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Volume 19, Issue 8
Feature Articles
DECEMBER 2 0 1 7 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 12
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
Dr. Den Trumbull of Pediatric Healthcare has been serving children and families for many years in the Montgomery area. Here he shares how he came to faith in Christ, how his faith plays out in the workplace and about his new book on the horizon to help parents better lead their children.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon, First United Methodist Church, Montgomery
page 14
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 16
page 24
Pondering the Journey
Keeping Christ the Center of Christmas
Sam Whatley
page 32
Counselor’s Corner Candyce Anderson, LPC
by Mary May Larmoyeux
Find ten ideas that can help connect your family’s hearts and home to Christ this Christmas.
page 34
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 20
Christmas in the River Region Our listing of musicals, festivals, and sacred services in the area!
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
page 26
Ministry Spotlight:
Family Sunshine Center
page 6
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community
by Ashley Sherlock
Tisha Rhodes, Public Affairs and Development Director, shares about the mission of Family Sunshine Center, which has been helping victims of abuse for more than 35 years in the River Region. Learn how you can get involved in their efforts to end domestic violence, sexual assault, bullying, suicide, and more. 1
page 12
Faith @ Work page 28
Support Groups December 2017
River Region’s Journey
CCH Adv
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 Candyce Anderson, LPC Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Mary May Larmoyeux Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Ashley Sherlock Sam Whatley
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Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
From the Publisher I recently asked a church group I was teaching to list places where they would like to share the gospel of Jesus. You could probably guess many they shared. Places like India, Iran, Japan and Spain. Closer to home they shared New York and Boston. These places do offer a higher concentration of people living apart from the God of the Bible, so it makes sense to share Jesus with them. Then I asked if anyone had thought to share the gospel in their own church. Our celebration of Jesus’ birthday and divine mission is quickly approaching and it’s a fact that the church goers of His day struggled to see His significance as the promised Messiah. His birth was announced to lowly shepherds who rejoiced when they found Him in a stable with Mary and Joseph. Later in His life, He changed the hearts of a tax collector, prostitute, and criminal who worshiped Him as Lord. Yet, for the majority of those well versed in the Scriptures and religious rituals, Jesus was a threat. See, it’s easy to recognize a “sinner”. The Bible, at the end of Romans Chapter 1, highlights some of their typical traits--“full of every kind of wickedness, sin, greed, hate, envy, murder, quarreling, deception, malicious behavior, and gossip. They are backstabbers, haters of God, insolent, proud, and boastful. They invent new ways of sinning, and they disobey their parents. They refuse to understand, break their promises, are heartless, and have no mercy.” This group is clearly guilty and needs the gospel of Jesus explained to them BIG TIME! But, what if when you look in the mirror you know you’re nothing like these sinners and you’re basically a good person? Then you’re worshiping your goodness more than Jesus. That’s called self-righteousness and it’s a deadly disease with a strong grip that prevents you from placing all your hope in Jesus and His righteousness. This Christmas season is the perfect time to meditate on the person and work of Jesus. Jesus said He is the Way, the Truth and the Life. No one can come to God except by Him because it’s His righteousness alone that makes us white as snow. Jesus, in His famous Sermon on the Mount, sought to reveal our unrighteousness when He declared that those who have anger or lust in their hearts are just as guilty as the murderer and adulterer. Would any of us want all the things in our hearts shared with the world? How ashamed would we be? Yes, religious people need the gospel too. Deep down, we’re as guilty as the next man. We all need the righteousness of Jesus the Messiah. It’s called the Great Exchanged Life and it’s what makes Christmas so special. 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 2017 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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CCH Advent Ad.qxp_Layout 1 11/19/17 11:07 PM Page 1
Please join us as we celebrate
ADVENT
& CHRISTMAS CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Four Sundays of Advent
Worship with us as we wait with the Prophets and Patriarchs for the coming of the Messiah. Sundays at 9:30 am / Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24.
Advent Lessons & Carols
Join us for a traditional English festival of Scripture readings and beautiful carols. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 6 pm.
Christmas Eve Service
Celebrate the birth of Christ with Holy Eucharist and our annual Christmas Pageant. Sunday, Dec. 24 at 4 pm.
Christmas Day Service
Join us for Holy Eucharist. Monday, Dec. 25 at 11 am.
8800 VAUGHN ROAD, MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 | WWW.CHRISTCHURCHMGM.NET | 334.387.0566 3
December 2017
River Region’s Journey
Pastor’s Perspective
Dr. Jeremy Pridgeon, First United Methodist Church of Montgomery
Will You Help Make Peace on Earth? Of all the music heard on the radio around Christmas, I have always thought John Lennon’s “So This is Christmas” to be one of the more unusual songs of the season. Written as a protest song to the Vietnam War, Lennon sought to elaborate upon the themes of social unity and peaceful change enacted through personal accountability and empowerment, trying to convey optimism while avoiding the sentimentality that he felt often characterized music of the holiday season. As Lennon sings, “So this is Christmas” in the background other voices can be heard singing, “War is over, if you want it. War is over, now.” The lyrics remind us that Christmas is for all persons – regardless of one’s social status.
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The call to end the fighting and unrest – at home and abroad – that accompanied the Vietnam War then is appropriate again for us today. As we near the end of 2017, it has been a challenging year, full of social tension and anxiety, both domestically and internationally. We have witnessed unthinkable violence in our own country in Charlottesville, Las Vegas, and most recently in Sutherland Springs, TX. We have seen countless other acts of senseless hatred perpetuated upon innocent persons around the world. And servicemen and women continue to fight on the battlefront in foreign lands, even amid escalating threats of nuclear war emanating from the Korean Peninsula and ongoing threats of terror from groups like ISIS. The line in Lennon’s song, “Let’s stop all the fight” is a call to action. He sings, “War is over… If we want it.” All of the preparation going into the upcoming Christmas holiday is happening because a baby was born in a small, obscure village thousands of miles away, over 2000 years ago. The birth of Jesus changed the earth as we know it. While his entrance into this world is romanticized today, with strains of “Silent Night” and beautiful nativity sets, he was born among livestock, to a young woman who became pregnant out of wedlock, during a time of social unrest. Governmental lead4
ers, concerned with the preservation of their own power, at all costs, even made threats against his young life, forcing his parents to flee their native land as refugees into Egypt. But on that night in Bethlehem, long ago, shepherds gathered with their flocks and witnessed the heavens filled with angels, singing another message. This message was not one of war, conflict, or strife. This message was not one of dissention, trouble, and unrest. No, this message was a message of peace. Peace on earth, good will to all people. In the great hymn, It Came Upon the Midnight Clear, there is a seldom sung 3rd verse, that perhaps we need to incorporate into this year’s Christmas Eve services: Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love-song which they bring; O hush the noise, ye men of strife And hear the angels sing. As you gather in your places of worship on this Christmas Eve, let me encourage you to not only hear the angels sing their message of peace, but to commit to do all that you can to work for peace, for reconciliation, and for a brighter day. As those who follow the Christ Child, the Prince of Peace, we can honor him with our hearts and our lives by being peacemakers here in Montgomery and throughout the River Region – If we want it. Merry Christmas! Dr. Jeremy K. Pridgeon, senior pastor of First United Methodist Church, is a native of Wewahitchka, Florida. He is a graduate of The University of West Florida, the Candler School of Theology of Emory University, and holds a PhD from The University of Alabama. Jeremy is married to the former Abigail Garrison of Leesburg, Georgia. Together they have two young daughters, Alexis and Addison.
