8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LEAD-SAFE CERTIFIED RENOVATION CONTRACTOR: TO HELP PREVENT: 1. Learning disabilities 2. Behavior issues 3. Diminished motor skills 4. Lower intelligence 5. Hearing loss 6. Brain damage 7. Memory loss 8. Headaches Using a lead-safe certified renovation contractor is the law. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk. Make sure you renovate right with a contractor that is Lead-Safe Certified.
For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/lead or call 1-800-819-7544
Volume 21, Issue 1
Feature Articles
APRIL 20 1 9 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 12
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work: Aleah Goode
page 4
Pastor's Perspective
Meet Aleah Goode and discover how she feels her creativity connects her with God, why she works hard to truly see and connect with people and how God has been pushing her out of her comfort zone with new challenges.
Bart Lester, Eastwood Presbyterian Church
page 10
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 14
Women Arising
page 16
Pastor Kemi Searcy
Ministry Spotlight:
page 20
Faulkner University’s Baseball Team
Counselor’s Corner Kay Cannady, LPC
page 30
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
by Katie Blair
An inspiring story about Coach Patrick McCarthy and his baseball team shares how lives are being transformed on and off the field.
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
page 22
The Resurrection Demands a Response by Jonathan Parnell
As Easter approaches, we must take a moment to consider what we believe about the death and resurrection of Christ. Our response truly changes everything.
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 12
Faith @ Work
page 26
River Region Easter Listing
Local churches invite you to Easter musicals, Good Friday services, Easter Egg Hunts, Sunrise Services and more. 1
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Support Groups April 2019
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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
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Katie Blair Bob Crittenden Kay Cannady, LPC Bart Lester Jonathan Parnell Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager
From the Publisher Everyone believes in something! We plan our days and make choices based on beliefs. Some of our beliefs are little, while others hold a more dominate position in our hearts and minds. Maybe yours is the belief in family and tradition and you make choices based on how you were raised and your commitment to your family. Your primary belief may be in yourself and you are always asking “what do I want” in every situation. The list of recognized world religions isn’t that large, but, truth be known, what we humans place our trust and hope in is quite varied and voluminous. Easter is a defining mark for Christians because it represents the pinnacle of our belief. If Easter never happened then Christianity is nothing. The Apostle Paul said so himself in 1 Corinthians 15:1718 saying, “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins... we are of all people most to be pitied.” We celebrate that first Easter weekend when Jesus’s death and resurrection passed because in His death, a perfect (unblemished) Jesus processed the penalty of our sins. We are guilty, but He took our place and God’s justice was served! But, Jesus, who alone obeyed God’s will, was therefore raised from death. The tomb stone was rolled away and the grave clothes removed, and God the Father God gave Him authority over all things. Jesus is the King of all kings and Lord of lords. So back to belief. Over the years I’ve had many people attack my belief in what happened that first Easter weekend, but rarely have they told me why their beliefs are so much better. They don’t offer historical or archeological evidence that support their beliefs. They don’t offer evidence that millions upon millions of peoples’ lives have been transformed by the beliefs they hold. They can’t provide examples of how their beliefs have been tested and stood strong through the ages. What happened that first Easter weekend had already been prophetically recorded more than 400 times over thousands of years leading up to the event. We all may have varied beliefs, but there is just one in which it’s worth placing your hope and trust. Searching for answers and meaning is a part of life. Have you brought them to Jesus? The “Death to Life” that Jesus accomplished is what He now offers to you and me. He is calling us to enter His kingdom through His saving work that first Easter, and to yield our choices and beliefs to His Lordship. It’s a free gift from God. A salvation and righteousness you can’t earn, but only receive and give thanks. Bow and pray to God as you place your life in His hands and He receives you through the work of His Son Jesus. Will Easter be the defining mark of your life?
Charles Silliman
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 2019 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Please join us as we celebrate
EASTER EASTER SCHEDULE
Maundy Thursday | April 18
Holy Eucharist with Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar at 7:00 pm
Good Friday | April 19
Veneration of the Cross at 12:00 pm | Stations of the Cross with Veneration of the Cross at 7:00 pm
Holy Saturday | April 20
The Great Vigil of Easter with Holy Baptism at 8:00 pm
Easter Sunday | April 21
Sunrise Eucharist in the Courtyard Garden at 6:00 am | Holy Eucharist at 9:30 am
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8800 VAUGHN ROAD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 | WWW.CHRISTCHURCHMGM.NET | 334.387.0566 3
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Pastor’s Perspective Bart Lester, Eastwood Presbyterian Church
Finding Rest Rest, the older I get, is an increasingly elusive pursuit. When one task is completed five are still waiting to be started. When one responsibility is met, ten others are increasing in intensity. Emails to answer, phone calls to return, deadlines to meet. Some of this admittedly is a function of our culture and the value it puts on individual productivity. America is an exceedingly busy country. Foreign visitors, acquaintances of mine, are amazed at the pace of life here. No time to eat, no time for conversation, no time for reflection, no time, period. Leisure, although championed by our society and held up as the goal of life by the advertising industry, seems like a fantasy. Boredom is a forgotten state of my early childhood. What happened to rest? Admittedly in our society there are those who do their level best to evade responsibility or anything that looks like work for their entire lives. But for the Christian who takes all his responsibilities seriously: Where is rest to be found? The answer to that question is some-
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thing that I have pondered. The answer is a difficult one to swallow: Rest is not found in this life. Many have been deceived into believing that out there somewhere in South Florida or a retirement community in Arizona is a person who has found and is enjoying rest. I hate to be cynical, but in my judgment the kind of rest we long for is not found in this life. It is impossible because we live in a fallen world where sin has made rest an unattainable goal. In the days of Moses the people of God longed for rest. As Exodus records, they had spent nearly 400 years in slavery. That is a difficult stretch of time to imagine. For 400 years, generations come, generations go, working relentlessly without a break for their entire lives. Imagine the relief of leaving Egypt and the life of slavery heading to the land of Canaan, where God had promised them rest and ease. It was a land of abundance, flowing with milk and honey. A land where they were promised prosperity. Yet, if you know the story, at several points on the way to the land of rest, the people of God gave up. They threw in the towel. They wanted to go back to Egypt and unfathomably, slavery. Psalm 95 chronicles one of these episodes, the rebellion at Meribah and Massah. The way to the rest was difficult. The next day’s water supply was always uncertain and finally the Israelites had had enough. They rebelled against Moses and tested the Lord (Ex.17:1-7). As a result of this incident and several others, that generation, who so hopefully came out of Egypt, never entered the Promised Land. This event in Psalm 95 is explained by the writer to the Hebrews in chapter four. There he warns that the culprit to this colossal failure was unbelief. The writer is urging God’s people 4
to pursue the great need in every generation, faith. Faith is a certain confidence that God, despite the current circumstances of His people, will keep His commitments. The original generation, because of their unbelief, was denied the rest the Promised Land pictured. Hebrews explains that there is still a rest for the people of God (4:9). This rest is described as a Sabbath rest. God Himself has established the pattern by resting from the work of creation (4:5). One way to look at the Sabbath is to view it as a picture of the rest that is secured for us in the next life. Lord’s day after Lord’s day, the people of God as they rest and worship are reminded that the ultimate rest has been achieved by Jesus. This ultimate rest for the people of God is heaven, or more properly, the new heavens and the new earth (II Peter 3:13). Only there is rest from our warfare with the world, our own flesh, and the devil finally found. There we rest in the presence of Jesus, our sufficient, comprehensive, glorious Savior, who by His work has secured that existence for His people for eternity. There we rest with the best people ever, God’s glorified people. What’s the danger? The writer of Hebrews sees a parallel in the experience of the Exodus generation on their difficult journey and the contemporary saint on his earthly pilgrimage. Both are traveling to the place of rest. Both need to endure. Both need faith in the promises. But both are in danger of giving up. In view of this he instructs his listeners in vs. 11: “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest.” As I have reflected and preached on this text, it finally occurred to me that in this life as a disciple of Jesus there is no comprehensive rest. In fact, as the writer makes clear, our entire life this side of heaven is described by the word “strive”. The rest comes on the other side. What should our expectations be for this life? We must not strive in the pattern of the world after ease, leisure, and boredom. Our striving must focus on finishing well and entering the rest Jesus has prepared. The sooner you align your expectations to this reality the more this life begins to make sense. Bart Lester is the senior pastor at Eastwood Presbyterian Church (1701 E. Trinity Blvd., Montgomery). Service times are: 9:30am Sunday school, 10:55am morning worship, 5:30pm evening worship. Bart and his wife Allison live in Montgomery and have five children. Bart joined the Eastwood staff in 1996 and became senior pastor in 2016. Contact Eastwood or learn more by visiting www.EastwoodChurch.org.
