker will be Allison Wilks. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students (6th grade to college). Visit www.itickets.com or call 334.365.0606.

Bread Basics… Baking With Whole Grain Wheat

Teaching by Jo Hancock; Tuesday, September 29, 6 – 9 PM His Vessel Ministries is hosting a class, teaching how to bake with whole grains and the health benefits. Register by calling His Vessel Ministries 334-356-4478 or info@hisvessel.org. A sampling buffet will be served at the end of the presentation. Come join us for this exciting event for only $15 per person! His Vessel Ministries is located downtown, Montgomery in the Historic Union Station. Jo Hancock, teacher, author, and speaker, is a former home economist and lawyer. Jo and her husband Keith started His Vessel Ministries with the purpose of providing Christ-centered teachings and materials that enable women to live and serve God in His purpose and plan.

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Community-Wide Women’s Conference at Vaughn Forest Church

“Your Divine Design” will be held on Saturday, September 19th, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm (doors open at 8:00 am). Please share this with your women’s ministry and help us spread the word! The conference will feature, Rochelle Frazier, Speaker & Author. A true Southern belle, Rochelle has a deep and infectious love for the Word of God, and more importantly for the beautiful God of mercy and grace that we encounter there. She is the author of The Sweeteas children series and has spoken and inspired women around the country with her story of brokenness and healing. Through her words and stories, Rochelle desires to see generations of women transformed by the redeeming love of God so that they seek Him passionately, love Him deeply, and follow Him fearlessly. In addition to Rochelle, Jaime and Ryan Bell, gifted worship leaders and musicians, will also be part of this conference. Jaime Bell is originally from Montgomery and was formerly Jaime Weller, a long time member of VFC. Ryan and Jaime live in Florida, where they serve the Lord together through leading worship at Calvary Church in Clearwater. Conference Cost = $20, which includes a box lunch catered by Jennie Weller Catering. Call Tracey Wilson at 334.306.9770 for more information.

Email ministry or church news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.

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Terrific Tuesdays for Older Adults

First UMC, 2416 West Cloverdale Pk, welcomes all Senior Adults on Tuesday mornings. 10 – 10:30 Fellowship and a Snack; 10:30 -11:30 Devotional and a program; 11:30 –Noon; Lunch ($2.50) Questions? Call Nee Nee at 834-8990.

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Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADI TIO NAL W O RSH I P 8 : 3 0 AM & 11 : 0 0 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9 : 4 5 AM TH E W ELL 11 : 0 0 AM

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www.prattvillemethodist.org September 2015

Saturday, September 3 8am - 1pm, First United Methodist Church, 306 W Tuskenna St, in Wetumpka Arts, crafts, yard sale, food and much more!

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City Bible Study for Women

Acts 1-12…The Early Church

September 1st -November 17th The Acts of the Apostles chronicles the birth and growth of the early church. This exciting narrative is filled with signs and wonders, danger, conflict and testimonies to the gospel of Christ. —Join us as we come together to study God’s Word — Tuesday mornings at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 9:00-11am or Tuesday evenings at Grace@Bell Road 7:00-8:30pm. For more information: Alex Kocher, 6578767 or Carroll Thompson, 843-568-5531.

Financial Peace University Classes

Starting Sept. 7 (multiple classes, days and times offered) at Frazer United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Highway Dave Ramsey’s class that will teach you how to get and stay out of debt and to budget God’s way. Classes will meet at the church for two hours each week. All classes will meet for nine weeks beginning Sept. 7th (see dates below for each class option). Childcare will be available for all classes except as noted. Classes will be offered: Tuesdays 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.(Sept. 8-Nov. 3); Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. and 5:45 (Fellowship Hall), 6 (Wesley Hall) and 6:30 p.m. (Sept. 9-Nov. 4); Thursdays 9 a.m. (Sept. 10-Nov. 5); Sundays at 8 and 10:45 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. (Sept. 13-Nov. 8); Mondays 6 p.m. (Sept. 14-Nov. 9). $109. Discounts available. Unchained: God’s Kingdom Plan For Your Financial Freedom will include sermons and small group participation. For more info, call 334-495-6331. 11

September 2015

River Region’s Journey

one of the worst things parents can do is be worshippers on Sunday mornings while their children obviously realize they aren’t living that lifestyle throughout the week. I can honestly say my parents modeled a Christian lifestyle through the years. As a result, I am conscience of my interactions with my daughters. I would hate to think that anything I did would hinder them or anyone else from living the life that Christ calls them to live. RRJ: Both your mom and dad are life-long educators, so it makes sense that you followed suit. Even though you went into public education, your path was not the traditional one your parents took. How did you eventually become the principal of Autauga County’s alternative school, which you helped to rename Second Chance?

