New Medicare Cards Arriving Summer 2018 7 things to know about your new Medicare card: • Your Medicare Number is unique: Your card has a new number instead of your Social Security Number. • Your new card is paper: Paper cards are easier for many providers to use and copy, and they save taxpayers a lot of money. • Destroy your old Medicare card: Do not discard the old card until you have used the new one, to ensure it works with healthcare providers. • Keep your new card with you: Carry your new card and show it to your healthcare providers when you need care. • You can find your number: If you forget your new card, you, your doctor or other healthcare provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online. • Keep your Medicare Advantage Card: If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare – you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. However, you also may be asked to show your new Medicare card, so you should carry this card, too. • Help is available: If you don’t get your new Medicare card by April 2019, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Be on the lookout for SCAMS with the new Medicare card. Don’t give personal information to get your card. Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give personal information over the phone. Scam artists may try to get personal information (like your current Medicare Number) by contacting you about your new card. Medicare will also never make a home visit. Don’t pay for your new card. If someone asks you for your information, for money, or threatens to cancel your health benefits if you don’t share your personal information, hang up and call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or your Senior Medicare Patrol at your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-800-243-5463. Guard your card: Only give your new Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other healthcare providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf. This project was supported, in part by grant number 90MP0238 from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201 and the Alabama Department of Senior Services.
Volume 20, Issue 2
Feature Articles
MAY 20 1 8 Columns page 2
page 10
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work
Jason Watson
Meet Molly Stone, Executive Director of The Wellness Coalition, and discover what she loves about providing resources and education to clients regarding their health concerns. She also shares her unique place of service in her church, and one thing she thinks is critical in maintaining a consistent walk with God.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Bill McNeese, Harvest Family Church
page 12
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 18
page 14
Women Arising
Children’s Hope
Pastor Kemi Searcy
A Ministry of First Baptist Church
page 20
by Angela Hardgrave
The Intersection
Children’s Hope has been changing lives for the past eight years by caring for children, strengthening families, and serving communities in Jesus’ name.
Bob Crittenden
page 30
Counselor’s Corner Candyce Anderson, MS, LPC
page 22
Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids About God
page 40
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue
by Aaron Earls
Our kids will learn much about God during their time in our home. Consider these 5 ways to teach them about the Christian faith in every day settings.
page 6
page 26
page 8
Books to Read Around Our Community
Vacation Bible Schools Guide
page 10
Faith @ Work
We’ve got pages of VBS options to get your kids ready for fun and learning this summer.
page 36
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CCH Magazine Ad_
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
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Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
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Contributing Writers Candyce Anderson, MS, LPC Bob Crittenden Gayla Grace Angela Hardgrave Pastor Bill McNeese Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley
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From the Publisher Raising children is an incredible task. Daunting on one end, yet offering amazing gratification and joy on the other. Watching your child have success in sports, friendships, school, and other areas makes a parent beam with pride. Seeing our children struggle in these areas makes our heart ache. We love our children and desire the very best for them. Laid over our parent/child relationship is the story of the Scriptures. Yes, we take our kids to school, gymnastics and out for ice cream, but all of this is wrapped up in the world explained in Scripture. In the busyness of life the truth God has shared with us can fade, where all that we teach our children is from the here and now of this world. When we miss teaching and living the realities of God, His plan and purposes, our children will suffer and so will we. There is more to life than meets the eye. God’s people live by faith, which means we live our lives trusting that the story of Scripture is truth, and living from that reality will guide our families into the peace and freedom of walking with the Lord. Through this month’s issue we want to encourage parents to keep your relationship with God at the forefront of your relationship with your children. You’ll discover several articles that will equip you for this “Journey”. We’ve also put together the area’s most complete Vacation Bible School Directory, beginning on page 26. Throughout this issue you will see ads from our partner churches highlighting their VBS dates, theme and location. Your child will love learning about the Lord in a fun and interesting way. Plus, if you’re not connected with a church, VBS can be a comfortable way to start that important connection with a group of Christians who will continue offering the love of Christ. Thank you so much for reading Journey this month. Please pick up two copies every month for you and a friend. We love sharing the Good News with the River Region and your support makes a big difference. Blessings in Lord to you and your family!
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Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
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 2018 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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Come Worship with Us! Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Christian Education: 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
Founded Upon God’s Word
Liturgically Joyful
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!
Warm and Loving
Committed to Mission
By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
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8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
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Pastor’s Perspective Bill McNeese, Harvest Family Church
How You Can Avoid a Cave-In God is a good God, and His Word reveals that He is a deliverer, a restorer, and a caring Father who wants His children free from any bondage they may be experiencing. God wants you to be fruitful, blessed, and walking in victory again. I want to look at an account in Elijah’s life from 1 Kings 19. Jezebel, the wife of Ahab, had sworn to kill Elijah. He had just experienced a great victory when he slew 450 prophets of Baal. But after Jezebel’s threat, Elijah ran for his life. He ran under a juniper tree and prayed that he might die. After the angel ministered to him he then entered a cave in verse 9 where he began expressing his despair to the Lord, “Lord I have served you faithfully...and I am alone being the only one who hasn’t bowed his knee to Baal.” (vv,910 paraphrase) Notice that Elijah’s perspective got all warped and twisted. That’s what discouragement can do to you. God later revealed in verse 18, “I have 7000 that haven’t bowed their knee to Baal.” But Elijah was down and ready to quit. He had reached a low point in this cave, and there was a cave-in ahead. But God revealed to him that he still had a wonderful plan ahead for Elijah. Jeremiah 29:11 reveals that God is thinking good thoughts toward you which involve a wonderful future and a hope. God’s promise of vicBaseball • Basketball • Cheer • Fishing • tory, deliverance, and Gymnastics • Soccer • Softball • Volleyball divine purpose still belonged to Elijah. You may find yourself in prattvilleymca.org • (334) 358-YMCA a cave of discouragement, feeling hopeless;
God wants His children avoiding cave-ins. I’m not so much referring to a physical cave, but there may be something that has caused you to retreat into a cave of depression or discouragement. The good news is that you can come up and out of that cave of defeat and begin to walk in the freedom of the victory that is yours in Christ. Many of us at some point have lived in a place where we feel trapped, in a cave of hopelessness. You may be dealing with oppression in your mind, with negative circumstances that tempt you to despair, or with destructive habits in your life. But thank God, whatever cave you may happen to be in today, God wants to bring you out of it. He wants you avoiding a cave-in!
FUN FOR EVERYONECAMPS RTS
SUMMER SPAO Prattville YMC
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but God still has a plan for your life. You can still do great things for God, be productive, and experience victory in life. Also, realize that the promises of God are as true today as they’ve ever been, and your circumstances don’t change the Word of God. When you yield to discouragement and depression it blinds you to the truth of God’s Word. This is what happened to Elijah. When this happens to someone, even a Christian, the tendency is to see the negative, and not see the great promises of God. A combination of discouragement, self-pity, and despair is enough to cause a loss of perspective and therefore the temptation to retreat into a cave where you begin to walk by sight and not by faith. But, thank God, Elijah was willing to hear the voice of the Lord. Today, we have God’s voice - it’s His Word, the “more sure Word of Prophecy” (II Peter 1:19). We also have the still small voice of the inward witness (Romans 8:16). We need to avail ourselves also of sound Bible teaching in a solid local church. That puts us in an important position of hearing God’s voice as well. God’s Word needs to be the final authority in our lives, especially if we are having a cave-in experience. Elijah came out of that cave and is used by James in the New Testament as an example of a righteous man who’s prayers avail much (James 5:16-18). You may be in a place right now, in a cave of some kind where it seems like there is no hope of coming out. But know this, God’s promises are still true, God loves you with an everlasting love, He has a bright future for you, and He will turn your hopelessness into a great deliverance. For a free CD of the complete teaching contact Harvest Family Church at www.office@harvestfamilychurch.com.