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Sola: How the Five Solas are Still Reforming the Church
Remaining Faithful in Ministry John MacArthur (2019) The mandate to finish strong is the calling of every follower of Christ. Men called to pastoral ministry must carefully heed this call, which is the theme of John MacArthur’s most recent book, Remaining Faithful in Ministry: 9 Essential Convictions for Every Pastor. As his life and ministry drew to a close, Paul the apostle wrote, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Tim. 4:7). The former blasphemer completed his mission on this earth and glorified the Lord both in his life and in his death. Aspiring to remain faithful is one thing. But actually finishing strong is quite another. Tragically, pastoral failure commonplace, only bringing shame and reproach on the church. Dr. MacArthur argues that pastors need to shore up their convictions, which help them be faithful in ministry. MacArthur briefly explains each conviction. Each chapter is a short, Scripture-soaked spur for pastors who aspire to be faithful ministers. Frankly, every man who intends to finish strong in the Christian race should read Remaining Faithful in Ministry. While the author focuses on pastors in particular, the principles are immediately transferable to all followers of Jesus Christ.
Jason K. Allen, Editor (2019) The heart of what Luther and the reformers discovered during the 16th century can be summarized in what we know today as the five solas of the Reformation, namely, that sinners are saved by grace alone (sola gratia), through faith alone (sola fide), in Christ alone (sola Christus), on the Word alone (Sola Scriptura) for the glory of God alone (soli Deo gloria). These concise statements, what Jason Allen refers to as the “perennial touchpoint of theological and spiritual formation.” The solas, then, form an unbreakable bond on which the Reformation was built and on which the church stands. Each sola is carefully define, explained in its historical context, and defended biblically. Finally, each author presents the practical application that comes as a result. These theological realities that the five solas represent not only set 16th century Europe on fire; they set individual hearts ablaze wherever they were proclaimed and lived out. And these unchanging truths have the power to spark new reformation and revival in our hearts today. Sola: How the Five Solas Are Still Reforming the Church is a perfect entryway for anyone who seeks to understand why the Reformation still matters.
Discipling in a Multicultural World
Adith Fernando (2019) Discipling in a Multicultural World by Adith Fernando is a compressive work that describes the essence of the discipling process. Fernando brings a wealth of experience as a longtime director of Youth for Christ in Sri Lanka. His expansive knowledge and lengthy tenure provide a breadth and depth of wisdom that is missing in many discipling resources. Spiritual Parenthood: Mr. Fernando introduces a subject that is foreign in most discipleship literature, namely, spiritual parenthood. This missing perspective is explored from several different angles and reveals how disciples serve as spiritual parents to their disciples. The Process of Change: The second half of the book explores how disciples change. The practical section is a primer on sanctification. Fernando addresses real concerns and offers godly wisdom for disciples in an international context. Discipling in a Multicultural World is a worthy read and helpful addition to a growing list of discipling resources. The real strength lies in its appeal to multicultural contexts. Finally, a helpful series of appendices is included. Most helpful is a checklist of topics for discussion. River Region’s Journey
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Worship with us Easter Sunday April 21 Worship Schedule: 8, 9:30 and 11am. Celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ with the Frazer family. With great kids programs and contemporary or traditional styles of music, our desire is to be a church where everyone feels welcome.
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Easter Sunrise Worship 6am at Blount Cultural Park
The Exchange Night of Worship April 14
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Featuring the Frazer choirs, orchestra, and worship band, this evening of music for the whole community will focus on the cross where Jesus exchanged everything for us. 6pm. DOWNLOAD OUR APP | 6000 ATLANTA HWY | WWW.FRAZER.CHURCH | FOLLOW US 7
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CEF Summer Missions Training
April 27, 9 am to Noon, CEF is seeking churches who are interested in being part of an ongoing effort to see those children consistently discipled and plugged into a local church body, in a way that roots the child in the teaching of God’s Word and the fellowship of His people. This lasting relationship with the local church can dramatically increase the impact had on the child, the family, and the community. CEF® offers meaningful training, quality materials, assistance with recruitment and networking, as well as legal benefits such as liability insurance and background checks for all volunteers. If you or your church would like more information about this event you can email us or call the office and speak to one of our summer staff, Teree Solomon or Isaac Ritchie. Phone: 334.213.7388 Email: tsolomon5@yahoo.com
Montgomery Prayer Breakfast
Join the City of Montgomery and Montgomery County as they hold the annual Montgomery Prayer Breakfast in conjunction with the National Day of Prayer. The breakfast will be held at the Alabama Activity Center at 201 Dexter Avenue and is $12/person. For tickets call 334-356-4478 or come by: His Vessel Ministries - 300 Water St. Ste. 100 in Union Station or the Frazer UMC Bookstore - 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Thursday, May. 2, 7:00AM – 8:15AM
CELEBRATE EASTER WITH US
April 21 | 9:30am & 11:00am | 138 S. Washington St. fbcprattville.org River Region’s Journey
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Encounter Women’s Conference 2019
2/25/2019
April 11-13 Fresh Anointing House of Worship Price is $35 and registration is at www.anointedchurch.org. Call 613-3363 for more info. Resized_Resized_womensconference_copy.jpg
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Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run to Benefit Agape
Agape of Central Alabama’s 9th Annual Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run will be held Saturday, May 11. The race will take place at the Vaughn Park Church and will continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. All proceeds from the Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. Registration is now open at www.runforamom.org.
