Surprises. Triumphs. Breakthroughs. For every moment when words just won’t do, we give it our all so you can, too. Because there’s a whole lot of life to love, and the joy’s worth the journey. As you strive for what makes you come alive, we’ll be here — seeing, hearing and helping you feel whole.
WRITERS
Beth Godfrey
Candyce Carden
Filip Brunner
Garrett Nudd
Lori McAfee
Reagan Marsh
Sheneka Land
Stephanie Daniels
Stephanie Evans
Tammy Madden
Thomas Morrison
Zebbie Brewster
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp
423-310-4207
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE
goodnewscm.com issuu.com/goodnewsdalton
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
GoodNews Dalton Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
PRECISION MEDICINE. EXPERT SUPPORT. RIGHT HERE.
by Reagan Marsh
Ialways enjoy hearing from readers. Feel free to submit your questions at reformationdalton.com. I’ll do my best to answer faithfully and helpfully from the Scriptures. The following question and answer is from this website.
Q. I always enjoy your articles and thought I’d write to you with a very important question: as a pastor, what are the strangest questions you’ve ever received? I guess you get some crazy ones!
A. Well, your question is a “first” for me…so, yours. Ha! I’ve certainly received my share of oddball, goofy, off-the-wall questions! This one will be fun to answer.
Another question that stands out was the elderly woman who didn’t like my preaching and told me so frequently. One Sunday, she approached me after I’d finished the sermon to deliver her regular remarks. She then asked if my family held a similar opinion to hers, and specifically if they ever tired of me “just reading the Bible and preaching to them all day.” Her persistence eventually prevailed with me, and I abbreviated our family worship from twenty hours per day to about twenty minutes.
Perhaps most memorable is the man who asked me if I would mind baptizing his dog in the church baptistry if he brought him by the church. I told him he was entirely qualified to handle that himself: all he needed was his bathtub or large metal washbasin. Since it was summertime, I recommended that he consider adding some dog shampoo and a sponge to the “baptism” while he was at it!
A third question concerned facial hair: I have worn a beard for nearly two decades. Early into a new pastorate, an older man told me he did not vote for me when I candidated there. That was an awkward moment, particularly given that their pastor was to be selected by secret ballot. He then asked me suspiciously what my disqualifying sin was. I was immediately confused: my life is an open book, and others usually know my secrets long before I do! So I respectfully asked what he meant. “My childhood pastor told me that only wicked men who are hiding something wear facial hair. That man was never wrong about anything from the Bible, and I know it must be in there somewhere. So, what is your hidden sin? I know you can’t be qualified as a pastor – that beard tells me everything I need to know!” I respectfully stifled a chuckle and opened my Bible to 1 Timothy 3 with him.
Thanks for a fun (and funny) question!
s you approach Medicare eligibility, it's important to be informed—not only about your coverage options but also about the growing number of scams targeting seniors. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more misleading calls, postcards, and mailers from companies pretending to be affiliated with Medicare. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
One of the most important things to remember is that Medicare will never call, text, or email you asking for personal information or to sign up for coverage. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. If you are not yet drawing Social Security, you will need to apply for Medicare online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You will not be contacted to do so.
Some people who still have group coverage through an employer may receive a Medicare Part B card (which typically costs $185 per month). If you want to delay Part B because you have group coverage, you can simply sign the back of the card and send it back.
Beware of Fake “Medicare Appointments” and High-Pressure Tactics
Scammers and aggressive call centers are reaching out to people turning 65, falsely claiming that a Medicare appointment has already been scheduled for them. Some postcards even mimic the look of official Medicare materials, using red, white, and blue designs or wording that causes confusion. Always read the fine print—it usually includes a disclaimer such as “not affiliated with or endorsed by the government.” Remember, Medicare is a government program. Any organization claiming to be “Medicare” but pushing you to act immediately, requesting personal information, or offering a plan you “must enroll in now” is likely a scam.