Bill McNeese is senior pastor of Harvest Family Church, located at 7245 Copperfield Drive, in Montgomery.
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This Momentary Marriage
Unified by Tim Scott & Trey Gowdy We may live in one of the most divided times in American history. The cultural climate is rising without any hope of resolution in sight. Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Trey Goudy recognize the problems in our land. Yet, they both have a realistic outlook, which is laced with optimism. Their book, Unified, invites readers to pursue racial reconciliation and restoration, which will strengthen the fabric of our fractured nation. Unified is a very basic book that reads like a conversation between two lawmakers. These conservative thinkers, who have become the best of friends, bring their unique conservative perspectives to the table. Their mutual love and respect for one another are apparent from the outset. These two men, who are both committed Christ-followers, model what friendship can and should look like. Senator Scott and Congressman Goudy steer clear of politics, however. Their aim is to promote an optimistic vision of hope for the future of our nation: “We believe that our nation can be united and transformed by conversations and friendships that lead to reconciliation and understanding. As Americans, we must uphold the ideals of freedom, equality, justice, and opportunity, even as we continue to work together to make those ideals a reality for all. We must come together, find solutions, and get to a point where we can see that our strength as a nation is rooted in all that is good in our world.” There are no quick fixes here. The authors understand and acknowledge that legislation will not cure the illness in American culture. True and lasting change must take place in the lives of people. In what may prove to be the most important insight in the book, Senator Scott writes, “We will change the nation only by changing the condition of the human heart.” This change, undergirded by the gospel of grace has the power to change individuals and families. Then and only then, will our nation see a renewal. Unified is a worthy read by two men of integrity; men who are striving to make America a better place. This is the first of many steps but it is a step in the right direction. River Region’s Journey
May 2018
by John Piper Books on marriage are a dime-a-dozen these days, even from a Christian perspective. However, only a handful of books on marriage pass the test of biblical fidelity. John Piper’s book, This Momentary Marriage, passes both tests. In fact, it ranks among the best books I’ve read on marriage to date. Readers familiar with Piper will be instantly drawn in to his argument for marriage. Over and over Piper pounds the theme of the book into the ground for maximum effect: The ultimate purpose of marriage is “the display of Christ’s covenant keeping grace.” To that end, the author develops several items worth mentioning. Piper gives practical advice to husbands and wives throughout the book; advice that is bathed in biblical wisdom; advice that is ultimately rooted in our God who keeps covenant with his people. Biblical headship is discussed – so husbands are encouraged to lead well. The husband’s leadership involves physical and spiritual protection and physical and spiritual provision. Biblical submission is explored: “Submission is the divine calling of a wife to honor and affirm her husband’s leadership and help carry it through according to her gifts.” What strikes me about the section on headship and submission is this: in a few short pages, Piper delivers an exegetical bombshell that utterly destroys the prevailing notion of egalitarianism. This God-dishonoring view that sees no distinction between male and female roles is left begging for mercy; tattered and torn in the shadow of Piper’s sound exposition. The concluding chapters discuss the permanence of the marriage covenant. This Momentary Marriage is a landmark book. It is a theological land mine that will undoubtedly shatter many preconceived notions about marriage. It is solid food that Christians need to digest. And it is timely ointment that is designed to heal wounds and promote strong marriages in the difficult days ahead. Highly recommended! 6
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David Phelps in Concert
The Year of the Next Generation Prophetic Miracle Ministries Worldwide (P. M. M. W.), Inc. and Apostle Leo S. Sr. and Elect Lady Sharon Lewis will be hosting their Annual Apostolic Pentecost 2018 Summer Convention, THE YEAR OF THE NEXT GENERATION! 7:00 p.m. Nightly Tuesday - Friday, June 5-8, 2018. Day Sessions are at 11:00 a. m. on Wednesday and Thursday, ONLY. Registration is $35.00 (includes access to all day sessions). ALL events will be held at Macedonia Miracle Kingdom and Worship Center, 3070 Selma Highway (Highway 80), Montgomery, AL 36108. For more information, call the office at 334-676-2216 or the church at 334-284-8535.
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Thursday, May 17, at 7:00 pm, Doors at 6:00 pm Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery, AL 36109 Visit itickets.com or call 270-627-0570. Organized by: The Carpenters Son Productions
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Agape 8th Annual Run for a Mom 5K and Fun Run
Phil Wickham Concert at Frazer UMC Phil Wickham and Mack Brock will be at Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Highway, Friday June 15, at 7 pm. Call 334.272.8622 for more info or visit www. transparentproductions.com.
Email your ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
Agape of Central Alabama will hold its 8th annual Run for a Mom 5k and Fun Run on May 12th at Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Road in Montgomery. This event is an effort to bring people together to honor the role of mom, featuring family friendly entertainment, food, and games. All proceeds from Run for a Mom will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children, and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. Please go to www.runforamom.org to register, volunteer, or to get more information.
Gospel Singing with Gold City Beacon of Hope Church of God, 1045 Coliseum Blvd, in Montgomery, will host a Gospel Singing with Gold City, on May 24th at 7 pm. A love offering will be received. Call 334.274.0932 for details.
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RRJ: Molly, as Executive Director at The Wellness Coalition, what does your job entail? Molly: The Wellness Coalition is a nonprofit organization that works to get people the healthcare they need. We help uninsured adults connect with a doctor, apply for medication assistance, and learn how to manage chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension. We also offer wellness classes on diabetes prevention and chronic disease management. Healthcare access and literacy is a major need in our community, and uninsured adults will frequently use the emergency room for regular care instead of seeing a doctor. That is not good for the hospitals or the patients. We try to break that cycle by providing resources and education to improve our clients’ health and quality of life. RRJ: What excites you about going to work every day? River Region’s Journey
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Molly: As Director, my days are not spent in close contact with our clients, so I love hearing stories from our case managers about client successes. We have a wonderful, dedicated staff who work every day to serve the most vulnerable people in our community. I am not a social worker or a nurse, but I get to play a small part in improving our clients’ health and the quality of life of the whole community. In college, I never thought about working in the nonprofit world, but I love it! My degree is in International Business, but I only worked in the for-profit world for about six months after college. I was making door-to-door contacts and sales, and I was miserable. I got my first development job at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts and have worked for nonprofits ever since. My supervisor at the Museum told me that she knew I could do fundraising when she saw that I had been making those cold calls. Then, at the Museum, I learned grant writing, which equipped me for my next position working from home when our first daughter was born, and so on. I can look back over the course of my work history and see how each job prepared me for the next. The Bible says that we may make plans, but the Lord directs our steps, and I truly believe that He knew the best career for me long before I did and led me down the path to my current position at The Wellness Coalition.
warriors covering my every move, and I can always rely on their counsel because I know their hearts. All of my grandparents have passed away now, but they were faithful to the end, and they left us examples of lives well-lived for Christ.
RRJ: You were raised in a loving home with a solid Christian foundation. What ways has this foundation influenced or inspired you?
