Live Life Smiling with us! #smilesfromus #livelifesmiling
2600 Bell Road • Montgomery, Alabama • 334.277.6690 460 McQueen Smith Road • Prattville, Alabama • 334.358.6411 www. SmilesFromUs.com Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. J. David Stanley • Dr. R. Davis Denney • Dr. Robert H. Owen
Volume 19, Issue 6
Feature Articles
O CTO BER 20 1 7 Columns page 2
Publisher’s Note
page 12
Jason Watson
Faith @ Work
Meet local artist Barbara Davis as she shares her journey of choosing art as a career, uncertainties and blessings included. Barbara also shares how painting makes her feel near to God and how she hopes her art inspires others.
page 4
Pastor's Perspective Doug Davis, Messiah Church
page 14
Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley
page 20
page 16
Women Arising
Jesus and Performance Fatigue
Pastor Kemi Searcy
page 26
The Intersection Bob Crittenden
by Scott Sauls
Has your relationship with Christ become more of a duty than a delight? You’ll find encouragement and help for living the Christian life out of the love He has for you, rather than a sense of obligation.
page 28
Counselor’s Corner Kim Hamblin, Ph.D.
page 36
Dave $ays
page 22
Dave Ramsey
Fall Festivals Guide
Visit local churches with your children for a great alternative to Halloween. Our guide gives you all the details!
In Every Issue page 6
Books to Read
page 30
Ministry Spotlight:
page 8
by Ashley Sherlock
page 12
Rooftop Friends Discover a local ministry sharing the love of Christ with individuals and families affected by disabilities. Get involved by volunteering for their upcoming Christmas event and other year-round opportunities. 1
Around Our Community Faith @ Work page 32
Support Groups October 2017
River Region’s Journey
CCH Maga
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 Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Doug Davis Kim Hamblin, PhD Dave Ramsey Scott Sauls Kemi Searcy Ashley Sherlock Sam Whatley
Advertising Opportunities
Stephanie Parsons, VP of Client Services ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703
Digital Manager Scott Davis
From the Publisher A friend of mine recently opined about how bad our world is becoming. The political and social landscapes are ripe with weekly causes to get behind and argue for or against. It seems everyone knows everything and nothing at the same time. The cultural ground beneath our feet is shifting sand. Yes, it seems my friend is right, but I’m not worried. God has brought me back to the Book of Proverbs these last few weeks and has been reminding me that with Him lies wisdom. He is wisdom and He formed the world in wisdom. There is a way that is right and when we walk with the Lord, who is righteousness, we experience the security and freedom of dwelling with the Lord. The world around us may be confused and disillusioned, but God’s children, saved by faith in Jesus the Messiah, can walk in the light of God. We can shine that light towards others so they might find the peace of knowing God too. Let me challenge you to read this issue with an eye towards the unchanging wisdom of God. Political and social structures may change, but God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. Rejoice that God reigns. Rest in His offer of grace through His Son to make you His child. Know God and Know peace!
Ad Design
Tim Welch, Welch Designs
Distribution Manager Chris Mitchell
River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123. For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2017 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited. The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.
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CCH Magazine Ad_River Region.qxp_Layout 1 5/17/17 11:08 AM Page 1
Come Worship with Us!
Founded Upon God’s Word
Liturgically Joyful
At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.
At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!
Sunday Worship: 9:30 a.m. Christian Education: 11:00 a.m. on Sundays and 6 p.m. on Wednesdays
Warm and Loving
Committed to Mission
By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us! Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.
The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.
8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566
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Pastor’s Perspective
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Doug Davis, Messiah Church in Prattville
Reconciled as One Over the past few weeks, we have witnessed part of our country at its worse. People in a country that was built on populations from around the world, coming together in this “melting pot” called America. Our founding fathers in the Declaration of Independence said; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and our pledge to our nation is as “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all!” But what we have seen in the past few weeks is a division within the country over ideologies, race, creed and politics. Yes, we have the right to speak our minds, but at the cost of our neighbor’s property and rights? I think not. Especially, if we are to align ourselves with the Christian Church.
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As I watched the protests grow more and more violent and people shouting with such hate in their eyes and spewing from their mouths, I had to ask myself, “How many of those people would call themselves Christian?” My guess is there would be many on either side that would say they were believers in Jesus Christ. It is a shame they have missed the point of Jesus’ life and ministry and that is one of reconciliation, first with all humanity with God and then with each other. 1 Corinthians 12:12-13 says: For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit. Jesus was sent to reconcile the whole world, that is to redeem humankind from the eternal death that awaited us because of the sin in our life. A debt we could not pay, because we could not fulfill the righteous requirements of the LAW – The Ten Commandments. God in His grace, sent His one and only Son to live the LAW for us, then to die for us, and as such taking the punishment of the sin of the world upon him. So that, now by faith in Jesus alone, we would be reconciled to God, grafted into the living Vine of Christ, adopted by God has His sons and daughters, no longer slaves to sin, death and the devil. And this is for all who come to faith in Jesus; be you red or yellow, black or white, rich or poor, from every nation and every tribe, you are precious in the sight of God. 4
The Created has been reconciled to the Creator! Praise God! Now, this reconciliation you have with our Creator is the same you share with everyone who is called a human being and more closely for those who share the same faith in Jesus Christ as you! The Apostle Paul opened his letter to the Galatian Christian in chapter 3 with this statement: “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” Have we become like the Galatian Christian and allowed ourselves to be bewitched into thinking there is a difference in people who ought to be discriminated against? Paul goes on in verses 25-29, “But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” God created only one race, the human race! The only difference we should see in one another is one of having saving faith or not. AND then our reaction should not be one of bigotry or violence, but one of showering them with the love of Jesus Christ and sharing the Gospel of Him who came to see and save the lost. Because one day this will be true…After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 9:9-10) “For God so loved the world…”, now go and do likewise. Pastor Doug Davis is the pastor of Messiah Church, located in Prattville. Messiah’s vision and mission is guided by our Promise Statement: Messiah Church, being guided and directed by God’s Word, welcomes all with Christ-centered love, announcing God’s unconditional forgiveness and grace, and is prepared to provide timely compassion in your life.
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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.
B A P T I S T FA M I LY M E D I C I N E The physicians and staff at Baptist Family Medicine are honored to meet the healthcare needs of our central Alabama communities. From routine needs to urgent concerns, we look forward to building a warm, dependable and lasting relationship with you and your entire family.
Accepting new patients. • Treating all ages • Same-day appointments • Medicare accepted • Most insurances accepted • Patient education • Physical exams/check-ups
• Acute/chronic medical problems • Immunizations • Women’s health • Pre-natal and OB care • Pediatric care • Age-specific screening testing
Call (334) 613-3680 to schedule your appointment today.