Choosing Medicare coverage should be a personal and informed decision—not something made under pressure from an unfamiliar voice over the phone. That’s where we come in. At Hughes Retirement Group, we take a personalized approach to Medicare planning. We sit down with you and review everything from your doctors and medications to your travel plans (how that affects plans) and medical history. We never make decisions for you—we provide education, guidance, and the tools you need to choose the plan that best fits your needs.
We are here for you year-round—not just during enrollment season. Whether you have a question about a new medication, need help with a claim, or just want to stop by, our doors are always open. You’ll never be routed to a call center or have to speak with someone who doesn’t know your name or your story. At Hughes, we treat you like family.
If you receive a phone call offering a “great new plan” that you might qualify for, the best response is simple: “No, thank you.” Then call us. We are happy to review any new options that might truly be available—and to do it face to face, with your best interests in mind.
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is right around the corner. This is your opportunity to review your current Medicare coverage, explore any new plans for 2026, and make sure your prescriptions and providers are still covered. If you'd like to get on our calendar to discuss your options, give us a call today. At Hughes Retirement Group, we are committed to helping you navigate Medicare with confidence. From the day you first apply to the day-to-day support you need, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Choose Hughes—Because Your Future Matters.
heart soul mind strength GOD heart soul might you shall love with all your
by Filip Brunner
Coming from a communist country, I was exposed to evolution-driven atheism. Atheism was the default norm; there was no comparison. Initially I was exposed only to my grandfather’s teaching about the historical Jesus. But God used progressive revelation of Himself to convince me of His existence, His preeminence, and my need for atonement through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Even as a teenager, I realized that evolution had no or at best very little scientific basis. Evolution is only a poorly constructed philosophical, ideological construct, not based in fact. Evolution uses a question which is answered by another question which is answered by yet another question. But, the foundational question of evolution; where did all of the matter and energy needed to build the universe come from? Cannot be answered by evolution. Matter and energy are something and something cannot come from nothing. Something has to have an origin. Something which had an origin has to have an ORIGINATOR. That Originator has to be transcendent, self-existent, outside of space/time. So, I understood that a supreme being has to exist in order for all of this (the universe, etc.) to exist.
My next step in finding who this being was brought me to the study of mythology. What intrigued me most was this concept that gods and goddesses could have offspring. Which brought me to my grandfather’s teaching about the historical Jesus. Was there more to Jesus than historical evidence that Jesus existed?
Fast forward to when I was 17 or 18 and living in the USA where I had access to something I could compare with atheism and evolution. It was at Faith Baptist Church that I learned, not just about the historical Jesus, but about creation and The Living Word of God through Whom, and for Whom everything that is, was created.
I came to the conclusion that if creation is true, then the fall of mankind and the depravity of mankind is true too.
And the gift of God, in the form of the Lamb of God, and the invitation that Jesus gives: “I stand at the door and knock…” was also true. It was from that knocking at the door of my heart that I realized several things. First, there are only two choices when someone knocks on the door, ignore it or open it. Second, I have never known my earthly father, I was not wanted by him; but my heavenly Father not only wanted me but loved me (John 3:16).
Salvation is an invitation by God to a lost sinner to relinquish their sin and desire to sin, in exchange for an edict of pardon, sonship (adoption), and eternal life. Jesus was knocking on the door of my heart and then gave me the will and power to open the door unto Him. At that moment, I came face to face with EMMANUEL. Jesus shed His blood on the cross. That is His part of the equation. I said,“Come in.” That is my part in the equation of the atonement and Jesus became my substitute. And, I have walked with Jesus since the age of 18.
by Stephanie Daniels
One of my fondest memories is the family cruise I took last year. We spent seven unforgettable days visiting Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas—enjoying incredible food, fun activities, and breathtaking views. I had never seen anything quite like the sights there! And I got to experience all of it with my family. Family times make the best memories. And the best opportunities for life-changing lessons.
While cruising in the warm weather, I noticed a man on board wearing a sweatshirt that read God is everywhere! My first reaction was to wonder why anyone would wear a sweatshirt in such heat, but as I reflected on the words, I realized the message was deeply profound.
