New city? New church! Whether you are a military family, job transfer, or just new to the community, we know change can be hard. Finding a place of worship can help. At Frazer we welcome new faces. We invite you to explore our faith family, discover our ministries for children, students and adults, and learn more about how you can get connected at frazerumc.org.
Frazer Church: find hope, Follow Jesus • Sunday worship 8, 9:30 & 11AM 6000 atlanta Hwy. Montgomery • frazerumc.org • 334.2728622 •
Volume 16, Issue 5
Feature Articles
SEPTEMBE R 20 1 4 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 16
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
page 4
Lane Easterling
Mark Jackson, Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church
Saved at age 12, Lane shares how his faith in Christ has flourished during his adult life and the kind of man he strives to be. A financial advisor with Edward Jones, he also discusses how faith influences the way he guides his clients to a more secure financial future.
Pastor's Perspective page 14
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 18
Shine
Kim Hendrix
page 23
With All Your Mind Matt Jordan, Ph.D.
page 26
Counselor’s Corner
page 20
How to Be a Better Friend
Nancy Thomas, MA, NCC, CCMHC, LPC
page 28
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
by Victor Parachin Discover seven ways to be a better friend to all those God has placed in your life.
page 35
Family Teams for Christ Lisa and Mike Conn
page 39
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 30
Being Single...
by Rachel Fisher Hear from local singles about the challenges and the opportunities of this stage of life. Also, discover ministries in the River Region where singles can get connected for fellowship and participate in serving others. 1
page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 24
Support Groups page 36
Event Calendar page 40
Movie Reviews September 2014
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers
Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Rachel Fisher Kim Hendrix Mark Jackson Matt Jordan, Ph.D. Victor Parachin Dave Ramsey Nancy Thomas, MA, NCC, CCMHC, LPC Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
From the Publisher The other day I saw a Christian friend in a busy public place. We spoke for a bit, but then both went back to doing what we had come there for. Later I was struck by the fact that my friend and I could be different from everyone else in that room because of our faith in Christ. He and I are God’s people here and now (wherever we are) and that changes everything about the way we see this world and live our lives. I like how author Paul Tripp explains this new way of seeing life as laid out in the Scriptures, “The Bible unfolds life as God sees it, inviting us to know God, to know ourselves, to know life, and to know how God works to undo the damage sin has done to each of us. The Bible is the ultimate spiritual compass, able to tell us exactly where we are and where we need to go.” And as the Bible itself states, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). It’s this truth, that God has given us a spiritual compass (a light for our journey) through the Holy Spirit and His Word, that motivates each issue of River Region’s Journey. In this month’s issue we’re shining the light of Christ onto your path in many ways. Let me mention a few. First, we want to encourage all of you who are single. Regular contributor Rachel Fisher has written Being Single: The Blessings and Struggles of the Journey, in which she shares insights from personal stories of singles here in the River Region, as well as the work of some area singles ministries. Even though I’ve been married for 20 years I found myself greatly encouraged by the wisdom and attitudes shared by those she interviewed. Are you a good friend? Are you interested in knowing how to become a better friend? Friendships are so important, and as Victor Parachin writes in his article How to be a Better Friend, “the simple act of extending friendship diminishes grief and increases joy.” The seven ways he shares on how to become a better friend can turn a good friendship into something great. Finally, our resident philosopher, Dr. Matthew Jordan, shares an often unmentioned side of Jesus that adds even more validity to the claims He made. In his “With All Your Mind” column, Dr. Jordan discusses the universally accepted brilliance of Jesus and how that fact gives non-believing people (and even believing) a good reason to turn to Him. If you’ve placed your faith in Christ, you’re different. Your eyes have been opened to see how God is at work all around you and throughout the world. I hope you’ll always be mindful of the new life you have in Christ by using His Word and Spirit to live the abundant life He offers.
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2014 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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SECONDHAND SMOKE. FIRSTHAND DISEASE.
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Nonsmokers exposed to secondhand smoke at work have a higher risk of lung cancer and respiratory illness. 3
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Mark Jackson, Mulder Memorial UMC
God Loves Underdogs Remember Rocky Balboa? Here are some facts you might not know... The entire Rocky series was the most successful sports movie franchise of alltime. The series was the recipient of three Oscars, while winning best picture. With a production budget of $1.1 million, it grossed $225 million. Rocky was filmed in a record twenty-eight days. Sylvester Stallone wrote the script by hand in 3 1/2 days. Who was Rocky Balboa? He was a two-bit, 30-year-old fighter from the city of Philadelphia. He lived a lonely, simple life in a dingy, cramped, one-room, second-floor apartment in South Philly in a deteriorating, bleak area of the city. To keep him company, he had two pet turtles, Cuff and Link, a tiny goldfish named Moby Dick, and a curling wall poster of heavyweight boxing idol Rocky Marciano.
Because of an injury to champion Apollo Creeds’ opponent, Rocky is given the chance of a lifetime. Here is how the announcer described Rocky’s dismal chances as he approached the ring: “Rocky is a fifty-to-one underdog...” What made this movie and entire series of movies such a huge success? Rocky was the underdog and everybody loves a good underdog story. They inspire us, they give us hope! Have you ever felt like an underdog? Like you don’t have the ability or confidence to pursue your dreams? The Bible is full of ordinary people the world considered underdogs. Yet God chose them to do His work. One example would be the Apostle Peter. Here are four reasons Peter could be considered an underdog.
He was an ordinary man.
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. - Acts 4:13
He could be overzealous.
Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. - John 18:10
He would speak before thinking.
He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he River Region’s Journey
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must be killed and after three days rise again. He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. - Mark 8:31-33
He was hard-headed.
He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” - John 13:6-8
Look how God used Peter despite his flaws.
He preached at Pentecost and three thousand people were saved (Acts 2:14–41). He and John healed a lame man (Acts 3:1–10). He was so powerful that people were healed in his shadow (Acts 5:15–16). He raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36–42). He introduced the gospel to the Gentiles (Acts 10). And he wrote two epistles, 1 and 2 Peter, in which he featured the very same lessons he had learned from the Lord about true character. It is easy for us to feel unworthy and allow our weaknesses to keep us from the Lord’s plan for our life. In Ephesians 2:10 the Bible says we were created in Christ Jesus to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do. I want to encourage you today that God uses ordinary people (underdogs) because they can humble themselves and realize that God receives the glory. Rocky was a smashing success because we all love underdogs. God loves underdogs, too, and has chosen to use them throughout history to reveal His love and redemptive plan for mankind. Where will you allow God to use you? Mark Jackson is ministry executive at Mulder Memorial United Methodist Church in Wetumpka. He is married to Jeri and has four children: Kyle, Chase, Stephanie and Michele.
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September 27th - OCtober 31st Mon – Thurs: (Field Trips and Groups Only) Fri – Sat: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Sun: 1:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
TO PRATTVILLE
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We believe that God is one
Cow train | Hay Rides | Local Arts & Crafts | Fall decorations
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The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.
A day full of excitement and discovery
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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.
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Our Statement of Faith
14764 Alabama 14 - Valley Grande, AL 36701
334-375-2424 - www.yeargan.com
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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It is a question I often receive: What books do you recommend for new Christians? There is a short list of books I would love for every Christian to read shortly after they put their faith in Christ: Jerry Bridge’s The Discipline of Grace and R.C. Sproul’s The Holiness of God, to name just a couple. Another one I recommend widely is Donald Whitney’s Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life. First published in 1991, the book has finally been expanded and updated in a second edition. It is better than ever. Whitney bases the book around a simple command from 1 Timothy 4:7: “Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” Whitney explains, “If your purpose is godliness—and godliness is your purpose if you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, for He makes godliness your purpose—then how do you pursue that purpose? According to this verse, you “discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.” It is absolutely crucial that the Christian discipline himself to live a distinctly Christian life. In the first chapter Whitney dives right into the concept of spiritual disciplines, explaining that they exist for the purpose of godliness. They do not save us and do not make God love us more; rather, they are the means God uses River Region’s Journey
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to conform us to Christ’s image. “The Spiritual Disciplines are those personal and interpersonal activities given by God in the Bible as the sufficient means believers in Jesus Christ are to use in the Spirit-filled, gospel-driven pursuit of godliness, that is, closeness to Christ and conformity to Christ.” Through eleven chapters Whitney explains and unpacks ten important disciplines. He covers the disciplines of Bible intake (which receives two chapters), prayer, worship, evangelism, serving, stewardship, fasting, silence and solitude, journaling, and learning. As he does this, he provides a framework for living a God-glorifying Christian life. The book has several notable strengths. First, it is bounded by Scripture. It would be easy to go far beyond the limits of Scripture, and to make every good idea a biblical discipline. Whitney allows Scripture to speak and always submits to its authority. This is especially noteworthy since so many similar books tend to tip into mysticism or to advocate practices that are unbiblical. Whitney teaches nothing but what is 6
modeled in Scripture. He advocates a sola scriptura spirituality. Second, the book draws deeply from the Puritans and other Christians who have been committed to lives of godliness. Whitney pulls out many powerful quotes and illustrations drawn from days gone by. Third, the book is broad, covering ten important disciplines ranging from those done in quiet and secrecy (fasting and solitude) to those done in public view (worship and evangelism). Through the eleven chapters, the reader will receive Bible-based guidance that will impact every area of life. Fourth, the final chapter is a powerful call to persevere in these disciplines. If you are like me, you find it simple enough to maintain a discipline for a week or two, but then find your self-control lapsing and your old habits returning. These disciplines may bear some fruit if practiced for a week, but they will bear much better and much more lasting fruit if practiced over an entire lifetime. Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life was a book I read almost a decade ago—the first book I ever read on the subject of the spiritual disciplines. It proved foundational to my life and faith, and its lessons remain with me to this day. I am thrilled that there is now a second edition that has been both improved and expanded. I cannot commend it too highly. Note: Dr. Whitney has recently begun to blog at The Center for Biblical Spirituality. It may be a good blog to begin following.
