Issuu

The Communicator

"Behold, I

“WHICH/WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

Written by W. Temple Richie, Jr, Interim Pastor

Whose side are you on? You may face this question, or a variation thereof, several times in your life. In most cases your answer will be of no major consequence. But there will be a time, or times, when the answer you give will be determinative of your future life, either in the here-and-now, or in the “hereafter.”

When Moses came down from the mountain in conversation with God, carrying with him the two tablets of the Ten Commandments, he found the waiting Israelites reveling in the creation of an idol God they had demanded be made. They had become impatient waiting on Moses to return, with some saying he would not return. Angered at what he saw the people doing, Moses posed the question to the Israelites, “Who is on the Lord’s side?” (Exodus 32:26)

As we all move through life we will be called upon to make choices: political, economic, social, religious, etc. Genesis

1:26 records God as saying, “Let us make man in our own image,” known in theological language as the Imago Dei (image of God). The understanding of this term can vary, but for the purposes of this article we will define it as reflecting the intellectual or rational aspect of man’s being that complements the freedom of choice that God gave to mankind.

LUKE 23: 39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

When Jesus arrives at calvary

to be nailed to his cross, he is not alone. There are two thieves there, and they will be crucified with him, one on either side of the Master. Luke recalls their conversations with each other and with Jesus. Each of the thieves crucified with Jesus represents a different attitude toward Christ. The one thief denies Jesus is the son of God, rejects his authority, resists his influence, and seeks to manipulate him for selfish purposes. The other believes he is the Son of God, trusts and seeks to obey him.

As we consider these two events, they pose a simple question for us today when it comes to our attitude or response to Christ: “WHICH/WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON? Let us be aware that the answer we give is of a dual nature: it is a verbal statement that must be compared to and corroborated by our life-style. Do we practice what we profess? Pastor Richie

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One Team...One Dream: Scruggs Academy's Championship Summer!

Sports Camp Builds Character and Community

What an incredible summer it's been at Scruggs Academy! Our sports-themed summer camp, built around the inspiring theme "One Team...One Dream," has brought together children from across our community for three weeks of fun, learning, and character development.

Learning Life Lessons Through Sports

Over the past three weeks, our young scholars have discovered that sports are about so much more than winning and losing. Through golf, they've learned patience and precision. Skating has taught them balance and perseverance—literally and figuratively! And bowling has shown them that sometimes the most important thing is getting back up and trying again.

"Watching these children support each other, celebrate together, and learn from both successes and challenges has been absolutely beautiful," shared one of our camp counselors. "They're truly living out what it means to be 'One Team' working toward 'One Dream.'"

More Than Fun and Games

While the children have been having a blast, they've also been growing in ways that align perfectly with Scruggs Academy's mission to develop the whole child. Each sport has provided opportunities to practice Christian values:

• Golf taught us about

integrity and honesty

• Skating showed us the importance of helping others when they fall

• Bowling reminded us that every frame is a fresh start—just like God's grace!

The laughter echoing through our halls and the friendships being formed remind us why Scruggs Academy has been such a blessing to our North Huntsville community for nearly four decades.

Looking Ahead: An Exciting School Year Awaits

As we wrap up our summer camp experience, we're already getting excited about the upcoming school year! Scruggs Academy continues to provide an exceptional Christian education where children don't just learn— they thrive.

Now Enrolling for 2025-2026 School Year We're currently accepting applications for students ages 2.5 through 5th grade. With our small class sizes (9:1 studentteacher ratio) and commitment to developing each child spiritually, academically, physically, and emotionally, Scruggs Academy students consistently perform above grade level.

Why Families Choose Scruggs

Academy

Our families tell us they choose Scruggs Academy because:

• Christ-centered education that builds character alongside academics

• Individual attention with small class sizes that allow

teachers to know each child

• Strong community where families feel connected and supported

• Academic excellence that prepares students for future success

• Whole child development addressing spiritual, emotional, and physical growth

Join Our Team!

If you're looking for an educational environment where your child can grow in faith, knowledge, and character, we'd love to talk with you. Our "One Team...One Dream" philosophy extends throughout the entire school year, creating a supportive community where every child can reach their Godgiven potential.

As we continue through this summer and look toward fall, we're reminded that when we work together as one team, united in our dream of providing excellent Christian education, amazing things happen. We're grateful for our church family's continued support and prayers as we prepare these young minds and hearts for God's calling on their lives.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." - Proverbs 22:6

Scruggs Academy: Where scholars learn to honor God and themselves while developing into tomorrow's leaders.

UPDATE CONSTRUCTION STARTED ON-SITE – JUNE 23, 2025

CONTRACTOR PARKING AREA DURING

CONSTRUCTION: MONDAY - FRIDAY AND SOME SATURDAYS

CONSTRUCTION HAS BEGUN

Entrance

Choir Loft

Choir Loft Entrance

Back View Santuary Front View

Back View Santuary

Vestibule View

Womens Bath Room

James and Karen Turnage celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary July 27th

Brother Jacob and Sister Ronke Oluwoye celebrate their 47th wedding anniversary on July 22nd.

member highlights

Aaron and Jayden Shingleton attended Alabama Boys State at the University of Alabama the last week of May.

Bill and Sister Doris

their 45th wedding anniversary on July 26th.

Aaron and Jayden Shingleton graduated from the Leadership of Huntsville Challenge Class of 2024 in March.

Congratulations Sister Dion Lucas on your remarkable work as a Proximity honors math teacher

SAVE THE DATES!

Join us for the 82nd Annual Session of the Alabama Baptist State Congress of Christian Education, taking place at FMBC from Monday, July 28, to Wednesday, July 30*! For additional details, please visit our website at alabamastatebaptist.org. To make this event a success, we need your support! We're looking for volunteers in the following areas:

- Pre-Congress Setup - Hospitality - Parking - Lunch Service - Security - Transportation - Banquet Host/Hostess - Greeters - Medical Assistance - Ushers

Whether you can volunteer for a few hours or a full day, please reach out to Sister Quanda Stevenson at drqstevenson@gmail. com or register in Realm. There will be a meeting for all volunteers on **Wednesday, July 23, at 5:30 PM** in the Fellowship Hall.

Scan the QR CODE to Register

at Shiloh Park and Zion Central!

Congratulations Sister Madison Saylee on your achievement! Who has been approved to officially become a Gold Award Girl Scout.

Brother Ozell and Sister Betty Brunson celebrate their 58th wedding anniversary on July 16th

Brother

Carter celebrate