BAPTIST FAMILY MEDICINE 4371 Narrow Lane Road, Suite 100 • Montgomery, AL 36116 www.baptistfirst.org/baptist-family-medicine
*All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith
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Exploring the Bible:
A Bible Reading Plan for Kids by David Murray
A key component of every parent’s task is helping our children form good habits. A key component of every Christian parent’s task is helping our children form the good habit
of personal devotions. Many years ago my friend David Murray began releasing devotional guides for children. These were no fancier than plain Microsoft Word documents meant to be printed at home. For each day of the week there was a small passage to read, a brief question to answer, and, eventually, an area to jot down a couple of prayer requests. I immediately saw the promise in these guides, printed them off, popped them into binders, and gave them to my children. They were just perfect for ages 6-12 until they were ready to move on to more advanced resources. Those rough devotional guides have now given way to Exploring the Bible: A Bible Reading Plan for Kids. Published by Crossway and illustrated by Scotty Reifsnyder, it maintains the flavor of the original guides, but has been improved exponentially. It now takes the shape of a guide to exploring the big story of the Bible. Murray says it “will act as your leader, map, and compass to the Bible. It won’t take you to every part of the Bible, but it will take you to the main peaks and give you an all-round view of its beautiful landscape. At times River Region’s Journey
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we’ll slow down and look at some parts more closely. Other times, we’ll speed up in order to get to the next major mountain peak in the Bible’s story. By the end of a year, you’ll have learned skills to help you explore the Bible on your own with safety and success.” Each week is set up like a little expedition into a new part of the Bible. There are prayer points for each day, a memory verse to serve as a kind of snapshot of the expedition, and a daily log to write out a verse or answer a question. David asked if I would provide an endorsement for the back of the book, and here is what I wrote: “There is so much I could say to commend Exploring the Bible, but any praise would pale in comparison to this, the ultimate parental endorsement: I gave all three of my children Exploring the Bible as their very first experience of personal devotions. All three used it, all three enjoyed it, and all three benefited tremendously from using it. I wholeheartedly recommend it for your children, too.”
Marriage, Divorce and Remarriage by Jim Newheiser
While we are well-served with books on marriage, we are not nearly so well-served with books on divorce and remarriage. And while we may wish we had no need for such works, the sad fact is they are necessary. New to the market is Jim Newheiser’s Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage: Critical Questions and Answers. This book adopts a Q&A format to answer a host of important questions spanning dating and engagement to separation, divorce, and remarriage. It is all built upon the premise that God “has revealed in his infallible, timeless, and all-sufficient Word the nature of marriage, the obligations 6
of marriage, who may be married, and when divorce and remarriage are permissible.” Of course, there is little controversy among orthodox Christians about marriage. We all agree it is an institution designed by God for the benefit of humanity. We agree that it is defined something like this: “A lifelong covenant of companionship between a man and a woman that has been established under God and before the community.” Where there is much less unanimity is in the area of divorce and remarriage. While what Newheiser says about dating, courtship, and marriage are helpful, what he says about divorce and remarriage make his book a uniquely helpful and important contribution. Among Christians there are essentially two positions on divorce and remarriage. The majority view is that the Bible allows for divorce and remarriage under a limited set of circumstances; the minority or permanence view insists that a Christian may never initiate divorce and may never remarry so long as their spouse is alive. Newheiser takes and defends the majority view, but he first insists that divorce is never desirable and, at least among Christians, never inevitable. While he insists that divorce is always unfortunate and contrary to God’s design for marriage, he also insists the Bible allows for it in cases of adultery or abandonment. By my assessment he defends the position well through his careful interaction with the relevant biblical texts. As I read this book, I was especially struck by the centrality of the local church in God’s plan for the world, for it plays a key role in both the forming and the dissolving of marriages. I can’t help but wonder how much the prevalence of divorce among professed Christians simply proves that the church has abdicated some of her key responsibilities. Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage is a strong book and one that will prove valuable to pastors, counselors, and church members.
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Camp Victory’s 5K Victory Run Obstacle Course Race
Wetumpka First UMC House of Holidays
Saturday, October 14, 7 am to 1 pm The 5K Victory Run is a race that takes participants in and throughout the pines of Camp Victory with several different obstacles that will test their endurance, balance, and strength. This event is open to individuals ages 13 and up. All proceeds from this event will go to benefit our Camper Scholarship Fund. We offer scholarships to campers who complete Bible lessons throughout the year and also provide financial assistance to families who could not otherwise send their children to camp. All participants will be required to sign a waiver before running the race. Those under 18 will need a parent/guardian signature as well. Camp Victory, 363 Victory Circle, Samson, AL Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/camp-victorys-5k-victoryrun-obstacle-course-race-tickets-35915475153?aff=efbevent Call (334) 898-7948 or visit www.campvictoryal.org.
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October 7, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. 306 West Tuskeena St., Wetumpka. Arts and crafts, handmade gifts and food for sale, tag sale and much more. Lunch will be served for $5. Something for everyone. Rain or shine. For more info, e-mail rhqmgb@gmail.com.
Annual Men’s Day Celebration Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery, AL Sunday, October 8, 2017 @ 2 pm Rev. Dr. Farrell Duncombe, Pastor of St. Paul AME Church Guest Speaker
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Celebrating 125 Years of Serving our Community in Jesus’ Name. Teaching Series Sundays Sept. 10–Oct. 1
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Contemporary & Traditional Sunday Worship 8, 9:30 & 11 a.m. A family of faith for everyone • Spanish, Korean & Chinese Services 6000 Atlanta Hwy. in Montgomery 334.272.8622 www.frazer.church River Region’s Journey
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Back2Back Good News Comedy Night featuring
Michael Jr. and John Crist 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall at Frazer UMC; doors open at 6 p.m. Event benefits Child Evangelism Fellowship of Central Alabama. Visit frazer.church for tickets or call 1-800-965-9324.
6th Annual River Region Prayer Walk October 7. Union Station Train Shed. Registration 8:30 a.m. Activities begin at 9. Free lunch, concert and family activities after the walk. Register at riverregionprayerwalk2017.eventbrite.com. Like us on Facebook at: fb.com/RiverRegionPrayerWalk. This is a FREE community event! The first 150 adults and 25 children to arrive receive a free T-Shirt (subject to availability) For more info, contact us at riverregionprayerwalk@gmail.com or (334) 578-9783.
Eagle 5K Run or Walk at Faulkner University
October 14; Benefits Friends for Faulkner. Onsite registration 6:30-7 a.m.; event begins at 7:30 a.m. Fees: $25 pre-registration for 5K all participants/$30 day of race. Registration forms available by contacting poliver@faulkner.edu or register online at Active.com. 9
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Rise Out Of The Dark Tour Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Love & The Outcome, Jasmine Murray
Saturday, October 28, at 7 pm, Doors at 6:10 pm Frazer UMC’s Wesley Hall, 6000 Atlanta Highway Order Tickets by Phone: 1-800-965-9324 or visit www.itickets.com VIP - 5PM Early Entry - $49.50 VIP - 5PM Early Entry Group (10+) - $46.50 General Admission - $26.50 General Admission Group (10+) - $23.50 VIP Tickets include: Q&A Session with Mandisa & Danny Gokey, Designated VIP Early Entry Door, Choose Your Seat before regular doors open, VIP time at merch booth before regular doors open.
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Indie All The Way Up October 20, 2017 Embassy Suites, 300 Tallapoosa St. Montgomery, AL The purpose of event is to create a stage for upcoming aspiring artists giving them an opportunity to show forth their unique gifts God has given them. Our focus also will be aiming to bridge the gaps within our communities as it relates to gun violence, substance abuse, & sex trafficking. We will be working along side some of the universities in the Montgomery area in this effort. Cost: $7 Early Bird, $12 General Admission. Call 800-652-4521 music@shannonglive.com
Email your ministry news to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com!