RRJ: Many people have major high points and low points - bouncing around until they crash and then looking for help from God. You’re not that person. It isn’t a perfectly straight progression from your childhood to where you are now, but it’s close. I know you are quick to attribute your trust in God’s plan to your parents clear demonstration of the Gospel of Christ when you were a child. Can you first explain what that looked like in your home and its impact on your life? It was definitely a blessing growing up in a home where both parents stressed faith and the importance of each of us seeking a personal relationship with Christ. My father Leo is a retired minister and presiding elder in the A.M.E. Church, and my mother Susie has been involved in every ministry in the A.M.E. Church. They gave us all every opportunity to grow in our faith from singing in choirs, Sunday School, youth conferences, and every other function of the church. Although I deeply appreciate and value all those experiences, it was their faith and genuine love for people that had the greatest influence on me. I believe River Region’s Journey

September 2015

After obtaining my degree in Education Leadership and Supervision, my career has taken me on an interesting journey. Matthew 6:33, Seek the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you, is not a cliché. If you take care of His business, He will always take care of yours. When God started moving, I never stayed in one position more than two years. I served in Autauga County as a coach, at-risk specialist, assistant principal, and started the Brother2Brother and Sister2Sister Mentoring Program. In 2011, I became principal at the alternative school. I loved my time there and thought I had found my niche. RRJ: Looking at where you are now, it’s easy to see how God has been preparing you for this season for a long time. Valiant Cross Academy seems to be the perfect blend of what you helped start in Autauga County and the faith God has been growing in you since childhood. How does faith and education come together at Valiant Cross? Faith in God and knowing Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is the foundation on which Valiant Cross Academy was founded. It’s a school where young men are educated and groomed in a Christian 12

environment by a godly staff. Our goal for our scholars is that they seek to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and become unashamed of the Gospel. With a lot of love and high expectations, all students can learn. Your zip code does not determine your ability to learn. I don’t believe in an achievement gap, I believe that it’s only an opportunity gap. We teach our scholars that God doesn’t make mistakes and that while they aren’t better than anyone, there isn’t anyone better than them either. With the help of the Holy Spirit, Valiant Cross Academy will be a place where young men will rise above. RRJ: Finally, you’re a part of a greater community that blesses you with the fruits of God’s goodness. Besides your parents, how important has your community of Christian brothers and sisters played in preparing you to fulfill your role as the Director of Valiant Cross? I am extremely blessed that God has surrounded me with a community of Christian brothers and sisters who encourage me and hold me accountable. Outside of my parents and family, my pastor and my St. Paul A.M.E. church family provide me with a community of believers who consistently love and support each other. St. Paul A.M.E. Church prides itself on being a church with P.O.W.E.R. (Persuading Other With Eternal Redemption). I truly believe that every Christian needs to have a person or persons to walk with them daily. There have been times when I have been discouraged and even times when I have allowed doubt to slip into my life. It is always good to have that person to provide affirmation for something that God has revealed for you to accomplish. I have also had the pleasure to meet godly people affiliated with Flatline Ministries, Common Ground Montgomery, One Mission, and other local ministries. Montgomery is blessed to have a community of believers focused on Kingdom building on a daily basis. I thank God that he has provided those people for me. For more information on Valiant Cross Academy, visit www.valiantcross.org.

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The Reality:

You Are Dust One of my favorite passages in the whole Bible is Psalm 103. I pray it often, and focus on these words: “For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust.” These words tell us that even while we pray to the all-knowing and all-powerful God, we do so as created beings who were formed out of the dust of the ground. If we learn anything from our dusty origins, we learn that God did not intend for us to be superhuman and he did not intend for us to be God-like. He made us dust, not divine, and this was His good will. He made us weak.

The Difficulty:

You Are Burdened Meanwhile, the Bible tells us that this life is full of trials and tribulations. Experience backs this up. This world is so sinful, we are so sinful, and the

people around us are so sinful, that trials are inevitable. Each of us has burdens we carry through life. Sometimes these are burdens of our own making, sometimes these are burdens that come through sickness, sometimes these are burdens that come through other forms of suffering. But whatever the case, we dusty humans inevitably face burdens that seem crushingly and insurmountably heavy. Jesus speaks to the reality of life in this world when he says, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). We are weak and we are burdened.

The Promise:

Help

God knows that we are weak. God knows each one of the trials we face, and He makes the sure promise that He can and will sustain us through each of them. In Psalm 55:22 he says, “Cast

your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you.” In times of temptation toward sin he promises, “No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). There are many more promises we could turn to, but the theme would be the same: God acknowledges our weakness and promises to meet them with His strength. We are weak and we are burdened, but God promises to help.

