Opioid misuse: Do You Know the Signs? Withdrawing 4. Difficulty from commitments focusing or and activities concentrating 2. Dramatic 5. Changes in mood swings appearance (poor hygiene, 3. Falling asleep weight loss) at inappropriate times (in class, 6. Behavioral markers (stealing money, during lunch) isolating oneself from family and friends)
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RECOVERY ORGANIZATION OF SUPPORT SPECIALISTS (ROSS) 24/7 HELPLINE: 844-307-1760 ALL CALLS ARE CONFIDENTIAL
alabamapublichealth.gov/pharmacy mh.alabama.gov
Volume 21, Issue 2
Feature Articles
MAY 20 1 9 Columns page 2
page 14
Publisher’s Note
Faith @ Work:
Jason Watson
Jere Beasley
page 4
Principal and founder of Beasley Allen Law Firm, Jere Beasley, shares what he believes is most important in life, who has influenced him over the years to live strong in his faith and much more.
Pastor's Perspective Jay Thompson, Cornerstone Christian Church
page 12
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 16
No Guarantees in Parenting
page 18
Find encouragement for parenting intentionally while knowing that ultimately God is in control and loves your child even more than you.
Counselor’s Corner
Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy
by Mark Gregston
page 23
Nicole Ely, LPC, NCC
page 28
page 20
How the Spirit Draws a Child by Bud Burk
While it is God’s work to draw your child, find five “graces” that parents can provide.
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
page 36
Dave $ays Dave Ramsey
In Every Issue page 24
Vacation Bible School Guide
page 6
Books to Read page 8
page 30
Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation by Katie Blair
As Sederick Fluker and S.T.E.P. celebrate 30 years in ministry, find out how the organization has helped the community over the years, plus what’s new and how you can get involved. 1
Around Our Community page 14
Faith @ Work page 32
Support Groups May 2019
River Region’s Journey
Montgom
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Katie Blair Bud Burk Bob Crittenden Nicole Ely, LPC, NCC Mark Gregston Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Pastor Jay Thompson Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
From the Publisher Who doesn’t love a good parenting meme? I just saw one today that said, “The book we really needed was What to Expect 12 Years After You Were Expecting. No doubt! Parenting has it challenges, and I’m thankful that most of the time we can look back on those challenges and either laugh or nod with approval about the good ways they shaped our child. Children and their parents are on a journey together and that’s the way God intended it. God calls us dads and moms to guide and direct our children to learn about the ways of the Lord. Not just the rights and wrongs of this life and universe. Not just the good manners that go along with being a “good Christian”. Most of all, because it’s the bedrock of our beliefs, thought life and morals, we are to guide our children to understand the unconditional redeeming love and grace of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That’s where the power of Christianity lives. Sometimes we wrongly choose to just focus on the morals promoted in the Bible apart from God’s redeeming love and grace. What a mistake that is, and sadly it’s one I’ve made too often. Morals alone are a trap because they make us parents out to be frauds in the way of life we promote. Yes, it’s true, you are not the moral giant your kids think you are, and you know it. Right? We just hope they won’t learn, at least until they’re older, that we don’t always hold to the morals for which we punish them when they disobey. I think the “morals alone” method does a better job of teaching our kids how to not get caught breaking the rules, instead of walking in the love of the Father. The glorious message of Christianity is that the world is broken and we’re broken, but God, through Christ and the Holy Spirit, is the world’s Redeemer and He’s our Redeemer! Someone please shout AMEN! You mean it’s okay to tell our kids we’re broken and fail? Yes! You shouldn’t be promoting your righteousness. Tell them about the only one who is righteous – our Savior King Jesus! And, when you do obey according to God’s will, explain to them that it’s only because of God’s power in you that you are faithful at all. Tell them how we must seek God and place our hope and trust in Him, because apart from Him we are doomed to live in the lies of this world that they call truth. We won’t love others and each other if we first don’t love Him, because He shows us how to love. He is love. It’s the red hot purifying redemption of God in Christ that our kids need to know if they are to ever embrace the abundant life God extends to them now and in the future. From a heart resting in God’s love will flow godliness.
Distribution Manager Charles Silliman
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2019 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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Come Worship with Us! SUNDAY WORSHIP 9:30 a.m.
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.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 11:00 a.m. on Sundays 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
AND DON’T MISS... THE CHRISTCHURCH
SATURDAY, MAY 18 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Silent Auction begins at 9 a.m. | Bidding closes at 1:30 p.m.| Pickup items at 2 p.m.
$12 BBQ Plate Lunch 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
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Pastor’s Perspective Jay Thompson, Cornerstone Christian Church
What Are We Looking For? 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Acts 17:10-12 When you approach God by opening His Word, what are you looking for? Ideally our answer to that question would always be to add to our knowledge and wisdom (the ability to use knowledge properly) and to submit more readily to the will of the Lord Jesus Christ (Ephesians 1:15-23). Perhaps an adjunct to that would be to find Godly answers to life’s issues, but frankly if we did more seeking true knowledge and wisdom in the Scriptures, those things would take care of themselves. Here are some motives that can lurk behind seeking- and they are things we should avoid like the plague: Something to meet what we think is our greatest need- Some men brought
a paralyzed man to Jesus. Instead of healing the paralytic immediately, Jesus commented on their faith and forgave the man his sins (Luke 5:20-25). The scribes and Pharisees were incensed, and Jesus performed the healing as a proof that He had authority to forgive sins. The man’s greatest need was to be right with God, but human perception was that he most needed to walk. On another occasion a bunch of people got their bellies filled with food, and then rejected Jesus when He taught them the hard truths of the gospel (John 6:5-14, 26-66). What they perceived as their “felt need” was far less important than the real need to “hear and learn” from the Father (John 6:45). What’s most important to you? Something to excuse the practice of sin- Grace is a marvelous and blessed thing, but it is not a license to live your life practicing that which God forbids (1 John 1:6-10, 3:4-10). On two recorded occasions Jesus told people He had helped that they must stop sinning. The Greek can translate “sin not hereafter” (John 5:14, 8:11). Believing that claiming grace is a permit to unshackle fleshly lust is a deadly, deadly mistake (Jude 1:4; Hebrews 12:14-17; Galatians 5:13; 1 Peter 2:16). Something to reinforce human tradition- Mark 7:8, 9 gives Jesus’ attitude toward the teachers of His day who lowered the written Word below
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tradition and man’s counterfeit concepts of God. Today our most dangerous “traditions” may be popular books written by “in” authors, movies that swap truth for catchy story lines, pop psychology, selfhelp, Eastern concepts of becoming a little god yourself, or any other distraction from the absolute revealed, nurturing truth of God’s Word (1 Peter 2:1, 2). Something that tickles our fancy, entertains; something novel- When we get bored with the Word of God, we’d better take heed- that’s a little like being bored with air...you have to have it or you’ll die! Yet Paul warns of an attitude that encroaches among Christians in which the priority becomes hearing that which pleases and gratifies their own desires (2 Timothy 4:3, 4). In Revelation 2:8-11 we meet the Smyrna church, characterized by tribulation and poverty. They are encouraged to be “faithful until death”...not much of a show there for a comfort-loving, self-seeking, demanding Christian who sounds more like a spoiled child than a growing conformer to the image of Jesus. Bottom line- God is far less interested in our whining than He is interested in our conforming to the likeness of His Son (Galatians 2:20). If we focus on that, our desire for novelty will fall into proper perspective. So take a personal inventory of your own priorities, and honestly ask yourself - when you approach God by opening His Word, what exactly are you looking for?
