FIND YOUR MISSION AT FRAZER CHURCH Pictured: Sunrise over Haiti, one of many mission sites where Frazer members are making a difference for good around the world and right here in our communty.
Worship: Sundays 8, 9:30 &11am Contemporary & Traditional 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 334.272.8622
Worship: Sundays 10am in the Pike Road School Offices 37 Bridge St. 334.801.8090
Find Hope. Follow Jesus. www.frazer.church facebook.com/frazerumc
Volume 18, Issue 2
Feature Articles
JU LY 20 1 6 Columns page 2
page 12
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Meet Quincy Leonard, owner of LEO Golf Academy, and find out how he came to faith in Christ and how that faith affects his interactions with others in his workplace.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Pastor Bryant Hansen, First Presbyterian Church, Prattville
page 18
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 18 page 14
Ministry Spotlight:
Pondering the Journey
House 2 House
Sam Whatley
page 39
Counselor’s Corner
by Laura Bell
Learn all about this housing and mentoring ministry in West Montgomery and how it’s making a difference not only in the lives of the individuals they help, but also in the community as a whole.
Nancy Thomas, LPC
page 24
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 26
Why You Should Join a Church?
page 40
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
by David Mathis, Executive Editor with Desiring God
Discover 6 biblical reasons for putting down roots with a local church family, including why it matters for you and why it matters for others.
In Every Issue page 6
PAGE 29
Our 2016 listing of River Region churches can help you get plugged into a local church to be strengthened in your faith as you fellowship with and serve others. Churches and details about each are listed in zip code order so you can find a great church right near your home. 1
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 12
Faith @ Work
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River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
From the Publisher Every July we welcome those moving into or around the River Region with our Annual Church Directory issue. Regardless of how far the distance of your move, making a move brings about a lot of change. One of those is connecting with a new church. There may be a temptation to lay low on Sundays with a “no hurry” attitude about connecting with Christians, but what a mistake
Editor
that would be. A church, with its people and its
DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
ministries, will not only help make your transition of knowing your new community easier, but it will
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
also build you up in the faith. Just last week our family hosted a going away party for a military couple and their children. We met them in Sunday School, and over the past few years we have strengthened one another’s faith as we studied God’s Word
Research Editor
together, prayed, cried and laughed with each other. We finished our party
Wendy McCollum
laying hands on them in prayer and singing Amazing Grace. How sad it
Contributing Writers Laura Bell Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Pastor Bryant Hansen David Mathis Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Nancy Thomas, LPC Sam Whatley
would be to never have experienced that friendship. Connecting with a church is more than just attending an hour long service. It’s a community that is dynamic, where you are blessed and you bless others, as God works among us all. Don’t wait! Use this month’s issue to find a church to attend. Our directory begins on page 29 and is sorted by zip code to make it easy to find a church nearby. But, don’t let that limit
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
your church search. The River Region isn’t that large, so look all over the area and ask God to lead you to the right body of believers. Besides the directory, you’ll notice many churches advertise with us. I would suggest starting there. I know all of these churches are serious about welcoming visitors and helping you feel comfortable during your visit.
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell, Manager Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
We live in a great community, but there’s an even greater community awaiting as you connect with a local church. I pray God leads you to one in the weeks ahead.
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 2016 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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CHRISTCHURCH 8800 Vaughn Road
Come Worship With Us!
Founded Upon God’s Word At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.
Warm and Loving
Liturgically Joyful At Christchurch worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
Committed to Mission The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world, to places like Uganda, Guatemala and Montgomery, proclaiming the good news of Jesus and joyfully serving as His hands and feet!
Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Christian Education for All Ages Weekly: Discipleship and fellowship opportunities abound
Find us on Facebook and visit us at www.christchurchXP.net 3
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Bryant Hansen, First Presbyterian Church of Prattville
Big Deal! When my brother was about two years old, he began to mimick my father’s “pet phrases.” One particular phrase was “big deal.” He would hear my father in conversations with friends or other businessmen and my father would inevitably say to one of them, “Well, big deal” (meaning that he was unimpressed). Of course, my parents thought that was cute until my parents and my two-year-old brother were riding in the back seat of the car of a businessman with whom my father had hoped to do business. This man was rather affluent, and as they drove, he began to recount an endless list of the amounts of money that he had given to the church or what building he had built for the church and any number of other things that he had done “for the church.” And...you guessed it...at the most pregnant pause in the monologue, from the backseat,
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a prophetic two-year-old voice was heard to say with the most appropriate inflection, “BIG DEAL!” My father did not get the business. “If a tree falls in the woods,” the question goes, “and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?” Yes. If I act in obedience to God and nobody sees it, does it have an effect? The question itself betrays the self-centered idolatry behind it. What good is it for me to do good works if nobody sees me do them? We tend to believe that we are doing favors in our obedience. God does not need me. Isn’t it amazing how essential we think we are? A friend once told me, “Bryant, if you die today, the church you serve will gather for worship the following Sunday. They might be a little bit sad (or happy) the following Sunday and perhaps the next, but the Sunday after that, someone will probably start a new sermon series.” Now, that wasn’t a very nice thing to say, but it is true. Like it or not, someone can fill what we think of as our essential spots. We sometimes forget the first question of the Westminister Shorter Catechism, “What is the chief end of man [and woman]?” and the answer, “Man’s [and woman’s] chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.” Our good works are to be motivated by a desire to glorify Him. How do I know if my motive is to glorify Him? Do I long for or need the approval of people around me? I know, I know… everyone likes to hear a “thank you.” To say this is believed to be
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just good manners. But do I do what I do in order to receive the recognition? I am NOT the center of the universe! God is. He MUST receive all glory. We know there are portions of creation that no human eye has ever seen. Why is that? God does not need us to see it in order for Him to be glorified. He sees it and takes pleasure in His creation as it points back to Him. All of the exquisite beauty and variety; the colors and the shapes; the sizes and the smells—even if I don’t ever see, hear, smell, touch or taste any of it—God is still glorified by His creation. If I give something, do something, say something, etc. for the glory of God…then the glory of God is all I need. Where does that leave us? God has graciously allowed us to use the good gifts of His creation to glorify Him. God will be glorified. The question is really whether or not you and I will willingly be a part of it. Our capability to glorify God is not something God needs from us. It is a gift from Him to us. Like any good father however, he delights in seeing his children enjoy his gifts. So when you give—give with joy! When you encourage someone—do it with gladness! When you rub your wife’s feet—do it with willing cheerfulness!! “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him” [Colossians 3:17 (NIV)]. When we use His good gifts to His glory and with thankful hearts—then it is TRULY a big deal. Bryant Hansen is senior pastor of First Presbyterian Church, 211 S. Chestnut Street, in Prattville. He is a graduate of the University of Memphis and Covenant Theological Seminary. He also studied at L’Abri, England. He and his wife Karen have five children: Kiersten, Wesley (Casey), John Peter, Samuel and Hayleigh.
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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.
Lawrence Phipps
Founder, It’s Life Ministries Montgomery, AL
August 31
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The way of becoming a
Paid In Full
Gospel Recording Artist
August 24
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Wednesday Night Live August 17
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In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.
August 10
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Our Statement of Faith
Ryan Whitley
Pastor of CrossPoint Birmingham, AL
Travis Coleman
Pastor of First Baptist Church Prattville, AL
Every Wednesday at 6:30pm starting August 10 Heritage Baptist Church Worship Center
1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama 334.279.9976 | hbcm.net/wnl
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
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Discipling
How to Help Others Follow Jesus by Mark Dever
There are some subjects we make out to be far more difficult than they really are or than they really need to be. Often they appear difficult because we define them in difficult ways or because we fail to define them at all. “Discipling” can suffer in these ways. Perhaps it helps, then, to define discipling as simply as this: “Helping others to follow Jesus.” That’s not so tough, is it? To expand upon it, “Discipling is deliberately doing spiritual good to someone so that he or she will be more like Christ.” If discipleship is a term used to describe personally following Christ, discipling is a simple subset which involves helping someone else follow Christ. “The Christian life is the discipled life and the discipling life.” So says Mark Dever in his new book Discipling: How To Help Others Follow Jesus, the latest entry in the “Building Healthy Churches” series from 9Marks. The series is based on Mark Dever’s 9 Marks River Region’s Journey
July 2016
of a Healthy Church and aims to provide a short, readable book on each of those marks: expositional preaching, biblical theology, the gospel, conversion, evangelism, church membership, church discipline, discipleship and growth, and church leadership. As he explains the need for this book, Dever says, “Christianity is not for loners or individualists. It is for a people traveling together down the narrow path that leads to life. You must follow and you must lead. You must be loved and you must love. And we love others best by helping them to follow Jesus down the pathway of life.” God’s love for us is meant to spark a chain reaction in which we love others so they in turn love God more and extend that love to others. We love them best through discipling, through helping them follow Christ. “The goal of this book is to help you understand biblical discipling and to encourage you in your obedience to Christ.” The book succeeds well at its goal. Weighing in at just 128 pages, it is written for a general audience and makes for easy reading for any Christian. Dever divides the book into three sections. The first is an explanation and defense of discipling. He explains that we all have 6
influence and that God calls us to use this influence for the good of others. He shows that the discipling life is an others-oriented life, and he speaks to the actual work involved: “Discipling is initiating a relationship in which you teach, correct, model, and love. It takes great humility.” It may involve deliberate instruction but must involve living out the Christian life in the presence of others, allowing them to learn from your example. In the second section he explains the centrality of the local church in any effective model of discipling and the necessity of having pastors and leaders model it through example. The final section is the most practical, answering questions related to the how, when, and where of discipling. It’s all very simple: Choose someone, invite them to spend time with you, have clear aims to help them live better, and be prepared to pay the cost—the cost of time, preparation, prayer, and love. The concluding chapter speaks specifically of church leaders and steps involved in raising them up. Discipling is another excellent little book in what is becoming an indispensable series. Though I have thought deeply about discipling and have committed a lot of time to it, the book still sparked new ideas and an increased belief in its centrality in God’s plan for his people. I commend it to pastors and church leaders hoping that they will first read it and then widely distribute it. May God use it to motivate Christians to commit to doing spiritual good to others so they can be more like Christ.
