8 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LEAD-SAFE CERTIFIED
RENOVATION CONTRACTOR:
TO HELP
PREVENT:
1. Learning disabilities 2. Behavior issues 3. Diminished motor skills 4. Lower intelligence
Using a lead-safe certified renovation contractor is the law. Home repairs that create even a small amount of lead dust are enough to poison your child and put your family at risk. Make sure you renovate right with a contractor that is Lead-Safe Certified.
5. Hearing loss 6. Brain damage 7. Memory loss 8. Headaches
For more information, visit alabamapublichealth.gov/lead or call 1-800-819-7544
Volume 20, Issue 8
Feature Articles
N OVEMBER 2 0 1 8 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 14
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
Melissa Snowden finds purpose as she gives back to the community through her seat on the MPS School Board and as owner of the Montgomery Junior Cotillion. She shares how her faith in Christ propels her to serve others, what she is looking forward to in her new season of life, and why family means so much.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Dr. Teman Knight, Heritage Baptist Church
page 12
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 16
page 18
Women Arising
Depressed and Thankful
Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 24
The Intersection
by Sarah Reaoch Can these two feelings coexist? Depression certainly doesn’t disappear just because the “joyful” holiday season is upon us. Discover six ways to find joy and thankfulness even in the midst of pain.
Bob Crittenden
page 26
Counselor’s Corner Jessica Fernandez, PhD, LMFT
page 36
page 22
Dave $ays
Christmas Planning Guide
Dave Ramsey
Local churches offer a variety of opportunities for your family to celebrate the true Reason for the Season.
In Every Issue page 6
page 28
Agape of Central Alabama by Angela Hardgrave
Agape’s ministry has been serving families in Alabama for more than 40 years. Learn more about their mission to help vulnerable children find safe, nurturing families, plus discover how you or your church can partner with them to make a difference in the lives of local families. 1
Books to Read page 8
Around Our Community page 14
Faith @ Work page 32
Support Groups November 2018
River Region’s Journey
CCH New
Our Mission... We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.
Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com
Publisher
Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com
Associate Publisher Gena Hill
Research Editor Wendy McCollum
Contributing Writers Bob Crittenden Jessica Fernandez, PhD, LMFT Angela Hardgrave Dr. Teman Knight Dave Ramsey Stacy Reaoch Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702
Digital Manager Scott Davis
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
From the Publisher I recently began using a new one-year Bible app called Read Scripture. I highly recommend it. The use of video introductions alongside each day’s reading makes it an exceptional tool for understanding the flow of God’s story of redemption, wherever you are in His word. I’ve read through the Bible many times, but I was no less moved when I started back over in Genesis with this new plan. In fact, I was incredibly moved by the power and greatness of God and the wretchedness of mankind. After Adam and Eve chose they would decide for themselves what was good and evil by eating God’s forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, both they and their posterity spiraled out of control. There’s not much more reckless than rebellious children who think they know more than the Father. Sadly, that same reckless blood pumps out of my heart, and yours too. I sat in my chair reading Genesis, knowing Adam and Eve are my parents, and that I too think I can decide what is good and evil. Their original sin is our sin and it’s the curse all of mankind is under. God is so good and His creation so beautiful, I sat there frustrated that we humans have always fought God instead of yielding to the freedom of His plans and purposes. Afterall, humans could flourish if we would worship instead of rebel. I want to flourish! Don’t you? Rescue us Father! We need you to intervene! When I finished my first day of reading in Genesis and lowered my head to pray, I was quiet. No words seemed able to create the proper response. But, I wasn’t quiet because of my guilt. I was quiet because God loved humans even after we rebelled. And how could He? There, with Adam and Eve in The Garden, after they chose to go their own way, God promised to fix the problem and even made them better clothes than the leaves they had fashioned for themselves. God CHOSE to love us. God chose to save us. He chose there in the garden. He took it upon Himself to fix our rebellious and wicked hearts. The story continues to unfold through the pages of scripture and eventually we learn that God does intervene when His Son, the Messiah, leaves His place in Heaven and comes to earth to crush the curse of sin. He did what none of us could do. He, 100% of the time, trusted God the Father to decide what was good and evil, obeying His Father. Then, even though He was innocent, Jesus took the punishment we deserve when He was nailed to the cross. Thankfully, the chains of death couldn’t hold the perfect God-man and He burst forth from the grave making a new way of life for all those who place their hope in the resurrected King Jesus! That’s the kind of amazing grace that makes me shake my head in wonder as I pray to God Almighty, maker of Heaven and Earth, and God Redeemer, lover of my soul.
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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CCH New Advent Ad_2018.qxp_Layout 1 10/23/18 11:25 AM Page 1
Please join us as we celebrate
ADVENT
& CHRISTMAS CALENDAR OF EVENTS 1st Sundayof Advent
Service with Holy Eucharist w 9:30 am Sunday, December 2
2nd Sundayof Advent
Service with Holy Eucharist w 9:30 am Sunday, December 9
3rd Sundayof Advent
Service with Holy Eucharist w 9:30 am Sunday, December 16
4th Sundayof Advent
Service with Holy Eucharist w 9:30 am Sunday, December 23
Christmas Eve
Service with Holy Eucharist & Pageant w 4:00 pm Monday, December 24 Service with Holy Eucharist & Incense w 8:00 pm Monday, December 24
Christmas Day
Service with Holy Eucharist w 11am Tuesday, December 25
8800 VAUGHN RD., MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 | CHRISTCHURCHMGM.NET | 334.387.0566 3
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Pastor’s Perspective Dr. Teman Knight, Heritage Baptist Church, Montgomery
Bless the Name of the Lord At this time each year, we pause to say thank you for all of God’s blessings. We sing songs like “10,000 Reasons” and “Count Your Blessings.” But how many of us are really grateful? Too often we want more or we wanted it sooner. Many of us are like the majority of the ungrateful lepers who Jesus healed instead of the one who comes back to say thank you (Luke 17). The Psalmist said in Psalm 103, “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s” (vs 1-5). In other words, we should
praise him for who he is and for everything he has done for us. Praise his holy name. We should begin by just being thankful for God’s character. Sometimes we get so caught up in what God does for us that we forget what is really most important. I spent ten years working on the road as a missionary for the Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions. When I would return home my kids would often greet me with “Daddy, what did you bring me?” My wife would just greet me and say “Honey, I am glad you are home.” She valued me and our relationship, not just what I could give her. Too often we treat God like little kids just selfishly worried about what we are going to get. Forget not all his benefits. While we need to value God and our relationship with him most, we still need to be thankful for all he has done for us. Everything we are, everything we have accomplished, and everything we have is a gift from God. Without him, we can do and we are nothing. The Psalmist then begins to list some of the benefits for which we need to thank God. We should thank him for forgiveness from our sins. Our biggest need in life is to find salvation and forgiveness from our sin. “All of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But while we were in
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rebellion against him, God demonstrated his love by sending his son Jesus Christ to die for us. Because of this great sacrifice, we find forgiveness when we enter into a life changing relationship with Jesus through faith. Through his forgiveness, we can find spiritual and emotional healing. We should thank him for redemption. Through faith in Christ, we also find redemption from the grave. Redemption is the payment of our debt. Because of our sin that debt is death and separation from God, but through a life changing relationship with Jesus, his death on the cross pays that debt. If someone paid off your mortgage or your credit card debt, you would truly be thankful. How much more should we be thankful that God has paid the greatest debt that we would ever owe! We should be thankful for God’s love and compassion. Understanding that the God who created the heavens and the earth loves us is one of the most amazing concepts that has been revealed to humanity. God cares for you and desires to have an everlasting relationship with you. We should thank God for the abundant life he has given us. He satisfies our soul and gives us blessings we do not deserve. Paul says in Ephesians 1:3, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” We should constantly be praising God because he has given us every spiritual blessing we need. Yes, there are more than ten thousand reasons for us to “Bless the name of the LORD.” Dr. Teman Knight is the Pastor of Heritage Baptist Church on Perry Hill Road in Montgomery. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor for New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary extension centers in Birmingham and Montgomery. Teman and his wife Darlana live in Montgomery and have a son and a daughter, plus two incredible grandsons. He can be reached at teman@hbcm.net.