Originally from Kansas, Jay Thompson has been the Preaching Minister at Cornerstone Christian Church since 2001. His wife Kelley is a quilter. They have two daughters, Elisa and Meranda. Jay believes in the power of God’s Word to work amazing things in people’s lives, so teaching it is a high priority!
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Competing Spectacles:
When Faith Fails:
Treasuring Christ in the Media Age
Finding God in the Shadow of Doubt
Tony Reinke (2019)
Dominic Done (2019)
We live in an increasingly visual culture. And we are increasingly captivated by the visual – screens, televisions, video games and an endless array of visual stimuli. A visual smorgasbord surrounds us and offers a rich array of pleasures and satisfaction. But do these visual delights (or spectacles) come with a hefty price tag? Tony Reinke examines the visual dilemma in his new book, Competing Spectacles. A spectacle is anything that garners attention from the eye, be it good or evil. Reinke is chiefly concerned with answering one question: “In this ecosystem of digital pictures and fabricated sights and viral moments competing for our attention, how do we spiritually thrive?” Briefly, Reinke diagnoses the problem of spectacles and challenges readers to be aware of the ever-present tension. Indeed, the spectacles in the world lure unsuspecting eyes and promise a full array of benefits, yet in the final analysis, is found wanting. On the other hand, the supreme Spectacle offers eternal joy and pleasure (Ps. 16:11). The most urgent and penetrating aspect of this book concerns those who are bored with Christ and his gospel, a problem that appears to be an epidemic in this media- saturated generation. “In the digital age,” writes the author, “monotony with Christ is the chief warning signal to alert us that the spectacles of this world are suffocating our hearts from the supreme Spectacle of the universe” Reinke adds. Competing Spectacles: Treasuring Christ in the Media Age is a timely book that is thought-provoking and deeply challenging. Reinke’s diagnosis and description of the visual dilemma is clear and sobering. The prescription he offers is convicting and compelling. The prescription for this visual tug-o-war is nothing less than being satisfied with all that God is for us in Christ Jesus. My prayer is that as the Spirit of God educates people through Reinke’s excellent work that they would, in turn, exalt the superior Spectacle, our Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. Then and only then will “the things of earth grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” River Region’s Journey
May 2019
When Faith Fails by Dominic Done is a book that addresses the epidemic of doubt that plagues many people. The author does a good job at surfacing some of the typical objections that followers of Christ deal with, most notably, the authority of Scripture, the interplay between science and historic Christianity, the problem of evil, and the silence of God. Mr. Done encourages readers to get comfortable with uncertainty and challenges them to embrace mystery. Indeed, not everything is certain in life and some things must be accepted by faith. This certainly does not preclude vigorous examination, study, research, and scholarship. Rather, it forces the doubter to trust the word of God and rely on the weighty evidences in Scripture and general revelation. The author pounds the “drum of uncertainty” too loudly for my own personal taste. Yet, the overall emphasis of the book is encouraging as he wrestles honestly with valid questions, which will ultimately point the reader heavenward. When Faith Fails is a good book for young people who find themselves on a path of skepticism. The author is honest and vulnerable about his own doubt, which renders the book credible and worthwhile.
Vulnerable Raleigh Sadler (2019)
Vulnerable: Rethinking Human Trafficking works hard to maintain a commitment to proclaiming the gospel and reaching people by engaging them at every level. The heart of the author is unveiled at the beginning of the book and serves as the general theme of the book: “Jesus Christ motivates vulnerable people, like you and me, to love other vulnerable people for us, to the point of death.” Christ’s vulnerability, then, serves as a supreme example for his people and motivates them to love others. Sadler exposes the trafficking industry and calls Christians to make a difference. His ultimate aim is to once and for all end human trafficking. Vulnerable is filled with stories of people who have been marginalized, manipulated, or trafficked in some way. It is not an easy book to read. The pain and suffering that the author reveals, however, is a reality that Christians must face. The only answer is the saving message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. 6
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Boones Chapel Food Truck Fest 2019
May 15, from 5 to 9 pm Come and join us for an evening of fun, games and great food. The event is free to attend, but bring money for the food trucks. We have a great roster of food trucks joining us from Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery and Auburn. There will be three legged races, potato sack races and face painting among other fun family activities. Visit www.booneschapel.org.
Email your ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
Family Faith Night with the Biscuits
Faith Radio invites you to attend Family Faith Night with the Montgomery Biscuits on Saturday, May 11, at Riverwalk Stadium. A pre-game concert with Christian musical artist Josh Gilbert begins at 4:45 p.m. Bring your church group and honor your pastor or youth minister!
t u o b a l l a s ’ t I
• Riding - English, Western, and Jumping • Swimming • Heated Pool • Ropes Course • Climbing Tower • Outdoor Nature Skills • Sports • Soccer • Basketball
winning, d r a w a n a n o t u Don’t miss o mp for your a c d e r te n e c tis r Ch mmer! daughter this Su On Top of Lookout Mountain in Historic Mentone, Alabama
Best of Parenting WINNER 10
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Susan & Larry Hooks, Owners & Directors Donna Bares, Assistant Director
800-882-0722 www.riverviewcamp.com
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• Beach Volleyball • Tennis • Canoeing • Golf • Archery • Gymnastics • Cheerleading • Dance • Chorus • Drama • Arts & Crafts • CIT Program • Campfires every night • Optional trips & more!
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY! Choose from 1- and 2-week Sessions and Mother-Daughter Weekends!
Sa t & w
ht
Ignite - Ladies’ Night Out - Millbrook
Friday, May 17, 7:00 PM Doors open at 6:15 PM Beautiful Warriors will be having its Ignite - Ladies’ Night Out on Friday, May 17, at 7:00 p.m. with featured speaker Joannie Garner and special music by Donella Crusoe at Millbrook Theatre. Registration may be calling 322-1042.
Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run to Benefit Agape
Agape of Central Alabama’s 9th Annual Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run will be held Saturday, May 11. The race will take place at the Vaughn Park Church and will continue through the Vaughn Meadows community. All proceeds from the Run for a Mom 5K & Fun Run will directly benefit Agape of Central Alabama and its mission to support women, children and families through foster care, adoption, and crisis pregnancy counseling. Registration is now open at www.runforamom.org.
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Christchurch Annual Bazaar
Saturday, May 18, 9:00 AM 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Christchurch in Montgomery will be having its Annual Bazaar for missions from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. There will be a silent auction, BBQ lunch, bake sale, and outdoor music. Lunch tickets can be purchased by calling the church office at 334-387-0566.
The Gridiron Men’s Conference
The Gridiron Men’s Conference will be on Friday and Saturday, June 14 and 15, at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC in Birmingham. Friday’s session will be from 7:00 p.m until 10:00 p.m. and Saturday’s session will be from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Featured speakers will be Tony Evans, James Merritt, Michael Jr., Jake Olson, and Phil Waldrep. Music will be provided by Charles Billingsley and Josh Turner. Register online at www.gridironmen.org or call 1-800-374-1550.
t a O i r B l t a a t s t t w i b
C C c h G a c f H d F b m T t f l S e
G s a o o f f a C o c d t
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant
theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.