The Temptation:

Self-Reliance

We dusty, sinful human beings face a ridiculous temptation: self-reliance. Despite our weaknesses and despite our track-record of sin, we find ourselves constantly tempted to look to ourselves for help. Listen to what John Piper says: “Pride, or self-exaltation, or self-reliance

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is the one virus that causes all the moral diseases of the world. This has been the case ever since Adam and Eve ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, because they wanted to be God instead of trust God. And it will be true until the final outburst of human pride is crushed at the battle of Armageddon. There is only one basic moral issue: how to overcome the

The Solution:

Community

When we are ready to let go of our self-sufficiency, we find that God offers an amazing solution. He offers a way that we can be relieved of the burdens we carry. Very often, the way God fulfills His promises and answers our prayers is through other Christians right there in our local churches. God This is why Paul told the church in Galatia expects that we will tell others to “Bear one another’s burdens, and so about our burdens and that we fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). will respond to them together, in community. This is why Paul told Our church communities are to be marked the church in Galatia to “Bear one by the sharing and bearing of burdens. another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2). Our church communities are to be marked relentless urge of the human heart to assert by the sharing and bearing of burdens. If itself against the authority and grace of this is to happen, our churches need to be God.” We may see this self-reliance manimarked by humility, as each of us admits fest itself in our lives in at least two ways: that we cannot make it through life on our When we will not bring our burdens to the own; they need to be marked by vulnerLord in prayer, and when we will not bring ability, as we open up to others and seek those burdens to other Christians. In both their counsel and their help; they need to cases we like to convince ourselves that be marked by awareness, as we pursue the we can bear this weight on our own, that people around us, asking them how we we are strong enough to carry it.

can assist in life’s trials. God’s solutions always come from outside ourselves.

The Vocation:

Burden-Bearing All of this leads us to the joyful vocation of burden-bearing. Piper says, “Here is a vocation that will bring you more satisfaction than if you became a millionaire ten times over: Develop the extraordinary skill for detecting the burdens of others and devote yourself daily to making them lighter.” Make them lighter through prayer, make them lighter by skillfully bringing and applying the Word of God, and make them lighter by the comfort of your presence. In every case, make it your sacred calling to seek out and to share the burdens of your brothers and sisters. There is no higher calling than this. But there is more: You also owe it to yourself and to your church community to share your burdens with them, to humble yourself by asking for their help. Tim Challies is a blogger, author and book reviewer. Visit www.challies.com.

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September 2015

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Whose Money Is It, Anyway? Not long ago two friends of mine debated whether or not a Christian owns the money in his bank account. One said, yes, the money was a gift from God and it was his to choose how to spend it. The other said, no, the money was God’s and a Christian was only the steward of those funds. They agreed to disagree. Obviously, this was a spiritual, not legal, debate. But it brought to mind a lesson from Jesus’ famous parable, The Prodigal Son. Look at how the two sons viewed their father’s property in Luke 15:11-32. “Jesus continued: There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.” Notice the younger son talks about his share of the estate, as if it belonged to him already. The father is still living. Then the scripture says the father “…divided his property… So the property was, in fact, the father’s. It did not really belong to either son, until he gave it to them. But let’s consider the perspective of the third character in the drama, the older brother, who stayed behind and worked, while his younger brother went the way of the world. When we first meet him, the older brother has been working in the field. As he comes near the house he hears music and dancing. A servant tells him that his wandering brother is back and that his father has killed a calf and thrown a Welcome Home party. The older brother gets angry and refuses to go inside. The father comes out to make peace with him. That is where we join the story. But he answered his father, “Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him.”

“My son,” the father said, “you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” (Luke 15:28-32) Did you catch that? The older son said that his younger brother squandered his dad’s property. Then he makes a comparison between his brother getting a fat calf while he never got so much as a goat. But if everything the father owned was divided between his two sons, only the older son had anything left. So the calf was legally his. However, the older son tells his father that the younger son has “… squandered your property…” Whose property? If what the younger son squandered was still the father’s property, then everything the older son was given was also still the father’s property. Everything we think we own is our heavenly Father’s property. Not in the eyes of the law, but in the eyes of those who understand the Creator of all things. I know it does not seem that way. It seems like we did it all ourselves. We studied in school, worked hard, and saved what we could. And now, we feel it is ours. But let’s consider Who gave us our parents, our opportunities, energy, intelligence, and everything else. As some pastors pray while holding up 17

the offering, “Of thine own have we given thee.” And that brings up another point. What we give in the offering plate is not really given to that church. It is given back to God. The church doesn’t really own it any more than we did. It is to be spent for the glory of God the Father and the spread of His kingdom. We may see some results of it, but probably not all. We can’t see how it blesses the missionary, the refugee, or the recovering alcoholic. We give it to God. God gives it, through the church, to others. Let us take every opportunity to give back whatever we can of what our heavenly Father has freely given us.