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The Church in Babylon
Spirit-Filled Jesus
Erwin Lutzer (2018)
Mark Driscoll (2018)
These are perilous times, especially for Biblebelieving Christians. We are daily faced with bowing down to an increasingly secularized culture and capitulating our Christian beliefs. Indeed, as one wise writer says, “He who marries the spirit of the age will soon become a widower.” While the zeitgeist beckons us to bow, the call of Christ towers above culture and has transcendent authority over every principality. It is in this context that Dr. Erwin Lutzer seeks to encourage readers in his latest work, The Church in Babylon: Heeding the Call to Be a Light in the Darkness. Lutzer challenges readers to be bold and courageous in these compromised times: “We have to be a church that is, in some ways, repulsive to the world because of our authentic holiness and yet very attractive to the world because of our love and care.” In other words, as Lutzer says, “If we are not distinct from the world, we will have nothing to say to the world.” The Church in Babylon is a multi-layered invitation. It is an invitation to fight. It is an invitation to faithfulness. And it is an invitation to flee from the darkness. When Christians commit themselves to live faithful lives in a postmodern culture, they experience the blessing of God. It is not only a multi-layered invitation; it is a multi-layered challenge. The author challenges readers to stand strong by defending the faith. He urges them to fearlessly proclaim the message of the gospel. This is Erwin Lutzer at his best. His passionate appeal to faithful Christian living will deeply encourage many Christians as they face trials and temptations in contemporary culture. Lutzer’s work would work nicely in an adult Sunday School class and should also be utilized in youth groups.
Some writers have a unique ability to gather a crowd and speak to their needs. Mark Driscoll is such a writer. He has a solid understanding of Scripture. And he has a grasp of people and contemporary culture. As such, he is able to communicate in a way that is both challenging and comforting. Driscoll’s latest book, Spirit-Filled Jesus invites readers to consider the Spirit-filled life of Jesus, which will enable them to live by his power. The author presents Christ in a way that is biblical and balanced. His Christological treatment is also consistent with creedal formulations, which are widely accepted. This treatment is a helpful introduction to new believers or students who are not versed in theology. Driscoll is careful to make direct applications which aim directly at the heart of readers. He does not shy away from confronting sin but in doing so his approach is gracious and understanding. One concern should be noted. First, while the book is solid as mentioned above, much of the work does not focus on the subject at hand, namely, the Spirit-filled Jesus. While the material is useful and biblically consistent, it appears off the beaten path at times. Such an approach is distracting and unhelpful. In the final analysis, Spirit-Filled Jesus will prove helpful to Christians just getting started in the Christian race. It is a basic overview of applied Christology and Pneumatology. Seasoned believers, however, will be disappointed and may choose to look elsewhere.
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Based on the beloved Jesus Storybook Bible, a timeless true tale of the Prince of Heaven who came to save the world—told through music, dance, puppets and drama…a joyful holiday event for the whole family!
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6000 Atlanta Highway in Montgomery | www.frazer.church 7
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Live Original The Tour with Sadie Robertson plus Mosaic MSC, Social Club Misfits, Chris McClarney, Hollyn, John Luke Robertson Sunday, November 11, at 7:00 pm First Baptist Church of Prattville, 138 South Washington Street For more information, call 334-365-0606 or visit www.fbcprattville.org.
Christmas Songs of Worship with Chris Tomlin
Email your ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!
Friday, November 30, at 7:00 pm Coming to Montgomery PAC at the Renaissance Hotel, Downtown. For more information, call 334-481-5110 or visit www.mpaconline.org.
MEMBERSHIP IS A PRESENT FOR EVERYONE
$0
JOINING FEE
when you join the Prattville YMCA online on Cyber Monday prattvilleymca.org/membership/ River Region’s Journey
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Valiant Cross Academy Work Highlighted at a Special Event In Montgomery!
Beasley Allen Law Firm managing attorney and Valiant Cross Academy supporter Tom Methvin and his wife Amy held a special event to raise awareness of the mission of Valiant Cross Academy and raise scholarship funds to help expand the school’s reach. More than 175 guests and community leaders came out in full force to support the growing school for young men. “Valiant Cross Academy has helped meet a huge need in our community and made a difference in the lives of many young men,” Methvin said. “By providing a Christian environment with a heavy focus on academics and strong male role models, the institution has invested in their futures and changed the trajectory of these young men’s lives, which will affect thousands in a positive way over the next generation.” Mayor Todd Strange addressed the many guests by adding, “We are very fortunate to have Valiant Cross Academy in Montgomery as it represents the best of what Photo credit: Jon Cook we can be when we collectively share a vision to help educate our kids.” Strange continued, “The group that was at the wonderful home of Tom and Amy Methvin were very supportive and left there with great satisfaction for supporting such a wonderful cause.” The event was held to help raise scholarship funds for 20 scholars at Valiant Cross Academy. The school accepts 30 new scholars each academic year. This year the school’s waiting list for enrollment has exceeded anyone’s expectations. The administration took a leap of faith and accepted the additional students in hopes the funds could be raised. An emotional appeal was asked of the crowd and the support was overwhelming. The event attendees and outside donors raised $400,000 in one evening to support this growing school. All these funds will be used to cover the shortfall in tuition dollars for the scholars. Valiant Cross Academy is an all-male school and Leadership Academy located in the heart of downtown Montgomery on historic Dexter Avenue and Troy University Montgomery. Its academic program has smaller class sizes, longer days, double the math, and triple the literacy time. These young men are learning that with honor, integrity, discipline, respect and love they can learn to overcome some tough obstacles and become anything they want to be in life. For more information on Valiant Cross Academy, please visit www.valiantcross.org.
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Social Club Misfits
November 11, 7 pm, at First Baptist Church, Prattville People often talk about the future of hip-hop music like it isn’t right now. As if the future were some far off paint splotch occupying our collective imagination. On the contrary, the future is now, and some aren’t afraid to take it where it’s going. Enter Social Club, the Miami duo whose built a cult following on the strength of their provocative oeuvre and singular, quick-witted approach. Comprised of Marty and Fern, Social Club is the after-effect of two distinctive personalities meshing to create an invigorating sound. The self-monikered “Misfits” are disruptors in every sense, challenging norms and bringing other misfits along for the ride. Visit itickets.com.
MPAC Presents Michael W. Smith with Special Guest Melinda Doolittle
Thursday, December 6, 7:30 p.m. Montgomery Performing Arts Centre. Michael W. Smith is an acclaimed singer, songwriter and musician who has sold more than 15 million albums, achieved 32 No. 1 songs, received 2x RIAA Multi-Platinum, 6 Platinum and 16 Gold certified albums, earned three GRAMMY Awards, one American Music Award and over 45 Dove Awards. Tickets begin at $27. For more info, visit www.mpaconline.org/ or call (334) 481-5100.