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New Title from Local Author Aaron D. Cobb Loving Samuel: Suffering Dependence and the Calling of Love
“Loving Samuel is a retelling of the experience of welcoming and loving my son Samuel, who was diagnosed in utero with a chromosomal abnormality known as Trisomy 18. Samuel died January 2, 2012, just five hours after his birth. The experience of loving him and grieving his loss has profoundly shaped the character of my family. Loving Samuel weaves together both the narrative of our experience and broad thematic reflections on the human condition, the difficulties of loss and grief, the importance of friendship, and the necessity of virtues like faith and love for suffering well—for wresting something good from circumstances that seem meaningless.” Aaron D. Cobb is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Auburn University at Montgomery. His primary area of teaching is Medical Ethics and his research focuses primarily on the History of the Philosophy of Science. Loving Samuel by Aaron D. Cobb Cascade Books / Wipf and Stock Publishers 978-1-62564-126-7/ paperback / $16 / Available www.wipfandstock.com
Shine Like Stars 2014 Tour
Shine Like Stars 2014 Tour is coming to Coosa Outdoor Worship Spot in Coosa County. Moody once said, “Out of 100 men, one will read the Bible, 99 will read the Christian.” Shine is an evening to invite and cheer on our generation to stop ignoring the world around us and start engaging the world around us. It’s a call to invade the darkness, despair, and hopelessness with love, joy, beauty, grace…and, most of all, Jesus. It’s about living in such a way that people want what we have. Featuring Cody Deese (LeadNEXT.org) and the Chris Coleman Band (chriscolemanband.com). October 4, 2014. 1:00 – 5:00 pm Rec Time (pool open, weather permitting; paintball $5/person); 6:00 pm Meal Time, 7:00 pm Shine Like Stars event. Advance registration required. $35 per person. Contact Matt 334.451.1957 (voice or text) or matt@coosaoutdoorworship.org.
Foster Families Needed/Training
Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries is preparing for its 6th training class to start FAll 2014. They will begin their next session of foster care training classes in the Tri-County Area soon. For more information on foster care or to register for the classes, please contact Bobbi Olson, Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Family Ministries at 334-430-7569 or email bolson@ abchome.org for more information. River Region’s Journey
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Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places
You are invited to hear Angela Thomas (Bible teacher, national speaker and author) Thursday, September 25 6:30 pm to 9 pm First Baptist Church Worship Center 138 S. Washington Street, Prattville Admission is free. Refreshments will be served and an offering will be taken. Please join the event on Facebook at “Angela Thomas at FBC” or call the church at 365-0606 to register.
Email your ministry or church news to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.
An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church Montgomery, AL October 10, 2014 at 7 pm. More information and tickets: www.premierproductions.com/tour/gaither-tour-2014/montgomery-al.
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Aldersgate Methodist Men Host 30th Annual BBQ
Fall is almost upon us and that means it is time for some slow-cooked BBQ at the Aldersgate United Methodist Men’s 30th Annual Barbecue on Saturday, October 18. For only $8 per plate, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive-thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. Projects include Boy Scouts, United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) and other disaster relief organizations, hunger relief (such as the Society of Saint Andrew), short-term mission trips, and assistance for the elderly. For more information, contact Aldersgate United Methodist Church at 272-6152 or send email to aldersgateumm@gmail.com.
God of Order
Conference for Women
at Vaughn Forest Church, vaughnforest.com / 334-279-5433 September 2627, 2014 Fri. 7-9:30pm Sat. 8:30a.m. -12:30 p.m. Jo Hancock, Speaker Kim Hendrix, Guest speaker Jonathan Green, Worship Leader Tickets $25, Event Saver till 9/5 $30 regular after 9/5 $35 at door.
SHE HOLDS THE HOUSE RECORD FOR “MOST STATE CAPITALS RECALLED IN FIVE MINUTES” AND “BIGGEST HOLE DUG IN THE BACKYARD FOR NO APPARENT REASON.” and at Children’s of Alabama we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine.
C H I L D R E N A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
September is Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Month. For information and ways you can help, visit ChildrensAL.org/CommittedToACure. 1600 7TH AVENUE SOUTH BIRMINGHAM, AL 35233 (205) 638-9100 ChildrensAL.org
We’re committed to a cure and you can be too.
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Common Core: Stand in the Gap Alabama
Gateway to Hope
Breaking the Stigma of Moral Injury
Gateway to Hope: Breaking the Stigma of Moral Injury will be taking place September 9-10 at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. Gateway to Hope seeks to educate clergy, lay ministers, mental health and other health care professionals about the spiritual wounds of war and the faith community’s moral and spiritual responsibility to support their recovery. The two-day conference will equip the “first responders” to provide pastoral and mental health care as they reintegrate into the civilian world. Has someone come along side of you like Titus? Will you pay it forward? Will you be a comfort to others? Contact www.gatewaytohope2014. wordpress.com to spread the good news!
For those wanting to learn more about the Common Core programs in Alabama’s schools, there will be a free forum entitled ‘Stand In the Gap Alabama’ at the River City Church (formerly Dexter Ave UMC) at 301 Dexter Avenue in Montgomery on Thursday evening, September 11, beginning at 6:30pm. ‘Why can’t I help my child with Math?’, ‘Why are they rewriting history?’, ‘Why are they sexualizing children?’ Or ‘Why are they preparing for testing so much?’ are some of the questions that will be addressed by panelists Alice Linahan, Luca Bocci and Troy Towns. Linahan, of ‘Voices Empower’ and ‘Women on the Wall’, will share how concerned parents can use social media strategically and effectively. Luca has been active in promoting freedom in countries around the world. Montgomery resident Troy Towns is the Minority Outreach Director for the Republican Party in Alabama. No pre-registration is required, but those interested are encouraged to visit www.cityonahill.tv and click on Eventbrite to indicate their intention to attend. More information may also be obtained by going to Stop Common Core AL on Facebook.
For EvEry G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 TRADI TI O NAL W O RSH I P 8 : 3 0 AM & 11 : 0 0 A M SUNDAY SCH O O L 9 : 4 5 AM TH E W ELL 11 : 0 0 AM
www.prattvillemethodist.org River Region’s Journey
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River Region Sacred Music Festival
Do you love to sing? Do you sing in a small church choir? Did you sing in high school or college and now miss the experience of singing those masterpieces of choral music? Then We Want You to add your voice to ours! First Presbyterian Church, Prattville is hosting The River Region Sacred Music Festival this fall. Singers will have an opportunity to perform some of the finest sacred choral music ever written in a supportive and collegial environment under the direction of a master choral conductor. Rehearsals will begin in late August and the concert will take place on Sunday, October 12th at 3:00 in the afternoon. For additional information or to register visit www.sacredmusicfest.org or call 365-6387.
House of Holidays
Saturday, October 4, from 8am – 1pm at FUMC Wetumpka, 306 W. Tuskeena St. Come join us for a day of shopping fun... There will be: Arts and Crafts in the Depot, Bakery, Frozen Entrees, Second time around yard sale, Plants, Toys, Children’s Corner. Lunch served for $5 a plate. Call 334-567-7865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com for more information.
Area Groups Sponsoring Free Admission to ‘America’ Movie
FOR HIGH SCHOOL JRS & SENIORS, COLLEGE STUDENTS The movie “America” will be shown free to River Region high school juniors and seniors as well as college students at 10 am, Saturday, September 13th, at the AMC Theatre on Vaughn Road in Montgomery. The movie presents pro and con responses to the question “Was America evil and unfair in it’s infancy or was it innovative and benevolent?” Well known professors, historians and authors from the ‘left’ and ‘right’ give their views and opinions on this most important subject. The free, two-hour movie will be followed by a question and answer session. Several concerned citizens in the River Region believe that because “America” offers both sides of the story it’s vitally important that our youth and young adults have the opportunity to see and learn from this film. The goal is for them to think more about the subjects raised in the film. Seating for the free showing of “America” is limited. Space may be reserved by contacting Mary Long at 334-462-4214 or Phil Easter at 334-451-0366.
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St. Michael and All Angels Church 17th Annual Angel Fest
Terrific Tuesdays for Older Adults
Saturday, October 18 * 9 a.m.-1 p.m. On The Grounds Of The Church At 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. There will be a bake sale, silent auction, vendors selling unique wares, great concessions, entertainment plus a big children’s carnival. Last but not least is the sale of our famous Boston butts! All proceeds go to the outreach ministry of our church for Millbrook, and western Elmore County.
Terrific Tuesday Programs at First UMC, 2416 West Cloverdale Pk, welcomes all Senior Adults. 10 – 10:30 Fellowship and a Snack; 10:30 -11:30 Devotional and a program; 11:30 –Noon Lunch ($2.50) September Programs: September 2 – DVD of The Best of Movies ( FUMC Choir), September 9 – Donna McClinton Learn About City Prayer, September 15 – John Bell A Teaching on the History of FUMC, September 23 – Bingo, September 30 – Deanie Thompson Talks on Hope Questions? Call Nee Nee at 834-8990.
Parenting Today’s Teens Seminar
First Baptist Church presents Mark Gregston on October 5, from 3:30-5:30 pm. Also, additional speaking times at 8:30 am, 11 am, and 6:15 pm that day. Avoid the common pitfalls of parenting teens with these techniques. Tickets are free! Register today at www.montgomeryfbc.org or call 834.6310.
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Before my Advanced Heart Check, so did I.”