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Fertile Ground for Growth Judges 7:2: “The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, ‘’Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’” Have you ever taken credit for God’s work? A great presentation at the office; a great play in the football game; an A+ on that all important final exam; a delicious homemade holiday meal? God knew if Gideon took 32,000 men into battle and won, the glory would not be His—but with 300 men, it would be obvious ONLY GOD could make this happen. I’m sure Gideon and his troops were pretty comfortable when they were 30,000 plus strong—a comfort zone perhaps considered well-deserved after months, even years, of preparation and training. Have you found yourself in a comfort zone? Maybe you’re there now. When things go well, who gets the credit in your spirit— God or you? Genesis 8:20-21: “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord and, taking some of all the clean animals and clean birds, he sacrificed burnt offerings on it. The Lord smelled the pleasing aroma and said in his heart: “Never again will I curse the River Region’s Journey

September 2015

ground because of man, even though every inclination of his heart is evil from childhood. And never again will I destroy all living creatures, as I have done.” Noah had just spent years building a huge ark in the middle of a desert. He had been rained on for 40 days and nights and spent more than 200 days floating as the flood covered the earth. What probably began as an uncomfortable season in his life had now become all that he knew; he was no doubt “good” at what he was doing. He had saved his family and every type of animal, so when the water receded and they could once again walk on dry land, you might think Noah would pat himself on the back and celebrate. Instead, he praised and worshiped God! Thank goodness he did—we’re all alive today because of Noah’s humble spirit. Noah is an inspiring example of obedience, trust and humility. We often hear God will pull us out of a comfort zone or that you must have the faith to step out of one so you can grow. I’ve come to realize that a comfort zone is fertile ground for a sense of self—a sense of self-reliance. A job may get so 18

familiar you can do it without even thinking. A hobby may become second nature and when you’re praised for your work, a sense of self swells inside. You may become so proficient at a sport that when the victories come, there’s no praising, just a celebration of self. Most people step into what will become a comfort zone with good intentions—we pray for God’s direction, His wisdom and guidance and at first we also praise Him for the victories. But with time, as we get comfortable and proficient in our work, what was a desperate plea for God’s help can become a routine prayer. God wants us to be good at what we do, but not get too comfortable. There’s great joy in realizing you don’t have the resources to get something done, but somehow it comes to be anyway. You can feel your sense of trust growing stronger when each day God carries you through unfamiliar territory. There’s great growth in knowing you’re living within God’s will, being stretched and pulled and held all at once. The key verse in the story of Noah is Genesis 6:22: “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.” One day at a time, one righteous step at a time, He’s with you, offering comfort when it’s uncomfortable and reminding you of His sovereignty! Dear Heavenly Father, It’s you and always you. Thank you for the victories, those that are celebrated and those that are lessons deep within. Thank you for teaching us to step out when our sense of self is stepping up. May we always look to you with desperation in our hearts and joy in our spirit. In the awesome name of your son Jesus Christ, we pray, Amen.

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September 2015

River Region’s Journey

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Truths for a Lasting Marriage Recently, my wife, Beth, and I celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary, and coinciding with it, we opened up a box from our storage room full of wedding memorabilia - including the guest books from our wedding, the program, and even the script for the ceremony. It was a fun journey to relive some of those moments, and one that I would highly recommend for married couples. We also celebrated by pulling out our wedding video (that’s right, on VHS). Looking back at milestones in our lives can help reinforce some of those glorious moments on life’s journey, especially when you consider some of those spiritual moments. We devoted our marriage ceremony to be a time of worship and celebration. One of the ministers performing our ceremony encouraged those in attendance, as we spoke words of affirmation to one another, to take some time to affirm their spouse along with us. As we move into the next 25 years and beyond, I wanted to share some random thoughts about some principles I think Beth and I have learned and experienced over the previous quarter-century. I did not say “mastered,” but I think maybe some of these will resonate with you. So, let’s go with what we could call, “Truths For a Lasting Marriage.” You have to make sure that you are dedicated to make a marriage last. I think one of the reasons that we have such a high divorce rate in our society today is that many do not go into marriage with the intent of it lasting. We have to River Region’s Journey