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2018 Blanket Drive Helping Montgomery’s Homeless
On any given night, there are more than 800 homeless men, women, and children in shelters and on the streets in Montgomery. These include veterans, survivors of domestic violence, individuals suffering from mental illness or substance abuse disorders, as well as families with children. The winter cold is not here yet, but it will be soon, and MACH is preparing now to serve the most basic needs of Montgomery’s homeless population through its annual Blanket Drive. During the month of November, MACH will place three PODS storage containers at strategic locations in Montgomery to serve as collection points for new and gently used sleeping bags, blankets, coats, hats, socks, and other winter wear. PODS storage containers will be located at the Festival Plaza Shopping Center at the intersection of Taylor and Vaughn Roads, the Cloverdale Playhouse on 690 Cloverdale Rd, and the Montgomery Biscuits Stadium on 200 Coosa Street. The PODS will be open on the first three Saturdays in November (November 3, 10, & 17) from 10 AM to 2 PM to accept donations from the public. Guardian Credit Union at 1794 E Main Street in Prattville, Montgomery East YMCA, andTroy University of Montgomery will be graciously accepting donations inside during normal business hours in November. Blankets and clothing will be distributed through MACH’s member agencies, including local homeless shelters and service providers. MACH volunteers will also distribute the blankets as part of the annual Point-in-Time count held during the last week of January. During the count, volunteer teams will visit places the homeless are known to frequent, such as shelters, underpasses, tent cities, and abandoned homes, to count and survey the homeless. While conducting the count, volunteers will hand out food, hygiene kits, and blankets and clothing collected during the drive. For more information or to volunteer or make a donation for the event, contact the Mid-Alabama Coalition for the Homeless at (334)261-6182.
PRESENTS
A C H R I S TM A S M U S I C A L C E L E B R AT I O N
S U N DAY, D E C E M B E R 2 3 : 0 0 A N D 6 : 0 0 P. M . 3604 PLEASANT RIDGE ROAD M O N T G O M E R Y, A L A B A M A 3 6 1 0 9 L o c at e d i n t h e F O R E S T H I L L S C o m m u n i t y .
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Apples of Gold We all know that we can be lured away from doing what is right. But did you know you can be lured away from doing wrong? Consider an experience from my youth with a bull named Frank. Frank was a large black angus that my brother received in lieu of being paid for work. We soon discovered why the previous owner was eager to let him go. Frank was claustrophobic, catastrophic, and, well, bull-headed. He nearly destroyed the truck that brought him and the stall we put him in. You had to let Frank stay outside all the time. And, once he discovered that our neighbor had cows on the other side of our barbed-wire
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fence, he pushed a fence post to the ground and was gone. I was about 13 when I reported to Dad that the bull had escaped, and I didn’t know where he was. Dad said, “He’s big and heavy. Everywhere he steps, he leaves a hoof print. So all you have to do is follow those prints in the dirt and come back and tell me where he is.” That sounded easy, but several neighbors had cows and Frank wanted to visit all of them. I searched all one day, but his tracks were everywhere. The next day, I spotted Frank in a neighbor’s pasture, a half-mile from our house. I went back to tell Dad, but he was not there. If I waited until he came back, Frank could be miles away. I decided to bring the bull home by myself, and I had a plan. We had 25 apple trees and Frank loved apples. I had fed some to him nearly every day. The question was whether he loved apples enough to walk away from a herd of cows. I filled a halfbushel basket with apples and lugged it all the way to the pasture near our neighbor’s barn. There was Frank with his new-found harem. I threw him an apple. He walked a few steps towards me and gobbled up the fruit. I eased up to the barbedwire gap and threw him another one, this time closer to me. He 12
advanced. I unhooked the gap post and threw an apple out onto the road. When he went through the gap, I closed it behind him and slipped around in front. I walked as far as I could without the bull giving up, and dropped an apple at my feet. As he came forward, I retreated. This went on and on. Finally, we were at a crossroads, about half-way home. I thought he might be tired of apples, but he kept coming. Frank ate that fruit all the way to our barn. As I opened the gate to let him in the lot, I threw the last apple just passed him. Dad came home, and there was the bull inside the fence. Dad laughed when he heard about my little escapade. I learned something from this episode. All we, like Frank, have gone astray. But, we can be lured back home with kindness and goodtasting fruit (fruit of the Spirit, that is). Frank remembered how delicious apples are. He was willing to leave everything to eat another one. So it is with people, once they taste the love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, and other fruit of God’s Spirit. As Psalm 34:8 (NIV) states, “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.” How does this apply? Consider a Christian friend mired in an addiction that threatens his family. He could benefit from counseling and accountability. But he also needs encouragement. He needs someone to listen to him and drop nuggets of God’s Word, like apples, into his life every day. But who would be willing to sacrifice that much time and emotional energy? Could that person be you? Being willing to listen to the hurts of others and share apples of hope can lure the wayward back home. But it takes time and patience. And it takes doing it over and over. Today, let’s take a few steps toward a lost soul and share some fruit. It could bring someone back inside the Father’s fence. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians. The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again. He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own. Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday. We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Montgomery School Board and have resigned from several boards that I’ve been a part of for many years. It’s exciting and also a bit uncomfortable in uncharted territory, but I am seeking God’s direction for the next chapter. One of my favorite life verses is Proverbs 3:5-8, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do, and He will show you which path to take. Don’t be impressed with your own wisdom. Instead, fear the Lord and turn away from evil. The you will have healing for your body and strength for your bones.” God has never failed me. Life has been full of adventures and I’m sure there are plenty more in store for me and my family. RRJ: How would you say others see Christ in you through your work and community involvement?
RRJ: You are finishing up your term with the MPS school board after 12 years of service, but you also head up the Montgomery Jr. Cotillion. What is your roll in that and what is the MJC all about? Melissa: Montgomery Junior Cotillion is a Chapter of the National League of Junior Cotillions that teaches students manners, etiquette and ballroom dancing. The Montgomery chapter teaches students in grades 5-8. We have the Holly Ball and the Grand Spring Ball each year to practice all of the skills we work on throughout each season. Our primary goal is for our students to feel confident in different social situations and prep them to be model citizens for the rest of their lives. I tell them every year, I want them to be their school’s ambassadors and to be the friends that every parent wants their children to have in their lives. I am definitely beginning a new season in my life. Our oldest daughter is now married and our two younger daughters are in college. I’m finishing my last term on the River Region’s Journey
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Melissa: Hopefully through kindness, respect and a compassion for other people and their needs. I love to teach and nurture people. I’m definitely a people person and love to be around all kinds of people. Our everyday lives and the way we conduct ourselves and treat other people is such a testimony for the Lord. Thinking back over the last 30 years of my life, I’ve had opportunities to serve the Lord in many different capacities. Many years ago, one of my favorite ministries was Pets are Working Saints (PAWS). I would take our Labrador to Father Walters and let the children pet and love on our family pet. Frank’s birthday gift to me this summer was a Golden Doodle, Muffy. We are training her to be a therapy dog to work with children who struggle with reading. There is a program that many of the MPS schools use called “Read to the Paw.” Hopefully Muffy will be a great fit for this awesome program and I can use my skills as a former reading teacher to help ESL students and other students who need some encouragement. RRJ: What have you learned through working in the community for so many years? Melissa: First of all, you don’t have to go very far to see a need. Years ago, Bruce Wilkerson came to Frazer UMC and challenged all of us to ask God every day to show 14
us how to be a blessing to other people. Last year, a friend of mine suggested the book by Bob Goff, Love Does. It reminded me to expect the extraordinary in the every day moments of life. Scripture tells us to “love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and all your mind and love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:37-39, paraphrased) When I’m doing those commands, He shows me exactly the next steps in serving Him. I’ve taught art lessons at an alternative school, packed backpacks full of food for students to take home on weekends to keep from being hungry, painted classrooms, popped popcorn, made teacher treats, driven elderly church members to church on the Frazer bus...the list could go on. God will lead you to the next task, but you’ve got to take the time to be in His Word and be ready for His promptings. RRJ: Your faith in Christ began when you were very young by growing up in a Christian home. What does your relationship with the Lord look like today? Melissa: I have been leading a Bible study group for the past 20 years at Frazer UMC. We are currently doing a study on biblical hospitality called, “Just Open the Door.” Romans 12:13 makes it pretty clear that hospitality is a command. It has really challenged me to have margin in my life and to take the time to have fellowship with those around me. For so many years, I have had such a full calendar and I am being very intentional about being still and really taking the time to enjoy the simple moments. One of the challenges this week was to take back the time at the table with family and friends. Our group has always met at Frazer UMC but this summer, I really felt the Lord challenging me to open my home each week. It has been so much fun! I have loved to prayer journal for many years. It is an amazing way to stay focused in prayer and to look back to see the way God answers prayer. Frank and I have been very active members of Frazer UMC for almost 30 years. This year, we really felt the Lord leading us to be a part of Century UMC. It is a church plant from Frazer UMC. It has definitely taken us out of our comfort zones and added even more change to our lives. God is teaching us and reminding us that He is the only thing that never changes.