Molly: Brandon and I chose to make First Baptist Montgomery our church home in our first year of marriage. My mom had told me to look for a church where we could serve, rather than just shopping for the best preaching or music. We found that (as well as a great pastor!) at FBC Montgomery. Soon after we joined, the church did a spiritual gifts inventory and then encouraged members to volunteer in the areas that matched their gifts. I remember being so excited to see Bible Drill on the list of options. I jumped at the chance to volunteer because I had participated in it as a child and loved it. The director at that time has told me that I am the only person to ever seek out Bible Drill to volunteer. It
Molly: I am so blessed to come from a family of faith, for generations, but particularly my parents and grandparents. When I was little, I sat in church every Sunday with my grandfather because my mom was the church pianist and my dad, both my grandmothers, and my other grandfather were all in the choir. Needless to say, we were involved! That foundation is priceless to me because I was instilled with a Christian worldview from the very beginning. I have always known that I had a team of prayer 10
RRJ: After high school, you left your home in Louisiana to attend Auburn University. What did you implement into your life at that time to help you remain on a good path? Molly: With a strong foundation, it was natural for me to get involved in a local church when I went to Auburn. It was a familiar connection while I was away from home, and I got involved in a college ministry and Bible study and surrounded myself with like-minded friends. I met my husband Brandon on a college ministry retreat, so it was a good thing that I did! I have heard the statistics so many times of students who stray from their faith and church when they leave for college. I am grateful that my background prepared me to make that a priority, and it has been ever since. RRJ: You’ve been involved in “Bible Drill” at your church for approximately 15 years. Explain what it is and tell us how this involvement grows your passion for the Lord.
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is a program for 4th to 6th grade students. The kids memorize 25 Bible verses, learn all the books of the Bible, and ten key Bible passages. We do three cycles, so those who participate for three years learn 75 verses. I think there is nothing more important than hiding God’s Word in your heart. I love helping kids do that at an age where they are soaking in so much and laying their future foundations. Now in my 16th year of helping and 9th year as Director, I finally have my own daughter in the program, and it’s been such a blessing! RRJ: In the season of life that you’re in, what is your focus in your relationship with the Lord? Molly: As a mother with younger children, I spend a lot of time talking to the Lord about our daughters and learning how to be a Christian parent in a fallen world. I want our children to have the foundation of faith that Brandon and I both did. I want them to know their value is because they are a children of God and not whatever the world says. I want them to build character and integrity and have good judgment when they make decisions and choose friends, and we want them to see people through Jesus’ eyes. We read devotionals and pray together everyday. After several years of discussions and prayer, our oldest daughter, Audrey, prayed to accept Christ this year. Brandon and I were both there with her, and it was one of the most precious moments of my life. She made her profession of faith and was baptized in March, and we are so proud for her to be our sister in Christ. RRJ: What advice would you give our readers for living consistently for God?
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Molly: Our pastor, Jay Wolf, always says, “We need Jesus, and we need each other.” I think one of the most important things a Christian needs in a consistent walk with God is community. Being involved in a local church gives us encouragement and accountability, and I cannot imagine walking the road of life without the support of a church family. So, I would encourage everyone to plug into a local church and find one where they can serve. Jesus did not come to be served but to serve, and we should follow his example. It is when we serve others that we reap the biggest blessings. I am so grateful to serve at home, at church, and at work. Molly Stone is married to Brandon and they have two daughters, Audrey (10) and Anna (5).
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Safeguarding Your Identity Someone has estimated that 15.4 million Americans were the victims of identity theft and fraud in 2016. Put at risk were financial accounts, credit health, job prospects, personal reputations, and even medical records. Using someone else’s personal information can allow thieves to take out loans, file tax returns, and pick up prescription drugs. But, as Christians, we face an even greater identity threat, the threat of forgetting who we are in Christ. We are tempted to believe that our sins can outweigh God’s forgiveness, that having been adopted into God’s family, we can somehow slip out of His hand. Nothing could be further from the truth. And noth-
272-8622 • FRAZER.CHURCH
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ing can do more to rob us of our Christian joy, our witness, and our effectiveness in modeling the grace and forgiveness of God. In the Bible, the apostle John writes, “Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God,” (John 1:12-13) NIV. He repeats this idea in his letter called 1 John, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And this is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him,” (1 John 3:1-2) NIV. This is usually called being born again. We associate that term with being saved from an eternity of punishment and isolation from God. And that is true, but being adopted into God’s family, becoming the children of God, is so much more than that. Eternal life with God begins now. Part of that process is that we no longer identify ourselves as the people we were. It’s not just that we no longer do the things we once did, but we are not that person any more. We have been adopted out of a life of blindness and hopelessness. It has been said that a man is a thief because he steals. That 12
would be the world’s definition. But actually, a man steals because he is a thief in his heart. Once he has believed on Christ and received the grace of our Lord, he is no longer a thief. He will not steal. It is true that he will be tempted, but the Lord will provide a way out of that temptation. Even if he falls for the temptation, the Holy Spirit will convict his conscience until he repents and turns again to the Lord. Those of us who have been Christians for some years have memories of times when we fell into temptation. Even after we have repented and turned again to the Lord, the shame of that denial of Christ haunts us. And that is where identity theft can come in. We can be deluded into believing that we are no longer worthy of God’s love, that we are no longer His children. That lie is from Satan. Jesus saw that coming. He said, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one,” (John 10:27-30) NIV. The internet is loaded with suggestions on how you can avoid the theft of what this world calls your identity. You can use stronger passwords, limit what you share online, shred documents, and check on or freeze your credit reports. There are many other ways. But how do you protect your identity in Christ? Just come clean with God. Confess everything that needs confessing. Stand on His promises. Then count on Him to love you and keep you safe. He knew you when you were His enemy. He knows you now. You can never belong to another. You are a child of God. God has seated you with Christ in heavenly places. Your identity is safe. Rejoice and set that burden aside. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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We love to see you smile when you celebrate summer with your friends! #smilesfromus #livelifesmiling
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2600 Bell Road • Montgomery, Alabama • 334.277.6690 460 McQueen Smith Road • Prattville, Alabama • 334.358.6411 www. SmilesFromUs.com Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. J. David Stanley • Dr. R. Davis Denney • Dr. Robert H. Owen 13
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by Angela Hardgrave
From Montgomery, Alabama to 1,300 miles across the ocean in the nation of Haiti, Children’s Hope has been changing children’s lives for the past eight years. Their mission is caring for children, strengthening families, and serving communities in Jesus’ name, and they faithfully carry out this mission every day. River Region’s Journey
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Children’s Hope was founded in 2010 by Andy and Tanya Birchfield and is closely connected with First Baptist Church in Montgomery. According to Executive Director Jared McCrory, their decision to found this ministry evolved from personal experience. “Through the process of adopting their daughter Hope from Moldova, the Lord led the Birchfields to begin this ministry to encourage and mobilize others to care for orphans and vulnerable children in various ways,” said McCrory. The vision of the ministry changed slightly later that year. McCrory said, “The initial focus was on advocating for and supporting foster care and adoption in Montgomery County, but the trajectory of the ministry significantly changed with a trip to Haiti following the devastating earthquake of 2010. A vision team from Montgomery became aware of a small group of children in need of immediate care, and Children’s Hope began its initial ministry in Haiti through providing housing and caregivers for these sixteen children.” Children’s Hope impacts thousands of lives annually in Haiti through various
programs. They currently have 50 children in their children’s home, and there are over 1,200 students enrolled in seven church schools which the ministry oversees and Recent short-term mission team in Haiti fully funds. “Most of McCrory said. While providing housing, these children are from low-income famieducation, and medical care are crucial lies or live in remote areas where there are in Haiti, the overarching mission that ties no other viable school options for them,” all of this together is sharing the Gospel. said McCrory. They also provide medi“We mobilize 20 or more short-term miscal care, serving over 4,000 patients in sion teams each year, and last year these the community. “We provide quality and teams engaged and served over 5,000 affordable medical care through our excel- people—4,000 of those heard the Gospel, lent staff of two Haitian physicians, two with 284 known decisions to follow Jesus nurses, a dentist, a lab tech, and others,” for the first time,” said McCrory.
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School children in Haiti.