Sue Spencer had no idea she had a problem with her heart when she and
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her husband went in for an Advanced Heart Check at Baptist Health. “I was
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HEART CHECK
she got the news that one of her arteries had 80% blockage. After open heart surgery that probably saved her life, Sue doesn’t hesitate to recommend the test to everyone. “$199 is a small price to pay for something that could save your life, or at the very least give you peace of mind.”
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Post Office Mercy Many of us scratch our heads at the biblical statement that “… judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!” James 2:13 Mercy withholds punishment or condemnation from someone when punishment seems to be the obvious course of action. Our culture celebrates justice, and even revenge, but looks down on mercy. We seldom see mercy displayed, aside from leniency in our courts or a presidential pardon. I tried to remember when I had heard of someone showing mercy. Then I remembered a story from the Post Office.
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Back when stamps were 24 cents each, a new window clerk (let’s call him Jackson) had an opportunity to display mercy. I don’t recommend that everyone in retail do what he did. You might even say, don’t try this at home. But his story has a message. Jackson had been working at the window only a few weeks when a middle-aged woman approached his counter, put her hand into her heavy handbag and whispered, “This is a stickup!” He glanced around the room. There were three other window clerks, two to his right, one to his left. There were about a dozen customers in line 15 feet away. None of them appeared to have heard her. He studied the robber for a moment. She did not fit the profile, wrong gender, wrong age, wrong clothing. Her handbag had made a thud when she plopped it on the counter. It sounded like metal hitting metal. She could have a gun in there or she could have a can of soup. He knew when she drove away her car tag would be easily seen from the windows. The chances of her getting away with this stunt were zero. He decided that she didn’t really want to rob a post office. She looked worried. She must be desperate for a way out of her troubles. Besides, the penalty for postal theft was 10 years in federal prison without parole. She didn’t look like she could stand up under that strain. 14
So as he opened his stamp drawer, he said, “I don’t hear so well, Ma’am, but I think you said you wanted a book of stamps. Is that right?” The lady stiffened. She kept her right hand in the bag, leaned over the counter and said, “You think I’m kidding; don’t you?” Her eyes glared right into his. About this time one of the other clerks started listening in on the conversation. Jackson replied, “No, Ma’am, I don’t have any of those stamps today. Just these flags, but they should do just fine.” He placed a book of stamps on the counter and pushed them a little toward the customer. She stared at him for a long moment and reached for the stamps. He quickly put his hand over the stamp book and said, “That will be $4.80, Ma’am.” She stood motionless for a few moments as if trying to understand what was happening. When her right hand came out of the handbag it held a billfold. She pulled out a five dollar bill and put it on the counter. Jackson took the money and handed her the stamps with her change. He said, “You know, my memory is not that good. I probably will not remember that you came in today. I may not even think to jot down your tag number. I am so forgetful.” She nodded thoughtfully, sighed, stared into his eyes, and said, “Thank you.” Then she left. He never saw her again. When the eavesdropping clerk reported the incident, Jackson told his supervisor, “A lady came in and bought a book of stamps. I don’t see anything unusual about that.” That’s the story. Chances are you will not encounter a would-be robber today. But you may know someone who is about to make some other tragic mistake, unless a merciful person stops them. Maybe you don’t see yourself as the merciful type. You think it’s none of your business. Let them learn the hard way. But before you look away, think of this. If you know the Lord, His mercy on the cross saved you from something far worse than federal prison.
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vinced me to be gentle and accept people where they are, then set out to show them the love of Jesus. My faith has become stronger as I witness the amazing changes in marriages, relationships and ministry opportunities. God is stirring in the River Region.
what you can give. Also, I Timothy 6:10: For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. Maintaining perspective and using your resources efficiently can help people avoid either of these traps. These verses mean so much because I have been there and done that...t-shirt included.
RRJ: You’ve been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for 22 years. For our readers who aren’t familiar with your line of work, can you tell us what your job entails?
RRJ: I know you’ve been involved in a local church since becoming a believer, but you stepped up five years ago to help give leadership at Centerpoint Church, which started in Prattville and now has several satellite campuses in the River Region. Why do you believe it’s important to get connected with a church and use your talents there?
I love my career. It has given me the opportunity to help families send children to college, plan for retirement and live in retirement. We do this by sitting down face to face with clients and setting goals. We then select investments to achieve them. Our greatest joy at the office is celebrating with families when they reach their financial goals.
RRJ: Lane, thank you for sharing your story with our readers. To begin, tell us about your relationship with Christ. Have you been a devoted follower of Christ for a long time? My journey with Jesus began at age 12, but like others, I did not stay on course. In 1981, I met my wife, Teresa, who led me to a deeper understanding of God and how to thirst for the Gospel. From that moment on I wanted to learn, serve and comprehend God’s path for my life. In 1988, I recommitted my life to Christ through baptism. Many older men took care of me and taught me the ways of a Godly man. My desire is to be the best husband, father, friend and mentor. RRJ: A relationship with Christ is dynamic and growing. How has your faith changed since first becoming a believer? When you first commit your life to Christ, I believe expectations for family and friends is simply, “Get on Board People!” I had very little patience and high expectations for my Christian family. Over the years, the Word and Holy Spirit have conRiver Region’s Journey
September 2014
RRJ: The financial markets can be volatile, as we’ve experienced a few times over the past eight years, causing a lot of stress in people’s lives. How does your faith effect the way you advise people regarding their finances? We are not promised tomorrow, but just in case, prepare for the expected and the unexpected. By establishing client goals early in the process, our work and focus is to meet the objective, not predict the market. Maintaining a proper long term focus is very biblical. I have faith that God works in all circumstances (Economy good or bad.) As we patiently wait on Jesus’ return, we look forward to the most important goal--eternal life with the Father. I actually deepen my relationships with clients during those most difficult times and experience tremendous growth in my faith. RRJ: I’m sure Scriptures regarding finances stick out to you when you’re reading the Bible. Can you share a couple in particular and tell us why they mean so much to you? Proverbs 1:19: Such is the fate of all who are greedy for money, it robs them of life. So true for most of society today, where the focus is on what you can get and not 16
God has called us all to serve in His kingdom. The last couple of years have seen tremendous growth for Centerpoint’s multisite ministry with locations in Prattville, Pike Road, Wetumpka and now Cloverdale. Jesus left us with a call to action as recorded by Matthew in the 28th chapter. I believe that lives change through serving together and there is no better place than with a body of believers with one mission in mind... “Go into all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 29:19) Disciples, Disciples, Disciples. God never designed us to do the work alone. I encourage everyone to get connected in some way with a local body of believers. RRJ: Finally, as a mature believer, what are some spiritual practices you’ve incorporated in your life that you would encourage all of us to implement as well? Still working on the maturity. A daily walk with God must include prayer and devotional/study time. God wants us to get to know Him better. The Gospel was never intended to be complicated (we complicate it.) My advice, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind (Bible study.) Second, but equally as important, love your neighbor as yourself. Look for ways to serve others locally or internationally. We have to be mission minded. Serve others and your joy will overflow. Lane and his wife Teresa live in Prattville and have three adult children and one grandchild. They attend Centerpoint Fellowship Church where Lane serves as an Elder.
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Can You Hear It? Deuteronomy 11:13, 16-17: “If you carefully obey all the commands I am giving you today, and if you love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul, and if you worship him, then he will send the rains in their proper seasons…But do not let your heart turn away from the Lord…if you do, He will shut up the sky and hold back the rain…” Luke 22: 33-34: “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” If you’re a believer in Christ, you probably think surely you would never deny knowing your Heavenly Father, or turn away from the Lord. I’m sure Peter felt that way too, the disciple who “at once” followed Jesus. Matthew 4:18-20: “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” AT ONCE they left their nets and followed Him… complete trust, complete devotion, complete loyalty… among Jesus’ first disciples. Surely one of them would never deny or turn away from our Lord? It’s one of the most familiar stories in the Bible, Peter denying three times that he even knew Jesus, as Jesus stood River Region’s Journey
September 2014
trial. After the third denial, just as Jesus had said, the rooster crowed, and as Scripture tells us, “Peter wept bitterly.” You can feel Peter’s shame, guilt and pain--the emotion of a follower suddenly turning his back on our Lord-- and then the rooster crowed. Peter heard it and he wept. I wonder when we turn away, do we hear it? Can we hear the rooster crow? I’m not talking about standing up and saying, “I don’t even know you Jesus” or worshiping a gold calf, but that inward turning away. Maybe it’s a quick decision where you know you’re acting outside of God’s will. Maybe a quick reaction, harsh words, your temper flares and you know it’s not what God wanted you to say or do. Can we hear the rooster? I hope so! So we can repent and start anew. In reading the Old Testament, it amazes me how many times God takes back His people. God has freed the Israelites from a life of slavery in Egypt, but still they find reason to complain— not enough to eat, the same old thing to eat, the complaining and worshiping of false idols, the “turning away” goes on and on, and still God beckons them to come back. 18
Deuteronomy 30:2-3: “If at that time you return to the Lord your God, and you and your children begin wholeheartedly to obey all the commands I have given you today, then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes.” Our Heavenly Father wants so badly to bless us and He wants us to love and choose Him. Peter grabbed his second chance. He heard the rooster crow, wept bitterly, repented and started anew. Three denials, three questions, three affirmations. After dying on the cross and rising from the grave, Jesus appeared to his disciples. As we see in the 21st chapter of John, Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you truly love me?” Three times Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know all things, you know that I love you.” Jesus’ answer all three times is “Feed my sheep.” In other words, live out your faith, tell others about me, and show them my love through your very walk! In our flesh, there will be times when we stumble, when we inwardly turn away or deny our Lord. I pray at those times, we can hear it--the rooster. I pray at those times, we repent and listen to our Lord calling us back, “Do you love me, do you truly love me?” Say “yes” and get back to the work of feeding His sheep.