Email your ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com! https://mail.google.com/mail/ca/u/0/?pli=1#sent/FMfcgxwBVqRJxkkfmPkmSTfHcKmzwGrN?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
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The Church Was Not Destroyed March 3, 2019 an EF4 tornado dipped and scraped across several county roads in Lee County, Alabama, leaving a track of destruction almost a mile wide and 30 miles long. Four days later, I went there to look at the damages to Watoola United Methodist Church, a place where I was baptized 60 years ago. Half of the sanctuary’s roof was gone and the wood-frame building built in 1905 had shifted on its brick pillars. Structural engineers have condemned the building; it must come down. But in the Lord’s eyes the church was not destroyed. Because the real church is not a building. As Paul tells us in Colossians 1:24, the church is the body of Christ. It is the people of God who believe that Jesus Christ died for
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them, rose from the grave, and ascended to Heaven. He is the head of the Church. People were cleaning up the debris and making repairs to the free-standing Fellowship Hall at Watoola the day after the storm. The Fellowship Hall has become their new sanctuary. They know tornadoes do not destroy a church. Believers have worshiped Christ at Watoola since 1842, when they notched up a log cabin at the site. Actually, one family worshiped years before that down on Watoola Creek with no church building or preacher. Even then, they were the church. Look at the way Luke refers to the church after Stephen is martyred in Acts 8:3: “But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison,” (NIV). Notice that the persecutor went from house to house. That was where the people were. Where the Christians are, you will always find the church. The real church is not a place. But sometimes we forget that. We talk about going to church to worship. We talk about renovating the church, about making the church more attractive to people. Our attitude seems related to the expression, “Build it and they will come.” But why should they come? Unless true believers meet there, is it really a church? The church is the people who have given their lives to Christ. If Christ has come into your heart, you are a new creation. You are living for Him, not for yourself. 10
You are part of the Church, no matter where you happen to assemble with other believers. We Americans live in a very materialistic culture. We assume that people are drawn to modern, up-to-date, comfortable, and attractive buildings. Consequently, we spend thousands and thousands of dollars improving our buildings to attract more visitors. While more visitors may equate to more potential believers in Christ, aren’t some of those folks already Christians? Does church growth always equal growth in God’s kingdom? Church budgets usually favor church building projects over mission projects. Yet, God’s kingdom is growing faster in places like Africa, Asia, and South America, where there are few impressive buildings. What does that tell us? Our Christian brothers and sisters all over the world are also the body of Christ. When our church buildings eclipse our giving to local and foreign missions, have we forgotten who the church really is? When we see the fruit of God’s Word exploding in other places, how can we not support it? There are definitely times to build and improve. Watoola needs a new sanctuary. Many other church buildings are needed. But those needs are obvious to us. We immediately want to help with that. Not so obvious are the needs of missionaries and church planters who spend their lives in places of physical and spiritual danger, famine, and disease. We are not likely to raise large amounts of money for them. Yet they, too, are the Church, the body of Christ. And their ministries are growing. Perhaps some of the visitors we want to attract to our particular house of worship would be more attracted to a place where they see Christian giving going beyond our campus to a dying world. I think Christ might agree. Let’s be more God-centered and less self-centered. Let’s love others more than we love ourselves. Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
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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.
SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.
CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3
(205) 638-9100
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We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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ed tal on wh ge co ing ed tan If a stranger, it may be as simple as complimenting their look or commenting on something good about them or their actions. I love to walk into a client’s office and do a quick scan of the room. If I see photos of their children, a favorite sports team, or vacation photos, I love to ask them about something personal before we jump into our meeting (I also write things down so I can remember and follow up the next time we meet). The main thing is to simply pause for just a moment and look for a way to connect. RRJ: Who is one person you think God put into your life for a reason (and what is that reason?) Aleah: I have no doubt that God brought one of my best friends, Terry Dees, into my life. From the first time we met, Terry has been challenging me to be a better version of myself. Whether she’s pushing me to step out in faith by speaking to groups of women, make healthier choices, or reframe my thinking – she always reminds me that everything about me and my life has purpose. RRJ: Aleah, when did your faith in Christ begin? Aleah: I grew up going to church, and gave my life to Christ at age 11. RRJ: Belonging and relationships are a big part of the Christian life. How do you practice building relationships? Aleah: One of the best practices I know for building relationships is to slow down, taking a moment to really see the person in front of you. Whether it’s a stranger in the grocery store, a business client, or close friend, I try to hit the pause button on my agenda and look for something I can use to connect with that person. River Region’s Journey
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RRJ: What makes you feel the most alive? Where do you think that feeling comes from? Aleah: Dreaming and brainstorming about new ideas with other creatives is something I love to do. It makes me feel alive because it raises my level of hope, expectation, excitement, and faith. I also believe it is one of the ways God speaks to us, so when two or three creatives are gathered, HE is there in our midst, fueling us with inspiration! RRJ: God is the Master of art and creativity. Do you feel a connection with Him when you are creating? 12
Aleah: YES! I feel MOST connected to God when I am creating. He speaks to me when I’m creating, whether it’s writing, painting, or making jewelry. He shows me what creating looks like from His perspective and how much He ADORES His creation. RRJ: Tell about a tough time in your life God ended up using for good. Aleah: In 2007, I was laid off at work. At the time, I had only completed two years of college and had no idea what to do. I was offered to keep my job if I would move to Atlanta, but I had no peace about that. So I decided to let it go and go back to school and finish my art degree. A few months passed, and I received a call with an offer to keep my job, work from home, AND have time off to finish my degree (a degree that had nothing to do with my job). RRJ: What is one crazy big, God-sized dream you have for your time here on earth? Aleah: Years ago, I was sitting in a Women of Faith conference in Philips Arena in Atlanta, and I heard the thought “You are going to be doing that one day (speaking to large groups of women).” I laughed and thought, “No way!” I’d much prefer to be in the background. However, God has been growing that little seed in me over the years, and that desire has started to outweigh the fear. I’ve spoken at some smaller conferences, so we’ll see what HE has planned!
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RRJ: In your opinion, what is the best way to show a stranger the love of Christ?
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Aleah: The best way to show a stranger the love of Christ is to pause and SEE them. Speak, ask a question, smile, show kindness. We’ve become so disconnect-
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ed as a society that we’ve lost our ability to talk to each other. My grandpa loved to sit on a bench at the mall and talk to people while my grandmother shopped. His generation really understood how to live in community with others. People are starving for connection, and simply acknowledging them can show them how important and seen they are in that moment. RRJ: Tell about a time you felt God calling you to do something uncomfortable.
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Aleah: I always joke that God and my friend Terry tricked me into teaching a ladies class at church. Terry told me she was thinking of starting a ladies class about mind, body, spirit balance and asked if I’d “be interested.” I thought she was inviting me to attend, so I agreed. A few weeks later I saw my name listed as her co-leader! That experience flung me out of my comfort zone, battlefield style! But it was such a wonderful time of growth for me.
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RRJ: Who is one person you’re looking forward to hanging out with in heaven.
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Aleah: My answer to this question changes from time to time, but right now I would love to spend time with Abraham. I’d love to know what hearing God was like for him. What about that long wait between a promise and a son? What other adventures did he have with God that aren’t recorded in scripture?
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RRJ: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them? Aleah: The more we focus on falling in love with God, the more our faith will naturally overflow into everything we do. The closer we get to God, the more we’ll act like Him. Living/sharing our faith doesn’t have to be something scary that we do out of guilt or obligation. When we are in love with God, we can’t help but reflect that into the world.
Aleah Goode is Senior Underwriter at Arrowhead General Insurance. owns Artistry by Aleah, is partner/owner of 11-40 Balance and My Path Has Purpose, and partner/owner of Southern Art & Makers Collective.