Although Children’s Hope is focused on serving the children of Haiti, they also remain active in the River Region through foster care advocacy and support through key partnerships with the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes and Live the Promise. “Children’s Hope has been involved in training and facilitating foster care support teams in the Montgomery area that connect with and assist foster families. The
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ministry also assists in providing foster care training to prospective foster families and has sought to encourage and assist the Montgomery County Department of Human Resources (DHR) in various ways,” said McCrory. Through their partnership and support of the Alabama Baptist Children’s Homes, they have assisted in hosting several foster care training classes, which has resulted in multiple families being licensed as foster families in Montgomery County. McCrory said, “This has impacted dozens of children that have been placed in these homes. We’ve also had the privilege of surround-
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ing several of these wonderful foster families with support teams that assist them through providing meals, respite care, and consistent encouragement and help. We’ve held special events, such as a foster family Christmas party this past year, and have provided Christmas presents for dozens of DHR foster children over the past two years.” Whether here or in Haiti, Children’s Hope stands with children and families whom have often been through terrible ordeals. “It is absolutely heartbreaking to see the devastating effects of abuse, neglect, abandonment, and the untimely death of parents on innocent children,” McCrory said. “We have the privilege of connecting people that care with opportunities to make a difference for these children. We are passionate about what we do because we have see so many lives transformed as these children come into the care of loving foster families in the Montgomery area or the excellent care of our children’s home staff in Haiti.” McCrory continued, “We see these children begin to thrive and experience restoration in a place of light, hope, and love. We see families strengthened as we
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help provide much-needed education, medical care, and life-changing Gospel ministry. We see communities transformed in Haiti as we partner with local churches that God is using to shine the light of Jesus in dark places. Individuals and families are choosing to follow Jesus and getting connected with local churches—changing their lives eternally and putting their families on a different path, hopefully for generations to come. God is at work in many ways, and we are privileged to join Him in that work—and to invite others to do the same!” McCrory knows that the success of Children’s Hope depends not only on their caring and dedicated staff, but also on committed ministry partners. “We have individuals, families, churches, and businesses that see the real difference we are making together. They are committed to giving, going, praying, and advocating for our ministry,” McCrory said. “Without these hundreds of partners, there is no way we could have this impact.” Although many people have committed to the success and continuation of Children’s Hope, there are always needs
Cottage interior at children’s home in Haiti
that can be filled by those willing to support the ministry. McCrory said, “We are a non-profit ministry that relies on the generous support of people who care about the needs we are meeting, and we currently have a significant need for more financial support. We are praying for more partners to join us and help fuel the lifechanging programs happening in Haiti and the River Region.” In addition to financial support, they also need more volunteers for short-term mission trips, as well as more foster families to serve our area. For more information, email them at info@
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childrens-hope.com or check their website at www.childrens-hope. com. Their direct giving link to make a tax-deductible gift online is https://childrenshope.givingfuel. com/give. They are also on Instagram and Facebook. McCrory encourages everyone to try to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities in need. He said, “When we look at the amount of brokenness, lostness, and darkness in the world today, it’s easy to become discouraged, but you can make a difference—one life at a time, one situation at a time, one family at a time. Whether it is with Children’s Hope or another organization, seek out your place and join the cause of ministering to children and families through giving, volunteering, praying and advocacy.” Angela Hardgrave is a graduate of the University of Mobile with a degree in journalism and currently works in the Marketing Department of Faulkner University as a graphic designer. Angela is also a freelance writer for several publications in the River Region. She resides in Wetumpka, Alabama, with her three awesome daughters and her dog, Emmy.
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Be a Super Mom! Wouldn’t it be fabulous if our children were born with instructions attached to them as to how to raise them? Heaven delivers these cute little bundles to us who, from the day they arrive, take over our lives. We love them, but it takes a bit more than just love to raise them properly. We need knowledge. I believe that children are born imprinted with their destiny. Scripture is very clear that God predestined us. I am not a proponent of the Tabula Rasa idea that Aristotle initiated. This concept says that children are born as a blank slate with no mental imprinting. I assume Aristotle must not have spent much time with children. It’s amazing how children can be so radically different, yet be from the same family. My first child is bold and rambunctious; raising her kept me on my toes. My second daughter was meek and mild, easy to rear. I was not responsible for their differences. They were delivered to me that way. I believe each of our children has a unique S.H.A.P.E. This is a phrase Pastor and author Rick Warren made famous. It stands for: S – Spiritual Gift H – Heart A – Attitude P – Personality E – Experiences Our job as parents is more like unwrapping the package to see what God has placed River Region’s Journey
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over 20 years. And we are all brown Beanie Babies.
in our children than writing on their “blank slate.” We should be trying to discover their unique SHAPE. Our children’s Spiritual gifts, Heart orientation, general Attitude, and Personality are pretty much assigned prebirth. Our task is to help guide them through Experiences to help further mold them. Here are a few things we can do as mothers to help sculpt our children into God’s unique design for them.
Ask God to show you their purpose… Many parents simply attempt to live out their own dreams and goals through their children. This is obviously unhealthy. The Lord will give you glimpses over time as to who your children are. You will discern personality traits, innate gifts, etc. For example, my daughter-in-law Maraya is Caucasian. When Maraya was a young girl, her parents allowed their daughters to pick a doll of their choosing out of a catalog. All her sisters picked little white “Beanie Babies,” but Maraya picked a little brown “Beanie Baby.” Her parents asked if she wanted to pick one that looked like her. She said, “No I want this one.” Later, as a young girl of 12, Maraya began to talk about wanting to go to Africa on a mission trip with her church youth group, That dream became a reality for her at age 17. Now she is married into a family where I am from Africa and my husband is from Tuskegee, Alabama. We have been doing missionary work in Africa for 18
Pray for their destiny… Instead of attempting to force our kids into some future role, we can pray for God to guide them according to His heart and His plan for them. Although He respects free will, He is still sovereign, and knows how to make us willing. Through prayer, God could lay a path from which it will be difficult for children to veer. Scripture says to, “Train up a child in the way they should go when they’re old they won’t depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6). I believe this verse is truth. Although my children are grown, I still pray regularly that they will fulfill God’s will for their life.
Don’t shy away from discipline… A primary role of parents is to instill good disciplined habits into their children so they can fulfill their destiny. While our society is moving further away from discipline, the Bible says “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child but the rod of correction will drive it far from them” (Proverbs 22:15). We should never abuse our children, but we must insist that they develop godly habits. Human beings are programmable creatures. The negative habits we allow children to get away with during early years (1-4 years old) will be habits that can follow them the rest of their lives.
Do your best and leave the rest up to God… Lastly, just do your best. You love your kids and want the best for them. Don’t sweat when you make a mistake. None of us are perfect parents and we never will be. Let’s love them, train them, guide them, correct them when necessary, pray for them, fast for them, and love them some more. Let’s do our best and trust God to do the rest. Go for it, Super Mom. You can do this. Let’s do it together!
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Swatting at the Bee For some, it might be required reading; for others, it may be an acquired taste. The Babylon Bee is a Christian satire site that will frequently give you something to think about, maybe chuckle at, or even laugh out loud! Sometimes, it communicates truth in a profound way. The headline for a story that ran following the Oscars proclaimed, “Man Who Got Famous Showing Scantily Clad Women Bouncing On Trampolines Lectures Nation On Sexual Propriety,” a reference to Oscar host Jimmy Kimmel, former co-host of a show that “featured heavy handed, vulgar objectification of women carried out in front of a crazed, drunken, slobbering male audience.” Recently, the Bee was the victim of social media censorship. It ran an obviously satirical story about CNN and was flagged as...yes...”fake news!” The Federalist site reported: The Babylon Bee set off Facebook’s alarm bells by publishing a satirical piece stating that CNN had purchased an “industrial-size washing machine to spin news before publication.” This is obviously a joke and is clearly marked satire and is published on a site entirely devoted to satire.
