M A I N C A M P U S 6 0 0 0 AT L A N TA H I G H WAY 3 3 4 . 2 7 2 . 8 6 2 2 ASBURY CAMPUS 4540 NARROW LANE ROAD 334.281.8971 Learn more about Frazer’s Bible teaching groups and transformational missions at www.frazerumc.org.
Volume 15, Issue 2
Feature Articles page 14
JU LY 20 1 3 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
Praying Through the Dark
Night of the Soul
by Brad Wesner Find advice and encouragement for emerging victorious from the most difficult times in your life.
Jason Watson
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Pastor Reginald Simpkins, The Heart of God Ministries
page 12
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
page 18
Shine Kim Hendrix
page 24
Why Church?
page 20
by Carmen Falcione Learn the seven essential benefits of being part of a church body and why it is certainly God’s plan for all His children.
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 34
Counselor’s Corner Brenda Payne
page 27
page 36
River Region Church Directory
Our annual listing of churches in the River Region will help you decide where to visit and which might be a good fit for your family.
Grace to You John MacArthur
page 38
Family Teams for Christ Lisa and Mike Conn
page 42
Get the Point?
On Our Cover . . .
Elaine Britt
Tim and Kim Meadows attend First United Methodist Church of Prattville with their three children: Matthew (7), Mae Garner (5) and Liam (2). First UMC Prattville is just one of many wonderful and inviting churches in our community. Find a local church for your family to visit in this month’s River Region Church Directory.
In Every Issue page 6
On the Bookshelf page 8
Around Our Community page 40
Event Calendar page 44
Movie Reviews 1
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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
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Elaine Britt Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Carmen Falcione Kim Hendrix John MacArthur Brenda Payne Dave Ramsey Pastor Reginald Simpkins Gail Welborn Brad Wesner
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson, Joe Bass ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Cover Photography Lori Mercer Photography www.lorimercerphotography.com
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2013 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.
From the Publisher A few years ago our family felt led to seek out another body of believers to be a part of. We loved the people from our church, but believed it was time for a change. Maybe you’ve done the same thing. Like many relationships though, sometimes you don’t realize what you had until it’s gone. Thankfully, the church we’ve been attending for almost two years is a special place, but in between leaving our last church and getting deeply connected in our new church, we were reminded why the Church is so special. Each July we present the River Region Church Directory to help our readers get connected with a local Christian church. Some people only attend church on certain holidays. Others attend after a bad week at work or when a family member becomes ill. Any church attendance is good, but until you let your roots grow deep down into a healthy, Gospel proclaiming church, your faith will be stunted. That’s exactly what we experienced during our transition from one church to another. We left a place where we had deep connections that allowed us to be fed the Word of God and minister to others. Not until recently have we been able to get back to that intimate and encouraging place where our faith can be constantly reenergized by God’s people and their spiritual gifts. Our prayer is that this issue will be the spark you need to find a church family, too. Here are a few things in this month’s issue that will assist your church search. First, turn to page 24 and read Why Church? Seven Essential Benefits of Fellowship, by Carmen Falcione. Immediately following, on page 27, you’ll find our Church Directory. Notice the directory lists churches by zip code so you can find one nearby if that’s your desire, or you can use some of the other categories to find a good fit. The categories we list are denomination, worship style, size of congregation, along with ministries the church offers. As always, please consider visiting the churches that are advertising with us. I have spoken to each one of them and I know they work hard to make visitors feel welcome. We purposely choose to print our annual River Region Church Directory in July because this is the time many new families are moving into the River Region. If you’re one of those new families...WELCOME! The River Region is a great place to live, work, play and pray. We hope Journey will be an aid to help you get well connected with this community. If you’re already a River Region resident who is involved in a Christian church, then please, after reading this month’s issue, pass your copy on to a new neighbor or coworker. Journey is a ministry that seeks to impact people’s lives with the Gospel, so every time you share Journey with a friend you help us in this mission. Thanks for your support and for allowing us to minister in the River Region for the past 15 years.
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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HEAD SOUTH AT THE FIRST SIGN OF A
STROKE Get To The Area’s Only Nationally Certified Stroke Center
The first moments after stroke symptoms appear are critical. Receiving the right treatment quickly could save your life and minimize brain damage. That’s why you should immediately get to Baptist Medical Center South. As the area’s only Nationally Certified Stroke Center, Baptist South has a specialized Stroke Team on site 24/7, with the expertise to provide the fastest, most effective treatment. So in case of symptoms such as facial drooping, weakness in one arm, slurred speech, blurry vision, or sudden severe headache, head south…call 911 and get to Baptist Medical Center South.
334.273.4444 I baptistfirst.org
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Pastor’s Perspective
O
The Pastor Reginald Simpkins, The Heart of God Ministries
The Kingdom Has Come! of darkness or the kingdom of heaven. We must choose either the kingdom of darkness headed by the fallen angel called Lucifer or the kingdom of heaven ruled by God. The invisible part of man, which consists of soul and spirit, can only be fulfilled by choosing God’s kingdom to reign within the heart of man. These two invisible kingdoms are at war for the souls of men living on earth. Christians need to understand that Jesus’ preaching and teaching informed us on how God ruled His domain and how those who are a part of His kingdom should live in subjection to His authority. His teaching also explained the benefits which are given to those who have surrendered their lives to Christ and the glories of heaven which will be revealed. Christians must understand that the earth in which we live is not able to produce eternal life because all that we see is constantly fad“Let me love your pet while ing away and eventuyou’re away...” ally will die. Jesus preached a kingdom that was beyond the Licensed, Bonded and Insured clutches of death and corruption and Mbr: Pet Sitters International offered the believer www.debraspetcare.com eternal life. When Pilate inquired about the kingdom, Jesus explained that His kingdom was not of this world. Jesus was proclaiming to believers that we should invest our time and life in a kingdom that could not be invaded by the corruption of this world. Most Christians think that it is God’s job to fix all of our
When Jesus started His earthly ministry He began to proclaim that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. He clarified that the kingdom of God was within man, which baffled those living at that time and added a sense of urgency in understanding its importance to mankind. Why did He speak of a new kingdom and how does this message apply to me as a Christian? This message of a new kingdom preached by Jesus Christ affects Christians in every phase of their lives and changes the center point of our focus and desires on earth. There are two kingdoms that exist in the invisible world controlling the activities that are manifested in this earthly realm. Whether you are a believer or an unbeliever there remain only two choices, the kingdom
(334) 531-1702
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problems, heal all of our hurts, and remove all of our obstacles while living on earth. We deeply desire this natural world that is filled with chaos and wickedness to possess the characteristics of the invisible eternal kingdom of God. Jesus often allowed His power to flow from the kingdom of heaven into this natural realm on earth through healing the sick, raising the dead, and performing many other miracles that were intended to point us to the eternal kingdom where death and sickness cease to exist. All those who received healings and miracles eventually died because Jesus wanted us to look to the invisible kingdom of God, which is present now in the hearts of men (when we repent and accept Jesus Christ as Savior) and shall be revealed in its fullness in the world to come. Jesus did not intend for this life to be so comfortable that we would look to this natural world as a source of peace and comfort for the struggles and hurts we so often face. Politics and worldly success have their place in life, but can never cause those who are spiritually dead to experience new life in Christ. We can offer the world the love and peace of God that is beyond the grasp of this world. The love that God gives so freely yields purpose and peace in a way that is beyond human comprehension. The riches of this world are unable to fill the empty void that abides in the soul of every man. This void can only be filled when Jesus Christ dwells in the hearts of men. The kingdom of God is free to all who believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and are willing to repent of their sins and accept Him as Lord and Savior. Jesus would love for you to be a part of His eternal kingdom today. Reginald Simpkins is pastor of The Heart of God Ministries, 2725 Lowes Court, in Montgomery. The church was founded on May 2002 under the leadership of Pastor Reginald and Subrena Simpkins (wife). The church held its first services on AUM’s campus.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e
G s a o o f f a C o c d t
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published must be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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On The Bookshelf
by Gail Welborn
Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander
by Phil Robertson, w/Mark Schlabach, Howard Books, 2013, 240 Pages, 978-1476726090, $24.99
A&E’s “Duck Dynasty” star, Phil Robertson, writes about his “Duck Commander” life and legacy that began with an idyllic 1950s childhood in West Monroe, LA. The family lived in a “turnof-the-century” log cabin and depended on home-grown gardens, pigs, chickens, and cattle they raised for food. He writes, they “…rarely went to town for groceries” and the deer, squirrels, ducks or fish they caught provided their meat. Their simple lifestyle resembled 1850s frontiersmen more than postwar 1950s. When asked about his priorities, this famous-for-his-duck-call family patriarch replies, “Faith, family, ducks—in that order.” Yet, it wasn’t always that way. He lived a “romping, stomping and ripping” lifestyle until he had a “come-to-Jesus- moment” at age 28, where his wife saw tears streaming down his face and he said, “…I want my family back.” Phil chronicles his “outlaw years” until his life spiraled “…out-of-control like a downed duck…” and he gave his heart to Jesus. It’s a narrative of genuine choice and change about God, past mistakes, the importance of family, duck calls and living a life of faith.
Beyond Heaven’s Door
by Max Lucado, Thomas Nelson, 2013, Hardcover, 978-0849948435, $14.99
Max Lucado’s new gift book, Beyond Heaven’s Door, answers common questions and concerns many have about heaven, death and dying. He uses Scripture and selections from work previously published in When Christ Comes to quiet collective doubts and fears about all three in 20 short chapters that foster understanding as well as faith and trust. Max, long considered a “golf addict, begins with a short golf story.” When pro-golfer Scott Simpson invited him to “attend the Masters Golf Tournament” known as the “Holy Grail” of golfing, his excitement and anticipation were hard to contain. However, upon arrival he was refused entry to the one place he really wanted to see—the locker room where the “players hang out.” He likens that rejection to fears many have about heaven. They either don’t believe or entertain doubts about going to heaven even though they are “God-fearing…church-attending” people. Yet, “according to the Bible, it is possible to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you have eternal life (1 John 5:13 MSG)…” Although small in size, Max’s reassuring message offers scriptural comfort about a journey everyone is destined to take.
They’ve Crossed the Line: A Patriot’s Guide to Religious Freedom
by Stephen Bloom & Kerriel Bailey, God and Country Press/AMG, 2013, 208 Pages, 978-0899571669, $12.99
With religious rights challenged (even our traditional moral values) throughout our culture, schools and the military, attorneys Bloom and Baily’s new release is timely and compelling. Christian News Northwest, May 2013, featured “…the assault on religious rights in the United States…” (www. cnnw.com/pastors-hear-of-challenges-to-religious-rights/) on the front page. Parson Rayphe, “Persecution in America,” posted examples of similarities between Nazi Germany and America today that ask: Are Christians REALLY Persecuted in the U.S.? Indications from recent news stories point to a “post-Christian America.” Could President Obama have been right in 2008 when he said America was no longer a Christian nation? Bloom and Baily provide “…concise, easy-to-understand legal answers…” to the question former United States Senator Rick Santorum raises that asks: “What are our legal rights as American Christians…?” This powerful reference guide equips Christian’s to know their guaranteed Constitutional rights. The book belongs on the bookshelf of anyone who experiences troublesome attitudes of political correctness engulfing our nation, which breeds discrimination and hostility toward our most sacred Christian values and beliefs. River Region’s Journey book reviewer Gail Welborn lives in Sedro-Woolley, Washington. River Region’s Journey
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Frazer Eye Clinic Brings Hope and Sight to the Community
Beauty, Brains, Faith… and an Eating Disorder?
For some local residents, proper eye care is just not affordable, even when it is desperately needed. But thanks to the generous efforts of several local eye care professionals, many residents were able to receive the treatment they needed at Frazer’s annual free Eye Clinic, held April 20 at Frazer UMC. Frazer member Mike Merrill, who serves as the ALAO executive director, said that 63 patients received free eye care services at the clinic, including eye exams, follow-up treatment with local ophthalmologists when necessary, eye glasses (top of the line) and adult eye education materials. Patients were also provided a free lunch.
Miss University of Alabama for 2013, Miranda Ward, will be speaking on the subject of eating disorders at Heritage Baptist Church in Prattville on July 27th. Miranda, who hails from Rainsville, AL, is a senior at the University of Alabama majoring in Public Relations with a double minor in biology and Psychology. She is also a trumpeter in the Million Dollar Band. Miranda is a habitual winner, receiving awards and accolades since childhood in numerous areas, but she battled bulimia nervosa in late high school and her first year or so in college. Fortunately, she found help and is now an advocate for others who struggle with eating disorders, a problem that has reached alarming levels in our society. Miranda’s desire is to inform on the struggles and symptoms of eating disorders for young women who often suffer in silence and embarrassment due to the stigma attached to these disorders. She will be speaking at 10 am at Heritage, and this gathering is open for ladies of any age who are interested. Brunch will be served. Tickets are $3 and can be acquired online at www.hbcprattville.org or by calling the church office at (334)365-2372.