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Patching Together the Pieces John and Kristi Markus had a blessed marriage. They had three beautiful children, one aged 3 and twins aged 18 months. Driving home from their Florida vacation, they looked forward to spending time in their new home. Suddenly, a car sped out of control, hitting them broadside. The family’s car rolled over, through a guardrail and into a ravine. With broken bones and bruises, the adults remained alive, but all three children were dead. John and Kristi came to their home, after a lengthy recuperation and rehabilitation. Within a few months, John felt estranged from Kristi; he just didn’t seem to be in love any more. Kristi was still numb and felt nothing, even toward her husband. They sought counseling, but it seemed like they both were just going through the motions. Within a year, they both agreed to get a divorce and sold their new house. People face tragedy due to death, war, illness, job loss, fire, accidents, or natural disasters. Surveys state that 16% of couples that face a child dying become divorced. However, 12% also said that they did not divorce due to their child’s death, but because of other issues within the marriage. Other occasions are considered positive events, such as childbirth, changing to a better job, receiving an inheritance, or finally getting the children out of the house and becoming an empty nester. Yet, psychologists tell us that each of these can also be lifechangers in terms of a marriage relationship. How deeply pivotal events affect us is important to healing after they occur. But if we take the word of the 12% of bereaved parents who felt other issues caused their divorce, we also need to know what to do before such an event occurs. River Region’s Journey
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The first thing to do is fully immerse in the love of God! He never said He would prevent problems, but He did say He would be with us through them: ”Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 43:10).
at least 24 hours before discussing. Address the concerns that made both lists and plan how to make those areas stronger. The areas that only made one list, discuss by hearing the spouse who listed it completely, without interruption. Then share back what you heard to be sure you are hearing accurately. Finally, pray as shared above. “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth,” (1 John 3:18).
Ways to put the pieces back after a life-altering event.
Ways to “proof” your marriage before trauma hits.
1. Learn the connection between the new feelings or behaviors and the event. Some issues may seem far removed from the reality of the specific trauma. Take time to address the changes one at a time. Each spouse should pray for himself, asking God to help them with the other person’s issues as well as their own. Don’t pray that the other person change! Stick to what you need to do or change. “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers,” (Ephesians 4:29)
1. Practice talking through “minor” traumatic events in your marriage. Take something that you disagree on and work with how to come to a conclusion. Do this when you can be “clinical” and not allow words or emotions to govern common sense. Pray before your discussion as a couple. After the discussion, the wife should pray for the husband’s point of view to be revealed to her, and the husband should do the same for the wife’s point of view. “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” (Amos 3:3).
2. After a significant event, don’t make major decisions for at least 3- 6 months. It takes time before the shock and vulnerability dissipate. Remember, the goal isn’t to get back what you had. It is to discover what you can have going forward. Seek a qualified person, agreed to by both parties to help negotiate the whys and hows of the possible changes. “Finally, be you all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brothers, be pitiful, be courteous” (1 Peter 3:8).
2. Separately make a short list of the three areas that are weakest in your relationship. Swap lists, praying over them for
I anticipate strength to come out of your future struggles, bringing a strong witness of what only God can do! The choice is ours!
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Join us for Easter Sunday services, April 21 at 5 convenient times: Sunrise: 6:30am Traditional: 9:30 & 11:00am Contemporary: 9:30 & 11:00am Current Message Series Now - Easter
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If you visit the baseball field of Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama, you will notice a team of players and their coaches laserfocused on practice. It is that determination and precision for excellence that has placed the baseball program into one of the nation’s elite. At the team’s helm is Patrick McCarthy, who is entering his 10th season as the Eagles’ head coach. His list of team titles and awards is impressive. River Region’s Journey
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According to the school’s webpage, the Eagles won the program’s first-ever NAIA World Series title in 2013 and were the national runner-up in 2016 and 2017. Coach McCarthy has taken his teams to the NAIA national tournament all eight seasons, with World Series appearances in 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Faulkner has posted a record of 453-127 under his leadership. The national champions were 56-11 in 2013, with 56 wins still standing as a program best. Faulkner went 54-9 in 2017 and was the Southern States Athletic Conference regular season champion and tournament runner-up. Faulkner has won the SSAC regular-season championship five of the past seven seasons. McCarthy was named the ABCA NAIA Coach of the Year in 2013, the SSAC Coach of the Year in both 2012 and 2013, is a four-time Rawlings NAIA Regional Coach of the Year recipient, and was a finalist for the Skip Bergman Coach of the Year Award presented by the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013. Obviously, he has much to be proud of in the way of awards and recognitions and the accomplishments keep growing, but it’s not the on-field awards and accolades Coach McCarthy is most anxious
to talk about. It’s something of far greater importance to him than any win on the field could ever bring: It is the ways he has witnessed God at work through the boys he coaches. It doesn’t take one long to realize that he is just, if not more so, as passionate about sharing the work that God is doing in the lives of his young players as he is about the wins on the ball field. So passionate in fact, that the ball field is referred to as “the mission field”. It is a space where McCarthy doesn’t see just bases and the outfield, but lives that are being transformed on and off the field each and every day. It’s a transformation that McCarthy says is unique and inspiring to witness. “Our baseball team has been moved in many ways by God… this year alone we have had 6 players baptized and they were led by their 2 teammates who were once in prison several years ago.”
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Baptisms and baseball don’t immediately come to mind as natural pairs, but the coach said that is one of the things that makes the team’s story so unique. A number of the players come from challenging upbringings that contribute to a strong shared bond among the young men on the team. The varying backgrounds and the obstacles they have faced in life have brought them all closer together, both on and off the field. “I’ve had guys who have overcome some major struggles and who have been great men of great faith, but I haven’t had or seen such a collective team focus on faith. Some of the guys on this team have had such a change in their lives and cir-
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cumstances that they just cannot help but talk about God,” he says. Coach McCarthy, a Brockton, Massachusetts native, husband, and father of three, said that he can identify with the struggles that his young men face, giving him a deep understanding of where they have come from and of the importance of not only honing their ball skills, but most importantly, growing them in their faith. McCarthy explains, “I feel really connected to these guys. Our struggles were different, but I know the struggles I faced when I was young have given me a commonality with these guys that not all coaches can claim. The adversity we faced growing up has become the centerpiece of our testimonies.” And it’s that change in these young men that has the entire team talking. McCarthy credits the daily relationships and private Bible studies, plus the constant focus on spirituality that Faulkner promotes. “It plants the seeds of faith. I think the growth we have seen this year started with that and continued with how some of our guys have managed to build personal and meaningful connections to God and others. Watching their drastic transformation has just shown me the undeniable power of how God works in our lives. “They just can’t help but talk about God. That has given others the confidence
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to live out their faith, and its helped others to explore who God is. Seeing these young college guys be bold has strengthened my own faith. So many others have told me how the boys have encouraged them, too.” Reflecting on his own youth and young adulthood he says it’s hard to believe, but at 15, he was presented with a ball that a college coach had signed. That simple ball would have a profound impact on his life due to a scripture that was included alongside the signature. “It’s become my favorite scripture, Matthew 6:33: But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well,” he shares. “Learning about God, seeking Him, gave me freedom from a rough childhood and it was the first time I felt hope and inspiration. I used to feel insecure in everything, but the closer I get to God, the more secure I’ve become.” Yes, some of the team may come from difficult upbringings, but the coach is quick to point out that those difficulties do not define them. He says those challenges can be used to transform their lives. He said it’s a lesson he is still learning, thanks to his young players. “I’ve learned from them that despite what happens to you--even the very, very bad things--you can still turn your life around. There is always hope. It’s one
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thing to persevere, but to do more than get through, to thrive, is beyond inspiring.” And inspire is what these young men have done. Yes, you will find them on the baseball field, but you will also find them serving the community in a number of ways: hurricane clean up, giving out groceries, and volunteering for local organizations. McCarthy said what he is witnessing God do in the lives of these young men is an exciting, yet humbling experience. “It’s all awesome. But it’s more personal than that. I love representing Faulkner and hearing how our guys are being respectful and showing love to others. To me, if we can impact guys personally, then we serve every community where they’ll live. I say all the time that if our guys can leave here to become better husbands and better fathers, then it doesn’t really matter if they are better at baseball. It’s really humbling to see so many guys who are doing that.” And in the end, McCarthy agrees that is far better than any sport stat, homerun, or winning streak. Katie Blair is a graduate of Auburn University in Montgomery with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as the Director of Children’s Ministries for Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rosie.