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Christmas Clearinghouse: Reaching Out to Those in Need The Christmas Clearinghouse would be a perfect recipient of your generous giving this holiday season. For 35 years, the Clearinghouse has partnered with the community to help solve enormous problems for poor families. The Christmas Clearinghouse, a program of HandsOn River Region, is a partnership of churches, organizations and service providers who join to assist those in need during the holiday season and avoid duplication of giving. The success of the Clearinghouse depends on the efforts of thousands of volunteers. We encourage clubs, organizations, individuals, churches and agencies to “adopt” families who have registered for help. Adoption means providing gifts and much-needed items for each member of the family. Another important way the community can help is by donating to the Christmas Clearinghouse to provide gift certificates for families who have not been adopted so that they too can experience the joy of the season. The Christmas Clearinghouse keeps a central file of needy families who have registered with local churches and service providers in the community. All registration forms come to HandsOn River Region where the information is entered into the Clearinghouse database. Some agencies are able to help those families who register with them. Families who are not helped by agencies or organizations where they registered are also entered into the system. The Christmas Clearinghouse tries to assist these families through community adoptions or gift certificates made possible through fundraisers and donations. With the combined efforts of our community, more than 10,000 individuals are cleared and helped annually during the holiday season. The Christmas Clearinghouse creates a bonding experience for the citizens of our community. The program makes a difference. Want to help? Visit www.handsonriverregion.org to adopt a family, make a donation or volunteer with the program!
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RR yo Ch
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baptized at 8 years old, it wasn’t until your college years that you really felt saved. What brought you to that understanding? Barbara: I was active in church and Bible study, but nagged with a feeling of guilt. Was I good enough? Had I ever crossed the line that would exclude me from eternal life in heaven with God? Was there an ‘unforgivable sin’ and, if so, what was it? Had I committed it? Then while reading through Romans one day, Romans 4:14 grabbed me! It said, “For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless.” So, if I depend on good works for my salvation, then the promise of Jesus means nothing. By the Holy Spirit, God showed me it is by grace alone, faith alone, in Christ alone, that has the power to save. It was like blinders came off and everything made sense. I truly felt the lines of “Amazing Grace” – “I was blind, but now I see!” RRJ: God often uses people in our lives to inspire and encourage us. Can you share who that has been for you and why?
RRJ: Barbara, you grew up in a Christian home with a large, loving family. How would you say that “foundation” grew your faith in God? Barbara: I think of my dear father who passed away in January 2015. God blessed us with a daddy who loved us unconditionally; was strong and yet gentle; expected good behavior, but showed mercy; patient beyond belief. There was never a day when I doubted his love for me, and I think that helped develop my faith in the love God has for His children. He had Alzheimer’s disease for many years before it took his life, and I saw that foundation of faith being “lived out” in my family as my mother cared for him and we all dealt with the things that a disease like that can throw your way. The security that my big and loving family provided me during those years, and all my life, reflected the love of Jesus and the family of God. RRJ: You mentioned that although you accepted Jesus as your savior and were River Region’s Journey
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Barbara: I had a very special teacher in junior high school – Floyd Junior High here in Montgomery. Kathy Belser was my art teacher – a young, vivacious, fun teacher. She really fueled my interest in art. Tragically, Miss Belser was killed in a car accident weeks before the end of school in 1979. I discovered the week after her death that she had turned in my name to receive the art student award the day before she died. It has meant so much to me. Not only that, but her death led me to ponder life and death. I was 15 years old and God used that event, I know, to lead me to Him as I considered what our existence even meant. I feel like it began the “seeking” phase of my spiritual life, and we know He promises in Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” RRJ: How have you felt God leading you in your career choice? Barbara: When I was in college at Auburn University Montgomery, I prayed about my major. I felt led to major in art, but many people advised me not to. Many people I looked to for guidance said I would never 12
get a job unless I wanted to teach and, therefore, should major in education if I wanted to pursue art. I was working at a law firm and thought paralegal studies might be the practical way to go, but the more I sought God’s will in this the more I knew without a doubt He had chosen art for me. I ended up majoring in fine arts with a marketing minor. I had the desire to be a full-time artist and no idea at all how to achieve it, but I needed an income! I prayed so many times asking God “why did You want me to major in art? Was it more what I wanted and not what You wanted?” In 1993, I went to a National Portrait Seminar conducted by internationally known portrait artist John Howard Sanden. After attending, I felt I could really make a living in art. I pursued this as an avocation and ended up painting portraits full-time for a short time. The timing wasn’t right, though. I wasn’t ready. I was desperate to paint full-time, but it was feast or famine and we needed my income. I went back to the conventional work world a bit daunted, thinking I would give up the idea of ever being an artist. The love for art that God gave me was still there even though I wanted to ignore it sometimes and just “make a living”. RRJ: Things started changing for you the year you turned 40. What encouragement can you offer those who feel it’s too late to live in the passion that God has given them? Barbara: God’s timing is perfect! I hope I can encourage anyone who feels God is leading them along a certain path – especially a path that seems so illogical or impractical – to trust Him. It can seem scary to pursue an unconventional career, but He has called me and of that I am totally sure. I have I Thessalonians 5:24 written on my easel – “The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it.” It is my constant assurance that He is with me on this path. Are you wondering what your calling is? I read in The Cure for the Common Life by Max Lucado: “Use your uniqueness (what you do) to make a big deal out of God (why you do it) every day of your life (where you do it).” He says this is your “sweet spot” and the “cure for the common life”. Pursue your calling by God’s grace! He has a place for you, just you...something only you can do!
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RRJ: What tools of the Christian faith do you actively use in keeping your focus on Christ, particularly in your work? Barbara: Prayer, of course, that He would lead me and guide me. I pray that He would use my art in ways I don’t even understand, to bring glory to Himself, and that He would use opportunities, such as this article, to bring glory to Himself. God’s creation speaks to us of Him, and I want to worship our Creator through my work, through my art. His Word concerning His creation and Him as Creator helps to focus my attention on Him, as I use the creative gifts He has given me. RRJ: Barbara, you have said that of all the subjects you paint, you find that your heart is always drawn to the skies. Explain why. Barbara: Psalm 19:1 says “the heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” I feel so close to God when I am painting the sky. It’s so beautiful, such a gift from God! We sometimes go through life staring at the bumper ahead of us in traffic or at the sidewalk as we walk. While I’m not encouraging anyone to not look where they’re going, there’s a great big, beautiful miracle going on up there every single day! The sky is filled with light and is a reminder of His light. Light is what I want to paint. It makes everything beautiful – a vase of flowers, the landscape, even a dirty old trashcan. I love showing this to my painting students in still life workshops. I’ll set up a still life that looks just okay, but then, when the spotlight is turned on, you hear ooh’s and aah’s! You see light and shadow, and suddenly the mundane is beautiful. It’s a beautiful metaphor, too, for His Light in our lives.
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RRJ: How would you encourage our readers to live out their faith outside of the church walls? Barbara: Working to the glory of God is an act of worship. Whether you’re an artist, a cashier, a waitress/waiter, plumber – whatever – it is worship when you are working to His glory. Do your best and honor Him with your work and His light will shine through! He has a place for you and a plan for you. If you are a ditch digger, you don’t have to put your shovel down and start passing out tracts to bring Him honor. Dig the best ditch you can by God’s grace, and trust Him to use you and place you where He wants you. He is faithful and HE will do it!
Barbara Davis is married to her husband John and they live in Montgomery. Barbara is very involved in Bible Study Fellowship and the couple attends Christchurch.