September 2015

take the necessary steps to make sure our lives together are strong, especially as life circumstances change. I also think that you have to be intentional in communication. On a normal weekday, Beth and I try to take time for a checkup, to share and to listen to one another when I come home from work. This is a special time, and it’s clear to the children that this is set aside for just the two of us. And, we have to be intentional in communication - with God. We can be challenged to pray for one another and to pray with each other. That’s the intent for us each night - to hold hands and spend time in prayer. I believe the image of two people joined together with the hand of God in our midst can be powerful for us. Also, recognize in our marriages that we are called to serve one another. The life that is surrendered to God includes the element of servanthood. Christ loved the church, His bride, and gave His life for her. So we, as husbands, are called to lay down our lives for our wives. And, wives are called to possess that humble attitude, as well. With that attitude of humility, there is an atmosphere for compromise. In the good sense. We’re not called to get our way all the time - we are called to follow in God’s ways. I think it’s important that we recognize God has called us together as a team. As we rely on Him, we can 20

build a sense of teamwork - we are walking side-by-side, under the leadership of the Holy Spirit, walking in love with each other, and we can know and experience that pursuit of common goals and interests. I think couples can get out of sync when one or both of the parties in a marriage are out there making decisions, sometimes major ones, without consulting their spouse. And, when we do disagree, it’s imperative that we seek an amicable solution. Now, in a marriage, there will likely come times when you offend your mate. Do you apologize or seek forgiveness in order to make things right? When you say or do the wrong thing and you can see that you have not pleased your mate, it’s important to be sensitive to that and take the necessary steps to clear the air. We also recognize the spiritual elements that can be detrimental to a marriage. Satan is devoted to dividing and bringing discord. We have to recognize when our homes are under attack and take the necessary steps to see God’s victory released in our homes. That gets us right back to the power of prayer. Marriages are under intense pressure these days, and we need the power of God to be released in our homes as we seek to grow in our love for one another. As we make Jesus the Lord of our marriages, the way we raise our children, and the issues that confront our homes, we will become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit and turn to Him, realizing that we need His power and love. Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.

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making a difference? October is the time when Faith Radio recognizes the outstanding efforts of pastors and church staff. This year we want to concentrate on acknowledging how God is working through church leaders to touch their communities. At Faith Radio, we ask for your help in recognizing these outstanding community efforts by sharing with us the stories YOU SEE churches doing! Galatians 5:13 instructs us to serve one another through love. Please share with us where you have seen church leaders making a difference! Perhaps your church is partnering with another congregation or ministry to reach out in the name of Christ. Maybe itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a community service project. We want to share and recognize these stories. Visit Faithradio.org and click on the Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month Banner.

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Tuesday, September 22, 2015 ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB

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Adoption

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or email mrussell@childrensaid.org. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., First UMC, Millbrook. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For info, call Hannah Taylor at 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

September 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: 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. 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.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.

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Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.

Depression

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101. This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex. Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, Divorce Care for Kids meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. This group is for children ages 5 and up and will help them deal with the pain and changes associated with their parents separation or divorce. For information, contact the Singles office at 495-6385 or email singles@frazerumc.org

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Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.

Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100

Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist,

4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. 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: 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.

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.

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

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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.

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September 2015

River Region’s Journey

and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174 for information. Location: Redland Baptist, 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 for more info. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers

together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Physical Challenges

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 396-4534. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy The Montgomery Ostomy Support Group is for people who have had or will have urinary or intestinal diversion surgeries such as colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Family members are welcome to attend. Meetings are held every other month generally on a Sunday afternoon. For more information, call Paul at 271-3563 or visit www.montgomeryostomy.info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday

at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s. This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol. com or 354-8869.

Veterans

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!

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Pastoral Care: When to Refer

Faith communities are the crisis hospital for souls and provider of mental and spiritual health services in our culture. Through worship, education, fellowship and mission, the church invites people into healthy relationships with God, self and others. Since churches offer these services to the community, then the church can count itself among the providers of mental health. Sometimes it is appropriate for clergy to partner with service providers in the community to care for an individual, couple or family due to the degree of severity, need, availability of time, and level of training required. In these instances, the ministry and art of referral are extensions of the Church’s ministry. Statistics demonstrate that 43% of church members with marriage and family issues, mental health or spiritual concerns will turn to their pastor for help. However, of the clients who reach mental health resources, very few are referred by clergy. Most clergy rarely practice the ministry of referral. Frequently, clergy do not make referrals because the pastor has: • Felt that the Gospel should be adequate to meet the needs of their congregation. • Believed that any referral is admission that the Gospel is inadequate. • Felt that they should be able to deal with any situation presented by Church members. • Feared that the referral would be admission of weakness or inadequacy as a minister.

