Volume 18, Issue 8
Feature Articles
DECEMBER 2 0 1 6 Columns page 2
page 12
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Meet Jeremy Arthur, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. His faith has always been part of his life and influences his relationships in and apart from his work. Learn more about Jeremy’s life and how he allows God to guide him in every way.
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Pastor's Perspective Tom Gaylord, Centerpoint Fellowship in Wetumpka
page 20
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 14
page 22
Jesus’ Answer to
Pondering the Journey
Holiday Loneliness and Cynicism
Sam Whatley
by Scott Sauls
Dr. D. Kim Hamblin
page 28
Counselor’s Corner
With the Christmas season being a difficult time for many, Scott shares the solution he believes Jesus provides for the fractured relationships in our lives.
page 30
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 24
Christmas in the River Region
Our listing of musicals, festivals, and sacred services will help you start planning for a wonderful Christmas season!
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue page 26
Adullam House Broken Hearts on the Mend
page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community
by Ashley Sherlock
About 20 miles north of Montgomery exists a ministry blessing and changing the lives of children. Adullam House supports children of incarcerated parents ages 0 to 20 through housing, education and, most importantly, love. Learn how you can help one of their children experience joy this Christmas and how to volunteer with their program throughout the year! 1
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Faith @ Work page 18
Let the Redeemed Say So December 2016
River Region’s Journey
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Bob Crittenden Pastor Tom Gaylord Dr. D. Kim Hamblin Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Ashley Sherlock Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson Heather Watts ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Team Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell, Manager Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood
From the Publisher Let the redeemed of the Lord say so! That’s the name of a new section we’re launching this month. We used Facebook, and will each month, to ask our readers a question that allows them to express their joy in the Lord. With Advent and Christmas upon us, what better time to offer you the chance to tell everyone why Jesus is your greatest gift. That’s what you’ll find on page 18. We didn’t have room to share all of the responses we received, but there are plenty of joy-filled witnesses to the new life we have in Christ. Make sure you like our Facebook page (facebook. com/rrjourneymag) so you’ll see when we post our January question. Even though Christmas is a time of celebration, life can also be strained and sad for many around the holidays. Jesus’ Answer to Holiday Loneliness and Cynicism is an article we’re sharing this month for those of you who are suffering. It’s an article for everyone to read because it’s important that we come alongside others to care and serve them with a listening ear, prayer and maybe a word of hope from the Lord. This month’s Ministry Spotlight is one doing an amazing job of coming alongside others to care a serve. Adullam House is a safe haven for children of incarcerated parents located just 20 miles north of Montgomery. Their work changing the environment of these children from one of neglect and abuse to one of love and hope paves a pathway for these childrens’ futures. Turn to page 26 to learn more about Adullam House and how you can get involved. Like the work of Adullam House, we all need an environment of hope and love. Is that what you have? If so, cherish it and nurture that environment. If not, start afresh with this copy of Journey in your hands. Take in the hope of Christ through the articles and columns we share. Let His love for you sink deep into your heart so that you live in the freedom of the holiness He offers. Take in His love for you and let it flow out to others. Worship the Lord with other believers and serve your neighbors in His name. Christ’s birth, perfect life and sacrificial death and resurrection on your behalf changes everything. To Him be glory and Honor. Merry Christmas!
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2016 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Tom Gaylord, Centerpoint Fellowship in Wetumpka
The Wonderful Gift of God and His Presence Jesus told his disciples, “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So, don’t be troubled or afraid.” John 14:27 (NLT) As we approach Christmas and the end of 2016, I look back and realize it’s been a busy and exciting year for my wife, Dawn, and me. We moved from Prattville in February, where we lived for almost 18 years, to Wetumpka. I had been serving there as a pastor for Centerpoint Fellowship Church for the past couple of years. It was a move we knew God was prompting us to make, yet we still felt stress, fear, and anxiety. There were details we knew we would have to trust God to work out, like finding a house in the
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right location at the right price, preparing the house in Prattville and listing it to sell, finding a buyer, getting moved, and finally making the new house into a home. In September, I returned to graduate school to pursue a pastoral counseling degree while still juggling the duties of being a pastor and a police chaplain in Wetumpka. Of course, we also had all the normal things that couples our age deal with in a typical year—minor illnesses, caring for aging parents, visiting and helping our grown children, dealing with family dynamics, and tackling work-related challenges. I mention these things not to highlight what we’ve been through, but to boast about God and the wonderful gift of His presence. It was our faith in God’s love that gave us the confidence to obey Him, and it was His presence that allowed us to overcome our fears and anxiety and replace them with peace and joy. Romans 5:15-21 states that Jesus is God’s gift to mankind, and those who accept Him are made blameless. Why would God humble Himself and come to earth as a human? Why would Jesus sacrifice Himself on a cross? Because God loves all of us! “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, NIV). Jesus came to this world to seek and save lost sinners. Dawn and I celebrate Christmas every December because we understand 4
we are sinners saved by grace whom God loves, and by surrendering our lives to Him we have received God’s greatest gift… eternal life in Christ. But that’s not all! Those who surrender and accept God’s gift of salvation also receive the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit that guides, comforts, and protects us. “How great is the goodness you have stored up for those who fear you. You lavish it on those who come to you for protection... You hide them in the shelter of your presence, safe from those who conspire against them. You shelter them in your presence, far from accusing tongues” (Psalm 31:19-20, NLT). Dawn and I learned through our experiences this year that taking risks can be exciting and freeing when we know we are in God’s will and secure in His love. Our confidence comes from knowing we belong to Christ, that His presence is a shelter in difficult times, and that He is a good God with good plans for us. That shelter of His presence can’t be taken from us—or damaged— or broken into. It is protected by Christ Himself. It is secure! We have it because the gift of the Holy Spirit is alive in us. So, remember this: God loves you and wants you to experience the gift of eternal life through His Son, Jesus Christ and the gift of His presence through the Holy Spirit. When we surrender to God and embrace His presence, we have all we need to face any fear or challenge. Tom Gaylord is the Pastor at Centerpoint Fellowship’s site in Wetumpka which opened in 2014. Tom and his wife, Dawn, live in Wetumpka and have three grown boys and a daughter in-law. Tom is also a volunteer chaplain with the River Region Chaplain Service and serves the men and women of the Wetumpka Police Department. Worship at the Wetumpka Centerpoint Fellowship site is held at 9:35am every Sunday at their worship center located at 4876 U.S. Hwy 231 in Wetumpka. Visit www.centeringlives.com.
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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.