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Copilot Fruit Bearers Years ago a bumper sticker became popular that stated, “God is my copilot.” On the positive side, that message shows us that we are to work side by side with the Lord in all things and trust Him completely. That is certainly true. On the negative side, it seems to indicate that God is here to assist us with our plans. He can make some suggestions, but we will make the decisions. We could do the job without Him, but we could do a better job with Him. Obviously, that is where the analogy stops working. In January 15, 2009, Pilot Chesley Sullenberger landed US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in New York City.
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He had lost all engine power after hitting a flock of Canadian geese. However, all 155 people aboard were rescued by nearby boats with few serious injuries. “Sully” was a very experienced pilot who knew the only way to save the plane and its passengers. At the moment he made that decision few air traffic controllers agreed with him. But “Sully” was a wise pilot. To understand our working relationship with the Lord, let’s see how the Bible describes it. Jesus said: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, NIV). He adds, “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:7-8, NIV). So, what’s all this fruit stuff about? I spent years confused about this before I discovered what Paul wrote to the Galatians. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22, NIV). These are attributes of our redeemed personality. They are expressions of a heart that has been transformed by the Lord. The evidence of the change will show up in our emotions, desires, and actions.
Anyone who knew us before will know that we are not the folks we used to be. We don’t use the same words or the same tone of voice. We are kinder, have more patience, and have a peace that comes from the joy of the Lord. You can’t work this up on your own. This is the result of making Jesus, the Son of God, the center of our lives. It is we (as copilots) asking the Pilot what we can do for Him. We may make a suggestion now and then, but we know He will make all of the decisions. He allows us to participate in His mission in this world, but we know it is for His honor and glory. And we are thankful to serve Him in any way He chooses. Our prayers should reflect that understanding. They should not be primarily about our own health, wealth, and well-being. They should center on God’s Kingdom. We should ask, who can we encourage? Who can we help through a crisis? How can we explain to someone that God loves them and that Jesus died to set them free? How can the money God has entrusted with us be used to show God’s love for others? Those are the kinds of questions that God wants to answer. For He tells us in Matthew: “So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ Or ‘What shall we wear?’ for the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well” (Matthew 6:31-33, NIV). Once we accept Christ as our Savior, we realize He is also our Lord. We come to work with Him, side by side, day by day. But we should always remember that we only copilot the plane. He knows what is best. We have only to trust Him and serve Him any way we can. Even if He says to land our plane on the river. **Sam Whatley’s latest book, Ponder Anew, is now available at the Frazer Bookstore located inside Frazer Memorial UMC.
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October 2017
River Region’s Journey
9/14/17 10:02 AM
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In the classic play, Fiddler on the Roof, a husband and wife have two daughters who have both fallen in love. The husband, noticing how happy the daughters are, turns to his wife and asks her, “Do you love me?” She responds: Do I love you? For twenty-five years I have washed your clothes, cooked your meals, cleaned your house, given you children, milked the cow. After twenty-five years, why talk about love right now? Do I love him? For twenty-five years I have lived with him, fought with him, starved with him. Twenty-five years my bed is his. If that’s not love, what is? …to which the husband nervously mutters, “Then you love me?” Clearly, the wife is missing the essence of love. For love is complete, love is at its most healthy place, when the duties of love are driven by the delights of love. In some ways, the wife in Fiddler on the Roof is a parable for all of us. Caught up in the pressure of daily responsibilities, distractions, and the tyranny of the urgent, our most important relationships—the ones that once made us come alive and were the source of our deepest joy—become dull and flat. What used to bring us delight becomes mere duty. What used to stir our affections becomes an annoyance. What used to be our most tangible experience of grace becomes poisoned by grudges. What used to be face-to-face becomes side-to-side at best, or back-to-back at worst.
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When the duties of love overshadow the delights of love, intimacy and companionship are eclipsed by loneliness. And? It’s not just human relationships that experience this erosion of joy. It also happens in our relationship with God. When we lose our intimacy with God, it’s not because God has shifted. In these moments and seasons of distance, we can truly say to him, “It’s not you, it’s me.” Consider Jesus’ dear friend, Martha: Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her (Luke 10:38-42). Like the wife in Fiddler on the Roof, Martha is emotionally and relationally
impaired by performance fatigue. Working hard and working alone to serve the guests, her frustration and anxiety are palpable. She is “busy with much serving,” and for this, she has often been criticized. But I don’t think Jesus was criticizing her for being busy. The Greek word Jesus uses for Martha’s “serving” is diakoneo, which is used positively every place it shows up in the Bible. When Jesus described himself, declaring that he came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many, he used the word diakoneo (Matthew 20:28). When the Apostle Paul lays out the qualifications for deacons, a role of help and service in the church, this is the word that he uses (1 Timothy 3:8). When he commends Phoebe as a faithful servant in her local church, he calls her a diakonon (Romans 16:1). So, lest we wrongly dismiss Martha for somehow being untrue to Jesus, let’s consider her hard work. She is welcoming her guests, after all. She is practicing the gospel virtue of hospitality. Let’s also consider the understanding and grace that Jesus extends to her. When he addresses her, Jesus says her name twice. “Martha,
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Martha.” The repetition of a person’s name in Semitic language was a term of endearment. Jesus was pleading with her, not scolding her as if she were some sort of rebel. “Martha, Martha” is Jesus’ gesture of compassion and kindness to Martha, and also to us. Martha, Martha… …before you try to change the world, you must first let me change you. …before you make your mark on others, you must first let me make my mark on you. …before you get busy to make things better, you must first let me make you better. …before you can serve and feed me, you must first let me serve and feed you. You see, Martha’s affliction is not that she is a busy-body. Her affliction is that she has a busy heart. She is distracted with much serving, and because of this, her very legitimate, life-giving diaconal service is spoiled. She is working from a chaotic center. She is seeking to create order from a cluttered core. She is so busied with and distracted by secondary
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things, that she has lost touch with the first thing—which is the love that brought her into friendship with Jesus in the first place. I know your good works, your toil…I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent (Revelation 2:1-7). Jesus’ words to the church at Ephesus were compelled by the same longing he had for Martha. More than he wanted Martha’s service, he wanted Martha’s face. More than he wanted her activity, he wanted her heart. In a similar way, Jesus sees us in our eagerness to be faithful, in our efforts to make a meaningful contribution to his kingdom. He sees our hard work, our loyalty and devotion, our endurance. He sees us walking side by side with him. And he also sees how invisible we sometimes feel in our efforts to please and impress. Said Martha, “Lord, do you not care…?”
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Said the dutiful elder son to his Father, “These many years I have slaved for you, and I never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends” (Luke 15:29). Do you hear the cry beneath the cries of Martha and the resentful son? If we listen closely, we will see that they are both after something more than mere relief from their work. What they want, what they feel that they are missing, is recognition. Affirmation. Approval. Affection. A smile. A benediction. For someone to say to them, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Once one of our daughters asked me to watch her as she read a book…silently. But she was after something more than a mere audience for her silent reading adventure. What she wanted most was a blessing. She wanted to hear me tell her how impressed I was that she could read a book all by herself. That she could do no wrong. That she was awesome. She wanted to hear her Dad say, “Well done.” There’s something in all of us, isn’t there, that is just dying to be watched, to be looked at, to be seen, and to hear the “Well done,” yes?