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Sipping Saltwater by Steve Hoppe
Is there any sin we commit more but admit less than the sin of idolatry? As people who have knowingly and willingly deserted the one true God, we turn our hearts this way and that to find the satisfaction we are meant to find in him alone. We try first one thing and then the other yet never find our thirst assuaged. It is not until we rest in Him that we find true rest. It is not until we are satisfied in him that we find true satisfaction. Idolatry is the curse of all mankind. Idolatry is the subject of a new book by Steve Hoppe. All throughout the book, he uses saltwater as a metaphor for our idolatry. A shipwrecked sailor can float in an ocean filled with trillions of gallons of water but never quench his thirst because he is afloat in saltwater. In the same way, none of the pleasures in this world can ultimately satisfy us without God. What is this saltwater? “This saltwater doesn’t come from the ocean. It comes in a variety of forms from the world around us and our hearts within. It comes in the form of money, sex, control, or comfort. It comes in the form of busyness, people, food, or works. It can come in the form of anything. … Even though we are thirsty for paradise lost, we drink saltwater instead — in a million different forms.” The trick, of course, is that none of these things are evil in and of themselves. Just like saltwater is good for the purpose for which it was created, so, too, is each of these. Each of them is a good gift of God. Each of them is meant to be enjoyed. The River Region’s Journey
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problems begin when they are elevated too far. They become idols when they become ultimate matters. Hoppe describes what he calls the “saltwater cycle” which consists of three steps that repeat themselves endlessly. First, we listen to a lie; second, we take a drink; third, we suffer. We listen to the lies of the world, the flesh, and the devil and believe that we can be satisfied with what they offer. Then we take a drink, we believe the lie, we look for satisfaction, we make gifts into gods. Then, inevitably, we suffer the consequences. We feel guilt and shame and sorrow and promise never to do it again. The cycle repeats. The hope, of course, is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is his joy to deliver us from this endless cycle of discontentment so we can be contented in him. He lets us see that he himself is the living water that quenches our deepest thirst. Yet as long as we live in this simple world, we will continue to struggle with idolatry. For that reason, most of the book is a look at the various idols we encounter in life, and how to overcome them. I highly recommend it.
A Little Book on the Christian Life by John Calvin
There are far more Calvinists in the world than there are people who have actually read the works of John Calvin, or even dabbled in them, for that. Of course the latter is not a prerequisite to the former, but those who never read any of Calvin’s works are denying themselves a blessing and perhaps even a surprise. For while his name is attached to an expansive system of theology, he is a theologian who does not merely fill the head, but one who also warms 6
the heart and informs the hands. Never do we see this more clearly than in A Little Book on the Christian Life. What would become that Little Book first appeared in 1539, in the Latin second edition of Calvin’s magnum opus the Institutes of the Christian Religion. At that time it was a chapter titled De vita hominis Christiani (on the life of the Christian man). Readers quickly identified that it could stand apart from its context and be a powerful little booklet in its own right. Since then, it has been translated and published in many forms and under many names. Unfortunately, its English editions have often been truncated or of dubious quality. That was the case until Aaron Denligner and Burk Parsons determined they would craft a new translation. “Our aim in completing this project has generally been to produce a translation that we believe Calvin himself would have been pleased with. We have, in other words, aimed at faithfulness not just to Calvin’s meaning but, so much as possible, to his words.” In doing so, they have produced a gem of a book. It maintains the strength and tone of the original content even while providing it in a new language. A Little Book on the Christian Life is composed of just five short chapters. But each of these short chapters packs a punch. Though short in length, this little booklet is full of wisdom for guiding the Christian’s journey. It’s a book that will benefit any and every Christian. It is short enough to read quickly and full enough to re-read often. I’m convinced we are living in a golden age of publishing. Readers are being served with new works written here in the twenty-first century and, perhaps even more importantly, with classics from days gone by. This little book is deservedly one of those classics and I’m grateful to Denligner and Parsons for allowing today’s Christians to rediscover it. I pray that it blesses us just as it blessed many of our forebears. I am confident it will.
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December 2017
River Region’s Journey
Millbrook First UMC Scores Big with Fall Food Drive Millbrook First UMC collected more than 2000 boxes and cans of food for W.E.L.C.O.M.E. (our local food pantry) during our annual fall food drive. We were able to collect so much food by having a contest among Alabama, Auburn, and “other” University fans to see who could collect the most food. As you will see from the photograph, Alabama was the winner!
Thursday, December 21, at 7:30 pm Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance 201 Tallapoosa Street, Montgomery For more information, call 334-481-5110 or visit mpaconline.org
December 2017
Women’s Conference with Liz Curtis Higgs January 26 - 27, 2018 The Women’s Ministry of Eastern Hills Baptist Church welcomes book author, speaker, and encourager Liz Curtis Higgs to lead their 6th annual women’s conference, It’s Good to Be Queen. Eastern Hills Baptist Church is located at 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, in Montgomery. Call 334-272-0604.
A Country Christmas Home Free
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Christmas Clearinghouse: Reaching Out to Those in Need The Christmas Clearinghouse would be a perfect recipient of your generous giving this holiday season. The Clearinghouse helps those in need feel special and that someone really does care! For 35 years, the Christmas Clearinghouse has partnered with the community to help solve enormous problems for poor families. The Christmas Clearinghouse, a program of HandsOn River Region, is a partnership of churches, organizations and service providers who join to assist those in need during the holiday season and avoid duplication of giving. The success of the Clearinghouse depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers. We encourage clubs, organizations, individuals, churches and agencies to “adopt” families who have registered for help. “Adoption” means providing gifts and much needed items for each member of the family. Another important way the community can help is by donating to the St. James School students donated care baskets for needy families. Christmas Clearinghouse to provide gift certificates for families who have not been “adopted” so that they too can experience the joy of the season. The Christmas Clearinghouse is a central file of needy families who have registered with local churches and service providers in the community. All registration forms come to HandsOn River Region where the information is entered into the Clearinghouse database. Some agencies are able to help those families who register with them. These names are entered for clearing and to help avoid duplication of giving. Families who are not helped by agencies or organizations where they registered are also entered into the system. The Christmas Clearinghouse tries to assist these families through community “adoptions” or gift certificates made possible through fundraisers and donations to the Christmas Clearinghouse. With the combined efforts of our community, over ten thousand individuals are cleared and helped annually during the holiday season. The Christmas Clearinghouse creates a bonding experience for the citizens of our community. There is a generosity and kindness which crosses all lines. The program works and makes a difference in thousands of lives. Partnering with the Christmas Clearinghouse is a wonderful way to spread the joy of the season to others. Want to help? Visit www.handsonriverregion.org to adopt a family, make a donation or volunteer with the program!
