1 www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents Back to www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunizationIMMUNIZATIONSSchoolIsyourchildvaccinated? 9-126-8 • Hep A • Hep B • DTaP • IPV • MMR • Varicella • Hep B • MCV4 • Hep A • DTaP • MMR • Varicella • IPV • Tdap • Hep B • Varicella • Hep A • DTaP • MMR • Tdap • IPV • MCV4 Required Shots June 2022 Recommended Shots: Covid-19 (Ages 5 and up) HPV (Ages 9 and up) • Flu (All ages) GRADE K-5
Volume 24, Issue 5 SEPTEMBER 2022 Feature Articles page 2 Publisher’s Note Jason Watson page 4 Pastor's Perspective Pastor Matt Albritton, First UMC of Wetumpka page 15 Moments with Kym Kym Klass page 16 Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy page 22 The Intersection Bob Crittenden page 24 Counselor’s Corner Allena Burbage, MS, LPC page 28 Dave $ays Dave Ramsey page 6 Books to Read page 8 Faith @ InColumnsWorkEveryIssue
1 September 2022 River Region Christians page Faith8 @ KeiaunaWork:White
When it comes to sin, we are all in the same boat, and often feel discouraged in our walk with Christ. Pastor Scott Sauls offers encour agement for the weary as he shines the light on God’s love, forgiveness and endless mercy. Ministry18 The Flatline Movement by Kym Klass Dewayne Rembert and his team at Flatline Movement reach youth and young adults in urban neighborhoods through hip-hop music, Bible studies, and worship. Dewayne’s childhood story inspired the creation of this ministry and his outreach comes from lived experience.
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We had the pleasure of sitting down with the owner of Montgomery’s BeYOUtiful Boutique to learn how she came to open her store and why it is so much more than a place to exchange money for goods. Ke iauna also shares about putting her trust in God during the hardest of times, as well as crediting Him for all things good.
page When10 You Feel Damaged, Invisible, Irrelevant and byAshamedScottSauls
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3 September 2022 River Region Christians Please visit www.christchurchmontgomery.net for live-streams, sermons, and more! Saturday, October 1 at 9:00am 8800 Vaughn Road 334.387.0566 Join us for our annual Sunday Worship with Holy Communion at 9:30am Wednesday Evenings Classes for all ages at 6:00pm
4River Region Christians September 2022
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Matt’s greatest joy is encouraging others to live their life for Jesus Christ. Matt and his wife Tammy have four grown children, eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter whom they love to spoil.
www.wetumpkafirst.com/worship ATTENTION WETUMPKA AREA FAMILIES Online and On-Campus Come worship with us! (334) 567-7865@wetumpkafirst • 306 W. Tuskeena St., Wetumpka, AL 36092Firstsecretary@firstwetumpka.comUnitedMethodistChurchof Wetumpka WETUMPKAUNITEDMETHODISTFrst A church for your family, meeting the needs of our community.
Pastor’s Perspective Matt Albritton, Refreshing
Matt Albritton, a US Navy Veteran, is pastor of First United Methodist Church in Wetumpka, Alabama.
Every day the Father is conform ing you into the likeness of his Son, and with each new day come opportunities to let others see Jesus in you. For some people, the only Jesus they will see today will be in you.
God will never shield you from the requirements of being His son or daugh ter. So, do not think it strange when trials come your way. Instead, rise to the occasion. Do whatever the trial demands of you. It does not matter how difficult it is or how hot it gets in the hay field, as long as it allows God to reveal the life of Jesus in you. Then in those difficult days, God will send times of refreshing to see you through the trial. May God bless you and your family in these days of refreshing. In Christ’s arms, Matt Albritton
You and I did not do anything to deserve our salvation, but we must do something to exhibit that salvation. Paul is helpful again when he says, “Continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). As Chris tians, we must rise to the occasion to allow our speech, our thinking, and our emotions to be the evidence that God is at work in our lives. It is called the fruit of the Spirit, and since we live by the Spirit, we need to stay in step with the Spirit.
First UMC Wetumpka Times of
On Sunday, February 6, 1763, John Wesley wrote in his journal: “Knowing many were greatly tempted on occasion of these occurrences, I preached on 1 Corinthians 10:13, ‘God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ In the evening, we had a love feast, at which many spoke with all simplicity. And their words were like fire. I hardly know when we have had so refreshing a season.” The “love feast” or “Agape meal” is a Christian gathering recalling the meals Jesus shared with disciples during his ministry and expressing the fellowship enjoyed by the family of God. Just as times of refreshing were enjoyed with Jesus and at this gathering almost 260 years ago, I believe that God wants to send times of refreshing into your life today.Iremember working in the hay fields with my grandfather as a teenager. Those hot summer days in the middle of the hay field with no shade would drain the life right out of you. Then a cool and gentle breeze would blow and refresh me. In a spiritual sense, our lives can be like that hay field. We are hurried by the work, frustrated by coworkers, pressured by deadlines, tempted beyond what we can bear, and pushed to the breaking point to make ends meet. My hope is that you will begin today to pray and ask God to send times of refreshing into your life. If you will humble yourself and pray, God will answer your beenliferevealedJesus’howyourmaythebeenansbody’beJesussothearound‘wethesejarslivesremindsintotimesprayerhasbewhatNowprayer.imagineyourlifewilllikeafterGodansweredyourandsentofrefreshingyourlife.PaulusthatourarefragilelikeofclayandinjarsofclayalwayscarryinourbodydeathofJesus,thatthelifeofmayalsorevealedinour(2Corinthi4:10).YouhavesavedsothatlifeofJesusberevealedinlife.Imaginewonderfullylifecanbeinyouronceyouhaverefreshed.