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But the resentful son was deafened to his Father’s affirmation, to his bold declaration, “All I have is yours.” Martha, likewise, was numb to Jesus’ tender, double repetition of her name. And so they both leaned hard on their busyness, their productivity, their something-to-show-for-it postures, as a last ditch effort to secure a recognition that was already theirs. In Jesus, the “Well done” comes before we do anything for him. It comes to us at the start of our journey with Jesus versus at the end. For Martha and the elder brother, the word from God is, “All that I have is already yours. So come sit with me. Enter my rest.” And this is also the word from God for us. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,” Jesus said, “and I will give you rest.” Let’s go find rest at his feet then, shall we? In March 2012, Scott began serving as the Senior Minister of Christ Presbyterian Church in Nashville, Tennessee, where he lives with his wife Patti and two daughters, Abby and Ellie. Scott has authored two books: Jesus Outside the Lines and Befriend. Scott also writes weekly on his blog at scottsauls. com and can also be found on Twitter at @scottsauls.
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Caring for the Next Generation When my children were younger, I remember deciding to purchase them a new jacket and wearing my threadbare coat for yet another year. This proves true the quote: “A real parent is someone who puts their kids above their selfish wants and needs.” These words sound like they were taken straight from the pages of the Bible. Our Father God demonstrated the ultimate selfless act when He gave His only Son to redeem humanity. Unfortunately, we have seen an increase in behavior from our peers toward the next generation that doesn’t mimic God’s actions. We often fall in line with King Hezekiah in 2 Kings 20. The king had proudly opened his treasure house and exposed all the wealth of his kingdom to his enemies. God foreseeing the negative consequences that would come from that action, sent Prophet Isaiah to forewarn Hezekiah, but promised to delay judgment to the king’s childrens’ generation, in order to spare the king himself. We would expect the king to fall on his face and petition God for His mercy so that the judgment would be averted for his posterity. Instead, Hezekiah says in a nonchalant attitude, “Will there not be peace and truth at least in my days?” What makes matters worse is that earlier in the same chapter King Hezekiah was told he was going to die. For this judgment, the king pleaded with God until the Almighty graciously added 15 more years to his life. River Region’s Journey
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Hezekiah would have experienced God’s mercy for his children also if he had asked. But when told that judgment and the consequences to the king’s actions will be transferred to his descendants, the king did not plea-bargain. He actually didn’t care what happened after he was gone! Hezekiah is not the only example of self-centered parenting. In 1 Samuel 3 the prophet Eli’s children rebelled against the Lord. God warned Eli multiple times to call his sons to accountability. Finally, God confided in Eli’s protégé, little Samuel, telling him all the evil He was going to unleash on the prophet and his rebellious children. Eli did not fall on his face and wail for God’s grace and mercy. Instead, Eli sounds like Hezekiah, “It is the Lord. Let him do what seems good to him.” Due to this uncaring attitude, the prophet and his children perished in one day. How concerned are you about the wellbeing of your children? How are you putting that care into action? Do you look the other way, pretending it is not happening? You’ve seen them in their rebellion, promiscuity, in their drug dealings, the gang activities, etc.
What’s Our Response? 1. Fast and Pray for Our Young. When King David committed adultery 20
with Uriah’s wife Bathsheba, the woman became pregnant. To cover up the deed, the king killed Uriah and married his widow. God’s anger with David came with a judgment: the sword will not depart from David’s house and the child born as a result of the sin will not live. Hearing the severity of the judgment against the unborn child, David fell before the Lord fasting and praying for God to avert judgment. Though the baby died, God was pleased with David’s humble repentant heart. It is no wonder that God said of the king, “I have found David a man after my own heart.” He rewarded David and Bathsheba right after with another baby (Solomon), who became the wisest king ever to rule the nation of Israel. Prayer changes things, and it has the capacity to change the most hardened hearts. Let’s make it a habit to nag less and pray more.
2. Become a Role Model. There are so many reasons why kids become wayward. One of the major reasons is lack of godly role models. Kids become what they experience around them. As a parent, God has placed you in their path to show them the way. Other adults are often called upon to make a difference as well. How willing are you to give of yourself in order to promote godly character in the life of some wayward child who might be heading to prison?
3. Pray for Understanding. One common complaint you often here from young people is, “they don’t understand me.” The common reply is “yes we do, we were once your age,” but that is not entirely true. The world of this generation is totally different than the one where we grew up. To reach the children, we must learn who they are, what they like, and what they face. In our quest to get educated, let’s get knowledge about our kids. I pray for grace to extend Father God’s kind of selfless attitude towards my grown-up children. Join me and agree in prayer for the kids around you!
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Alabama Christian Academy Fall Festival
Thursday, November 9th, tentatively from 3:30-6:00 p.m. Inflatables, Pony rides, games and more. They will have a silent auction and Country Kitchen, chili cook off and photo booth. Each class sponsors games for children of all ages. Concessions will be available. Admission is $5. Please call 277.1985 ext. 221 for information.
Aldersgate UMC Fall Festival
Sunday, October 29th, 5:30-7 p.m. 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery. Trunk or Treat, trunk decorating contest, carnival games, prizes, live band, inflatables, hot dog dinner. Admission is free, but canned goods will be collected for the food pantry. Call 272.6152.
Angel Fest
October 21 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook Join the fun at the annual Angel Fest at St. Michael’s. Shop unique arts and crafts, the bake sale and our silent auction. There will be live entertainment, a children’s carnival, concessions and a Boston Butt sale. All proceeds go to help others in the Millbrook and West Elmore County Communities. For vendor information or to pre-order Boston butts call the church River Region’s Journey
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office at (334) 285.3905 or visit stmichaleandallangels.com/angel-fest/
Blue Ridge Baptist Church Back to the 50’s Fall Festival
Sunday, October 29, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. 4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka A hotdog and chili supper will be served. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us. Please call at 567.4325 for more information.
Calvary Baptist Church Fall Festival
November 4 from 9 a.m. until noon. 432 W. Fourth St., Prattville Free fun for everyone.
Camellia Baptist Church Fall Festival
Tuesday, October 31st; Please call for time. 201 Woodvale Rd, Prattville Lots of games, food, candy and a lifechanging message. Free admission. Games for ages preschool – 6. No scary costumes. Bring your family and friends. Call 365.0755.
Camp Chandler Halloween Carnival
Saturday, October 21, 5-8 p.m. Camp Chandler is located just off U.S. 231 22
North in Wetumpka on Lake Jordan. Come out and join us for a night of carnival games, the little pumpkin playhouse, a cake walk and raffle, trick or treat, silent auction, McGilvery Plantation Haunted Hike, a costume contest and more! For more information, call 269.4362, ext. 241 or 252. Visit www.campchandler.org.
Dalraida Baptist Church Annual Family Fall Festival
Sunday, October 29, 5:00 until 7:30 p.m. 3838 Wares Ferry Road Games, Prizes, Hayride and More! Please call 272.2412.
Dalraida UMC Fall Festival / Trunk or Treat
October 28, 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Please Call 272.2190.
East Memorial Baptist Family Fun Fall Festival ad on page 7
Tuesday, October 31st 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of fun for the whole family! FREE! For more info call 334.365.7500 or visit us at www.eastmemorial.org.
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Eastmont Baptist Church Trunk or Treat
Sunday, October 29, 4-6 p.m. in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. 4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Visit www.eastmont.org for more info or call 277-6300.
First Baptist Church Prattville Fall Festival ad on page 24
Sunday, October 29 138 South Washington Street For more information visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.
First Baptist Church Fall Family Festival ad on Back Cover
305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Sunday, October 29, 4:00-6:00 p.m. Honoring our Community Servants Fire truck, police vehicle will be there. Event is free. Food offered for $3. Games, Fun and prizes. For more information, call 834.6310.