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Great Awakening Conference and Convocation at Fresh Anointing House of Worship, 150 East Fleming Road, Montgomery, is actually more than a conference that you might expect. It is a supernatural, miraculous move of God that pulsates with divine energy and will reach far beyond this area as the city of Montgomery and surrounding areas come together in obedience to II Chronicles 7:14. Souls will be awakened and become conscious of the missing factor in their existence. Christ’s divine dynamic will be released and the only explanation is God. The Mayor of this city has asked the churches to help solve the escalating problems of violence and murder and we understand that the problem is spiritual and the answer is awakening hearts that are longing to experience the reality of God. We expect to see God’s ability and capacity to “heal our land.” Everyone is invited--churches, families, community & sports organizations, youth groups, etc. Hosted by Bishop Kyle and Pastor Kemi Searcy. Speakers are Bishop Eugene Reeves and Dr. Steve Vickers. Friday 6PM, Saturday 10AM, Sunday Morning 10AM. This is a FREE event. Registration is required at www.anointedchurch.org or contact 334 613-3363. July 2013
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Great Awakening Conference, August 23-25
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More: Daring to Live on Purpose... Event for Ladies!
Wednesday, July 24, Frazer UMC. 6 p.m. An evening for women featuring Rochelle Frazier, Room 7207 above Fellowship Hall. A mom of three (including twin boys), blogger, author of He Gave Me Pearls and the children’s book series, “The Sweeteas,” Rochelle has allowed her personal story of brokenness and desperation to be transformed into a source of inspiration and hope through Christ. Hailing from Mississippi, Rochelle has been used by God across the country to unveil for women their calling to seek God passionately, love him deeply and follow him fearlessly. Tickets for $15 are available in the Discipleship Office. Childcare for birth through 5th grade available with reservation; email sandy@frazerumc.org or call (334) 495-6391.
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Bowling for Babies to Benefit Sav-A-Life
River Region residents are invited to join Sav-A-Life/First Choice Women’s Medical Center for their ‘Bowling For Babies’ event at the Brunswick Zone at 1661 Eastern Blvd in Montgomery on Thursday evening, July 18th from 6-8pm. A portion of the $12 ticket cost will benefit Sav-ALife/First Choice, the mission of which is to provide services to women facing an unexpected pregnancy. The ticket cost covers two games and shoe rental for an evening of bowling fun for a good cause. Tickets for ‘Bowling For Babies’ are available at the Brunswick Zone bowling alley and at Sav-A-Life/First Choice. The number of participants will be determined by the number of bowling lanes available. ‘Bowling For Babies’ is being staged by the Sav-A-Life/First Choice ‘Leadership Counsel’, a group of volunteers between the ages of 20-35 which exists to promote , raise funds and raise awareness of Sav-A-Life/First Choice and it’s Pro-Life service to the River Region. According to Dollene McLemore, the ‘Leadership Counsel’s liaison with Sav-A-Life/ First Choice, ‘Bowling For Babies’ “will provide a great opportunity for families to bowl together, teen and other groups to compete with one another….all to promote Sav-A-Life.” Sav-A-Life/First Choice Women’s Medical Center provides a number of services for those women experiencing an unexpected pregnancy. Among the free services for the more than 1,700 patients visiting the Center in 2012, the agency provided Pregnancy Testing, Ultrasound Confirmation of Pregnancy, Post Abortion Healing Counseling and a Men’s Fraternity. In addition, Sav-A-Life/First Choice offers the ‘Earn While You Learn’ program which teaches parenting, discipline, Bible Studies and more. For more information on ‘Bowling For Babies’, call Sav-A-Life/First Choice at (334) 260.8010.
Email your community or ministry news to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com 9
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Great Day of Service an Opportunity for God to Shine
Back to School Blast sponsored by Woodland United Methodist Church
The Frazer Family came together once again, in service and in love, for the fifth Great Day of Service April 13. Volunteers from Frazer and several other United Methodist churches teamed up to demonstrate God’s love to our whole community by working to meet the needs of others through dozens of projects. Approximately 2,200 volunteers came out to serve in about 51 projects at 35 locations. Frazer worked alongside volunteers from the Wesley Foundations at Alabama State University and Tuskegee University, and seven other churches. United Methodist churches were involved in more than 100 projects in six counties that day. Photo: Volunteers build a bridge at The Arboretum as part of the Great Day of Service, held April 13. Photo by Chris Thornton
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When: Saturday, July 27, 8-11 a.m. Where: Woodland UMC, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL (intersection of Vaughn & Wallahatchie Roads) Who: All children ages K5-12th grades Contact: Church Office, 272-7230 What: School supplies, free bookbags (to first 600 children), pencils, paper and other supplies. ALSO health screenings: blood pressure, diabetes,vision, hearing, & dental screens. PLUS fun & giveaways, games & prizes, snacks, free haircuts & much, much more. Everything is FREE!
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ICE Ministers at Tulane Gardens
It was a hot but beautiful day in Tulane Gardens, as ICE was blessed to have the opportunity to bring Jesus Christ into Tulane Gardens for the first time with a Saturday outreach on June 1. The adults enjoyed Bible Bingo,
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while the kids had a blast playing games and learning about Jesus through a Bible lesson and singing songs. We were also thankful to have the youth group from Martha Bowman UMC in Macon, GA, join us. What a blessing it was to see so many smiling faces jump in and help serve in every area. They even sang a special song for the kids and adults before we all sat down together for lunch! It was a wonderful day in Tulane Gardens, and we look forward to getting to know the adults and kids out there and spending time in that community. For more information on outreaches or if interested in volunteering at one of the outreaches, contact Layne at layne@innercityevangelism.com.
Frazer UMC Offers Summer Activities for the Community
Aerobic classes by certified instructors are open to the public. We offer morning, noon, and nighttime classes for a minimum fee of $18.00 a month for 2 classes a week. If you would like to try a class before you join, its only $4.00 for a single class. We have new fitness classes available such as Box Mania, Barre class, Pilates, and Turbokick. Check out our website (http:// www.frazerumc.org/ministries/activities/) or call Emily Spear at 495-6462 for more information. If you have a child 5yrs and under, we do have nursery available Tuesday-Thursday until 12:30pm and it’s only $1.00 while you attend class. Need help with childcare this summer? Good mornings is available Monday- Thursday from 9:00am-noon for rising 1st- 6th grade. Fee is $7.00 per day. (Early drop off at 7:30am for an additional $3.00 a day.) Temple Builders, our Senior Adult Aerobic classes, are open to the public Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday mornings at 8:00am.This is a free class. For more information call Emily at 495-6459 or email espear.98@gmail.com.
Email your community or ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com by the 15th of the month!
For EvEry G E n E r at i o n . Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067 T R A D IT IO N A L W O R S H IP 8 : 3 0 A M & 11: 00 A M S U N D AY S C H O O L 9 : 4 5 A M T H E W E L L 11 : 0 0 A M
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Q. I’m working on my debt snowball, and I’m trying to settle with a pushy collector. I don’t have the $9,000 I owe, but I have $3,000 I’d like to offer as a settlement. Recently the collector has started asking for a lot of information I don’t feel comfortable providing. What should I do? A.
Lots of times in these kinds of situations collectors are trying to gather up as much information as possible in order to sue you. Even if that’s not the case here, there’s no reason for you to be supplying them with a bunch of extra info. Just offer them the $3,000, and make it clear that your financial coach—which is me—told you not to answer any more of their nosy questions. Make sure they understand that your offer of $3,000 stands as a settlement of the debt today. If they’re willing to accept the offer, get a statement in writing saying that the $3,000 represents payment in full before you cut the check. If they choose not to accept your offer, and they keep asking questions that are none of their business, just tell them to call back when they’re willing to discuss terms. Then, hang up!
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Q.
But if it’s me, I’m getting as short a term as possible on a refinance—maybe even a 10-year note instead of 15 years. Just imagine him getting all this knocked out and still having the majority of his life ahead of him. That’s financial peace!
My son has a $115,000 mortgage at 5.8 percent. He also has a home equity line of credit of $40,000 at 9 percent. Currently, he can get a 30-year loan at 3.5 percent, or a 15-year note at 2.75 percent. His take-home pay is between $70,000 and $80,000 a year, and these are his only debts. Should he combine the mortgages into one loan?
Q. Is it ever too late to get life insurance?
A. First, I only recommend mortgages of
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15 years or less. Now we’re looking at a 2.75 percent loan versus a 5.8 percent loan versus a 9 percent loan. I advise people to put home equity loans under Baby Step 2 of my plan, which is pay off all debt except for the house, provided that the loan is less than half of your annual income. Based on the income figures you gave, this situation is kind of on the bubble. If I were in your son’s shoes, I’d probably combine the two loans and refinance. I’d go for a new $155,000 fixed-rate mortgage at 2.75 percent, with no balloons and no calls. This kid can live a good life and get the mortgage paid off pretty quickly with the kind of money he’s making.
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The only time it’s really too late to get life insurance is after you’re dead! But seriously, if you’re older than 70 it becomes pretty difficult to get affordable coverage, because insurance companies figure you’ve pretty much got one foot in the grave already at that point. You can get term life insurance pretty easily up until about age 70, and there are a few policies available past that point, depending on your health situation. But you really shouldn’t need life insurance when you’re that age and older. Hopefully, you’ve invested, saved, and set aside enough money to pay burial expenses and for a spouse—if you have one—to live on after you’re gone.
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Praying Through the
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Dark Night of the Soul by Brad Wesner
Ever have things completely bottom out? Maybe you are David being chased by Saul (I Samuel 19), Samson without hair (Judges 16:20-22), Job without worldly goods (Job 2:13), John the Baptist in prison (Mark 6:27) or Jesus on the cross (Matthew 27:46). Just because you are a Christian does not make you immune from your world crashing and your entering into a Dark Night, a feeling of isolation – a feeling of being abandoned by God. Like Jesus on the cross, we cry out, “My God. My God. Why has thou forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46)
Why a Dark Night?
Some people deserve the trouble they get into. If they put their hand on a hot stove burner, it is only fair that they get a burn on their hand. If they hit their thumb with a hammer, it is only natural for the thumb to thump. A lot of people are experiencing the Dark Night because of an error they made – they cheated on a spouse, stole from an employer, etc. – and this seemingly minute incident caused their world to fall apart. After all is said and done, only God is left, and, many River Region’s Journey
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times, we wonder if even He can forgive. God does forgive, though, and gradually He will lead us through the Dark Night in which we have placed ourselves; no matter how far we have fallen, we can once again be agents used for His glory. However, sometimes the trials one is going through are not consequences deserved from one’s actions. Did David, the man who stood up to Goliath for God’s sake (I Samuel 17), deserve to be branded as a criminal (I Samuel 19)? Did Joseph, the man who declined to mess around with a married woman, deserve to go to jail because of her lies (Genesis 39:2-20)? Did Peter, who was trying to spread the gospel, deserve to go to prison (Acts 12:1-4)? All of these people were trying to do the right thing, to give God praise and glory, and they got rewarded with a Dark Night. When people find us undergoing a Dark Night, they may ask, “What did you do to deserve this?” When the disciples first joined Jesus’s ministry and they saw people suffering, they asked Jesus, “What did you do to deserve this” and “Is this your fault or is it due to the sin of a parent?” (John 9:1) Jesus set them straight, saying, “Neither. This happened so that the 14
works of God might be displayed in him” (John 9:3, NIV). The term “dark night of the soul” comes from a poem by the same name by St. John of the Cross written around 1579. The poem recognizes that in life’s journey, the Dark Night is the point in which a person can rely on nothing but God – friends, money, education, and experience are all for naught. As Solomon proclaimed in Ecclesiastes 1:1 (NIV), “Meaningless. Meaningless. All is meaningless.” When undergoing the Dark Night of the Soul, we acknowledge that God is the source of our strength and that without him everything else is meaningless. Many times when things are going right in our lives we tend to take credit ourselves or simply mutter, “Thank you, God.” We have so much to do - family, friends, work, and play – that God is often an afterthought, if thought of at all. Satan made a good point when he told God that “it is easy for people to love you when they get blessings in return” (Job 2:4-5). During the Dark Night of the Soul, the blessings are stripped away and all can tell if one truly loves God for being God.
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The Dark Night is not only a time of getting one’s priorities straight, it is also a time of self-discovery. God has blessed us with many talents, but, when times are good, a lot of those talents go undiscovered or underutilized. It is in times of stress, when we search deeply, that we realize the character of which we are made. Although we may cry, “Why has thou forsaken me?”, deep inside we must cling to Jesus’s promise of: “I will be with you always” (Matthew 28:20). It is this reassurance that allows us to face the Dark Night. Just as Isaac sat unflinching as Abraham drew the knife to kill him (Genesis 22:2) and as Daniel sat in the lion’s den (Daniel 6), we see the danger and darkness around us. Even though we don’t see a way out, we trust God that there is one. Even though we may feel alone, we know we are not – this is faith tested to its limit. We must trust God. We must accept that God works on his schedule, not ours. We must submit our will to His will. As Jesus taught us in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10).
In The Valley of the Shadow of Death
The Dark Night is part of a journey.