The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.
SHE ONCE BUILT A FORT SO LARGE, THAT IT UTILIZED EVERY BLANKET, TOWEL, AND CHAIR IN THE WHOLE HOUSE.
CHILDREN A M A Z E U S E V E R Y D AY
and at Children’s of Alabama, we want to see every child grow up and live to their fullest potential. That’s why we recruit, train and retain the most inquiring minds, the most skilled hands and the most compassionate hearts in pediatric medicine. 1 6 0 0 7 T H AV E N U E S O U T H B I R M I N G H A M , A L 3 5 2 3 3
(205) 638-9100
ChildrensAL.org
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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Curiosity, Gizmo and the Clothes Dryer Gizmo was an orange-and-white tomcat that my friend picked up at a barn. This feline never saw a situation that he did not want to investigate, frequently at great risk. You might say he was a poster child for the saying, “Curiosity killed a cat.” One day, Gizmo slipped into the laundry room as my friend was washing clothes. The lady took clothes from the washer, turned around, and put them in the front-load dryer. She turned around again and repeated this action until all the wet clothes were in the dryer. Then she turned the dryer on and went into another room.
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Suddenly she heard a thump, thump, thump coming from the clothes dryer. She rushed over, cut off the dryer, and opened the door. Out crawled Gizmo, wet, dizzy, and disoriented. He staggered into the den and sat down, keeping his back to his owner. He spent the rest of the day in self-imposed isolation, wanting nothing to do with that human creature. Gizmo was offended. We chuckle when we tell that story, but I think it contains a lesson for all of us. Through his actions, it is obvious that Gizmo blamed someone else for his terrifying experience. From his perspective he had done nothing wrong. He just jumped into a dark hole to see what was in there. What’s wrong with investigating things? That’s how we learn, right? We excuse Gizmo for his lack of critical thinking; he was just a cat. But what about us? Do we tend to blame others when our actions create a mess? Are we so proud that we cannot admit our fault, or do we really believe we can do no wrong? Consider Man’s long history of blaming other people. When questioned about his sin, the first man on the planet blamed his wife for his own disobedience. Then Adam decided to extend the guilt to God by saying, “The woman you put here with me –– she gave me some fruit from the tree, and I ate it,” (Genesis 3:12) NIV. 12
Eve didn’t want to be held responsible either, so she blamed the serpent. If there had been someone else around, I suppose they would have been blamed after that. None of us wants to be admit our sin. But that is where we lose out. Because, until we confess our guilt, there is no way we can find forgiveness. In the Bible, the Apostle John writes, “If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us of all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives,” (1 John 1:8-10) NIV. How can you correct a problem until you admit that you have a problem? But it takes humility. It takes realizing that all of us make mistakes and commit sins every day, especially when we decide to “experiment” with something. Gizmo got bored and decided to leap into the unknown. Many of us do the same. Although teens are known for risky behavior, they aren’t the only ones. The lure of adrenaline and exhilaration leads many to experiment with all kinds of forbidden fruit, legal and illegal. After he was rescued, Gizmo sulked for the rest of the day. Had he been human, we might say he was being childish or immature. Aren’t most of us like that when we are found out? But we are not cats; we have a choice. We are created in the image of God. We can turn to Him, confess our sin, repent, and seek His forgiveness. He gives His children new life in Christ. We can shed our shame, remorse, and regret, then turn around to show our gratitude by seeking to please the Father. And the next time the dryer door, or some other temptation of the unknown, stands open to us, we can patiently wait for God’s guidance instead of pouncing into it. In Christ, things are forbidden for a reason. Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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Summer at the Prattville YMCA Day Camp • Sports Camps • Pools • Family Fun
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prattvilleymca.org • (334) 358-YMCA
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Frazer VBS 2019 JULY 8-11. 9AM–Noon. 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in Montgomery Rising K4-6th Grades. Register at frazer.church/vbs
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I can say without reservation that I still miss her today. RRJ: What caused you to come back into a walk with the Lord after several years of distance? JB: I would have to give the credit for my renewed walk with my Lord and Savior to my wife Sara who had all of the same love of Jesus that my mother had. RRJ: After the Alabama gubernatorial race of 1978, you found yourself at what seemed like a crossroads. How did your faith in the Lord carry you through that difficult time? JB: After I lost to governor’s race in 1978, I was without a job and deeply in debt. It was definitely a crossroads in my life. I can say without reservation that I was not concerned because I knew that God would carry me through whatever faced me. Sara and I prayed for direction and the Lord answered. RRJ: How is your calling to live for God’s glory a part of your work?
RRJ: You knew the Lord at an early age due to your mother’s influence. How did she instill a faith in Jesus in you and your brother? JB: My mother, Florence Camp Beasley, instilled a faith in Jesus in me and also in my brother Billy by example. Her walk on this earth, while relatively short, was that of a person who truly loved Jesus and lived out the Greatest Commandment daily. RRJ: Your mother’s death when you were 15 years old obviously had an impact on you. How did that loss affect you in your young life? JB: My mother’s death when I was only 15 years old was devastating. It took a very long time to get over the initial shock. River Region’s Journey
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JB: My work at Beasley Allen helps me to carry out my responsibility as a member of God’s ministry team. Our purpose at the law firm is to help people who badly need our help and who without it would be virtually defenseless. RRJ: What do you feel is the most important thing in sharing your faith with others, especially non-believers? JB: It is the responsibility of any believer to share his or her faith with others. We must do this without being overbearing or judgmental. My good friend John Ed Mathison says that we should not waste any of our limited time on this earth and we should utilize our time well. I totally agree with him. RRJ: What would you say is the meaning of life?
JB: To say what the meaning of life is depends on lots of factors. I would say that living a life that honors and glorifies God gives true meaning to our life. At life’s end, to hear “Well done, my good and faithful servant” would mean we have had a good life. RRJ: You mentioned some great advice that you have given young attorneys in your firm. Can you share that with our readers? JB: My advice to the young lawyers in our firm has consistently been that they should establish priorities in their life. My recommendation is that they put God first, family next and the law firm third in the order of priorities. If we put God first, the other two will be in good shape and things will work out well. RRJ: In your walk with the Lord, what are some tools and/or resources that are vital in keeping your faith strong? JB: Having folks like John Ed Mathison, Cecil Spear, Walter Albritton, Chaplain Sam Ed Spence and Jay Wolf in my life has been most helpful. All of these men are “writers” for the “Todays” that we send out each week. They have been a tremendous influence in my life. RRJ: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them? Jere: All Christians will struggle on occasion to live their faith and that’s because Satan will never give up on trying to destroy our relationship with the Lord. The good news is that Satan loses this battle. Praise the Lord!
Mr. Jere Beasley is Principal and Founder, Beasley Allen Law Firm. He has been married to Sara for 60 years and they have 3 children and 6 grandchildren. The Beasleys are active members of Saint James UMC.
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4/3/19 8:55 PM
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by Mark Gregston
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Thinking that anything a parent can say, do, or offer to their children as they grow up will guarantee a smooth and trouble-free adolescence is just plain wrong. I’ve learned that there are no such guarantees in parenting.