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Book Signing at E. L. Lowder Library July 16th
July 16th the E. L. Lowder Library at 2590 Bell Road in Montgomery will be hosting a book signing of Ponder Anew, the new work by Sam Whatley. The author will be there to read sections from his book, answer questions, meet his readers, and, of course, autograph books. Come out on Saturday July 16th any time between 10 am and noon to meet Sam and find out more about his writing. Copies of Ponder Anew will also be available for sale. This book is a companion to Sam’s first book, Pondering the Journey, which was published in 2002. Like that work, Ponder Anew contains 31 stories that were first published in his column in River Region’s Journey Magazine. Read a sample of his column in this issue. His stories come from nature, people he has known, history, music, his own memories, and the Bible. As one Air Force colonel expressed it, “Sam Whatley has a wonderful knack for writing everyday stories with light from the Bible, and by doing so you will see yourself in both.” Come to the library July 16th and have fun.
Book Bags For Kids Through July 17
Dalraida United Methodist Church, 3817 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery Collecting book bags and school supplies for distribution in the Montgomery Community, K-6 grade. Drop off supplies at DUMC between 9 a.m.4 p.m. Call 334-272-2190 for more information.
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Email your community or ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
Fr de p Vi in sen c in th i to a Ti t fu so yo
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Kingdom Initiative at the State Capitol
July 4, noon to 12:15 p.m. Alabama State Capitol Building, 600 Dexter Ave, Montgomery Kingdom Initiative is about reclaiming our Nation as one Nation under God. The concept is simple. To pray. We’ll gather across the nation, joining hands around each State Capital building and pray. Let’s take this Nation back!
A Farewell to Dr. Tim Thompson of Frazer Memorial UMC
Frazer Senior Minister Dr. Tim Thompson delivered his final sermon as Frazer’s lead pastor Sunday, June 5. Tim and his wife Virginia are retiring after close to 40 years in ministry. Church and lay leaders presented Tim and Virginia with a trip so they can get away and start their retirement in style. In the atrium between services, the Frazer family enjoyed Tim’s favorite, ice cream and cookies! Members also took time to leave their thumb prints and a favorite Bible verse on a work of art for Tim and Virginia. Tim and Virginia came to Frazer as the parents of three beautiful daughters, they leave with three new sons-n-law and three grand babies. Thank you Tim and Virginia for all you’ve done! Frazer’s new Lead Pastor, Dr. Larry Bryars delivered his first sermon at Frazer Sunday, June 26 in the Sanctuary. Please stop in and welcome Larry and his wife Vicki to Frazer. 9
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Table Tennis Tourney
Renascence Inc is hosting its Inaugural Table Tennis Tourney August 12 and 13. Friday August 12 starts with a Preview Party and Celebrity Slamfest from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Crump Senior Center, 1750 Congressman Dickinson Drive. Saturday August 13 is the main event, with play from 9 am to 4 pm, also held at the Crump Senior Center. Registrants can compete in beginner, intermediate, or advanced competition categories. Entry fees are $10/player for individuals under 18 years of age, and $20/player for those 18 years of age or older. Registration at www.halfway-home.net must be completed and fees paid online by August 1.
Tribute Quartet in Concert
Friday, July 22, 2016 at 7:00 pm Beacon of Hope Church of God, 1045 Coliseum Boulevard, Montgomery, AL 36109 For more information, call 334-274-0932.
Email your community or ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen River Region’s Journey
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8th in the nation among golfers her age (she is a 2016 Drive, Chip, & Putt National Finalist and was featured live on the Golf Channel competing at the Masters in Augusta, GA). And now I have founded The LEO Golf Academy. RRJ: What would you say has made the biggest impact on your Christian maturity? Quincy: My Christian maturity was greatly affected in 2008 when I experienced a “brush with death”. I was driving along I-65 with my family at about 65-70 mph when the tire blew out. I lost control of the car and we went spinning into oncoming traffic. The next thing I knew, we had spiraled into a 10 foot fall before the car stopped. No one was hurt, not a single scratch. I was so grateful for God’s mercy! That moment forever altered my perspective on life. I realized that God was using the accident to get my attention and speak to me about truly living for Christ in all areas of my life. I experienced how much power the Lord actually had over my life and knew that He had a bigger purpose for me.
RRJ: When did God first reveal to you your need for Christ’s atoning work? Quincy: Growing up in a Christian household, I learned about the sacrifice that Christ made for us. I always had an awareness of right and wrong and felt the need to repent when I did something that wasn’t lined up with what my parents taught me. RRJ: How has your life changed since that point? Quincy: As I got older I realized that some of my actions weren’t pleasing to God. Once I became a husband and father, I made the decision to fully welcome the Holy Spirit into my life. I began making a conscious effort to humbly and consistently seek God in my everyday activities. My new spiritual outlook and journey has opened the doors to so many blessings for my family. Since that time my wife has opened Cupcakes by Tish; our son, Ahlias, is one of the top junior golfers in Alabama; our daughter, Lauryn, is currently ranked River Region’s Journey
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RRJ: You and your wife are a powerful team at your two local businesses, Cupcakes by Tish and LEO Golf Academy. How beneficial is it having a godly spouse by your side in business and all of life? Quincy: God’s Word says that “Whosoever findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord” (Proverbs 18:22). I am grateful to have found a wife who exemplifies this scripture. It is truly a blessing to have a loving and God-fearing wife by my side. Tish has an enormous amount of faith in the promises of God –enough for the both of us, at times. Her unwavering faith is amazing and very encouraging. It keeps me going and I believe it is the key to our marriage. We support one another 100% in everything, especially our businesses and community involvement. Our walk together with Christ has definitely strengthened our marriage and enables us to be better at parenting as well. (Amos 3:3: “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?”) RRJ: Of course, there’s another member of your team – God. How do you put God on display through your businesses? 12
Quincy: God is on display at all times at LEO Golf Academy through my interactions with the kids, our session activities, and maintaining a positive atmosphere. Our motto is “LEO Golf Academy…Where Champions Are Born Again,” which includes a biblical reference to being “born again”. Kids are very impressionable so having godly role models and Christian influences is a necessity. This is why I have made it my mission to be a role model they can look to for guidance and support. I am constantly encouraging my students by incorporating godly principles throughout every training session. Members of the Academy are referred to as Champions instead of students, teaching them that they “can do ALL things through Christ.” RRJ: While running your businesses, what is a specific struggle that you have to lay before the Lord? Quincy: There is a constant struggle with time management. It’s very difficult to divide my time between my family, my church and my two businesses (Cupcakes by Tish & LEO Golf Academy). Because I am passionate about all of these areas, all of my time has become dedicated to the success of each one. RRJ: What advice would you give our readers looking for encouragement for living out their faith 24/7? Quincy: Understand the divine purpose that God has for YOUR life. Discover the spiritual gifts that God has given you and then utilize those gifts to help build the Kingdom of God. This is accomplished by first seeking God and all of His righteousness. You just have to stay strong and never give up on your dreams.
Quincy L. Leonard, LEO Golf Academy Founder, has more than 20 years of golfing experience and has been coaching youth golf for the past 8 years. He has coached several junior golfers in the Montgomery area using the US Kids Golf Level Learning Program. In addition to LEO Golf, Quincy is also the current Golf Instructor at Valiant Cross Academy and a Computer Analyst Manager for the State of Alabama. He and his wife Tish have one son, Quincy Ahlias (age 11) and two daughters: Lauryn Olivia (age 9) and London Moriyah (age 5). Quincy is a very active member of St. Paul AME Church.
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Sunday Morning Small Groups - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.