September 2022 River Region Christians
God has been adopting people into his family for thousands of years and along the way has welcomed many whose pasts are shady at best and scandalous at worst. And despite their sins, despite their scandals, he loves them and refuses to turn away from them. God’s enduring and unashamed love for his people is the subject of Erik Raymond’s new book He Is Not Ashamed.Ifwewere to assemble a great portrait of God’s family, “we’d find people with unflattering stories. Some are known as the chief of sinners, the sinful woman, the thief on the cross, and the prostitute. We’d also see those who were overlooked and disregarded by society. We’d find weak people unable to give God anything. We’d even see those who wore the uniform of opposition to God. Here in the portrait of grace, we’d find a multitude of misfits. It would be quite the picture.”
In this book, Raymond examines the kind of people who would be included in this portrait which is to say, the kind of people God delights to identify with. And thankfully, “nobody has a story that can make Jesus blush” for his heart is oriented to ward those who need him most, no matter what they may have done or how they may have sinned.
He Is Not Ashamed is a timely reminder that Jesus does not merely love us, but also accepts us and welcomes us. And this is true even when we have behaved or continue to behave in ways that are nothing less than shameful. God’s love is eternal, unshakeable, and “unashameable.” And for that we all owe him the greatest thanks and the highest praise.
I have read quite a number of books on the subject of abortion. Almost invariably, those books focus on the harm abortion does to an unborn child. And for good reason—abortion is the unjust and immoral killing of a human being. While society around us attempts to disguise abortion through a host of denials or euphemisms, the reality is plain to those with eyes to see. But while the unborn child suffers the greatest harm, this is not the only harm that comes with abortion, and this is es pecially so when it is accepted and even celebrated across society. In their new book Tearing Us Apart: How Abortion Harms Everything and Solves Nothing, Ryan T. Anderson and Alexandra DeSanctis focus on the many and often less obvious ways that abortion brings harm. “While it’s essential to focus on the unborn child—whose death is the gravest harm of abor tion—there’s much more that needs to be said, because abor tion harms far more than the child in the womb. The case against abortion is far more comprehensive.” Thus, in each of the book’s seven chapters, the authors highlight a different way in which abortion is harmful. In chapter one they make the familiar case that the foremost harm comes to the unborn child whose life is terminated. In chapter two they show that, contrary to the way abortion tends to be presented, it is not a boon to women that allows them to participate in society and the economy on par with men. Chapter 3 makes the argument that abortion has “exacerbated inequality, perpetuating racial division and social stratification.” Chapter 4 shows that the entire field of medicine has been harmed as doctors have used their technology and expertise to kill rather than to heal. Chapters 5 and 6 turn to the rule of law and politics to show how both the legal process and the political process have been taken captive by the issue of abor tion. The final chapter turns to media to show how popular culture is increasingly showing abortions in a positive light and even how the abortion industry has consultants in Hollywood who attempt to work positive representations of abortion into movies and television. The authors of Tearing Us Apart make a fascinating, compel ling, and heartbreaking case.
Tearing Us Apart by Ryan T. Anderson and Alexandra DeSanctis
He Is Not Ashamed by Erik RaymondWeare at an interesting point in history in which, when people look to the past, they seem more likely to cringe than to celebrate. It has become customary for people to look to their forbears and then disavow them or apologize for them in what has become almost a ritualistic purgation. There are many who are ashamed of their roots, ashamed of their family, em barrassed to admit who and where they have come from. But isn’t it interesting that this is not the case with God?
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7 September 2022 River Region Christians Interested? Contact Tonya: (334) 270-4100 trogers@ familyguidancecenter.org ELEVATE YOUR RELATIONSHIP A N D M A K E M O N E Y A S P A R T I C I P A N T S I N A S T U D Y F O R C O U P L E S Funding for this project is provided by the United States Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant: #90ZB0007. These services are available to all eligible persons, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or religion. The production of this flyer was supported by Grant #90ZB0007from ACF. Its content are solely the responsibility of Auburn University and do not necessarily represent the official views of ACF. SURVEY COMPLETION CLASS DETAILS ABOUT ELEVATE Each person can earn up to $160 over one year for completing 4 online impact study surveys. ($320 per couple ) ELEVATE provides couples opportunities for growth, intimacy, & connection. It is educational and skills based, not therapy. ELEVATE is presented through a partnership of Auburn University and Family Guidance Center of Alabama. Choose Wednesday or Thursday night sessions. Couples will be randomly assigned to a weekly or a monthly series. Dinner at 5:30 pm & Classes 6 to 8 pm On Site Child Care Included Classes Start February 9th & 10th Couples Finishing All Six Classes Earn an Additional $40 Each ($80 per couple.) Six FREE, Live Classes!!! SCAN TO LEARN MORE HURRY! Registration ends January 26th
vision and have always stated that, but I had no idea that it would be a ministry that impacts myself and others.
KW: The Bible first, the Bible app second. I love the reading plans. Sabbath School Quarterly is part of my daily literature.