• Failed to understand that God works through professionals too. • Fear that the faith of their members will not be supported. • Failed to become familiar with resources they can trust. • Feared that referral might cause parishioners to feel rejected. • Not developed the skill of referral. • Failed to identify trusted health professionals as a resource for their member. Howard Clinebell wrote a chapter on “Referral Counseling” in, Basic Types of Pastoral Counseling. Below is a summary. Whom to Refer: • Those who can be helped more effectively by someone else. • Those who do not respond to pastoral counseling after three to five sessions. • Those whose needs obviously surpass the time and/or training of the clergy. • Those with problems for which effective specialized agencies are readily available in the community (e.g. substance abuse, domestic violence, those with developmental disabilities, those needing legal aid, etc.) • Those with severe chronic financial needs. Public welfare agencies with trained social workers are appropriate referrals. • Those who need medical care and/or hospitalization. • Those who need more intensive psychotherapy. • Those who are severely depressed and/or suicidal. How to refer effectively: • Create the expectation of possible referral by explaining your trust in working with other professionals and/or getting consultation. • Mention the possibility of referral early in pastoral conversations when you sense you might refer. 25

• Start with the person’s perception of the problem and then move to suggesting there might be a more specialized resource. • Clarify to the counselee why you feel limited. • Partner with their trusted professional providers if appropriate. • Expect resistance initially and work to reduce anxiety about the referral. • Communicate the general nature of the help the person may expect to receive and how their needs may be met. • Provide the information so they can make their own appointment or offer to communicate with the referral source if requested. • Encourage and motivate the person to try the referral source. • In extreme helplessness or depression you may have to make contact with emergency services or family members. • Assure the person of your continued pastoral concern, prayer and care after the referral. • Ask the person to let you know about the initial contact with the referral resource. It is possible to find faith informed and family friendly professional counseling in the River Region. Make it a point to know when and how to refer. There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 (NIV) Nancy W. Thomas, M.A., N.C.C., C.C.M.H.C., L.P.C.

Nancy Thomas is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. in Montgomery. She is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from the University of Alabama with an M.A. in Counselor Education in 1994. She has extensive training and experience in mental health and marriage and family therapy. Her professional interests are in mental health recovery, adolescent and college issues, life transitions, healthy relationships, marital counseling, parenting, spirituality and identity development, and preserving marriages and families. Nancy works primarily with adolescents and adults.

September 2015

River Region’s Journey

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Mark A. Fronduti, wasn’t always a minister of the Gospel to those around him. In fact, he says he spent years living life without God, throwing “the best parties.” But when his brother came to know Christ and later died of colon cancer, Mark claims it was his brother’s “peace about dying” that intrigued him most about who God was. Mark gave his life to Christ shortly after, and soon found that the things that made him feel the most alive in life were cars and motorcycles. It took 20 years before he felt God begin calling him to a position of ministry, but when he felt the nudge to start something he spent time thinking and praying with his girlfriend. After much prayer, the two felt that God was leading him towards a ministry to those who are riders and needed encouragement. Mark took time to become an ordained minister and says that, “God took over the rest.” Within months of dreaming of the idea, Mark felt that God aligned everything to start God Speed Biker Ministries in Montgomery. Mark began asking the Lord what this ministry would look like when he got a phone call from A&P Automotive.

Mark Fronduti, hair dresser by day, God Speed Biker Ministries minister by Sunday, has had quite the “ride” in life and could not sit still any longer. His new ministry, only active a little over a month, is working at a capacity that only God could orchestrate. God Speed Biker Ministries takes place in A&P Automotive, 430 Eastern Blvd. in Montgomery, two Sundays per month and grows by the week. River Region’s Journey

September 2015

The owner of the shop heard about what Mark was wanting to do and offered his space for worship. At first, Mark was hesitant to the idea of a church service in an automotive shop, but as time progressed he saw the Lord “lining everything up perfectly for the ministry.” He decided A&P Automotive would be put to best use by clearing the space and allowing the bikers to actually ride their bikes into the shop to use as their seats. The Bible verse that is the motto for their ministry is Luke 14:23: “The Master told his servant, go out to the roads

and the country lanes and make them come so that my house may be full.” Mark believes it is a very fitting verse for bikers, but it was the discovery of the verse that Mark feels was an act of God. While waiting for his girlfriend to finish her shopping one day, Mark walked over to a neighboring store to browse. He had been praying for a while about the decision to pursue this ministry when he eyeballed a t-shirt that read: “God loves bikers too,” with Luke 14:23 on the back. He felt in that moment it was time to let go of his fears about the ministry and let God make all the decisions.

The service that Mark schedules and plans consists of encouraging scriptures, testimonies, and tears. Mark says, “Everyone who comes cries because the Lord has done so much in their lives.

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We truly are a diverse group of people who have all done crazy things. It’s a completely judgement free zone when you step into a service with us!” With all the tears that stream at every service, Mark feels everyone should have their own “hanky”. While most people use handkerchiefs that are delicate and folded properly, this group had a different idea. The hanky used is a red shop towel, and Mark has enough for every person who comes through the doors. “I see these towels as a representation of Christ’s blood that

cleanses our sins. At the beginning of every service, everyone rallies together and waves their rags in the air!” He eventually wants to have “God Speed Biker Ministries” stitched in them, but for now, the red shop towel is enough. “You can clean your bike and your tears,” Mike laughs.