7505 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.396.9811 13
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easternoaks.org River Region’s Journey
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F 5: The Lone Ranger is Not Real One of the first hit TV shows in the early 1950s was a western called “The Lone Ranger.” The premise of this series was that there was only one survivor after a patrol of six Texas Rangers was massacred. But no one knew that man was still alive. Badly wounded, this “lone Ranger” was nursed back to health by an Indian named Tonto, who became his companion. To remain unrecognizable, the Lone Ranger wore a black mask around his eyes. Together the two of them roamed the West, challenging criminals and setting bad situations right. The series was popular, first as a radio show, then on TV, and finally as a movie. I think the appeal of “The Lone Ranger” was not just because the good guys won. I think it was the fact that the main character acted alone (with help from Tonto). He was no longer just one of the Rangers; he was what some might call “an army of one.” That sense of independence appeals to us. Some would like to follow Christ like that. However, there are no Lone Rangers in the Christian faith. While it may be in our nature to resist taking instructions or direction from anyone else, we soon find that following the Lord alone is not an option. We need God’s guidance and we need each other to confirm His guidance. We need to be with other Christians. We need to worship together, pray together, fellowship together, serve together, and share each other’s burdens. We cannot be who we are meant to be away from other members of the Body of Christ. The Bible is filled with references to this. For example, look at these words in Hebrews: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – and all the more as you see the Day approaching (Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV). River Region’s Journey
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We may be tempted to live the Christian life without the support of fellow believers. But no TV minister, inspirational book, or spiritual conference, can replace the weekly accountability and encouragement of meeting with people who know and care about us. It’s easy to say that you can worship God at home, in the woods, or on a golf course. You can and should. But most people don’t. Most of us worship God with other people, and for good reason. You can ask about things in the Bible you do not understand. You can find out how that person you prayed for last week is faring. You can give your tithes and offerings in person, not through the internet or the mail. You can learn how to share your faith with those inside and outside the church. It’s personal and it is meant to be personal. A friend of mine from a Muslim Middle Eastern country had a relative who accepted Christ. In his country to openly proclaim this could well mean a death sentence. So he kept it a secret for years. He did not tell his wife, his children, or anyone else. Finally, several years later he tried to meet with a small group of believers in an “underground” church. They asked him when he came to know Christ. When he told them, they did not believe him and refused to allow him into their group. He asked why they did not believe him. They said that no true Christian would keep his faith to himself. It was unthinkable. Peter said: You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (I Peter 2:5 NIV). How can we be built into a house if we remain scattered about like stones in a field? We have to work together, pray together, give together, and share life together. We live in an electronic culture of disengagement. Social media and texts have separated our thoughts from our voices. But Christ calls us to come together, face to face. We are not Lone Rangers. We are the Body of Christ!
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July 2016 FFN Golf ad.qxp_Layout 1 6/16/16 9:18 AM Page 1
Family Faith Night
Friday, July 15 5:45pm
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Tuesday, September 20, 2016 • Arrowhead Country Club Faith Radio is listener supported. Your much needed support matters! 800.239.8900 | mail@faithradio.org | www.faithradio.org
Call us or mail your donation to: Faith Radio, P.O. Box 210789,July Montgomery, ALJourney 36121 2016 River Region’s 15
Together makes us better. And you, too.
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6/13/16 11:47 AM
Ready Made Spouse!
Is There Such a Thing? A few years ago I visited one of my spiritual daughters. As I sat talking with her in her bedroom, I happened to look up at her dresser mirror and noticed what seemed like a long list with bold writing. I wondered what it was. I went to the bathroom and there it was again – the same long, bold faced list, this time framed by her bathroom mirror. I could not help but to take a closer look at what it said. It read:
MATE: WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR • Man of prayer and consecration • Man who is a tither and giving (has heart for the needy) • Man filled with the Holy Ghost (with the evidence of tongues) and power • Man of the word and revelation • Man who loves to read and follow the Word • Man after God’s own heart • Man who is truly walking with God and who is called by God • Man with strong conviction (of holiness and righteousness) • Man who is trustworthy • Man who is able to trust (not jealous or insecure) • Man who has the heart and mind set of a provider • Man who considers me and my feelings (respects and honors me) River Region’s Journey
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• Man who loves me as Christ loves the Church • Man who walks in humility and submits to God • Man of integrity and character • Man who walks in love (it covers all) • Man who does not entertain the “strange woman” or Jezebel spirit (not flirtatious) • Man with a higher education • Man making 65,000K or more and strong in managing finances (sorry Lord, I gotta be specific) • Man with no children (I mean, I waited…) • Man who is a strong leader and who has a vision for life • Man who will be the head of the house, as God instructs and has designed • Man who understands business and strategic planning (for business and personal life) • Family man who loves and wants to have children • Man who has good parenting skills (willing to pour into them) • Man who is willing to work at the relationship, who will listen • Man who will be supportive of the will of God for my life • Man who stands against separation and divorce • Man who is understanding • Man who is willing to listen • Man who understands “leaving and cleaving” • Man who treats his mother well (he will treat me well) • Man who is romantic and spontaneous • Man who makes me laugh (has a sense of humor) • Man who can dress and who keeps me looking well (monthly spending allowance for me sounds great!) • Man who looks good physically 18
Really! Is there such a man who meets all these criteria? Is there one who is romantic, spontaneous, making six figures, smart, dots the spiritual i’s and crosses the spiritual t’s? You know with God all things are possible, but even with God the possibilities seem few and far between. I am not saying we should not have a desired list, neither am I trying to get you to lower your expectations, but I do want you to be realistic. Pastor Creflo Dollar says that singles must ask 1000 questions during their dating process. I am in total agreement with that, but the big questions are: • Are you still single because of your high standards? • Does this high expectation leave room for growth? Not according to my spiritual daughter’s list of expectations. What she is implying is that she is perfect herself, which I doubt very much. No matter who you marry, even if it is the holiest person on Earth, you are going to have some issues to work through together. She was looking for a ready-made man. It is okay to picture the end result, but do not forget the process it takes to get there. The good news is that the process will work if you work it.
What are the “Must” criteria? 1. Must be saved and love Jesus 2. Hardworking 3. Loves you
Ready yourself by:
1. Trusting God 2. Accept yourself for who you are 3. Find what is attractive about your features and accentuate them Being your best in your looks as well as your outlook will expedite the process of finding that right mate.
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VOLUNTEERS By Laura Bell
C. S. Lewis reasoned that “Christianity, if false, is of no importance and, if true, of infinite
importance. The only thing it cannot be is moderately important.” We believe Christianity is true. We want our neighbors to know its infinite importance. In 2009, Mike Bunce, Executive Director of House to House ministries, had his world turned all around when the economic recession severely affected his and his family’s life. Mike had spent a great deal of time around Common Ground Montgomery, an inner city ministry serving the Washington Park community. He gave and served, gaining a heart and love for the community, until eventually searching for a conventional job began to fade in his horizon. He felt a strong calling on his heart to raise support and launch a housing ministry with Common Ground, and so he did. It’s called House to House Ministries, and is based on Acts 5:42: “Day after day in the temple courts, and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” Not long after building the ministry, Mike and his wife Susan moved to the Washington Park neighborhood in 2011. River Region’s Journey
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House to House (H2H) found its beginnings in 2009. After Common Ground Montgomery launched its after school program, the need for safe, affordable housing became immediately apparent. Washington Park was teeming with dilapidated homes where drug dealers and squatters had found comfortable dwellings to set up camp. And for many others who were renting homes in the once thriving community, their living conditions ranged from sub-standard in many cases to deplorable in others. As a result, Mike Bunce joined CGM to oversee its affordable housing initiative--building quality, brand new homes or completely refurbishing others in the community. H2H is doing more than gutting and rebuilding the old homes in the neighborhood; they are re-building a community of people who are meeting the heart of Jesus and restructuring their own futures. The value that this ministry brings to the Washington Park community is truly remarkable. Mike shares, “When we think of how to address the problems of under-resourced neighborhoods, one of two things usually comes to mind: government assistance or relief style handouts. Both are well-intended, but each has the same affect: they undermine the dignity of the person receiving ‘help’ and they keep the person in
need. Lifting a person out of their need is such a difficult task that most people simply do not know where to begin.” It is vital to this ministry to have as many people as possible partnering with them to help with building, finances, and mentorship in the programs that are offered. These programs include: Affordable Housing, Foundations Class & Mentoring, and Volunteer Program. The Programs offered by H2H are helpful and transforming to the community. H2H builds strong relationships with the prospective residents of the new homes.
Affordable Housing
gives students the ability to learn about managing a household budget. The student must learn the importance of doing so and prove that they are capable of maintaining that budget. The student must be nominated by their mentor. H2H tries to find the best avenue to calculate the needs and match them. It is when the match is made that renovation begins. H2H is very disciplined in checking in on families that may
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have made late payments. Because loans are pulled to do renovations, the ministry is proactive in making sure the family living in the home promptly follows through with their obligations to the home. The ministry is teaching dignity and responsibility, helping the families long term in their ability to be self sufficient and live in a beautiful house in the process. H2H makes sure that the home is solid and livable and one that they would build for themselves… “good enough” is unacceptable. The families that finish the affordable housing program are invited to help pick paint colors, fixtures and flooring types. “It is built into our
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ministry plan to sell each home we renovate to families who have learned how to qualify for a mortgage,” Mike explains. It is joyful news to see and hear about the amount of families that have finished the program and the homes they are now in. Eighteen individuals and couples have completed classes. Currently, an additional eight or nine others are on track to graduate in about six months. All but two of those individuals/families are actually in a H2H home and those other two homes are currently under construction.
Foundations Class & Mentoring is another program that H2H uses to reach the adults in the neighborhood. Throughout the course of several weeks, classes meet on Tuesday nights teaching budgeting, job readiness, parenting, marriage enrichment, and nutrition--all with biblical perspective. The students’ hearts are stewarded well, they are challenged to grow and work hard in growing in closeness to the Father. Along with the classes, H2H has mentors who walk beside the students as they journey through the classes, helping them in their relationship with the Lord and encouraging them in their classwork, which in-turn helps them become mentors to future H2H students.