Snopes “decided to fact check the Bee’s claim, to ensure that no one actually thought that CNN ‘made a significant investment in heavy machinery.’” The story said: Hours later, Adam Ford, who runs The Babylon Bee, got a notification warning him that the post had been flagged as so-called “fake news” by Snopes, and that if it happened again, the Bee’s River Region’s Journey
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Facebook page could face de-monetization and its posts would suffer a reduced reach.
Visitors received a message warning that “there is additional reporting on this from Snopes.com.” The Federalist also points out that Facebook stated to the Daily Caller News Foundation that, “This was a mistake and should not have been rated false in our system. It’s since been corrected and won’t count against the domain in any way.” The article stated: Facebook’s statement, however well intended, doesn’t undo what happened to the Bee, nor does it erase the very serious and frightening implications of the social network’s power over information.
The Bee responded with satire, stating that each publisher had received a “personal message…warmly reminding them that they are utterly dependent on the social media giant for traffic and that it is in complete control of their livelihood.” It said: “Publishers are important to Facebook,” the message sent to countless page admins read. “We want you to know that we care about you. Also, we will not hesitate to choke off your traffic until your organization ceases to be financially viable, should we feel the desire to do so at any time.”
In this instance, the story was not really a “Christian” story, but the Bee has been singled out before. The Federalist article pointed out that Snopes “has repeatedly factchecked tongue-in-cheek claims by the satirical site...”
At this year’s National Religious Broadcasters Convention, Jerry Johnson, NRB President, spoke about an NRB initiative called Internet Freedom Watch. He stated, according to NRB.org: “Does it bother you that Dr. D. James Kennedy was taken off of the Amazon [Smile] gift program?” Johnson asked. “Does it bother you that a sitting member of the U.S. Congress, Marsha Blackburn, was taken off of Twitter when she announced her run for the U.S. Senate because she mentioned the sale of human body parts? “Does it bother you that Dennis Prager’s videos – videos on Israel for instance – have been blocked and taken down and demonetized by YouTube? Does it bother you that Todd Starnes has been taken off of Facebook? Marjorie Dannenfelser has been taken off of Twitter.”
Some of those were among panelists addressing the issue, including Family Research Council President Tony Perkins, who warned, “If we don’t use every tool available to push back on the Left’s intent of silencing Christian broadcasters and conservative broadcasters, we are going to wake up one day and free speech in America is going to be gone…” In Nehemiah, we’re told the Israelites used one hand to build the wall of Jerusalem and the other to ward off those attempting to thwart the process. Regarding social media, I think there is a similar construct: we use social media to “build” the Kingdom of God, to communicate truth, but we also recognize that there are providers who may not be neutral actors - certain platforms have attempted to restrict faith-related content. The Israelites responded by continuing to build - and being ready to defend themselves. Plus, there was communication: a trumpet sound to remind the people that God was with them. I am thankful for those who stand watch, like NRB, who “sound the trumpet” to protect our freedoms and to ensure that people of faith are allowed to freely share the life-affirming truth of the gospel. It is important to stay informed and encourage one another.
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Teaching your kids can feel daunting. But teaching your kids about God can feel downright terrifying. Some feel overwhelmed with time issues. They just don’t see how they can fit something else into their day. Others may not feel as if they have adequate theological training. They feel uncomfortable instructing their kids beyond, “Jesus loves you.” How can you weave theological teaching into their daily lives, without necessarily setting them down for an in-depth family sermon (though there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? How can you impart good theology into the lives of your children, without possessing a theological degree (though hopefully there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? You don’t need to feel like you’re trying out the latest parenting fad or complicated system. If you are like me, you’ll try it for a month or two and then give up because it didn’t feel natural.
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Instead, here are five simple ways to teach your kids theology virtually every day.
stories and several others. I don’t have to start a discussion time with them, they naturally asked questions. Because of our reading the books together, both of my sons are practically experts on all things Narnia and Middle Earth. They often remember scenes from the novels better than I do. They also caught the spiritual themes before I expected. As we read through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they commented about how Aslan was sacrificing himself just like Jesus did. I didn’t have to tell them that or develop a lesson for that. They naturally got it. And yours will too, if you make a habit of reading them good stories that reflect the great story.
Read the Bible It seems obvious, and it is, but it is the foundation before anything else. Why not let God do much of the teaching for you? He has given us His word with the Holy Spirit who works in the life of the believer to help illuminate that word. By reading the Bible to your children, you’ll allow God to speak through His word, while demonstrating that Scripture is important to you and your faith. Use it before anything else. Will you come across passages that you don’t understand? Absolutely. Will your children ask questions that you don’t know the answer to? Sure. Both of those are actually beneficial to your children and your own Christian walk. They can see that their mom and dad are growing too. They’ll know it’s okay to ask questions and wrestle with some of the hard things in their faith. Hopefully, it will inspire both you and your child to seek answers through your own personal studies and also using some other sources of good theology.
Pray intentionally Honestly, this is one that I accidentally discovered with my kids. In praying with them at night, I would try to always pray with the Gospel in mind, with the ideas of creation, fall, redemption and restoration at the forefront of how I talked to God. Thanking Him for the goodness He made, how we messed it up, but how He opened the door for us to be redeemed through Jesus’ death on the cross and how, ultimately, God is going to restore things back to the way they should be. One night, I heard one of my boys praying about how he got a scratch on his leg because this world was fallen, but that God still had good things here. The leg could be healed and God was still here.
Read other books together Some of the memories I cherish the most have been times of reading to my children before they go to sleep. Along with the Bible, we’ve read devotional books, classic fiction, Christian
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Model it
Those were good things to be thankful for, even though the world is fallen. My son had picked up on that from my prayers. Be specific and intentional about what you are talking to God about with your children. Use that prayer time to speak to God, but also cause your children to think theologically.
This may be the most difficult, but it is absolutely the most important. Live out your faith in front of your kids, even when they no longer think you are the greatest thing ever. Even when they know you make mistakes Your kids may have thought you wore a cape when they were younger, but, at some point, you clearly can no longer wear a mask. They see you and how you live. If you say you value Christ, His commands, and His church, but you can’t be bothered with going to services on Sunday because the big game is on or the golf course is “calling your name,” then what you say is pointless. It’s not a matter of being perfect—again, your children know better than anyone else you aren’t. It’s about being consistent and seeking to live for Christ and admitting when you mess up. After all, that probably needs to be modeled more than anything else. Have the humility to acknowledge your own shortcomings, ask them for forgiveness and help them see they can always turn to God for forgiveness. It is our job as parents to teach our children theology. It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t require a seminary degree. You can help your kids know and love Jesus more.
Talk about entertainment This one is an opportunity that many parents fail to capitalize on. Most families watch some television or movies, read books or do something for entertainment. Some times those entertainment choices may line up fairly close with your values. Often times the entertainment, even (perhaps, especially) children’s shows, lies in direct contrast to your perspective as a Christian parent. What do you do then? Use both of those situations to create theological conversations. It doesn’t have to seem deep and philosophical in order to be important and impacting. Reinforcing that, no, we aren’t a cosmic accident that just purposelessly evolved, can create a lasting reassurance in the mind of your child. Evaluate the entertainment—music, movies, TV, video games, everything—in light of a Christian worldview, through the perspective of Scripture and just talk with your kids about what they just saw or heard. It will help them to see how their faith should be involved in every aspect of their life.