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Children Making a Difference
Children in 3rd - 5th grades at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery decorated and filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. These boxes, along with over 100 shoeboxes which were prepared during Vacation Bible School, will be shipped across the world to share God’s love with children who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine. It was heart warming to see the children take such care to decorate and pack the shoeboxes, write letters, and pray for the children who will receive them this Christmas season. Boys praying left to right: Davis Hartley, Thomas Floyd, Pruitt Conner
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Christmas at Heritage An Evening with Mark Lowry
February 22nd, 6:00pm - 8:00pm Benefitting Mary Ellen’s Hearth and held at Saint James United Methodist Church, 9045 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery, AL. Mary Ellen’s Hearth will present an Evening with singer, songwriter, author and comedian Mark Lowry. With proceeds going to help our mothers. Lowry is best known for penning the Christmas classic “Mary Did You Know?” and singing baritone for the Grammy award-winning Gaither Vocal Band. Corporate sponsorships: $5,0008 premium tickets includes 8 Meet and Greet admissions, 4 CDs and a photo with Lowery reserved seating, primary listing on all printed materials $2,500- 6 premium tickets, 6 meet and greet admissions, 3, CDs, photo with Lowry, reserved seating, secondary listing on all printed materials. Tickets cost $25-75. Call 800-965-9324 or go to www.maryellenshearth.org.
Sunday | Dec 10 | 10:15AM “This Must Be the Place” Choir Musical Sunday | Dec 24 | 5:00PM Christmas Eve Service {family friendly} 1849 Perry Hill Rd | Montg, AL 36106 334.279.9976 | hbcm.net
Email your ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018
ALEX
SEELEY
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ANDREWS
DREAM Women’s Conference by Renew Women’s Ministry
Saint James UMC in Montgomery will host this two-day event featuring Alex Seeley and Meredith Andrews. Early bird price is $59 (before November 12) and $69 (after). Register at www.dreamwomensconference.com. 11
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above myself. My purpose now has eternal value, where my purpose before was only temporal and earthly. As I grow in my faith, I become increasingly aware of my sinful nature and appreciate even more my salvation through Jesus’ death of the cross. God has taught me most of all how to forgive others (even when I don’t feel like doing it), through Christ’s example in forgiving me while I was a sinner and undeserving (Romans 5:8). RRJ: During your years of college and medical school, were there people in your life who helped you grow in the Lord? In what ways? Dr. Trumbull: My fellow medical students in the Christian Medical Association encouraged me, and my pastor, Steve Brown, at Key Biscayne Presbyterian, taught me application of my faith. RRJ: Dr. Trumbull, you are obviously a “soldier” in the Lord’s army. What keeps you “battle ready”? RRJ: You grew up knowing who Jesus was, but as a teen you say you saw Him in a different light. What would you say brought you to this awareness? Dr. Trumbull: Although I knew about Jesus, I didn’t know him personally. In high school, I attended a summer camp with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and heard the late Dallas Cowboys Football Coach Tom Landry speak about his relationship with Christ. It was then that I realized my sinful nature and my need for a Savior. RRJ: You mentioned that the more you learn about Jesus, the more you realize your need for sanctification. Did discovering your need for a Savior change your outlook on your life and purpose? Dr. Trumbull: Knowing Jesus as my Savior and reading His word, the Bible, have given me purpose in life. Prior to knowing Christ as my Savior, my purpose in life was all about me and fulfilling my desires. After becoming a believer, my purpose has been to serve God out of thankfulness for my undeserved salvation and to glorify Him River Region’s Journey
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Dr. Trumbull: Believers need the whole armor of God as mentioned in Ephesians Chapter 6, especially the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Small group meetings with other believers has helped, and regularly attending church where I hear scripture taught has been essential to my ability to fight the temptations of Satan and the world. Equally important in my readiness has been the influence of my wife, Nancy, who is my encourager, my primary accountability partner, and my best friend. RRJ: Besides your work at Pediatric Healthcare, you have also been working on a book that will be released early next year. Can you tell our readers about the theme of your book and what led you to write it? Dr. Trumbull: The title and theme of my book is Loving by Leading. I have noticed parents are hesitant to be authority figures to their children. Consequently, they tend to follow rather than lead their children. My book explains why children desperately need parents to guide them, and then gives practical ways to do it. This starts even 12
in the first year of a child’s life with sleep training, which will benefit a child for years to come. Children need discipline, which does not mean punishment, but rather guidance. I have written about the importance of using all the components of discipline in a balanced fashion: Relationship, Instruction, Affirmation, and Correction. Rules without a relationship will not work, and correction without affirmation (encouragement) will fall short. Our children need to know that our love for them is unconditional, even when we correct or punish them. Children know they need discipline from their parents, and they feel loved when it is shown in a balanced way. This book will be available in the spring through my parenting website, GoodParent.org. RRJ: What encouragement/advice would you offer our readers who are struggling to live their faith outside of the church walls? Dr. Trumbull: We can’t live out our faith in our own power; we need the strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit. We also need to step out and trust God to go before us. I remember when I started my practice how I was hesitant to pray with patients due to my nervousness and concern about what they might think. Now I’m comfortable to pray with my patients when they consent. I began to pray for the right opportunity and that I would be sensitive to my patient’s needs. I have since learned that I must step out and trust God with the results. Believers must expect rejection and persecution (2 Corinthians 12:9-10), but when we are weak, He is strong. Finally, I am especially encouraged to know that when I fail to walk as I should, God is faithful to forgive. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) This verse has been a life-long reminder to me of God’s love. Dr. Den Trumbull has been married 31 years to his wife, Nancy. They have five children, one grandchild, and another on the way. Dr. Trumbull and Nancy attend Eastwood Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.
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Sunday, January 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. Eastwood Presbyterian Church Sanctuary New Student Registration: January 22-February 2, 2018
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Education always takes a student somewhere; the real question is "where?" What is truth? What is good? What is beautiful? What does it mean to be human? What is the purpose of life? These are questions addressed at Eastwood Christian School and the answers given are drawn from historical Christianity. The Bible is our only rule of faith and practice. Eastwood students are equipped with academic skills and critical-thinking ability which are joined by biblical character. This is why an Eastwood graduate is able to navigate through the tumultuous waters of modern society.