Volunteer Program
is set up to allow volunteer groups to come in and work alongside H2H to rebuild homes or renovate already standing homes in the neighborhood. H2H provides materials to the volunteers so they can get to work as soon as they arrive. This program is so valuable to H2H, and they believe the volunteers do more than they will ever understand for the ministry. And for that, H2H is very thankful! In a brief interview with Cornelius Jackson, Director of Discipleship responsible for educational programs for neighbors and mentor coordination, he shared how he has seen the Lord move in the Ministry: “Wow! Where do I begin? Our staff and ministry partners have seen long-term relationships turn into marriage ceremonies. Also, we witness (and get to participate) in seeing healthier financial situations in the lives of the families we serve. Moreover, we get to share in the joy of individuals who excitedly turn the keys to quality homes--though they never saw themselves rejigging anywhere but the local housing projects in the city. Also, we get to be neighbors who pray for each other and assist one another, working together to make Christ known throughout the neighborhood. More often than not, we at H2H get to see God provide for our many needs over and over again. Our challenges are numerous and our needs seem endless at times. However, God continues to surprise us with answers to our prayers.” God is working wonders with the ministry of House to House and the people who work there. Some of the staff live in the Washington Park neighborhood, giving them greater understanding and perspective of those they are teaching and mentoring into better homes. There is great transformation happening with the power of hard work and faithful disciples for the Kingdom. If you have an interest in volunteering with House to House ministries, be sure to contact Delta Kelly at delta@H2Hlife.org to find out more. Visit their website at H2Hlife.org.
Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,
their healthcare is. Healthcare as amazing as their potential PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN 470 TAYLOR ROAD, SUITE 210 MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033
Congratulations Dr. J. Robert Beshear, “Dr. Bob,”on your retirement and 44 years of caring for children.
Laura Bell 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!
River Region’s Journey
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River Region’s Journey
Prayer...A Powerful Weapon In Ephesians 6: 10-12, we can read this exhortation: “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (NKJV) Kenneth Bae is a missionary who was born in South Korea, but had located in Washington. He had run a tourist company taking trips to North Korea - many of which were Christian-based, according to a piece on the ChristianNews.net website. Until November 2012, over a dozen of those trips had been made without an issue. But, at that time during a tour, Bae was taken into custody and was accused of attempting to overthrow the government. He was arrested not far from the city of Yanji, where some Christian groups provide aid to North Korean refugees. The story relates that Bae was sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor in North Korea, and served in a labor camp for two years before ultimately being freed. He is now speaking out about his experience and how his missionary work was deemed a “threat” to the atheist government. The story says that recently he told CBS News, “They (the prosecutors) said, ‘You attempted to overthrow the government through prayer and worship and they really took prayer as a weapon against them.” Bae said that what had caused him to get in trouble was a computer hard drive in his possession that contained prayers to God, as well as photographs of impoverished North Korean children. He was accused by officials of being a spy and he was placed on trial. The missionary is quoted as saying, “One of the prosecutors told me that I River Region’s Journey
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was the worst, most dangerous American criminal they had ever apprehended since the Korean War.” He continued, “I said, ‘Why?’ and they said, ‘Because not only [did you come] to do mission work on your own, you asked others to join.’” Bae spent 735 days in prison before being pardoned by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The ChristianNews. net story states: But Bae took his difficulties in stride and told CNN on Monday that he spent his days “depending on God and pretty much living day to day—just one day at a time.” He trusted that God would be his rescuer, and held onto the promises of Scripture. “I [would look] in the mirror in the bathroom every day, and say, ‘Remember, you are a missionary. This is what you are here for,’” Bae also told CBS, referring to his mission to share Christ with the lost. “I took it more as a blessing, rather than a curse or suffering.” What an amazing story, and a testimony to the perseverance of this one man, who did not become discouraged during captivity, but saw his time in prison as an opportunity for God to use him to share Christ. I think that one takeaway of this story deals with that attitude that Bae displayed, as he looked in the mirror and saw his mission. Each day, we can consider that God has a purpose for us that day, to use us for His glory. We can be inspired to view each day as a gift, and recognize that we are called daily to lay down our lives and follow Him, allowing the life of Christ to flow through us, motivating us to live for His glory. 24
We can know that God gives us not only the capacity to do His will, but we can recognize that He has given us tools to fulfill His will. God has given us the Holy Spirit to give us power and direction. He has also given us prayer. Remember what Kenneth Bae said: the North Korea government regarded prayer as a weapon; they accused Bae of using prayer and worship to overthrow their government. Think about that for a moment. These officials were threatened by Kenneth’s faith and they possessed an attitude about prayer that might even be helpful for us to consider. In a strong sense, these presumably godless government representatives acknowledged the power of prayer and worship. They admitted that they saw prayer as a weapon. I think of the passage in 2nd Corinthians 10, which says that our weapons, weapons of spiritual warfare, are not carnal, or of the flesh or human strength, but they are mighty to pull down strongholds. But, we have access to the armor of God and the resources of heaven. We can engage in spiritual warfare through the power of prayer, in the name of Jesus.
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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Why Join a Church? By David Mathis
Executive Editor Desiring God
Does the Bible Even Mention Membership?
One of the most counter-cultural things you can do is become an engaged member of a faithful local church. In our flighty and noncommittal age, neither non-Christians nor Christians are naturally inclined to find a place to put down roots and make longstanding, objective commitments for the good of others. We want to keep our options open and, above all, preserve our own freedom of choice, rather than make a covenant for the long haul and embrace a framework for real life in all its ups and downs. But what if you went against the grain and became part of the solution to the modern problem of being so noncommittal? What if you joined the rebellion, and pledged your loyalty and engagement to a Bible-believing, gospelcherishing local church? River Region’s Journey
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Most of us have raised eyebrows at some point about the concept of church membership. “Membership” — where do we see that in the New Testament? Is it really essential to join a church? Can’t I get everything I need as a Christian from being a regular attender? It’s true that the New Testament makes no direct argument for our modern concept of membership. The Gospel’s initial advance into a pagan and pre-Christian world was a different situation than we find today in our increasingly post-Christian society. The complexities of life two millennia later make church-belonging as difficult, and as important, as ever. Not only are we less inclined to make firm commitments, but our cities and towns are much bigger, and church options more diverse. But whether you call it “membership,” “partnership,” or something else, the New Testament assumes some form of committed, accountable belonging as a reality for every true follower of Jesus. Each Christian has a definite place of local belonging. To be baptized is to become part of a particular local body. “In the New Testament,” John Piper observes, “to be excluded from the local church was to be excluded from Christ.”
Six Reasons to Put Down Roots Here, then, are six reasons, among many, to go against the noncommittal grain, put down roots, join a particular local church, and be as involved as possible in the life of that church. 26
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1. YOUR OWN ASSURANCE Being accepted into membership in a Bible-believing, responsibly-led church rightly gives affirmation and reinforces confidence that your faith is real, that it’s not your own private, self-made religion, but part of “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). Jesus gives his church “the keys of the kingdom of heaven,” and according to Matthew 16:19, “whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” It is no small thing for a solid local church to find your profession of faith to be credible, and your lifestyle and conduct not disqualifying, and to accept you into membership. There is more grace to be experienced in this, for our assurance, than most of us know. 2. THE GOOD OF OTHERS This is perhaps the most often overlooked reason for joining a church. In our proclivity to self-focus, we consider the reasons relating directly to us, but overlook how our membership relates to others. Our belonging somewhere establishes a base from which we can reliably care for others. There are two sides to church membership, and we can’t keep others accountable for
their good to a covenant we ourselves haven’t taken. True love is not only manifest in affection and action, but also allegiance. We do not fully love our brothers and sisters in Christ if we withhold pledging our allegiance to them by covenanting with them in local-church life. Love doesn’t say, “I love these people and don’t need to covenant with them.” Rather, it says, “I love these people enough to covenant with them.” Living the Christian life in community is more than just loose associations, but committing to each other to be there for each other when life is hard, in sickness and in sorrow. 3. YOUR OWN GOOD On the flip side, it is for your own good to have others committed to genuinely caring for you in Christ. And the people who will care for you best in the long run are those who are willing to commit to it. “The people who will care for you best in the long run are those who are willing to commit to it.” Joining the church also formally identifies you as part of “the flock” which the church’s pastors and elders should “shepherd” (1 Peter 5:2) and to which they should “pay careful attention” (Acts 20:28). It is for your
own good in being intentionally thought of and cared for by the leadership. 4. THE GOOD OF YOUR LEADERS Connected, then, is the clarity it brings the leadership about who is in their “lot,” who is “in their charge” (1 Peter 5:3), who in particular are they called to serve and shepherd. In other words, your formally joining the church helps the pastors and elders do their job. How are they to shepherd the flock if they don’t know who is in that flock and who is not? It is difficult, if not impossible, to respect and esteem your leaders (1 Thessalonians 5:12–13), and honor them (1 Timothy 5:17), and obey and submit to them (Hebrews 13:17) without identifying yourself to them and submitting to the membership structure that allows them to know and care best for those in their charge. 5. THE GOOD OF UNBELIEVERS Another good reason for joining a church is the good of those who are not there yet — even those who don’t yet know Jesus. Because we reach out and show Christ better as part of a committed, stable community. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35).