As the psalmist David noted, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:1). Notice David’s use of the term walk. Life is a journey. The valley of the shadow of death is one of many places along the journey. It is not meant to be a place to stop; instead, we are to keep walking. The Dark Night is often a bridge to an exciting future. Also notice the word through. Although we may not see the end to the valley, we know in our hearts there is one. The Dark Night may appear endless, but, because of our faith, we know that the appearance is deceptive; we have confidence the valley does not go on forever. Journeying through the Dark Night is often a slow process – Samson’s hair did not grow back overnight, but it did eventually come back and Samson was able to serve the Lord again (Judges 16:22). The Dark Night may last a day, a week, a month, or years. Like the Hebrews traveling the wilderness
Even though we don’t see a way out, we trust God that there is one. Even though we may feel alone, we know we are not – this is faith tested to its limit. We must trust God. We must accept that God works on his schedule, not ours. with Moses, remember there is a Promised Land waiting at the end (Exodus 33:1). In the valley of the shadow of death, we have every reason to fear evil and every reason to be depressed. Although we Christians feel this anxiety and depression, we have the assurance that God will not forsake us – “thou art with me” (Psalm 23:4), and this is enough to get us through the troubled time.
Other Options Besides Walking Through the Dark Night
Not all Dark Nights end with people successfully walking through the Dark Night. Although Daniel may have gotten out of the lion’s den alive, a lot of first century Christians became lion chow.
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Although we might feel sorry for them since they do not get to come from the Dark Night, just as we may feel sorry for Moses because he did not get to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 34:5), we shouldn’t – they get to go be with God, and that is far better. Although we are prone to feel sorry for Christians who die while undergoing the Dark Night, they actually had a happy ending. Martyrs are not the only ones who die, though. Undergoing a Dark Night of the Soul is extremely taxing, and many people turn to suicide rather than face it. Consider Judas Iscariot, the man who betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver. Overwhelmed with guilt, shunned by the disciples, manipulated by organized religion, and finding money meaningless, this was the time for him to turn to God. Rather than turn to God, though, Judas opted to escape the Dark Night by committing suicide (Matthew 27:5). A lot of people don’t get as desperate as Judas and physically take their lives, but they still check out. When a new believer encounters a trial, the believer sometimes finds it much easier to drop the new faith rather than continue through the
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Dark Night. As Jesus admitted in the Parable of the Sower, some seed is choked by weeds (Matthew 13).
Remember God’s Promises
Knowing the ending has sustained many through the Dark Night. Abraham may have been childless, but he knew God had promised him many descendants (Genesis 22:17). Joseph was in prison, but he had experienced a God-given dream that one day his brothers would bow down to him, and that dream kept him going (Genesis 37:5-7). David may have been the most wanted man in all of Israel, but he knew Samuel had anointed him to be king (I Samuel 16). In the same way, God has promised us eternal life with him (John 14:2). In the darkest hour of the Darkest Night, remember that God keeps his promises. Even when it looks impossible for that promise to be kept – that just makes the miracle greater. Some Dark Nights last minutes; some last years. Like sheep who follow their shepherd – The Lord is my shepherd (Psalm 23:1) – we go wherever He would have us to go. We can’t worry about how long it will last; it is the course that is
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laid out before us. As Paul said, “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” (Hebrews 12:2). Dark Nights are terrifying experiences. Danger lurks everywhere. We realize we are overwhelmed. We know that the odds are stacked against us, but, like Daniel in the lion’s den, we know to look to the Lord and not at the lions. The lions certainly have the power to destroy us, but God has authority over the lions. Although our world is turned on end during the dark night – turned in ways that we never expected it to be turned – we must remember that in the end, God wins (Revelation 22). The Dark Night of the Soul is certainly a miserable experience – at least when it begins, for we grieve for our losses. In time, though, we realize we haven’t lost our most precious possession – our salvation and our relationship with Jesus. Once we realize that and build on that relationship, we have begun to emerge from the Dark Night. The Dark Night of the Soul can be one of the most intense God-experiences one ever has! Brad Wesner is a contributing writer residing in South Carolina.
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SHINE!
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by Kim Hendrix
Treasure Hunting Colossians 2:2-3: “My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? Most of us can think back to at least one or two as a child. Children love a good treasure hunt--to them treasure hunting is always fun and exciting and the treasure is always a good thing, possibly candy or toys or something shiny! For adults, our treasures come in blessings--the shiny and good--and also in trials. The hunt may not be exciting or fun, but hopefully we’re mature enough in our faith to see the treasure in the trial.
That’s not always easy. Our first thought when a trial comes into our lives is: “Go away, I don’t want this.” In fact, we probably try to pray it away. However, God wants us to say, “Where is the treasure in this, Dear Lord?” Recently a friend in Sunday school shared an email from a young mom battling brain cancer. It’s been a long fight involving surgery to remove a large tumor, 57 stitches across her skull, plus radiation and chemotherapy. Now, a year and a half since learning her diagnosis, she’s writing an email to friends about her latest checkup and here are the first words, “I cannot begin to describe the joy that I feel!” She had been told she would always have a hole in her brain due to the size of the tumor, but the latest scan revealed only a tiny area the size of an English pea--
no the tre wi to he be
is G do Go most likely scar tissue. Another test was required to identify the spot and the results of that test led to another email update: “God has super-sized his blessing! The spot is gone! I told the doc God did it. May I never question how great you are and never forget all you have done for me, Dear Lord!” How many of us say that prayer when we are living trial-free? “May I never forget all you’ve done for me God and how great you are God!” Here’s a 38-year-old
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mom of two young children fighting for her life and finding treasures all along the way. Her treasure of joy is indescribable and she has complete trust in her Lord and Savior. I love this quote from a Brazilian novelist: “You can either be a victim of the world or an adventurer in search of treasure.” This young mom, diagnosed with brain cancer in her 30s, could choose to be a victim and most wouldn’t blame her, but she’s chosen to be an adventurer, better yet, a believer in search of treasure! The treasure we’re talking about here is God’s power. It’s knowledge and wisdom, our very salvation...that’s the treasure God shows us daily in all circumstances.
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Isaiah 33:6: “He will be the sure foundation of your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.”
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How do we get this treasure? We respect, love and obey the Lord--that is the meaning of fearing the Lord. It’s not hiding or worrying that we’ve messed up so badly God will surely turn his back on us or deliver a harsh blow of discipline. Liv-
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ing in fear of the Lord is saying to Him, “I love you so much and respect your power so much that I choose to obey you.” When you live like this, His treasures open up before you. How reassuring to know what God’s word tells us in Isaiah 33:6: “He will be the sure foundation of your times…” That’s what we stand on and that’s a treasure no matter how out of control this world gets, no matter how out of control your circumstances seem. As obedient Christians we stand strong on our foundation, which is His strength, wisdom and knowledge...our very salvation. In other words, we are standing on a treasure.
throughout the day. God allows us to see the treasure, to see Him through others and through situations. We see it through His astounding beauty--the sunrise and sunset, flowers, a newborn child--you fill in the blank. Don’t miss the treasures. Above all, go treasure hunting! Every day, in every season, he’s there! And even in the difficult “hunts” the treasure is shiny and good and will carry you through each day. Be a treasure hunter.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”
Dear God, Thank you for putting treasures in our path every day. May we be a treasure hunter, finding you all along the way. Whether it’s through a conversation with a friend or stranger or gazing at your majestic beauty in the skies or in the midst of a tremendous trial, please keep our eyes and hearts open to you. We love you, sweet Jesus, and it’s in your name we pray, Amen.
It’s all right here, inside of us and around us. The treasure is the strength of God, the Holy Spirit...it’s our foundation. We stand on it and we carry it around
Kim Hendrix is the Director of Development at Saint James School in Montgomery. She leads the Shine Your Light ministry at Frazer Memorial U.M.C. and recently ended a 26 year career in television news. Kim and her husband Scott, have a 12 year old daughter, Annie, who brings them great joy.
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The Intersection:
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Christian Cultural Commentary by Bob Crittenden
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It’s Not Prayer...Or Is It? The issue of the use of prayer to open a legislative meeting will be heard by the U.S. Supreme Court this fall. The high court agreed to decide whether or not an upstate New York town is violating the Constitution with its prayers to open public meetings. The justices will review an appeals court ruling that held that the town of Greece, a Rochester suburb, violated the constitutional prohibitions on government sanction of religion by opening nearly every meeting over an 11-year span with prayers that trended Christian. The WORLD website reported on an instance of a prayer that was used to open up the Arizona House of Representatives recently. Rep. Juan Mendez told the lawmakers that he did not want them to bow their heads or close their eyes. He said, “I would like to ask that you take a moment to look around the room at all of the men and
women here, in this moment, sharing together this extraordinary experience of being alive and of dedicating ourselves to working toward improving the lives of the people of our state.” Like it so far? Unique. Not bad. Rep. Mendez continued: “This room in which there are many challenging debates, many moments of tension, of ideological division, of frustration. But this is also a room where, as my Secular Humanist tradition stresses, by the very fact of being human, we have much more in common than we have differences. We share the same spectrum of potential for care, for compassion, for fear, for joy, for love.” Uh-oh. A secular humanist prayer to open a legislative body? There’s a new twist. He concluded by saying, “...let us root our policymaking process in these values
that are relevant to all Arizonans, regardless of religious belief or nonbelief. In gratitude and in love, in reason and in compassion, let us work together for a better Arizona.” Arizona House Speaker Andy Tobin and Senate President Andy Biggs have filed a legal brief agreeing with the town of Greece’s position in the New York prayer case. Tobin actually didn’t have a problem with the Mendez “prayer”. But Rep. Steve Smith surely did. He is quoted as saying, “When there’s a time set aside to pray and to pledge (as in the Pledge of Allegiance), if
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you are a non-believer, don’t ask for time to pray...If you don’t love this nation and want to pledge to it, don’t say I want to lead this body in the pledge, and stand up there and say, ‘you know what, instead of pledging, I love England’ and (sit) down. “That’s not a pledge, and that wasn’t a prayer, it’s that simple,” Smith said. Okay, this gets a little complex. Having an atheist open up a legislative body really doesn’t fit the “prayer” mold, but it could have perhaps gotten Greece, NY or some of these cities that are having prayer legality issues off the hook. No, Rep. Mendez didn’t pray, but I do think that Rep. Smith was probably a bit harsh in his retort. After all, remember, we don’t want to turn off the same people we’re trying to win. But, it wasn’t a prayer. Maybe sometimes what we as believers in Christ call prayer really - isn’t. Prayer is communication with Almighty God. It involves praise, petition, intercession, and confession of sin, among other things. The Bible teaches that true, effective, fervent prayer, which avails much, is prayed by a righteous person. Righteousness involves our position before God, our standing when we enter into His presence. We can only approach God’s throne through the shed blood of Jesus – He said no one comes to the Father except by Him. So, if you feel like your prayers are not effective, check your heart. Do you know Jesus? Are you in right relationship with Him? Have you confessed sins of omission or commission? Are you asking selfishly? For our prayers to be heard and answered, we have to be in the right condition in our relationship with God. And, we need to have the right content. 1st John 5 gives us clues about that: Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. (NKJV)
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We can be in the will of God – possessing the right heart condition. And, we can know His will, so that the content of our prayers is aligned with it. Prayers can end up being mindless repetition or some kind of formulaic approach. God wants our hearts, and He desires that we communicate with Him from the heart. 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. 21
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July
Vacation Bible Schools Aldersgate UMC
6610 Vaughn Road Theme: Everywhere Fun Fare When: July, 15-19, 5:30 to 8p.m. Optional supper $2, 5:30 p.m. Ages: 3 yrs – 5th grade Register at www.aldersgateumc.org or call 272.6152.
Blue Ridge Baptist Church
4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 14-18, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 21st at 6 p.m. Van pick up for children is available. Call 567-4325.
Cornerstone Christian Church
301 Dalraida Road Theme: Tumble Weed Gulch When: July 14-18; 6:15 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. Ages: Pre-K, age 3 - Rising 6th Call 273-8595.
Covenant Presbyterian Church
Address: 5 Arden Road, Montgomery Theme: SonWest RoundUp When: July 15-19, 9AM to 12 noon Ages: 4-12 Contact Info: 272-1133 or visit www.covenantmontgomery.com
Dalraida UMC
3817 Atlanta Hwy Theme: Kingdom Rock River Region’s Journey
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When: July 7-10, 6:00-8:15pm Ages: 4 years old - 6th Grade For more information call: 334272-2190.
Evolve Church
4500 Vaughn Road Theme: TBA When: July 28-31; 6:30 thru 8:30 p.m. nightly Call 224-1879.
Frazer Memorial UMC
6000 Atlanta Highway Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 8-12; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Finishing K4 year olds (as of Sept. 2 of 2013) - Finishing 5th grade Call 272.8622.
Theme: Landmark Movie Studio presents 40 Years in 4 Nights When: July 7-10, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Ages: Classes through students who are presently in the 5th grade. Bible classes, games, snacks, and much more. Come join us as we have fun growing closer to Jesus. Call 277.5800.