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SUNDAY | DECEMBER 4 |10:15AM “AND THE STARS SANG” CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS MUSICAL
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 10 | 6PM
“CHRISTMAS MAKES EVERYTHING NEW” CHOIR MUSICAL
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 11 | 6PM
“CHRISTMAS MAKES EVERYTHING NEW” CHOIR MUSICAL
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.
SATURDAY | DECEMBER 24 | 5PM CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE
SUNDAY | DECEMBER 25 | 10:15AM TOGETHER WORSHIP ONLY
1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL | 279.9976 | hbcm.net
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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The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton
I’m glad to say that this book passed the kid test. I deliberately left it lying on the table before my kids got home from school. My ten-year-old walked in, dumped her shoes and knapsack in the middle of the floor (we’re still working on that) and sauntered toward the kitchen. But she didn’t get there because she saw the book and just had to explore it. That’s a good sign. It isn’t surprising, though, because Champ Thornton’s The Radical Book for Kids is eyecatching inside and out. In fact, I think it’s one of the best-looking kids’ books I’ve seen in a long time. (Props to Tim Green for the excellent cover design and Scot McDonald for the interior work.) Best of all, that good looking interior and exterior complements the interesting, important content. Thornton, father to three young children, says, “It’s my prayer that this book will be used by God to grow deep roots of faith in the children who read it. More than this, I hope it will also encourage young readers to keep on learning about his Word, his gospel, his church, and life in his world. If this book makes our children River Region’s Journey
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more curious and thirsty to know God and the good news of his Word, then it will have done its job.” So what is The Radical Book for Kids? First, it is a book for children to read on their own, with kids between the ages of 8 and 14 as the target audience. Parents or teachers might also find it a helpful resource, but primarily it’s for children to read to themselves. Second, it’s a book that is radical according to a few different meanings of the word. Radical first meant “going to the root” and this book goes to the very roots of the Christian faith. Second, the word means “extreme” or “drastic,” and the book teaches “about following Jesus and standing for him in the storms of life” while also teaching about some people who did that. Third, it offers some radical (“excellent, cool”) fun—creating pottery, locating stars, and even building slingshots and catapults. By all of those definitions it’s radical. The book is comprised of 67 short chapters that together span about 250 pages. It begins with a couple of chapters on the Bible, then advances to God and the gospel. From there it turns to the Christian life, sin, obedience, creation, and so on. Yet it doesn’t progress in a completely linear way. Rather, it circles back to important subjects, advancing them incrementally each time. It pauses 6
for fun from time to time, or adds a biography of a key Christian figure. It offers help with friendship, with loving parents, with understanding the big picture of the Bible. It provides slick comparisons of the 4 gospels and then immediately offers instruction on tying 3 different kinds of knots. All throughout it is stuffed full of pictures, illustrations, sidebars, quizzes, and little points to ponder. All throughout it is written in a tone that speaks well to the target audience. Overall, as children read this book they will encounter faith questions (Can you prove that God exists? How do we know the Bible is true?), fun facts, historical information and vignettes, lessons on the person and work of God, challenges to live like Jesus, fun skills to learn (friendship, cleaning your room, memorizing anything, etc), challenges to attempt (make a sling, make a sundial, etc), and knowledge about the Bible. It’s a great combination and one children will enjoy. Michael Horton says it well in his commendation: “It’s not just about fun facts; it is a spark for discover of God, his world, and our place in it.” We’re living at a time when we have some exceptional children’s books available to us, books to complement and supplement the precious truths we want our children to know and to believe. The Radical Book for Kids is just such a book. It is especially noteworthy in that it is meant to be read by children rather than to children and in its excellent design that will effectively draw and hold their attention. It’s a book I recommend and one I will be encouraging my children to read.
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First UMC Kids Pack Shoe Boxes for Samaritan’s Purse First United Methodist Church 3rd-5th graders met during ELMO (Elementary Methodist Organization) on Sunday, November 6, to pack 15 shoe boxes for boys and girls ages 5-9. The boxes will be shipped across the world to share God’s love with children who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine.
Appalachian Craft Fair Saturday, December 10, 9:00 - 2:00 Sunday, December 11, 8:00 - 12:00 The Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be hosting the Red Bird Craft Fair featuring works by as many as 100 different crafters from Appalachia. Items including handmade reed baskets, jewelry, woven mats, dolls, benches, toys, games, ornaments and nativity sets. Call 272-6152 for details.
“Surviving the Holidays Single or Single Again” This Special Seminar/Brunch features practical suggestions for single adults facing the holidays alone. Topics to be discussed include dealing with hard-hitting emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events, helping your kids have a good holiday experience, and where to find comfort and strength. Call 334-495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org to register. (No childcare is available for this event) Saturday, November 12; 11am-1pm Frazer UMC, Room 8114 Cost: $5.00
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An Evening with Chonda Pierce
A Perfect Stocking Stuffer for Christmas
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February 23, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. Saint James United Methodist Church 9045 Vaughn Rd • Montgomery, AL Tickets: $25 -$45 Mary Ellen’s Hearth at Nellie Burge Center will present an Evening with Christian comedian, Chonda Pierce. Proceeds from the event will go to support homeless women and children. Emmy® -nominated and best-selling comedian Chonda Pierce or “the country comic” as Billboard Magazine dubbed her, has been making audiences laugh for more than two decades with her winning combination of fierce wit and southern charm. Pierce is fresh off an incredible year after debuting her movie “Chonda Pierce: Laughing in The Dark,” to rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. A stand-up comedian, television hostess, author and now actress, Pierce has channeled her life experiences into positivity, bringing laughter to audiences around the country. As the RIAA’s best-selling female comedian, her hilarious take on life is easily relatable as she publicly opens up to her listeners about times of darkness and depression in her own life, drawing humor and good from every situation. Mary Ellen’s Hearth offers hope, help and healing to homeless women and children throughout the River Region and is a private 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible. For more information call (334) 264-4108 or visit www.nellieburge.org. 9
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9th Annual An Eclectic Christmas The 9th annual An Eclectic Christmas walking tours begin December 1-10 2016. This event will take place at the Falk Farm. Located at 1733 Claude Road Eclectic AL, 36024. It is just south of Eclectic on AL Highway 63. Come join us in December to experience the true story of the first Christmas. In the atmosphere of an outdoor walking trail, you and your guests will be part of live drama that is set during the Roman Empire. As decreed by Caesar, everyone must be counted in the census. As you make your way to Bethlehem, you will visit the field where shepherds received the angel’s message and news of the Messiah. Then visit the wise men as they journey in search of the New Born King. The 6 and 8 O’clock time slots on each production night are handicap accessible. Please notify us when registering if you require assistance. Reservations are suggested and may be made by: Calling 334.578.4846; Email: reservations@ aneclecticministry.org; Visit www.aneclecticministry.org. Time slots are scheduled in 15-minute increments. * Admission is free, and donations are accepted and appreciated to help with expenses.