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CARDIOLOGY CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY EAR, NOSE & THROAT ENDOCRINOLOGY FAMILY MEDICINE
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LET THE BEAT DROP, NOT YOUR HEART. It’s hard to be a DJ when your heart is out of rhythm. So when Darryl started feeling tired, short of breath and generally off his game, he knew he needed help. He turned to a heart specialist at The Jackson Clinic, the area’s largest multi-specialty clinic. With easy parking, great hours and lab work right on the premise, Darryl got the convenient care he needed, including a diagnosis of Afib that could be treated without surgery. Darryl definitely liked the sound of that.
JacksonClinic.org 19
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Exercise Your Blues Away When you start your day depressed, anxious or just not feeling your best, try this for a quick way to remedy your mood. Get out the door and move your body. By doing so, you will be giving yourself the best medicine you have to change a bad emotion to a positive one. We all know regular exercise is good for the body, such as a slimmer waistline and weight loss, but did you realize how excellent it is for your mental health? Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve your mental health. It has a profoundly positive impact on many mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD. So for healthier mental health, it’s important to find something you enjoy and get moving. The quality of your mental health depends largely on you taking care of your physical self. You’re a spiritual, physical and emotional being. Exercise is a way to have a healthier body for your spirit and emotions. Exercise improves your physical health, but that is not what motivates most people to stay active. Fitness buffs know firsthand that exercise gives you an enormous sense of well-being with more energy, while allowing you to feel more relaxed and positive about yourself. It’s a powerful medicine that doesn’t come in a pill but can be as effective to treat River Region’s Journey
April 2019
depression. When you move your body, potent feel good chemicals are released in your brain chemistry. Exercise releases endorphins and dopamine, powerful chemicals in your brain that energize your spirit and make you feel amazing! Yet, don’t take my word for it! Get out and move your body to experience the difference! Another benefit is exercise can serve as a distraction, allowing you to find some quiet time to break out of the cycle of negative thoughts that feed depression. Finally, think of not exercising as not stirring the waters of a pond. Our bodies are approximately two-thirds water. Stirring the waters with exercise is essential for you to prevent “bodily stagnation.” Think of what happens when water sits for a long time in a cup, puddle or pond. It eventually gets covered with slime and gunk, breeds disease, and becomes toxic. That process is similar to what’s going on in many people’s bodies. Yet when you exercise, the waters move, life thrives. Running water is usually fresh water. Rivers and waterfalls are beautiful and inviting – alive. That’s a perfect picture of what exercise does. It refreshes your body and clears it of toxins and cellular garbage, sharpening your mind and giving you strength and 20
energy. So when you exercise, think of it as the remedy to prevent death and “stir the waters of life” in our bodies. Your body was designed to move. It needs water, rest, food and exercise to run smoothly. When you “park” yourself in a chair and don’t exercise, eventually you ruin your engine. Many people are sick because they haven’t stirred their waters with movement and action. Soon they will get to the point where they can’t exercise because their bodies get so broken. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and move your body to become a
better you, both physically and mentally. Enjoy the journey to a new, improved you by finding some fun through exercise!
Kay Cannady is Licensed Professional Counselor at Samaritan Counseling Center with over 35 years helping others with addiction and mood disorders. She is also active in her 60s as a triathlete and tennis player, which helps her maintain sense of well being. However, her greatest joy is in being a grandmother to two little girls, Emmi & Evvi Cannady.
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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 21
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The resurrection of Jesus... CHANGES EVERYTHING. If death had the last word at Golgotha, then we’re left to scratch our heads about what Jesus’s sacrifice really accomplishes. So what if his death does this or that, if he is gone for good then we have no reliable grounds to think any of it’s true. If Jesus is still in the grave, then all the significance drawn from his death is pathetic well-wishing. River Region’s Journey
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We’re actually kin to the characters described. No, wait, we’re fallen just like they are and in the same predicament. We’re the ones chasing glory and seeking pleasure, but we still haven’t found what we’re looking for. We read and realize that we’re not just being talked about; we’re being spoken to.
But, on the other hand, if Jesus is alive, then his inextinguishable life confirms that his death really did something. The resurrection means that Jesus’s death served a purpose he now will see to its maximal success. And therefore, the resurrection is the foundation to how the death of Jesus can impact our lives. The implications of the resurrection are massive. In fact, you could say that the entire New Testament is an implication of the resurrection that’s packed with more implications of the resurrection. But what about the resurrection’s impact on the biblical story? How does Jesus being raised from the dead affect the message of the gospel? The resurrection of Jesus makes clear that the gospel story is more than just a story.
Not Your Ordinary Fellow
The fact that Jesus is raised stands forever at the height of this story, waiting for us to respond, giving us a chance to say something. And one way or another, we are always saying something, whether we’re compelled to embrace the gospel or disregard it. Even the refusal to comment is, of course, a kind of comment nonetheless. The early leaders of the church grasped this implication. The sincere fears that made them cower behind closed doors on Friday and Saturday had disappeared when they realized Jesus was alive. We see this in how they talked. The biblical author Luke wrote a sequel book to his Gospel called the “The Acts of the Apostles.” Similar to the Gospels, it’s a historical narrative, but rather than cover the life of Jesus, it gives a glimpse into the life of the early Christians. Over and over in this narrative we see that the resurrection propelled and shaped their message. In fact, one criterion for being an early messenger of the gospel was that you were a witness of the resurrection (Acts 1:22). In the first sermon recorded by Luke, the apostle Peter addresses a restless crowd with an unremitting focus on the resurrection. He puts the resurrection of Jesus in the context of the ancient Jewish prophesies about God’s Messiah, boldly asserting that Jesus is who they have long been waiting for. “This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses,” he says (Acts 2:32). And then, inseparable from the resurrection, is that Jesus is exalted, his identity as God the Son is vindicated, he is now reigning, he
Not for Mere Readers
The Christian gospel is a story to be read, but it’s not a story for mere readers. Intrinsic to the nature of this story is its demands that readers not dispassionately observe its content, but affectionately respond in the right ways. One theologian explains that the Bible functions as a kind of script that “calls not only for responsive reading but for responsive action and embodiment” (Drama of Doctrine, 115). Nothing makes this clearer than Jesus’s resurrection. If this is just a good story — simply a tale like all the others — then we have the option to assess its elements with no consequences. If it’s just a story, then it doesn’t matter much what we think about it. We can enjoy it for entertainment, pat it on the head, and get on with our lives. But if it’s more than a story, if it’s actually a storied insight into the heart of unchangeable reality, then our actual reading the story gets swallowed up in the story itself. If it is more than just a story, we find ourselves to be more than neutral bystanders eavesdropping on someone else’s conversation.