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A lone-ranger Christian doesn’t make the best witness for Christ. Rather, someone who is grounded, has a home, and is part of a solid covenant community of support is best prepared to draw others into the kingdom. “The complexities of life in the 21st century make belonging to a local church as difficult, and important, as ever.” Community is increasingly important in out witness today. As Christians who are truly faithful to the voice of Christ find themselves more and more in the minority of society, we need other believers to point to, that we’re not alone in our seemingly strange views, both in history and today. And the whole community together serves to put Christ on display better than individual Christians alone. This happens best not in fly-by-night, uncommitted associations, but in deep, committed, long-standing, life-together relationships in this time-tested arrangement called “the local church,” established and upheld in the wisdom and power of Jesus himself.
without pressing hard to bring you back, may one day prove priceless for your perseverance in the faith — and your eternity with Christ. It is, after all, as Jesus said, the one who endures to the end who will be saved (Matthew 24:13). In a good church covenant, we yoke ourselves to accountability while we’re in our right minds, in case someday sin gets a foothold in our hearts and blinds us to the truth. Church discipline is hard, but so good. The purpose is always restoration, and God often has been pleased to use this difficult means to pour out his striking grace.
6. YOUR OWN PERSEVERANCE Finally, covenanting with others now not to let you wander from the gospel,
David Mathis is Executive Editor of Desiring God Ministries. This article originally appeared at desiringGod.org. David is also the author of Habits of Grace: Enjoying Jesus through the Spiritual Disciplines.
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My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. (James 5:19–20)
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DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Don Darling WT: Sunday, 9:30 and 11:00 WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children Ministry, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups at main campus
36043 - Pintlala Pintlala Baptist Church 73 Federal Road, (334) 281.9439 Email: info@pintlalabaptist.com Web: www.pintlalabaptistchurch.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Gary Burton WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Youth & Adult Choirs
36054 - Millbrook
Central Bible Chapel 3270 Main Street, (334) 285.6524 Website: www.centralbiblechapel.com Email: link on the website or centralbiblechapel@gmail.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Scott Leach WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Wed. at 7 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday School, Outreach, Men and Women’s Bible studies, Children’s. Destiny Church 2410 Wall Street, (334) 230.5444 Web: www.destinychurch.al DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Ricardo Rodriquez WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 850-1000 MIN: Small Groups, Youth, Meals for Homeless, Reach, Children, and College Goodship Missionary Baptist Church 1554 AL Hwy 143, (334) 285.0094 Web: www.goodship.org Pastor: Derwin Perry DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday School, Youth, Women’s and Men’s Ministry, Choir, Bible Study Grace Community Church 3515 Highway 14, (334) 285.4655 Email: gracecommunityonline@gmail.com Web: www.gracemillbrook.com Pastor: Albert Russell WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:15 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Youth, Bible Study, Discipleship, Mens, Womens, Missions, Faith Training Millbrook Baptist Church 3431 Browns Road, (334) 285.4731 Web: www.millbrookbaptist.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Ingram WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Childrens, Music, Womens, Mens, Daycare
Millbrook First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood Rd, (334) 285.4114 Website: www.mfumc.org DN: Methodist Pastor: Dr. Nathan W. Attwood WT Sunday 8:10, 9:15 & 10:45 WS: Traditional and Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Men, Women, Youth, College, Grief Support, Divorce Care, Financial Peace, Bible Studies Millbrook Presbyterian Church 3480 Main Street, (334) 285.4031 Email: mpcaoffice@gmail.com Web: www.millbrookpca.com DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor: Interim Pastor WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 5:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth/Children, Womens, Seniors, Mens, Fellowship Groups, VBS, Mission Trips New Life Church of Millbrook 4230 Millbrook, Hwy 14, (334) 285.6996 DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: T. Allen Cova WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Young couples, Womens, Men’s, Seniors, New Life Christian Academy Victory Baptist Church 5481 Main Street, (334) 285.5082 Email: info@victorymillbrook.com Website: www.victorymillbrook.com DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Joey Byrd WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Juvenile, Jail, Children’s Church, Junior Church, Nursing Home Ministry
36052 - Mathews
Elizabeth Missionary Baptist Church 15617 Troy Hwy, (334) 584.7957 Email: ebc231@yahoo.com DN: Baptist Pastor: C. L Thomas Sr. WT: Sunday School, 8 a.m. and Worship at 9 a.m.; Wednesday Bible study, 6:30 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Deacon, Deaconess, Ushers, Praise Dancers, Missions, Pastor Aide, Couples Ministry, G.A.P. Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Community Outreach, Youth Ministry, Choirs
East Lake Community Church 1 Chapel Hill Street, Pike Road (Chapel at The Waters) (334) 799-7424 Web: www.eastlakecc.org or check us out on Facebook under East Lake Community Church at the Waters Email: Eastlakechad@yahoo.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Chad Harrison WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary; Blend AT: under 150 MIN: Home groups, Childrens (Family ministry), Singles, Local community ministries, Youth Group First Presbyterian Church 9299 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.1372 Email:1st.pca@gmail.com Web: www.firstpreschantilly.com DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Reed De Pace WT: Sunday, 9:25 worship WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Support Groups, Bible Studies (all ages), Childrens, Youth, Seniors, Mens, Womens, Family
Frazer Pike Road
ad on Inside Front Cover Pike Road School, (334) 272.8622 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Patrick Quinn WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: Over 1500 MIN: Frazer Kids, Students, Small Groups, Serve, Missions and VBS Pike Road Baptist Church 4790 Pike Road, (334) 272.7690 Email: pikeroad@aol.com Web: www.pikeroadchurch.org DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens ministry, Youth and Missions Woodland United Methodist Church 4428 Wallahatchie Road, (334) 272.7230 Website: www.woodlandontheweb.org Email: office@woodlandontheweb.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Tim Meadows WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Seniors, Discipleship, Childrens, Youth, Music
36066, 36067 - Prattville
36064 - Pike Road
Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. 4th Street, (334) 365.5213 Pastor: Winston Brooks DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children
Centerpoint Fellowship Off-Center Video site at 1445 Wilson Park Drive (Pike Road Jim Wilson YMCA) (334) 356-3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com
Centerpoint Fellowship 2500 Legends Circle (Marriot Legends Capitol Hill Conference Center) Prattville AL. (334) 356.3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com
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DN WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Support Groups, Leisure, Small Groups Journey Church 435 Shiela Blvd, Prattville, (334) 351.9994 Web: www.myjourneychurch.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Mike Mozingo WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:45 WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Small Groups, Childrens, Youth, Missions and Outreach
Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: John Schmidt WT: Sunday, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 1200-1500 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, (334) 365.0231 Email: info@camelliabaptist.com Web: www.camelliabaptist.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Reverend Mark Stokes WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5:45 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: AWANA, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Womens, Mens, Missions, Music, Upward East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Rd, (334) 365.7500 Email: beasley@eastmemorial.org Web: www.eastmemorial.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Glenn Graham, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.; Wed. night at 6:20 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 700-900 MIN: Student, College & Career, Singles, Childrens, AWANA, Seniors, Womens, Mens
First Baptist Church
ad on page 10 138 S. Washington Street, (334) 365.0606 Email: mail@fbcprattville.org Web: www.fbcprattville.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Dr. Travis Coleman, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 800-1200 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens, Mission Friends, Choir (all ages), Moms Day Out, Kindergarten, Adult Discipleship, Moms LIFE First Presbyterian Church 211 S. Chestnut Street, (334) 365.6387 Email: vicki@fpcministries.org Web: www.fpcministries.org DN: First Presbyterian Church of America Pastor: Bryant Hansen Assistant Pastor: Allan Bledsoe WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Community, Womens, Mens First United Methodist Church 100 E. Fourth Street, (334) 365.5977 Web: www.prattvillemethodist.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rob Couch WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Older Adults, Support Groups, Mom’s Day Out, Preschool
River Region’s Journey
July 2016
Fountain City Baptist Church 492 East Main Street, (334) 365.2034 Email: link on website Web: www.fountaincitybaptist.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Moore WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Teen, Older Adult, AWANA, Music (adults and youth), Mens, Womens, Missions and Outreach Fountain of Grace 881 McQueen Smith Road, S., (334) 365.5511 Email: info@fountainofgraceac.us Web: www.fountainofgrace.us DN: Christian Missionary Alliance Pastor: Tony Butler WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150-400 MIN: Youth, Sunday school, Women of Grace, Music, Sound, AWANA (during school year) Grace Life Church 972 McQueen Smith Road (services being held in Prattville YMCA), (334) 365.8672 Email: Links on website Web: www.churchgonewild.tv DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Phil Bevilacqua WT: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Kids, Small Groups, Women and Men Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, (334) 361.9180 Email: glynwoodbc@knology.net Web: www.glynwoodbc.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Reverend Bruce Hose WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Music, Prayer, Seniors, Mom’s Day Out, Bible Study and prayer Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Heritage Baptist Church 1357 S. Memorial Drive, (334) 365.2372 Email: office@hbcprattville.org Web: www.hbcprattville.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Roger D. Parks WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (summer); Regular worship schedule: Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: AWANA, Youth, VBS, Childrens Church, Adult, Music and Missions Trips Hunter Hills Church of Christ 330 Old Farm Lane, N., (334) 285.2700 Web: www.hunterhills.org DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Ryan Lassiter WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.