Aaron Earls lives in Tennessee with his wife and three children, and serves as a writer and online editor for Facts & Trends. You can connect with Aaron at www.thewardrobedoor.com or email him at wardrobedoor@gmail.com.
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Our Statement of Faith
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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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Heritage Baptist Church ad on page 11
1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 11-15, 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Ages: Complete 4K - 5th grade Call 279.9976.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
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1550 East Washington Street, Montgomery Theme God Squad June 18-22, 5:30 - 8 p.m. Please call 265-1807 for more information.
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Saint James UMC
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4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game July 15-19, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 22 at 6:30 p.m. Call 567.4325.
East Memorial Baptist Church ad on page 19
1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Time Lab June 11-15, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years through 8th Grade Call 365.7500.
First Baptist, Montgomery ad on Back Cover
305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 18-22, 9 a.m. to Noon You can register on our website at www.MontgomeryFBC.org. Call 834.6310.
First Baptist, Prattville ad on page 15
138 S. Washington Street, Prattville Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 25-29, 8:30 to noon River Region’s Journey
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Bible Schools Blue Ridge Baptist Church
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Ages 3 years- 6th Grade. Children must be 3 years old by September 1 to attend. For more information and/ or to register visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.
First Presbyterian, Prattville ad on page 17
211 S. Chestnut Street, Prattville Time Lab June 4-8, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years old through entering 6th grade. Call 365.6387.
First UMC, Montgomery ad on page 25
2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery Theme: TBA June 11-15; 8 a.m. until noon Ages: Age 3 through 5th grade. Call 834.8990.
First UMC, Prattville ad on page 11
100 E. Fourth Street Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 11-15, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 365.5977. 26
9045 Vaughn Road Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 11-13, 9 to Noon Ages: K4-5th grade Call 277.3037.
Woodland UMC ad on page 24
4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 11-14, 5:30-8 p.m. Ages: 4 years old -6th grade Call 272.7230. Aldersgate United Methodist Church 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery WinShape Camp June 4-8, Monday-Thursday from 7:45-4:55 and Friday from 7:45-12:30 Cost: $214 (scholarships available) Sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship into one incredible week! Register at www.aldersgateumc.org Completed Grades 1st-9th or call 272.6152. Autauga Heights Baptist Church 1393 Highway 31 N, Prattville Theme: TBA June 18-22, 6:30 - 8 p.m. Ages: 4 years – 6th grade Call (334) 322.3222. Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. Fourth Street, Prattville Miracles of Jesus June 9, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Ages: Preschool – K; Grades 1-6 Registration Information: 334-365-5213 (church) or 334-546-5755 (Patsy). Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 3-7. Kickoff will begin 4 p.m. on Sunday. All other nights will be 6 to 8:30 p.m.
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Ages: 3 year preschool through 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register at www.camelliabaptist.com. Call 365.0231. Capitol Heights Baptist Church 2514 Madison Avenue, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years old by Sept. 1 to 6th grade. Nursery provided for VBS workers only. Call 264.6461. Century Church 37 Bridge Street, Pike Road Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game July 16-19, Times TBA Ages: Toddlers – Rising 6th grade Call (334) 801.9080 for more information Church of the Highlands 4255 Taylor Road, Montgomery July 9-11, 8:15 a.m. to Noon Children entering K in the fall through 6th grade. Please visit www.churchofthehighlands.com to register. Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road, Montgomery Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 9-13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Theme: Shipwrecked For more information, call 273-8595
Dalraida Baptist Church 3838 Wares Ferry Rd., Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8, 9 a.m. – Noon Age: Kindergarten through 6th grade Call 272.2412 to register. Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8, 8:30 – Noon Ages: 4 (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or register online@ www.ehbconline.com. Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Time Lab June 11-15; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 yr. - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277.6300. Elizabeth Baptist Church 15627 Troy Highway, Mathews God’s Squad
June 25-27, 6– 8 p.m. Ages 3 – adults. Dinner provided. Please call 281.4506 Evangel Church 3975 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Mega Sports Camp July 9-13, 6-9 p.m. Ages: Grades K-5th grade Call 272.4882 ext. 107. First Baptist Church, Wetumpka 205 W. Bridge Street, Wetumpka Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 24-28, 5:30– 8 p.m. Ages: K-6th grade. Call 567.5191.
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First Christian Church 1705 Taylor Road, Montgomery Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 8-10, 5:30- 8:15 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to noon, Sat. & Sun. Light dinner served Friday and lunch served Sat. & Sun. Ages 4 years old – 6 grade. Please call or visit 270.1320 www.fccmontgomery.org Fountain City Baptist 492 East Main Street, Prattville Time Lab June 24-28; 6 - 8 p.m. Ages: 3 to 12. Call 365.2034. Frazer Memorial UMC 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Amped: Live fully Alive July 9-13; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Rising K4 year olds-Finishing 5th grade. Call 272.8622. Gateway Baptist Church 3300 Bell Road, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 25-29, 8:30 am- Noon Ages: Completed 1st thru completed 5th Call 272.9494 to register. Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game
June 3-7, 6-8:30 pm Ages: 4 through grade 6 For more info and to preregister, go to www.glynwoodbc.com or call 361.9180. Grace @ Bell Road 5 Bell Road, Montgomery “A Tale of Two Kings” Creative Arts Camp June 4-8, 8:30 a.m. until 1 pm Ages: 6 years to rising 6th graders. Please call or visit www.discovergrace.org GracePointe VBS 1565 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Out of the Dark June 24-27, 6-8 p.m. Ages: 4-12 years Visit www.grace-pointe.com to register or call 271.2525. Hayneville Baptist Church 1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL
Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game July 15-19, 5:45 until 8:30 p.m. Ages: K4 - 6th Grade (grade completed) Email: hbc@connecthbc.com or call (334) 548.2620. Heritage Baptist, Prattville 1357 S. Memorial Drive, Prattville Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 10-14, 6 - 8:30 p.m. Ages: K3 through completion of 6th grade Call 365-2372. His Vessels Ministry Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Patriot Camp (Teaching children about the founding of our nation) June 5-8, 9 a.m. until noon Ages: 6 – 12; Cost is $22 per child. Call 334-356-4478 or info@hisvessel.org. Holy Spirit Catholic Church 8570 Vaughn Road, East Montgomery Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus July 16-20, 9 a.m. to Noon Age: Entering Preschool – rising 6th grade Call 277.1989 or register online at www. holyspiritmgm.org Landmark Church 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery Fruit of the Spirit June 24-27, 6 - 8 p.m.
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Ages: Nursery through adults Call 277.5800. Millbrook Presbyterian (PCA) 3480 Main Street, Millbrook Time Lab June 25-29; 6-8:30 p.m. Ages: Entering K-4 thru 5th grade. For registration, call 285-4031. Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, Montgomery Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 4-8, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304. Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 11-15, 8 - 11:30 a.m. Ages: Completed K5 through 6th grade Call (334) 567.4458. Mulder UMC 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 10-13; 6 – 8 p.m. For more info please call 567.4225. Redland Baptist Church 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka Hero Central June 24-27, 6 p.m. Ages: 5 (by Sept. 1) through graduated 5th grade. Please call 567.8649. Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8, 5:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Ages: 4 to completed the 6th grade. Please visit rbcmontgomery.com for more information. Call 277.0011. Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game July 11-15, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Completed K5 through 5th grade. Call 271.3363. Thelma Baptist VBS/VBX 810 Weoka Road, Wetumpka Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8; 9 a.m. to Noon For children who have completed K5 through 5th. VBX is for kids who have completed 6th & 7th grade. Register online @ www.tlifeonline. com or call 567-3665. Thorington Road Baptist 450 Ray Thorington Road Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 3-7; 6 - 8:30 p.m. Ages: 5 yrs. to 5th grade. Call 396.9376. Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Faith Expedition: God’s Treasure Revealed June 4-8, 9 a.m. to Noon. Ages: Pre-K 4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register.