Explore Eastwood and discover the difference. + 1701 E. Trinity Blvd. + Montomgery, AL 36116 + 334.272.8195 + www.eastwoodschool.org Our Headmaster invites you to set an appointment with him. 13
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The Best Gift Ever! Years ago I went to a local mall on an errand, when a beautiful, rich, pink, name-brand dress captured my attention. I immediately could see one of my daughters in it. She will really look so gorgeous in this I thought! Unfortunately, I didn’t have enough money on me. I returned weeks later to purchase the dress, only to find it was sold out. I had to special order it and by the time I got the outfit, I had not only paid for the exorbitant cost of the namebrand dress, but also the cost of shipping. Yet, when I anticipated her joy as I gave it to her at Christmas, the cost seemed worth it. Everything God created supports the fact that His intention is for you to enjoy the best gift ever, the gift of life. In fact, He says, “My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life” (John 10:10 NLT). He created Adam and Eve in His own image and likeness, very well endowed with awesome intelligence, beauty, and glory – second only to God, Himself. God did not house the man and woman in a shack, but in a splendid, well-planned garden. The rivers and streams flowing through it provided handsome scenery for their viewing pleasure. It also served to foster rich cultivation. Every food created was with careful intention to stimulate their appetites. I believe the main purpose of food is to nourish the soul and to promote growth, but food is also very delicious! Why do apples, River Region’s Journey
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bananas, mangos, even veggies and meat taste so good? It is because God has your pleasure in mind. He has displayed many wonders to please us. Take time to gaze at the stars, the moon, the oceans, the mountains, and the flowers that bloom in each season. What awesome wonders greet us each day! What is even more amazing is the fact that they were created for our delight! God also gave us the joy of relationships with other people. Human relationships were God’s idea. In the beginning, Adam was alone. God took one good look at lonely Adam and commented that it was not good for him to be alone. He determined to make someone suitable for him. (See Genesis 2:18) Eve was then created and brought to Adam so they might live, love, work, and enjoy the wonders of creation together. Think about the joy of relationships, even with all of their ups and downs, yet we cannot survive without people in this life. God’s given us so much and He expects us to appreciate and enjoy what He worked to provide us. However, so many recipients of these gifts are insensitive and unappreciative. Let me share the rest of the story about the special dress I bought for my daughter. It was hard for me to hide my excitement the day the shipment arrived, just a few days 14
before Christmas. I had it nicely wrapped and presented it with great enthusiasm on Christmas morning. My daughter unwrapped the gift. I waited expectantly for her to gasp in excitement, like I did when I first set my eyes on the outfit. To my amazement she just said quietly, “Oh.” She dropped it on the chair behind her, along with all the other gifts. I was hurt, considering the high cost of the outfit and the time I spent getting it. I am sure most of you can identify with the disappointment I felt. You probably can remember giving a gift to someone and yet did not receive so much as a “thank you.” Like me, you were left to wonder whether they appreciated it at all. We have the same nature as God does, for when He gives us a gift, He sits back to see our reaction. He looks for the expression on our face to see how happy we are with the gift we have received. God is happy to see us happy and delights in seeing us exude with joy and excitement over the gifts He gives us. He is disappointed when we remain bitter, whiny...seeking for more and more like spoil brats. Voltaire said, “God gave us the gift of life, it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.” Here are some keys to live our gift of life well:
1. Learn to be appreciative of life. 2. Don’t allow what you don’t have to stop you from enjoying what you do have. 3. Remember a day lost in depression can never be regain. People will share holiday greetings this Christmas saying, “Enjoy your holiday,” “Enjoy your Christmas,” “Enjoy your meal,” “Enjoy your evening,” etc. But I say to you, Sister, “Enjoy Your Life!”
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We keep one of our family treasures in a white cardboard box, tucked in a corner of our attic - until each December. That’s when it’s carried down the stairs into our den. After carefully removing the yellowed newspaper protecting the handmade figures, one by one the pieces are revealed: a shepherd, a wiseman, a donkey, an angel, a cow, Mary, Joseph, and of course…baby Jesus. It’s tradition. For more than two decades my husband and I have made certain that every figure is there. After all, our nativity would be incomplete if just one piece were missing. Can you imagine a nativity set without a figure of baby Jesus? Can you imagine Christmas without Christ?
This Christmas, let’s keep Christ at the center of our celebrations. Here are ten ideas that can help connect hearts and homes to Him. River Region’s Journey
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1. Bring the story of Christ’s birth to life. After reading Luke 2:1-20, locate Bethlehem on a biblical map. You can use a map from the back of your Bible or a Bible atlas. Depending on the ages of your children, you may want to compare the biblical map with a current map of the world. (Bethlehem is near Jerusalem.) Also, look at the daily newspaper and discuss how this same area of the world is still in the news today. Encourage young children to reenact the story. Use sheets and blankets to make costumes. You could cast the family dog as a donkey. A teenage son or daughter may enjoy directing the play.
2. Create a “Tree of Light.” Set a small tree/plant (live or artificial) on a tabletop. Fill a container with either handmade or purchased stars, and place it at the base of the tree. Children could enjoy decorating paper stars with glitter. (Attach a loop of string or yarn to the top of each star.) As a family, read some Scriptures about Jesus being the Light of the world (such as
John 8:12, John 9:5, John 12:46). Then, put the first star at the top of your Tree of Light. Read Matthew 5:14, “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” Encourage family members to allow the love of Jesus to shine through them during the holiday season. Invite them to secretly hang a star on the Tree of Light whenever they allow Christ’s love to glow through them in a meaningful way. (Another option would be to hang stars when family members see others displaying the light of Christ.)
3. Share the Christmas message through What God Wants for Christmas. This resource from FamilyLife helps children understand not only the meaning of Christmas but the type of relationship God desires to have with us. Each evening for a week, open one of the seven What God Wants for Christmas gift boxes and read the accompanying section of the illustrated poem. This can even be done long distance—over the phone. Last Christmas, I mailed the resource to our oldest granddaughter, and then my
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husband or I talked to her every evening for a week. It was such fun to read the What God Wants for Christmas narrative and then to ask her to “open the box.” Sometimes she just couldn’t wait for our call, so she’d call us.
4. Give “birthday gifts” to Jesus. Wrap a box in colorful holiday tissue and cut a slit in the lid. Fill a container with blank slips of paper and put it by the box. Brainstorm, as a family, about possible gifts for the Savior for Christmas (patience, love for a difficult person, sacrificial giving, ministry to needy person, etc.). Then ask them to write a description of the gift they’d like to give on a slip of paper and to drop it in the wrapped box—without names. Open the box on Christmas day and see what presents the family has given Jesus for His birthday.