First UMC, Montgomery Pumpkinfest
Sunday, October 22, 4-5:30 p.m. 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy costumes are welcome! Come join the
fun! In the event of rain, the Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler through 3rd grade! Call 834.8990. Also, FUMC Fall Bazaar 2017 Wednesday, October 4th, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Luncheon $12 | 12:00-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall; Shopping & Silent Auction 1:00-7:00 p.m. Wesley Hall Baked Goods • Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures • Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New Red’s Little School House Bbq Dinner $10 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. Park Avenue Parking Lot Kid’s Chicken Finger Meal: $5 Please call 834.8990 for more information. .
First United Methodist Church Trunk or Treat, Wetumpka
Sunday, October 29, from 4-6 p.m. 306 W. Tuskeena Street, Wetumpka Contest, games, concessions, inflatables, cake-walk, dunking booth and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. Call 567.7865, visit www.fumcwetumpka.com.
Gateway Baptist Church Fall Family Festival ad on page 5
Tuesday, October 31st, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 3300 Bell Road, Montgomery Free admission. Popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, games and trunk or treat. Little bit of something for everyone. Call 272.9494 for more information.
Goodship Missionary Baptist Church Harvest Fest 2017 Tuesday, October 31, 6 pm Village Green Park in Millbrook
Fun for the entire family! Live music, bounce house, games & prizes, trunk or treat and more! Free and open to the public.
Harvest Family Church Trunk or Treat Fall Carnival
Sunday, October 29th, from 4-5:30 7245 Copperfield Drive, Montgomery All superheroes, princesses and minions (and their families!) are invited to stuff their bags with candy and enjoy fun games at a FREE carnival presented by the folks at Harvest Family Church in the Copperfield community. FREE hotdogs will be provided (while they last) and a TV will be showing football for those who just can’t pull away! For more info: (334) 277-1156| www.harvestfamilychurch.com.
Heritage Baptist Church Fall Festival ad on page 13
1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery October 29th from 2 until 4 p.m. Inflatables, Trunk A Treat, Music & More Free Admission. Concessions Available. Call 279.9976.
Judgment House
4003 Eastern Blvd. (Montgomery Towne Center) October 15, 18, 21-22, 25, 27, 31 from 6-9 p.m. The ministry of Judgment House spans over 29 years with its roots tied to Montgomery. River Region Judgment House is a God-centered drama which focuses on the triumphs and tragedies faced in the lives of today’s youth and young adults. All aspects of this ministry
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Saint James UMC Trunk or Treat
are based on Biblical principles and teachings. Please visit us at www. judgmenthouse.org.
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Sunday, October 29, 5 to 6:30 p.m. 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Parking lot at back of church. Hayride, inflatables, games, candy and much more! Wear your costume but please nothing scary. For info, call Jennifer at 277.3037.
Messiah Church Reformation Festival ad on page 4
2072 Fairview Ave, Prattville Saturday, October 28, 3 to 7 pm Games and crafts for kids, costume contest for the best Reformation costume, trunk or treat, brats and hotdogs hot off the grill. For more info call 730.4300 or visit www.myMessiahChurch.org.
Mulder United Methodist Trunk or Treat
Tuesday, October 31, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Fun for the whole family. There will be inflatables, games, trunks of treats, hayrides, face painting, Live music and more.
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Taylor Road Treats the Town at Taylor Road Baptist
No scary costumes please. For more info call 567.4225.
Ridgecrest Baptist Church Fall Festival ad on page 11
Saturday, October 28 from 5-7 p.m. 5260 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Open to all ages. Family friendly. Games, prizes, food, candy, bouncy house and trunk or treat. For info call 277.0011.
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Sunday, October 29th Gates open at 6-8 p.m. 1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery FREE FOOD! Games, Hayrides, family pictures. Family Atmostphere. NO scary costumes please. Call 271.3363.
Thorington Road Baptist Fall Festival
Sunday, October 29th, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. 450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Come join us for inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Call 396.9376.
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Oct 2017
O How Do We “Filter”? Perhaps you are aware of the previously contentious nature of the relationship between the VidAngel filtering service and various studios. VidAngel has re-launched after being shut down, after an “injunction was obtained” by Disney, Fox, and Warner. In the old system, according to the Deadline website, “VidAngel cracked the encryption on discs, then sold and repurchased the content in transactions with consumers who specified edits. In effect, the sale and re-purchase created a cheap, family-friendly rental of popular films...” VidAngel has returned with a workaround, a “revised streaming service,” as Deadline describes it. The story reports that according to Neal Harmon, head of VidAngel, the new service, for users, will “work in conjunction with their existing streaming options, though companies like Amazon and Netflix are not directly involved in a collaboration with the filtering service.” Harmon says, “Under studio contracts with all of them, they are not allowed to authorize anyone to filter...” But, as the story points out, Harmon said, “VidAngel becomes a proxy for individuals who are permitted legally to filter content under the Family Movie Act.” So, parents have a new option to watch popular films and other content, but in a more family-friendly way. And, apparently it is necessary. The Parents Television Council has announced a survey in which it found a “majority of original streaming content was rated TV-MA (mature audiences only). On Netflix, 65% of original/exclusive TV programming is rated TV-MA, while 1% is rated G, and 8% rated PG.” The streaming industry is certainly changing, with competition continuing to emerge to the industry king Netflix. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Disney has River Region’s Journey
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announced “it will be pulling its movies from Netflix and will launch a Disney streaming service of its own in 2019. It also said it will launch an ESPN streaming service early next year.” Meanwhile, family-friendly and faithbased content is the staple of the Pure Flix streaming service, which has announced expansion of its original programming, according to a press release on the Streaming Media website. The release says: After launching the sitcom “Hitting The Breaks” last month, the company will follow that up this fall with “Hilton Head Island”, a soap opera featuring several well-known stars, and a comedic series, “Malibu Dan”. All will debut as PureFlix Original Series. “There’s clearly an appetite for original content in the streaming video world and we decided it was a hunger we needed to feed,” said Greg Gudorf, CEO of PureFlix. com. “Our efforts paid off; our growing subscriber base gravitates toward original series that are new, fresh and can only be seen on our platform.” The press release says the Pure Flix streaming service has launched seven new original series over the past two years, and according to the Washington Times, announced at the end of last year that it would team up with ClearPlay, described as a “streaming service that allows users to filter out inappropriate content only when using Google Play, according to a press release.” Gudorf said, “Working with ClearPlay enables us to further fulfill our promise of no language, sex or violence surprises with our faith and family-focused content,” adding, “A portion of our customer base — who have 26
very strict personal guidelines on what they deem appropriate — has spoken and we’ve listened.” There are other providers of online content to the faith community, including Christian Cinema, Dove Channel, and Crossflix. I want to concentrate today on the concept of filtering. We have to make so sure that we are cautious and conscientious about what we allow to take root in our minds. Our eyes and ears are the gateways, and while it is next to impossible to completely be free from exposure to ideas and images that don’t line up with God’s standards, we have to make sure our internal filters are in place to protect our spirit from corruption. There are areas in which we can build up ourselves, and I want to key in on three words: A working knowledge of God’s Word His principles, can build a firewall against inappropriate, harmful content from polluting our minds. His living Word can enable us to reject what does not line up with His standards. A key to resisting temptation has to do with our position. We have to make sure to stay away, as much as possible, from exposure to material that is counterproductive to the Christian life. If we allow the enemy to influence us adversely, we soften our defenses and we desensitize ourselves to God’s presence. There is also the third word: We have to build an awareness of the presence of God, allowing His Holy Spirit to direct us and to cleanse us. He enables us to stay pure in a world that is bent on pulling us away from wholehearted devotion to Christ.
Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.
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OCTOBER IS
Pastor and Staff Appreciation Month!
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Faith Radio encourages you to show affirmation to your church leaders .1 WLBF during Pastor and Staff Appreciation FM Montgomery Month. We have some tools and ideas for you! Visit our website for more details, and let us send an appreciation card for you!
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Trust is Essential We are born with the need to trust. It is the way that that trust is met or not met that plays a huge role in the development of our lives. Trust is an essential requirement for human life. Without it, life is extremely hard to navigate. Failure to trust can leave us isolated and unable to realize our true potential because we fear being hurt. Among the most frequent words I use in beginning to work with a patient are safety and trust. I often say that one of the most important things someone must feel when they come into my office is safe. I talk about the importance of trust later because I believe that trust develops over time and is not instantaneous. Until a patient feels safe and comfortable in revealing oneself, it’s difficult to develop trust. Iyanla Vanzant in a recently published book entitled Trust, posits four essential trusts, which she orders in importance. These are trust in self, trust in God, trust in others, and trust in life. They are, of course, interconnected and trying to address all of them cannot be done in 700 words. The two I consider important in counseling are trust in self and trust in others. Many people come to counseling having lost the ability to trust anyone. They have often had a childhood in which trust in self is constantly undermined by criticism, broken promises, betrayal, and emotional abandonment. We develop doubts about who we are and allow others to define us. If trust was River Region’s Journey
October 2017
damaged by those who were supposed to love us as children, it becomes more difficult to trust people outside the family. If trust is further damaged by an unfortunate choice in relationships, it becomes much easier to draw inward and even more difficult to invest trust in others. Trust is not an either/or decision. It exists along a continuum from total trust to complete lack of trust, with various degrees in between. The task is to figure out who to trust with what.
Trust is not easy. It is a choice and there are challenges that come with trust. We cannot trust someone that we don’t know and really knowing someone takes time and effort. Even trust in God comes from knowing Him. There are no risk free relationships. Other people in our lives will make mistakes in relationships that hurt or disappoint. It is important to be able to differentiate between someone who has made a mistake and someone who repeatedly fails or disappoints us. This is the point at which being able to forgive is important. This comes only with experience in life. It sometimes requires that we allow ourselves to be vulnerable and risk being hurt with the knowledge that we can recover from being hurt. We may have to 28
learn to forgive ourselves for past mistakes. We must trust ourselves to be able to get through the pain of disappointment and betrayal when others violate our trust. We can never know for sure what someone will or will not do after we invest trust in them. As Frank Crane wrote, “You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will live in torment unless you trust enough.” What we need to avoid is misplaced trust. Vanzant writes about willingness “to slay our inner enemies.” This is another way of describing cognitive restructuring, a concept that is important in therapy. It means being able to get rid of our “inner judge”, our tendency to be self-critical. It means no longer reflecting on how we might have been fooled, manipulated, abused, or wronged in the past. If we continue to beat ourselves up, we will never be able to trust ourselves and we will never be able to trust others. There is a saying that is displayed in my office that reads, “It is hard to begin living the rest of your life as long as you keep rereading the last chapter.” Perhaps Oswald Chambers said it better in a spiritual sense when he wrote, “Leave your broken irreversible past in God’s hands and step out into the invincible future with Him.”
Dr. D. Kim Hamblin is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of Alabama. He received a B.A. in Psychology from Mississippi State University and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas at Austin. He maintains a fulltime private practice which specializes in adult individual therapy. Special interests include depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorders and ADD/ADHD.
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CENTRAL ALABAMA WOMEN’S CARE Baptist Health is pleased to announce the creation of a new OB/GYN practice known as Central Alabama Women’s Care. Drs. Johnson, McIntyre, McCorvey, Pena and Zimmerman have teamed together with Baptist Health to create a practice dedicated to outstanding female and maternity care with two convenient locations to serve the community. Over the years, these premier physicians have delivered thousands of babies within Central Alabama and fostered caring physician-patient relationships through timely service, expert delivery of care and simply getting to know each patient by name and understanding her personal health needs. From annual exams to pregnancy education to menopausal issues, the providers and staff at Central Alabama Women’s Care will ensure your care is personalized, comfortable and timely. Ca l l to day to s c h e d u l e yo u r a p p o i n t m e n t.
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CENTRAL ALABAMA WOMEN’S CARE
2055 East South Blvd, Ste 806 Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 288-3400 29
2455 Bell Road Montgomery, AL 36117 (334) 284-2355 October 2017
River Region’s Journey
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Sharing the Love of Christ with Individuals and Families Affected by Disabilities
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by Ashley Sherlock
The ministry is spearheaded by Ruth Brewbaker, who has a son born with spina bifida. After reading Joni by Joni Eareckson Tada and attending a Joni and Friends family retreat in North Carolina, Ruth thought it was time for her son and others to have opportunities like this closer to home. “We were shown the love of Christ in the most tremendous ways,” Ruth says. “Standing in the back of the chapel [at a Joni and Friends camp] one night, seeing all these people singing and worshiping the Lord with all types of disabilities and from various backgrounds in life, a passion was put in my heart to have something like this in my own church and in my own city and state.” Slowly, Ruth’s ministry idea began to catch on at Young Meadows. Now, because of Rooftop Friends, church members and pastors are tutoring young special needs students, reconstructing homes to make them wheelchair accessible, taking meals to families of disabled
“While we may not be witnessing the lame, the blind and the weak being healed right before our eyes, we have seen miraculous events take place and lives changed.” The gospels of Mark and Luke have in them the story of a paralytic man whose friends are so determined to bring him to Jesus that they lower him down on a mat through the roof of the building where Jesus is speaking. Rooftop Friends out of Montgomery is trying to mimic those five friends, bridging the gap between the people on the mats and the ones who will lower them through the roof to see Jesus. Rooftop Friends is the disabilities ministry of Young Meadows Presbyterian Church whose mission is to share the love of Christ with families and individuals who are affected by a physical, cognitive, or behavioral disability. River Region’s Journey
October 2017
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10•21•17 9:00 A.M.-2:00 P.M.
••••••••••••••
Prattville YMCA
Willis Bradford Branch ••••••••••••••
Prattville YMCA
And...
The Hope Heals Camp provides a time of rest and rejuvenation for families and caregivers of those with a disability. At this camp, attendees find encouragement from others who come along beside them in their own brokenness, just like Ginger and LaJessa. There are activities for the whole family as well as separate events for children and adults. Each disabled camper is partnered with a buddy (Compassionate Companion) for the week who will accompany them to different activities. The 2018 Hope Heals Camps will be held June 17-22 and June 24-29. To sign up or for information, please go to hopehealscamp.org. While the Rooftop Friends family camp in Montgomery is thriving, Ruth hopes that it will continue to be a venue for incredible things to happen for people with disabilities. Ruth wants this ministry to grow so that churches throughout the state can connect with families affected by disabilities. Respite care, counseling and job development, and a health and wellness facility are also all dreams for the future of Rooftop Friends.