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
First School at First UMC Enjoys Annual Family Picnic First School at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery celebrated the school year with their annual Family Picnic in Cloverdale Park on Friday, October 7. The parents and children look forward to this event every year! Families brought blankets or chairs and brown bag lunches. Everyone had the opportunity to purchase Nancy’s Italian Ice. A great time was had by all!
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen River Region’s Journey
December 2016
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Sunday Morning Small Groups - 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.
7505 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.396.9811 11
December 2016
easternoaks.org River Region’s Journey
bigger than any one thing. Chambers help communities grow great because they “plant trees whose shade they will never sit in.” I do what I do for the benefit of others, for business, for community, all for the common good. What makes a local chamber unique is they function when probably they should not. So, the challenge excites me. Local chamber members do not share a common age, nor lifestyle, nor career. Most importantly, what they do share is a common vision for their community, what their community can be, and what their community must be for the sake of progress. RRJ: How do your coworkers and those you meet through your job know that you’re a Christ-follower? Jeremy: People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But, people will never forget how you made them feel. My faith defines me as a person, whether that’s in a personal or professional setting. It’s simply who I am. I hope that people can see Christ living in me. It can be something as simple as a smile, a word of encouragement, an offer of prayer, a note or a card, or a model of behavior that allows me to share God’s love and open a door. RRJ: Does your commitment to Christ and His will ever interfere with your work? RRJ: As the President at the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama what does your job entail? Jeremy: CCAA exists to strengthen the vital role local Chambers of Commerce play in economic and community development. We provide our members with exceptional services in the areas of advocacy, professional development, and communication of issues that affect the local business community and serve as a clearinghouse for business-related information, peer-to-peer networking opportunities, and other contacts that serve the needs of local Chamber of Commerce professionals. I get to represent 100+ local chambers of commerce in local communities across the great State of Alabama! RRJ: After working with the Chamber of Commerce for nearly 15 years, locally in Prattville and now with the 120 statewide associations, what excites you about going into work each morning? Jeremy: In any given community, there is usually only one person that leads a chamber. You get to be a part of something much, much River Region’s Journey
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Jeremy: We all lead busy lives. If I’m not careful, I can let the cares of the world, the stress of the job, and the constant travel distract me. I have to continually refocus my priorities during my continued growth as a Christian. Yet, I can learn from those shortcomings and do my best to not let them interfere in the future. It’s a constant journey, but the end game of a heavenly home will be worth it all. RRJ: Has this kind of genuine faith always been a part of who you are? Jeremy: My faith has guided me for as long as I can remember. I am thankful I grew up in a God-fearing home with two parents who loved me and shared their love of Christ with me. My father lost a battle with cancer when I was young. His death presented a crossroads for me. I could choose to blame God, be bitter, deny my faith, and let that shape who I would become. Or, I could choose to embrace God, draw near to Him, let Him strengthen me, guide me, and mold me into something greater. I’m glad I chose the latter. RRJ: How did your father’s long-term battle with cancer impact the way you live your life? 12
Jeremy: We all know life is “but a vapor.” But, as a believer, I know heaven is waiting for those who diligently follow Him. I often say that life is full of “moments,” and how you respond to them is an example of your faith. In happy moments, praise God. In difficult moments, seek God. In quite moments, worship God. In painful moments, trust God. In every moment, thank God. I don’t always get it right. But, I try to take the “moments” that I am given and use them for the greatest good. RRJ: Besides your work with the Chamber, how else do you honor God by seeking to serve and empower others? Jeremy: I try to use my life itself to honor God and be His servant. I truly believe that to whom much has been given, much is required. I think that’s why I embrace servant leadership. It’s a way to give back to a cause, a community, an issue, or something I feel passionate about in my life. Whether it’s my local church, the YMCA, the United Way, my alma mater Auburn University, or any other thing I am blessed to serve, I can demonstrate God’s love. We are all created in His image. That thought is amazing to me...that I am created in the image of God. I want others to know that God loves them, will forgive them, and will help them. I think this allows people to reach their full potential and become the people God truly wants them to be. RRJ: Finally, in your walk with Christ, what tools and resources are vital for keeping your faith strong? Jeremy: Prayer is key for me. And, surrounding myself with a support system of believers and other followers. One of the greatest blessings I have is that I have a direct line to God because of the sacrifice of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prayer is truly awe-inspiring to me. To possess the ability to communicate with my Creator is truly humbling. It also reminds me that I can’t do “life” alone. There are times when I have to remind myself that God is in control, understand my shortcomings and failures, and submit to the fact that God’s will is perfect. I challenge myself every day to be better than I was the day before and look for ways I can be better tomorrow. Jeremy Arthur is a Christian, a son, a friend, a Southerner, a food critic, a traveler, a lover of learning, a collector of books, and a lifelong Alabamian. You can often find Jeremy cheering for his alma mater, Auburn University, or reading his favorite book, To Kill A Mockingbird, by Alabama native Nelle Harper Lee.
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While being “the most wonderful time of the year” for some, the holidays tend to be a lonely, alienating and isolating time for others. Loneliness, alienation, and isolation often come from struggles related to the nuclear family. As I wrote about last week, many of us have at least one “Cousin Eddie” situation that confronts us during the holidays, and that tempts us to look at nuclear and extended family with cynicism, anger, and even despair. River Region’s Journey
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I want to reflect on the solution Jesus provides for the fractured relationships. Not only is his solution good for us; it also provides an empowering resource, one that enables us to move toward “Cousin Eddie” in ways that heal instead of perpetuate the wounds. So then, what is Jesus’ solution to our holiday woes? I believe it’s this…
that same union. David and Jonathan, the son of a shepherd and the son of a king, become the dearest of friends through a shared faith. These are merely a sampling of what theologian Donald Carson has said about the family of God in his book, Love in Hard Places: The Church itself is not made up of natural “friends…” What binds us together is not common education, common race, common income levels, common politics, common nationality, common accents, common jobs, or anything of the sort. Christians come together, not because they form a natural collocation, but because they have been saved by Jesus Christ and owe him a common allegiance. In the light of this common allegiance, in light of the fact that they have all been loved by Jesus himself, they commit themselves to doing what he says—and he commands them to love one another. In this light, they are a band of natural enemies who love one another for Jesus’ sake.