Love Center Full Gospel Church
Hayneville Baptist Church
3659 Debby Drive (Lecroy Shopping Center) Theme: Hip Hop Hope: Jesus Makes Me Glad When: July 26-28 from Fri., 6-8 pm, Sat. 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and Sun. during church service. Ages: 3- 8th grade welcomed For more information call 334-315-6851.
Lakeview Baptist Church
3480 Main Street, Millbrook Theme: The Case of the Baffling Beginning When: July 15-19; 6:15-8:15 p.m. Ages: Entering K4 thru 6th grade For registration, call 285-4031
1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 14-18, 5:45 until 8:30 Ages: Pre K - 6th Grade (grade completed) Contact info: Email: hbc@connecthbc.com Call 334-548-2620. 9225 Atlanta Highway Theme: TBA When: July 22-26; 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Ages: K3-6th grade. Call 213-3080.
Landmark Church of Christ 1800 Halcyon Boulevard 22
Millbrook Presbyterian
Taylor Road Baptist Church
1685 Taylor Road Theme: Colossal Coaster World When: July 15-19, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 year old through completion of 6th grade. Call 271.3363.
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334.273.4444 baptistfirst.org
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Why Church? 7
Essential Benefits of Fellowship
(1) Corporate Prayer & Worship
A wise child of God continually meets privately with the Lord in prayer, praise and intimacy, BUT it must be balanced out with corporate times of worship River Region’s Journey
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(3
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by Carmen Falcione
The writer of Hebrews 10:24-25 states: “…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.” (NASB) The Greek word episunagoge literally means “the gathering or assembling together.” The word church derives from the Greek word ekklesia, which means “the called out ones.” Every born again, blood-bought child of God is part of and belongs to the ‘Church.’ It is a family, a flock, and a group of individuals who are diverse, but united in Christ. Biblical unity is strength, and continued gatherings beget and foster love and give good opportunities to stimulate or provoke one another to good deeds. It is essential for believers to be a part of a local congregation in obedience to Jesus and the Word. Here are some of the reasons or benefits:
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and praying with other saints. Scripture is replete, both in the Old and New Testaments, with the nation of Israel and the saints of the church continuing to gather together. The disciples and followers of Jesus were always gathering “someplace’ together especially in ‘upper rooms.’ (Luke 22:12 and John 20:19-25) In Acts 1:13-14 the disciples, the woman who followed Jesus, and Mary, the mother of Jesus, were all gathered together, with one mind, devoting themselves to prayer and worship. This is also found in 24
Acts 2:42-43, where they were continually devoting themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer.
(2) Body Health
I Corinthians 12:18-21, 25 says, “For the body is not one member, but many. But now God has placed the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desired. If they were all one member, where would the body be? But now there are many members, but one body. And the eye cannot say to the hand, ‘I have no
need of you,’ or again the head to the feet, ‘I have no need of you’...so that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.”
(3) Giving and Receiving
The Trinity has given to the church gifts that are intended to be used corporately and specifically to bless and edify others. The results are to give glory to God! In Romans 12:3-8, God the Father gave a measure of faith, grace and gifts to each individual believer. Everyone has been given the exact amount that God has intended to fulfill their ministry and destiny. The gifts given in Roman 12 are to bless others as we experience joy in exercising them when it comes to the body of Christ. It is always “other centered.” Paul also states in Ephesians 4:7-13, that Jesus gave ‘some’ as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers…for the preparing, equipping, and perfecting of the saints, to do the work of service until we all attain to the unity of the body and the knowledge of the Son of God.” Then in I Corinthians 12, Paul says that the Holy Spirit gives to each one
A wise child of God continually meets privately with the Lord in prayer, praise and intimacy, BUT it must be balanced out with corporate times of worship and praying with other saints. the manifestation of the gifts of the Holy Spirit for the ‘common good.’ Therefore, when you are a part of a local congregation all these gifts are given so you can both give and receive, which is very pleasing to God.
(4) Observance of the Ordinances
Two major ordinances of the body are communion and baptism. These were
instituted and ordained by Jesus Himself and strongly recommended to generally be celebrated corporately. Luke says in Acts 2:42, they were continually breaking bread together daily. In I Corinthians 11:24-26, Paul shares about the Lord’s Supper setting the time frame as often as you do it, do it in remembrance of Him. There is one more element that I believe is health to the believers, which is to examine oneself before receiving communion. Just imagine how healthy, physically and spiritually, the body of Christ would be if we did this more consistently and properly. It is also a joy when a new believer obeys the Lord’s example and gets baptized. As the believer identifies himself with Christ publicly, it becomes a wonderful event the whole family of faith gets to witness and celebrate
(5) Protection
The body of Christ is akin to a family or flock. The ideal for every family is to have Godly headship, covering, and sanctified authority. It is not only health for the family, but protection from outside
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sources. It is the same for a flock. Jesus is the one who calls us sheep, and He is the Chief Shepherd. One of the duties of a shepherd is to protect the sheep from animals of prey. One of the tactics of these animals of prey is to cull out of the flock the weak and the independent. Our enemy, Satan, also loves to cull out the children of God into isolation away from other believers. In fact a few of the reasons that some believers choose not to be a part of the local congregation are that they have been wounded by under shepherds (pastors), elders, deacons, or other sheep. Yes, we pastors found out that sheep bite and so do some shepherds. BUT, there is no perfect local congregation because they are comprised of imperfect saints. Many of the saints who have such negative feelings are flawed and deceived by thinking that they are more highly esteemed than others. (Romans. 12:3) They are in a position for the enemy to pick them off. Ignatius said, “When ye frequently, and in numbers meet together, the powers of Satan are over thrown, and his mischief is neutralized by your like mindedness in the faith.” Jesus says in John 10:10, “The
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enemy comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” The Chief Shepherd is continually interceding for you day and night, but He wants you to use wisdom and stay connected to the family/flock.
6) Discipleship
Discipleship is succinctly described as an adherence to a teacher’s faith. If you are a true disciple of The Mentor, Jesus, then you want to receive, embrace and walk in His teachings aided by the power of grace. Discipleship has a connotation of addition and multiplication. Freely we have received; freely we should pass it on! In Acts 2:47 Luke says, “And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.” You’ll notice it says the Lord did it, not the saints. Adding numbers is not the goal. It is the product of the sovereignty of God. We share. He produces. Luke makes another math observation in Acts 6:7, when he says: “And the Word of God increased, and the numbers of disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly.” Thankfully and gratefully this has continued for 2000 years.
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7) Pleases the Lord
David expresses his heart in Psalm 41:11-12, “By this I know that you are pleased with me, because my enemy does not shout in triumph over me. As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and You set me in Your presence forever.” Desiring to please the Lord at all times is a noble goal for a child of God. One of the greatest ways to honor and please Him is to be a part of the answer that Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:21, “That we all would be one.” Our fragmentation and our dividedness is a hindrance to the Kingdom. If you are not active in a local congregation I encourage you to seek the Lord and ask Him where He would want to plant you so that you would freely give and receive. You will never regret it! Rev. Carmen Falcione is the founder and director of The Gathering, an interracial and interdenominational ministry committed to foster unity in the body of Christ. He is a member of the International Reconciliation Coalition. He is also the leader of John 17 Pastors Fellowship and associate director of the Montgomery House of Prayer. He is also a host of the “Praise the Lord” program on TBN, Channel 45. Carmen and his wife, Elaine, reside in Montgomery with their children and grandchildren. Visit www.thegathering.ws.
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2013 River Region
Church Directory
36043-Pintlala Pintlala Baptist Church 73 Federal Road (334) 281-9439 Email: info@pintlalabaptist.com Web: www.pintlalabaptistchurch.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Gary Burton WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Youth & Adult Choirs
36054-Millbrook Destiny Christian Center 1852 Hwy 14 East (334) 358.1313 Web: www.destinycc.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Ricardo Rodriquez WT: Sunday, 8:25, 9:45a.m. and 11:15 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 1200-1400 MIN: Small Groups, Youth, Meals for Homeless, Children, College Goodship Missionary Baptist Church 1554 AL Hwy 143 (334) 285.0094 Pastor: Mack H. Parker DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. WS: Traditional MIN: Sunday School, Youth, Bible Study
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Grace Community Church 3515 Highway 14 (334) 285.4655 Email: gracecommunityonline@gmail.com Web: http://sites.google.com/site/gracecommunityonline/ Pastor: Mike Wilkinson DN: Cumberland Presbyterian WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Youth, Bible Study, Discipleship, Mens, Womens, Missions, Faith Training
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Millbrook Baptist Church 3431 Browns Road (334) 285.4731 DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Ingram WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Childrens, Music, Womens, Mens, Daycare Millbrook First United Methodist Church 3350 Edgewood Road (334) 285.4114 Email: churchoffice@mfumc.org Website: www.mfumc.org Pastor: Dr. Nathan Atwood DN: First United Methodist WT: 8:15, Traditional 9:15 and 10:45, Contemporary at 10:45 WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children’s, Missions, Meals on Wheels, Daycare, Preschool, Men’s, Women’s, Music Millbrook Presbyterian Church 3480 Main Street (334) 285.4031 Email: mpcaoffice@gmail.com Web: www.millbrookpca.com DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor: Dr. Rev. Steve Muzio WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 5:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth/Children, Womens, Seniors, Mens, Fellowship Groups, VBS, Mission Trips New Life Church of Millbrook 4230 Millbrook, Hwy 14 (334) 285.6996 DN: Non-Denominational
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July 2013
River Region’s Journey
DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
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Pastor: T. Allen Cova WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Young couples, Womens, Men’s, Seniors, New Life Christian Academy
DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children
Victory Baptist Church 5481 Main Street (334) 285.5082 Email: info@victorymillbrook.com Website: www.victorymillbrook.com DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Steve Sanders WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Juvenile, Jail, Children’s Church, Junior Church, Nursing Home Ministry, Youth Ministry
2500 Legends Circle (Marriot Legends Capitol Hill Conference Center) Prattville AL. (334) 356.3076 Email: cindy@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: John Schmidt WT: Sunday, 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 800-1200 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups
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Well Spring Community Church 1881 I-65 Access Rd in Millbrook (334) 220.0560 Email: link on website Website: www.wecometowellspring.com DN: Community Church Pastor: Michael J. Beale WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Prayer, Childrens, Weekly Community-Based Small Groups, Team-Based Ministry, Servant Evangelism, Missionary Discipleship
36064-Pike Road Centerpoint Fellowship (ad on page 25)
Off-Center Video site at 1445 Wilson Park Drive (Pike Road Jim Wilson YMCA) (334) 819.4600 Email: don@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Don Darling WT: Sunday, 9:30 WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children Ministry, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups at main campus
First Presbyterian Church (ad on page 5)
9299 Vaughn Road (334) 279.1372 DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Reed De Pace WT: Sunday, 9:30 worship WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Support Groups, Bible Studies (all ages), Childrens, Youth, Seniors, Mens, Womens, Family Pike Road Baptist Church 4790 Pike Road (334) 272.7690 Email: pikeroad@aol.com Web: www.pikeroadchurch.org DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens ministry, Missions
Woodland United Methodist Church (ad on page 15)
4428 Wallahatchie Road (334) 272.7230 Website: www.woodlandontheweb.org Email: office@woodlandontheweb.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Tim Meadows WT: Sunday, 8 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Seniors, Discipleship, Childrens, Youth, Music
36066, 36067-Prattville Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. 4th Street (334) 365.5213 Website: www.calvarybaptistprattville.org Email: calbapt@bellsouth.net Pastor: Rev. Winston Brooks
River Region’s Journey
July 2013
Centerpoint Fellowship (ad on page 25)
Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road (334) 365.0231 Email: info@camelliabaptist.com Web: www.camelliabaptist.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Reverend Mark Stokes WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: AWANA, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Womens, Mens, Missions, Music, Upward East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Rd. (334) 365.7500 Email: plima@eastmemorial.org Web: www.eastmemorial.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Glenn Graham, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.; Wed. night at 6:20 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 800-1200 MIN: Student, College & Career, Singles, Childrens, AWANA, Seniors, Womens, Mens
First Baptist Church (ad on page 43)
138 S. Washington Street (334) 365.0606 Email: mail@fbcprattville.org Web: www.fbcprattville.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Dr. Travis Coleman, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 800-1200 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens, Mission Friends, Choir (all ages), Moms Day Out, Kindergarten, Adult Discipleship, MOMM First Presbyterian Church 211 S. Chestnut Street (334) 365.6387 Email: kay@fpcministries.org Web: www.fpcministries.org DN: First Presbyterian Church of America Pastor: Bryant Hansen WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Community, Womens, Mens
First United Methodist Church (ad on page 11)
100 E. Fourth Street (334) 365.5977 Web: www.prattvillemethodist.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rob Couch WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m., and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Older Adults, Support Groups, Mom’s Day Out, Preschool Fountain City Baptist Church 492 East Main Street (334) 365.2034 Email: link on website Web: www.fountaincitybaptistchurch.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Moore WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Teen, Older Adult,