5. Begin “orangitude checks” during the holidays. Keep a bowl filled with oranges in the center of the dinner table. One evening, slice an orange in half and squeeze it into
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River Region’s Journey
a glass. Ask a child to drink the juice that’s in the glass and then say, “What does it taste like?” (Of course, the answer should be orange juice.) Then discuss, as a family, people’s actions during the sometimeshectic Christmas season. What comes out when they are “squeezed”? Repeat this activity one or two more times during the holidays. Discuss family members’ experiences as they try to model Christ’s love, even when they are “squeezed.”
6. Prepare the manger for baby Jesus. Fill a basket with straw
and place it near your nativity set. When family members do something special for Jesus (anonymously), they can leave a piece of straw in the manger—examples: being kind, sacrificial, generous, and patient. Another option is for family members to put straw in the manger when they see loved ones modeling the character of Christ during the holidays. Before the Christmas story is read on Christmas morning, Mom or Dad can lay the figure of Baby Jesus on top of the straw bed that the family has prepared for Him.
7. Announce the birth of a king. After reading Luke 2:1-20, family
members can share how they would announce the birth of a king. Where would they arrange for the infant king to stay? (You could make paper horns for the children to use for their announcements.) Then talk about the way Baby Jesus entered the world more than 2,000 years ago. Be sure that the children understand that He was placed in a manger, which held food for livestock. Ask them why they think Jesus was born in a manger - why was there no room for Him in the inn? Then read Revelations 11:15, “There were loud voices in heaven, saying, ‘The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.’” Talk about how Jesus will come again to reign and to rule as our King.
8. Consider the feelings of Mary and Joseph. For older chil-
dren, read Matthew 1:18-25 and discuss: * How could Mary, a virgin, have felt when she discovered that she was pregnant? * How could Joseph have felt when he learned of Mary’s pregnancy? * Why did both Joseph and Mary have the courage to believe God and undoubtedly suffer ridicule from man?
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
* Who do they (and you) turn to when life is not what they anticipated? * Why can we always trust God even when His ways are different from ours?
9. As a family, adopt a needy child or family at Christmas. Not only shop for their
physical wants, but also give spiritual helps such as a Bible or a book with Christian themes. Pray for them throughout the upcoming year. Pray for their salvation, spiritual growth, and that they will look to God to meet their needs.
10. Record family prayer requests. Ask each family member to jot down personal prayer requests for the next year. Place the list inside individual envelopes (with names on the front). After your Christmas celebration, enclose the envelopes inside a box containing the nativity set or special ornaments. Next year, before you assemble your nativity set, take time to open the envelopes, praise God for answered prayer, and pray together for needs that have not yet been met.
Used with permission from FamilyLife.
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
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C H R I S T M A S AT You are invited to be our guest as we celebrate the birth of our Savior this Christmas season. You’ll find amazing music, exciting children’s programs, and an inspiring message every Sunday. W W W. F R A Z E R . C H U R C H / C H R I S T M A S
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Aldersgate UMC 6610 Vaughn Road The Great Christmas Cookie Caper Sunday, December 3 at 4:30 p.m. Christmas cookie contest, mission projects and concert. “Almost There” Sunday, December 10 at 10:30 a.m. Lessons and Carols Service. A heart stirring presentation featuring the Chancel Choir, Drama Team and Orchestra. Narrator: Rev. Macon Armistead Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Communion, Carols and Candlelight For more information call the Aldersgate music ministry office at (334) 272.6152.
Advent Lessons & Carols Join us for a traditional English festival of Scripture readings and beautiful carols. Sunday, Dec. 17 at 6 pm. Christmas Eve Service Celebrate the birth of Christ with Holy Eucharist and our annual Christmas Pageant. Sunday, Dec. 24 at 4 pm. Christmas Day Service Join us for Holy Eucharist. Monday, Dec. 25 at 11 am. (334) 387.0566, ext. 203. Please visit www.christchurchxp.net.
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At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.
At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
Centerpoint Fellowship Church - Pike Road ad on page 17
Wilson YMCA, 1445 Wilson Park Drive Christmas Eve Services Warm and Loving Committed to Mission Sunday, December 24, Regular morning service By God’s grace and through His The people of Christchurch respond thea.m. people of Christchurch to God’sservice Word by going the atSpirit, 9:30 and Candlelight atout5into p.m. enjoy the richness and joy of being world proclaiming the good news family. We’dare love 45 for you to of Jesus, we joyfullyfriendly. serve as Alla true services minutes andandfamily become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
3817 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 272.2190 Multi-generational Christmas Musical Sunday, December 17, at 11 a.m. Please call for more information. Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Rd ( in Forest Hills) Sounds of EHBC at Christmas December 3, 5:00 p.m. - Featuring soloist, instrumentalists, preschool choir, Celebration Singers & more. “Celebrate Christmas Again” December 10, 3:00 p.m. – Featuring Eastern Hills Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra. Also featuring Youth Choir, Children’s Choir, Soloists, Visual Arts and more. No Admission *Childcare provided for birth through 5 year olds. Vocalist, TERRY VEAZEY Christmas Concert December 17, 5:00 p.m. Christmas Candlelight Service December 24, 5:00 p.m. Call (334) 272.0604 for more information.
First Baptist Church
Christchurch ad on page 3
8800 Vaughn Road The Four Sundays of Advent Worship with us as we wait with the Prophets and Patriarchs for the coming of the Messiah. Sundays at 9:30 am / Dec. 3, 10, 17 and 24. December 2017
F I RST U N I TE D M E T H O DI S T C H U RC H M O N TG O M E RY, A L A B A M A
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
River Region’s Journey
First Presbyterian Church 9299 Vaughn Road, Pike Road Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship Service Sunday, December 24 at 5:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please call (334) 279.1372 or visit www.firstchurchmontgomery.org.
C h u r c h
ad on page 21 Liturgically Joyful
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Dalraida United Methodist Church Founded Upon God’s Word
December 8-10; Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Tickets go on sale beginning of November. Please call (334) 834.6310 or visit us at www.montgomeryfbc.org
ad on Back Cover
305 S Perry St The Living Christmas Tree 20
First United Methodist Church ad on page 9
2416 West Cloverdale Park, (334) 834.8990 Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 3, 4 p.m. Come with unwrapped toys or monetary gifts for families in need as we dress our Sanctuary for the season of Advent. Service of Lessons and Carols December 10, 8:30 and 11:00 am Celebrating the story of the birth of the Christchild through the reading of scripture and the singing of traditional carols. The music will be led by our cathedral choir, adult ensemble, and orchestra. Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24 Communion Service at noon, Family Service at 3:15 pm, and Candlelight service at 5 and 7 pm. Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org.