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September 2014 Pastor Apprec ad_Layout 1 8/21/14 12:08 PM Page 1
OCTOBER
2013 winners
is Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month!
WEEK ONE: Eastmont Baptist Church, Montgomery WEEK TWO: Hillcrest Baptist Church, Enterprise WEEK THREE: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Hayneville
An opportunity to honor your pastor and the staff of your church this October. Faith Radio team members want to have lunch with members of your church staff during October! Go to FaithRadio.org and share how God is working through your pastor or church staff member. Listen for your words of appreciation to be shared on the air. Throughout the month, we will choose churches to receive lunch from us and Chick-fil-A! Another effective way to show thanks to your pastor or staff member is by sharing a gift to the ministry of Faith Radio in his or her honor.
WEEK FOUR: Open Door Baptist Church, Prattville
The elders who rule well are to be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching. - 1 Timothy 5:17
WEEK FIVE: Auburn United Methodist Church, Auburn WEEK SIX: Southside Baptist Church, Andalusia
Enjoy food, fun and fellowship! F I F T E E N T H
A N N U A L
Golf Tournament Tuesday, September 23, 2014 ARROWHEAD COUNTRY CLUB
.
800-239-8900 • www.faithradio.org Listen LIVE Now at www.faithradio.org | Montgomery WLBF 89.1FM | Andalusia WSTF 91.5FM Dothan WDYF 90.3FM | Eufaula 91.9FM | Alexander City 94.1FM | SylacaugaSeptember 94.1FM 2014 | Thorsby/Jemison 96.9FM River Region’s Journey 19
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Just before the Christmas holidays, Lesley Dormen’s phone rang. The voice at the other end was so frail and frightened she had a hard time recognizing that it was Toni, her former college roommate. Though they had been close in school, they didn’t speak often nor did they see each other much as both lived in different cities. “What’s wrong?” asked Lesley. “I have cancer,” Toni replied. She was anxious because it was a recurrence of the breast cancer she’d been treated for 10 years earlier and had now spread to her stomach and ribs. Unmarried and living alone, Toni had recently experienced her first three rounds of chemotherapy. Extremely weary and discouraged, she phoned her college friend who listened compassionately. When the conversation was over, Lesley River Region’s Journey
September 2014
immediately called an airline and made a reservation. Next she phoned her husband at work to let him know that they would have to cancel all their weekend plans. Finally, she called Toni back saying “I am coming over this very weekend.” During that time, they cooked and ate together, selected a wig to cover her balding head, looked through piles of old photographs and laughed together. As the weekend drew to an end, Toni said to Lesley: “This is the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” Because of the magnificent way Lesley extended friendship, Toni’s spirits were raised significantly. Friends are the most important ingredient in the recipe called ‘life’. Good friends help us not only deal with traumas and 20
trials but guide us in our relationships, pilot us through our careers, motivate us when our spirit is weak, and help us adjust to life’s many changes and challenges. “Friendship is one of the sweetest joys of life. Many might have failed beneath the bitterness of their trial had they not found a friend,” observed minister and author Charles Haddon Spurgeon. Similarly, the Bible stresses the importance of friendship: “Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively. If one of them falls down, the other can help him up. But if someone is alone and falls, it is just too bad because there is no one to help him.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Today’s English Version) Here are seven ways to be a better friend.
#1. Cultivate friendship attitudes. Being a better friend means
cultivating the attitudes which nurture and grow a relationship. The mindset for friendship includes encouragement, support, positive reinforcement, showing and speaking your love and appreciation. In his book The Fine Art of Friendship, Ted W. Engstrom says deep friendships are forged on praise and seeing the good in another. To further those goals, he invites people to consider these questions: “Why is it often so difficult for us to say an encouraging word to those we love the most? Why do we tend to overlook the obvious good and dwell instead on the negative? What are the reasons for the roadblocks we set up that keep us from truly being a friend to those we love the most? What can we do to change our attitudes and behavior?”
#2. When your friend is in crisis, show up. Let your friendship be a shelter-
ing tree from the blistering sun of adversity. Show up for your friend whenever he or she experiences a crisis. Go to the funeral when a friend’s loved one has died. Visit your friend when he or she is hospitalized. Offer your unconditional support, your undivided atten-
tion, your shoulder to lean on. When Vivian’s husband ended his life by suicide, she called her friend Jonathan who immediately came to her home. He helped Vivian with funeral arrangements, fielded phone calls, stayed at her side during the entire funeral visitation, sat beside her in the chapel during the service and accompanied her to the cemetery. “It was the saddest period in my life. I don’t know how I could have endured it all without Jonathan’s constant presence at my side,” she says.
#3. Stand by your friends. Journalist Walter Winchell’s defined friendship this way: “A friend is one who walks in when others walk out.” When your friend is under criticism or attack, stand with them. The model for this loyalty is Jesus. In Mark 2 the Pharisees came to Jesus criticizing his disciples because they picked and ate wheat on the Sabbath. Obviously, Jesus knew the rules and that his disciples had indeed violated Jewish law. However, instead of attacking his friends, he defended them by reminding the Pharisees that human need triumphed over Jewish dietary rules and regulations. “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath,” he bluntly told the Pharisees. Another example of Jesus standing by someone under attack is
in John 8. A woman accused of adultery was dragged before him. Clearly she had violated Jewish law. At a critical time in his ministry, Jesus could have won the Pharisees support and approval by agreeing with them. Instead, he defended the woman by asking the Pharisees: “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
#4. Walk in your friends shoes.
Do this especially when you find yourself questioning some action your friend has taken. Doing so will prevent you from making careless, friend destroying judgments. Consider this wisdom from Florence Isaacs author of Toxic Friends; True Friends. “Not everyone feels the same way about a situation. To understand why people do the crazy things they sometimes do, put yourself in their place and try to understand their point of view.”
#5. Apply your faith. When a friend is discouraged, upset, or facing a life challenge, bring spiritual resources to bear. Salley Shannon tells about a time when she was struggling with a freelance writing assignment. She mentioned the issue to a good friend who
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listened and then responded: “Wow, would you like me to pray for you?” Shannon recalls thinking: there is no gracious response to that but ’yes, thank you.’ Her friend’s prayer left a permanent impression on Shannon. What she prayed was this: “Thank you that Salley has this opportunity, which will provide money for her family to live on. Thank you that she can do it in a comfortable office right in her own home. Thank you for her editor’s trust in her.” That prayer nudged Shannon out of the mire of self-pity. “I had lost sight of a cornerstone principle of my life: to live every day in a spirit of thanksgiving.” When their conversation was over, Shannon says she went right back to work. “I can’t say I enjoyed the writing. But I did it gratefully, conscious all the wile that I could have been doing work I liked even less.”
#6. Celebrate important events together. The headline in the local
newspaper at McMinnville, Oregon read: One prom. One boy. Seven dates. One prom date is usually a major event in the life of a
teenager, but Luke Buchheit, 17, pulled off an incredible feat by bringing seven young ladies to the prom. As the big day approached, Buchheit didn’t know who to invite so he asked his cousin how many girls still had no dates for the big dance. “I might have been half-joking at first when I said I’d take them all, but then I thought, this might be kind of cool,” he said. So in the weeks before the May 2 prom, Luke made seven phone calls. Then he ordered seven corsages and a boutonniere with seven rhinestones. He also worked to raise $500 to buy eight prom tickets, his tux and an eight-person dinner. Seated at the head of the table, flanked by two rows of glittering
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Join us in September for our 185th Anniversary celebration! September 2014
Victor M. Parachin is a minister and author of a dozen books.
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River Region’s Journey
females, Luke couldn’t help but feel it was worth it. Men stopped to pat him on the back. An elderly woman worked up the nerve to ask what everyone else was wondering: “Does one of you have a date and the rest are going alone?” she asked. “No,” the girls said. “We’re all going with Luke.” Though the girls joked about “Luke’s harem,” friendship overruled romance. Many of the teens have known each other since kindergarten. The lesson: being a better friends involves celebrating important events together whether it’s a prom, a graduation, a promotion, a birth, a baptism, etc. Always remember this: though friendship may not remove a person’s troubles and difficulties it softens the blow and strengthens the will. Lesley Dormen summarizes her weekend visit with Toni this way: “Did I restore her thick, wavy hair? Did I beat back her cancer? No. I simply gave what was in my power to give - some small measure of comfort.” In our daily living, the simple act of extending friendship diminishes grief and increases joy.
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Why Jesus? Imagine walking into a college classroom, a bar, or, for that matter, a church, and asking people the following question: When you think of Jesus Christ, what are some of the words that come to mind? What would they say? Some possibilities seem like a pretty safe bet… Good. Holy. Merciful. Righteous. Miracle-worker. God the Son. Messiah. Redeemer. Savior. Cynical members of your audience might add a few less reverent phrases to the list, but by and large, people have a very positive view of the Lord Jesus; I suspect that you’d hear all of the terms above sooner rather than later. Any Christian, of course, will be quick to endorse all of these as apt descriptions of our Lord. So far, so good. There is, however, an important category of interrelated terms that most people don’t typically apply to Jesus. That category includes words like… Smart. Intelligent. Genius. Insightful. Think about this for a moment. It is an interesting phenomenon, isn’t it? While working on this column, I did a Google search for the phrase “words associated with Jesus.” The first link that came up listed 203 words, but not one which would suggest that Jesus was particularly bright. The next link was titled “100 Words to Describe Jesus Christ,” and it made the same omission—though its author did find “smiting” worthy of inclusion! What is especially peculiar about all of this, in my opinion, is that Jesus is generally acknowledged—even by non-Christians—to be one of the greatest teachers who ever lived. And this fact helps us to respond to one of the most common challenges raised against our faith. Many people find it objectionable
when Christians insist that there is just one truth. They maintain that it is intolerant or unreasonable to assert that the Christian faith is uniquely true. Now, this objection is itself quite problematic, but let’s not worry about that for now. Instead, let’s consider the challenge raised by many of our non-Christian friends and acquaintances: with so many different religions in the world, there’s no good reason to choose yours rather than any of the others. Is that really the case? Jesus, after all, is admired as an extraordinary person by huge numbers of thoughtful and informed people, even those who are not his followers. Buddhists often point to him as a teacher in the tradition of the Buddha. Muslims consider him a prophet. Some Hindus see Jesus as an incarnation of Krishna. Many secularists point to his moral teachings as a high-water mark of the ancient world. In short, the genius of Jesus is no secret, even if we sometimes manage to hide it under a bushel. Jesus stands head and shoulders above the rest of the world’s great teachers and religious leaders. No one—and I mean literally no one—has ever achieved nearuniversal admiration in the way Jesus of 23
Nazareth has. Think about what this means for us. If we recognize, as we must, that we need help, that we’re not equipped to figure it all out for ourselves, and that we need a guide through this life, and if we survey the available options, well… who is there other than Jesus? Even setting aside the evidence for the Resurrection and the historical reliability of the New Testament, the acknowledged brilliance of Jesus Christ gives us good reason to turn to him rather than to someone else. The world already recognizes that he’s smart. Let us not fail to do the same.