RRC: You endured a terrible car accident and a broken neck injury. How did your faith in God sustain you during that chal lenging time? KW: I will never forget the message spo ken by my aunt the week before entitled, Why Not Me? As soon as the car landed and I realized what had happened to me, I reached for my cracked phone and turned on my Jesus music. I thought to myself... I’m not sure what will happen, but at least His angels will surround me in the song. Further along in my healing journey, one of my mantras was, Lord, let me be what it is that you intend to show others. I don’t want to blur the vision of those watching and learning from this. I believe that, more times than not, our experiences are for others.
RRC: Was opening your boutique a spiritual calling? KW: Yes, although in the beginning, even I didn’t know it. I knew it to be my God-given
RRC: Does your community always stand behind you during times of need? How?
KW: Two things! Do it right first, or you will have to do it over. It’s always community over competition because relationships matter most.
Keiauna White was born and raised in Montgomery, AL. She’s the mother of three; Kiera (24), Keondre (21), and Kieatre (19).
RRC: How do you encourage women to become the best version of themselves through Christ? KW: In my boutique, we cry, dance, laugh, and pray. I encourage women to show up as their best selves, and I do that by shar ing myself and my experiences.
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KW: Start with being consistent in an area. Whether praying or following a par ticular Bible reading pattern, consistency will form the habit, opening the door for the relationship. RRC: Describe a time you had to trust God and walk by faith or when you sought His guidance for a decision.
RRC: Do you have any scripture or litera ture you read and follow?
RRC: What valuable lessons have you learned as a business owner?
RRC: What advice would you give to some one who desires to have a relationship with God but struggling with the process?
River Region Christians September 2022
KW: The start of the fashion truck was an entire experience. My last prayer to God after searching tirelessly to do what He told me was, Dear Jesus, I know you told me to do this. Well, I think you told me to do this. If I don’t find a truck today, I will stop looking. I will get a job that I’m not passionate about if it’s Your will. That night, I found an affordable FedEx truck at an online auction in Miami, Florida. I had it brought here and have been rolling ever since. I’m trusting God right now. He has given me the vision, my business is growing, and I am resting in His promises of provision. I’m walking by faith and believe He will send the people I need for my busi ness’s current and future needs.
me from my previous site, and we were open the next day without missing a beat.
RRC: What is the God-given vision birthed inside of you? KW: To build a community of individu als who support, uplift, and celebrate each other, share themselves, and WIN together. You can shop wherever your taste and budget allow. This boutique is far more than a place to swap clothes for cash. My boutique is a platform, a safe place, a happy place.
KW: It is my goal to share/demonstrate the love of Jesus. While prayer is the simplest, although most unnoticed unless done publicly, that is first. Through several drives, partnerships, and personal efforts, we participate in outreach efforts. Our business has even hosted several food and clothing drives.
KW: Oh, my goodness, yes! The entire story behind my changing locations speaks of my community. They showed up one night, moving trucks and all. They moved
RRC: As the owner of BeYOUtiful Bou tique in downtown Montgomery, how do you participate in the spiritual life of your community?
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.
InspirationhappensSydneywasdiagnosedwithosteosarcoma
at 13 years old. Through her treatment and recovery, she bonded with the doctors and nurses saying, “they became like family to me.” She was so inspired by her care team, she decided to become a doctor and help other children going through a scary and similar situation. She also wanted to show that people with physical challenges can and should pursue medicine, too. She believes her journey to becoming a doctor was inspired as a patient here at Children’s of Alabama. Sydney Cancer Survivor Cancer_Month-Sydney-MontgomeryParent_4.9x7.25-PROD.indd 1 8/10/22 10:09 AM
We believe that God is one God. The one God has three per sons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith.
*All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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 iner rant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infal lible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, prac tice, 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.
Our Statement of Faith
When You Feel
by Scott Sauls
One day, a friend named Jane sent me the following email: DearCanScott,Ibe honest with you? Can I share with you about some of the demons that haunt me? It feels risky to say these sorts of things to my pastor, but here goes...
I doubt my love for Jesus, sometimes I don’t think I really love him at all. I wonder if I’m just playing a game, going through the motions because I enjoy being around Christians. Almost like I’m saying I love Jesus but maybe this is just a strategy to have Christian friends. Sometimes I feel like a well-intended fraud. This terrifies me. I fear being invisible to people I enjoy, irrelevant to my church and my friends, disconnected from my family, and that what I have to offer will be dismissed. I fear that I’m an outsider to things I really want to be part of.
Struggling on, Jane
Shame—the disquieting, vague sense that there’s something deeply wrong with us, that we are not enough—keeps us pre occupied with ourselves and inattentive to the needs of others. It tells us that we have to fix ourselves before we can serve others, to clean up our messy, jacked-up person ality traits before we can be any good to friends and neighbors and especially to the poor, lonely, oppressed, and people on the margins. “Charity starts at home,” we tell ourselves. If something isn’t done about us first, then we’ll never be able to care effectively for others. If we don’t get healthy,
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This email came on the heels of me challenging Jane in an area of her life. Specifically, Jane had a loose tongue. She cursed a lot and could be opinionated and abrasive. I reminded her of Scriptures about how, as the aroma of Jesus in the world, we are called to cultivate the fruit of gentleness. We are also called to mirror Jesus in our speech—with words that are grace-filled, that give life instead of stealing life, that speak truth in love, that build up and don’t tear down, that encourage and don’t shame, that bless and don’t curse, that give a good report and don’t gossip, that are pure and don’t succumb to vulgarity—or as Ann Voskamp has said, to only speak words that make souls stronger. After I challenged Jane on these things, I wasn’t sure how she would respond. So, when her email landed in my inbox, I was floored. The self-reflection, transparency, heavy-heartedness and humility with which she spoke seemed like a new version of Hearing Jane share so openly about her hidden struggle made me love and respect her more, not less. In making herself vulnerable, she became an example to me, a person of esteem and great courage. I was proud of her. Above all, I began to relate to her. Ironically, her sober response to my correction became a soft, unintended yet Spirit-filled correction to me. I, too, am prone to hide my fear and insecurity with words and actions that betray my love for Jesus. Jane had been abrasive for the same reasons that I will often over-eat to deal with stress, dial up the intensity with a family member when I feel threatened or afraid, and medicate my inner emptiness with retail therapy…buying things I don’t need… instead of running straight to Jesus for the mending of my broken self. We are all messed up and damaged and afraid, aren’t we? We act it out in some of the oddest ways. The sooner we admit this to each other—that we are in many
It is a fever without a temperature, a lowgrade and ever-present condition that tells us we are less than, smaller than, and other than what we ought to be.