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Voice of Victory Church (10 min. from Prattville) 449 County RD 165, Autaugville, (334) 365.2031 Web: www.vovc.org DN: Word of Faith Pastor: Sandra Gober Associate Pastor: Caleb Gober WT: Sunday 10:30 a.m and Wed., 7 p.m. AT: under 150 WS: Contemporary MIN: Prison, Youth, Children’s, Adult, Senior, Young Professionals and Invasion Evangelism
36092 - Wetumpka
Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., (334) 567.4325 Web: www.blueridgebaptistchurch.net Pastor: Rev. John Carney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: under 150 Min: Childrens, Adult, Youth, College, Prayer and Missions Centerpoint Fellowship 4876 U.S. Hwy. 231, Wetumpka. Located in Bienville Square Shopping Center, (334) 356.3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Tom Gaylord WT: Sunday, 9:35 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge Street, (334) 567.5191 Website: www.fbcwetumpka.com Pastor: Dr. James Troglen DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens and Older Adults First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., (334) 567.7865 Email: link on website Web: www.fumcwetumpka.com Pastor: Rev. Brennan Peacock WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens ministry, Youth, Hispanic Ministry, Young adults, Missions, Prayer and Adult ministry Grace Baptist Church 304 Old Montgomery Hwy., (334) 567.3255 Email: info@gbcwetumpka.com Web: www.gbcwetumpka.org Pastor: Justin L. Teate WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wed. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Adult, Youth, Childrens Mountain View Baptist Church 1025 Rifle Range Rd, (334) 567.4458 Web: www.mvbaptistchurch.info DN: Baptist
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DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered Pastor: Interim Pastor WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m, and 6 p.m. MIN: Food closet, AWANA, Upwards Soccer, Operation Christmas Child, Children, Youth, College, Men and Womens Ministry, Seniors, Music, Education and Library. Mulder Memorial UMC 3454 Firetower Rd., (334) 567.4225 Web: www.mulderchurch.org Pastor: Matt Mobley WT: Sunday, 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens ministry, Adult, Youth, Groups, Outreach, Missions and Prayer Redland Baptist Church 1266 Dozier Road, (334) 567.8649 Web: On Facebook under Redland Baptist Church DN: Baptist Pastor: Bryce Cox WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. AT: 150-400 WS: Traditional MIN: Childrens, Youth, Senior, Adult, Choir and VBS
36104 - Montgomery
2Cities Church 128 Lee Street, (334) 294.7263 Email: info@2cities.org Website: www.2cities.org Pastor: Brian D. MacDonald DN: Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.. WS: Blended AT: under 150 MIN: Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, Community Groups, City Outreach, Childrens Church of the Highlands 201 Tallapoosa St (located in the Montgomery Performing Arts Center inside the renowned Renaissance Hotel) Phone: (205) 980.5577 Email: Erwin@churchofthehighlands.com Website: www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/ Montgomery Pastor: Chris Erwin WT: Sunday, 8:00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. and 1st Wednesday at 7 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 Ministries: Small Groups, Outreach, Small Groups, Youth, Motion & Missions
The Episcopal Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Ave, (334) 263.5529 Email: staff@coascension.org Website: http://www.coascension.org Rector: Reverend Andrew Thayer DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Children, Youth, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Food Pantry, Shut-in, Outreach, Stephen Ministry, Tutoring
First Baptist Church
ad on Back Cover 305 S. Perry Street, (334) 834.6310 Email: link on website Web: www.montgomeryfbc.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Jay Wolf WT: Sunday, 8:30, 11 a.m., and 6:15 p.m. WS: Blended AT: over 1500 MIN: Preschool, Childrens, Youth, College, Singles, Adults, Seniors, Internationals, Music, Special Needs, Community, Television, Support Groups, Counseling Center New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 3) 600 Columbus Street, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Kylle McKinney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 River City Church 301 Dexter Ave, (334) 263.0549 Email: info@rivercityumc.com Website: www.rivercityumc.com Pastor: Rev. Josh Manning DN: United Methodist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Children, Small Groups
MEN’S MINISTRY 1.800.777.0305* • knights21.com * To contact our Alabama representative, Chap Noles, press 1 for Knights, then press 4
SQUIRE: THE TRAINING OF THE KNIGHT This 24-lesson DVD series challenges men to become their best. This is the first volume of our 5-year series, The Heroic Man’s Journey.
St. John’s Episcopal Church 113 Madison Avenue, (334) 262.1937 Website: www.stjohnsmontgomery.org DN: Episcopal Rector: Rev. Robert C. Wisnewski Associate Rector: Rev. Candice Frazer and Rev. Daniel P. Strandlund WT: Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7 a.m.; Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:05 p.m. AT: 150-400 MIN: Christian Education, Youth, Childrens, Adult, Missions and Outreach, Homeless ministry
Trinity Presbyterian Church
ad on page 40 1728 S. Hull Street, (334) 262.3892 Email: office@trinitypca.org Web: www.trinitypca.org DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Claude E. McRoberts, III WT: Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m., 6 p.m. Summer schedule: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Adults, Childrens (Catechism Classes and Pioneer Clubs), Youth, Missions, Choir, Preschool, Singles
36105 - Montgomery Community Congregational Church 3481 South Court Street, (334) 265-4411 Web: www.cccmontgomery.org Pastor: Rev. Ray Speller WT: Sunday 10:45 am WS: Blended MIN: Men’s, Women’s, Youth, Food Pantry, Clothes Closet, Usher Ministry, Acolyte Ministry and Benevolence Ministry Snowdoun Baptist Church 6564 Norman Bridge Road, (334) 280.0217 Web: www.snowdounbaptist.com DN: Southern Baptist
LIVING BETTER: VOLUME 1 This 18-session DVD series was created to guide Christian women and those who have yet to receive Christ toward their greatest potential.
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St. John’s AME Church 807 Madison Avenue, (334) 265-4136 Facebook: St. John’s AME Church – Montgomery, Alabama Pastor: Rev. James E. Arnell DN: African Methodist Episcopal WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. MIN: Youth, Clothes Closet, Food Pantry, Free Transportation, Prayer
Our mission is to draw women together to discover God’s truths and directives that are found in the Bible. 1.800.777.0305 (press 2) • realwomen21.com
Real Women 21 st Century 31
July 2016
River Region’s Journey
DN Vaughn Park Church of Christ 3800 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.2665 Web: www.vaughnpark.com Pastor: Brad Sullivan DN: Church of Christ WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Agape, Bible Class, Childrens, Financial Peace University, Life Groups, Food Pantry, Ladies, Inner City, Marriage, Mens, Student, Upward, World Bible School and Worship
36107 - Montgomery Pastor: Steve Campbell WT: Sunday 11 AM and 6:30 PMWS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Worship, Children, Youth, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Missions, Music
36106 - Montgomery Capital City Church of the Nazarene 4450 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.8176 Email: link on website Web: www.capcitynaz.org DN: Church of the Nazarene Pastor: Blake Mohling WT: Sunday, 10:45 and 6 p.m. and Wednesday 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Mens, Womens, Childrens, Prayer Group Centerpoint Fellowship 608 East Fairview Ave. (meets Cloverdale Baptist Church) (334) 356.3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Steve Robinson WT: Sunday, 9:15 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups Cloverdale Baptist Church 608 E. Fairview Avenue, (334) 265.9223 Website: www.cloverdalebaptist.net Email: info@cloverdalebaptist.net DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Keith Hinson WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday,6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Preschool Academy, Fun and Fellowship, Seniors, Youth, Choir for all ages Eastwood Presbyterian Church 1701 E. Trinity Blvd., (334) 272.3103 Email: missions@eastwoodchurch.org Web: www.eastwoodchurch.org DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor: Bart Lester WT: Sunday, 10:50 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Missions, Counseling, School, College, Youth, Women, Military
Evangel Church
ad on page 27 3975 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.4882 Web: http:evangelchurch.me DN: Assembly of God Pastor: Michael Rippy WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (classical) and 11:00 a.m. (contemporary) WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Sunday school, Children, Students, College, Growth Track, Life Groups, Dream Team
River Region’s Journey
July 2016
First United Methodist Church ad on page 25 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, (334) 834.8990 Email: info@fumcmontgomery.org Web: www.fumcmontgomery.org DN: Methodist Pastor: Dr. R. Lawson Bryan WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and Wed. night at 5:30 WS: Traditional AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Mens, Womens
Heritage Baptist Church
ad on page 5 1849 Perry Hill Road, (334) 279.9976 Web: www.hbcm.net Pastor: Teman Knight DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:15 WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Children, VBS, Seniors, Journeymen Men’ Minsitry, Zoe Women’s Ministry, Lifestones, Youth, College, Family Life Center, Child Development Center, Footprints Ministry and Heritage FaithRiderz. New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 1) 1615 Mulberry Street, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 6) 1601 East Trinity Blvd., (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Rodney Brannon WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112
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Capitol Heights Baptist Church 2514 Madison Avenue, (334) 264.6461 Email: link on website Web: www.capitolheights.org DN: Baptist Pastor: J. Warren Culver WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Worship & Music, Childrens, Families, Mens, Seniors, Students, Womens Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 East Washington Street (334) 265.1807 Website: www.pilgrimrestmbc.org Pastor: Rev. Walter E. Ellis DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Noon Day Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m., Bible Study, 7 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Sunday School, Youth Mentoring, Youth Choir, Women’s, Bible Study
36108 - Montgomery
Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist ad on page 10 3323 Day St. (334) 263.2171 Email: Link on website Web: www.mtgillarddayst.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rev. Henry Carnegie, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and Wed. 6:45 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Music and Praise, Women’s, Men’s, Youth and Children’s
New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 4) 4781 Mobile Highway (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and Sunday evening at 6 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strageties To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Rosa Parks Avenue Church of God 1701 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, (334) 265.6008 Web: http://netministries.org/see/churches.exe/ch22420 Pastor: James I. Marshall DN: Non-denominational
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36109 - Montgomery
All Saints Episcopal Church 645 Coliseum Blvd., (334) 272.2591 Email: link included on website Web: www.episcopalchurch.org or http://www.allsaintsal.com Rector: Rev. David H. Peeples DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Outreach, Childrens, Womens, Mens, Youth Beacon of Hope Church of God 1045 Coliseum Blvd., (334) 274-0932 Email: pastor@beaconofhope.cc Web: http://www.beaconofhope.cc/ Pastor: Randall Newman DN: Church of God (HQ. Cleveland, Tennessee) Sunday School: Sunday 9:30a.m. WT: Sunday 10:45a.m. and 6:00p.m. Family Training Hour: Wednesday 7:00p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery, Pre-School, Children, Jr. Church, Student, Youth, Graduates & Professionals, Mens, Womens, Older Adults, Choir Music, Sunday School, Worship, Adult Bible Study, World Missions, Church Planting, Food Ministry, Community Outreach Ministry Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road, (334) 273.8595 Web: www.cornerstone-cc.org DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Jay Thompson WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Youth, Womens, Seniors, AWANA, Cornerstone Kids, CC Quilters Covenant Presbyterian Church 5 Arden Road at Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.1133 Email: covenantpcmgm@bellsouth.net Website: www.covenantmontgomery.com DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Lee Bloodworth WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m.