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Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Cloverdale Baptist, 608 E. Fairview Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, beginning with dinner at 5:30 p.m., Praise and worship, 6:30, Open Share Small Groups, 7:30, and Cafe, at 8:30. Call 265-9223. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 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 at Bell Road, 5 Bell Rd, Montgomery, 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 more resources on sex addiction, please visit https://saa-recovery.org/. For more local information, please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m. Men only.
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September 2014
Loc Div 101 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, group meets in Fellowship Hall at Coosada Baptist Church, Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal), 6pm (large group), 7pm (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: 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. 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: St Luke UMC (Education Bldg), 2518 Upper Wetumpka Road at Crestview St and Federal Drive. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. Meets every Monday night - 7:00 p.m. Men and women. 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. Contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m. Location: Victory Temple Church (located behind Wetumpka Walmart) ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Monday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets
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from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne Johnston at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. For info, call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.
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Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. For more information, contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or by email 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 Highway in Church Annex. For more info, call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.
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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: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Divorce Recovery meets Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m., Bldg. 101. Call 365.5977.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272-8622. Location: The Special Grind, Pratt’s Mill Shopping Strip, 2096 Highway 14 DivorceCare, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. For more information, dates and time changes visit www.fbcprattville.org and click the DivorceCare link.
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Gambling
Location: Trinity Episcopal Church, 5375 US HWY 231 (Across from the Winn-Dixie shopping center) Wetumpka. Saturdays @ 7pm. 334-5677534
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Location: Mental Health Association, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.
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Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline number: 334-541-5420
Grief
Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. We have an annual special event on Tuesday, Dec. 4. We will hold a Candlelight Ceremony in memory of our children at 7 p.m. at Eastmont Baptist Church. Registration is encouraged and may be made by calling (334) 284-2721. We will also collect Toys for Tots. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Recovery, Thursday nights at 7 p.m., in Wesley Hall Room 104. Call 365.5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622. 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 more information, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail us at mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets – Tuesday 5:30 PM in the Friendship Sunday School Class Room. Call 285-4114 for more info. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experience. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets
every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.
Homosexuality
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. The Barnabas Group, created to address the needs of those in conflict with homosexual thoughts and feelings meets first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m., in the library at the Life Center. 277.5800.
Miscellaneous
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) This group provides understanding, education and information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. This group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 in room 3103. For more information contact Mary Jo Logan (334) 271-2280. Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555.
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: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174 for information. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com. Location: First Baptist Church, Montgomery 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Go to www.montgomeryfbc.org/MOPS or contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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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 who is affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected are encouraged to attend. To receive information, please call 396-4534. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622. Location: Taylor Road Baptist Church, 1785 Taylor Rd., Montgomery Gluten Intolerance Group of Montgomery meets on 2nd Thursdays from 6-7 p.m. Check the blog for special “alternate site” meetings and other info at www.glutenfreemontgomery.blogspot.com.
Pregnancy Loss & Infertility
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St., Prattville Hannah’s Prayer--for women dealing with pregnancy loss/ infertility issues. Meeting 2nd Thursday and 3rd Sunday of each month. Call 365.5977.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg. 7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol. com or 354-8869.
Veterans
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta 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! September 2014
River Region’s Journey
What Are God’s Instructions for Marriage? Dr. Emerson Eggerichs is known for his work with helping couples find happiness in marriage through Paul’s simple instructions. He shares how frustrated he had become counseling couples until he was struck by two words found in Ephesians 5: love and respect. Suddenly, the words in this familiar Bible verse transformed his marriage counseling ministry. Since then, he has found that by embracing these Biblical instructions, marriages are changed from chaotic to calm or from feeling shaky to stable. What exactly does Ephesians 5:33 say? “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.” Is it really that simple? Christ wants us to relate with unconditional love and respect. However, in Eggerichs’ research, he found that during times of conflict in marriage, 83% of men said that they feel disrespected and 72% of women feel unloved. Eggerichs states, “Unconditional respect is as powerful for him as unconditional love is for her.” Is your behavior respectable and lovable? Are you sacrificial in your marriage? Although your spouse may be difficult, we are responsible for our reactions toward them. Even though we may be hurt, disappointed, angry, or frustrated, we always have a choice to respond honorably with love and respect rather than toxic contempt. Paul’s instructions for Christian households in Ephesians 5 explain that spouses should have a conciliatory attitude toward their beloved in Christian marriages. Mutual submission is reciprocal, associated with the filling of the Spirit, and part of Christian love. River Region’s Journey
September 2014
Ephesians 5: 21-25, 28, 33: 21 Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands as you do to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24 Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…. 28 In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself…. 33 However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband. (NIV)
Much like Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church, husbands are called to devote themselves to the welfare of their wives, even above their own. The act of total sacrifice by husbands for their beloved is an extreme and courageous expression of devotion and actually more than wives are called upon to make. Sacrificial love and respect are the lifeblood of marriage. Women are called to respect their husbands as they respect Christ, but when they are sacrificially and unconditionally loved as Christ loved the Church, they honor and respect their husbands more readily. In the Ephesians translation in The Message, Paul calls us to be “courteously reverent to one another.” Paul asks wives to “understand and support your husbands” and for husbands to provide leadership “not by domineering but by cherishing” in “a love marked by giving, not getting.” Paul wrote about the expectations of Christians in Colossians Chapter 3 and instructs husbands and wives immediately after discussing Christian behavior as a whole. The NIV translation instructs husbands to “love your wives and do not be harsh with them.” 26
Peter writes in 1 Peter 3, that married Christians should be considerate, respecting and honoring one another and treating each other as equals. In reference to the term “lack some of your advantages,” Peter is most likely referring to women as having less physical strength rather than lacking strength of character, moral stamina or mental capacity as sometimes misinterpreted. Salvation is offered equally to women. Other translations use the term “weaker partner” or the “weaker sex.” Peter commands Christians, without exception, to be agreeable, sympathetic, loving, compassionate and humble without retaliation or sarcasm. Married spouses should do no less. 1 Peter 3:7-12: 7 The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives. Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground. 8-12 Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you, no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless—that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing. (MSG)
Therefore, honoring Christ by sacrificially loving and respecting one another will enrich your marriage, your spouse will be blessed and you in turn will be blessed. In the marriages where I have seen these Biblical principles practiced, marriages and families have been restored and sustained. Perhaps praying for the ability to sacrificially love and respect your spouse would enrich your marriage. 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.
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Macon East Academy is an independent, college preparatory school focused on excellence in academics, athletics, and achievement. Our accelerated curriculum is complemented by offerings in performing and visual arts, music, foreign language, and over 20 interscholastic sports, as well as a 1:1 Apple iPad program for students in grades 1 - 12. At Macon East, our students are held to high standards in all areas of student life, and Christian values are reinforced throughout all school programs. Small class sizes and a safe, nurturing environment give every student the opportunity to excel. Macon East is more than a school; we are a family. Schedule a campus tour today, and find out why Macon East is the right school for your student.
Macon East Academy
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Located 7 miles east of Chantilly Parkway, just minutes from Montgomery 27
September 2014
River Region’s Journey
7 Lies Christians Believe We have to be so careful that we do not buy in to lies that creep into our own consciousness that would discourage us, distort our view of God and His faithfulness, and make us unproductive in our Christian life. Sometimes we will fall victim to the aggressive lies that the enemy, who is termed by Jesus as the “father of lies,” will place in our minds. Other times we believe the press that we write about ourselves willingly -- ultimately, the origin is the same, the delivery method is similar -- in our minds. We make a conscious choice to walk in a false spiritual reality. I crafted a list of 7 lies that we might believe about ourselves. This is by no means exhaustive, but I think this list can provide us with some food for thought.
First up: God can’t love you – you are not worthy of His love. God’s
love was demonstrated by the sacrifice of His Son for us so that we might have relationship with Him. By thinking that there is something we can do to exit the love of God is placing an unscriptural emphasis on works - on what we can do to earn His love. His love is not something we can earn, but rather something that we receive and experience.