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RRJ: For most of us, family plays an important role in our lives. In what ways has your family been instrumental in your faith journey. Melissa: My dad was a church administrator for the Air Force when I was growing up. I used to love to go to visit my dad during the week when he was working. One of my favorite things to do was sneak into the closet with all of the robes and candles. Still, that is one of my most favorite scents—beeswax candles and crisp linen robes—pure holiness! I had a period of rebelliousness in my later teenage years but I remember my dad (being extremely frustrated with me) sitting on my bed, looking me in the eyes and telling me he was praying for me. At the time, I never would have admitted how profound that was, but I knew I was on a very slippery slope and needed to get back on God’s path. Family is HUGE for me. I’m very close with my parents and my sisters. My parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary last year and it was such a special time to look around at all of us together, remembering some difficult times, but being so grateful for the enduring love and support we give to one another. RRJ: Your family has been active in competitive sports through the years. What spiritual lessons have you gained from involvement in sports?
Melissa: Honestly, sports is one of my first loves in life. I was an avid soccer player until I was 15 and was the only girl on the team for many years. At 15, I decided to try basketball and really liked that sport as well. Tennis was a sport that I played mostly on weekends and the summers until I was an adult. When I first met Frank, he worked the weekends at the Bell Road YMCA. I intentionally would play tennis on Saturdays so he would have to check me in and talk to me. Now, it’s a great way to still be competitive and I love the friendships I’ve made on the courts. As for spiritual lessons, definitely self-control and perseverance. I am very competitive and balancing winning with being godly can be challenging at times. RRJ: Our lives are made up of seasons. What strength does the Lord give you to handle the difficult seasons? Melissa: One of my favorite songs is SHOULDERS by For King and Country. The lyrics: “My help comes from YOU, You’re right here pulling me through, You carry my weakness, my sickness, my brokenness all on Your Shoulders.” That’s so true. I’ve seen it so many times in my life. God has blessed me with an incredible husband and such a close family. He has gifted me with godly, faithful friends
who encourage me and nurture me in the tough times. There has been a lot of criticism while I’ve served on the school board and I could not have done that job without God’s blessing of family and friends. They know me and they know my heart. I’ve had to dig deeply in the knowledge and faith of who God says I am and leave the rest behind. I have scripture written on note cards all throughout my house and in my car to be constant reminders of God’s promises. If you know God’s promises and hold on to them, He will get you through all of life’s trials. The Message station is always on in my home and in my car. RRJ: What advice would you give to our readers about living consistently with God out in the world? Melissa: Stay connected with God! Be in His Word daily and practice His presence. One of our pastors, Tim Thompson, said it well—“Love God, love people, and don’t do anything stupid.” That is just the plain and simple truth to abundant life. Melissa Snowden, MPS District 5 School Board and Owner of Montgomery Jr. Cotillion. She has been married to Frank for 27 years and they have three daughters: Madison Coleman, 25 (recently married), Savannah, 20, and Isabella, 18. The Snowdens are active members of Century Church UMC, Pike Road.
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Guest Speaker l Janeese Spencer December 2 l 6:00-8:00pm l Family Life Center Register at sjlife.com/ministries/women childcare available by reservation
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R-E-S-P-E-C-T The Thanksgiving season is upon us again. I will undoubtedly cook my famous cornmeal dressing. Every time I make it my family goes nuts. They think it’s the best dish on the planet. When I give the recipe to other people, it doesn’t quite turn out like mine does. I seem to have developed just the right touch to make the dressing incredibly delicious. In the same manner, God has a perfect recipe for a loving marriage. We must develop the right touch to make the best marriage possible. There are many verses in scripture about marriage but here is an important one. “Nevertheless let each one of you in particular so love his own wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). This short verse contains ingredients for the recipe to a delicious marriage. God the Creator knows how He made each sex and with precise deep needs for each one. In particular, women need love and men need respect. Men need respect just like they need air. A desire for respect is not just ego or some macho tendency that needs to be beat down. A man craves respect just like we women crave love. Emerson Eggerichs wrote a best-selling book on this subject titled Love and Respect. River Region’s Journey
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In it he states “Women need love. Men need respect. It’s as simple and as complicated as that.” He did a survey of 400 males and asked the question: “If you were forced to choose one of the following, which would you prefer to endure, to be left alone and unloved in the world, or to feel inadequate and disrespected by everyone?” Seventyfour percent of men said that if they were forced to choose, they would prefer feeling alone and unloved rather than feeling disrespected and inadequate (p.49). Emerson also collected data on what women need. He discovered that a comparable majority would rather feel disrespected and inadequate than alone and unloved. A man can be tempted to embrace the respect another woman may offer if he is not feeling respected in his own home. Being tempted is not the same as yielding to temptation. But if his respect tank is empty, you better believe that a “respect temptation” can be very enticing. God gave women the responsibility to meet their husband’s needs. There are a couple of practical tips that generally apply to most men. You may have to verbally investigate with your husband to refine your specific plan, but here is one major strategy 16
I know that works: Men feel respected when their wives praise them. Verbal affirmation is huge to a man. Men live for the “pat on the butt” from the coach. They need to know they are doing well. Men are most often task-oriented and they need feedback on how they are “tasking.” What hurts a man is when others seem to get praise and affirmation from their wives and they do not. My husband was doing premarital counseling for a young adult couple I will name “Mike” and “Martha” some years ago. At the end of the session he asked, “Is there anything else you would like to discuss?” Mike spoke up and said, “Yes, there is one thing. Martha and I were playing doubles tennis the other day with another couple. Rick, the guy on the opposing team was a pretty good player. Martha mentioned how good he was several times during the match. Pastor, I was there playing, too, and Martha never once said anything about my game.” Mike felt disrespected. Praise your husband. Even if he’s not that good at something, praise him for the effort. Sincere verbal appreciation and praise go a long way in making your man feel special. I tried this strategy on my son Paul. I came home one day to find he was doing the dishes on his own. I sincerely praised him for his efforts. He wasn’t doing that great of a job but I was appreciative. Surprisingly, Paul not only did the dishes without being asked the rest of the week, but he also cleaned up the entire kitchen. Everyone likes a little praise, but men crave it. It is an important way to show them respect. Go and do likewise my sister.