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AWANA, Music (adults and youth), Mens, Womens, Missions and Outreach Fountain of Grace 881 McQueen Smith Road, S. (334) 365.5511 Email: info@fountainofgraceac.us Web: www.fountainofgrace.us DN: Christian Missionary Alliance Pastor: Tony Butler WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150-400 MIN: Youth, Sunday school, Women of Grace, Music, Sound, AWANA (during school year) Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road (334) 361.9180 Email: glynwoodbc@knology.net Web: www.glynwoodbaptistchurch.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Reverend Bruce Hose WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Music, Prayer, Seniors, Glynwood Childcare Ministry, Bible Study and prayer Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Heritage Baptist Church 1357 S. Memorial Drive (334) 365.2372 Email: office@hbcprattville.org Web: www.hbcprattville.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Roger D. Parks WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (summer); Regular worship schedule: Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: AWANA, Youth, VBS, Children’s Church, Adult, Music and Missions Trips Hunter Hills Church of Christ 330 Old Farm Lane, N. (334) 285.2700 Web: www.hunterhills.org DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Don Campbell WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Support Groups, Leisure, Small Groups Journey Church 435 Shiela Blvd, Prattville (334) 351.9994 Web: www.myjourneychurch.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Mike Mozingo WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:30 WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Small Groups, Childrens, Youth, Missions and Outreach Voice of Victory Church (10 min. from Prattville) 449 County RD 165, Autaugville (334) 365.2031 Web: www.vovc.org DN: Word of Faith Pastor: Mac Gober WT: Sunday 10a.m and Wed., 6:30p.m. AT: under 150 WS: Contemporary MIN: Prison, Youth, Children’s, Adult, Senior, Young Professionals and Invasion Evangelism
36092-Wetumpka Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., Wetumpka (334) 567.4325 Web: www.blueridgebaptistchurch.net Pastor: Rev. John Carney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: under 150 Min: Childrens, Adult, Youth, College, Prayer and Missions First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge Street, Wetumpka
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(334) 567.5191 Website: www.fbc-wetumpka.org Pastor: Dr. James Troglen DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens and Older Adults
Website: http://www.coascension.org Rector: Interim Bill Winters DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Children, Youth, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Food Pantry, Shut-in, Outreach, Stephen Ministry, Tutoring
First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka (334) 567.7865 Email: link on website Web: www.fumcwetumpka.org Pastor: Kevin Kelly WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s ministry, Youth, Hispanic Ministry, Young adults, Missions, Prayer and Adult ministry
First Baptist Church (ad on back cover)
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Grace Baptist Church 304 Old Montgomery Hwy., Wetumpka (334) 567.3255 Email: info@gbcwetumpka.com Pastor: Justin Teate WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Wed. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Adult, Youth, Childrens Mountain View Baptist Church 1025 Rifle Range Rd, Wetumpka (334) 567.4458 Web: www.mvbaptistchurch.info DN: Baptist Pastor: Anthony Counts WT: Sunday, 10:30a.m, and 6 p.m. MIN: A fully graded Bible study program, Music ministry, Children’s ministry, group studies. Mulder Memorial UMC 3454 Firetower Rd., Wetumpka (334) 567.4225 Web: www.mulderchurch.org Pastor: Matt Mobley WT: Sunday, 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Children’s ministry, Adult, Youth, Missions and Prayer Redland Baptist Church 1266 Dozier Road, Wetumpka (334) 567.8649 Web: www.redlandbaptistchurch.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Bryce Cox WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m., Wednesday at 6:15 WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Senior, Adult, Choir and VBS
36104-Montgomery 2Cities Church 128 Lee Street (334) 294.7263 Email: info@2cities.org Website: www.2cities.org Pastor: Rev. Brian D. MacDonald DN: Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.. WS: Blended AT: under 150 MIN: Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, Community Groups, City Outreach, Childrens Church of the Highlands 201 Tallapoosa St (located in the Montgomery Performing Arts Center inside the renowned Renaissance Hotel) (205) 980.5577 Email: Erwin@churchofthehighlands.com Website: www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/ Montgomery Pastor: Chris Erwin WT: Sunday, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary Attendance: 400-800 Ministries: Small Groups, Outreach & Missions The Episcopal Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Ave (334) 263.5529 Email: staff@coascension.org
305 S. Perry Street (334) 834.6310 Email: link on website Web: www.montgomeryfbc.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Jay Wolf WT: Sunday, 8:30, 11 a.m., and 6:15 p.m. WS: Blended AT: over 1500 MIN: Preschool, Childrens, Youth, College, Singles, Adults, Seniors, Internationals, Music, Special Needs, Community, Television, School of Fine Arts, Support Groups, Counseling Center Gospel Tabernacle Church of God in Christ 465 South Perry Street (334) 264.5171 DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Dr. Clifford M. Terrell WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., Wednesday, 12 noon and 7 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Missions, Prayer, Womens, Men, Evangelism, and Community Outreach New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 3) 600 Columbus Street (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Kylle McKinney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 River City Church 301 Dexter Ave (334) 263.0549 Email: info@rivercityumc.com Website: www.rivercityumc.com Pastor: Rev. Anthony “Tony” McCullough DN: United Methodist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Small groups-Wedn. at 6:15 pm preceded by community dinner at 5:30, Friday night 301 Dance Club, 6:30-dance lesson, $10/person St. John’s Episcopal Church 113 Madison Avenue (334) 262.1937 Website: www.stjohnsmontgomery.org DN: Episcopal Rector: Rev. Robert C. Wisnewski Associate Rector: Rev. Daniel Cenci Associate Rector: Rev. Candice Frazer AT: 150-400 WT: Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7 a.m.; Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:05 p.m. MIN: Christian Education, Youth, Childrens, Adult, Missions and Outreach, Homeless ministry Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 S. Hull Street (334) 262.3892 Email: office@trinitypca.org Web: www.trinitypca.org DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Claude E. McRoberts, III WT: Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m., 6p.m. Summer schedule: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
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WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Adults, Childrens (Catechism Classes and Pioneer Clubs), Youth, Missions, Choir, Preschool
36105-Montgomery Snowdoun Baptist Church 6564 Norman Bridge Road (334) 280.0217 Web: www.snowdounbaptist.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Steve Campbell WT: Sunday 11 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Worship, Children, Youth, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Missions, Music
36106-Montgomery Cloverdale Baptist Church 608 E. Fairview Avenue (334) 265.9223 Website: www.cloverdalebaptist.net Email: info@cloverdalebaptist.net DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Keith Hinson, Interim WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Preschool Academy, Fun and Fellowship, Seniors, Youth, Choir for all ages Eastwood Presbyterian Church 1701 E. Trinity Blvd. (334) 272.3103 Email: missions@eastwoodchurch.org Web: www.eastwoodchurch.org DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Senior Pastor: Bill Thompson Associate Pastor: Rev. Bart Lester WT: Sunday, 10:55 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Missions, Counseling, School, College, Youth, Women, Military
Evangel Church (ad on page 21)
3975 Vaughn Road (334) 272.4882 Web: www.evangelchurch.me DN: Assembly of God Pastor: Michael Rippy WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (classical) and 11 a.m. (contemporary) WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Sunday school, Adults, Childrens, Seniors, Youth, Evangel Christian Academy, College, Young Adult Service on Sunday night
First United Methodist Church (ad on page 39)
2416 W. Cloverdale Park (334) 834.8990 Email: info@fumcmontgomery.org Web: www.fumcmontgomery.org DN: Methodist Pastor: Dr. R. Lawson Bryan WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and Wed. night at 5:30 WS: Traditional AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Children’s, Youth, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Men’s, Women’s Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Road (334) 279.9976 Web: www.hbcm.net Pastor: Teman Knight DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 11:15 WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Student, Adult, Singles, Special Needs, Seniors, Music, Drama, Missions, Child Development Center New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 1) 1615 Mulberry Street (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ
July 2013
River Region’s Journey
DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
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Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112
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New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 6) 1801 East Trinity Blvd. (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Rodney Brannon WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Vaughn Park Church of Christ 3800 Vaughn Road (334) 272.2665 Web: www.vaughnpark.com Pastor: Brad Sullivan DN: Church of Christ WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Benevolence, Childrens, Deaf, Adults, Evangelism, Family Life Center, Happy Hearts, Inner City, Womens, Life Groups, Mens, Missions, Nursery/Toddler Worship, Singles, Music, Youth
36107-Montgomery Capitol Heights Baptist Church 2514 Madison Avenue (334) 264.6461 Email: link on website Web: www.capitolheights.org DN: Baptist Pastor: J. Warren Culver WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Worship & Music, Childrens, Families, Mens, Seniors, Students, Womens, Angel Food Capitol Height United Methodist Church 2000 Winona Avenue (334) 264.2464 Website: www.capitolheightsumc.org Pastor: Jackie Slaughter WT: Sundays at 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Missions, Youth, Adult, Pray and Bible Study Cornerstone Bible Church 341 N. Madison Terrace (334) 262.3706 Email: cornerstone.biblechurch@yahoo.com Website: www.cornerstone-biblechurch.org Pastor: Myron Price DN: Independent Bible Church WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: AWANA, Play Group for moms with young children, Prayer and Bible Study Groups
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (ad on page 38)
1436 East Washington Street (334) 265.1807
River Region’s Journey
July 2013
Website: www.pilgrimrestmbc.org Pastor: Rev. Walter E. Ellis DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m., Bible Study, 7 p.m. WS: Blended MIN: Sunday School, Youth Mentoring, Youth Choir, Women’s, Bible Study Venture Church 1551 East Ann Street (334) 224.1214 Email: info@theventure.org Web:www.theventure.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Joe Martin WT: Sunday, 10:30 pm WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Venture Kids, Common Groups
36108-Montgomery Christ’s Center Church 1324 Airbase Blvd (334) 269.8603 Email: Pastor@ChristsCenterChurch.org Web: www.ChristsCenterChurch.org DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: Anthony D. Brown, Sr. WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 60-75 MIN: Children, Youth/Teen, Adult Sunday Schools, Adult & Teen Praise Team, Men’s Bible meeting, Women’s Bible meeting, Recovery Meeting, Tutoring New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 4) 4781 Mobile Highway (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strageties To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Rosa Parks Avenue Church of God 1701 Rosa L. Parks Avenue (334) 265.6008 Web: http://netministries.org/see/churches.exe/ch22420 Pastor: James R. Marshall DN: Non-denominational WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. AT: under 150-400 MIN: Youth, GED Program, Bible Study, Singles, Seniors, Counseling, Choir Strong Tower at Washington Park 1516 Mobile Road (334) 782.0226 Email: info@strongtowerawp.com Website: www.strongtowerawp.com Pastor: Terrence Jones Assistant Pastor:Alonzo Brown Jr. DN:Independent WT: Sundays at 11 a.m. WS: Multi-Cultural AT: under 150 MIN: Women’s, Evangelistic Outreach, Girls Praise Dance Team
36109-Montgomery All Saints Episcopal Church 645 Coliseum Blvd. (334) 272.2591 Email: link included on website Web: www.allsaintsmontgomery.com Priest in Charge: Reverend Mathew Grunfeld DN: Episcopal
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WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Outreach, Childrens, Womens, Mens, Youth Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road (334) 273.8595 Web: www.cornerstone-cc.org DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Jay Thompson WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Youth, Womens, Seniors, CC Quilts, Neighbors in Christ, Church Camp, CTN Ministries Covenant Presbyterian Church 5 Arden Road at Atlanta Highway (334) 272.1133 Email: covenantpcmgm@bellsouth.net DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Lee Bloodworth WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Traditional, Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Mens, Womens, Seniors Dalraida Baptist Church 3838 Wares Ferry Road (334) 272.2412 Web: www.thedalraidadifference.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Evans WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Sunday school, Discipleship, Childrens, Youth, Ladies, Seniors, FAITH Outreach, Missions
Dalraida United Methodist Church (ad on page 16)
3817 Atlanta Highway (334) 272.2190 Email: info@dalraidaumc.org Web: www.dalraidaumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: David McVay WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Adult Bible Study, Seniors, Choir, Local and Global Missions, Food Closet
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Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road (334) 272.0604 Web: www.ehbconline.com Pastor: Dr. Rick Marshall WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m., 6:00 p.m. (praise & worship service) WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 OL: Spanish MIN: Womens, Mens, Childrens, Youth, Missions, Hispanic, College, Singles, Older Singles, Older Adults, Music, Pastoral Care, Preschool, Daycare and Homeschool. Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway (334) 277.6300 Web: www.eastmont.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Northcutt WT: Sunday, 8:10 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. WS: Blended AT: above 1500 MIN: Preschool, Mens, Womens, Childrens, Youth, College & Career, Singles, Older Adults, Music, Missions, Families, Small Groups Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road (334) 272.2304 Email: info@morningview.org Web: www.morningview.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Shawn Merithew WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, Youth, Older Adults, Prayer, Missions, Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy
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Chisholm Baptist Church 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road (334) 262.6437 DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Wed. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Hands of Christ
Westminster Presbyterian Church 2515 Woodley Road (334) 281.2241 Web: www.westminsterpcusa.org DN: PC USA Pastor: Rev. Candasu Vernon WT: Sunday, 10:25 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Music, Outreach, Sunday school, Womens