The older I get, the more convinced I become that every person, without excep tion, is dealing with shame. It has been said, “Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a hidden battle.”
What if there was a way to break free from the pressures of riches and success? What the smile of Jesus—not our financial net worth, reputation, career successes, achievements, body type, religious devo tion or moral goodness—became our source of validation? What if success was no longer measured in terms of achieve ment but in terms of humility, thankfulness, wonder, a life of love, and being faithful in the ordinary mundaneness of life? What if our secret battle with shame was neutered, so we could spend less energy covering ourselves, and more energy loving the people in front of us? This is my greatest joy as a Christian pastor. I get to tell people that this path exists. Jesus has lifted our shame off of us, nailing it to the cross. In Jesus, our judgment day was moved from the future to the past. When Jesus let himself be stripped naked, spit upon, taunted, rejected, and made nothing on the cross—when Jesus—the perfect one who had nothing to be ashamed of—surrendered to the ruthless, relentless shaming and bullying that led to our redemption and healing, he neutered our shame and stripped shame of itsHepower.who was wealthy became poor for our sakes, that through his poverty we might become wealthy (2 Corinthians 8:9). But the wealth that Jesus a differ ent kind of wealth. It’s a shame-killing wealth. It’s a love-empowering wealth. It’s an inner resource that gives us certainty, protection, and validation in ways that the London billionaire’s wealth couldn’t give to him. When we are made wealthy in Jesus, we lose the need to be wealthy, or thin, or intelligent, or networked, or famous or any other thing that we have erroneously clung to for dear life. We are free from ever having to make something of ourselves or to make a name for ourselves. We are free from having to re-write our own stories, from having to fight the shame with validating fig leaf narratives. The name of Jesus is sufficient to name us. The story of Jesus is sufficient to be our story. His name liberates from preoccupation with self. His grace and love supply the inner resources to turn our hearts and faces toward others, to treat all people as our equals, to love bold and strong and with comprehensive, nondiscriminating breadth.
RT 2735F A EXP 31 JUL 2023 © 2021 EDWARD D JONES & CO., L.P ALL RIGHTS RESERVED edwardjones com Member SIPC Schedule your retirement review today It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement Let’s set aside some time to create positive change for you and the people you care about and understand: • How much you’ll need to retire • If you are on track for your retirement goals • Which IRA is right for your retirement needs – Roth or traditional • The importance of asset allocation and how it can help as you work toward your long-term goals It’s more than just money. Investing is about realizing the possibilities of your future Sang Y Chung, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor 1951 Berry Chase Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-9573
Scott Sauls is a pastor, author and blogger in Nash ville, Tennessee.
From Jesus Alone Comes Our Worth and Our Wealth
So whenever you have a “Jane mo ment,” whenever you look in the mirror and feel terribly discouraged about you, whenever you feel tired of yourself— don’t forget that in Jesus, you are highly esteemed. Don’t forget that in Jesus, with you the Father is well pleased. Don’t forget that you, who are small in your own eyes, are big in the eyes of your God. Big enough for him to see. Big enough for him to love. Big enough for him to save. He so loved you that he gave his son for you. You are the apple of his eye. He rejoices over you with singing (Zephaniah 3:17).
12River Region Christians September 2022 to silence it. We grasp for something, any thing, to tell us that everything is okay—that we are okay. We will use anything—good looks, status, career, family, humor, friend ships, religion, sex, influence, or a financial portfolio—to rewrite our stories. Desper ately, we write shame out of our stories and replace it with these things we depend on to validate us. But it’s only a matter of time be fore the validating “fig leaves” let us down.
And now, in light of these great reali ties, O child of God, he has also given you a job to do…to start loving as you have been loved.
The Dignity of Every Person, Including the One in the Mirror
for big smiles and even bigger innovations. Treating patients and families with genuine compassion, kindness and respect is the rule here, not the exception. But while a smile can make you feel welcome, it can’t make you feel better That ’s why, at Jackson Hospital, we never stop working to bring advanced treatments and technologies to the community – including state-of-the-art Robotic Surgery, which can lead to less pain, reduced scarring and shorter recovery times YOUR HOME FOR HEALTH
Faith Radio Golf Tournament
Revive Us Again September 25-27, 2022
14River Region Christians September 2022
Join a revival at Calvary Baptist Church, Run With Ronnie 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run
Run With Ronnie will take place on Saturday, September 24, at Saint James Church in Montgomery. There will be a 5K or 1 Mile Fun Run to Support Ronnie Shaw in his fight against ALS. The 5K race will begin at 7:30 a.m. and the 1 Mile Fun Run will follow. Registration may be made online.