This group is growing weekly, and by the grace of God, so many have come to know Christ and His love for them through this ministry. Mark hopes more people will come, even those who are not bikers, allowing it to be a place of encouragement and excitement about the Gospel for all. Service times are every other Sunday at 11 a.m, with doughnuts and coffee at 9:30 a.m. Visit their Facebook page at God Speed Biker Ministries for more information and updates, or call (334) 462-6275. Laura is a freelance writer, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She enjoys spending time with her husband Cody and finding all reasons to have joy in life!

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Wearing The Belt of Truth in Marriage Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist . . . Ephesians 6:13, 14 Continuing our discussion of The Armor of God in Ephesians 6, we will focus on the belt of truth, the first symbol of protection to be mentioned. We will examine the truth of God’s word and the importance of being truthful, particularly within the marriage relationship. There are many ways to envision what the belt of truth looks like. First, the footnotes of the NIV Study Bible describes the belt of truth to be symbolic of the clothing of the Messiah as seen in Isa. 11:5. Others see the belt of truth as symbolic of the dress of a Roman soldier, of whom the writer, Paul, would be knowledgeable. The belt is not actually the armor but instead provides the place for armor to be held, therefore it would be put on first. A laborer or shepherd of the time would be wearing a loose, flowing garment which would need to be “cinched in” with a belt or sash before working or protecting those in his charge. What is meant by “the truth” in this passage? The truth refers to the truth of God’s word, but can also speak to the importance of being truthful and sincere in our character. We asked several active duty military couples who have participated in our Family Teams for Life program to give us their thoughts on “the belt of truth”. One couple shared: The belt of truth is the first piece of spiritual armor that we are called to put on. This was significant to both of us, as we recognized that without knowing God’s Word--His Truth--we cannot come to know Him as our River Region’s Journey

September 2015

Savior, and without knowing and accepting Him as our Savior, it will be impossible for us to put on the other pieces of armor Paul mentions. Without knowing and accepting the Truth of God’s Word, we cannot be clothed in His righteousness; we cannot know, and thus, share the gospel with others; we cannot stand firm in our faith in that Truth; we cannot receive the salvation God offers us; and we cannot use His Word to combat the spiritual warfare that comes against us. Just as a belt is used to secure other pieces of clothing, so God’s Truth is meant to secure our salvation and sanctification as we walk with Him. Another wife shared about God’s truth regarding her struggle with depression related to constant changes in friendships and homes from frequent military moves. She said, “When I am on my knees at a place I cannot move forward, crippled by doubt, fear, hate, guilt, shame, or any other lie this world has sold me on believing at one time or another, I remember the truth of (His) resurrection. The belief (truth) I have that the Father, our Father, would not let his child stay on the grave or sit alone in darkness. The truth of the matter is He wants life for me.” God’s truth leads us to salvation and life-everlasting! Finally, as we prepare our armor to protect us from the enemy, we must be truthful in all things. Satan, our enemy, is a liar, a cunning and crafty liar who deceives because his lies can be close to the truth. We must have knowledge of the truth of God’s word so we can speak the very words of God and expose the enemy’s lies. We are taught to do so in 1 Peter 3:15 which says, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” Another military spouse shared her perspective on “the belt of truth”: 30

“As a spouse, as a mother, as a friend, this means a lot to me. It’s easy to let “little” lies creep in. It’s easy to make excuses for them and convince yourself that no one will know - it’s okay. However, God calls us to be above reproach - to stand firm in the TRUTH. Those little lies are great offenses to Him. Jesus died on the cross for those lies, and when you look at it in light of the cross, they don’t seem so “little” anymore. Some of the greatest hurt in our marriage has come from little lies on my part. I didn’t think the things were a big deal. I didn’t think he would ever find out. I didn’t think it was worth “mentioning”... but when the lies were uncovered, they caused great pain for the one I love most. I realized words REALLY meant something to him, more than I could have ever imagined. The man that I love is one with great integrity and a man of character, and within just a few years of marriage, I realized that my words had the ability to love, strengthen, and encourage or breakdown, destroy, and deeply hurt the one I love.” As you can see, there is much to consider when we study the concept of putting on the belt of truth, the first piece of the armor of God. Knowing the truth of God’s word gives us the spiritual strength and courage we need to fight the enemy. Being truthful and sincere with our spouse and others is a testament to God’s character of truthfulness--one we all wish to emulate. Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

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River Region’s Journey

September 2015 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8.