The Rock Church 3401 Harrison Road (334) 260.0984 Email: link on website Web: www.therockofmontgomery.org DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: H. Nelson Cash, Jr. WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Prayer, Discipleship, Youth, Childrens, Local Outreach, Rock School (grades K3-12)
Highland Gardens Baptist Church 2014 Johnson Street (334) 263.0294 Email: link on website Web: www.hgbaptistchurch.org Pastor: Earl B. Wise DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth
Whitfield Memorial United Methodist 2673 Fisk Road (334) 281.2467 Email: office@whitfieldumc.org Web: www.whitfieldumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Francis Turner WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Older Adults
36111-Montgomery
36116-Montgomery
New Life Church of God in Christ (Main Campus) 4116 Narrow Lane Road (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Charles and Sharon Clark WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach, and more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
St. Paul Lutheran Church 4475 Atlanta Highway (334) 272.6214 Web: www.stpaulmontgomery.org Pastor: Reverend Carey Elam DN: Lutheran WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (Contemporary), 11:00 a.m. (traditional) WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Choir University Church of Christ 5315 Atlanta Hwy. (334) 386.7320 Web: www.ucoc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Randy Medlin WT: Sundays, 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Youth, College, Prison and Childrens
(ad on page 10)
6610 Vaughn Road (334) 272.6152 Email: email@aldersgateumc.org Web: www.aldersgateumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Glen Pugh WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m.; 11:00 a.m. WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Kid Stuff Interactive Children’s Ministry, Youth, Music (all ages), Young Adults (College & Career), Seniors, Stephens, Walk to Emmaus & Chrysalis , Weekday Children’s Ministry Day Care & After School Programs, Men’s, Women’s, Wednesday Night Connections Dinner & Small Groups, Youth and Adult Sports, Food Pantry, Library
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
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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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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
AND
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36110-Montgomery
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
nic,
Perry Hill United Methodist Church 910 Perry Hill Road (334) 272.3174 Web: www.perryhillumc.org Email: office@perryhillumc.org DN: United Methodist WT: Sunday, 10:30 and 6 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Youth, Adult Choir, Childrens Programs, Mission Outreach, Ladies Prayer Group, Boy Scouts
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DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive. 1
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July 2013
River Region’s Journey
DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered
DN
Calvary Baptist Church 8197 Decker Lane (334) 284.3737 Web: www.calvarymontgomery.org DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Dr. Paul Spargo WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Mens, Womens, Married, Single, Senior, AWANA, Preschool, Children, VBS, Bus ministry, Youth
Pas WT WS MIN Out
ChristChurch (ad on page 9)
8800 Vaughn Rd. (334) 387.0566 Email: info@christchurchxp.net Website: www.christchurchxp.net DN: Anglican Pastor: Rev. John-Michael van Dyke WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite II WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Seniors, Adult, Young Families, Students, Children, Pastoral Care, Outreach, Parish Life, and Music
Christ the Redeemer Episcopal Church Resurrected (ad on page 26) 6801 Vaughn Road DN: Episcopal Pastor: Rev. James K. Muriuki WT: 6 p.m., Sunday Evenings WS: Blended MIN: Special Personal Prayer for Healing
Eastern Meadows Church of Christ 8460 Vaughn Rd. (334) 273.0001 Email: easternmeadows@emcofc.org Website: www.emcofc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Steve Housley WT: Sundays, 10:00a.m. and 5:00p.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, College, Young Adult, Senior, Mens, Womens, Educational, Missions
Frazer UMC Hispanic Campus (ad on inside front cover)
3711 Eastern Blvd. (334) 495.6460 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.Frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Mario Aman WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children Other: Ministries available at Frazer Main Campus Fresh Anointing International Church 150 East Fleming Rd. (334) 613.3363 Email: info@anointedchurch.org Web: www.anointedchurch.org DN: Independent Pastor: Kyle Searcy WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 800-1500 MIN: Singles, Nursing Home, Prison, Childrens, College, Drama, Angel Food, Marital Counseling, Intercession, Fresh Start Christian Academy
Gateway Baptist Church (ad on page 37)
3300 Bell Road (334) 272.9494 Email: link on website Web: www.gatewaybaptist.com Pastor: Alan Cross DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Small Groups, AWANA, Military, Childrens, Student, Youth, Seniors, Men and Womens, Gateway Academy, Military Lighthouse Church 3560 Bell Road (334) 271.6502 or (334) 271.4200 Email: lighthousechurchmontgomery@yahoo.com Web: www.lighthousemontgomery.org
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July 2013
Pastor: Dr. Mickey A. Kirkland DN: Non-denominational WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and Wed. 6:45 p.m. WS: Combination of traditional and contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Home of Lighthouse Christian Academy, Kids for Christ, Teens for Christ, Upward Sports Messiah Lutheran Church 6670 Vaughn Road (334) 277.4213 Email: messiahlutheran@aol.com Web: www.nonprofitpages.com/messiah DN: Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Randy Jones WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Womens, Childrens, Music, Mens New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 5) 5600 Carriage Hills Drive (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Eric Lee WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 2) 5000 Patterson Road (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Theodore Williams WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: Over 1500 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Pinedale Baptist Church 4785 McInnis Road (334) 288.0832 DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. (summer schedule) WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Brotherhood (Mens Ministry), Womens Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road (334) 277.0011 Email: info@rbcmontgomery.com Web: www.rbcmontgomery.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Dr. Dale Huff (Interim Pastor) WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6:00 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Preschool, Childrens, College, Student, Mens, Womens, Singles, Seniors
Young Meadows Presbyterian (ad on page 35) 5780 Vaughn Road (334) 244.1385 Web: www.youngmeadowspca.com DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Dr. Jim Simoneau WT: Sunday, 8:15 and 11 a.m., Bridge Service at 10:30 a.m. (Youth Assembly Hall)
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WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, Youth, Choir, Adult Growth Groups, Global Outreach and Domestic Outreach Zion Fellowship 4540 Narrow Lane Rd. (334) 281.8971 Email: zionfellowshipchurch@live.com Web: www.zionfellowshipumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Robert Spicer WT: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. WS: Traditional & Gospel AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children
36117-Montgomery Christ Community Church 8285 Ryan Road (334) 273.8110 Email: mail@christccm.net Web: www.christccm.net DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Keith Waldrop WT: Sunday, 10:00a.m WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Student, Mens, Womens, Missions, I2 Projects, small groups Christian Life Church 6000 Monticello Drive (334) 271.3800 Web: www.clconline.com DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: Steven Vickers WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Missions, Prayer, Women’s, Men’s, Prison, Youth, Worship East Lake Community Church 395 Ray Thorington Rd. (@ Churchhill Academy) (334) 799.7424 Web: www.eastlakecc.org Email: chat@eastlakecc.org DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Chad Harrison WT: Sunday, 10 a.m. WS: Contemporary; Blend AT: under 150 MIN: Cornerstone Kidz, Cornerstone Families, Youth Ministry, Adults Small Groups
Frazer Memorial United Methodist (ad on inside front cover)
6000 Atlanta Highway (334) 272.8622 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Tim Thompson and Rev. Patrick Quinn WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: Over 1500 OL: include Chinese as well as Spanish; American Sign Language and Korean interpreters available MIN: Children, Students, Singles, Men, Women, Adult Sunday School and Life Groups, Older Adults, Hispanic, Chinese, Music, Recreation, Community and World Missions, Stephen Ministry, Support Groups, Counseling Clinic, Financial Peace, Marriage and Parenting, TV, and more. GracePointe 1565 Ray Thorington Road (334) 271.2525 Web: www.grace-pointe.com DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Scottie Harris WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: GracePoint Kids, GPS, Men of Grace, Women of Grace, Prayer Ministry Grace @ Bell Road 5 Bell Road (334) 272.4930 Email: info@discovergrace.org Web: www.discovergrace.org DN: Evangelical Presbyterian
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DN: Denomination WT: Worship Times WS: Worship Style(s) AT: Attendance OL: Other Languages MIN: Ministries Offered Pastor: Scott Lawry WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Women’s, Men’s, Missions, Children’s, Life Groups, Outreach Harvest Family Church 7245 Copperfield Drive (334) 277.1156 Email: office@harvestfamilychurch.com Web: www.harvestfamilychurch.com DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: Bill McNeese WT: Sunday, 8:45 and 10:30; Wednesday, 7 p.m. WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Women and Men’s.
Lakeview Baptist Church (ad on page 34)
9225 Atlanta Highway (334) 213.3080 Email: link on website Web: www.lakeviewbaptistchurch.cc DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Paul Hubbard WT: Sunday, 10:45 am. WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens, College and Career, Music, Student, and Young married.
Landmark Church of Christ (ad on page 38) 1800 Halcyon Boulevard (334) 277.5800 Email: Christians@landmarkchurch.net Web: www.landmarkchurch.net DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Buddy Bell WT: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Recovery, Inner City, Life Groups, Missions Legacy Anglican Church 2323 Bell Road
(334) 396.2001 Web: www.thelegacychurch.org Pastor: Rev. Doug McCurry DN: Anglican WT: Sundays, 10:30 a.m. WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Small Groups, Childrens Memorial Presbyterian Church 2130 Bell Road (334) 274.1018 Email: contact@memorialpres.net Web: www.memorialpres.net Pastor: Reverend Charles Sims DN: Presbyterian WT: Sunday, 11:00 a.m. WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Mother’s Day Out, Women’s, Youth, Adults, Seniors, Food Ministry, Music, Children’s
St. James United Methodist Church (ad on page 19)
9045 Vaughn Road (334) 277.3037 Web: www.sjlife.com DN: United Methodist Pastor: Allen Newton WT: Sunday, 8:30 (blended) 9:45 a.m. (Contemporary) and 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Traditional & Contemporary AT: 800-1500 MIN: Mens, RENEW Womens Group, Childrens, Youth, Small Groups, College & Young Adults, Celebrate Recovery, Dance Team, Senior Ministry, Upward Soccer St. Joseph of Arimathea Anglican Church 355 Bell Road (334) 271.6700 Email: frbailey@knology.net Web: www.stjosepharimathea.com DN: Episcopal Missionary Church Pastor: Rev. Kenneth R. Bailey, Jr. WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., Wednesday 6 p.m. WS: Liturgical AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Bible Study
Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road (334) 271.3363 Email: trbc@taylordroad.org Web: www.taylorroad.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Andy Hepburn WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens Missions, Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth & Adult Choirs, Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Womens, Youth and Adult Bible Study. Thorington Road Baptist Church 450 Ray Thorington Road (334) 396.9376 Email: contact through website Web: www.trbclife.org Pastor: Wade Rials DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. WS: Blended AT: 150 to 400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens and VBS Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road (334) 279.5433 Email: link through website Web: www.vaughnforest.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Dr. Lawrence H. Phipps WT: Sunday, 10:30 WS: Contemporary AT: 800 to 1500 OL: Spanish and Korean MIN: Preschool, Student, Singles, Older Adults, Worship, Hispanic, Korean, Week-day Preschool If your church was not listed in this year’s church directory, email deanne@readjourneymagazine.com or call 334.213.7940. We’ll be sure to add you in future Church Directory issues. **Headline photo of Meadows family at First UMC Prattville contributed by Lori Mercer Photography.
“Train a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
EVANGEL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
Proverbs 22:6
C hallenging a CademiC a tmosphere in a C hristian e nvironment Accredited AISA Blue Ribbon School
ic,
Evangel Christian Academy is a ministry of Evangel Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
334-272-3882 ecalions.org Evangel Christian Academy admits students of any race, color, gender and national or ethnic origin.
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July 2013
River Region’s Journey
Counselor’s Corner
an be pla an too to co yo off Do
by Brenda Payne, Eastwood Counseling Center
Quit Complaining! The text for my devotional was very familiar. In fact, I had taught it to my children as soon as they were old enough to protest. We even memorized the verse with the aid of a catchy tune by Steve Green. Philippians 2:14-16 says, “Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation. Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life.” As I meditated on the passage recently, I considered my progress in the Christian faith and evaluated myself as having done quite well. After walking with the Lord for almost 30 years, I had fallen into the trap many veteran Christians fall into: classifying my sins as “major” and “minor” and grading myself on a curve! I thought to myself, “I
River Region’s Journey
July 2013
don’t complain much. I hardly ever argue. I am doing really well. I am better than I used to be and far better than a lot of people I know. And besides, these are “minor” issues in the big scheme of things, right?” Wrong! Complaining and arguing is a big deal to God! I decided to challenge myself (and my family) by initiating a “no complaining/ arguing zone.” For one week, I would crack down on complainers and arguers, starting with myself. On the first day, I was mortified! I realized that while I did not verbalize most of my complaints, they ran unchecked through my mind throughout the day. I woke up grumbling about the weather. “It’s too humid. And, it’s raining again?” I grumbled about the children. “Why doesn’t he ever clean up his messes?” “Why does she play her music so loud?” I found reasons to
34
bemoan my chores. “All I ever do is clean up so we can make things a mess again!” I even found fault with my husband who was faithfully at work and not even in my presence! As the day wore on, I surmised that I was the biggest complainer I know. Thankfully, I did not verbalize most of my complaints. God commands us to not complain about anything, but on this particular day there wasn’t anything about which I wasn’t complaining! Thankfully, as I confessed my sin, God gave me the grace I needed to redeem my attitude for the rest of the week. Here are a few insights I learned.