The 23rd Annual Faith Radio Golf Tournament will be held on Tuesday, September 20, at Wynlakes Golf and Country Club in Montgomery. This offers an outstanding opportunity for you to partner with Faith Radio while also promoting your business through sponsorship. We have many listeners who enthusiastically affirm our Faith Radio sponsors. For more information, contact Billy Irvin at Faith Radio, Billy@faithradio.org.
Landmark Church in Montgomery will be having The Man Church on Wednesday, September 7, at 6:30 p.m. with featured speaker Rich Wingo.
The Man Church
Forced DeeperStillness,Breaths
running is stripped away due to injury. Even, then. I’m able to breathe deeper. It is more controlled. The breaths out are longer. More purposeful. My eyes stay closed longer. I might not understand why things happen, but when I’m forced to rest, I am purposeful in where I know my attention needs to be drawn. “Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomor row. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.” (Matthew 6:34) For whatever reason you’re forced to stop, my encourage ment is for you to trust. To trust where you are in that moment, and that the forced rest is part of where you need to be. Part of a greater plan. Forcing otherwise is missing an opportunity to see the work God is doing in your life. Or to see the beauty within that rest. During the days of no power in Loui siana, our rushed life with a small child and two full-time jobs was slowed to theirtheoutside,mostborshouse.justneighborhoodeveningwalkstogetoutofahotWemetneighonourblock,ofwhomsatawayfromoppressiveheatinownhomes.
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Nothing did that more than having Covid a few months ago, when I spent the first 15 hours in bed with a fever, congestion, and my own tearful self-pity. But by the second day, maybe the third, I remember thinking, “I haven’t been forced to rest like this in ages. Maybe, ever.” Run ning injuries do the same. They force me to slow down, or not run at all for weeks at a stretch. In turn, I sleep past 5 a.m. My body rests. My entire well-being breathes. I even think back to the night before my daughter’s one-year birthday party – in June, in Louisiana – and the power having been out for two or three days throughout our town, and we were forced to slow our pace. To find a way to be still – and cool –under the Funnycircumstances.thingwhenour bodies and minds are forced to stop. When we are pulled from routine. When we are jolted mentally and made to restructure our lives –however minimal, however long. Without hesitation, I turn to God in these moments, knowing that in these times, I’m to praise Him for the health I have, for the rest I’m (eventually) able to accept, for the change in routine that leads me more calmly to Him. More at peace. Even when my fever wouldn’t break when I had Covid. Even when I was slightly fearful not knowing when I would improve, or what would happen if I didn’t. Even, then.
Have you ever been fully stopped, and forced to slow down in your life? To sit so still that your mind, body, and soul relent completely?Whenyou were forced to rest so hard that you had no choice but to cave? To re lease? To give up both control and power?
17 September 2022 River Region Christians OCTOBER 15—DOWNTOWN MONTGOMERY REGISTER AT joytolife.org We’ve helped over 98,000 get screened one step at a time. Register now and help us keep the momentum going! STEP UP TO BEAT breast cancer! 5K Run/Walk&Kids Zone&Party Joy to Life provides lifesaving mammograms and breast screenings in every county in our state.
Dewayne Rembert was in his late teens when he remembers the feel of his first shower. As the water hit the back of his neck, he didn’t know what he had been missing. He grew up without a lot. Some nights, starting in his early teens, there was no food – not even a can of beans. While he says his family provided the basic necessities, “you just didn’t know you were poor. You just got used to it. Once I ate lunch at school, I knew I wouldn’t eat until breakfast the next day.
By Kym Klass
“It’s a theme throughout the Bible,” Rembert said. “It’s about dying to self and living through Christ alone. I know what it’s like to be a lost young person. The hopelessness, the anger. And I know how Jesus changed all that. The foundation is Jesus. “One time in high school, a friend and I were in the hallway. An administrator started talking to my friend about college paper work. He skipped over me, and then talked to another friend of mine about the military. In his mind, I wasn’t going to amount to any thing. If I didn’t have food in the house, how was I going to go to college?”
River Region Christians
Rembert is the lead pastor of Flatline Church at Chisholm. He founded Flatline Movement, and with a team, organizes school assemblies, block parties, and concerts throughout the River Region. Flatline Movement engages the culture through the arts for the cause of Christ – and a way Rembert reaches into the community to engage others from all walks of life with the Gospel through hip-hop music. It is a mission and vision Rembert has had since its inception in the mid-2010s, producing disciples that make disciples.
“That was the story of most of us around. Even though I didn’t have a lot, my grandmother was awesome. However, when her memory began to fade, we started going without.” Growing up, there was the norm of poverty that included drugs and violence. Despite that, Dewayne was surrounded by strong women and a love of basketball. Still, with the absence of a strong male presence for him, he fell into the ways of the streets. – he does so with knowledge. While every story and situation is dif ferent, his outreach comes from lived experience. “Flatline” derives from Romans 6:11 –“So you too, consider yourselves to be dead to sin, but alive to God in Jesus Christ.”