Sponsored by:
Festivities include:
All the grits you can eat for $2.00
“A dear friend of mine, Ginger, has experienced the unbelievable heartache of losing a child to a drunk driver. She came to serve as one of our volunteers at our Hope Heals Camp, and the camper she was partnered with was a beautiful young lady named, LaJessa, who was born with cerebral palsy. LaJessa has a smile that can light up any room, and even though her cerebral palsy causes her many challenges in life, she is always the encourager to everyone around her and never quits. The two of them hit it off right from the beginning. The second day of camp, after Ginger shared her story about her daughter, LaJessa looked at her and said, ‘I have been broken on the outside, but you have been broken on the inside.’ They are still very close today and continue to build up one another. That is exactly what we hope to see happen at Hope Heals Camps as we come alongside one another in our own stories of brokenness...finding hope that leads to healing in the midst of it.”
• Grits Cookoff • Door Prizes • Contests • Giveaways • Arts & Crafts • Bounce Houses • Live Music
The TY 5K NITTY GRIT ••••••••••••
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individuals, and praying in the homes of those who are unable to physically attend church. Since starting Rooftop Friends, the ministry has encountered innumerable successes in their endeavors. One of Ruth’s favorites is the story of Ginger and LaJessa (seen top left):
5K begins at 8:00 A.M. Register online at active.com or call Cecily Darby at 334-361-0268.
On December 9, 2017, Rooftop Friends is hosting a Christmas Shopping Extravaganza, a respite event during which those with special needs will shop with a buddy to buy Christmas gifts for their families. This event will be at Young Meadows Presbyterian Church, and volunteers are needed. To learn more about Rooftop Friends and how to become a volunteer, visit www.rooftopfriends.org. A Florida native, Ashley Sherlock moved to Montgomery to pursue a degree in English. She now coordinates events at an independent bookstore in Thomasville, Georgia. She loves Jesus, books, the outdoors, and all things whimsical. 31
October 2017
River Region’s Journey
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Adoption Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer. For more information call Sonia Martin at 409-9477 or she can be reached by email at smartin@childrensaid.org. For information on the Birth Parent and Adult Adoptee Support group please contact Kathy King 205-943-5331 or email kking@childrensaid.org.
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: 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.
issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.
Alcoholic / Addiction
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: 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: 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
Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at
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Children’s of Alabama is ... l The
third largest pediatric hospital in the United States
l Licensed
U.S. News & World Report
This icon is not the official U.S. News & World Report best hospitals emblem.
2016-17
l The
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for 332 beds & 48 NICU bassinets
first LEED-certified hospital building in Alabama
l One
of the Top 20 employers in Alabama with more than 4,700 employees across the state
CHILDREN’S HOSPITALS
l The
pediatric teaching hospital for the School of Medicine at UAB
l Home
to the Pediatric & Congenital Heart Center of Alabama, where more than 450 cardiac surgeries are performed annually
l Site
of the only pediatric kidney dialysis program in the state — one of the largest in the country
Russell Campus
l Home
205.638.9100 1600 7th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35233 Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children Lowder Building McWane Building Children’s on Third Outpatient Center Children’s Park Place
to one of the largest burn units in the Southeast
l One
of the largest pediatric rheumatology programs in the nation and the only one in Alabama
1601 5th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1600 7th Avenue South 1208 3rd Avenue South 1600 5th Avenue South
l Provides
care for more than 90 percent of Alabama children with cancer and blood disorders
Children’s South
205.638.4800 1940 Elmer J. Bissell Road, Birmingham, AL 35243 Outpatient surgery services, Pediatric Imaging Center, laboratory services, specialty care clinics and After Hours care
Physicians to Children
334.293.5033 470 Taylor Rd # 210, Montgomery, Alabama 36117 River Region’s Journey
October 2017
www.ChildrensAL.org
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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. Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com. Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only. Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women. Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or life-challenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.
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Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m.
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Location: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.
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Alzheimer’s / Dementia
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 220-4599 or visit womenofhope@ charter.net.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Montgomery Area 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 and Tricia Crowley at 264-7586 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com.
Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg. An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.
Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.
Cancer
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center. We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912. Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road. Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men. Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net. Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.
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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 Cooper at 241-5125 for further information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, DivorceCare for Kids is available. Call 495-6350 or e-mail jan@frazerumc.org. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce. Call 279-5433.
October 2017
River Region’s Journey
Gambling
Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm. Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information. Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100
Grief
Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information. Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977.
Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622. Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail.com. Join us on Facebook. Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org. Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754. Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 279-5433 for more information.
Parenting
Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the
Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.
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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of ages birth to 5 at Frazer UMC to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org for more information. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For information call 277-5800. Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years. Call 272-3174. Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are
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lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com . Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.
Physical Challenges
Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers. Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive info, call 396-4534. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6pm 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 2:30 pm in room 3101. In 2017; August, October & December. 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.
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October 2017
River Region’s Journey
Q. My husband and I have been saving, and we’re ready to buy our first home. We found a place we both love and can afford if we do a 30-year mortgage instead of a 15-year mortgage. Should we wait and save more for a down payment so we can afford a 15-year mortgage, or go ahead and do the 30-year deal?
A. Good financial
decisions can be defined as things that help you win with money over the long-term. Thirty-year mortgages are a trap. They don’t help you build wealth, and they keep you in debt. On the other hand, 15-year mortgages get you out of debt a lot faster, and being out of debt frees up your largest wealth-building tool — your income. I would never take out a home loan where the payments are more than a
River Region’s Journey
October 2017
fourth of your monthly take-home pay on a 15-year, fixed-rate mortgage. My advice is to either wait and save more money, or maybe look for a less expensive home in a different area. I know you want a home. There’s nothing wrong with wanting your own house. But I don’t want your home to have you. When you get house fever, it’s easy to lock yourself into a bad deal that will follow you around and drain your wallet for decades!
Q. My brotherin-law moved in with us several months ago. He’s 32, and he doesn’t have a job or contribute anything in terms of helping around the house or with bills. I think he needs to move out, but my wife is hesitant to say anything. She complains about the situation to
36
me, but she knows her family will be upset if we do anything. How can we handle this?
A. Responsible adults don’t behave like
bums, and I don’t care what the rest of the family thinks. This issue is between you and your wife. You two are the only ones dealing with this, so it’s easy for others to chime in about what should happen. You shouldn’t just kick the guy out, but you do need to get busy formulating a plan that will allow him to get back on his feet. Have a gentle talk with him about the situation and his future, and tell him things aren’t going to continue on the same path. Let him know he must have a job within 30 days, and 30 days after that he has to move into his own place. Write it down on the calendar, if it will help, but make sure he understands why you’re doing this and the date he must move out. I know these things can be difficult, but sometimes you’ve got to take the bull by the horns and make something happen. It’s what’s best for him – and both of you – in the long run.
PERTUSSIS
(WHOOPING COUGH)
IS IN ALABAMA PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY
WHAT IS WHOOPING COUGH?
Whooping cough – or pertussis – is a very serious respiratory (in the lungs and breathing tubes) infection caused by the pertussis bacteria. It causes violent coughing you can’t stop. Whooping cough is most harmful for young babies and can be deadly.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF WHOOPING COUGH?
Early symptoms can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include • Runny nose • Low-grade fever • Mild, occasional cough • A pnea - a pause in breathing (in babies)
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HEALTH CARE PROVIDER TO GET VACCINATED AND FOR TREATMENT. For more information, visit adph.org/immunization or facebook.com/AlabamaImmunizationInfo
Join us for these events plus many more! 305 South Perry Street | 334.834.6310
www.montgomeryfbc.org