Too often, people tend to leave God at home when they go on vacation. They don’t read their Bibles. They skip prayer. And, they treat vacation as a time off from their relationship with Him. But this shouldn’t be the case. In fact, it’s during these restful moments that we should make space for meaningful time with God.
Remembering that God is everywhere gave me a great sense of peace—especially as I stood on my balcony, gazing out at the vast, endless ocean. Seeing God in the little things in life is truly rewarding. He was present in the clouds, the sunshine, the smell of salt in the ocean, the sounds of the waves, the wonderful meals, the smiles of the people around me, and in the rest and relaxation I experienced during this time.
John 8:37 NIV says, “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.” We should take a lesson from the religious leaders long ago. Jesus reminded them that they had no room for His word.
Vacations can be filled with shows, excursions, delicious meals, and nonstop entertainment. We certainly enjoyed all of that during our seven days on the cruise. Yet as believers, we must remember that God is always with us. His Word promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). Shouldn’t we commit to the same? We can say, “Father, I will never leave nor forsake You.”
During my vacation, I made it a point to begin each day with prayer and spend time reading the Word. I also shared the goodness of God with others I met.
We are blessed to be a blessing. Vacation offers us not only rest but also opportunities to witness to others and sow seeds— whether through encouraging words or acts of generosity.
One of the best parts of traveling is meeting new people. Each conversation becomes a chance to share the good news of the Gospel. You can remind someone that God is omnipresent—He is everywhere, in every moment. He is also omniscient—all-knowing and filled with infinite wisdom. And He is omnipotent—the all-powerful Creator and source of all strength.
So, the next time you go on vacation, have fun, make memories, and don’t forget—God is everywhere!
Summer fun is winding down, and it’s time to sharpen pencils, pack backpacks, and head back to school! Going back to school can bring lots of different feelings—maybe you're excited to see your friends, nervous about a new teacher, or curious about what you’ll learn this year. Guess what? God cares about all those feelings and promises to be with you every step of the way.
Even when school feels big and busy, you don’t have to face it alone. The Bible reminds us in Deuteronomy 31:6
NKJV, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid...for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” That means no matter what your school year looks like, God is with you in the classroom, on the bus, during recess, and even during spelling tests!
School is a place where you learn and grow—not just in math or
reading, but also in how to treat others and handle challenges. Every day, you have a chance to show kindness, patience, and respect. When you do your best, you’re actually honoring God.
Colossians 3:23 NKJV says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” So, whether you’re solving a hard math problem or helping a friend, do it with a cheerful heart—like you're doing it for God.
There might be days when it’s hard to do what’s right. Maybe someone is being unkind, or you’re tempted to give up when something is hard. That’s when it’s extra important to remember what God says in Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” God can help you make wise choices—just ask Him! He loves when you talk to Him in prayer, even about small things like a pop quiz or a friendship problem.
One of the best things about school is that you’re never alone. You have classmates, teachers, maybe even brothers or sisters around—but even better, you have God with you all the time. Try starting your morning with a simple prayer like this: “Dear God, thank You for this new school year. Help me to be brave, kind, and do my best. Walk with me through every class and help me to make good choices. Amen.”
• Tape a small Bible verse in your pencil box.
• Say a quick prayer before lunch.
• Write a kind note to a classmate.
• Keep a journal to write down what you're thankful for.
John Norman, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery; Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions, Sports Related Injuries & Pediatric Injuries
Jim Lashley, MD
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic
Spine Surgery
Specializing In:
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Injuries to the Back, Neck & Spine; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
Mitch Frix, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder & Knee; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Nick Reed, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip, Knee, & Shoulder
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Mike Wilson, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
D.J. Goss, DO
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot & Ankle; Joint Replacements of the Foot & Ankle; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
Dalton Church sends out Thousands of Greeting Cards to New Christians Across
It began with a single greeting card from an unknown sender.
Today, the spirit behind that card has blossomed into an informal ministry reaching more than 6,000 newlybaptized Christians across the United States and Canada.