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has sent his Spirit to empower the telling and hearing of this story (Acts 2:32–35). And then, to wrap up the whole sermon, Peter ends with the most obvious inference: “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” (Acts 2:36) As one paraphrase puts it, “There’s no longer room for doubt — God made him Master and Messiah” (The Message). The point is that Jesus is the Messiah promised from ancient times, and that he is also God. Death couldn’t hold him. He’s not your ordinary fellow.
Proclaimed to You
We see this again in the apostle Paul’s sermon delivered in the city of Antioch, a first-century metropolis located at the border of modernday Turkey and Syria. In that sermon, after retracing key points in the biblical storyline, Paul claims that resurrection of Jesus guarantees the fulfillment of God’s promises. Like Peter, he links the resurrection to past prophecies about God’s Messiah, and then, he extends it to what it means for us. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:38–39) Once again, the message spoken extends to the lives of its hearers. The resurrection of Jesus means that we can be forgiven for our sins. It’s not just a story for entertainment or advice or religious musings disconnected from the real world. Jesus is raised. This is news. He is alive. And that means forgiveness is proclaimed — and proclaimed to you. It means that every listener is invited not merely to listen, but to believe. Here is where the resurrection calls for our response. Here is where neutrality sheds its skin. We are called to embrace this news and participate in its wonder. Or reject it and perish. Jesus gave his life as a sacrifice for your sins, and then he was raised from the dead. Jesus is alive. Forgiveness is proclaimed to you. This is freedom held out for you. Receive him, believe him, embrace him. That is what an early messenger of the gospel would be saying to you right now. That’s what is being said to you right now. The question is how you respond.
Now What?
The response from the hearers makes complete sense. After Peter says these last words, Luke tells us that those around who heard him were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). That is the literal expression in the original Greek. Conceptually, it means that things got real. The deep rumblings of their souls, the complexities of their lives, all the things that swirl in the minds of people just trying to make it in this world — it all became exposed, the real laid raw, the fluff set aside. What really matters now mattered to them, and they asked, “What do we do?” They knew something had to happen. Something now had to be different. The resurrection of Jesus shows up consistently in the teaching ministry of the apostles. Proclaiming Christ crucified always meant proclaiming him risen, even when it got them into trouble (which it did, Acts 3:2), even when their listeners couldn’t handle it (which some couldn’t, Acts 17:32). But in every case, the reality of the resurrection presses into those who hear about it, and in a particular way.
Jonathan Parnell (@jonathanparnell) is the lead pastor of Cities Church in Minneapolis– St. Paul, where he lives with his wife, Melissa, and their seven children. He is the author of Never Settle for Normal: The Proven Path to Significance and Happiness.
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Blue Ridge Baptist Church ad on page 34
4471 Jasmine Hill Rd, off Hwy. 231, 567.4325 Palm Sunday, April 14 at 11 a.m. Children’s Easter Story Musical, lunch following with Egg Hunt Easter Services, April 21, Courtyard service at 9 a.m. with breakfast following Regular service time 11 a.m. with music and Easter message.
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
2514 Madison Avenue, 264.6461 Palm Sunday Easter Musical Morning Worship April 14, 10:30 a.m. Easter Worship Service Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.
Christchurch ad on page 3
RIVER REGION
8800 Vaughn Road, 387.0566 Palm Sunday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday, April 18 at 7 p.m. and Gethsemane Watch, 8 p.m. until Midnight Stations of the Cross Friday, April 19 at 9 a.m-12 p.m. and 1-5 p.m. Easter Vigil with Baptisms and Receptions Saturday, April 20, 8 p.m. Son Rise Service Sunday, April 21, at 6 a.m. Easter Sunday Services April 1, 9:30 a.m. with Easter Egg Hunt following service.
Christ Community Church
Aldersgate UMC
6610 Vaughn Road, 272.6152 The Risen Christ Easter Musical, Sunday, April 14 @ 10:30am Maundy Thursday Holy Communion Service, Thursday, April 18 @ 7:00pm Good Friday Tenebrae Service, Friday, April 19@ 7:00pm Resurrection Egg Hunt & Breakfast, Saturday, April 13 @ 9 am Easter Celebration Services, Sunday, April 21, 6:00 am SonRise Service @ Blount Cultural Park 8:15 & 10:30am Traditional Worship 10:30am Contemporary Worship
Awaken
A River Region Easter Gathering Montgomery Riverwalk Stadium Sunday, April 7th at 6 p.m., Free One Lord, One Faith Join us for a special time of community worship as we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. For more information, call (334) 356.4478. Find us on Facebook: Awaken.
Beacon of Hope Church of God
1045 Coliseum Boulevard, 274.0932 North Montgomery Easter Sunrise Service (Located outside), April 21@ 6:30 a.m. Easter Celebration, Sunday, April 21 at 10:45 a.m. Nursery Available River Region’s Journey
April 2019
8285 Ryan Road, 273.8110 Easter Celebration, April 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Church of the Brook
2890 Highway 14, Millbrook, 285.5783 Easter Services, Sunday, April 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Church at Chantilly
9299 Vaughn Rd. Easter Service, April 21, 9 a.m. Visit www.firstpreschantilly.com.
Cornerstone Christian Church ad on page 9
301 Dalraida Road, 273.8595 Easter Sonrise Service, April 21 at 7 a.m.
Dalraida UMC
Evangel Church
First Baptist, Montgomery ad on Back Cover
305 S. Perry Street, 834.6310 Palm Sunday Service, April 14 at 8:30 and 11 a.m. Easter Communion and Lord’s Supper April 17 at 6 p.m. Good Friday Service, April 19 at 12 p.m. Easter Sunday Worship Services Sunday, April 21, 8:30 & and 11 a.m.
First Baptist Church, Prattville ad on page 8
138 S. Washington Street Easter Services, April 21, 9:30 and 11 am Visit www.fbcprattville.org.
First Presbyterian Church ad on page 21
211 S. Chestnut Street, Prattville, 365.6387 Easter Service, April 21, 10:45 am
First UMC, Montgomery
2416 West Cloverdale Park, 834.8990 Palm Sunday Service & Festivities, April 14, 8:45 – 9:30 with festivities following on front lawn Maundy Thursday, April 18, 7-8 p.m. Good Friday Tenebrae Service, April 19, 7 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 21, 7 a.m. Sunrise Service 8:30, 9:45 and 11:00 a.m. Worship Services
Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church ad on page 7
6000 Atlanta Highway, 272.8622 The Exchange, an Easter Season Night of Worship, April 14 from 6-7:15 p.m. Maundy Thursday Service Join us for a special evening of remembrance, worship and communion, April 18 from 6-7 p.m. Good Friday Service of Darkness April 19 from 7-8 p.m., Sanctuary Joint Service with Aldersgate Easter Sunrise Service, 6am, April 21, Blount Cultural Park Easter Worship services 8am, 9:30am, 11am
ad on page 10
3817 Atlanta Highway, 334.272.2190 The Messiah in Passover Seder Meal, April 10, 5:30 pm Easter Egg Hunt, April 20, 10 am Easter Celebration Butterfly Release, April 21 Visit www.dalraidaumc.com
Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway, 277.6300 Passion Play, April 13 at 5 p.m. and April 14 at 10:30 a.m. Easter Morning Worship, April 21, 8:10 and 10:30 a.m. with a Baptism service at 5 p.m. 26
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3975 Vaughn Road, 272.4882 Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 14 at 11:30 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 21, Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Gateway Baptist Church ad on page 11
3300 Bell Road, 272.9494 Good Friday, April 19, Service time at 7 p.m. Easter Services, April 21, 10:30 a.m.
Goodship Missionary Baptist Church
Easter Egg Hunt, April 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Hunt will take place at Village Green Park in Millbrook. Live music, games and foot!