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It was only about a year into our marriage when I had my first bout with mild depression. And it didn’t make sense to me. I finally was married to the man of my dreams. I had landed my first teaching job. We had started a new life together and were making new friends. But for whatever reason, my heart was downcast. Life felt overwhelming, like I wanted to pull the covers up over my head and stay in bed for the day. The constant sadness in my heart finally led me to go to a doctor to share how I’d been feeling. Instead of quickly writing a prescription, my physician wisely talked through the major life changes I had experienced in the last twelve months — college graduation, moving away from family, marriage, my first real job — and assured me that my roller-coaster emotions were normal in light of all I had experienced in one year. Eventually, I came out of that gray fogginess, but over the years of my adult life there have been other times where I’ve started to slide into the pit of despair. A melancholy side to my personality makes me prone to see the glass as half empty. I realize that for many
individuals medication is truly necessary. But the weapon that has made the most difference in my life in fighting depression, and something we can all benefit from, is gratitude.
Worship Grows in Gratitude In Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth’s excellent book Choosing Gratitude, she makes the point that we are either whining or worshiping. Our natural, sinful state makes us prone to see what we lack, what we don’t have, and what’s gone wrong in our lives. Complaining is often my default response. Just the other day I noticed how even though I’d had a relatively good day, as soon
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as my husband walked in the door after work, I talked about the kids’ after-school squabble, our little guy’s potty-training accident, and did I forget to mention the freezer isn’t working right? Often the things that pour off our tongues to others can be complaints of things not going our way or how we’ve been mistreated by others. We’re a rights-oriented culture, and if we don’t get what we think is rightfully ours, we storm off in anger or despair. Often, we slip on the sins of entitlement and discontentment down the slope to anxiety and depression. We can become surrounded by dark thoughts and unmet expectations that weigh down our hearts and put a cloud over our minds. On the other hand, we will never be able to lift our hearts from despair to worship without expressing thanks to God. The theme of thanksgiving runs throughout all of Scripture. In the Psalms we’re commanded to give thanks to God: Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! (Psalm 105:1)
Thank the Lord for his steadfast love, for his wondrous works to the children of man! (Psalm 107:8)
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The book of Colossians also carries the theme of thanksgiving. In Colossians 3:14–17, Paul mentions thankfulness three different times, one of them being, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Likewise, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 reminds us that it is God’s will to give thanks in all circumstances.
Six Tactics to Topple Ingratitude God calls us to be thankful people. And it’s the very attitude of thanksgiving that can transform our lives. If you find yourself wandering down the dark path of depression and despair, here are six simple ways to fight for joy through gratefulness.
1. Fill your mind with the truths of God’s word. Meditate on verses regarding thankfulness like Colossians 3:15–17. Commit to memory God’s commands to be thankful.
2. Remember God’s goodness and faithfulness to you. Just as the Israelites
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were prone to forget all God had done for them during their time in the wilderness, so we too can forget. The discipline of remembering through writing down God’s blessings or retelling them to others has a way of stirring up gratitude in our hearts.
3. Ask God to put a guard over your mouth. Instead of venting your frustrations from each day, look for reasons to rejoice. An attitude of gratitude is just as easily spread as a complaining spirit. Seek to be known as a Spirit-filled, joyful person, instead of a whining, disgruntled one.
4. Aim to make gratefulness your knee-jerk reaction to your circumstances.
When you hear news for the first time, ask yourself, “What can I be grateful for in this circumstance?” I always remember a story of a family that found out their daughter had died suddenly. As they joined hands to pray and mourn, the father first and foremost thanked the Lord for the years they had together. What an example of gratitude, even in the midst of great loss.
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5. Put your thankfulness into words.
Write down five things to be grateful for as soon as you sense yourself heading down the miry path of despair. Sometimes it’s as simple as a cup of hot tea on a cold day, or a flower blooming outside my window. Listing God’s daily blessings has been one of the most transformative things in my life. By putting gratefulness into words — whether spoken or written — an abstract idea like thankfulness becomes much more concrete.
6. Look for specific evidences of God’s grace. Search your life and the lives of others around you for grace. My faith is strengthened when I see God answer a prayer, when I notice the fruit of patience when I don’t cry over spilled milk, or when a long-awaited prayer request for my friend’s desire to be a mom is fulfilled through adoption. Intentionally watching for God at work gives me much to be grateful for. Stacy Reaoch (@StacyReaoch) is the author of Wilderness Wanderings: Finding Contentment in the Desert Times of Life. She also writes regularly at her website. She and her husband, Ben, live in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with their four children. Article used with permission from desiringgod.org.
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11:08 AM Page 1
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Montgomery Aldersgate UMC 6610 Vaughn Road Christmas Song Musical and Live Nativity 10:30 a.m. Sunday, December 9 in the Aldersgate Sanctuary. Contemporary Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 23 5:00 p.m. in the Christian Activity Center Contemporary Christmas expressions through Music, Candlelight and Communion Founded Upon God’s Word Liturgically Joyful Candlelight Serviceworship involves AtChristmas Christchurch, Eve Holy Scripture At Christchurch, serves as the final authority for our the entire Monday, December 24, 5:00 p.m.congregation, as we teaching and preaching. Indeed, offer God praise, thanksgiving and over the course Expression of three years, of Christmas adoration using Eve worship traditions Traditional through almost the entire Bible is read that can be traced back to the Carols, Communion and Candlelight. For moreOur aloud and preached upon. earliest days of the Church. worship is not designed to entertain information call (334) 272.6152. us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
Beacon of Hope Church of God 1045 Coliseum Blvd. Sunday, December 9 Hee Haw: A Kornfield Kounty Christmas Warm and to Mission Featuring LuLoving Lu Roman andCommitted Beacon of Hope ByChoir. God’s grace and songs through His The peoplefun. of Christchurch respond Jokes, and korney PerforSpirit, the people of Christchurch to God’s Word by going out into the enjoy the richness and joy ofam beingand world proclaiming the good news mances at 10:30 6 pm. Call 274-0932 a true family. We’d love for you to of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as for more His hands and feet whether in places become a partinfo. of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
Eastern Hills Baptist Church ad on page 11
ad on Back Cover
3604 Pleasant Ridge Rd (in the Forest Hills Subdivision) December 2, 3 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. “The Light Has Come,” Sounds of EHBC at Christmas, Featuring soloist, instrumentalists, preschool choir, Celebration Singers & more. No Admission. Childcare provided for birth through 5 year olds. December 24, 5:00 p.m. Christmas Candlelight Service For information please call (334) 272.0604. The Church at Chantilly 9299 Vaughn Road, Pike Road Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Worship Service 5:30 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Please call (334) 279.1372 or visit www.chantillychurch.com
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
Christchurch ad on page 3
8800 Vaughn Road Friday, November 29 6:30 p.m. Candlelight Harpsichord Chamber Concert. You are invited to a free concert of sacred and secular music. The 45-minute performance will feature instrumental and vocal pieces performed by the church’s chancel choir and soloists from the church, as well as outside professionals. The free concert in the church’s sanctuary will begin at 6 p.m. Reception to follow in Canterbury Hall. Reception tickets will be available by calling (334) 387.0566, ext. 203. Please visit www.christchurchxp.net for more details. River Region’s Journey
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First Baptist Church
Dalraida UMC ad on page 12
3817 Atlanta Highway Sunday, December 16, at 11 a.m. A Christmas Musical. Multi-generational. Please call (334) 272.2190 for more information. 22
305 South Perry Street Sunday, November 25 The Joy Singers Christmas Program at 6:15 p.m. Stakely Sanctuary; Come join us as the JOY Adult Choir leads us in worship celebrating the birth of Christ. December 7-9 The Living Christmas Tree Performers will delight you atop the 40 ft. set resembling a Christmas tree on stage. Tickets go on sale beginning of November. Candlelight Service, Christmas Eve December 24 at 3:30 and 5 p.m. Please call (334) 834.6310 or visit us at www. montgomeryfbc.org First United Methodist Church 2416 West Cloverdale Park Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 2, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Come with unwrapped toys or monetary gifts for families in need. Festival of Christmas Worship Services, Sunday, December 16, 8:45 am and 11 am Our annual concert featuring our music ministry and a professional orchestra. Christmas Eve Services Communion Service and Candlelight services from noon-8 p.m. Sunday, December 30 Wesley Covenant Service, 10-11 a.m. A service of recommitment for the new year. Call (334) 834.8990 for more info.