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Stuff happens in the teen years that is out of a parent’s control, even if you do everything right. Raising one “angelic” teenager can lead one to think you have found the right formula, right up until you see your next child go down a completely different path. Welcome to the real world — a world where God gives each child a free will. One parent wrote me saying, “We’ve done everything right. We took our son to church, raised him in a Christian home, sent him to a great Christian school, home-schooled for a few years, have taken him on mission trips and poured our life into him. What has gone wrong? How can he reject all that we’ve taught, and all that we’ve been striving for?” These parents raised their teen in the church and taught him good and strong values. Then one day he decided that those things no longer worked for him, so he started “trying on” other values – values of his peer group. He was not interested in how his behavior made his parents feel. He was “in control.” He acted as he chose to act. Every trick in their parenting bag failed. Their arsenal was empty. Did they do everything right? Possibly.
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No parent is perfect, nor is perfection the answer, for even though God is perfect He still had a couple of rebellious kids. Pain and stress comes when a child has chosen poorly and is clearly heading down the wrong path in life. This is not just when their choices are self-destructive — drugs, alcohol, sexual promiscuity, etc. — but also when they abandon their faith or decide after years of hard work, that college no longer matters. When your teen is struggling to discover his or her identity in a quest to become independent, it can be an extremely frustrating and painful process for all involved. But it helps us better understand how God must feel when He see His children fail. No parent is perfect, nor is perfection the answer, for even though God is perfect He still had a couple of rebellious kids. So, it’s not always about the parents, and it’s not always about how a teen is raised. It’s all about your child and his God-given gift of individuality and free will, which will be fully exercised during adolescence. I’m sure you laid a firm foundation for your teen. You did a great job! You did such a great job that your teen feels capable of creating his own immature views. It may not seem like it now, but that is a very good thing. It’s how a teen matures into a well-grounded adult, who contributes positively to this world. It’s how they stretch their wings and prepare to fly. Sometimes these “first flights” are hard for parents to experience, especially when they typically involve several failed attempts. The important thing is to be there when your wounded teen wobbles back to the nest; to offer encouragement for a stronger and more skilled flight the next time around. Being a parent of a teenager can be hard work. There is emotional pain and even feelings of betrayal when your child gets off track in the adolescent years. But I know this — it makes us parents spend a lot more time on our knees! Therefore, the process is worthwhile. For in our journey, no matter how bumpy the turbulence, we may learn what God is trying to teach us as well. My recommendation for most Christian homes is to loosen your grip, and let go of the rope, just a little. Allow your teen some healthy freedoms, and open the doors of your heart and mind to trusting God a little more, and a self-made, isolated existence a little less. It is tough to trust God this way, and even tougher to watch your teen navigate the rough waters of today’s evils. But by the grace of God and the wisdom of parents willing to take their parenting to a level that is more effective – it can be done.
Mark Gregston is an author, speaker, radio host, and the founder and director of Heartlight, a residential counseling center for struggling teens located in Longview, Texas. He has been married to his wife, Jan, for 40 years, has two kids, and four grandkids. He lives in Longview, Texas, with the Heartlight staff, 60 high school kids, 25 horses, his dog, Stitch, two llamas, and a prized donkey named Toy.
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Starting Afresh: How to Get Back Up After a Set Back Spring is one of the happiest times of the year for me. The daffodils begin to pop their heads up through the ground to drink in the increasing sunshine. The trees bear flowers that announce the beautiful green leaves that will follow. Spring speaks of change, new life, and possibilities that have yet to be realized. Many women have faced a long personal winter this past year. Perhaps, you have experienced a marriage that has failed, the guilt of not doing your best mothering your children, or a career possibility that went sour. No matter what your winter has been, you can spring back with God’s help. “And he who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” (Revelation 21:5 ESV)
Creating a New Beginning Our troubling winters can be caused in part by our own behaviors or attitudes. We need to confess anything that we have done to cause our struggles. True repentance erases our fault in the situation because Jesus’ blood is all-inclusive. We can get up and find a beautiful blank page for us to fill. Look to God for your new beginning so you don’t fall into any traps you may have fallen into in the past. Allow divine revelation and direction to create dreams River Region’s Journey
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that have the ability to become reality. For example, you may want to take a personal retreat to spend time mapping steps toward a more peaceful household. “Though your beginning was insignificant, yet your end will increase greatly.” (Job 8:7 NASB)
Reboot Close down the old habits and take a break. Just as a computer needs to shut down to put its circuitry in order, we need to take mental and emotional breaks from those situations that plague us. Take an assessment of where you are currently. Score your activities and relationships as either being positive (feeding your attitude positively and giving you hope and a future) versus those that are negative (tiring you out physically, emotionally, and spiritually). Sometimes what have been positives in our lives can become negatives over time. Be honest with yourself about the effects of what activities you do, the responsibilities you have, and the people you deal with on a daily basis. Once you make your assessment, you can cut out the negative items completely, or find ways to change them to become positive. For example, if you hate to cook dinner, why is that true? Is it because you do not like to cook or is it because you are 18
tired at the end of the day? Research how you can prepare dinners on the weekend so during the week you just heat and serve. “Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 ESV)
Ignite a Spark When we start something new, we can become overwhelmed by the final goal, feeling it is unattainable. Remember that a bonfire only needs a small spark to create its flames. You just need to take one step forward and praise God for the strength to take that step. Then work toward the next step, and so on. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NKJV) As you look to spring as a jumping off point toward your future, there may be some aspects of your life that have died and you cannot restore. Acknowledging these can often bring undue guilt or regrets. However God, in His infinite wisdom and goodness, has promised that He can bring good out of loss. He can recycle what you see as waste into matchless blessings to your life. “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.” (Joel 2:25 ESV) Woman of God, you are not bound to stay in a personal winter. You are a beautiful flower, growing, blessing others, and bound for greatness! Enjoy your spring.
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A child’s young life is filled with new experiences. There are those firsts, like the first taste of ice cream or the first sight of an ocean. There are special memories, like a fifth birthday or skating on a frozen lake. There are many new discoveries, like visiting the zoo or learning how to read. This fleeting season is like a passing breeze in the evening compared to the rest of a child’s life, but it is precious to form their young spirits. These weeks and months are rich with the potential for spiritual formation. As a pastor for family discipleship and children’s ministries, I see how open children’s hearts often are, with a kind of eagerness to learn that is distinct to childhood. Our part as parents is to nurture their hearts toward Christ through prayer, God’s word, and patient love, while trusting the Spirit to minister to them as only he can. We cannot change our children’s hearts. But we can welcome the Spirit’s work as we join him in exalting the name of Jesus Christ in our homes.
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How God Moves Before Conversion
Picture five draft horses harnessed together, steadily pulling a plow. Those five strong horses represent five graces that I have seen the Spirit often use to draw souls to Jesus. When applied to children, these graces can patiently nurture and till the soil of a child’s heart, even before regeneration. I have given these five graces names: drawing grace, leading grace, understanding grace, displaying grace, and payingattention grace. Each grace has a distinct theme, with some overlap, and each is filled with extraordinary potential.