The next lie: You are invincible and the center of your own universe. We might develop an exaggerated sense of our own importance. We have to be so careful that we don’t make life all about us and expect life to revolve around us. God doesn’t not want us to merely “consult” with Him or give lipservice to His presence and His principles. He desires for us River Region’s Journey
September 2014
to humbly recognize that our lives are not our own. Another lie that we have to guard against is that: Your relationship with God is directly related to how much you do for Him. There’s a fine line here, because our faith in Christ and the presence of the indwelling Spirit will produce fruit, or evidence, in our lives. We can become so intent on validating our Christian credentials that we wear ourselves out spiritually in trying to somehow do enough to make God like us. We have to make sure that we are not attempting to earn favor with Him. Fear is an area that can paralyze us, and one related lie may go something like this: Things might be going well now, but the other shoe could drop at any time. I think that some people may have a hard time believing that life could actually produce joy rather than misery and hope rather than heartache. We may even regard an improvement of our condition, a blessing of God, as a temporary fix. Our expectations become fueled by fear, not faith. When we do encounter suffering and our circumstances seemingly go south, we can walk in a manner of being free from fear and reliant on God’s faithfulness. Another lie presents a pessimistic view of other people: You can’t trust people; they’ll only let you down or they’re out to get you anyway. We might have been disappointed by others and acquired a victim mentality or a persecution complex. Remember, we serve a God who 28
believes the best for us, who is for us and not against us, who desires for us to believe the best about other people. Allow the One who will never let you down to change your point of view. Another destructive lie is: Try to work your problems out for yourself, and when you’ve exhausted all your options, try God. If we have been born again, the Spirit of God is in our hearts, and He is there to direct and strengthen us, acting in accordance with God’s Word to enable us to live a fulfilling Christian life. We are called to be dependent on God, not independent of His direction. We have access to the mind of Christ, and as we abide in Him, His ways become our first option, really our only option, for our walk in life. Finally: God’s way is best, but you need to help Him out a little. God does not need our help. I think one of the great challenges of the Christian life is to recognize that as believers, we are to no longer occupy the throne of our lives - we have surrendered to a higher authority, who loves us, has our best in mind, knows us well, and is calling us to walk in His truth. He is totally sufficient for us! We are called to renew our minds to the Scriptures and to know and believe God’s truth, rejecting the lies that enter our minds and to totally embrace what God says to us. 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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River Region’s Journey
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Let’s face it. Being single can be hard. Especially in the South and especially
in Montgomery and the River Region. Marriage, while a good gift, is often times elevated to something the Church places a high premium on and it’s easy for the single friends around us to walk a confusing path of defining life by whether or not they are married in the midst of walking out their faith. River Region’s Journey sat down with singles ranging in age from 26 to 51 to hear about their experiences. Whatever their age, all of them agreed there seems to be a focus on the challenges instead of the opportunities to being single within the Church. However, we also talked with a few ministries in the River Region serving singles in a way that equips them to walk with Jesus, find healing for past hurts and companionship for the journey. Let’s begin by saying that marriage is something to be desired. One day with River Region’s Journey
September 2014
the man in the garden and the Lord knew that it was not good for man to be alone. Marriage is a big deal to God. His heart for it is incredibly evident. But what takes up more space in the Bible? How to have a good marriage or how to be a follower of Jesus? A good marriage, or any relationship for that matter, doesn’t happen without first being a devoted follower of Jesus. That is the only relationship that will last. Many of the single people we talked to feel like their singleness isn’t suffering, but rather an opportunity to serve and pour into those around them in ways they don’t think they would have the ability to do if married. Others we spoke to told us that while they want to make the most of their time being single, it’s a hard reality and something they truly struggle with. Their honesty was refreshing and rejuvenating and our conversations with them allowed us to hear the ways they feel like the Church can equip them as a follower of 30
Jesus before anything else. Here are what three of those we spoke with had to say:
Singleness as a Journey to True Identity | Emily: 30 years old, an
Alabama transplant living as a missionary in South Africa Growing up in the Bible Belt, Emily was accustomed to peer-based ministry. She was a part of her youth group, which naturally led her to join a large college ministry at Auburn University. After her time at college was over, she ventured into the world of singles ministry. She says what she found felt more like a support group than a place to truly grow in faith. “The thing is I didn’t even feel bad about being single before I entered that room,” says Emily. “I was just a young woman who loved Jesus and was seeking to live life alongside some other people my age, but it felt as if they inextricably linked my
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relationship with Jesus to my marriage status, and as a result I spent the next few years on a confusing, somewhat painful journey of learning my life was not defined by being married or not, which ultimately led me on a quest for identity.” The intentions of the church were good, no doubt, but the repercussions were difficult for Emily as she navigated this new life transition. “On one hand we have marriage as an end and goal and on the other hand we have celibacy as a high, true calling. Both are applauded in Christian culture. The cost of this is the Church is developing a generation of believers who have been told that marriage is the destination and if they haven’t arrived yet for some unknown reason, they shouldn’t worry because Paul says being single is better!” Emily doesn’t believe it’s that easy. “Some days being single is easy and freeing and other days it’s flat-out hard,” she explains. “It would be so amazing if the church sought to equip the saints as followers of Jesus, not single, married, divorced, or widowed people. Not that we can’t or shouldn’t minister to each of those people groups, that is very important, but it’s not the main thing. Jesus is the main thing. We fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Earthly relationships are not the perfecters of our faith and though the Lord uses them greatly, Jesus is the only man for that.” Being single is a very real and palpable sensation. To know and believe that The Lord has created someone for you, and not yet have it, can ache inside of you. So how do you specifically encourage that? How do you comfort a waiting season? How do you focus on singles as individuals who are valued and capable? “Hope. Give me hope,” says Emily. “Help us discover who we are and what we’re made to do. Walk with us. Empower us to serve our world in a way that’s powerful and full of love by helping us realize we are loved by God.”
Singleness is an Opportunity to Love Beyond Yourself | Kellie, 51
Eighteen years ago, Kellie found herself single after five years of marriage. A few years later, Kellie became a devoted follower of Jesus Christ and a few years after that the Lord turned her life upside down. Kellie made a decision to give her life and the freedom, as she calls 31
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River Region’s Journey
it, to serve others. Today, Kellie runs a social business that teaches mostly single mothers in transitional programs skills in sewing and upholstery with the hope of allowing them to attain sustainable jobs. “Living in the Kingdom of God is about so much more than being married. Marriage is great and I know that the Lord loves it and sees it as a beautiful way to display His relationship with us as the Church, but there is something to be said for those of us who are not married, especially those of us many would consider older.” Kellie says she knows that as a single woman who is 51 she has the ability to do things most people in her stage of life can’t do. “It’s not that one is better than the other, just different,” says Kellie. Kellie believes that at the end of this world, the only thing that lasts is our ultimate identity as citizens of heaven and that we are all called to love beyond ourselves. “Some of us love our husbands and our children, and those of us without those people in our lives have an opportunity to seek out and love others who may be outside of our comfort zone to love. Regardless, we all can love and be loved. Our definition as a married, unmarried, di-
vorced or widow doesn’t matter as much as our identity in Christ,” says Kellie. “If God chooses marriage to finish the good work he started in someone I think that is great, but if not being married makes me more like Christ, then that is great!” Kellie believes the Church needs to celebrate all callings and that we should empower the single people in our lives to not feel like they have to wait until they say “I do” to live, but say “Yes!” to Jesus and whatever opportunities He is putting in front of them. “It’s hard to believe sometimes, but His way is always His best for us.”
How the Church Can Serve Singles Better | Elizabeth, 27
Elizabeth says that while she has had good experiences at singles ministry gatherings and formed great friendships, she also sees it is hard for people to not focus on being there to meet someone. Her passion to see the single people she knows truly know themselves as loved by God, and also focus on the One who created us all to be fulfilled in relationship with Himself, is an overflow of her own experience.
“My vision for the church better equipping singles are four things,” says Elizabeth. “Falling in love with the Lord, helping singles find their purpose and identity in Christ, showing women how they are created to be pursued and showing guys how they are created to pursue women.” Elizabeth is discovering these things for herself and as she has been motivated to help others realize them, too. “No matter where we are in life, our number one focus must be that we fall in love with Jesus—that He is our number one and our source of love and comfort,” says Elizabeth. “So often, we put people ahead of God. We put our boyfriends, girlfriends, husbands, wives, and children above God. We look to them as our source of fulfillment and love. Because we are broken people, that fulfillment and love is only temporary. I believe we need to be established and rooted in His love.” It’s this realization that helps Elizabeth realize her relationship status is not meant to be pitied, but embraced. “I was talking to someone several years older than me about this time in my life, and she told me simply to cherish this time. Lord willing, this time of complete
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One of the many reasons to smile...
“ ” Prattville Location 460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, AL 36066 (334) 358-6411
www.SmilesFromUs.com River Region’s Journey
September 2014
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to gather together with others who are in their same stage of life. Here are a few that are working to equip people regardless of their label to follow Jesus into the places He is calling them beyond marriage.
S-STOP – Singles Strengthened
Together for One Purpose S-STOP is a blended group of Christian singles representing over 20 churches in the River Region. Founded in 2004, the age range of the group is primarily 40-60 years old and includes those who have never married, been divorced or widowed. Some are new believers while others have been believers for a long time. Elisabeth Hailles, the leader of the group, says that singles ministry is challenging and often times overlooked. “Most desire to connect, yet find it difficult to do so in some churches. Dining alone in restaurants or going to a movie alone is not easy. Finding a church where you can feel like you connect is even harder.” S-STOP provides an environment of like-minded people who long to know and love God. Wisdom is gleaned from different seasons of life to encourage and build faith and again prove
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
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• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
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Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
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So often, people see singleness as such a negative thing, when really, it’s a gift from the Lord,” she says. “I strive to focus on this time as an opportunity to draw closer to Him and be content Members of S-STOP share a fellowship meal. The group holds Bible study each Sunday night at 6 pm. in this season He is freedom will never come again. This is giving me. the time to focus on yourself and drawing I also have to remember, the grass isn’t closer to the Lord. The whole point is that always greener on the other side.” this is the time to explore your passions, take a risk and step out in faith.” Elizabeth Ministries Serving Singles in the mentions the apostle Paul talking about River Regions the gift of marriage and the gift of singleMost churches in the River Region ness in 1 Corinthians 6:7. “Notice, he said have a Bible study or a place for singles BOTH marriage and singleness are gifts!