Jesus gives us himself; He also gives us a family in the Church. To disciples who had left everything to follow him, he responded with these words: Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or lands, for my sake and for the gospel, who will not receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions, and in the age to come eternal life (Mark 10:29-30). Did you hear that? Who is your mother and father and sisters and brothers? Even if your nuclear family is a train wreck, if you are with Jesus then you have another anchor family—mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers who, like you, are united to Jesus by faith. The Church is God’s redeemed society, a family of surrogates united together by one LORD, one faith, one baptism, and one God and Father (Ephesians 4:4-6). In the Church is a solidarity that transcends all other loyalties while also demolishing divisions. Peter, a loud and intense man with low emotional intelligence, and John, a gentle and contemplative man, become as inseparable brothers through their shared union with Jesus. Simon, an anti-government zealot and Matthew, a government employed tax collector, are transformed from enemies to friends by
This solidarity around the experience of loving Jesus—or, rather, of being deeply loved byJesus—has also made the Church the most inclusive community in the history of the world.This was felt deeply especially in first century Jerusalem, where Rabbis openly and often prayed, “Thank you, God, that I am not a woman, a slave, or a gentile.” In a culture of social pecking orders where Jewish men ran things and everybody else’s role was to support them in their privilege, Jesus came in to level the playing field, and to re-affirm that all people are equal in dignity and value. The Holy Spirit then punched the Rabbi’s prayer in the gut, ensuring that the first three Christian converts were a woman, Lydia, who hosted a congregation in her house, a slave in Philippi, and a gentile prison guard (Acts 16:1140). Inspired by God’s stance of showing no partiality, the Apostle Paul would write these words about God’s family, the Church:
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Church was the place where anyone in the world could find refuge and solace from the age-old malediction that it is not good to be alone? This is exactly what God intended for the Church to be. And do you know what else? When we “leave” our nuclear families for the anchor family that God provides in the Church, we actually end up “cleaving” better to our earthly families. Why is this so? Because in the Church, we are taught first to know God as a Father who protects, defends and provides, and as a Mother Hen who gathers us under his wings to shelter us. In the Church, we are taught to know Jesus as a Brother who is not ashamed of us, and as a Husband who repeatedly forgives us, empowers us, holds us, and lays down his life for us. In the Church, we are taught to know the Holy Spirit as a Comforter, Counselor, and Guide. The more we come to know Father, Son and Spirit in these ways, the more equipped, empowered, and energized we will be to protect, defend, provide, shelter, bless, forgive, empower, hold, lay down our lives, comfort, counsel and guide in our nuclear families. In short, through the formation we experience inside the Church, we are better equipped to love and bless our nuclear family members who may be outside the Church. Rather than a pain in the neck, Cousin Eddie becomes a target of our love. Because of the influence of the anchor family, the family of Jesus, we will start thinking creatively how we can love Cousin Eddie well in spite of his offensiveness and awkwardness. Don’t let your family be your Jesus. Instead, let Jesus and his Family be your anchor family. When you do, your nuclear family will thank you for it.
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). In the Church God has given us a family, a first and anchor family, where healing from the dysfunctions and sorrows and losses experienced outside the Church can occur. What many have been denied in the nuclear family—a loving spouse, supportive parents, honoring children—were there for Jesus and are there for us inside the family of God. But like the nuclear family, the Church will live with dysfunction until Jesus returns. And yet, because we know that Jesus will complete the work he has begun in us, because we are hisworkmanship, because resurrection and new life are in our future, we can treat ourselves and each other with hope instead of cynicism. We can live in confidence that we are not yet what we will be. We can look at the caterpillar in front of us—whether in the mirror or face to face with another—and envision the butterfly. Jesus will soon present his family, the Church, to himself as a radiant bride without spot, wrinkle or blemish. It’s already settled (Philippians 1:6; Ephesians 2:10). So then, what if the Church became the first place, instead of the last place, that people went looking for family? What if the Church was filled with unmarried people but had no “single” people, because unmarried people were as family to each other, and surrogate brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers and sons and daughters to the rest of the Church? What if the Church was the place where no parent felt the burden of having to raise children alone, and where every child had hundreds of mothers and fathers and grandmas and grandpas and aunts and uncles and big sisters and brothers? What if it were true that God sets the lonely in families? (Psalm 68:6) What if the
Scott Sauls is senior pastor of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee and author of Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend. You can connect with Scott on Twitter or Instagram at @scottsauls, or by subscribing to his blog at scottsauls.com.
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MOLDING BOYS INTO MEN We believe in a classical understanding of what it means to be a man. A man should strive to blend three parts of life: Gentleman, Warrior, Saint. What the medievals meant by these terms was that a gentleman is an educated burdenbearer for society. A warrior is a defender of that which is true and right. A saint has the biblical mind and heart from which being a gentleman and warrior spring. At Eastwood Christian School our boys and girls are given a rigorous, classical education. They are well rounded in sports and the arts so as to produce a warrior spirit. They are saturated with a biblical worldview and are taught to think critically as a Christian. Finally, there is an environment of mentoring - the older serve the younger. Our board and staff have been assisting families in this biblical vision for 20 years.
EA STWOOD C HR IS TIA N SC HOOL MONTGOMERY / ALABAMA 334.272.8195 WWW.EASTWOODSCHOOL.ORG 17
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Say “Yes” to Jesus The Star of Christmas
I took a stroll to a nearby local departmental store on the evening of November 1, just to window shop. To my surprise, Christmas lights greeted me throughout the displays, a mere day after Halloween! All the bells and whistles of Christmas caught me off guard. It was hard to imagine Christmas displays so far from Christmas. I found myself reminiscing about the beauty of the Christmas season, with its colorful, shimmering lights, and wonderful carols that fill the airways. I admit that the atmosphere of the store’s Christmas decorations fanned a joyous anticipation in my soul. The feelings I was experiencing were in stark contrast to the Halloween gloom and doom images of goblins, skulls, and witches. The dark mystery that surrounds so much of Halloween had disappeared in one night, replaced by the joy and peace of the Christmas message. I began to thank God for the lights I was seeing among the merchandise in the store. They had changed the atmosphere by expressing the hope that is conveyed through the Christmas celebration. As I walked back home, I started to think beyond the lights and trimmings to what was the most extraordinary part of Christmas – Jesus! The Christmas story contains the submission of a teenage girl, the obedience of a confused godly fiancée, observations of shepherds and kings, and the humility of a cave in a small town in the middle of an impoverished, country in the Middle East. These are the characters in a play of the most epic proportions. Yet River Region’s Journey
December 2016
these are only supporting actors to the true Star of Christmas. Philippians 2:6-8 tells us of Jesus, “Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God, as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.” Jesus said, “yes” to the Father’s quest to save humanity. Jesus was well aware of the humiliation, the pain, and the suffering He was to experience in order to fulfill that mandate. Jesus still said, “yes” out of love and compassion for humanity. The penalty for our debt of sin was paid for before we knew we needed a Savior. He willingly agreed to be our sacrificial Lamb before the foundation of the world. At Gethsemane’s garden, he had to make the final decision either to save His own life, or watch humanity sink into an eternal abyss. Once again, He said, “yes” because it was the will of God. In fact, He is still saying, “yes” every time we call on Him. What a loving Jesus we have! Consider what may have happened if the players in the story had not said yes. First, Mary had to have been frightened beyond words when the angel announced that God had chosen her to become mother of the Messiah. The human side of her 20
considered the rejection that could follow from her parents, her fiancée, and the elders of the church. Stoning was the typical death sentence for a promiscuous girl. It would have been much easier for Mary to say, “Try someone else,” and get on with her life. Instead, she said, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” What may have happened if Joseph had not obeyed the dream that confirmed the truth about Mary’s pregnancy – that it was divine and not sinful fornication? An entire lineage of the Messiah might have changed and Bethlehem would not have received her King. Yet, God could have replaced Mary, and He could have found a willing stand-in for Joseph, if necessary. The only Person that could not be replaced was Jesus. Only sinless blood was worthy of the task to eradicate sin. Where would we be without Jesus and His undying love and affection for us? I thank God for Jesus, the Lord of Christmas, the brightness of whose image alone was, and still is, powerful enough to expel the darkness of evil in but one day on a cross, along with every dark and unfulfilling aspect of our lives. Like Mary, we have scary times in our lives when we are forced to make a choice. Like Mary, we can find ourselves at the crossroads of major life decisions that can have eternal consequences. The question is…are we going to say, ”yes?” It may not be comfortable to say, “yes,” but it is the brave response, and the safest – because it is in the will of God…the very best place to be. Say “yes” to Jesus this Christmas, Sister!