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Trinity UMC, Prattville 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville Rolling River Rampage June 10-14, 5 - 8 p.m. Dinner provided for children every night. Call 365.7339. University Church of Christ 5315 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Theme: TBA June 24-27, 5-7 p.m. on Sunday and 6:308:30 p.m. Monday-Wednesday Ages: newborn thru 6th grade & adult Call 386.7320 or visit www.ucoc.org. Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Game On! Gearing Up for Life’s Big Game June 4-8; 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ages: Entering Kindergarten entering 6th grade. Registration online at www.vaughnforest.com. Call 279.5433. Vaughn Park Church of Christ 3800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery The God Show June 24-27, 6:30 – 8 p.m. For more info contact Carrie Stark at 272.2665. Whitfield UMC 2673 Fisk Road, Montgomery Rolling River Rampage June 18-21, 5:30- 8 p.m. Dinner at 5:30 Ages: 3 years to 6th grade. Call 281.2467. Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Sports Camp 2018 June 4-8, 9 a.m. until Noon Ages: Kindergarten -6th grade Call 244.1385.
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River Region’s Journey
The Challenge of Parenting I fondly remember learning how to drive. My mother was dead-set on driving lessons so that I would be prepared to operate a 2000 pound piece of machinery on a road packed with not only pedestrians, but cute fluffy animals. I studied day and night to earn my permit, drove with instructor Ms. Burton for 6 months and passed my road-test on the first go ‘round. It was official; I was a licensed vehicle operator with all the privileges therein vested in my 16 year-old abilities. Now, when I became a mother – not so much. After waking-up, an angelic like figure glided into the room and literally put a life in my arms. A living breathing life, which required not only 24-hour care and oversight, but love, compassion, and lots of diapers. This tiny being came with no classes, no road-test and not even an instruction manual. Parents certainly have their work cut out for them. Despite our best efforts there will be times where we drop the ball, miss it, and get it wrong. After all, we are human and with God’s grace we do our best to mitigate any harm. Proverbs 22:6 reminds us to train up a child in the way he should go and that even when he is old he will not depart from it. What a comfort River Region’s Journey
May 2018
that is. God also gives the knowledge and wisdom to understand better the ways in which we can care for our children spiritually, physically and psychologically. According to Cathy Wood, MD, longtime pediatrician at Partners in Pediatrics in Montgomery and past president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Today’s families, especially our children, are under tremendous stress with the potential to damage both physical health and psychological well-being.” Dr. Wood continues, “Death, illness, divorce, crime, poverty and other negative impacts have defined an evolving landscape for raising our families. How do we manage to parent from a place of love and understanding, not fear and paranoia? It’s not possible to protect our children from the ups and downs of life. But it is possible to provide them with the tools they need to respond to the challenges of adolescence and young adulthood, and to navigate successfully in adulthood. In today’s environment, children and teens need to develop strengths, acquire skills to cope, recover from hardships, and be prepared for future challenges.” My colleague and children’s therapist Monica Cone, M.Ed, LPC, suggests that some of the most common concerns amongst parents include: 30
* My home feels out of control. * I feel overwhelmed as a single parent. * My kids ignore me when you try to talk to them. * Every conversation with my teen ends in anger and yelling at each other. * I’m at a loss of what to do when my child isolates herself in her room. * I’m frustrated with how much time my child spends on the computer…phone… with video games. * I feel disrespected and unappreciated as a parent. When all is said and done, we do our best with what we’re given. Parenting is an experience, one of mess-ups, mistakes, wins, oh-no’s and accomplishments, all of which comprise the journey. There will be detours, valleys, plateaus and mountaintops, but thankfully we have Christ as our guide providing the support from the heavens and our village providing support here in the earth. When you are lost, ask for guidance without shame or embarrassment. Our doors are always open at the Samaritan Counseling Center.
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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isn’t just uncomfortable.
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Do you know the hidden dangers of heartburn? It can be a cause or symptom of something much worse — including chronic esophageal reflux or esophageal cancer.
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At Jackson’s NEW HEARTBURN CENTER, our team of medical professionals can help you manage mild, severe and chronic heartburn, with treatments ranging from diet and lifestyle changes, to the proper use of antacids and even surgery. Don’t ignore your heartburn. Ask your doctor about a treatment that’s right for you. Learn more at jackson.org.
334-293-6825
www.JacksonHeartburnCenter.com 31
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As a young mom, I thought Mother’s Day should be all about me. Surely I deserved recognition for my never-ending sacrifices as a mom and stepmom
Honoring our moms starts with a thankful heart for the role they’ve played in our lives. I wouldn’t be the person I am today without the influence of my mother. She’ll be the first to tell you she’s not a perfect mom but she’s shaped my life like no one else. Perhaps you struggle with a thankful heart toward your mother. Many adults have leftover anger and disappointment from a childhood wracked by hurt that makes it almost impossible to consider honoring their moms. If this is the case for you, I challenge you to examine your heart and consider making amends, if possible. Honoring your mom doesn’t mean you agree with past behavior, it simply acknowledges her place in your life. It might require professional help to deal with your feelings and set appropriate boundaries for your current relationship, but I encourage you to put the past in the past and move forward in broken relationships. I’m not saying it will be easy, but holding onto unforgiveness keeps us in bondage and poisons other relationships.
to five children, right? However, after driving away from my parents’ home recently with tears spilling down my cheeks, I sensed God asking me to honor my mom with the time we have left. Unable to deny that Alzheimer’s is consuming Mom’s every fiber, Mother’s Day carries an overwhelming sadness, as she no longer knows me as her daughter. I’d never considered how to truly honor my mom. What does that look like? Why is it important? River Region’s Journey
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We experience many other blessings, in addition to enjoying a long life, when we choose to honor our parents. We allow family legacies to be passed down as we make time for our children to get to know their grandparents. We bask in knowing we’ve done the right thing, preventing regrets later of what can’t be changed. We reap the rewards of deeper relationships and meaningful memories we can savor long after they’re gone. And we more likely receive the same respect and honor in return as our children watch our actions. Honoring our moms on Mother’s Day doesn’t have to be extravagant or complicated. A simple gesture is often more meaningful than a formal undertaking. Here are three suggestions to consider.
Express gratitude As someone who’d rather write words than speak them, I don’t naturally express ap-
preciation. I’m making an effort to show gratitude toward my mom for the investment she’s made in my life. I’ll never forget the day when I asked Mom’s opinion on a career decision I needed to make. As she relayed her thoughts, with tears in her eyes, she said, “I wish I’d done more with my life.” I was surprised at her words as I heard her regrets of only small advances in the career world, not recognizing the invaluable occupation she’d chosen as a devoted mom. Realizing her need for affirmation of sacrifices the world considers insignificant, I began to give examples of how her work at home as a mom, wife and homemaker had influenced my life. Gratitude can also be expressed through a written tribute, detailing childhood memories and expressing appreciation for the positive qualities and values your mom has passed down. A tribute depicts specific ways she’s influenced you and the value of her role in your life. It doesn’t have to be long and complicated to be meaningful. My youngest daughter gave me a simple hand-painted message on a canvas board many years ago on Mother’s Day. It says, “For everything I am and hope to become I owe it to you, Mom. Love, Jodi.” Her heart-felt message means far more to me than material gifts I’ve received.
www.ChildrensAL.org/concussion
KNOW what to do in case of suspected concussion
A concussion is an injury caused by a blow to the head in which the brain moves rapidly and may collide with the inside of the skull. Even a minor fall or collision may be of concern, so be alert to symptoms such as headaches, unsteadiness, confusion or other types of abnormal behavior. Any athlete with a suspected concussion: n.....Should be IMMEDIATELY
REMOVED FROM PLAY/ACTIVITY n.....Should be evaluated right away
SPORTS MEDICINE
by a doctor/healthcare professional n.... Should not be left alone n.....Should not drive a motor vehicle
SPORTS MEDICINE
For a Concussion Clinic appointment, call 205.934.1041 In case of medical emergency, call 911 or go directly to your local ER SPORTS MEDICINE
SPORTS MEDICINE
Give time sacrificially My youngest sister lives several states away from our mom, stays busy with a family and a demanding career, but makes time to call, send notes, and plan extended visits to my parents’ house whenever possible. Her priorities show honor and allow special time with Mom to reminisce about years past, make memories with grandchildren, and help Mom adjust to her new stage of life, while convey33
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ing the significant position Mom holds in her life. If you live a distance away your mom, it’s hard to commit to frequent visits, but extended stays provide valuable time together. Giving of our time sacrificially isn’t easy and takes intentional effort.