WS: Traditional, Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Mens, Womens, Seniors Dalraida Baptist Church 3838 Wares Ferry Road, (334) 272.2412 Web: www.thedalraidadifference.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Evans WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Sunday school, Discipleship, Children’s, Youth, Ladies, Seniors, FAITH Outreach, Missions Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.2190 Email: info@dalraidaumc.org Web: www.dalraidaumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: David McVay WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Music, Outreach, Sunday School, Youth Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, (334) 272.0604 Web: www.ehbconline.com Pastor: Dr. Rick Marshall WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 6:00 p.m.; Summer Schedule: 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 OL: Spanish MIN: Children, Teens, College & Career, Adults, Senior Adults, Men, Women, Music, Hispanic, Childcare and Homeschool Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway, (334) 277.6300 Web: www.eastmont.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Northcutt WT: Sunday, 8:10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: above 1500 MIN: Childrens, Studetn, College & Career, Singles, Mens, Womens, Senior, Music, Missions, Hispanic, Technical Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, (334) 272.2304 Email: info@morningview.org Web: www.morningview.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Shawn Merithew
WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, Youth, Family, AWANA, Student, Adult Bible Studies, Fellowship Groups, Senior Adult , Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, Music and Worship, GRACE outreach teams, Hands of Christ, Orphan Care, International Missions, Partner Trips Perry Hill United Methodist Church 910 Perry Hill Road, (334) 272.3174 Web: www.perryhillumc.org Email: office@perryhillumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Mark Osgood WT: Sunday, 10:30 and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Senior, Famiy, Men, Womens, Music, Prayer, Church, Prayer Shawl The Rock Church 3401 Harrison Road, (334) 260.0984 Email: link on website Web: www.therockofmontgomery.org DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: H. Nelson Cash, Jr. WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Prayer, Discipleship, Youth, Childrens, Local Outreach, Rock School (grades K3-12) University Church of Christ 5315 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 386.7320 Web: www.ucoc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Randy Medlin WT: Sundays, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Youth, College, Prison and Childrens St. Paul Lutheran Church 4475 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.6214 Web: www.stpaulmontgomery.org Pastor: Reverend Carey Elam DN: Lutheran WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. (Contemporary), 10:30 a.m. (traditional) WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Choir
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July 2016
River Region’s Journey
DN
36110 - Montgomery Chisholm Baptist Church 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, (334) 262.6437 DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Community Fellowship Worship Highland Gardens Baptist Church 2014 Johnson Street, (334) 263.0294 Web: Please visit us on Facebook under Highland Gardens Baptist Church Pastor: Earl B. Wise DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth
36111 - Montgomery
New Life Church of God in Christ (Main Campus) 4116 Narrow Lane Road, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Westminster Presbyterian Church 2515 Woodley Road, (334) 281.2241 Web: www.westminsterpcusa.org DN: PC USA Pastor: Rev. Robert Edwards WT: Sunday, 10:25 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Music, Outreach, Sunday school, Womens Whitfield Memorial United Methodist 2673 Fisk Road, (334) 281.2467 Email: office@whitfieldumc.org Web: www.whitfieldumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Carolyn Nelson WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Older Adults
36116-Montgomery
Aldersgate United Methodist Church 6610 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.6152
River Region’s Journey
July 2016
Email: email@aldersgateumc.org Web: www.aldersgateumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Brian Miller WT: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Children’s Ministry, Youth, Music (all ages), Young Adults (College & Career), Seniors, Stephens, Weekday Children’s Ministry Day Care & After School Programs, Men’s, Women’s, Wednesday Night Connections Dinner & Small Groups, Youth and Adult Sports, Food Pantry, Library Calvary Baptist Church 8197 Decker Lane, (334) 284.3737 Web: www.calvarymontgomery.org DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Dr. Paul Spargo WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Married, Singles, Seniors, Men, Women, Preschool, Children, AWANA, Bus Ministry, Summer Program, Youth, Missions, Worship
Christchurch
ad on page 3 8800 Vaughn Road, (334) 387-0566 Email: info@christchurchxp.net Website: www.christchurchxp.net DN: Anglican Pastor: Rev. Andrew M. Rowell WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite II WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Adult, Small Groups, Wednesday Night “Salt & Light”, Young Adults, Men’s, Women’s, Music, Technology, Parish Life, Older Adults’, Youth, Pastoral Care, Children’s, Stewardship Fresh Anointing International Church 150 East Fleming Road, (334) 613.3363 Email: info@anointedchurch.org Web: www.anointedchurch.org DN: Independent Pastor: Kyle Searcy WT: Sunday, 8:00 and 11 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 800-1500 MIN: Singles, Nursing Home, Prison, Childrens, College, Drama, Angel Food, Marital Counseling, Intercession, Fresh Start Christian Academy, KCS Ministries
Gateway Baptist Church
ad on page 9 3300 Bell Road, (334) 272.9494 Email: link on website Web: www.gatewaybaptist.com Pastor: Alan Cross DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Small Groups, AWANA, , Student, Youth, Seniors, Men and Women’s, Military
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Messiah Lutheran Church 6670 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.4213 Email: link on website Web: www.messiahlutheranmgm.org DN: Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Randy Jones WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Music, Missions, Lunches for Learning New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 5) 5600 Carriage Hills Drive, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Eric Lee WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 2) 5000 Patterson Road, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Theodore Williams WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Over 1500 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112 Nueva Vida en Cristo (meets at Gateway Baptist) 3300 Bell Road, (334) 590.7705 Denomination: Baptist WT: Sunday, 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Bible Study 6:30pm & Awana 6:30pm WS: Contemporary Other Ministries: Women’s, Nursery, Sunday Soccer, Visitation and Discipleship Pinedale Baptist Church 4785 McInnis Road, (334) 288.0832 DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. (summer schedule) WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Brotherhood (Mens Ministry), Womens Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.0011 Email: info@rbcmontgomery.com Web: www.rbcmontgomery.com DN: Southern Baptist Interim Pastor: Dr. Bobby Dubois WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6:15 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Children’s, Youth, Single, Married, Senior, Women’s and Men’s Young Meadows Presbyterian 5780 Vaughn Road, (334) 244.1385 Web: www.youngmeadows.org DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Dr. Jim Simoneau WT: Sunday, 8:15 (Traditional), 10:40 (Contemporary) and 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Blended AT: 150-400
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DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered MIN: Childrens, Youth, Choir, Adult Growth Groups Zion Fellowship 4540 Narrow Lane Road, (334) 281-8971 Email: info@zionfellowshipumc.org or zionfellowshipchurch@live.com Web: www.zionfellowshipumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Robert Spicer WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. WS: Traditional & Gospel AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children Other: Youth, Children’s, Men, Women’s and Childcare Center
36117-Montgomery Christ Community Church 8285 Ryan Road, (334) 273.8110 Email: mail@christccm.net Web: www.christccm.net DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Keith Waldrop WT: Sunday, 10:00a.m WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Kids, Student, Ministry, Military, Nursery, Small Group, Women’s, Missions and Volunteer Eastern Meadows Church of Christ 8464 Vaughn Road, (334) 273-0001 Email: easternmeadows@emcofc.org Website: www.emcofc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Steve Housley WT: Sundays, 10 a.m., Sunday night, 5:00p.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, College, Young Adult, Senior, Mens, Womens, Educational, Missions
Eastern Oaks Baptist Church ad on 13 7505 Wares Ferry Road 396.9811 Email: admin@easternoaks.org Website: www.easternoaks.org DN: Baptist Minister: Dr. Daniel Gillenwater WT: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday at 6:30 WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Small Groups, Youth, Children and Missions
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church
ad on Inside Front Cover 6000 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.8622 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Larry Bryars WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.; Chinese Service, 10:30 a.m. WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: Over 1500 OL: include Chinese as well as Spanish; American Sign Language and Korean interpreters available MIN: Children, Students, Singles, Men, Women, Adult Sunday School and Life Groups, Older Adults, Hispanic, Chinese, Music, Recreation, Community and World Missions, Stephen Ministry, Support Groups, Counseling Clinic, Financial Peace, Marriage and Parenting, TV, and many more.