19 September 2022
SERVICETIMES 9:30 AM Traditional 11:00 AM Contemporary FALL SERMON FBCPRATTVILLE.ORGSERIES
“I was successful in business before I was saved,” Rembert said. “I had popu larity, money, and cars. But Jesus was the missing part of that puzzle. I’m an exception to the rule; I’m not the rule. I have friends who have gotten caught up in the judicial system. Some made it out and some didn’t. It used to baffle me why I didn’t get caught. I did the same thing. It was the grace of God. I pray that I will be one of His many vessels to spread His message and example of hope to all.”
20River Region Christians September 2022 “Hip hop is only 50 years old,” Rembert said. “We want anyone from 50 years old to 1. Our meobediencemarriagetalkingissomebodyhipIhipcameatatedoldartistyoungestis16years–hegraduhighschoolage15.Ifromthehopculture.likeChristianhop.Ineedwhomatureandaboutandforasanolderhip hop head. “We are also starting an afterschool program called ‘Flatline Music Initiative.’ It’s a three-month program. Eventually, we want to teach others the origin of rap, how to write music that will uplift the listeners and even tually allow the students to go into the lab or studio and record their own song.” One dream of Rembert’s is to produce an all-day Christian rap radio station, and more Flatline chapters around the world. “In every city, you have Christian rappers, but they have to be discovered,” he said. “Flatline has a platform. We’re respected in that arena right now. We’re getting ready to release 30 more songs in the next 90 days.” The Flatline Movement began when Rembert left his job in the hotel business. During his time as a general manager with an area hotel chain, he was also leading 6 a.m. Bible studies at Lanier. Also, Carver and Jeff Davis coaches allowed him to speak to their players after practice, which led to Bible studies around the city and at his home.“Thecoaches and the principals were asking me throughout the day to talk to dif ferent students,” he said. “I couldn’t operate a $13 million hotel plus run to schools and talk to people. These included kids who were caught with drugs on them. On my way back to my truck, I couldn’t celebrate this child giving his life to Christ because I had just missed work for two hours.” I knew God was saying either let the hotel job go, or stop going to the schools. I know what it’s like to live as a lost young person and my heart will always be for young people.” In the corporate world, Rembert was doing well financially, having just doubled his salary.Buthis calling was elsewhere. “I’d rather obey the Lord,” he said. “And I had to come home and tell my wife.
Give
FLATLINE
Kym Klass is a contributing writer and Communica tions Director of the Media Ministry at Frazer Church Want to volunteer or donate to Flatline flatlinemovement.orgflatlinechurch.orgMinistries?334-544-0374 by texting to 73256
All I knew was that I had to help fatherless African American boys. At first, I was just doing Bible studies before school and after football practices.” Then, the Montgomery Baptist Asso ciation offered him a position as a church planting strategist. He said, “I didn’t feel I fit that. I knew I was an urban Christian guy, which helped me engage with the stu dents. I didn’t accept the position immedi ately, but know it was the best move ever.” About a year in, in 2017, he told his wife Leslie that God wanted him to start a church. While she knew it was his call ing, she also told him he wasn’t ready yet. Based on his calling, Rembert said Strong Tower at Washington Park was the best fit for him.There for 18 months, he was Strong Tower’s first youth pastor and devel oped their youth program. He also serves as chap lain of Lee High School’s football team.Now in its fourth year, Rembert pastors Flatline Church at Chisholm. He has been saved for 20 years and under stands that when neglect is present in a person’s life, “you can go ahead and look for rebel lion. When the natural dad steps out of the house and the Christian men don’t step up, it’s guaran teed to be a Rembertdisaster.”saidhedid “all kinds of stuff. Breaking into houses, stealing from stores, just trying to fit in. I was looking for family and acceptance. At the time, I wasn’t get ting it at home because my grandmother was at the beginning stages of dementia. I had nobody. The county gangs aren’t like the inner city gangs. But even in our small gang, we did petty crimes.”Dewayne had nobody, he said, except for a cousin, who worked to keep him off the street corner. Who brought him to Montgomery and enrolled him at Troy State UniversityMontgomery. From there, his futureThroughoutbegan. his ministry, beginning in 2004, Rembert has been part of an estimated 5,000 professions of faith from middle and high school students. He speaks at block parties, concerts, D-NOW weekends, and school assemblies across the nation, including in Alabama, Texas, Florida, and Virginia.
21 September 2022 River Region Christians
22River Region Christians September 2022
In sports such as hockey or soccer, if a team or individual scores three goals, it has performed what is called a “hat trick.” In the most recent term of the U.S. Supreme Court, there was a “hat trick” that occurred in the arena of religious freedom.