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• First, confess your complaining and arguing as sin and recognize the sin beneath the sin. The bitter root of complaining can almost always be traced to pride and/or selfishness. Pride makes you think too highly of yourself. Selfishness leads you to think chiefly about yourself. When you consider the heart that promotes these sins, you can better see the serious nature of the offense. Don’t minimize. Don’t rationalize. Don’t justify. Call it like God calls it.· • Secondly, don’t grade yourself on a curve (that is, in light of what those around you do)! If you don’t deal with complaining and arguing radically they will easily become a pattern in your life. Complaining can begin quietly in your head and quickly grow into verbal expression. Pray the Holy Spirit will convict you before this happens. And, if you should sin with your mouth, be “blameless and innocent” in the matter by asking for forgiveness of those who heard you. Then make the necessary changes in thinking, attitude, and words. • Thirdly, don’t underestimate the erosive effects complaining and arguing produce over time in your relationship with God and your neighbors. We tend to
think sin is less serious if we don’t see immediate negative consequences for ourselves or others. Erosion is a slow process which often goes undetected, but if left unchecked can result in catastrophic damage. • Fourthly, purpose in your heart to stop complaining. We live in a world where complaining and arguing are the norm. But what if you woke up today and you refused to complain about anything? What if you declined to begin or be drawn into foolish arguments? What if you took a different attitude to work? What if you resisted the temptation at school to complain about your teachers and the workload? One thing’s for sure, you would stand out! You would be a bright light in a dark spot. Think about how it would impact of the credibility of your witness for Christ. • Fifthly, start today by keeping a journal. Write down your complaining thoughts and words. Keep a written account of your arguments. See what patterns emerge. What do you complain about? Who do you complain about? Who do you complain to? What do you argue about? Who do you argue with? Ask the Lord to help you see where your own pride and selfishness is
35
at play. Also, ask the Lord to help you deal with these root issues and to find a more mature Christian to hold you accountable. • Finally, put on gratitude. Paul told the Thessalonians, “give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” He told the Ephesians, “always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). Ask your Heavenly Father to give you a heart filled with gratitude and graciousness. Begin a “thankful list” especially about those things or people you are most tempted to complain about. And, pray blessings upon those “practical enemies” whom you find yourself in disagreement with continually. When you do these things, see if the Lord doesn’t open to you doors for greater fruit and fruitfulness in life and ministry. **If you would like to get in touch with this or any counselor at Eastwood Counseling Center, please call 334-386-2384. Brenda is a certified counselor through the National Association of Nouthetic Counselors. She counsels part time at Eastwood Presbyterian Church where she is a member. She and her husband Paul have three children--Kadie Allen, Rome, and John Clark. Brenda is active in teaching women’s Bible studies and discipleship. She has taught a number of seminars on issues related to women.
July 2013
River Region’s Journey
Grace to You by John MacArthur
Conversions of the Rich and Famous For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong, and the base things of the world and the despised, God has chosen, the things that are not, that He might nullify the things that are, that no man should boast before God. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29) Paul possibly went over the membership of the Corinthian church in his mind as he wrote verse 26. He reminded them that they had very few who were famous, wealthy, highly educated, powerful, or influential when they believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. It is likely that, when they
became Christians, they lost a great deal of the prestige, influence, and income they did have. Consider your calling, brethren, he says. Paul always uses the term calling to refer to the saving call of God, the effectual call that results in redemption. “You know what sort of persons you were when God called you out of darkness. You know that He did not accept you as His child because you were brilliant or wealthy or intelligent or powerful. If you were any of these things,” he says, “you were saved in spite of them not because of them. If anything they were stumbling blocks that hindered you, obstacles between you and God’s grace.” He implies that they should be glad that not many were wise according to the flesh or mighty or noble. Such things often keep people from the sense of need that leads to salvation. If more of them had
been wise, mighty, or noble, it is likely that fewer of them would have been saved. God is not looking for Phi Beta Kappas to save and to do His work. Nor is He looking for millionaires or famous athletes or entertainers or statesmen. His salvation is open to them just as surely as to others, but only on the same basis of faith. The very things that put them ahead in the world may actually put them behind with God. It is the feeling of inadequacy that makes people aware that they have need, and often draws them to the gospel.
Building the lives of young people on Jesus Christ, the chief cornerstone.
NOW REGISTERING K5 THRU 12TH GRADES At Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skill and vision necessary to be effective leaders and servants for our Lord Jesus Christ. Morningview Baptist Church • 125 Calhoun Road • (334) 356-7788 • www.ccamontgomery.org River Region’s Journey
July 2013
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Jesus prayed on one occasion, “I praise Thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that Thou didst hide these things from the wise and intelligent and didst reveal them to babes” (Matt. 11:25). As the context makes clear, this prayer was spoken publicly as a part of His preaching to the crowds. He was addressing His hearers as much as His Father when He prayed these words. He wanted them to know that God wanted only their faith and nothing else. He was also warning that “the wise and intelligent” were at a disadvantage as far as spiritual life and understanding are concerned. It is not that they could not accept and believe, but that pride in and dependence on their accomplishments and abilities could keep them from the kingdom. Weakness and insufficiency are the climate in which God’s strength is made manifest. God’s wisdom is a kind of paradox. In human thinking, strength is strength, weakness is weakness, and intelligence is intelligence. But in God’s economy some of the seemingly strongest things are the weakest, some of the seemingly weakest things are the strongest, and some of the seemingly wisest things are the most foolish. The paradox is not by accident, but by God’s design. A simple, uneducated, untalented, and clumsy believer who has trusted in Jesus Christ as Savior and who faithfully and humbly follows His Lord is immeasurably wiser than the brilliant Ph.D. who scoffs at the gospel. The simple believer knows forgiveness, love, grace, life, hope, God’s Word—God Himself He can see eternity. The unbelieving Ph.D., on the other hand, knows nothing beyond his books, his own mind, and his own experience. He sees nothing beyond this life, and he cannot be considered anything but foolish. We are often tempted to think that it would be wonderful if such–and–such a great athlete—or brilliant scientist, popular entertainer, or world leader—would become a Christian. But Jesus did not think this way when He chose His disciples. Some were probably well known in their local circles and perhaps a few of them were well off financially. But He did not choose them for their wealth or influence, and in His training of them He did not try to capitalize on any such things. None of them had anything so great that he was not ready to leave it to follow Christ. Widely known for his thorough, candid approach to teaching God’s Word, John MacArthur is a fifthgeneration pastor, a popular author and conference speaker, and has served as pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California since 1969. John and his wife, Patricia, have four grown children and fifteen grandchildren. John’s pulpit ministry has been extended around the globe through his media ministry, Grace to You. 37
July 2013
River Region’s Journey
Family Teams for Christ
dec glo
by Lisa and Mike Conn
r H
Grasping the Cost of Freedom Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17) Freedom. It’s a privilege we enjoy each day in America, yet do we remember how it was won? As we celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, let’s take time to remember and teach our children how our nation began. A good place to begin is by reading The Rebirth of America published by the Arthur S. DeMoss Foundation, a book which provides the stories and direct quotes that point to the Christian principles upon which our country was founded. Our coins, for example, are minted with a rendering of a founding father with the words, “Liberty—In God We Trust”. Our forefathers knew the tremendous cost that was paid to gain our freedom. They
continually acknowledged that God had made and preserved our nation. They were confident that God was blessing their endeavors because they acknowledged him and sought His aid in all their doings. They warned future generations that the day God was not earnestly revered in America, she would become a byword among nations. (The Rebirth of America, p. 12) The 56 courageous men who signed the Declaration of Independence did so knowing the extreme risk they were taking. If they were able to defeat the British, they knew the future still held many years of struggle and hardship. If they failed, each would die a traitor. Still these brave men stood by their convictions with a steady faith in the sovereignty of God, saying, “With a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes,
and our sacred honor.” (The Declaration of Independence) It is noteworthy that these leaders were not insurgents with nothing to lose—they were prosperous men with much to lose— their wealth and land, their families, and positions of respect. These men considered freedom and liberty more important than their own personal comfort. After signing the Declaration, many endured capture and torture at the hands of the British, 12 had their homes destroyed by the enemy; several lost their sons and their own lives in battle. Our freedom was bought at great cost. “I am well aware of the toil, and blood, and treasure that it will cost to maintain this
The
Barnabas
Group
A Christ centered peer based support group for those struggling with unwanted same sex attractions and family members or loved support and encouragement are available. Meets 1st, 3rd, & 5th Tuesdays @ 6:30 PM - Landmark Church More information: call (334) 277.5800 OR email barnabas@landmarkchurch.net Landmark Church is a member of the Exodus International network of churches that welcomes those who struggle with unwanted same sex attractions. a ministry of Church River Region’s Journey
July 2013
38
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declaration, and support and defend these states; yet, through all the gloom I can see the rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is worth Abraham Lincoln: “It is the duty of nations, more than as well as of men, to own their dependence all the means,” upon the overruling power of God and to said John recognize the sublime truth announced in the Adams to Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that his wife, those nations only are blessed whose God is Abigail. Adams the Lord.” addressed future Americans saying, “Posterity—you will never know how much it has cost my generation to preserve your freedom. I hope you will make good use of it.” These brave men and women created a system of self-government—a republic—with individual liberty, elected representatives and limited government, all based upon trust in God and Christian principles and values. While frustrated with the difficulties of writing our Constitution in 1787, 81 year old Benjamin Franklin reminded his struggling co-workers of their former daily prayers during the fight with the British. He helped them remember God’s graciousness, protection and countless answered prayers. Franklin went on to say, “I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth: that God governs in the affairs of man. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? I therefore beg leave to move that, Noah Webster: “The moral henceforth, prayers imploring principles and precepts conthe assistance of Heaven and its blessing on our deliberatained in the Scriptures ought tion be held in this assembly to form the basis of all our every morning.” civil constitutions and laws. Our early presidents were men of Christian faith All the miseries and evils who were not ashamed or which men suffer from vice, embarrassed by their reliance crime, ambition, injustice, upon God. George Washington made the day of Thanksoppression, slavery, and war, giving one of his first official proceed from their despising acts, proclaiming, “Whereas or neglecting the precepts it is the duty of all nations to contained in the Bible.” acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore His protection and favor.” This July, I pray that each of us will take time to share these stories with our children and pray for our nation. We now live in a culture far removed from the ideals of our founding fathers. Mention of their Christian faith and dependence upon God has been deleted from many history books, yet is clearly seen when reading the original documents. Today, we face social, economic, and political problems that threaten the hard-won freedoms that we cherish. So, this month, while we teach our children the truth about our nation’s history, let us also pray unceasingly for a spiritual awakening in our country. May God bless America!
2416 W. Cloverdale Park Montgomery, AL 36106 334.834.8990 www.fumcmontgomery.org
grass withers
The flower fades but the
and the
word of our God
will stand forever. Isaiah 40:8
Join us for worship, fellowship, and service. Sunday Morning Worship 8:45 & 11 a.m.
Worship Service at Cloverdale School Sunday at 6 p.m.
Dr. R. Lawson Bryan Senior Minister
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 30 years, Mike and Lisa have three wonderful daughters, two great sons-in-law, and two precious grandchildren. 39
July 2013
River Region’s Journey
Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian Ongoing Happenings
AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo.com. Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges...not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www.bridgeoflife.tv. Capitol Heights UMC, 2000 Winona Ave., Montgomery offers Parenting Classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays. Call 264-2464. 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. Church of the Highlands meets each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. downtown Montgomery in the MPAC theater located in the Renaissance Hotel, 201 Tallapoosa Street. Visit churchofthehighlands.com or call 1-205-9805577. 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. Christ Center Church, 1324 Airbase Blvd, Montgomery. Preparing Christians to be Spiritual Soldiers for the Lord. Sunday School 9 am, Sunday Worship 10:15 am, and Wed. night Bible Study at 7pm. Path to Renewed Strength, a Christ centered recovery meeting is Thursdays 6-7pm, Clothes Closet is every 3rd Saturday from 8am-12pm. For more information, call 334-239-8603. 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 River Region’s Journey
July 2013
includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org or call 334-834-8990. 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 $2.00. Every fourth Tuesday the time will extend until 3:00 p.m. for bridge, games, and other activities in room 203 in Wesley Hall. For additional information please contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990. 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 334-288-0577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery. www.hallmemorialcme.blogspot.com. iConnect.coffeehouse provides a place for women to experience meaningful fellowship with women seeking genuine connection. Meetings will be held in the Atrium at Frazer UMC 3rd Tuesdays from 9-11 a.m. For more info, call Frazer’s Women’s Ministry at 495-6391. Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m. (BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road) Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th-9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. For information, call 277-4213. Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750. 40
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. For more info, call the church at 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. People of all denominations are welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor. The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m. Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr. High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. We invite you to”come experience God in a personal way, feel loved by all and know that you belong”. Office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net. River Region Contra Dancing-Everyone school-age through adult is invited for a little exercise and a lot of fun. Singles, couples, and families are welcome. All levels of experience – including no experience. Dancing is on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 5260 Vaughn Road. For more information check out the website: www.riverregioncontradance.com or call Katherine Thomas at 334-361-6572. 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
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Community Calendar Christian Community Calendar Christian 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. Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, invites you to attend its Sunday Respite Care Program on 1st Sundays from 4-6 pm. Children with physical and cognitive disabilities (and their siblings) ages 6-18 are invited for a time of activities and a light dinner so parents can have a night out. Call Susan Clements at 301-0355 for information and to make a reservation, or email rooftopfriends@ gmail.com.