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For more information please call (334) 538.3961 or (334) 322.1681 or visit our website at www.goodship.org
Grace Presbyterian Church 5 Bell Road at Atlanta Hwy, 272.4930 Palm Sunday Worship, April 14 at 10:30 Maundy Thursday Communion, April 18 at 6 p.m. Easter Sunrise Service, April 21, Easter Sunrise Service, 6:30 a.m. Free breakfast following Sunrise service. Worship Service, 10:30 a.m.
GracePointe 1565 Ray Thorington Road, 271.2525 Palm Sunday, April 14, 10a.m. Easter Worship Services Sunday, April 1, 10a.m. Easter Egg Hunt following service.
Heritage Baptist Church ad on page 36
1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, 279.9976 Easter Egg Hunt, April 20 from 1-3 at Vaughn Road Park Easter Worship Service, April 21, 10:15 a.m. Please visit hbcm.net for more information.
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Church of the Holy Comforter 2911 Woodley Road, 281.1337 Palm Sunday, April 14 at 10:00 am Stations of the Cross, Wednesday, April 17 at 5:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday, Holy Eucharist, April 18 at 6 p.m. Good Friday, April 19 at 12:15 p.m. Holy Saturday Liturgy, April 20 at 9 a.m. Easter Sunday, April 21, 10 a.m. Family Service w/Holy Eucharist
Lakeview Baptist Church 9225 Atlanta Highway, 213.3080 Sunrise Service, Sunday, April 21, 7 a.m. (on the corner of Atlanta Hwy. and Tech. Center Dr.) Easter Worship Service will be at 10:45 a.m.
Memorial Presbyterian Church 2130 Bell Road, 274.1018 Easter Celebration Sunday, April 21, 11 a.m. followed by a meal.
Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, 272.2304 Good Friday Service, April 19 Easter Services Sunday, April 21, 10:30 a.m.
The Ridge Church Meets at Wetumpka YMCA, 200 Red Eagle Drive Palm Sunday “Reset” Night of Worship, April 14 at 6 p.m. at Wetumpka High school Easter Sunday Services, April 21, 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. For more information, please call 452.3650
Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road, 277.0011 Palm Sunday, April 14 at 10:45 Easter Sunday, April 21 at 10:45 a.m.
Saint James UMC ad on page 15
9045 Vaughn Road, 277-3037 Palm Sunday, April 14, Children’s processional with palm branches at the 9:30am contemporary service Children’s Donkey Rides, 10:30 a.m. until noon. All Things New Easter Musical, 11 a.m. in the Traditional service.
Ancient Tabernacle, Sunday, April 14-21 Join us and tour the life replica of the ancient Hebrew Tabernacle. It is our hope that you will come to have a deeper understanding of the Old Testament in light of the divine revelation that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the pattern in the Tabernacle for humanity! The Tabernacle will be open 24 hours from 5 p.m. on April 14 – April 21st at 1 p.m. Maundy Thursday, April 18, Celebrate the Last Supper with us at 6 p.m. in the Traditional Sanctuary. Good Friday, April 19, Commemorate the crucifixion of Christ with us at 6 p.m. in the Traditional Sanctuary. Eggstreme Egg Hunt, April 20, 3:00 p.m. Bring a basket for arts & crafts, snacks, games and more! Easter Sunday, April 21, We will celebrate the Resurrection in our Worship Center and our Sanctuary. Sunrise at the Pines Service, 6:30 a.m. Contemporary Service 9:30 & 11 a.m. (Worship Center) Traditional Service 9:30 & 11:00 a.m. (Sanctuary)
Saint John’s AME Church 807 Madison Avenue, 265.4136 Holy Week Explosion, April 17-19, 6:45 p.m. nightly. Visit www.stjohnsame.com
St. Thomas Aquinas ad on page 23
355 Bell Road, Montgomery, 322.1626 Maundy Thursday, April 18, Times TBA Good Friday Service, April 19, Times TBA Vigil, April 20, Times TBA Easter Sunday, 10 a.m.
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Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Rd., 271.3363 Easter Service April 21, 10:30 a.m.
Titus New Home Baptist Church Road to Resurrection, April 14, 3-5 p.m. at the corner of Sewell and Spigener Roads in Titus. This Easter, travel the road through Jerusalem as if you were in ancient Israel when the greatest man who ever lived walked the earth. This family event takes travelers on a mini-tour featuring reenactments of the final days of Jesus’ life on earth through to His resurrection. Walk down the road that Jesus travelled beginning with Palm Sunday and meet characters that take you inside the scriptures as you experience the Triumphal Entry. Travelers will also taste the Passover meal, pass by the garden at Gethsemane, visit Barabbas in his jail cell, meet a Roman guard who was part of Jesus’ crucifixion detail, and finally, experience the power of the empty tomb and Jesus’ resurrection. Upon arrival, families will join others to form groups of 15–20, and along with their travel guide, journey through six destinations. At each destination, travelers will experience powerful moments that surrounded the death and resurrection of Jesus. These Bible experiences are sure to be enjoyed by all ages. If you would like to request a tour time in advance, email your preferred time + last name + the number in your party to newhometitus@ yahoo.com. If you have any questions or would like to request a tour time by phone, please call (334) 452-6111.
Thorington Road Baptist Church 450 Ray Thorington Road, 396.9376 Good Friday, April 19, at 6:30 pm Easter Service Sunday, April 21 at 10:30 a.m.
Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Rd., 279.5433 Easter Party, April 20 from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Join us for inflatables, rock-climbing wall, face painting, petting zoo, a giant Easter Egg Hunt and more! Easter Sunday, April 21, 9:30 and 11:00 services with great music, awesome teaching and few special surprises. Please call for more information or visit at www.vaughnforest.com
Woodland United Methodist Church 4428 Wallahatchie Rd, Pike Road, 272.7230 Palm Sunday Cantata, April 14, 10:30 service with Easter egg hunt following service. Easter Sunrise service will be at 6:30 a.m. in the Courtyard. Traditional Service times will be 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service time will be 9:15 a.m. We look forward to having you come and celebrate the resurrection of our Savior.