Frazer Memorial UMC ad on page 19
6000 Atlanta Highway Women’s Christmas Front Saturday, December 2nd at 9 a.m. Youth Worship Arts December 3 at 6 p.m. in Wesley Hall
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Christmas at Heritage
Christmas Musical: The Christmas Storybook Wesley Hall, December 10 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. “Candlelight Worship” December 24; Please call for times. Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www.frazerumc.org.
Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24, 5:00PM {family friendly} Call 334.279.9976 or visit hbcm.net. Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 East Washington Street Annual Christmas Production AM December 9 at 4 p.m. Hosted by the Youth Dept. Join them as they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Call (334) 462.3048.
Sunday | Dec 10 | 10:15 “This Gateway Must Be the Place” Baptist Choir Church Musical
Saint James United Methodist Church 9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037 3300 Bell Road, Christmas Cantata (334) 272.9494 PM December 10 at 11 am in the traditional sanctuCandlelight ary. The service will feature the Chancel Choir. Service and Communion: Sunday, December 24, at 5 p.m. Christmas Eve Services Sunday, December 24 9:30 a.m. - Sanctuary, Sunday Service. 11 a.m. – Traditional Sanctuary and Contemporary Sanctuary 1849 Perry Hill Rd | Montg, ALlighting 36106 and com5 p.m.Combined, Candle 334.279.9976 | hbcm.net munion service. ad on page 31
Sunday | Dec 24 | 5:00 Christmas Eve Service {family friendly}
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Heritage Baptist Church ad on page 11
1849 Perry Hill Road “This Must Be the Place” Choir Musical Sunday, December 10, at 10:15AM
Prattville
Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road A Christmas in the Forrest Sunday, December 2 from 6-8 p.m. Christmas Services Saturday, December 23 at 6 p.m. and Sunday, December 24 at 4 p.m. Call (334) 279.5433.
Centerpoint Fellowship Church ad on page 17
Marriott Conference Center, 2500 Legends Circle Sunday, December 24, Regular morning services at 9:30 a.m and 11:00 a.m. and Candlelight services at 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. All services are 45 minutes and family friendly.
Centerpoint Fellowship Church – Westside ad on page 17
White Water Camp, 2276 US Highway 82 Sunday, December 24, morning service at 10 a.m. Service will be 45 minutes and family friendly. East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road Christmas Services December 3 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information call (334) 365.7500 or visit our website at www.eastmemorial.org.
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Glynwood Baptist Church 376 McQueen Smith Road N., (334) 361.9180 Children’s Christmas Musical Sunday, December 3, 10:15 am “The Best Christmas Present Ever” Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24, Vespers Service, 5 p.m.
Wetumpka
First Baptist Church, Prattville ad on page 24
138 South Washington Street Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24 at 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Please call (334) 365.0606.
Centerpoint Fellowship Church ad on page 17
Prattville’s Messiah Church
Bienville Square Shopping Center, 4876 US Highway 231 Sunday, December 24 Regular morning service at 9:35 a.m. and Candlelight service at 4:30 p.m. All services are 45 minutes and family friendly.
ad on page 15
First Presbyterian Church ad on page 8
211 South Chestnut Street, Prattville Lessons & Carols Service December 17 Christmas Eve Service December 24 at 5 pm Call (334) 365.6387 for info.
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2072 Fairview Avenue Advent Services Wednesdays, December 6, 13, 20 at 6:30 pm Christmas Eve Services December 24 at 10:30 am and 5 pm Christmas Day December 25 at 10:30 am Visit www.myMessiahChurch.org or call (334) 730.4300.
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We hope you have a wonderful month celebrating the birth of Christ!
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Defending Our Rights Years ago, a construction foreman lost his job because he would not substitute cheaper materials for the ones called for in the blueprint. The project manager was cutting corners to pad the owner’s pocket. The foreman did not challenge the company in court. He lost his income, but gained a reputation for being honest. He forgave the one who persecuted him. We live in a society where lawsuits are as common as cell phones. Everyone seems to want their day in court. Some seek to reasonably correct an injustice, but many just want to receive a pile of money. Yet is that what Christians should do?
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There are legitimate reasons for civil court, but much of the time people just need to overlook an insult and forgive an injury. But that is hard to do. It goes against everything we have been taught. We have our pride. We dare defend our rights. What did Jesus have to say about this in the Sermon on the Mount? “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye; and tooth for tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (Matthew 5:38-42) NIV. How different all that sounds to us, even in our churches. Through the years I have seen church congregations fighting their denominations over who owns their buildings. Each side believes they have the legal right to the property. But what about how all of this looks to a watching world? If the strife and hurt between friends, families, pastors, and congregations keeps someone from attending church for years, what have we really gained? Most who fight that battle have come to realize the property is not worth the pain and strain. Better to walk away and pray for those 24
who remain, even if you feel persecuted. Which reminds me of Paul’s advice to the Corinthian church. “The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers” (I Corinthians 6:7, NIV). Jesus never advised his followers to get even. He always pointed the way to peace and reconciliation. But, don’t we have rights? Sure we do, but our Lord is after something more precious than our rights. He wants us to love our neighbors so much that our witness to a dying world is worth more to us than having our way. If we want to have an influence for Christ, we are not likely to have it with a fist or a lawsuit. Our weapons are not of this world. Whenever we depend on the courts and the ballot box to force Christianity onto a pagan world, we are missing the point. Those of the world can out-threaten us, but they cannot outlove us. They cannot show greater compassion, deeper forgiveness, or longer patience than we can, because we have the Holy Spirit. But, you may say, “What about the lawyers and organizations that seem bent on taking away our religious rights and freedoms? Aren’t they enemies of Christ?” Yes, they are. But remember, when we attack those who represent our spiritual enemy, we can sound and look just as bitter and hateful as they do. If we do not forgive our enemies we become like those who want to destroy unborn children and deny the holiness of Scripture. Let’s show those who wrong us that God has changed our lives and that we love them in spite of whatever they may do or say. Our Advocate sits at the right hand of the Lord of Heaven’s armies. We shall not fear what man can do to us. We can always take our case to a higher court, a much higher court. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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Faith ● Academics ● Arts ● Athletics
Chapel • Ar t • Music • Spanish • STEM • Librar y • Sports Theatre • 21 st Centur y Computing • Accelerated Reader
Holy Cross has it all!
K4 - 6th GrAde Open hOuSe
Sunday, January 28 | 1pm - 3pm ESL AvAilAble | eSl 강좌 개설 Active duty military, first responder, and multiple child discount. We accept the Alabama Opportunity Scholarship and Scholarships for Kids. Ask us about financial aid opportunities.