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PH YS IC IAN S TO C H ILDR E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033
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FESTIVAL OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT December 18, 4:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES Noon, 3:15, 5:00, and 7:00 p.m. CHRISTMAS DAY Worship Service at 10:00 a.m.
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Work to Build, Prepare to Defend Much of life is about rebuilding. This is obvious the older you get. Once you are past forty something you start to realize that there is more sand at the bottom of your hourglass than there is at the top. When you are young you are trying to build your life. After middle age, you start trying to rebuild the walls that have fallen down from neglect. They may be walls of physical health, finances, family relationships, or your own spiritual walk with Christ. But those areas are going to require work and diligence to repair. Recently I saw something in the Book of Nehemiah that gave me some perspective on
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rebuilding walls. Nehemiah came from Babylon to Jerusalem in 444 BC for the purpose of rebuilding the city walls torn down by the Babylonians. A hundred years earlier other Jews had returned to rebuild the temple, but the walls of the city were still piles of rubble. I had read this history before, but this time I saw something that I had missed earlier. As you work to build, prepare to defend your work. As Nehemiah organized his fellow countrymen to take on this massive endeavor he was faced with two obstacles. The first one was how to get the work done. The other was just as real, the fear of neighboring tribes who perceived his project as a threat to them. They were ready to attack his men while they worked on the wall. Nehemiah tells us: From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. ... Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other, and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked (Nehemiah 4:16-18 NIV). This may appear to be a very inefficient way to build a wall. But it was the only way. They were surrounded by enemies who saw their work as dangerous, something bad for their society. The enemies of Christ in our society see 22
the work of Christians the same way. If you dare to say that God’s Word is true and eternal, you are someone’s enemy. If you are too honest in your business dealings, your job or promotion may be at risk. If you work to keep unborn children from perishing, someone will hate you for it. If you care about the poor and the weak, someone will count you a fool. But we must remember, these attacks do not come from other people, not really. As Paul tells us: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12 NIV). Even so, not all of our spiritual enemies are external. We are all tempted by lust, greed, laziness, addictions, gossip and a thousand other things that offend our Lord. Our enemy wants to discredit our witness for Christ, while he destroys our lives. He may not be able to snatch us from the hand of Christ, but he tempts us to be selfish and petty. He loves guilt and shame. So, as we restore and rebuild the problem areas of our lives, we must defend ourselves while we work. Just as those other builders wore swords, we have to be armed with God’s Word, which Paul calls the sword of the Spirit. It must be in our hearts and hands. That is how we fight schemes to slow down, stop, and dismantle any progress we make for God’s Kingdom. Being prepared for spiritual battle appears to take time away from the task at hand. It appears to make us less efficient in building. The time you spend in prayer to the Father and in studying His Word may look like time you could use doing something with more tangible results. But the opposite is true. As Jesus said, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5 NIV). Work, but prepare to defend. After all, our sand is running out every day.
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dren. Multi-generational Christmas Musical. Please call for more information. Call (334) 272.2190 for info.
Aldersgate UMC
6610 Vaughn Road Sunday, December 4 at 4:30 p.m. The Great Christmas Cookie Caper Christmas Cookie contest, Mission projects and concert. Saturday, December 10, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Appalachian Craft Fair The Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be hosting the Red Bird Craft Fair featuring works by as many as 100 different crafters from Appalachia. Items including handmade reed baskets, jewelry, woven mats, dolls, benches, toys, games, ornaments and nativity sets. Sunday, December 11 “The Word Became Flesh” 10:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols Service A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Drama Team and Orchestra. Narrators: Charles Laubach, Cheryl Davitz and Kacey Vardaman. Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service; 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Communion, Carols and Candlelight For more information call (334) 272.6152.
Christchurch ad on pages 3 and 25
8800 Vaughn Road Friday, December 9 6:30 p.m. Candlelight Harpischord Chamber Concert at. You are invited to a free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45-minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church, as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. Reception to follow in Canterbury Hall. Reception tickets will be available by calling (334) 387.0566, ext. 203. Please visit www. christchurchxp.net for more details.
Dalraida UMC
3817 Atlanta Hwy. Sunday, December 4 at 6 p.m. A Christmas musical put on by the chilRiver Region’s Journey
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Eastern Hills Baptist Church
3604 Pleasant Ridge Road (in the Forest Hills neighborhood) Sunday, December 4 60th Anniversary Celebration Sunday at 10 a.m. Call (334) 272.0604 ext. 214 or visit us online, www.ehbconline.com.
Eastmont Baptist Church
December 3, 9 am to 12 pm Children’s Christmas Festival Admission is one canned good or school supply item. Enjoy breakfast with characters, pony rides, inflatables, crafts, manger museum and more. Located at 4505 Atlanta Highway. Call 277.6300 or visit www. eastmont.org for more information.
First Presbyterian Church
9299 Vaughn Road, Pike Road Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service. 5:30 p.m. with Communion. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Call 279.1372 or visit www.firstchurchmontgomery.org.