Frazer Memorial UMC ad on page 7
6000 Atlanta Highway Women’s Christmas Brunch Saturday, December 1st from 9-11 a.m.
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Christmas Musical: The Christmas Storybook Wesley Hall, December 9 at 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Frazer presents this community wide production, Christmas Theatre. Fun for the entire family! Please call (334) 272.8622 or visit www. frazerumc.org. “Candlelight Worship” Monday, December 24. Please call (334) 272.8622 for times.
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Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve Services, Candlelight and communion 12 noon - Traditional, Sunday Service. 4 p.m. – Worship Center 6 p.m.- Worship Center For more info, call (334) 277.3037.
First Baptist Church, Prattville ad on page 20
138 South Washington St. Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve Service, 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. Please call (334) 365.0606.
Gateway Baptist Church ad on page 13
3300 Bell Road Monday, December 24 Candlelight Service and Communion, held at 5 p.m. Call (334) 272.9494 for details.
Taylor Road Baptist Church ad on page 9
1685 Taylor Road The Longest Night December 2, 7 p.m. A service of remembrance and hope for those grieving the loss of loved ones. Call (334 271.3363 for details.
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Team will present “The Songs of Christmas,” an East Memorial Christmas Night of Favorites. The seating is dessert-theater style and costs $2.00 to reserve your seat. Tickets may be purchased at church office, website or at the door. For information contact (334) 365.7500 or visit our website at www.eastmemorial.org.
Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church ad on page 35
1550 East Washington Street Annual Christmas Production at 4 p.m. Date to follow. Hosted by the Youth Dept. Call (334) 462.3048.
Saint James UMC ad on page 15
9045 Vaughn Road Christmas Dinner December 2, 6-8 pm with Guest Speaker Janeese Spencer. Register at sjlife.com/ministries/ women. Childcare available by reservation. Christmas Cantata December 9 at 11 am in the Worship Center. The service will feature the Chancel Choir.
Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road A Christmas Party Sunday, November 30, Time to be announced Everyone is invited to celebrate the sounds of Christmas. Christmas Services Monday, December 24 at 5 p.m. For more information please contact Vaughn Forest Church at (334) 279.5433.
Glynwood Baptist Church 376 McQueen Smith Road N. Christmas Musical Sunday, December 9 at 5 P.M. Christmas Eve Service Monday, December 24, Vespers Service, 5 p.m. Call (334) 361.9180.
Wetumpka
Blue Ridge Baptist Church ad on page 33
Prattville Centerpoint Fellowship Church Christmas Eve Services We will be having our Candlelight Service at Prattville Christian Academy on Monday, December 24 Candlelight at 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road Songs at Christmas December 2 at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Our Celebration Choir, Orchestra, and Drama 23
4471 Jasmine Hill Rd. Christmas Dinner December 9, 5 pm Christmas Celebration December 16, 11 am Candlelight & Caroling Service December 23, 5 pm Call 567.4325 for details. Centerpoint Fellowship Church 9301 US Highway 231 Christmas Eve Services Monday, December 24 Candlelight service at 4:30 p.m. November 2018
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Message of Life In communities all across our land, there are devoted believers who are involved in saving the lives of unborn children and ministering to their families. The role of the pregnancy resource center in American life cannot be understated. Recently, the Charlotte Lozier Institute, the research arm of the Susan B. Anthony List, released a study of the work of around 2,600 out of over 2,750 of such centers in the land. The results are impressive. On the organization’s website, it is stated that: “In 2017, pregnancy centers provided almost 2,000,000 people with free services, with estimated community cost savings of at least $161 million annually.” The work is carried out by a significant team of volunteers: over 67,000! That includes an estimated 7,500 medical professionals. Here are some other statistics: 400,100 hours of free services were contributed by credentialed nurse sonographers and registered diagnostic medical sonographers in 2017. 100 mobile units with ultrasound are on the road to bring services to women out in the community. 30,000 contacts per month reach Heartbeat International’s Option Line hotline and email/chat lines. Last year alone, over 679,000 free pregnancy tests were performed. Over 295,000 mothers and fathers “attended parenting courses.” There were also over 24,000 people who were provided support after an abortion. Plus, in excess of a million students went to River Region’s Journey
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educational presentations that taught “sexual risk avoidance.” We know that Christian-based pregnancy resource centers are involved in sharing the message of God’s love for those who are in crisis situations and people come to salvation through Jesus Christ through these efforts. Ultrasound technology has been an incredible gift in helping to save the lives of unborn babies, as expectant mothers are able to see their child in the womb, which helps to reinforce the truth that they are living, human beings, not merely masses of tissue. Mobile vans have been deployed across America, including “Life on Wheels” in the River Region, which brings this life-saving truth direct to moms, sometimes in proximity to an abortion clinic. There are spiritual forces at play here, and prayer is a powerful tool in undergirding the work of pro-life volunteers and ministry staff members. Over the last few weeks, the semi-annual “40 Days for Life” campaign has been underway, during which people visit local abortion clinics and stand in prayer near the property. According to its website, since 2007, over 14,000 lives have been saved and over 175 abortion workers left their positions. An estimated 750,000 volunteers have been involved in the international effort. Not long ago, there was an attempt out of California that would have forced pregnancy resource centers to communicate a message that contradicts their overall purpose - to refer for abortion. The law was struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court and sent back to the Fed-
eral Ninth Circuit court. Liberty Counsel represents three centers in the state. Its Founder and Chairman, Mat Staver, is quoted on its website: “This recent study by the Charlotte Lozier Institute confirms the priceless value of pro-life pregnancy centers in our communities,” adding, “These centers help save the lives of babies and women by providing support which empowers mothers and fathers to make the right choices. Many volunteers give back to their communities by donating services that would typically cost millions of dollars each year. At Liberty Counsel, our mission is to clear the path so these centers can freely accomplish the mission God has given them...” No wonder that those who favor abortion on demand want to restrict the work of these centers of hope and life! I believe that those who lead and volunteer in pregnancy resource centers are engaged on the front lines of spiritual warfare - we are talking, literally, about matters of life and death. They share a powerful message, and as that message is communicated with compassion, it can be a powerful, life-changing force! We also can remember to be aware of how these centers are impacting communities. They are present in well over two thousand places in America alone. Add to that the ability of mobile ultrasound centers that can be strategically placed, even near abortion clinics, and you see that the truth can be disseminated effectively. Truth is such an important component through these many centers - the truth of God’s Word, God’s Word about the life of a pre-born child, and about how He wants to intervene in the crisis that perhaps has brought a pregnant woman to that center’s doors. Then, she hears not only His truth, but sees the tangible evidence of life through the technology of an ultrasound machine; in addition, her life can be impacted by the presence of Christ. God has raised up this type of ministry in order to save lives, and He is showing His faithfulness.
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Proclaim your love of Christ Jesus this Christmas season by displaying a wooden
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A Faith Radio donor and neighbor is providing hundreds of 7-foot freestanding wooden Christmas crosses for us to distribute to our listeners for a generous donation. This donation helps Faith Radio
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continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. We will have the crosses available on Monday, November 20, at the Faith Radio Studios. There is a limited supply of crosses. Reserve your cross or magnet today by calling 800-239-8900 or visit www.faithradio.org.