4400 Bell Road | Montgomery, AL 36116 | 334-395-8222 | holycrossmontgomery.org
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Holy Cross Episcopal School is accredited by AdvancED (SACS) and the Southern Association of Independent Schools We are a proud member of the National Association of Episcopal Schools
HOLY CROSS ADMITS STUDENTS OF ANY RACE,25RELIGION, AND NATIONAL OR ETHNIC ORIGIN. December 2017 River Region’s Journey
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by Ashley Sherlock
“Our mission is big and important and the work that is done dramatically impacts the communities we serve.”
legal services, the court system, and other agencies a victim might come across in the process of coming out of a home of abuse.
“Domestic violence and sexual assault are unfortunately critical issues in society and Family Sunshine Center has a team of 60 working diligently to support, advocate, counsel, empower, and educate both clients and the community.”
Tisha Rhodes, Public Affairs and Development Director for Family Sunshine Center, has been given a heart for non-profit work. She joined the Family Sunshine Center team in August 2017 in full support of their mission to “end family and sexual assault, foster hope and healing, offer immediate response and a safe haven in crisis, provide advocacy, counseling, and support for family violence and sexual assault victims, to empower them to lead safe, violence-free lives, and to promote community awareness through education.” Family Sunshine Center has been serving victims and survivors of family violence throughout the state of Alabama for more than 35 years. It is their goal to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault. Their program ensures positive communications among law enforcement,
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Family Sunshine Center’s education programs cover bullying, safe dating, respect, and suicide prevention. These programs are offered to schools, community groups, civic organizations, and beyond.
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“Working to ensure the community is aware of the services Family Sunshine Center offers and helping generate revenue to support that work is my great pleasure and honor,” says Rhodes. At a recent Family Sunshine Center board meeting, a previous client shared her story of escaping her abuser with two young children and how her time at the Family Sunshine Center shelter changed her life. Rhodes shares, “She spoke with such gratitude for the encouragement, assistance from counselors, and education she received that provided her the tools and confidence she needed to move forward into her future and build the life she wanted. Today, she and her children are happy, stable, and successfully living violence-free lives. I sat in that meeting fighting back tears as I listened and absorbed, seeing the thankfulness in her eyes. Such a beautiful story of how dramatically lives can be impacted for good when people have a heart, mind, and spirit for a mission and personally invest to see that mission accomplished.” In addition to their shelter programs, counseling center, and outreach education, Family Sunshine Center has provided Thanksgiving and Christmas to clients who have received services within the last year. They solicit for donations from the public and from donors who have supported these efforts for years. The goal is to make the holidays merry and bright for the clients who face situations that are difficult and dark. At Thanksgiving, they provide all of the food items necessary for a Thanksgiving meal for client families who have that need. At Christmas, they adopt client families with the greatest needs who would otherwise not have Christmas, plus baskets are put together for single women and gift boxes are made for families who need assistance, but not to the degree as the families who are adopted. “Montgomery has the most generous donors and volunteers who tirelessly support this community. It is amazing and humbling to see the outpouring of resources, heart, and dedication that people in our community are willing to give to make a difference. I want to play a role in positively impacting the community I live in and the communities I work for,” explains Rhodes. One of the ways the community or individuals can get involved and help provide for Family Sunshine Center client families throughout the year is to participate in their 12 Months of Giving Program. Financial donations of any amount can be made and designated to this specific fund or for general use. Private donations are vital to sustaining the mission.
FEBRUARY 9-10, 2018
“It takes a team of people who trust one another, have a mission, and work together to set goals in order to achieve great things.”
MEREDITH
ALEX
ANDREWS
SEELEY
REGISTER TODAY AT DREAMWOMENSCONFERENCE.COM
To learn more about Family Sunshine Center, volunteer, or donate, visit their website at www.familysunshine.org or call 334.206.2100. A Florida native, Ashley Sherlock moved to Montgomery to pursue a degree in English, She now coordinates events for an independently owned bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. She enjoys books, the outdoors, and all things whimsical.
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Sex wit hav if y we ple –M eve day
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.
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: 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: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.
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: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible
Alcoholic / Addiction
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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 addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional 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 Christ centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364.
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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 visit- https://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 life-challenging 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
Divorce
meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for
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 info.
Cancer
further information.
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912.
Location: 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. January 9 - April 3, 2018
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: 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: 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 Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
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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
December 2017
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, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977. 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. 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: 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.
Mental Health
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education, & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support group for individuals with mental illness. Meets every Thursday. 6-7:30 p.m., Room 3103. Call Mary Jo Logan at 271-2280 for more info.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church
from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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Location: 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. 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
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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.
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Children's of Alabama is ...
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.
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The third largest pediatric hospital in the United States
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Licensed for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets
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The first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama
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One of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state
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The pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham
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Home to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually
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Site of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country
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Home to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast
Russell Campus 205.638.9100 1600 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233
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, 6000 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 6:30- 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 www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place
1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South
Children’s South 205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services and specialty care clinics
Physicians to Children 334.293.5033 470 Taylor Road, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117
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Same Sex Attraction
Location: : Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Upstream Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction and family members or loved ones of those who are gay identified. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more information call 334.244.1385.
One of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama Provides care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
www.ChildrensAL.org
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 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.
Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com 31
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Tips for Getting Through the
Holidays with Relatives The holiday season is upon us. A time for fun, fruitcake and family - our lovely relatives. Family ties form in many ways, whether by blood, marriage, adoption or the bond of life experiences such as military service, our college years or maybe a life-long friend. While many of us light up at the thought of spending hours drinking hot chocolate and ogling old family photos, others of us become anxious at the idea of being around family members. Reasons for this anxiety can vary from trauma, to disagreements or simply one’s inability to relate. Here are three tips to help you navigate.
You are an individual being. Before your parents knew you, God knew ALL about you (Jeremiah 1:5). Is that not amazing? From each individual hair on your head to your unique fingerprint, you were divinely and uniquely crafted. You are a masterpiece designed by the master architect. You do River Region’s Journey
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not have to conform to pressure from family to be what they desire you to be. God’s plan for your life is so individualized. I’ll share a story with you. My favorite professor during my time as an undergrad at Howard University once said this: We come through our family, not from them. I was instantaneously freed by those words. Our parents are simply the vessel through which God brings us to the earth. Many of us who have less than ideal parental relationships fear that one day we will become our dysfunction. FEAR NOT, for God is close.
Observe, don’t absorb. When entering an environment that may be stressful or even in everyday situations, it is easy to become sponge-like and absorb interactions in our surroundings, especially unhealthy ones. Don’t be a sponge, be a rock. The word “rock” is used 142 times in the Bible referencing God or Christ. Moses struck the rock. In Romans the rock was offense, and in Psalms the rock was refuge. In this instance, the rock will simply observe its surroundings and refuse to internalize them.