Lorraine Smith, a Sunday school teacher in the elementary department at Central Church of Christ in Dalton, Georgia, said her 14-year-old grandson, Carter Goble, received a heartfelt but mysterious card addressed to him in care of the church after he was baptized in January 2023.
Inside was a note congratulating him on his baptism and encouraging him in his walk with Christ. It was signed with just a first name and a partial Florida address but no other information. The return envelope has been lost to time, but the card was enigmatic from the start.
“Nobody knew the names of the people it was from, and there was no last name, but Carter looked around and said, ‘Wow, Grammy. The fact that someone thinks enough of me to send me a card from Florida makes me very happy,’” Smith recalled.
Seeing the impact on her grandson sparked an idea. Smith, who is in her 70s, saw an opportunity to create a card
ministry and involve the elementary department where she has taught for years.
Just a few weeks after her grandson received the card, she sent out 18 cards to new believers she learned about through various Facebook posts. The ministry now involves the elementary department, youth group, and ladies ministry as the effort has expanded to about 85 cards a week.
“All the glory belongs to God Almighty for allowing us to do this,” she said. “If He was not holding us up, we could not do it.”
Using her own funds plus donations from supporters, Smith individualizes each card with a handwritten message, Bible verses, and signed names. Each of the children in the elementary department and youth group sign several cards during class time, an effort that counts toward their Good Samaritan points for the Lads 2 Leaders program.
As of early April, the ministry had sent out 6,148 cards. They are sent primarily to churches of Christ in the United States, although some go to Canada. Smith said she learns of baptisms by keeping up with Facebook pages Souls Being
Saved, - - Praise Reports—churches of Christ group and House to House Heart to Heart.
The message on the inside is always something simple along the lines of, “Welcome to God’s amazing family,” or “God loves you, and we love you, and we praise God for you.” And she always references Ephesians 3:14-21, which discusses God’s abundant and unending love.
Each envelope includes a business card-sized note with a Bible verse or word of encouragement for the recipient to easily carry with them. Finally, each card includes a folded note of encouragement reminding the reader that:
“Every day God thinks of you! — ‘Blessed be the Lord who daily loads us with benefits, the God of our salvation!’ Psalm 68:19
“Every hour God looks out for you! — ‘But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one.’ 2 Thessalonians 3:3
“Every minute God cares for you! — ‘...casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you.’ I Peter 5:7
“Because every second He loves you! — ‘The Lord has appeared to me saying, ‘Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love, therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you.’ Jeremiah 31:3”
Smith said her elementary class has sent cards to individuals in every state and has received responses from individuals in 30 states. Each time they get a response from a new state, a student places a heart sticker on the appropriate spot on a map of the United States that hangs in their classroom.
“We’ve had numerous responses,” Smith said. “One young lady sent us her prom picture. We’ve had some tearyou-up letters about how they felt. People are just amazed that somebody else is thinking about them.”
Sometimes, getting the cards to the appropriate places requires diligence — calls for addresses, conversations with those involved in prison ministries, touching moments and sometimes funny ones of people sharing bits of their lives as cards create small connections.
“Not a card goes out that is not prayed over,” Smith said. “My perspective is, when you become a Christian, Satan is going to come after you with everything he’s got, and you need the encouragement — and whatever encouragement you can supply to others — to fight him off. He’s going to come running at you, so I’m just trying to find a way to wage my own spiritual warfare. It’s changing my prayer life, too.”
by Sheneka Land
by Sheneka Land
Have you ever needed to be at two places at Family and friends gathered at the post-graduation celebration for the bright young man who had just received his Bachelor of Science degree with a number of honors. The next pursuit was a journey into the world of medicine as he had been awarded a number of scholarships to a prestigious medical school. Both laughter and tears testified to the joy of the milestone day as words of congratulations and well wishes flowed.
One conversation in particular stood out as a grandparent shared their sentiments of the day and wishes for the future. “I hope I live to attend your graduation from medical school, but I’m afraid I will not.” From time to time, the young man would mention that conversation, in hopes that his grandparent would indeed remain in good health so as to share in the future milestone moment.