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The ministry of Faith Radio/WLBF is supported by individuals in the Christian community. You can participate in strengthening families as we provide spiritual encouragement with your financial support. Contact us at www.faithradio.org, call 800-239-8900 or by mail at P.O. Box 210789 Montgomery, AL 36121-0789. 25
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Love & Intimacy Love and intimacy! What a wonderful concept in relationships and in life. Couples decide to be together to love and share experiences, and to feel connected, understood, vulnerable, and intimate. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:24) However, it does not always happen that way. Life gets in the way of love and intimacy for many couples in many ways. Some common issues couples struggle with involve parenting, finances, sex and intimacy, in-laws, and functional differences. Invariably, intimacy is an important part of a relationship and often is a source of distress in relationships. Couples think of “intimacy” and they instantly relate it to “sex”, but it is so much more. Rarely do both individuals in a couple share the exact same desire for sex and intimacy. A common concern is the change in women’s desire for sexual intimacy over time. Also, it is not uncommon to see women suffer from low sexual desire (or even sexual aversion) at some point or another. This can greatly affect relationship happiness and satisfaction, thus affecting love and intimacy itself. There are several clinical diagnoses and sexual dysfunctions that can impact individuals and relationships. As mentioned, a common presenting issue for a couple or for a woman is low sexual desire. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) includes the diagnosis of Female Sexual Interest / Arousal Disorder (American Psychiatric Association, River Region’s Journey
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2013). The most common term and diagnosis utilized medically is Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD) defined as an “absence or marked reduction in desire or motivation to engage in sexual activity….” A number of factors impact desire for sexual intimacy. A clinician must have the client’s complete medical and sexual history to assert a HSDD diagnosis. It is important to rule out a medical condition, hormonal changes, a sexually transmitted disease, medications used, other physiological factors, as well as substance abuse before considering the treatment plan for HSDD. In the same way, social and relational factors are to be considered. If partner violence exists, it can also influence sexual responses in women. History of abuse (whether sexual in nature or not) or other traumatic experiences can be a cause of HSDD, especially affecting how they perceive and talk about sexuality itself. Finally, other psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can be detrimental to sexual desire in women. After looking at all these factors, the relationship issues, love, and intimacy can be considered and addressed. When couples learn to see sexuality as a part of intimacy they can help increase connection and love. The following is a list of the many types of intimacy that can create the connection and true love couples yearn for. You may find that certain types of intimacy are already strengths that you rely on to maintain unity in your relationship. Learning to enjoy each other in new ways can create a deeper bond: 1- Physical Intimacy: Sharing physical space and wanting to be close. 2- Aesthetic Intimacy: Sharing experiences of beauty – music, nature, art, theater 3- Recreational Intimacy: Experiencing closeness and connection through fun and
play. Helping each other rejuvenate through stress-relieving and enjoyable recreation together. 4- Intellectual Intimacy: Sharing ideas and having mutual respect for each other’s intellectual capacities and viewpoints. 5- Spiritual Intimacy: Discovering and sharing values, religious views, spiritual feelings, meaning in life. 6- Emotional Intimacy: Feeling connected at an emotional level. Being in tune with each other’s emotions; being able to share significant meanings and feelings with each other, including negative feelings. Feeling safe when vulnerable with each other. 7- Sexual Intimacy: The other types of intimacy form the foundation to fully appreciate and achieve healthy sexual intimacy. 8- Unconditional Intimacy: Loving the other without reservations regardless of positives or negatives. Challenging to achieve, but a wonderful goal for every couple. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:14) When you have a relationship that revolves around shared values and intimacy, the relationship and passion will feel very natural, and easy.” Unknown author Jessica Gibbe-Fernandez, Ph.D. is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alabama. She is originally from Mexico and fully bilingual in Spanish and English. Ms. Gibbe-Fernandez joined the center in 2006 and currently serves as the Clinical Coordinator. Jessica’s clinical interests include marriage and couples therapy, healthy relationships, and family therapy. She sees adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, transitional issues, gender issues, family adjustment, acculturation issues, self-esteem and personal growth issues.
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TRINITY 2018
Accredited K3 through 12th grade Independent College-Preparatory School
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One World. One School. One Family.
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Building life-long relationships through an intentional focus on mentors and leadership
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Trinity School is Montgomery’s foremost educational institution providing students the highest quality college-preparatory education, training them in the biblical world and life view, enabling them to serve God in spirit, mind, and body. Trinity offers a rigorous academic program, award-winning fine arts program, committed educators, outstanding athletics, and a nurturing family environment. The Trinity Experience is extraordinary in every way—an education that is as unique as your child. If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Director of Admission Jenny McClinton at 334.213.2213 or jmcclinton@trinitywildcats.com. Tuition assistance is available. Discount offered to our military families.
PROSPECTIVE FAMILIES ARE INVITED TO JOIN US FOR THESE SPECIAL EVENTS
GRAND STORY HOUR Prospective K3, K4, K5 Students, Parents or Grandparents November 8, 2018 at 8:15 AM December 6, 2018 at 1:30 PM
K3-K5 OPEN HOUSE Prospective Parents of K3, K4, K5 Students January 17, 2019 at 6:00 PM
EXTRAORDINARY EDUCATION
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EXTRAORDINARY ENVIRONMENT EXTRAORDINARY EXPECTATIONS
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TRINITY 2018 One World Ad_2018__5.indd 1
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River Region’s Journey
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One ministry in the River Region has a rich history of bringing hope and help to “the least of these.” Agape has a clear mission and has been fulfilling that mission for the past 40 years.
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“As a ministry of Jesus Christ, Agape’s mission is that vulnerable and orphaned children will find permanency in safe, nurturing families,” said Steve Duer, Director of Community Relations for Agape. Agape was founded in 1978 as Agape of Montgomery, and in 1985 expanded to Birmingham and became Agape of Central Alabama. “Agape was started by members of Montgomery area Churches of Christ who saw the need for an agency to help other Christians respond to the needs of vulnerable children and pregnant women in crisis. In 2007, Agape’s board expanded the scope of the agency to expand the population of families we partner with for foster care and adoption beyond the Churches of Christ to include other followers of Jesus,” said Duer. Duer went on to explain why those involved with Agape are passionate about their cause. He said, “The Bible tells us that vulnerable children are very important to God. We are told that He is the defender of the fatherless (Deuteronomy 10:18, Psalm 10:18). God is called the father of the fatherless and that He places the lonely in families (Psalm 68:5-6). We believe that Christians
both domestic and inter-country adoption are called to mirror God’s love for the vulnerservices. Our domestic adoption program is able child (James 1:27, Isaiah 1:17). When focused on providing families for children— we mirror God’s heart for the vulnerable child, we see Him at work in this world. We see lives changed not just for the day, “Agape means hope and stability for the powerless but for a lifetime and some(orphans, children from a broken home, etc) through times even for generations.” the love of Jesus, shared by those who follow Him.”
What Services Are Provided?