First United Methodist Church ad on page 21
2416 West Cloverdale Park Sunday, November 27 Hanging of the Greens, 4 – 6 p.m. Come with unwrapped toys or monetary gifts for families in need as we dress our Sanctuary for the season of Advent. Sunday, December 18 Festival of Christmas Concert, 4 pm Our annual concert featuring our music ministry and a professional orchestra. Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve: Communion Service and Candlelight services from noon-7 p.m. Saturday, December 31 The Watch Night Service, 5 to 6 p.m. A service of hope and healing in the Sanctuary. Call (334) 834.8990 for info. 24
Frazer Memorial UMC ad on Inside Front Cover
6000 Atlanta Highway Saturday, December 3rd at 9 a.m. Women’s Christmas Brunch Sunday, December 4 at 6 p.m. Youth Worship Arts presents “King of Salvation” in Wesley Hall Sunday, December 11 Christmas at Frazer Musical: A Celtic Christmas Celebration in Wesley Hall, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org. Saturday, December 24 “Candlelight Worship” 3:30 p.m. in Wesley Hall 6:30 p.m. in Sanctuary.
First Baptist Church ad on Back Cover
305 South Perry Street December 9-11 The Living Christmas Tree Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Tickets go on sale November 7. Please call (334) 834.6310 or visit us at www. montgomeryfbc.org.
Gateway Baptist Church ad on page 9
3300 Bell Road Saturday, December 24 Candlelight Service and Communion, held at 5 p.m. Call (334) 272.9494 for details.
Heritage Baptist Church ad on page 5
1849 Perry Hill Road Sunday, December 4 10:15 a.m. “And the Stars Sang” Children’s Christmas Musical Saturday, December 10 and Sunday, December 11 6 p.m. “Christmas Makes Everything New” Choir Musical Saturday, December 24 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Service
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Sunday, December 25 10:15 a.m. Together Worship only Call 279.9976 for more information or visit hbcm.net.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
1550 East Washington Street Saturday, December 3 Annual Christmas Production at 4 p.m. Hosted by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Call (334) 462.3048.
Saint James UMC
9045 Vaughn Road Sunday, December 11 Christmas Cantata in the traditional sanctuary at 11 am. The service will feature the Chancel Choir. Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Services 12 p.m. - Sanctuary, Early service for those going out of town. 5 p.m. – Worship Center, Candle lighting communion service 7 p.m.- Sanctuary, Candle lighting and communion service. Call (334) 277.3037 for more info.
Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road Friday, December 2 A Christmas in the Forest
Everyone is invited to celebrate the sounds of Christmas at 6 p.m. in the worship center. Christmas Services Friday, December 23 at 6 p.m. and Saturday, December 24 at 4 p.m. For more information please contact Vaughn Forest Church at (334) 279.5433.
First Baptist Church, Prattville
Prattville
Glynwood Baptist Church
Centerpoint Fellowship ChurchPrattville Location Marriott Conference Center 2500 Legends Circle Saturday, December 24 Candlelight Services, 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. Christmas Day, December 25 Services at 9:30 a.m. and 11a.m. Call (334) 356.3076.
Christmas at East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road December 4 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information contact the church office at (334) 365.7500 or visit our website at www.eastmemorial.org.
ad on page 16
138 South Washington St. Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Please call (334) 365.0606.
376 McQueen Smith Road N. Sunday, December 4 10:15 a.m., Children’s Christmas Musical, “Glorious Night” Sunday, December 11 10:15 a.m., Adult Christmas Musical Sunday, December 25, 10 a.m. Special Christmas Day Service Call (334) 361.9180 for details.
Wetumpka Centerpoint Fellowship ChurchWetumpka Location Bienville Square Shopping Center 4876 U.S. Highway 231 Saturday, December 24 Candlelight Service at 5 p.m. Christmas Day, December 25 Service at 9:35 a.m.
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PARENTING THIS GENERATION
WORKSHOP FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 7:00 – 9:00 PM SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 9:00 – NOON
Please join us! For tickets and more information please call 233-4140. 25
David Thomas and Sissy Goff December 2016
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by Ashley Sherlock
Eggs frying in the pan, praise and worship music playing in the background, dozens of tiny mouths on sleepy faces telling of their dreams and the happenings of the day before. This is a typical morning scene for Angie Spackman, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. River Region’s Journey
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“It’s better to build children than to repair grown ups.”
Angie is one of the masterminds behind Adullam House, a home for children of incarcerated parents, and she loves the morning time. There are clean uniforms and washed faces on every child, and these, says Spackman, “are all part of the healing and self worth that are daily being built back into our kids.” There is a sign on the breakfast bar that says, “365 new days. 365 new chances.” At Adullam House, everyone is about fresh starts. It only makes sense that this is true in the every day, too. For more than 20 years, Angie and her husband have prayed for the protection of every child in Adullam House, and for 20 years He has listened and answered. The successes that have happened because of and inside Adullam House are countless, and Angie readily recalls a few of them. She says, “It’s the little things that touch your heart to the core,” as she lists story upon story of the tiny victories that make up a grand and successful work. She tells of a “mind-boggling noise” that comes from the music room when a few of the boys are playing Christian music in a jam session, the multitude of “I’m sorry” notes that get slipped under the door by children who previously seemed apathetic. She then tells of a little boy who will soon find out that his mother has been arrested again, and though she anticipates his devastation, she also knows that he will work through it and rise up. That’s what this program is all about- broken hearts on the mend and fresh starts. Housed here are children of incarcerated parents ages 0 to 20. All of them attend Adullam House Christian Academy with a team of teachers who are all very involved
in the lives of the children. The children are exposed to daily prayer and devotionals, and are taught from ABeka curriculum at school. Sports and reading are also encouraged. Adullam House has and will continue to thrive because of the seed that was planted in the hearts of Angie and her husband at the very beginning. Over the course of this work, Angie has learned the truths that God has to constantly remind His children: that we really can trust Him, that only by walking with Him can we be of any use to Him, and that damage done in the lives of children can only be reversed by allowing God to move in each life. Angie shares, “When the Lord plants a seed in your heart it only grows. If it is from the Lord it doesn’t wane or weaken. The drive now to reach these children is even stronger than it was at the start. Seeing them climb out of the pit that most of them are in has become our all-consuming goal in life. Having seen how strongly Satan wars against us in this work affirms to us that we are on his territory and stealing his treasures. The fact that God has been so very faithful to us assures us constantly that He is in this work.” In the future, Angie says there may be an opportunity to partner with an overseas ministry that protects at-risk children in Eastern Europe. This would be a huge and exciting step for Adullam House that would open windows for the children to be involved in reaching out to others. Angie’s
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other hope for the future of Adullam House is to continue what is already being done, but to continue getting even better. The future Angie desires she illustrated with a story of a baby at Adullam House who grew up to go to Bible School and has just returned from a mission trip to Colombia; a child who grew up to be part of the solution, not the problem. Christmas is rapidly approaching, and it brings a tricky situation at Adullam House. Since there are so many children that rely upon donations of gifts, the staff is usually left waiting until Christmas Eve to make sure that enough gifts have been donated to be able to bless every child. According to Angie, 2016 has been particularly arduous. The summer slump has continued into the present and Angie is praying for a financial miracle. This is where the community comes in. This year, you can help a child by going online and shopping with AmazonSmile. A portion of your total will help give a child a pleasant Christmas. Giving can also be done online through the Adullam House website or by mail to P.O. Box 1248, Wetumpka, AL 36092. Angie promises that while you may not see the faces of the children you help on Christmas Day, you will certainly see them in the Adullam House newsletter. In addition to partnering financially, you can physically partner with Adullam House. If you or your church can offer time to paint, landscape, clean, repair appliances, or donate a few hours in the thrift store, you are needed.