Four years passed and the much-anticipated day of graduation arrived, and the grandparent had indeed lived
to participate in the celebrations. However, somewhere along the way, the grandparent lost sight of the magnitude and joy of sharing the milestone moment with the grandson, adult children and other family members and friends when the grandparent chose not to attend. The excuses were shallow, poor, and inappropriate: “My spouse isn’t feeling well, so it wouldn’t be fair for me to attend without them.” “I need to stay home and take care of the dogs, and besides, I need to paint the kitchen cabinets.” This is an example of the complete lack of others’ awareness and one’s own self-awareness when a person becomes oblivious to the negative impact of their words and actions or lack thereof.
In another situation, two young men recounted memories of weekly visits with their grandmother. “She always talked hateful to us, never wanting us in the same room with her where she mostly watched HGTV. Only when Dad walked into the room did she talk in
sweet tones, as if she had been doing the same outside his presence. We never looked forward to going to her house, as we were treated as nothing but trouble, so unlike the grandparent experiences our friends often spoke of. Although she knew we were coming each week, no lunches or fun activities were ever prepared for us. In fact, we were shamed for opening the fridge, and if we told her we were hungry, she would say, ‘Go tell your dad.’ There are no memories of playing catch with her in the backyard, no memories of being held on her lap, of having a book read to us, or being held in her arms or perched on her hip. She chose to not enter our world. And Dad always had to bear the complaints against us for just simply being kids.”
It is true that one can be full of days while not abounding in wisdom. Some grow old, having never learned how to build healthy relationships. Sadly, these individuals often live their sunset years in loneliness and regret as the consequences of a narcissistic lifestyle become painfully evident. Grandparents who do not lovingly engage with their grandchildren not only cheat themselves of rewarding relationships, but they also cheat their children and grandchildren of longed-for relationships.
One sure way to build healthy relationships with our adult children is to love our grandchildren well. In fact, grandparenting presents a redeeming opportunity to love children in ways we may not have been aware of during our parenting years. If we have grown in selfawareness, others-awareness and have pursued emotional intelligence (a sure path out of narcissism), we have come to understand the joys of loving our own.
Fellow grandparents, let’s step up to the plate and provide unconditional love to our children and grandchildren by being kind, affirmative, and helpful in ways most important to them. In our sunset years, we will be thankful that we created strong bonds and filled a treasure box of memories that will prove to be our legacy gift. Although we have silver in our hair, may we have gold in our hearts.
The aroma of freshly baked delicacies hugs each customer who enters like a welcoming greeter. Smells and flavors evoke memories of delicious times, whether it was last week or decades ago at your favorite grandmother’s house. Nothing brings that contented feeling like baked goods. And, you can find this experience at La Esperanza Bakery in Dalton, GA.
The Lara and Altamarino families share, ”Have you ever felt one bite could change your day? At La Esperanza Bakery, we know our doughnuts are little clouds of happiness in a fluffy glaze of love and filled with surprises that melt the heart, where every doughnut is a hug!”
This place of sweet ‘hope’ (esperanza means ‘hope’ in Spanish) is ready to serve you whether it's a quick pastry to accompany your morning coffee or a special order for your next occasion.
For example, if you haven't tried the Pan Recado yet, you're missing out on a real treat. Infused with traditional spices, this bread will make you feel like you're in the heart of Guatemala. You’ll find authenticity in every bite, unmatched flavor that’s full of history, perfect for any occasion from breakfasts to dinners.
The La Esperanza Bakery recently experienced a remodel from 2,400 square feet to 9,000 square feet. The Lara and Altamarino families explain, “Each day, we are surprised how our customers support us and we have now been blessed to be able to add on to the building to better serve our faithful customers. This helps us maintain our motto, ‘Pleasing our clients and innovating our products.’”
When the bakery first opened, the beginnings were both humble and enthusiastic. The Lara and Altamirano families who launched the bakery, describes the bakery’s start,
“In the year 2000, doors were opened for the Lara and Altamarino families to start a bakery business. We had very little equipment but had positivity and a lot of desire. The equipment was not the best. For example, we had to hold the oven door shut with a stick!