In one case, Shurtleff v. Boston, the right of a Christian group to have a Chris tian flag flown in a special celebration at City Hall in Boston, was upheld. Numerous requests by other organizations had been granted, but the Christian request was not. A vital element of the case was that the flag request was denied simply because the group wishing to fly it had stated it would be a Christian flag. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the ChristianAnothergroup.case, Carson v. Makin, restored the rights of parents to send their children to religious schools. This is a spe cial program in the state of Maine allow ing parents to choose other high schools in rural areas where it was impractical to place a high school. Religious schools were omitted by the state because, well, they were religious. Another foul that was remedied by the high court. Then, there was the case of Kennedy v. Bremerton School District, in which the court ruled that a football coach who had walked to midfield to pray following games and had been terminated was within his Constitutional rights to participate in that free exercise of religion. Again, the Supreme Court favored religious freedom and supported the coach’s right to pray in this manner.Threecases, three examples of threats to religious freedom averted. In the Kennedy case, an old standard used to decide religious liberty cases was finally put to rest. The website of First Liberty, the organization representing the coach, stated that the court victory for Kennedyhelps rectify a precedent known as the “Lemon Test”, which has harmed and haunted religious freedom for 50 years. The decision builds on recent Supreme Court rulings that have said the “Lemon test” is no longer good law. The test, named after the Supreme Court decision in Lemon v. Kurtzman mistakenlyadministratorsmanyThewinthenreligious“offended”claimformade(1971),ittooeasypeopletotheyarebyadisplay,sueandincourt.testcausedschooltobelieve they had an obligation to suppress religious observances, often leading them to violate the rights of teachers andHere’sstudents.astunning tidbit from The Washington Stand: “Lemon v. Kurtzman has been cited by 2,283 court decisions at all levels of the judiciary, according to a count from CaseText.com.” That article noted:From now on, decisions have to be based on the text of the U.S. Constitution, as understood through the original intent of its framers, the ruling held. “In place of Lemon and the endorsement test, this [c]ourt has instructed that the Establishment Clause must be interpreted by reference to histori cal practices and understandings,” must “accor[d] with history and faithfully reflec[t] the understanding of the Founding Fa thers.” (Internal quotation marks omitted.)
Thankfully, we live in a country where freedom of religion is hard-wired into our founding documents - we can rejoice in that and take advantage of it to share our Christian beliefs.
Pittsburgh could no longer erect a Nativ ity scene and Chanukah menorah during the holiday season in 1989. It mentioned a case called Allegheny v. ACLU, a case involving a county allowing a religious display on public property, in which the majority opinion “cited the now-abandoned Lemon test in its first sentence.”
We live in times when Christians who desire to see a strong influence of Bibli cal principles in our country run the risk of being negatively labeled. That’s the tacticlabel a person of faith as extreme and then marginalize them. Regardless, our desire should be to reflect Christ, to live accord ing to His ways, and allow the Scriptures to direct our actions. In every area. We should be clothed in Him and known for our devotion to the Lord. The world can label us all it wants, but we can be faithful to Christ.
Hat Trick
It could be that new standards and restoration of freedom will be in effect, with a reduction of government interfer ence with religious participation. Please keep in mind that our right to take part in religious activity is extended to us not by the government, but by God. You could contend that it is not a right that ideally should be removed by the heavy hand of ingtongovernment.TheWashStandarticlealsonotesthisruling“couldallowforreligiousdisplaysinfrontofpublicbuildings,acommonoccurrenceuntilliberaljusticesstatedthatacourthousein
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ThoughtsHappy
Step Three: Talk Nice to Yourself. It can be easy to forget we need to be kind to ourselves. We can often encourage, forgive, and be kind to others but will judge our selves and be our own worst critics. If we spoke to our friends the way we often speak to ourselves we wouldn’t have many, if any friends.There are some strategies to help with changing our self-talk. Mayo Clinic published the article “Positive thinking: Stop negative self-talk to reduce stress”. It mentions starting by becoming aware of your self-talk. As you begin to take notice you can identify areas you need to change, then work on changing the self-talk to be more positive. Examples of this would be changing, “I’m not going to get any better at this” to “I’ll give it another try.” Changing, “There is no way it will work” to “I can try to make this work.” Change “I am a failure.” to “There are so many things I do well.” Once you try positive self-talk, practice it intention ally daily.
Step Four: Engage with Positive Activities and People. Practice self-care. Find ac tivities that help you feel calm and fulfilled. Reading, having coffee once a month with a friend, exercising, going on a hike, doing a craft, calling a friend or family member, sitting outside and listening to the birds, etc. Also, surround yourself with people who help you feel encouraged and posi tive. Reduce any negative activities, such as media consumption, staying up too late on television or social media, or negative conversations.Workingon being more positive can be a challenge, but being intentional can lead to better habits. However, if trying these steps does not seem to improve your nega tive thinking, it may be a good time to seek a professional counselor. You could need a bit of support, or be screened for depres sion or other issues.
Allena Burbage received her undergraduate degree in Psychol ogy from Faulkner University in 1999, where she graduated Cum Laude. She obtained her Masters of Science degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in 2007. Allena has worked with adults, adolescents, and children with varied issues and mental health diagnoses. Her clinical interest and experience for adults include; anxiety, depression, work stress, family stressors, parenting issues, supportive therapy, grief, and marital stress. Her clinical experience for adolescents and children include, ADHD, behavioral issues, anxiety, depres sion, trauma, school stress and adjustment issues.
“No one can make you feel inferior without your consent” - Eleanor Roosevelt “The sun will come out, tomorrow, so you got to hold on til tomorrow,”-Annie So many words of wisdom by so many through history, helping us all to remember that positive thinking helps our moods, attitudes, and lives. At times, all we have to do is just take a deep breath and say a few positive words and we are back on track. But what do we do when that is not enough... when all of your efforts to “be more positive” do not seem to change your thoughts? What skills do you need when you feel you have become a negative person?
Tshiki Davis Ph.D. from Psychology To day, in her article “The Power of Positivity”, suggests keeping a gratitude journal. Write down the big and little things in your journal. You can then refer back to it when it is dif ficult to find your positive thoughts. Or you could challenge yourself with writing down five things you can be grateful for daily.
Step one: Pay Attention. What I mean by this is to begin to pay attention to all the parts of your life. The big rewards are easy to count. The promotions, the accolades, etc. Work on paying attention to all the small things in your life that are positive. A warm shower, flowers blooming on your drive to work, a sweet hug from your child in the morning, the smell and warmth of your coffee, a comfy chair, a cool breeze... the list could go on and on.