Frazer Memorial UMC Hispanic Congregation
ad on Inside Front Cover Meets in North Gym, 6000 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 495-6414 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.Frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Mario Aman WT: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children, Please check the website for all Ministries. GracePointe 1565 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 271.2525 Web: www.grace-pointe.com DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Scotty Harris WT: Sunday, 10a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, GPS, Life Groups, Women of Grace, Men of Grace, Prayer Ministry Grace @ Bell Road 5 Bell Road, (334) 272.4930 Email: info@discovergrace.org Web: www.discovergrace.org DN: Evangelical Presbyterian Pastor: Bill Thompson WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Women’s, Men’s, Missions, Children’s, Life Groups, Outreach Harvest Family Church 7245 Copperfield Drive, (334) 277.1156 Email: office@harvestfamilychurch.com Web: www.harvestfamilychurch.com DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: Bill McNeese WT: Sunday, 8:45 and 10:30; Wednesday, 7 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Women and Men’s. Lakeview Baptist Church 9225 Atlanta Highway, (334) 213-3080 Email: link on website Web: www.lakeviewbaptistchurch.cc DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Paul Hubbard WT: Sunday, 10:45 am. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens, College and Career, Seniors, Womens, Music, Student, and Young married. Landmark Church of Christ 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, (334) 277-5800 Email: Christians@landmarkchurch.net Web: www.landmarkchurch.net DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Buddy Bell WT: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Recovery, Inner City, Life Groups, Missions, Life Center Legacy Church 2323 Bell Road, 334-396-2001 Web: www.thelegacychurch.org Pastor: Rev. Doug McCurry DN: Anglican WT: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Mens, Women’s Childrens
Memorial Presbyterian Church 2130 Bell Road, (334) 274.1018 Email: contact@memorialpres.net Web: www.memorialpres.net DN: Presbyterian Pastor: Nan Adams WT: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Daycare, Women’s, Youth, Adults, Seniors, Food Ministry, Music, Children’s Passion Church 6000 Monticello Drive, (334) 271.3800 Email: mgm@mypassion.church Web: www.mypassion.church DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: Steve Vickers WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Connect, Volunteer Teams, Passion Works, Kids St. James United Methodist Church 9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037 Web: www.sjlife.com DN: United Methodist Pastor: Lester Spencer WT: Sunday, 8:30 (blended), 9:45 a.m. (Contemporary), 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Traditional & Contemporary AT: above 1500 MIN: Recreation, Prayer, Recovery, SJ Kids, Pre-school, 245 Student, College, Renew, Ironmen and Seniors. St. Thomas Aquinas Anglican Chapel 433 Towne Lake Place, (334) 215.7254 Email: cmvc48@knology.net Web site: www.aquinasapck.org Priest: Reverend Father Michael V. Church Denomination: Anglo-Catholic Worship Time: Sunday 10am Worship service: Traditional 1928 BCP worship Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road, (334) 271.3363 Email: trbc@taylordroad.org Web: www.taylorroad.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Daniel Atkins WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: AWANAS, Childrens Missions, Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth & Adult Choirs, Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Womens, Youth and Adult Bible Study, Mothers Morning Out and Kindergarten. Thorington Road Baptist Church 450 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 396.9376 Email: contact through website Web: www.trbclife.org Interim Pastor: Jeff McFarland DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150 to 400 MIN: Nursery, Pre-School, Children, Student, Mens, Womens and VBS Vaughn Forest Baptist Church 8660 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.5433 Email: link through website Web: www.vaughnforest.com Pastor: Eric Smith DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 WS: Contemporary AT: 800 to 1500 OL: Spanish and Korean MIN: Small Groups, Preschool, Student, Singles, Older Adults, Worship, Hispanic
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July 2016
River Region’s Journey
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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. Location: Millbrook First United Methodist Church, 3350 Edgewood Road Adoption Support- Will meet 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 p.m.
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
River Region’s Journey
July 2016
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. 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: 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.
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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. 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.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the
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Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, are you stuck in a pattern of going back to the same relationships or situations hoping for or expecting different results? In this new study “Never Go Back”, you will recognize and truly change those life patterns that hold you back and keep you from your goals. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org. 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.
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Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476
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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 Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief 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. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 2795433 for more information.
Miscellaneous Location: 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 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
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July 2016
River Region’s Journey
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: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@ yahoo.com . Location: 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: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome Childcare is provided. Please visit our website at www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more information.
Same Sex Attraction
Location: Huff Community Ministry Building of First Baptist Church at 305 S. Perry Street Pathway Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more
information about the Pathway call (334) 241-5141 or (334) 241-5140.
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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July 2016
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The Godly Influence of Siblings Today, I am thinking about my sister, Carol, who died after a courageous battle with cancer April 8. More than 80 of her fellow choir members of Riverchase United Methodist Church lovingly sang in celebration of her life. She was a member for 22 years. Carol taught me many things during my childhood; the difference between my right and my left hand, how to water ski, dive in the pool, ride a bike, drive a stick shift, the symbolism of 2001 Space Odyssey and probably many other things I have forgotten but she would remember. Carol was part of the Jesus Movement in the late 1960s and 1970s and took me to Church with her because of my mother’s illness and death when I was 15. She patiently explained the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, the rapture and the communion of saints to me. She showed her faith quietly. Her favorite verse was Matthew 5:16: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” When I was in 9th grade, I was at a luncheon with friends, celebrating junior high graduation. I became ill and was stranded in the restroom until someone came looking for
me. Thankfully, Carol rescued me, but she had to endure the 10 minute drive home with my head hanging out the window to avoid making a mess in the car. When I think how most teenagers would be humiliated by that, I see her rescue of me as downright saintly. Once while moving my son into his college dorm, a woman sat outside in a lawn chair reading. As we unpacked, my daughter said the woman reminded her of Aunt Carol because she loved to read. I remember feeling defensive in my response saying, “Except Aunt Carol would be in the middle of all of this helping us!” But that was the truth. Carol was a force of nature, as determined a human being as I have ever known. I can’t remember ever seeing her anxious or overwhelmed, even in times of difficulty. The most challenging time was when she and her family barely escaped their burning home while they were asleep. She managed every challenge with grace and strength. Carol was brave and loving enough to confront her in-laws about their drinking when her children were little. They became sober, devoted grandparents and active members of AA. As her son saw it, Carol saved his grandparents’ lives and his by caring enough to intervene. She was his hero. She was incredibly loyal to family, being the first to arrive at any family occasion and the last to leave. Carol was my father’s eager assistant on his many building projects as a child and later as an adult. She was at Dad’s side frequently during his declining years just being a comfort to him and sharing memories. When she was first diagnosed with cancer, her son tattooed “Mom” on his arm. Later when she lost her hair, he shaved his head in support and posted a picture of the two of them together on Facebook. She was not one to complain, criticize others, or ask anyone to do anything for her. She is 39
remembered as being content, wanting only a little peace and quiet so she could read from time to time. She continued to display the peace that passes all understanding during her illness, treatments and finally while she was at home on hospice. She died surrounded by the love of her husband, sons, siblings, sister and brother-in-law and grandchildren. I miss her remarkable memory for every detail of our lives, her steadfastness, loyalty, character and faith. At the end of the service, the choir sang a beautiful anthem by Joseph M. Martin about being “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, looking on, encouraging us to do the will of the Lord!” Carol was my witness all of my life, encouraging me, showing the love and grace of Jesus in every day interactions. She displayed the steady, loyal, peaceful, patient, loving spirit of acceptance we all desire that can come only from the Holy Spirit. What a wonderful gift she shared. I feel like I am standing on the shoulders of a giant. Well done faithful servant; you have stars in your crown for your magnificent legacy. What are your gifts to share? Are you leaving a legacy to those around you?
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.
July 2016
River Region’s Journey
Q. Our son is 16, and he just got his first paycheck. He asked us about the best way to manage it, and we’re not sure what to tell him. Do you have any advice?
A. Congratulations on a big moment in your son’s life! I’m sure he’s proud, and I’m glad he has parents who want to teach him how to grow into a financially responsible young man. I think giving is a really big deal at this age. I’d recommend putting 10 percent toward your church or a good, local charity. It’s very important to teach kids about the spiritual and financial benefits of being a giver. The remaining 90 percent you might split evenly between savings and spending in the beginning. You can always go a little heavier on the savings portion if there’s a concrete goal, like college or a car, in mind. The pro-
River Region’s Journey
July 2016
cess of thinking ahead and setting goals is always a good exercise, too. The goal here, in addition to teaching him the value and benefits or work, is to build the muscles of his character. Financially speaking, as parents, we should want our children to grow to be givers, savers and wise, careful spenders. If they become all three of these when they’re young, they won’t be financially irresponsible adults later!
Q. My mom and dad filed bankruptcy recently and are on a fixed income of $2,200 a month. They gave up their house, and my wife and I helped them find an apartment. We’re also trying to give them other help while they’re getting back on their feet. The problem is, we’re paying off debt and trying to get our own finances in better shape. I think my sister should help out
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some, too, but I’m not sure how to approach her about this.
A. It’s not out of line to ask her to help and then gauge her interest and willingness. I mean, it’s your parents we’re talking about. Still, you can’t force someone to do something they can’t do or simply don’t want to do. Before you approach your sister, you might try working up a monthly budget on your parents. It doesn’t have to be complicated — just a one-page document showing their situation. Let her see that mom and dad are struggling right now, and suggest that you both chip in a little each month until they’re back on their feet financially. Don’t point fingers or make accusations, because that will ruin things in a hurry. Family should always try to pull together in times like this. In most cases, things like this work out fine and family bonds become even stronger.
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