~Eric and Meloney Gwin (Foster & Adoptive Family) “To us, Agape is a way to take care of vulnerable
Agape provides sevchildren as the Bible teaches while being supported, eral life-changing services guided, and encouraged by the Christian community to children and women. The of Agape’s social workers, foster parents, administrafirst of these is foster care. tors, and staff. We are very thankful to be part of the “Our foster care program Agape family!” ~Speece Family (Foster Family) offers traditional services. We also have specialized The Thompson family just celebrated the finalization homes that focus on keeping sibling groups of four or of the adoption of the three girls they had fostered for more together. Your sibling several years. relationships are the longest lasting relationships you have, and we want to keep brothers and sisters together,” said Duer. “Though not children for families. This means that the reunification is the first plan for any child in focus of the adoption is always on finding the foster care, many of our foster parents end best home for the child. We require families up adopting the children who are unable to to be open on some level of post-adoption be reunified with their birth parents.” communication with the birth mother,” said Agape’s services carry through to the Duer. “Agape is Hague Accredited to provide adoption process as well. “Agape provides home study and post-adoption services for
2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690
460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411
Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 29
November 2018
River Region’s Journey
family through adoption. We have seen hundreds of children adopted by foster parents. Our adoption program continues to impact not only individuals but also the community. The first generation of children adopted through Agape are adults. We see them serving God in their churches and their communities and honoring God in their families as they raise children. This year, we are honored to have an Agape adoptee as our Board Chair. Also, the services we provide expectant mothers are often where we see God at work because of the brokenness and desperation in their situations. When many people think of pregnancy counseling services, they think of teenagers. However, the average age of the mothers we worked with last year was 26 years old. More and more of the mothers we minister to are already parenting children. These services not only impact the mother and the unborn child, but often existing children as well,” said Duer.
How You Can Help!
PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN
welcomes
DR. MALISSA HOY Now accepting new patients ages newborn to 18 years P HYS I C I A N S TO C H I LDR E N Taylor Medical Complex 470 Taylor Rd, Suite 210 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033 P
P H Y S I C I A N S TO C H I L D R E N C h i l d re n s A L . o rg / p hys i c i a n s - t o - c h i l d re n
inter-country adoption. Agape doesn’t have a direct adoption program with any foreign country at this time, but has several partner agencies who do, and we can share that information with you.” The final service Agape provides is to expectant parents. Duer said, “Agape walks alongside expectant mothers who are in crisis and are unsure of the best plan for their unborn child. Each year, only about 25% of the expectant mothers we work with choose to make an adoption plan. The rest choose to parent. If we are able to assist the mother in providing a safe, nurturing home for their child, we feel we have accomplished our mission.” River Region’s Journey
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Agape’s Impact
Agape has made a significant impact on lives in our area over the past 40 years and hopes to continue for many more. “Agape has touched thousands of children’s lives through our foster care ministry. Each of these children had experienced the trauma of abuse or neglect. The foster parents, with the support of Agape’s staff, seek to heal the hurts that are often unseen. They help children learn to trust, to form healthy relationships, to learn boundaries while the parents demonstrate the love of Jesus. We love when we see healing and restoration in families and children are able to be returned to the care of their parents. When this isn’t possible, we celebrate the creation of a new 30
As with any ministry, Agape needs people, resources, and financial support to be successful. At the heart of what they do are ministry-minded Christian foster families, adoptive families, and staff. Duer said, “We are always looking for more families to partner with our ministry. We especially need adoptive families from the African-American community, and families willing to serve large sibling groups in foster care. God doesn’t call everyone to foster or adopt, but we believe that God has called everyone to care for vulnerable children. Agape is thankful for the churches, individuals, and businesses that partner with us to provide the support for our ministry. Without it, our ministry is not possible. We would love to impact more lives but our impact is limited to the support we receive. If we had the support to hire one new foster care staff person, we could serve 20 more children and impact their lives through Christian foster care. Another need is gift cards to Walmart and Target to allow us to meet immediate needs of children when they first come into foster care and of mothers who are in crisis. We especially covet the prayers of fellow Christians to ask God to provide healing in the lives of the women, children, and families whom we are serving.” If you would like more information about Agape or would like to have someone from the ministry speak to your Sunday School class, small group, or church, please contact Steve Duer at 334-272-9466 or sduer@ agapeforchildren.org. You can also visit their website at www.agapeforchildren.org. 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 Montgomery, Alabama, with her three awesome daughters and her dog, Emmy.
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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. 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: 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 info 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. 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.
Cancer
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: 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: 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
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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. January 9 - April 3, 2018 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 365-5977.
Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.
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 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: 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 Pat Cobb at 334-451-0207 for more info. NAMI Connection (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Support group for individuals with mental illness. Meets every 2nd and 4th Thursday, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Room 3103. Call Pat Cobb at 334-451-0207 for more info.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington 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.
Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of
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Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For 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 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
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every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850-529-4730 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, 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 35
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Planning and Success Q. I’m stuck in a dead-end job, and I only have a high school diploma. I’ve never minded long hours and hard work, but I’ve begun to realize I need to have a better career, so I can spend more time with my kids. I feel like I’m missing out on their lives, because I work 65 to 70 hours every week. Any advice? A. Asking questions and exploring your
options like this is a much smarter move than simply walking away from an unsatisfying job situation — especially when you have a family to think about. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself in terms of education or your career. But before you do any of that, you’ve got to have a definite direction in mind. You need an in-depth, detailed game plan for the next three or four years that’s designed to put you where you want to be. It may involve going back to
River Region’s Journey
November 2018
school for some classes, additional training in your field, or even getting a full-blown degree. If you identify your long-term goals in detail, it will lead you to some of the shortterm goals that will help you arrive at your final destination. Have you tried talking to your boss about your goals and your situation? See if you can have a sincere conversation with him or her, and discuss your feelings about your career and what’s going on with your family, too. Your company may be very receptive to the idea of increasing your value in the workplace. A good leader will also understand the importance of family. Also, there’s a great book by Dan Miller that addresses this topic. It’s called 48 Days to the Work You Love. In this book, he lays out the steps to discovering what you really love to do and how to get there.
Forgive the debt? Q. Recently, I loaned some money to a good friend. He’s going to help me with a big
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home project over the next few weekends, so do you think I should pay him for the work or forgive the debt instead?
A. First, I don’t recommend loaning money to friends or family. Once in a while, things may work out and everyone ends up happy. But in most cases, it changes the dynamic of the relationship. The big question is whether you’ve already agreed to pay him for the work. Another consideration is how he views the situation. He may be looking at this as just helping a buddy, and he still owes the money. Ask him what his expectations are before you guys start the job. Just talk to him, and figure out what seems fair to you both. If you’ve already agreed on a certain amount, and the value of the work is close to what you loaned him, you might discuss the idea of paying back the debt that way. But in the future, if someone close to you really needs financial help — and you’re not enabling bad behavior in the process — just make the money a gift.
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Montgomery Branch: 334.513.8113 Jimmy Parsons
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Branch Manager NMLS #415554
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Rusty Russell
Daryle Sager
Loan Officer NMLS #459590
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Prattville Branch: 334.380.4315 Shelley Faulkner Sales Manager NMLS #470443
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Guild Mortgage is not affiliated with The Home Depot. The Home Depot is not a sponsor of this promotion. The Home Depot is a registered trademark of Home Depot Product Authority, LLC. All rights reserved. _Guild Mortgage Company is an Equal Housing Lender; Company NMLS ID 3274. All information, loan programs & interest rates are subject to change without notice. All loans subject to underwriter approval. Terms and conditions apply. Always consult an accountant or tax advisor for full eligibility requirements on tax deduction. No income limit for properties in low-income census tracts. Payment subject to maximum allowable lender credit and minimum contribution requirements. Some loans require a minimum cash investment by the borrower, which may limit the amount of any lender credits or payments by Guild under the offer. Conforming loan limits apply with a maximum loan amount of $453,100; except in Alaska and Hawaii with a maximum loan amount of $679,650. Guild Mortgage Company, Montgomery Branch 6719 Taylor Circle | Montgomery, AL 36117, Prattville Branch 705 McQueen Smith Road South Prattville, AL 36066. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/). (18-0351)
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The
Living Christmas Tree December 7 • 7 pm December 8 • 4 & 7 pm December 9 • 4 & 7 pm Tickets available online beginning November 5.
Call 334.241.5156 or order online at
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FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH montgomery
305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104