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T OWER • O UTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 33
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River Region’s Journey
“We have Bible studies and fellowships and lots of trips, but by far our single adults will say that serving others is the best blessing,” Kathy says.
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church Caroline Wingard and Charles Wise say most singles are looking for one or more of three things:
The singles ministry of First Baptist Church in Montgomery hosts a community block party in Chisholm each year providing medical screenings, supplying children with new backpacks and supplies, and more!
there is no age or stage limit to the kingdom of God. S-STOP meets every Sunday night for Bible study at 6:00 at Prattville Christian Academy. “If you want to feel a sense of belonging, come check out our group,” says Elisabeth. “You will not feel alone for long.”
First Baptist Church Montgomery
*Help with personal development for a successful life journey *A place to meet people with common interests and build meaningful friendships *Healing from past hurts and support achieving health and balance
Frazer’s Singles ministry can help achieve those goals whether you are “not yet married,” “never want to be married,” divorced, or widowed. “We believe God has a plan and purpose for each individual, and we want to create a community that enables you to experience His best,” says Caroline.
In the Single Adult Ministry at First Baptist Montgomery, leader Kathy Cooper says they place emphasis on growing warmer through fellowship, deeper through discipleship, stronger through worship, broader through ministry and larger through evangelism. Their mission is to simply know Christ better, to grow in Christ, and to share Frazer singles take numerous opportunities to go to the mission field. Christ with the world around us. They accomplish this through missions (both in Singles’ small groups meet each Montgomery and around the world) and Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. Frazer’s Fellowship Hall Lobby. Also, T.N.T. (Tuesday Night through Bible studies (both on Sunday mornings and more intense studies during Together) for singles meets Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, Bldg. the week). Kathy explains they have five 7000. A meal ($5) and program are prodifferent classes on Sundays for different vided. For reservations, call 272-8622. age groups, to meet the needs of all they serve from young 20-somethings to older Rachel Fisher loves learning about what God is doadults. ing in the world around her and writing about. She and her husband Chase live in Montgomery.
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September 2014
34
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Is the Lion Roaring? This is a praise and prayer article! We’re giving thanks for the salvation of a dear friend and for his loving, supportive family. And we’re praying for them as they are attacked by the roaring lion because they’ve taken a stand for Christ. Brad contacted Mike a few months ago to ask if he would serve as his accountability partner, even though we live over two thousand miles apart. Brad had become a new believer in Christ and his faith was growing. In fact, he was being baptized at the base chapel on the birthday of his wife, Karen’s, father, who had just passed away a few weeks earlier. When Brad was baptized, he sent us a photo of the baptism-in an aircraft life raft! Then there were weeks of Mike and Brad texting back and forth about the completion of devotionals with their wives from “Moments Together with You” by FamilyLife’s by Dennis and Barbara Rainey. Doing devotions with their wives became like a fun competition. Life was good . . . until a few months later. Be self controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. (1 Peter 5:8) What does a roaring lion look like? Mike realized he had been missing his regular communication with Brad, and he wondered if the roaring lion had made his presence known at their home. In the life
of Brad and Karen, it looked like this: in addition to dealing with the death of her father, Karen had to fly away to handle his estate, as well as care for her mother, facing the prognosis of her rapidly deteriorating health. At the same time, back at home with their three boys, Brad was one of the key Airmen responsible for the base open house weekend, which included a performance by the Air Force Thunderbirds, attended by over 200,000 local residents. At the same time, Brad, as all officers do, was dealing with the “up or out” promotion system and waiting for results of who in his career field would be forced to return to civilian life due to the military’s mandated “Reduction in Force” cuts. This lion was not only roaring, it was a big lion indeed! When asked how things were going, Mike got a response from Brad. Here’s his reply (used with permission): As a matter of fact, yes, I’ve found myself going further away from God over the past few weeks. I found out who takes the wheel when you put the cruise control on . . . and it’s not The Lord. I shut down the communication lines between us . . .we got to a point where it feels like we are back to square one. Sadly, another victim to the ‘all is well’ cruise control. Fortunately for Brad and Karen, they knew their salvation was assured, and they had friends and resources ready to help them slay the lion. 35
Is the lion roaring around your marriage and family today? To help you slay the lion, here are three things to do: 1. Do you know you are saved? We teach a lesson in the “Our Spiritual Journey” block of instruction where each person is encouraged to write their “Before and After” salvation story. Can you write your salvation story? Because, if you can’t write your story, are you sure you have a story? 2. Are you doing regular devotions with your spouse or regularly scheduling time to talk, just between the Lord and the two of you? If not, the lion might be lurking around the next corner. 3. Do you have someone to help keep you accountable and who will be there for you when the lion attacks? This can be a small group Bible study, a Sunday school class, or a Christian friend. Here’s our final praise and prayer. We thank God that you’ve read this article, and we pray that you’ll take action today, like Brad and Karen did, to resist the roaring lion, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren. September 2014
River Region’s Journey
September 2014 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8. September 9-10
Gateway to Hope: Breaking the Stigma of Moral Injury will be taking place at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery. Gateway to Hope seeks to educate clergy, lay ministers, mental health and other health care professionals about the spiritual wounds of war and the faith community’s moral and spiritual responsibility to support their recovery. The two-day conference will equip the “first responders” to provide pastoral and mental health care as they reintegrate into the civilian world. Has someone come along side of you like Titus? Will you pay it forward? Will you be a comfort to others? Contact www.gatewaytohope2014.wordpress.com to spread the good news!
Thursday, September 11
For those wanting to learn more about the Common Core programs in Alabama’s schools, there will be a free forum entitled ‘Stand In the Gap Alabama’ at the River City Church (formerly Dexter Ave UMC) at 301 Dexter Avenue in Montgomery at 6:30pm. No pre-registration is required, but those interested are encouraged to visit www. cityonahill.tv and click on Eventbrite to indicate their intention to attend. More information may also be obtained by going to Stop Common Core AL on Facebook.
Thursday, September 25
Stronger: Finding Hope in Fragile Places will be held at the First Baptist Church Worship Center, 138 S. Washington Street, Prattville. You are invited to hear Angela Thomas (Bible teacher, national speaker and author) from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Admission is River Region’s Journey
September 2014
free. Refreshments will be served and an offering will be taken. Please join the event on Facebook at “Angela Thomas at FBC” or call the church at 365-0606 to register.
September 26-27
God of Order Conference for Women at Vaughn Forest Church, vaughnforest.com. Friday 7-9:30pm, Saturday 8:30a.m.-12:30 p.m. Jo Hancock, Speaker; Kim Hendrix, Guest speaker; Jonathan Green, Worship Leader. Tickets $25, Event Saver till 9/5; $30 regular after 9/5; $35 at door. Call 334-2795433.
Saturday, October 4
House of Holidays, from 8am – 1pm, at FUMC Wetumpka, 306 W. Tuskeena St. Come join us for a day of shopping fun... There will be: Arts and Crafts in the Depot, Bakery, Frozen Entrees, Second time around yard sale, Plants, Toys, Children’s Corner. Lunch served for $5 a plate. Call 334-5677865 or visit www.fumcwetumpka.com for more information. Shine Like Stars 2014 Tour is coming to Coosa Outdoor Worship Spot in Coosa County. Shine is an evening to invite and cheer on our generation to stop ignoring the world around us and start engaging the world around us. Featuring Cody Deese (LeadNEXT.org) and the Chris Coleman Band (chriscolemanband.com). 1:00 – 5:00 pm Rec Time (pool open, weather permitting; paintball $5/person); 6:00 pm Meal Time, 7:00 pm Shine Like Stars event. Advance registration required. $35 per person. Contact Matt 334.451.1957 (voice or text) or matt@coosaoutdoorworship.org.
Friday, October 10
master choral conductor. Rehearsals will begin in late August and the concert will take place on Sunday, October 12th at 3:00 in the afternoon. For additional information or to register visit www.sacredmusicfest.org or call 365-6387.
Saturday, October 18
Aldersgate Methodist Men host 30th Annual BBQ. For only $8 per plate, folks can taste the finest barbecued pork and chicken on the SAME PLATE, as well as generous sides of baked beans, slaw and bread. Boxes will go on sale beginning at 8:30 a.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 6610 Vaughn Road. Boxes will be available until 2 p.m., or while supplies last. Drive-thru pick up service is provided at the front of the church by Boy Scout Troop 306. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or boxes can be bought on the day of the sale. Proceeds from the barbecue will benefit the Aldersgate Methodist Men’s mission and service projects for the upcoming year. For information, contact Aldersgate UMC at 272-6152 or send e-mail to aldersgateumm@ gmail.com. St. Michael and All Angels Church 17th Annual Angel Fest from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on the grounds of the church at 5941 Main Street, Millbrook. There will be a bake sale, silent auction, vendors selling unique wares, great concessions, entertainment plus a big children’s carnival. Last but not least is the sale of our famous Boston butts! All proceeds go to the outreach ministry of our church for Millbrook, and western Elmore County.
Ongoing Happenings
An Evening with the Gaither Vocal Band at Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church at 7 pm. More information and tickets: www.premierproductions.com/tour/gaithertour-2014/montgomery-al.
AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com.
Sunday, October 12
Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges...not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www. bridgeoflife.tv.