Walk in humility with her Parenting roles reverse as our moms age, forcing us to assume responsibilities outside the norm. Helping with laundry, going to the store, taking over bill-paying and financial responsibilities, driving her to the doctor, or even becoming a regular caregiver demonstrate ways to walk in humility through the aging process. We also walk in humility when we consider our mom’s opinions on life issues, acknowledging the wisdom they’ve acquired with their gray hair. I Peter 5:5 tells us, “…Be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because ‘God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.’” Decades of life often bring nuggets of wisdom. How you choose to honor your mom will look different than how I honor mine. I have a friend who is losing her mom to cancer and as an only child, would like to dictate aggressive treatment to prolong her mom’s life. Instead, she’s giving her mom the dignity to deny chemotherapy if she chooses, recognizing her mom’s choice means she will have little time left with her on this earth. I recently watched another friend show honor by extending kindness toward her mom’s new husband, although she doesn’t particularly like him. My friend lost her father a few years prior and never expected her mom would marry again so quickly. Accepting someone new into the family has been harder than she expected, but she wants to respect her mom’s decision and has committed to make every effort possible to keep peace in the family. Mother’s Day is the perfect time to show honor and love to your mom, without attaching expectations to her response. If you’re a mom yourself, it’s natural to savor the appreciation you receive and deserve on this special day. As I watch my mom’s last season quickly drawing to a close, I want to show honor and gratitude as often as possible, creating special moments in the process, without regrets in the end. Gayla Grace writes, speaks, and coaches on family and stepfamily issues. She is a wife, mom to three and stepmom to two, ages 16-31. She holds a master’s degree in Psychology and Counseling and founded stepparentingwithgrace.com to offer coaching, resources and other support to stepfamilies. She co-authored Quiet Moments for the Stepmom Soul and resides in Shreveport, LA.
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34
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Congratulations to
Haedyn Kerrigan Leverette Benn winners of the first annual “Share Your Smile Alabama Department of Public photo Health Oral Health Office with Alabama”contest
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To have a winning smile like Haedyn and Kerrigan,
start out young. Have your child’s first dental visit by age one. Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease among children in the United States. Since the mouth is the “gateway” to the body, oral health affects overall health. Schedule a preventive dental visit for children ages 1 to 17 years to help insure: • a healthy mouth • a healthy child • a healthy adult • a healthy life
alabamapublichealth.gov/oralhealth 35
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Adoption Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
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 John Pearse at 303-243-4308 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
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
ROCK SUMMER CAMP
Family Sunshine Center is offering a FREE 8-week program for children ages 4 years old to 6th grade this summer! Schedule a Prevention Educator to come to your center one day a week and present a 30 minute age appropriate lesson with activities on the following topics: Bullying Courage Dependability Forgiveness Honesty Patience Respect Tolerance Self-Control Conflict Resolution
Call 206-2122 or email wfuller@familysunshine.org to schedule the ROCK Summer Camp TODAY!
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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: Church of the Highlands, Montgomery Campus, 4255 Taylor Road Eryn’s Embrace is a child-friendly interactive support group for ages 5 and up to help children heal after a loss. Dates are May 10 and June 14, 4 pm to 5:30 pm. There is no cost involved. Register by calling Erin Camp, 334.657.1871 or email Erynsembrace@gmail.com. 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.
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: 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: 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.
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.
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
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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. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 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.
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.
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 39
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Not as Bad, But Still Not Smart How do you feel about check cashing companies?
Q.
A. I’m not a big fan of check cashing companies. They’re not nearly as bad as payday lenders, but it still seems kind of silly to me there’s even a market for this kind of thing. If you want a place to cash your checks and store your money, all you have to do is walk into a bank and open an account. I realize there’s a small segment of the population that some people in financial circles like to call “the unbanked.” This means that, for whatever reason, they avoid banks. That’s their choice, but in the process, they leave themselves susceptible to bad deals. As I said, I don’t feel the same way about check-cashing companies as I do about payday lenders. But it’s still not a
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May 2018
financially smart move to regularly pay a storefront operation fees just to cash your checks.
Getting Rid of the Car Q. How do you sell a vehicle with a lien amount that’s higher than the actual value of the car? A. First, you need to find a way to cover the difference between the amount of the lien and what you can get for the car. Let’s say the car is worth $12,000, and you owe $15,000. That would leave you $3,000 short. The bank holds the title, so unless you give them the payoff amount of $15,000 you’re not getting the title. The
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easiest and simplest way would be if someone buys the car for $12,000, and you had $3,000 on hand to make up the difference. If you don’t have the money to make up the difference, you could go to a local bank or credit union and borrow the remaining $3,000. I really hate debt, but being $3,000 in the hole is a lot better than being $15,000 in the hole. Then, you could turn around and quickly pay back the $3,000 you borrowed. You’d give the total amount owed to the bank, they would give you the title, and you would sign it over to the new owner. Hope this helps!
make a good choice:
get moving alabama! GET GOING
Getting started with physical activity can be challenging but is possible. If you’re not used to being active, talk with your doctor first. • Find where physical activity fits into your daily routine and make time for it. • Take small steps towards increasing activity. • Start slowly. Change one habit at a time. • Get up and move every hour.
get together
Increasing physical activity is easier and more enjoyable when you’re not alone.
• Find a partner! Whether it’s a friend, co-worker, family member, or someone with similar goals. • Work with your partner to motivate and cheer each other on. • Find an activity that you want to do, not have to do. Choose an activity that’s fun!
• Physical activity is for everybody!
get ENOUGH
Any amount of physical activity is a good start! As your activity increases, remember: • Aerobic activity increases your heart rate and gets you breathing harder like brisk walking or rolling, dancing, and swimming. • Adults need 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day. 10 minutes at a time is fine. • Work all major muscle groups at least 2 times a week. This includes using a stretch band, weight lifting, push ups, and yoga.
get results
Physical activity improves your health by increasing energy, relieving stress, controlling your weight, building strength, and reducing your risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions. • Track your progress. Log what works best for you using tools like a journal, pedometer, calendar, or phone app. • Expect slip ups or setbacks and don’t give up! • Celebrate successes, no matter how small!
• Household chores, gardening, walking your pet, and taking the stairs all count as physical activity too.
What are you waiting for? www.getmovingalabama.org
First Baptist Church Montgomery
SAVE
VACATION
June 18-22
SCHOOL
THE
DATE
9:00 AM to Noon
BIBLE
ages 4* through 6th grade
// FREE!
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO REGISTER VISIT
www.montgomeryfbc.org/vbs montgomery
*Child must have turned 4 by August 31, 2017 to attend VBS.
a
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310