Drawing Grace
Jesus says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him... It is the Spirit who gives life” (John 6:44, 63). The theme of drawing grace is life in Jesus. What are the various ways the Spirit may draw, one step at a time, a young soul closer to Christ? Every moment of a child’s life, every situation and relationship, can become a place where the Spirit is moving. He does not wait to tend to a heart at the point of regeneration. Consider the following as examples of the countless ways he uses “the normal” in our children’s lives:
• A mother’s song overheard by a child in the womb • A warm embrace by dad as he prays a blessing on a second birthday • Overheard confession and forgiveness between a mom and a dad • The winsome heralding of a preacher on Sunday morning • Simple prayers offered by grandparents over their grandchildren • A kind word from a Sunday school teacher The Spirit is often on the move in the normal routines of a child’s life, even before regeneration. We have the privilege of being alert to this daily Spirit-wrought work, which will lead us to join Paul in learning to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Drawing grace calls us to live and pray by the Spirit in the familiar and mundane.
Leading Grace
Paul says, “Do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Romans 2:4) The theme of leading grace is the kindness of God — kindness that is intended to bring the gift of repentance (2 Timothy 2:25). Let us ask the Father in Jesus’s name
for such a gift, and then with his help guide our children in a way that is in step with his leading. As we lead our children with kindness, especially during moments of merciful correction, we can cultivate the spiritual formation of our children before regeneration. May we see discipline through this lens and foster a home environment of kindness, patience, and love.
Understanding Grace
Again, Paul writes: Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God...The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Corinthians 2:12, 14) The theme of understanding grace is teaching our children the Bible and praying for the Spirit to press down God’s word into their hearts and minds — especially the great truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. We can get children to speak and repeat truth, which is good, but only the Spirit can transform our children to trust truth and love truth — to trust and love Truth himself. So, we teach children the Bible patiently and prayerfully.
VBS | June 24 - 28 fbcprattville.org/vbs 21
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Paying-Attention Grace
Displaying Grace
Displaying grace revels in beholding the patience of Christ toward sinners. Paul writes, “I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (1 Timothy 1:16). Paul’s use of the word were emphasizes the pre-regenerating work of the Spirit. Paul received mercy so that future believers would see that mercy and then go on to receive mercy. How we as parents, grandparents, and fruit-bearing servants among children should love this special grace! As Paul personally recounts God’s mercy upon him in Christ, his heart overflows: “To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen” (1 Timothy 1:17). Displaying grace especially works through parents who are being recaptured by the wonder of this good news by rehearsing it and calling it to mind. As they do, they will sing not only with their voices but with the countenance of their hearts while young ears listen in and young eyes watch. As our children see God’s mercy displayed in us, the Spirit can stir up in them a yearning to receive the same mercy.
Luke writes, “One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul” (Acts 16:14). This is the climactic grace, the grace which all the previous heart-cultivating graces have been striving for. In a moment, the Spirit finally opens the hearts of our children to pay attention to the gospel in a different way than they have previously — and there is life. Some moments create a special opportunity for God to give this paying-attention grace. We don’t put all of our hope in these specific moments, and with God’s help we will not despair when these do not turn out as we hoped, but it seems fitting to consider them from time to time. Times that may stir up this kind of conversation include: • A Good Friday or Resurrection Sunday service • A funeral or memorial service • Christmas morning • An unexpected moment of fear or suffering, such as an accident or the diagnosis of cancer • A memorable sermon on a Sunday • A family worship time that is moving
Show Them Christ
We can ask God for help to be alert to what the Spirit is doing in our children’s lives, and be on the lookout for those five horses tilling the soil of the hearts of our children and grandchildren. Maybe you’re thinking, “I haven’t seen any of these graces in my son or daughter,” and your heart is heavy. Perhaps you have a child who is already 10, or 25. What would I say to you? First, I would remind you that Jesus is moved by your hurting heart, and your Father knows your cries even before you pray them (Matthew 6:8). Second, remember that the best of parents cannot make one soul live. This is not a responsibility designed for us. It is easier for parents of the 10-year-old to fall into this trap, so let us learn from the parents of the 25-year-old. It is likely that these parents have learned their inability to give spiritual life. We will find freedom when we yield to the Spirit the work that he alone can do. Third, keep praying to the Father in Jesus’s name, and hope through tears. Whether it’s a 10-year-old or a 25-year-old, love them during this season in obvious ways, and patiently keep pointing them to Christ, who is supreme in love. Bud Burk is pastor for children and family discipleship at Bethlehem Baptist Church.
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Stress & How to Deal With It
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Studies show that stress levels, in general, are on the rise in America, with 77 percent of people reporting that they experience physical or psychological symptoms of stress! It is important to take a moment to look closer at stress in general and what may be stressing us out. The ever-increasing pace of life, the demands placed on us as we work longer, with less ability to leave work at the office, only to come home and confront a relentless 24-hour news cycle that bombards us with negativity... these things are stressful! What can we do about it? Well, first, we need to understand what stress is, and how it can impact us. Stress is our mind and body’s natural response to overwhelming stimuli. It’s an automatic reaction to a situation that we feel may threaten us in some way. Not all stress is bad. A stress response to any situation is important to pay attention to. It might save your life. The stress that tells you to MOVE when you see a speeding car coming your way is good. Stress, particularly the “fight or flight” response mechanism that God has created us with, can be a benefit when it causes us to focus, to grit our teeth, and to get through a tough situation. But, too much stress, for too long, has harmful impacts on us as well. Our bodies become tired, worn down, and our minds
begin to develop poor neurological pathways that keep us feeling trapped in the same cycles of stress over and over! To cut the impact that negative stress can have on us, we need to develop good preventative skills over time. The first skill we need to develop is the ability to stay calm and not panic when we realize that we’re feeling stressed. Feeling stressed is a part of life. Understanding that in this fallen world, we will be overwhelmed, and worried, and even scared, can help us better process those emotions when they do come. Jesus told His disciples “I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33, NIV, emphasis mine) Too often, before we can even bring our positive coping skills to bear, we’re already worried about the feeling of stress itself, and its ability to shut us down. It’s critical to remember that feeling stressed doesn’t mean we’re a failure, or defective in some way, it’s a signal that we need to pause and focus on the factors that could be causing the feeling of stress. One of the best things we can do when we’re feeling stressed out is to reach out to our support system. This can be friends, family, or a church community. When we begin to develop a network of people who love us and support us through the hard times, the more resilient we will be. 23
But reaching out and talking to somebody we love is not the only thing we can do during stressful times. You can contact a counselor for help to learn coping skills like: - Meditation - Prayer - Yoga - Listening to worship music - Acts of service Each and every one of these skills, developed over time, can be a potent tool to overcome stress and prevent it from overwhelming you. In the end, our response as Christians to the stress we encounter in daily life is so much more important than whether or not we feel stressed. Feeling stress is just as much a part of life as breathing (another great coping skill, by the way!) but we need to remember the words of the Apostle James who said to “consider it a sheer gift, friends, when tests and challenges come at you from all sides. You know that under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors. So don’t try to get out of anything prematurely. Let it do its work so you become mature and well-developed, not deficient in any way.” (James 1:2-3, MSG)
Nicole has over 13 years of experience as a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor. Her specialty areas including helping those that struggle with depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, and relationship issues. Nicole was born and raised in St. Louis, MO but has lived in several different places since marrying her husband who works in the Air Force. This unique life experience has also provided her with the opportunity to help many military families and children as well.