This Month Thursday, July 18
River Region residents are invited to join Sav-A-Life/First Choice Women’s
Medical Center for their ‘Bowling For Babies’ event at the Brunswick Zone at 1661 Eastern Blvd in Montgomery, from 6-8pm. A portion of the $12 ticket cost will benefit Sav-A-Life/First Choice, the mission of which is to provide services to women facing an unexpected pregnancy. The ticket cost covers two games and shoe rental for an evening of bowling fun for a good cause. Tickets are available at the Brunswick Zone bowling alley and at Sav-A-Life/First Choice. The number of participants will be determined by the number of bowling lanes available. For more information on ‘Bowling For Babies’, call Sav-A-Life/First Choice at (334) 260.8010.
Wednesday, July 24
6 p.m. An Evening for Women Featuring Rochelle Frazier, Frazer Memorial UMC, Room 7207 above Fellowship Hall. A mom of three (including twin boys), blogger, author of He Gave Me Pearls and the children’s book series, “The Sweeteas,” Rochelle has allowed her personal story of brokenness and desperation to be transformed into a source of inspiration and hope through Christ. Tickets for $15 are available in the Discipleship Office. Childcare for birth through 5th grade available with reservation; email sandy@frazerumc. org or call (334) 495-6391.
Saturday, July 27
A Back to School Blast will be sponsored by Woodland UMC, 4428 Wallahatchie Road, Pike Road, AL (intersection of Vaughn & Wallahatchie Roads), from 8-11 a.m. for children of all ages; K5-12th grades. Contact: Church Office, 272-7230 Offering school supplies, free bookbags (to first 600 children), pencils, paper and other supplies. ALSO health screenings: blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing, & dental screens. PLUS fun & giveaways, games & prizes, snacks, free haircuts & more. Everything is FREE! Miss University of Alabama for 2013, Miranda Ward, will be speaking on the subject of eating disorders at Heritage Baptist Church in Prattville. Miranda is a habitual winner, receiving awards and 41
accolades since childhood in numerous areas, but she battled bulimia nervosa in late high school and her first year or so in college. She will be speaking at 10 am, and this gathering is open for ladies of any age who are interested. Brunch will be served. Tickets are $3 and can be acquired online at www.hbcprattville.org or by calling the church office at (334) 365-2372.
Sunday, July 28
6:00 p.m. Eastern Hills Baptist Church will feature various solos, duets, quartets and ensembles in its annual SOUNDS OF EHBC program. Located at 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road in Montgomery. Call 272.0604 for more info.
August 1-3
MOTION CONFERENCE, Hillsong Live with Crowder, Judah Smith will be held in Birmingham. For more info call (205) 458-8400.
August 8-9
Willow Creek Leadership Summit Simulcast will be held at Saint James UMC, in Montgomery. For more info call: (334) 277-3037
August 23-25
Great Awakening Conference and Convocation will be held at Fresh Anointing House of Worship, 150 East Fleming Road, Montgomery. It is a supernatural, miraculous move of God that pulsates with divine energy and will reach far beyond this area as the city of Montgomery and surrounding areas come together in obedience to II Chronicles 7:14. Everyone is invited--churches, families, community & sports organizations, youth groups, etc. Hosted by Bishop Kyle and Pastor Kemi Searcy. Speakers are Bishop Eugene Reeves and Dr. Steve Vickers. Friday 6PM, Saturday 10AM, Sunday Morning 10AM. This is a FREE event. Registration is required at www.anointedchurch.org or contact 334 613-3363. Please send your calendar events to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com by the 18th of the month for FREE print. July 2013
River Region’s Journey
Get the Point?
ne ov frie wh wo is a sib wo ing me att ing ing dai ind
by Elaine Britt
The Point of the Passage on:
God’s Sufficient Grace To keep me from becoming conceited… there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-9) Get ready…Here is your quiz for the day. Raise your hand if you would willingly choose to be sick, injured or crippled. What, no hands raised? No takers? Like Paul, we all want to be ‘fixed.’ We approach God with an agenda. We come to him ‘humbly’ with lots of suggestions and great ideas… “See, God, I have mentally processed this and I think…”
River Region’s Journey
July 2013
Realistically, however, we can’t blame Paul for his urgent request; this ‘thorn’ was no mere splinter! Vines Dictionary reveals, “… it was physical, painful, humiliating…the verbs…are in the present tense, signifying recurrent action…What is stressed is… the acuteness of the suffering and its effects.” Warren Wiersbe adds, ‘… When you stop to think that Paul had letters to write, trips to take, sermons to preach, churches to visit…you can understand that this was a serious matter. No wonder he prayed three times…that the affliction may be removed from him.” Suspecting that we are deliberately not told the exact nature of this ‘thorn in the flesh,’ can you imagine the ensuing
42
conversations if we were? “You think YOU have problems… MY ‘thorn’ is so bad that it is mentioned in the Bible! Wiersbe offers, “…It is a good thing that we do not know, because no matter what our sufferings may be, we are able to apply the lessons Paul learned and get encouragement.” God understands our needs more thoroughly than we do. What we label as positive or negative might be reinterpreted using the lens of God’s wisdom. For example, when confronted with the
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news of a particularly brutal assault on an over 90-year-old woman in her own home, a friend and prayer partner commented, “Just when you think you have already heard the worst that humanity is capable of!” True this is an unthinkable crime that insults our sensibilities. Immediately, however, God began working in and through the situation, advancing good while defying evil. Estranged family members who don’t know the Lord are in attendance. The victim, previously unwilling to move despite family pleas, is relocating. Other encouraging results are surfacing daily. God’s grace is evident, directing each individual’s steps. A beautiful analogy of God’s grace through guidance involves a young boy instructed by his father to go to the barn at night. Afraid of the dark, he protests. Lifting the lantern from its hook, holding it high and handing it to his son, the father asks, “What can you see?” The boy replies, “The mulberry bush,” at which point the father prods, “Go to the mulberry bush.” Arriving there, the boy hears, “Lift the lantern…what do you see?” A bit less cowed following his initial success at moving alone in the dark, the boy offers, “The chicken coop.” Smiling inwardly, ‘dad’ advises, “Go to the chicken coop.”
At the chicken coop, awareness dawning of his father’s methods, the boy lifts the lantern high. His father, still on the front porch, calls out, “Now what can you see?” The boy bravely counters, “The barn!” The father contentedly advises his son, “Go to the barn.” Having followed step by step directives, the son accomplished his goal and learned a valuable lesson along the way. Mindful that merely thrusting the lantern into his son’s hand with instructions to ‘go to the barn’ was beyond his son’s current capabilities and comfort zone, this loving earthly father gave his son exactly the amount of light needed to take his next step. As our Heavenly Father, God adopts a similar posture with us. Although we prefer expedient, easy, and controlled, the realities of life often manifest otherwise. How extraordinarily blessed we are to serve a God who abides with us, revealing exactly what we need as we need it! Navigating through health issues, my pervading praytitude (new word!) has admittedly been, “Lord, you know best, but could you please just ‘fix’ me?” Honest hindsight reveals my impatience versus God’s perfect grace. Longing to quickly reach the barn - avoiding the intermedi-
ate darkness - the ‘mulberry bush’ was, nonetheless, a valuable digression. Presently ensconced at the chicken coop I wait, thanking God for fresh insight and for his transcendent wisdom and timing. “…grace is the face God wears when He meets our imperfection, sin, weakness, and failure. Grace is what God is and what God does when He meets the sinful and undeserving. Grace is a pure gift, free for the taking… On the Cross, God in Christ has absorbed all…kinds of painful feelings into His love. They have entered into His heart, pierced His soul, and been dissolved in the ocean of His forgiveness and the sea of His forgetfulness…There is nothing you can share out of the agonizing hurts and depths and hates and rages of your soul that God has not heard. There is nothing you take to Him that He will not understand. He will receive you with love and grace.” David A. Seamands Elaine Britt and her husband, Tim, reside in Montgomery, with son Bryan at UAH in Huntsville and son Kevin at the University of Montevallo. She counts her family as a great blessing. By profession, Elaine is a 33 year veteran Interior Decorator and owner of Carriage House Interiors, now freelancing from home. By God’s calling and to her great joy, she is a writer, whose published works include stories in A Cup of Comfort Devotionals; Lord, I Was Happy Shallow; and Heavenly Patchwork; one book, Messages, as well as various e-zine and magazine articles.
FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
LET YOUR BODY RaisE YOUR sPiRiT EasT YMCa aND BELL ROaD YMCa
JOiN YOUR FRiENDs
At the Y, there is a group of neighbors getting together this week to enjoy a cup of coffee and a stretch or two! Yes, they are exercising together! The Y has saved a spot just for you in their water and group exercise classes! Sign up today! MakE THE Y’s CHOiCE JOiN ONE LOCaTiON aND ENJOY aLL 13. FOR MORE iNFORMaTiON CONTaCT East YMCa p 334 272 3390 Bell Road YMCa p 334 271 4343 ymcamontgomery.org
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July 2013
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.
Beyond the Heavens
This Is Our Time
On DVD Quality: *** Moral Acceptability: +4 (Exemplary) Starring: Corbin Bernsen, Bruce Davison, Dendrie Taylor, Nathan Gamble Genre: Drama Audience: All ages Rating: Not Rated Content: Very strong Christian, biblical worldview where a skeptical boy comes to Jesus in the midst of a family hurting for the loss of his brother; no foul language; no violence; no sex; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or drugs; and, fear of strangers, hint of kidnapping proven wrong, suggestion of long-term evolution but the teacher also talks about intelligent design and comes to church in the end. BEYOND THE HEAVENS is about a young boy named Oliver who doubts the existence of God. Oliver lives in a small, wintry, isolated Canadian town. His grandfather just happens to be the local pastor, but Oliver wants to disprove God’s existence. Oliver’s parents aren’t doing well. His brother completely disappeared when he was about Oliver’s age. In the midst of this, there’s the strange character of Barlowe Mann. Barlowe says he came to Earth on a meteor and becomes a Pied Piper to the town’s children. All of the tensions in the town explode when Oliver disappears. The question is, will faith triumph over fear? BEYOND THE HEAVENS has jeopardy, nuance, good dialogue, and compelling character elements. It could use more action, but it’s intriguing and captivating nonetheless. BEYOND THE HEAVENS asks some very tough questions about faith and suggests that belief in God is reasonable and critical. It’s almost like a Christian episode of Rod Serling’s TWILIGHT ZONE series. The resolution in BEYOND THE HEAVENS is a great evangelistic moment. It comes very close to proving the case for God.
On DVD Quality: *** Moral Acceptability: +4 (Exemplary) Starring: Bruce Marchiano, Erin Bethea, Michael S. Brown, Kate Cobb, T.J. Dalrymple, Matthew Florida, Dawn Wells, Erik Estrada, Eric Roberts, Emily Sandifer Genre: Family, Drama Audience: Older children to adults Rating: Not Rated Content: Very strong Christian, Biblical worldview about seeking God’s calling for our lives and understanding God’s bigger plan, selfless friendship is extolled, family members are brought together, people resist temptation because of their faith, and prayer is encouraged; no foul language; no violence; light kiss between married couple; no nudity; no alcohol; no smoking or drugs; and, a business man commits fraud, but it’s rebuked. THIS IS OUR TIME is about five friends, two of them related to one another and two of them married to each other. They are incredibly close. After graduating from college, they have big plans for their future. However, when tragedy strikes this little group, their faith in God is tested. Despite some distracting cinematography and editing, THIS IS OUR TIME has a great cast that works well together. The story of friendship, faith, and overcoming loss is displayed in an encouraging, heartwarming way. The story will especially uplift those still seeking to discover God’s call on their life. One of the movie’s clear messages is that God calls us to live for Him wherever He puts us. The Bible warns us many times that our faith will be shaken and tested. However, if we trust Jesus, He’ll strengthen us to carry on. The faith of the five friends helps them remain righteous, rebuild broken relationships, and use their gifts to help a hurting world. THIS IS OUR TIME has no objectionable content and is a good movie for the whole family.
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
July 2013
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July 2012 • River Region’s Journey