24River Region Christians September 2022
Step Two: Slow Down. This is easier said than done. Work, children, extracurricular, etc can all seem to overwhelm your sched ule. At times it is easy to feel you are always running. Work small areas of calm into your daily schedule. Take slow deep breaths while you drive to work, do a mindfulness meditation, take a 5-minute walk before you eat your lunch, listen to your favorite music in the carpool line, or have a daily scripture pop up on your phone to read. Work in just a few minutes daily to help yourself unwind so your thoughts can be calmer and less overwhelmed.
“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. (Proverbs 17:22) “Pleasent words are a honeycomb, Sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. (Proverbs 16:24)
“Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirableif anything is excellent or praiseworthythink about such things. (Phil 4:8)”
“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Enstein
25 September 2022 River Region Christians
Location: Christchurch Anglican Church, 8800 Vaughn Road next to Southern Homes and Gardens
26River Region Christians September 2022 Adoption
Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourney church.com.
Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.
Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday morn ings. Call 272.2190 for details.
Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connec tion Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6343. for more information.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6343 or email rnave@frazer.church.
Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverre gion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.
Gambling Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the tumpkaWallsboro/Wecommunity.
Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.
Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available.
Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Min istry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motor cycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Divorce
Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information.
The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutwei ler prison. Gamblers Anony mous, Saturdays at 6 pm. Mondaysandat 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476.
Alcoholic / Addiction
Cancer Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Sa maritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (pa tient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.
For more information about the GA meetings call 334399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.
Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com
Location: Heritage Baptist Church, 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement ded icated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 –8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgom ery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520.
Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday night. Dinner at 6:00, nursery available for children 4 and under. Large Meeting starts at 6:30. For more information, contact Dolly McLemore 334-301-3490.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and fam ily members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christcentered 12-step program. Call 264-4949.
Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving en vironment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info.
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, pro viding education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Location : Redland Baptist Church, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a
MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com.
Grief
Location : Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, led by Dave Dageford. Call 365-5977 if you are interested.
Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. Welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com.
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 South Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from AugMay. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754.
Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper pro vided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174.
Location: Church of the Highlands, 4255 Taylor Rd. Eryn’s Embrace offers hope and healing to children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one through peer support groups. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 4-5:15. More info: www.erynsembrace.org; erynsebrace@gmail.com; Erin Camp 334-657-1871.
Send support group info deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.to
Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy GriefShare, Wednesday mornings 10am -12pm in the East Sanctuary. For more information call the church 272-8622. Dian Sims (facilitator)
Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721.
Location : Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road
Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
Location: Young Meadows Church, 5780 Vaughn Rd River Region MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am (September-May). Interested moms can reach out to riv erregionmops334@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. riverregionmops334@gmail.com.
Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.
Parenting
Personal finance is 80% behavior. When it comes to getting out of debt, staying out of debt and getting your finances into shape, you have to change your habits and behaviors with money. Interest rates aren’t the problem, and the number of pay ments you’re facing aren’t the problem. The problem is the person you see in the mirror every morning.Until you change that person, and start living on a strict, written monthly budget and decide to kick debt out of your life once and for all, you’ll never make any real progress toward gaining control of your money!
A. No, it’s not. Debt consolidation compa nies try to position themselves that way, but they don’t even come close to addressing or solving the real problem. Here’s the big reason debt consolida tion isn’t a good idea. It makes you feel like you truly did something to change your whole financial outlook when you didn’t. When you move things around, or suddenly have a lower payment each month, you end up thinking you’re making real progress. The thing is you didn’t do anything to address the actual problem—which is you. I meet people and talk to folks on my radio show all the time who don’t quite grasp this. They’ll tell me they paid off all their debt by using a debt consolidation company or taking out a second mortgage on their homes. Well, the truth is they’re not debtfree. They didn’t do anything but shuffle the same old debt around.
A. That sounds a little high for a timing chain fix to me. Maybe I’m wrong about that, but let’s look at the math of your situation. You say the value of the car is $4,500 if fixed and running properly. Let’s say for the sake of argument the value of the car if you sell it as-is—basically salvage—is $1,500. If you take the value of the car as-is, plus the repair, and the number you come up with is more than the value of the car after it’s fixed, you don’t repair the car.
28River Region Christians September 2022
Q. Is debt consolidation a good way to get out of debt?
You’re talking about a big repair on an old car. If the repair price you got is right, and it was from an honest mechanic—not some padded, overblown quote from a dealer—I think it’s time for that old beater to go!
Q. We have a 2008 Honda Accord that needs a new timing chain. Our mechanic says the repair will cost about $2,200. The car is worth about $4,500. Is it time to get another car, or should we have it repaired?
So, if this car is actually worth $1,500, the idea of fixing it is very questionable. If you can get $1,500 for this thing as-is, I’d sell it and put the $2,200 I would’ve thrown into fixing that old thing toward a better car.
Visit alabamaunites.com for vaccine or testing locations. Safely Back to School As our children and educational staff return to school, here are some reminders to support safe, in-person learning while reducing the spread of COVID: • Keep your child up to date on vaccinations – talk to their pediatrician or health care provider if you have any questions • Keep your child at home when they’re sick • Know your community COVID Risk Levels – alabamaunites.com • Have your child wear a well-fitting mask if they’ve been exposed to COVID, are at high risk, or you have someone at home who is high risk Get your child tested if they have COVID symptoms.