A Florida native, Ashley Sherlock made the transition to Alabama to pursue a degree in English. She has a passion for the written word, an affinity for the outdoors, a love for people, and a desire for the Lord.
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Hope Expanded In this season of hope our attention is drawn to the celebration of the hope given us by the birth of Jesus Christ. In my practice, I have always considered hope an important component in therapy as well as in spirituality. For this reason, the word hope has been visible in my office in letters that have stood on my bookcase for several years. In thinking about the topic of hope in writing this article, I found several quotes and Bible verses that further stimulated my thinking. I recently added a second word – trust - displayed in letters on my bookcase. In life and in psychotherapy, it is often hard to separate hope and trust, but my primary focus here is on hope. Paul wrote often about the importance of the hope that is found in Jesus Christ. “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” (1 Timothy 4:10, NLT) “Three things will last forever-faith, hope, and love-and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT) “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrews 10:23, NLT) River Region’s Journey
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The importance of hope is confirmed throughout the Bible, most often in the New Testament. There is a thread that runs throughout Matthew, particularly in chapters 8, 9, and 10 that connects hope and belief. There are several examples of healing by Jesus that are stimulated by the hope for healing and the belief that by merely approaching Jesus and expressing their belief, they are healed. Their hope was fueled by their trust and belief. The disruptive power of negative thinking, which can be construed as lack of hope, is an important component of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. The tendency to focus solely on negative thoughts is often a contributor to depression. While it is important in therapy to address this pattern of negative thinking, I believe it is equally or more important to offer hope. Louis Zamperini says it well in a book he wrote and co-authored with David Rensin. The story of his experience after his aircraft was downed in the Pacific and the subsequent 48 days spent adrift before his capture by the Japanese, and subsequent horrendous time as a prisoner of war, was told in Laura Hillenbrand’s best seller Unbroken. Her book reveals his teenage years as an “incorrigible delinquent” and the terrible times marked by alcoholism, resentment, and irresponsibility after he was freed. His wife convinced him to attend services held in a tent in Los Angeles. These meetings were an early crusade by a young Billy Graham and led to his conversion and a marked change in his life. Hillenbrand’s book was complemented by the book co-authored by Zamperini. The title of the book is Don’t Give Up, Don’t Give In: Lessons From an Extraordinary Life. At the end of one of the very short chapters he wrote the following: 28
“You must have hope. It rejuvenates your whole being. You can’t allow negative thinking, even if you know your chances are slim. I’m not saying that it’s easy to do, but the ability to envision the road to successful completion is what keeps you alive. Hope provides the power of the soul to endure.” It is important to address a client’s spirituality in psychotherapy; it is part of who they are. One’s spirituality is an opening to offering hope as a component of their healing and growth. How does one find hope? 1) As suggested above, the Bible is a good source for developing hope. 2) Involvement in a church family, particularly in a Sunday school class, will strengthen your faith, which is a source of hope. 3) There are numerous books, too many to mention here, written by people who have overcome major obstacles in their lives that provide inspiration. Hope Heals by Catherine and Jason Wolf immediately comes to mind. 4) Reflecting on your strengths and positive traits is one way to see hope. If you have trouble recognizing your strengths, a loved one or a friend often sees things in you that you fail to see in yourself. Dr. D. Kim Hamblin is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Alabama. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He maintains a fulltime private practice which specializes in adult individual therapy. Special interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders and ADD/ADHD.
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Advent-ure 2016: Symbols of Christmas This installment of my annual series of Advent devotionals features symbols that relate to the coming of our Savior.
the light of the world. A star was a sign to the Magi to direct them. Scripture: Deuteronomy 18, Matthew 2
1 - The apple. The story of redemption was set in motion by a disobedient act, Adam and Eve eating the apple. This caused separation from the Father. Scripture: Genesis 3
10 - The scepter. A scepter was used to grant access to the presence of the king; our King, Jesus, admits us into His presence. Scripture: Deuteronomy 18
2 - The ark. Noah’s Ark reminds us of God’s desire to preserve a special people for Himself. Scripture: Genesis 7
11 - Rahab’s red cord. As part of His plan to conquer the Promised Land, God used a woman named Rahab, a predecessor of Jesus, to hide spies that were sent on behalf of Israel. Scripture: Joshua 2
3 - The Lamb. Abraham, when called to offer his son on the altar, said that God would provide the sacrificial lamb. Before their deliverance from Egypt, the Israelites were to place lamb’s blood on their doorposts. Scripture: Genesis 22, Exodus 12 4 - The ladder. God confirmed His hand upon Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, later called Israel, in a dream featuring a ladder reaching into heaven. Scripture: Genesis 28 5 - The rod of Moses. God called Moses to lead His people; the rod he carried was turned into a snake, a sign that God had appeared to him. Scripture: Exodus 4 6 - The 10 Commandments. The 10 Commandments illustrated God’s standards, which no one could keep; we need Jesus so that we can be right with God. Scripture: Exodus 20 7 - The priestly robe. Aaron, the first High Priest, was clothed in garments so he could enter into the Holy Place. Jesus is our High Priest. Scripture: Leviticus 8, Hebrews 9 8 - Ark of the Covenant. The Ark symbolized the covenant God made with His chosen people. We come to God through Jesus, author of the New Covenant. Scripture: Exodus 25 9 - The star. The prophet Balaam declared a star and scepter would come, pointing to the Messiah. A star can symbolize light - Jesus is River Region’s Journey
December 2016
12 - The 12 stones. Joshua led Israel across the Jordan River into the Land, and the leaders set up 12 stones in the midst of the river to testify to God’s faithfulness. Scripture: Joshua 4 13 - David’s slingshot. Another ancestor of Jesus, King David, had understanding of the One who would come. A slingshot is a reminder of an early victory by the king. Scripture: 1 Samuel 17 14 - Coal from the altar. In a vision, an angel took a live coal from the altar and held it to the lips of Isaiah, who declared Jesus would be born of a virgin and called “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (NKJV).” Scripture: Isaiah 6, 7, 9 15- Writing tablet. An angel told Zacharias, father of John the Baptist, that he and his wife, Elizabeth, would have a son. He questioned that and was rendered mute. Observing a discussion about the child’s name, Zacharias asked for a tablet and wrote that it would be John. Zacharias then proclaimed the salvation to come through Jesus. Scripture: Luke 1 16 - Census papers. Mary and Joseph travelled to Bethlehem, which the Bible identified as Jesus’ birthplace, to register during the census. Scripture: Luke 2 17 - The donkey. God orchestrated Mary and Joseph’s journey to get them to the ordained 30
place; perhaps they travelled on a donkey. Scripture: Luke 2 18 - Joseph’s tools. Joseph was a carpenter, a man of skill and integrity, chosen by God to provide spiritual direction for the household in which Jesus grew up. Scripture: Matthew 1 19 - The manger. Jesus was born in a stable, in a feeding trough. He humbled Himself and came to earth for our salvation. Scriptures: Luke 2, Philippians 2 20 - Swaddling clothes. Mary wrapped up Jesus. We can be challenged to think about how we hold the Lord and His principles in our hearts. Scripture: Luke 2 21 - A shepherd’s staff. The shepherds received a heavenly greeting and were invited to come, to see, and to tell. Scripture: Luke 2 22 - Turtledoves or pigeons. Jesus’ parents followed Scriptural instructions and presented Jesus in the Temple with a sacrifice of two doves or pigeons. Scripture: Luke 2 23 - Gold. The Magi brought three gifts, symbolizing Christ’s nature and position. The gold symbolized royalty. Scripture: Matthew 2 24 - Frankincense. Incense was used in worship. Scripture: Matthew 2 25 - Myrrh. Myrrh prepared bodies for burial, foreshadowing that Jesus came to die. Scripture: Matthew 2 These images can inspire us to draw closer to Jesus, Who came to earth to live, die, and to be raised again.
Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.
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December 2016 Eclectic Christmas ad.qxp_Layout 1 11/18/16 8:01 AM Page 1
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December 2016
River Region’s Journey
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Adoption
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or email mrussell@childrensaid.org. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., First UMC, Millbrook. Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For info, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@ childrensaid.org. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network.
River Region’s Journey
December 2016
Alcoholic / Addict
Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. Location: First Baptist Church (Huff Community Ministries Bldg., 200 S. Perry Street) Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, from 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141. Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.
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Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. 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.
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Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse-CASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334365-4201 for addition information. Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visithttps://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or lifechallenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m. Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to
minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622. Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided). Registration is required by calling 274-1018.
Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.
Divorce
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook. Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the
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Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, are you stuck in a pattern of going back to the same relationships or situations hoping for or expecting different results? In this new study “Never Go Back”, you will recognize and truly change those life patterns that hold you back and keep you from your goals. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@frazerumc.org.
Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977.
Miscellaneous
Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622.
Location: 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.
Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery. OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555.
Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group.
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info.
Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 279-5433 for more information.
138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800.
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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. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com . Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
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Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 3964534. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome Childcare is provided. Please visit our website at www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome. com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more information.
Same Sex Attraction
Location: Huff Community Ministry Building of First Baptist Church at 305 S. Perry Street Pathway Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more information about the Pathway call (334) 241-5141 or (334) 241-5140.
Singlehood
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more information, call 495-6386 or email singles@ frazerumc.org. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s. This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org. Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@aol.com or 354-8869.
Veterans
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.
Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.
New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.
B ASKETBALL • S OCCER • A RTS
• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •
Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!
We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?
Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more! We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16... Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also! Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified. Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...
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Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International
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Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.
AND
Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director
1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16
C RAFTS • C HORUS
first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse. Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness... I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,
AND
FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF
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Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information.
• R OPES C OURSE • C LIMBING T O WER • OUTDOOR L IVING S KILLS • C AMPFIRE F UN • C OUNSELOR -I N -T RAINING • 35
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Q. My husband owns a small landscaping and masonry company. His profits over the last couple of years have been about $80,000 annually. We were wondering if we should be setting aside some retained earnings.
A. Yes, all businesses should have retained earnings. In the personal finance world, we would call that an emergency fund. It can be difficult in the business world sometimes though. You’re talking about running a business, making a profit, feeding your family, and saving money in the business. This isn’t an easy process no matter how long you’ve been in business. One way to solve the problem, though, is to take a percentage of your profits at the end of the month and set it aside for retained earnings first. Do this before you take any profits home or distribute them under a profit sharing plan. It doesn’t have to be a big percentage, but you should be setting money aside every month for the company.
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December 2016
The beauty of doing this is you’ll have money sitting there to replace equipment and other expenditures down the road. Just remember that it’s all taxable. Whether you’re in an LLC, Sub S Corp or sole proprietorship, any money you make as profit — whether you take it home or not — is taxable. So your retained earnings may be saved, but they will be reduced by the taxes on it each year. Anything you do in business requires money, and to avoid going into debt you’re going to need retained earnings.
Q. I’m about to turn in my two-week notice after 17 years with my company. It’s a small business, and everyone is like family, but the last raise I received was 50 cents and that was 10 years ago. I’ve always worked hard and done my job well, but I need to move on to a better-paying position I’ve found. Do you have any advice on how to handle this situation?
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A. Leaving people you care about is always hard. It sounds like they could have treated you better in terms of financial compensation, but things might have been just too tight. Regardless, this is a situation where you have to put yourself and your family first. First, accentuate the positive. Let them know that your time there has been like working with family and you appreciate everything they’ve done for you. If they ask you why you’re leaving, be honest but kind. Let them know that your income wasn’t changing for the better, and you have to take another position with better pay. Let them know, too, that you fully intend to honor your two-week notice unless they would rather you didn’t. It does no good to throw stones over your shoulder as you leave. That kind of thing says more about you than it does about them. So just show a lot of gratitude and kindness. It’s going to be a tough situation emotionally for all concerned, so do your best to make it professional, honest and friendly.
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The
Living Christmas Tree December 9 • 7 pm December 10 • 4 & 7 pm December 11 • 4 & 7 pm
For tickets, call 334.241.5156 or online at
www.thelivingchristmastree.org
No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.
Celebrating the Joy of Christmas 305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 | 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org
Christmas Day Worship Service 10:30 am \\ Main Sanctuary