May 2019
River Region’s Journey
Gateway Baptist Church ad on page 35 3300 Bell Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 24-28, 9 am- Noon Ages: Completed 1st through completed 5th Call 272.9494 to register.
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Glynwood Baptist Church ad on page 9 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Into the Wild June 2-6, 5:45-8:30 pm Ages: 4 through grade 6 For more info and to preregister, go to www.glynwoodbc.com or call 361.9180.
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Vacation
Bible Schools Blue Ridge Baptist ad on page 22 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd, Wetumpka In the Wild July 14-18, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 21 at 6:30 p.m. Call 567.4325.
Cornerstone Christian Church ad on page 4 301 Dalraida Road, Montgomery Shipwrecked: Rescued by Jesus June 9-13 in the evenings from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 273-8595.
First Baptist Church ad on Back Cover 305 South Perry Street, Montgomery In the Wild June 17-21, 9 a.m. to Noon You can register at www. MontgomeryFBC.org or call 834.6310 for more information. River Region’s Journey
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Heritage Baptist Church
First Baptist Prattville ad on page 21 138 S. Washington Street, Prattville In the Wild June 24-28, 8:30 to noon Ages: 3 years - 6th Grade. Children must be 3 years old by September 2 to attend. For more information and/or to register visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.
First Presbyterian Church ad on page 12 211 S. Chestnut St, Prattville The Incredible Race June 4-6, 6-8 p.m. Ages: 4 years old through entering 6th grade Call 365.6387.
Frazer Memorial UMC ad on page 25 6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Power Up July 8-11; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Rising K4 year oldsFinishing 5th grade Call 272.8622. 24
ad on page 36 1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 24-28, 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m. Complete 4K - 5th grade Call 279.9976.
Saint James UMC ad on page 7 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery ROAR June 10-12, 9 to Noon Ages: K5-5th grade Call 277.3037.
Aldersgate United Methodist Church
6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery WinShape Camp, June 10-14 Cost: $219 (scholarships available) Incredible adventure where we combine sports, recreation, arts, Bible study and worship! Ages: Completed Grades 1st-8th Register at www.aldersgateumc.org or call 272.6152.
Autauga Heights Baptist Church Will be held in the Pratt City Park Theme: Meet the Master Builder: Everything is Awesome with Jesus! July 8-12, 9-11:30 a.m. Ages: 4 years – 6th grade Call (334) 322.3222 for info.
Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. Fourth Street, Prattville Prophets of Old June 1, 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.
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Ages: Preschool – K; Grades 1-6 Registration Information: 334-365-5213 (church) or 334-546-5755 (Patsy).
Camellia Baptist Church
201 Woodvale Road, Prattville In the Wild June 2-6. Kickoff June 2 at 4 p.m. and the rest of the week from 6-830 p.m. Ages: 3 year - 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register at www.camelliabaptist.com. Call 365.0231.
Dalraida Baptist Church
3838 Wares Ferry Rd., Montgomery In the Wild June 3-7, 9 a.m. – Noon Ages: Kindergarten through 6th grade Call 272.2412.
Eastern Hills Baptist Church
Capitol Heights Baptist Church
3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 3-7, 8:30 – Noon Ages: 4 years (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or www.ehbconline.com.
Century Church
1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville The Incredible Race June 17-21, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years through 8th grade Call 365.7500.
2514 Madison Avenue, Montgomery In the Wilds June 3-8, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years old by Sept. 1 to 6th grade. Call 264.6461.
500 Avenue of Learning, Pike Road Elementary School Power Up: Raise Your Game July 15-18, 6-8 p.m. Ages: Rising Pre K4 – Rising 6th grade Please call (334) 801.9080 for information.
Church of the Highlands
4255 Taylor Road, Montgomery Summer Blast June 24-26, 8:15 a.m. to Noon Ages: Entering K in the fall through 6th grade. Please visit www.churchofthehighlands.com.
East Memorial Baptist Church
Eastmont Baptist Church
4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery The Incredible Race June 10-14; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 year - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277.6300.
Elizabeth Baptist Church
15627 Troy Highway, Mathews On Safari with God: Proverbs 27:1 July 29-31, 6– 8 p.m. Ages: 3 – adults included. Dinner provided. Please call 281.4506.
Evangel Church
3975 Vaughn Road, Montgomery July 8-12, 6-9 p.m. Ages: Grades K-5th grade Call 272.4882 ext. 107.
First Baptist Church, Wetumpka 205 W. Bridge Street Roar: Life is Wild, God is Good June 17-21, 5:30– 8 p.m. Ages: K-6th grade. Call 567.5191.
First Christian Church
1705 Taylor Road ROAR June 7-9, 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 for more information, 270.1320 www.fccmontgomery.org.
First UMC, Montgomery 2416 W. Cloverdale Park Theme: To VBS and Beyond June 10-14; 9 a.m. until noon Ages: 3 through 5th grade. Call 834.8990.
First UMC, Prattville 100 E. Fourth Street ROAR
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June 17-21, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 365.5977.
Fountain City Baptist 492 East Main Street, Prattville The Incredible Race June 23-27; 6 - 8 p.m. Ages: 4 years to 12 years old. Call 365.2034.
Grace Presbyterian Church 5 Bell Road, Montgomery “Let’s Celebrate” Creative Arts Camp June 3-7, 8:45 a.m. until 1 pm. Drama, Singing, Creative Movement & Art Ages: 6 years to entering 6th graders. Registration deadline is May 23rd. Please call 272.4930 or visit www.discovergrace.org.
GracePointe Church 1565 Ray Thorington Road June 9-13, 6-8:30 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 In the Wild
July 14-18, 5:45 until 8:30 p.m. Ages: K4 - 6th Grade (grade completed) Email: hbc@connecthbc.com or (334) 548.2620.
Heritage Baptist, Prattville
1357 S. Memorial Drive In the Wild June 9-13, 6-8:30 p.m. K3 through completion of 6th grade Call 365-2372.
His Vessels Ministry, Montgomery Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Patriot Camp (Teaching children about the founding of our nation) June 4-7, 9 a.m. until noon Ages: 6 – 12; Cost is $22 per child. Call 334-356-4478 or email info@hisvessel.org.
Holy Spirit Catholic Church 8570 Vaughn Road, Montgomery ROAR July 22-26, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Entering Preschool – rising 5th grade Call 277.1989 or register online at www.holyspiritmgm.org.
Lakeview Baptist Church 9225 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery In the Wild, Dates: TBA Ages: 4 years old thru entering 6th grade Call 213.3080.
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
Landmark Church 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery Armor or God June 23-26, 6 - 8 p.m. Ages: Nursery through adults Call 277.5800.
Metropolitan UMC
3108 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Montgomery Who-o-o-sh - Take Flight to Where God Leads You July 10, 11, 12 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. (Dinner at 5:00 p.m.) All ages are welcome! Call 263-0950.
Millbrook Presbyterian (PCA) 3480 Main Street, Millbrook The Incredible Race: One Family, One Race, One Savior June 17-21; 5:30-8 p.m. Ages: Entering K5 thru 5th grade For registration, call 285-4031.
Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, Montgomery ROAR June 3-7, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304.
Mountain View Baptist
1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Into the Wild June 10-14, 8 - Noon
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen River Region’s Journey
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Ages: Completed K5 through 6th grade Call (334) 567.4458.
Mulder UMC
3454 Firetower Road ~ Wetumpka To Mars and Beyond June 9-12; 6 – 8 p.m. For more info please call 567.4225.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist
1550 East Washington Street, Montgomery On Safari: Managing what Belongs to God June 17-21, 5 – 8:30 p.m. Please call 265-1807 for more information.
Redland Baptist Church
1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka The Incredible Race June 16-19, 6-8 p.m. Super served at 5:30 Ages: 5 (by Sept. 1) to graduated 5th grade. Please call 567.8649.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church
5260 Vaughn Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 3-7, 5:25 - 8:30 p.m. Ages: 4 to completed the 6th grade. Visit rbcmontgomery.com or call 277.0011.
Taylor Road Baptist Church
1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery Into the Wild July 17-21, 8:30 a.m. to Noon For children who have completed K5 through 5th grade. Call 271.3363.
Thelma Baptist VBS
810 Weoka Road, Wetumpka Basic Elements with Jesus June 10-14; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed K5 through 6th. Register online @ www.tlifeonline.com or call 567-3665.
Thorington Road Baptist
450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 2-6; 6 - 8:30 p.m. Ages: K5 yrs. to 5th grade. Call 396.9376.
Adult classes will be available. Please call 386.7320 or visit www.ucoc.org.
Vaughn Forest Church
8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery In the Wild June 3-7; 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Ages: Entering Kindergarten - entering 6th. Registration at www.vaughnforest.com.
Vaughn Park Church of Christ
Trinity Presbyterian Church
3800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery June 23-26, Theme and time TBA For more info contact Carrie Stark at 272.2665.
Trinity UMC, Prattville
2673 Fisk Road, Montgomery Rolling River Rampage June 10-13, 5:30- 8 p.m. Ages: 3 years to 6th grade. Call 281.2467.
University Church of Christ
4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road ROAR June 17-20, 5:30-8 p.m. Ages: 4 years old -6th grade Call 272.7230.
1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Fixer Upper: Wait ‘til you see what God can do! June 3-7, 9 a.m. to Noon. Ages: Pre-K 4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register. 610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville Rolling River Rampage June 9-13, 5 - 8 p.m. Dinner provided for children every night. Call 365.7339. 5315 Atlanta Highway You’ve Got a Friend in Me, Proverbs 17:17a June 23-26 5-6:30 p.m. on Sunday and 6:30-8 p.m. Monday-Wednesday Ages: newborn thru 6th grade
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Whitfield UMC
Woodland UMC
Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road Sports Camp 2019 June 3-7, 9 a.m. until Noon Ages: Kindergarten -6th grade Call 244.1385.
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Montgom
Higher Ed and a Higher Call We are in a special season in which high school graduates are contemplating and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. Recent news developments can prompt the question: what is the price of higher education? For a number of unscrupulous parents, it has become quite a bit more than the sticker price. According to a recent Breakpoint commentary by John Stonestreet, “Parents paid up to $75,000 for someone to take the ACT or SAT for their kids, or in some cases, to bribe test administrators to correct answers after tests were taken.” The commentary continued: And what if, in the hyper-competitive world of elite college admissions, acing standardized tests wasn’t enough? Well, colleges often hold spots open for athletes in certain sports, and for the right price, that very same Edge College & Career Network offered a different service of “bribing college coaches and administrators into designating (your) children as recruited athletes,” even if they never played the sport. Writing for The Stream, Alex Chadiak states: Highly respected and accomplished coaches were bribed. Folks whose jobs it is to ensure the integrity of the SAT were rigging the system to line their pockets. At least one senior athletic department administrator has been fired (USC). Where does it end? And why is anyone willing to pay $1.2 million dollars to say their kid is a star soccer recruit at Yale? A huge question for me is...why? Chadiak writes: There’s the allure of prestige. Of excellence by association. On the part of students and parents in general — across the board, not just among the elite — there’s River Region’s Journey
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a greater desire for a credential than for the education the credential is intended to signify. If it’s about the diploma rather than the learning, why not get the supposedly best diploma money can buy? Chadiak refers to “a study by economists Alan Krueger and Stacy Dale,” in which, “They found that students who achieved test scores and grades high enough to get into an elite university, but who choose a lesser ranked school, did just as well as their peers who attended the elite university.” So, he surmises: It’s the students — not the schools — that makes the difference. Sure, if Yale is full of talented, ambitious students, we’d expect them to do well in life. But their outcomes would have been equally positive had they done their undergraduates elsewhere. I agree with Stonestreet’s emphasis on the purpose of higher education; he stated: Today, “getting on” is the only reason many universities exist. We tell students to go to college so they can get a job, so they can make money, so they can buy stuff, so they can retire, so they can die. There’s no ultimate “why” involved. He contends, “it’s been a long time since many of the courses or degrees that students pay so much for can deliver on the investment, especially given the university’s captivity to progressive ideals and a dismissal of any real debate. Often, students graduate today un-hire-able.” He also mentions that... ...what’s missing is a bigger vision of why we learn, why we stretch our minds, 28
why we explore the unknown, and why we sharpen our skills. That’s what happens when the goal is to get a credential, not become a better person. Stonestreet also touts the opportunity of Christian higher education: “Christianity’s robust vision of what it means to be human, grounded in the idea of our being made in the image of God, has been the most powerful force in history driving the educational impulse and educational innovation.” I would say a principal point to consider would be that we have to recognize the value of education; there should be a means to the end. Ultimately, we should develop character and life skills consistent with the idea of being a lifelong learner. From a Biblical perspective, we should seek to take information, infuse it with Biblical truth, and grow in our life’s calling. Apparently other factors have become involved surrounding education, and it’s driven people to sacrifice their integrity. As Chadiak writes, “Cheaters often get caught. Let’s hope this proves to be a deterrent.” The Bible teaches us to be people of integrity, who center their lives on honesty and character development. We have to be grounded in the truth that nothing is so important for parents or their children that is worth sacrificing their integrity for. Chadiak also hammers the character point: “Where you go to college is not nearly as important as what you do when you’re there, and thereafter. If the best thing you can say about yourself is that you got into Yale, you have a sad life.” He concludes by saying, “So work hard, play by the rules, and trust God…” We can be reminded of Stonestreet’s phrase: the “ultimate ‘why.’”
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May 2019
River Region’s Journey
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by Katie Blair
More than 30 years ago in a room of the iconic Sahara restaurant, located in Montgomery, Alabama, leaders from the community and local churches gathered to hear about an innovative idea to mentor and minister to local youth patterned after a program in Dallas, Texas. The idea was to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ to the people living in at-risk communities. The effort would primarily focus on public housing neighborhoods. Initially seven churches responded and represented the original core of the organization. Those churches were Dexter Avenue-King Memorial Baptist, First United Methodist, Frazer Memorial United Methodist, Memorial Presbyterian, First Baptist,Trinity Presbyterian, Central Baptist, and St. John’s Episcopal. That was in the spring of 1986, and from that first meeting, the group grew to become what is now known as the Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation, which serves communities throughout the River Region. The foundation, which stands for Steps to Elevate People, seeks to serve people spiritually, emotionally, and physically though inner-city missions.