First Presbyterian Church, Prattville is hosting The River Region Sacred Music Festival. Do you love to sing? Do you sing in a small church choir? Did you sing in high school or college and now miss the experience of singing those masterpieces of choral music? Then We Want You to add your voice to ours! Singers will have an opportunity to perform some of the finest sacred choral music ever written in a supportive and collegial environment under the direction of a 36
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Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30), morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail.com. We are a church where you can be you, you can be loved and where you can grow! Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome. Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info. Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201. Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter. net or call 262-6437. First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts Family Night every Wednesday beginning at 5:20 p.m. with supper, followed by a study on prayer. Everyone is welcome. For more information call (279-1372). First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m. The Youth of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday Night Live, a time of praise and worship in “the attic”. Also, every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. is MYF which includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org. First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room
204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. For additional information please contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990. Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org. Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon. Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133. Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, offers Bible Study Tuesdays at 5:30 P.M. and Wednesdays at 6: 30 P.M. For directions or information call 334-288-0577. Email HallMemorialCME1@ aol.com or visit www.HallMemorialCME. blogspot.com. Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallmemorialcme1@aol.com. Call 334-2880577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com. Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m. (BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road) Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. For information, call 277-4213.
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Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750. New Freedom Worship Center, 6004 –A East Shirley Lane, Apostle T. Briggs~ Pastor; Sunday Worship Service 10:30 a.m. and Wednesday Night Bible Study 7:30 p.m. Open Door Christian Faith Church, 1601 Dewey St. Montgomery, offers Women’s Prayer Mondays at 5:00, Men’s prayer Wednesday at 5:00, followed by bible study at 6:00. Couples ministry held every 1st Wednesday of the month at 7:00. Pastor William Cromblin, and the Open Door Church family invites you to “come experience the move of God. Call 334-269-6498. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend. Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174. Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information. River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost is $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. All denominations welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor. The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening September 2014
River Region’s Journey
September 2014 Community Calendar Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. We invite you to”come experience God in a personal way, feel loved by all and know that you belong”. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www. theriveroflifechurch.net. Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m. Childcare is provided for
small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children! Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will start checking children in at 6:00p.m. This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info. Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897. Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Pastor Farrell J. Duncombe is the teacher and Senior Pastor of the church. Come and join us for Sunday School each Sunday at 9 a.m. and Morning Worship at 10 a.m. Need transportation, call (334) 264-7618. For info call 286.8577 or www.saintpaulamemontgomery.com.
S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles. Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. For info email sstop04@gmail.com. Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues. Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs. Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radio-homecominggospel. com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m. Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS...THE POTTER. All women of all denominations or race are welcome. This ministry is available to teenagers as well. Come join us as we lift, encourage and build each other up through the Word of God and the words of our testimonies. For more information contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.
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River Region’s Journey
September 2014
38
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Q. My wife and I have $25,000 in credit
card debt, $2,500 in medical bills and $89,000 each in student loan debt from when we each got our masters’ degrees. We make about $100,000 combined. Our son is 6 years old, and we have $18,000 in a 529 plan for him. Should we use that money to pay off debt instead?
A. I wouldn’t do that if I were you. You’ll get destroyed with penalties, because if you take money out of a 529 for anything other than college, you’ll be taxed at your current tax rate and hit with a 20 percent penalty. The other thing is you’ll have this weird feeling that you took money away from your kid. Technically, it’s your money. You put it there. But when you did, it was in your child’s name. Plus, that doesn’t really solve your problem. You’ve got a ridiculous amount of debt, and that little bit won’t move the needle very much. Having more money in your hands isn’t the big answer here. What you both need is a behavior change when it comes to money. My advice is to leave the 529 alone. Stop adding to it for the time being. Put any retirement saving you’re currently doing on
hold, too. You guys need to start living on a budget, working a debt snowball plan and looking for extra income. Even tutoring would bring in some additional cash. I’ve got a feeling, too, that those masters’ degrees can provide you with more money than you’re currently making. It can be done, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work and discipline. It may even take four or five years to get this mess cleaned up, but you can’t keep living without a plan!
Q. Do you recommend
a credit freeze in order to protect against identity theft?
A. I absolutely recommend doing that, especially if you’re not borrowing money anymore. However, putting a freeze on your credit report only provides partial protection against identity theft. Identity theft is where someone, for example, signs up for a credit card in your name. If Joe Crook signs an application
39
with your name and address, and the credit card company issues the card without checking —they blind-issue cards about seven out of 10 times — then the card will be issued to the thief. Having your credit frozen does nothing to stop that from happening. Still, if they check your credit and it’s frozen, chances are they won’t issue the card. I’d also recommend having a good identity theft protection program in place. I have it on myself and all my team members at the office. If you don’t have this, and someone gets a card in your name, the credit card company will demand that you pay the bill. You can insist it’s not you, but that won’t do much good. Then, you’ll have to go through the hassle of filling out affidavits and police reports. You may get out of paying for it in the end, but you’ll still have to spend dozens, if not hundreds, of hours dealing with the credit card company trying to get the whole mess straightened out!
September 2014
River Region’s Journey
Movie Reviews Reviews provided by MovieGuide: A Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment Ratings are based on production quality and moral acceptability. See details below. ***Reviews do not necessarily reflect views of the publishers of River Region’s Journey.
When the Game Stands Tall
The Giver Production Quality: **** Moral Acceptability: -1 (Caution) Starring: Brenton Thwaites, Jeff Bridges, Meryl Streep, Alexander Skarsgard, Katie Holmes, Odeya Rush, Taylor Swift Genre: Science Fiction Audience: Older children and adults Rating: PG-13 Content: Strong Christian, redemptive allegory promoting love and faith with very strong moral, anti-statist content, including baptism is shown, the Christmas song “Silent Night” is heard twice as a symbol of hope and love, a pro-life message includes an anti-euthanasia message, the importance of families loving each other is shown, and self-sacrifice is exalted, mixed with some Romantic elements of following your heart and defying authority, some false religious/pagan elements include a Muslim prayer, Sufi dancers, witch doctor, and a Hindu worshippers inserted, and some politically correct elements such as an environmentalism message wherein an elephant is shot by hunters; no foul language; light violence but nothing graphic such as main character hits his friend in the face, chase scene, main characters falls off cliff but is okay, baby injected with a poison that kills it; no sex scenes or sexual immorality but teenagers kiss a couple times; no nudity; no alcohol use; no smoking or drug use; and, lying. THE GIVER is a science fiction movie about a young man who defies a tyrannical society. Jonas lives in a dystopian society where memories are outlawed. To prevent unhappiness, the society forces Jonas and others to live without color or feeling. When Jonas turns 18, he and his friends are assigned jobs. He then is assigned to receive all the memories of the past from the only other person allowed to know them. When Jonas starts to receive the memories, he realizes the whole community should have the same spectrum of emotions locked inside those memories. This means, however, that he must defy the authorities. THE GIVER is an absorbing, inspiring science fiction fable with no crude content and a pro-life message. It has a clear storyline, with some fine acting. THE GIVER has a strong Christian, moral worldview attacking authoritarian government and euthanasia. There’s also a baptism scene and important references to the Christmas song “Silent Night.” These are mixed with some light Romantic, pagan elements, but, ultimately, love, faith, family, and self-sacrifice are extolled. Media-wise, freedom-loving viewers should enjoy THE GIVER.
Production Quality: *** Moral Acceptability: +4 (Exemplary) Starring: Jim Caviezel, Alexander Ludwig, Miachel Chiklis, Laura Dern, Clancy Brown, Stephan James, Joe Massingill, Matthew Frias, Richard Kohnke Genre: Family/Drama/Sports Drama Audience: Older children and adults Rating: PG Content: Very strong Christian, biblical, moral worldview with openly stated themes about humility and the importance of more than just winning, frequent reference to Bible verses and teamwork, the players often pray the Lord’s Prayer before games, a Christian funeral at a church; three minor obscenities and one questionable profanity, a person feeling nervous kneels in front of a toilet though no vomit is shown; general football violence with players being tackled and hit on the field, this sometimes leads to mild injuries like a bloody nose, some shoving not related to game play, a character is shot off screen (but no blood); no sexual immorality but a husband and wife kiss sometimes, teenagers sometimes kiss, and a boy says he took a purity pledge; upper male nudity; a brief party scene depicts young people with red solo cups; one main character is shown smoking once, and this incident leads to a heart attack, plus no drug use depicted but one character asks another if he is high; and, one father is verbally and sometimes physically abusive to his son. WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL tells the story of a high school football team that has kept up a 151 game winning streak under coach Bob Ladouceur. Coach Bob has a heart attack. Then, one of the students is tragically killed on the street. As the team struggles to continue, they end up losing their first game in years, breaking the streak. It takes Coach Bob everything he knows and believes to inspire faith, values and integrity into his students to make them a winning team again. The acting in WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is top notch. Many of the young men who star in the movie are sure to have bright futures. The story is both compelling and realistic, though the first half starts off weak and disjointed. Overall, WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is a movie that goes against a culture that is all about personal fulfillment. It overtly highlights Christian, biblical principles to instill humility and love for one another. WHEN THE GAME STANDS TALL is a moving story that will inspire families with older children and teenagers.
The previous reviews are a selected sample of informative reviews from MOVIEGUIDE: A FAMILY GUIDE TO MOVIES AND ENTERTAINMENT, a syndicated feature of Good News Communications, Inc. To subscribe to MOVIEGUIDE which includes a complete set of at least 10 reviews of the latest movies as well as many informative articles, please visit our web site at www.movieguide.org or write or call:”MOVIEGUIDE,” P.O. Box 190010, Atlanta, GA 31119 (800) 899-6684. What the ratings mean: Production Quality: (1 to 4 stars) Moral Acceptability: -4 (Abhorrent), -3 (Excessive), -2 (Extreme Caution), -1 (Caution), +1 (Wholesome), +2 (Good), +3 (Moral), +4 (Exemplary) River Region’s Journey
September 2014
40
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