September 2

Frazer’s Got Talent, 6 p.m. dinner; 7 p.m. show Frazer United Methodist Church, Wesley Hall, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery. Enjoy the talent of Frazer members and attendees. Tickets are $10 and are available in the church office. Proceeds benefit Community Ministries United Appeal Fund, an organization which helps those in need in our community through the In Christ’s Way benevolence fund, Transformation Montgomery neighborhood revitalization project, and the ministries of Frazer UMC. Visit www.frazerumc.org.

September 6

Saint James United Methodist Church invites you to attend lunch in the life center at noon and enjoy listening to the GLORY ROAD QUARTET from Thomasville, AL. There is no cost for the lunch though donations will be accepted. A love offering will be taken for the

Quartet. Join us beforehand in 11am worship where they will sing special music. If you will be attending the lunch, please make your reservation by calling Sarah Olsen at 481-0724.

September 12

Mark your calendars for THAT KID’S GOT TALENT, 6 pm, at True Divine Baptist Church, 4601 Troy Highway. The event will feature child artist impersonators Jamie Grace, rappers Truth and Bling, and Mary Mary’s Erica Campbell, Pharrell Williams and more! It’s not too late to sign up your talented 5 to 11 year old today! For more information call 334.286.4008.

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. First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990. Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org. Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133. Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor

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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) Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. For information, call 277-4213. Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750. Open Door Christian Faith Worship Center, 2450 Presidents Drive, Montgomery, holds Sunday School at 9:00. Sunday Morning worship 10:45. Wednesday night Bible study 6:00. Youth Sunday Every 2nd Sunday. Women’s Prayer Monday 6:00. Our Mission is producing believers who make an impact on a fallen society. Motto: Living –Loving-Praying and Walking In The Spirit of Excellence. William E. Cromblin, Pastor. For information call 334-270-6498. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information. River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. All denominations welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor. The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net. Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for 33

September 2015

River Region’s Journey

September 2015 Community Calendar 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. River Region’s Journey

September 2015

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River Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Journey

Q. My wife and I are thinking about selling our home. I was recently let go from the military due to downsizing, and I’ve begun a job in real estate but things are starting slowly. My wife brings home about $3,500 a month as a teacher, and the only debt we have is our house payment of $1,616 a month. I was given a $35,000 severance package, but we need some advice to help bridge the financial gap. A.

Having little or no income is a lot harder than a variable income situation. Your wife is bringing home good money, but at the moment your house payment is almost half that amount. Are there some things you can do on the side while you’re getting your real estate business going that will create income? If you could make even $1,000 to $2,000 a month it would change the picture entirely. You guys would be able to keep your home and have a little breathing

River Region’s Journey

September 2015

room while you get your real estate career off the ground. Looking at it from a long-term perspective, if you’re selling a bunch of houses a year or two from now, you’re in the clear. You could easily stay in the house. But if you don’t find extra income while you build your business, if you’re not willing to work extra hard and sacrifice in the meantime — even if it means just delivering pizzas — then you probably need to sell the house. It takes about six to nine months to start making a living in the residential real estate business. So look at it this way: the more houses you sell, the less time you spend delivering pizzas. All this really hinges on is how badly you want a career in real estate and how much you guys want to keep your home. If you want it enough, you’ll do what it takes to get there. And for the time being, that’s going to mean supplementing your income with something on the side while you grow your real estate business!

Q. We’ve made an offer on a house we really like through a first-time buyers program. Now, after looking over our budget and debts again, my wife and I are having second thoughts. We haven’t signed or turned in any paperwork yet. What do you think we should do? A. I wouldn’t go through with the deal. I advise people to be debt-free before buying a home, because you want a home to be a blessing, not a curse. Homeownership when you’re broke is never a good idea. And basically, that’s the situation you’re describing. You have debt, and you’re trying to squeak into something with a first-time buyers plan. The translation? You have no money. Everything that can go wrong will go wrong. That’s Murphy’s Law, and he’ll move into your spare bedroom along with his three cousins — Broke, Desperate and Stupid. Get your debts paid off, build up an emergency fund, and save up a good down payment before buying a home. I know that’s not the popular answer, but it’s the smart one!

Back to school, back to the dentist!

Visiting the dentist is just another important item on your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back to school list. Oral health issues can cause dental pain, absences from school for kids and work for parents, and poor performance in the classroom. So, give your child the best shot at a bright smile and a bright future with a trip to the dentist this fall. Remember Medicaid covers dental care. To find a Medicaid dental provider visit www.adph.org/oralhealth and click â&#x20AC;&#x153;Find a dentist.â&#x20AC;?

Sundays, September 20 through November 1 9:45 AM >> B411 Join us for this six-week course to build a foundation for a Christ-centered marriage designed for couples who will be soon married or couples who have recently been married. The topics are chosen to confront issues married couples face early in their marriage and provide practical and biblical solutions. Facilitated by Jeff & Donna Haney and Our Marriage Team For more information or to register call 334.549.1636.

Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310