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Church Meets Here A man named Lee sat down to eat at a Waffle House recently. He asked the waitress what her name was and how he could pray for her. As he relates in a first-person account on the Baptist Press website, “Our waitress looked at me with a puzzled expression and said, ‘Unspoken request.’” He shared that Misty, the waitress, had previously attended church. He asked her what she thought of Jesus. She said, “The Jesus I learned about in church seemed to love people a lot more than the church people I encountered.” He relates: I told her I appreciated her being honest and agreed with her that Jesus did love people a lot more than we do. In fact, He loved them to even die for them.
He invited her to church as he gave her the credit card, which, of course, revealed his identity. Lee, you see, is the evangelism group director for the South Carolina Baptist Convention. The article states: “You’re Lee Clamp!” she blurted out. “I just Googled your name. You were my camp pastor at Summersalt youth camp when I was in middle school! That’s weird, isn’t it? I shouldn’t have told you I Googled your name.”
So, what’s the next chapter for Misty? Lee Clamp writes: If Misty is going to be discipled and cross over from death to life, it may need to happen at a Waffle House with a group of ladies who decide to meet her there at a time other than Sunday morning. We will never saturate every life with the Gospel unless the church goes outside the walls. We also must customize our disciple-making strategies. Our current strategy of Sunday morning Bible study at the church may need to be expanded to church-on-location. River Region’s Journey
April 2019
Whose name might you have missed this week? Sometimes it’s hard to slow down enough to notice people. Maybe you need to go back and start a conversation. Who knows? They may already know you.
How about that? Church-on-location. We realize that while we are members of our local church body, we also belong to The Church, the body of Christ. So, we carry the Church with us wherever we go. You could say that “the Church meets here,” where two or three are gathered in His name. The Church is a not a building, it is the people of God. A group of churches in Spokane, Washington have banded together to take the Church outside the four walls of their buildings, with what is now known as The Church at Planned Parenthood. It’s not what you might think! Its website says: The Church at Planned Parenthood is NOT a protest. It’s a worship service at the gates of Hell. The Church at Planned Parenthood is a gathering of Christians for the worship of God and the corporate prayer for repentance for this nation, repentance for the apathetic church and repentance of our blood guiltiness in this abortion holocaust.
Founder Ken Peters, pastor of Covenant Church in Spokane, told CBN News that “We gotta put legs to our faith,” adding, “We’ve gotta find that balance between being mean and nasty and yelling, we’ve got to find the balance between that and doing nothing.” He believes the Lord directed the church to plant another church right there at the clinic site.
The article says: Peters and members of his congregation go to the local Planned Parenthood and share a message of God’s love and hope. They host a full service complete with a worship band and prayer teams. In late February, Peters said, “Our last service, we got about 65,000 people viewing live on my personal Facebook feed,” adding, “We had over 300 people there outside in the freezing cold, cars driving by. It’s been unbelievable.” The website lists several area churches that have partnered together to “corporately support The Church at Planned Parenthood and the spiritual fight against this abortion holocaust.” These stories can give us a picture of the Church unconstrained. God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. We must not allow ourselves to be held back, but empowered and equipped to speak and act boldly. Now, we should not minimize our regular fellowship with a body of believers. But, in order for someone to come into that church setting, there may need to be an invitation, perhaps a prompting, perhaps taking the Church, the life of Jesus, into non-traditional settings. I am thankful for ways in which God will use people in creative, non-traditional ways, in order that His truth may be spread. It just may be that in order to know Jesus, people need to see Jesus as it occurs through the faithful witness and service of His ambassadors, called to serve.
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April 2019
River Region’s Journey
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Adoption Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Alcoholic / Addiction
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
River Region’s Journey
April 2019
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: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated 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 montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520 for more information.
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Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christcentered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming
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addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information. 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 United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
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.
have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer UMC, 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: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Divorce
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 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 495-6350 for more information.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is avail-
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to
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able. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for further information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 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. Also, Divorce for Kids is available. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Call 279-5433.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. 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.
April 2019
River Region’s Journey
Grief
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. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@ gmail.com with questions or for more information. Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 3655977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or
e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook. 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.
- 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666.
Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
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.
Mental Health
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Braxton Benefield at 205-937-4848 or Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.
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Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174.
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Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com. Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:004:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6 000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:308 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com 35
April 2019
River Region’s Journey
Life Insurance Q. My husband and I are 24, we’re debtfree, and we’re just a few weeks of saving away from having a fully-funded emergency fund. Each of us has a 401(k) plan at work, and right now we’re concentrating on life insurance purchases. You always recommend term insurance, but how long should the coverage last? A. Congratulations on being super smart with your money! It sounds like you two are starting out on the right foot. Generally, I recommend 15- or 20year level term policies—unless you have children. Since you didn’t mention any kids, I can only assume they’re not in the picture at this point. However, if you two decide to grow your family in the future, I’d advise converting those to 30-year term policies. You’ll want the insurance there to protect everyone in the family, until the kids are grown and out on their own. In the
years after, continued saving and wealth building will lead you to a point where you’re both self-insured.
Insurance and Savings Q. I just realized our insurance has a health savings account (HSA) option. We’ve considered dropping this insurance soon and going to a cheaper Christian medical sharing program. We’ve got about $19,000 in debt between credit cards and a car payment, and we’re on Baby Step 2 of your plan. Our thought was to fund the HSA for a period of time as a means of saving, cancel that policy, then go over to a medical sharing program we found that costs $600 a month less. After that, we would start paying down debt again. What do you think?
A. There are two components to an HSA, the insurance component and the savings component. You don’t have to participate in the savings component. The insurance component is simply a large deductible,
EASTER
100 percent coverage after the deductible, cheaper-premium health insurance plan. If I were in Baby Step 2, I would not do the savings component. I would only do the insurance component, or I’d do the medical sharing program. I’m not sure why you’d need to jump back and forth it you’re going to permanently move to a medical sharing program. I get the idea of saving money, but what you’re talking about isn’t something I’d recommend for someone who’s in debt. I wouldn’t fund a savings account of several thousand dollars only for medical when you’re not even on Baby Step 3, which is saving an emergency fund of three to six months of expenses. That money needs to be used to pay off debt first. It’s not the end of the world if you don’t fund the HSA portion of your current insurance plan. If you went with a medical sharing program, and just saved up a large emergency fund, the only thing you’d really lose out on is the tax deduction associated with an HSA.
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EGG HUNT
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2858 FIELDCREST DR | MONTGOMERY, 36106
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River Region’s Journey
April 2019
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HERITAGE BAPTIST CHURCH • 1849 PERRY HILL ROAD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36106
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SUNDAY, APRIL 14 8:30 AM PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:45 AM BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CLASSES 11:00 AM PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP 5:00 PM DISCIPLESHIP CLASSES, VISITATION, CHILDREN’S MISSIONS & YOUTH CHOIRS 6:15 PM EVENING WORSHIP
FRIDAY, APRIL 19 12:00 PM GOOD FRIDAY WORSHIP SUNDAY, APRIL 21 8:30 AM EASTER WORSHIP CELEBRATION 9:45 AM BIBLE FELLOWSHIP CLASSES 11:00 AM EASTER WORSHIP CELEBRATION 6:15 PM EVENING WORSHIP
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17 5:00 PM FIRST FAMILY DINNER 6:15 PM EASTER COMMUNION WORSHIP
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MONTGOMERY JAY WOLF, PASTOR / 305 S PERRY STREET / MONTGOMERY, AL 36104 334.834.6310 :: MONTGOMERYFBC.ORG