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the plans for the future of S.T.E.P. include expanding programs to serve more schools and communities throughout the county, as well as resurrecting the Academy of Performing Arts programs, which Fluker said previously served well over 1500 youth through ballet and choir.
The philosophy behind S.T.E.P. is that the staff, volunteers, and associated churches move into an at-risk area of the region and work with the people living in that community, while also partnering with various agencies who are providing other services within that community. S.T.E.P. serves as a catalyst for mobilizing various resources in the community such as volunteers, housing authority, schools, churches, police department, resident councils and other helping agencies to come together to work for the common cause of elevating all of God’s children. S.T.E.P. is in the business of helping people over the long haul. And helping people over the long haul is exactly what the foundation has done over the course of 30 years. Executive Director Sederick Fluker says that, in that time, there has been continuous growth through the addition of programs and expanding their partnering with area churches. Over the course of three decades, S.T.E.P. holds an impressive list of accomplishments such as the Academy of Performing Arts, Evangelistic Outreaches, Family Violence Prevention Program, Tutoring Programs, Scholarship Assistance, and Summer Enrichment Programs, as well as mentoring and counseling. Fluker, who has served as executive director since 2010, said that the growth of the foundation has also reflected the changing needs of the community. He shares, “The needs of the community have changed in that there is a strong need for youth mentoring and prevention programs due to the rise of youth violence in our community. When S.T.E.P. was formed in the late 80’s, drugs and drug abuse were prevalent in some communities. However, today the city needs ministries like S.T.E.P. to be on the front lines fighting the growing youth violence that plagues our community.”
Three Ways You Can Get Involved Though no formal commemorative event to mark the 30 year anniversary has been set at this time, Fluker said there are still ways the community can come alongside of the S.T.E.P. Foundation and get involved with the mission of the program and continue the success. “The community can get involved in primarily three ways: Praying, paying and plowing”, Fluker shared. “We can’t be effective in reaching at-risk youth and their families without the prayer support of the community. Secondly, S.T.E.P. would not be able to sustain its critical services to those in need without the financial support of our donors from the community. Lastly, we need the community to plow with us; that is we need a community of volunteers to help us continue to help others. We see the impact daily, and truly the harvest is plentiful, but we need additional volunteers to plow the The Fluker Family inner city missions field with us.” At the heart of the foundation is something the organization believes in called “relational evangelism” where the Gospel is demonstrated through the relationships established between S.T.E.P. staff and volunteers and the individuals being served. Hundreds have come to know the Lord through the evangelistic efforts of S.T.E.P. and its partner churches. Mr. Fluker said that the foundation has had and will continue to leave a positive mark in and around the River Regions area “It’s very humbling to be a part of such a legacy of service to the community. As the foundation reaches 30 years of service to the River Region, it’s staggering to reflect on the profound impact this ministry has made in the lives of at-risk youth, neighborhoods, public schools, housing communities, churches and other non-profit organizations. It almost seems weekly now that I encounter someone who has a S.T.E.P. Story. Whether that individual volunteered with S.T.E.P. or was a beneficiary of one of our programs, there’s always a light of joy on their faces as they tell stories of their involvement with S.T.E.P.” If you would like to know more, donate funds or get involved with Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation, you may contact them at Montgomery S.T.E.P. Foundation, PO Box 193, Montgomery, Alabama 36101-0193 or by phone at (334) 262-3141. You can also visit them on Facebook.
Dream Girls and Boys to Men Unlimited With the growing needs, new programs have been introduced over the years. “Our mentoring and discipleship programs have also grown to consist of Boys to Men Unlimited and the Dream Girls Unlimited Success Mentoring Programs, “ Fluker stated. As the name implies, Dream Girls Unlimited is for girls ages 9-16 and allows the young women to acquire life skills, discover various careers, and receive training on various topics from posiSederick Fluker speaking to students tive women in the commuin the Boys to Men Unlimited Successnity. Likewise, Boys to Men Mentoring Program. Unlimited is a mentoring program for boys ages 9-16 that also provides young men the opportunity to acquire life skills, be introduced to various career fields, and hear from positive men from within the community. Through the continued growth, the program’s longevity has made a profound imprint on the community. According to Fluker, S.T.E.P.’s greatest impact in the community is spreading the Gospel and love of Jesus Christ throughout the community. And they have no plans to quit anytime soon. As long as resources allow,
Katie Blair is a graduate of Auburn University in Montgomery with a degree in Elementary Education. She currently serves as the Director of Children’s Ministries for Aldersgate United Methodist Church. She is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about family life. She resides in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, two children, and their dog, Rosie.
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Adoption Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.
Alcoholic / Addiction Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members. Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. 272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
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Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520 for more information.
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Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christcentered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming
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addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427. Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting. Refreshments are provided. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@ yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net
Divorce
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6350 for more information.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is avail-
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to
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able. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for further information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, Divorce for Kids is available. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Call 279-5433.
Gambling Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.
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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: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 3655977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or
e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.
- 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666.
Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
Mental Health Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Braxton Benefield at 205-937-4848 or Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 for more information.
Parenting Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@ frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800.
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Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174.
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Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com. Location: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:004:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@gmail.com Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6 000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6350 for more info. Location: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:308 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome. Childcare is provided. Please visit www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information. Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com.
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Be Intentional with Your Time Q. As a business owner, how do you find a life balance between work and home? I have my own small business, and sometimes I feel like I’m putting in too much time at the shop and not spending enough time with my husband and kids. A. The idea of everything being in balance, on an everyday basis, is a myth. It’s simply not possible to perfectly juggle every aspect of our lives every single day. The key, I think, is to strive for an overall balance over time. You know first-hand the long hours and how work can interfere with other things if you’re not careful. The
answer lies in really being into whatever you’re doing. When you’re not at your shop or taking care of work-related matters, actively participate in conversations with your spouse and kids—and listen. Spend time with them! Turn off your cell phone when you go on dates with your husband and when you take your kids on outings. When you’re with your family you should really be with them. Then, when you have to work, chances are they won’t be so upset, and you’ll feel better about things, too!
Don’t Go Too Far Q. Our son is 17, and he is in school. He has a good part-time job, and my wife and I started teaching him basic money management at a young age. He understands
the importance of saving, giving, and spending, plus he is setting aside money for technical school after he graduates from high school. Do you think it would be an appropriate real-world exercise if we started charging him a very small amount in rent each month to prepare him for life when he leaves home?
A. I appreciate the fact that you’re looking for teachable moments, but I really think charging a teenager rent while he’s living at home is going too far. Now, if he was 28 or 29, that’d be a different story. But as parents, it’s still your responsibility to provide a home for your 17-year-old child. It sounds like you’ve done a fantastic job already of helping your son grow into a responsible young man. He knows how to work, and he has grasped the basic concepts of managing money. With this kind of start, I’ve got a feeling your kid will be fine. I also think he has a great chance of becoming wealthy some day!
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Join Us for VBS 2019! River Region’s Journey
May 2019
1849 Perry Hill Road | Montgomery, AL 36106 | 334.279.9976 36
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First Baptist Church Montgomery
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305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310