Set and maintain boundaries. “You’ve gotta have boundaries.” 32
You may have heard this before or wonder what boundaries really are. It is quite simple. Boundaries are the lines that determine where we end and where someone else begins. Boundaries show others how to treat us and demonstrate what we will accept and what behaviors or treatments we will not tolerate. The way in which we allow others to treat us can be tied to our self-worth or need for acceptance. God has the perfect answer to this dilemma in John 5:4144. We only need God’s acceptance and are not obligated to be peoplepleasers. Such a lifestyle can lead us to develop an acceptance of God based on other people’s acceptance of us. With this slippery slope comes the belief that if others reject us, we have somehow been rejected by God. May you experience joy, peace and God’s love this holiday season, In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Candyce Anderson, M.S., A.L.C. is an associate licensed counselor helping victims of abuse and trauma at The Samaritan Counseling Center. She is the author of the Love TAPS: Red Flags of An Abuser & How to Get Out.
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Advent-ure 2017: Let’s Worship Jesus For the last few years, I have composed a series for Advent that I have entitled: 25: A Christmas Advent-ure. This year, I want to focus on the importance of allowing the component of worship to enhance your celebration of Christmas. I have listed 25 different Scripture verses in four overall categories: Prophecy, Personality, Promises, and Performance. The final item, #25, can challenge us to worship Jesus with Passion. These 25 items can be divided up in various ways, including using one each day in December. I will also be highlighting material relative to these themes on The Meeting House on Faith Radio throughout December.
Prophecy: Worship Him for what He’s fulfilled
Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies about Himself. We can be confident that just as He fulfilled God’s promises concerning His first Advent, we can also have a great sense of expectation about His second Advent. 1) Victory over the enemy - Genesis 3:15 2) Immanuel, born of a virgin - Isaiah 7:14 3) Born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2 4) Tribe of Judah - Genesis 49:10 5) Suffered for our sins - Isaiah 53:3-5 6) Died on a cross - Psalm 22
Personality: Worship Him for Who He is There are a number of names attributed to Jesus, who was sent to earth to be our Savior. These names can give us insight into River Region’s Journey
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His character and contain significance for our personal walk with Him. 7) Son of God - John 3:16 8) Son of Man - Matthew 16:13-16 9) Redeemer - Titus 2:14 10) Wonderful Counselor - Isaiah 9:6 11) King of Kings and Lord of Lords - 1st Timothy 6:15 12) Light of the world - John 8:12
Promises: Worship Him for what He’s said The Bible tells us in 2nd Peter Chapter 1 that we are the recipients of “exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust…” Through God’s Word, we can learn about and personalize the various promises He made. The sending of Jesus to earth is a visible, tangible expression of a God Who keeps His promises. Contained within His Word are promises and words of encouragement that can deepen our appreciation and adoration for the Lord. 13) “...seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 14) “...with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26 15) “I am with you always, even to the end of the age…” Matthew 28:20 16) “...the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” John 6:37 17) “I am the way, the truth, and the life...” John 14:6 18) “...the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things…” John 14:26 34
Performance: Worship Him for what He’s done Christmas gives us the opportunity to worship the Lord for so many things. We can honor Him for Who He is and what He’s said, as well as the mighty works which He has done for humanity and for each of us personally. We can take time to reflect on the incredible works of our loving and mighty God. 19) Salvation. Titus 3:5 20) Hope. Hebrews 6:14 21) His Word. John 1:14; Hebrews 4:12; 2nd Peter 1:4 22) Eternal life in heaven. John 14:1-3 23) Power over sin. 1 Corinthians 15:57-58 24) Righteousness. Romans 3:22-23 25) Passion: Worship Him with great joy The Bible reminds us in Nehemiah 8 that the joy of the Lord is our strength. The announcement of the coming of the Savior and the interaction with the supernatural activity surrounding His birth produced joy in the hearts of the people who received the news. Our interaction with God, through Jesus, His Son, can cause us to rejoice in the Lord for His incredible gift – the gift of a Savior, Who brings the gift of eternal life. “My soul magnifies the Lord, And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior…” Luke 1:46-47 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” Luke 2:14 Participating in the concept of Advent can give us a sense of expectation. Through reflection on the nature of the Lord, we can develop a sense of Who He wants to be to us and what He wants to do in us. We can enter into His presence with a spirit of worship, looking to Him to do amazing things! Let’s worship Jesus!
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Anticipating CHRIST
Tune to Faith Radio throughout the Christmas season for music and programs that celebrate the coming of our Savior and anticipate His return.
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Your Investment and Support Matters! As we conclude 2017, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a Kingdom Investment in this ministry. Faith Radio is touching many lives each day and night and your much needed donation can make an eternal impact. Contact us by calling 800-239-8900 or visit our website www.faithradio.org. Our mailing address is P.O. Box 210789, Montgomery, AL 36121. Listen LIVE Now at www.faithradio.org • Montgomery WLBF 89.1FM | Andalusia WSTF 91.5FM | Dothan WDYF 90.3FM Eufaula 91.9FM | Alexander City 94.1FM | Sylacauga 94.1FM | Thorsby/Jemison 96.9FM | Brewton 92.1FM December 2017 River Region’s Journey 35
Teaching kids value of giving Q. What are some ways to teach preteens the value of giving versus getting during the holiday season?
A. As a parent, one of the best things you can do is be a living, breathing example of the importance of giving and caring about others. There’s nothing wrong with having some stuff, but many of today’s marketing messages can lead kids to believe it’s all about them. And the sad truth is advertising firms are often more aggressive with their teaching than parents are in theirs.
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I would encourage you to find giving experiences in which you can participate as a family. Volunteering for a day at a homeless shelter is a wonderful example of giving that requires absolutely no money. Or maybe you could pull out your wallet, and spend the day shopping for groceries and Christmas gifts for families who are financially less fortunate. Make sure your kids are involved physically, mentally, and emotionally in the entire giving process. Let them experience the grateful, and sometimes ungrateful, responses that go along with giving. With a little thought and planning, you can create some incredible teaching and family bonding experiences that will change everyone’s lives forever!
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Budgeting for taxes Q. I recently started my own business, and I know I’m supposed to pay taxes quarterly. How do I budget for those, and how much do I save?
A. You should always establish a separate checking account when you open a business. All your business income, and nothing else, should go directly into that account. Nothing else goes in or out of that account except for business expenses. What you have left, by definition, is profit. When you take that home, set aside 25 percent for your federal, quarterly estimates. In most cases — especially with a small, start-up business — that will put you pretty close to what you’ll need. If you make more than $60,000 to $70,000 in profits, however, you may want to kick that percentage up a little bit. It’s always better to save too much than too little.
The
Living Christmas Tree December 8 • 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm December 10 • 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 Eve Candlelight Worship You are invited to this very special experience for the entire family.
3:30 & 5:00 pm | Main Sanctuary