“That is just a simple example of the challenges we had at the beginning of our journey. But through it all, we were always asking GOD for wisdom and guidance. There have been ups and downs but we have not lost our faith. It takes time and patience and with God’s help, we now have reached more than 25 years in business and we have faith that it will keep growing.”
The Lara and Altamarino families continue, “There are a lot of factors that are extremely important to success. Some examples for us have been communication among each other, good business administration, responsibility, passion to work and serve but most of all a commitment to the business and one another. You must also remain faithful to your mission in any circumstances that life throws at you. We all have to remember that not everything nor everybody is perfect, and also there will be obstacles. At the bakery, we have learned to convert obstacles into challenges which has developed our service to an excellent level and has let us make a difference in the area. Our bakery stands out with the excellent service we provide. None of this could have been possible without God.
“Our mission in life has been to serve and to help others. We can gladly say that it has been a big blessing to help the community in different activities and different organizations. God has blessed us in big ways and we have learned not to retain that blessing but to share it. La Esperanza Bakery has been supporting kids and teens sport teams as well as Dalton State College students for their rallies and events. We have been blessed with opportunities to be part of a few 5k runs and have supported those with special needs with birthdays and events. We can truly say we feel blessed and honored to be part of this community and to support the community in different ways.”
With a motto that embraces innovation, the team at La Esperanza focuses on a variety of ways to offer choices with both traditional treats and with new, fresh products. The Lara and Altamarino families explain, “We really want to keep our tradition in the bakery for our customers and for our children to learn and maintain for they are the future in the bakery. In the bakery, we try to maintain traditions like the Three Kings Day in January, Semana Santa in April, Valentine’s Day, or Children’s Day which, in Hispanic society, is celebrated on April 30th. Then there’s Mother’s day, Father’s day, and Fourth
of July. There's Day of the Dead in November, Christmas in December and a few more events that fall in between. We try to keep the tradition of making special breads or decorations for certain events. Some events have slowly faded with time but we try to maintain those so we can remember our background and culture.
“In all of this, we always try to maintain humbleness and great service to all of our customers for a great experience when they are in the bakery and for them to enjoy the quality of our product when they are at home. At the end of the day, we love to receive a smile and a thank you in return for the service provided.”
If you are ‘hoping’ to get to La Esperanza Bakery by closing time, plan your visit with their Facebook page www.Facebook.com/BakeryLaEsperanza. Call ahead to place your orders at (706) 270-0178.And take in the sights and smells in person at 1702 E Morris St, Dalton, GA.
by Tammy Madden
Summer. What a beautiful time of year! As I sat out on our porch tonight with my beautiful 23 year old daughter (who is special needs and more like a ten year old), along with my five year old granddaughter, I began to think back to a much simpler time in my life. My mind goes back, back to a ten year old me. I remember how we would play in the woods all day from morning until night only coming home for lunch and we knew when it was supper time. There were no cell phones. There was no cable TV. There was no “Siri.” There was no “Alexa.”
We just enjoyed each other's company, the five of us. Mom had three girls and two boys. We didn't worry about Nikes or Fila or Skechers or any name brand anything. We were happy with what we got. Sitting on that porch took me back to eating popsicles on a hot summer day and playing in the hose water along with drinking from the hose all day. We didn't have bottled water. If someone had suggested bottled water, we would have laughed wondering what that even was! I remember us kids catching lightning bugs. Yes, they were not called "fireflies," simply lightning bugs. What wonderful summers we had back then. We would run to our neighbors garden and "steal" his rhubarb. (He knew all along we were getting it. LOL.) We would pick cherries off his cherry tree and lay in the yard trying to figure out what the clouds looked like. We each had a different opinion!
Then my mind went to many years later on August 1, 1992 when we finally pledged our love to each other after seven years of being together. It was another beautiful summer night. Somehow I knew God was building His plan.
We began to think about babies. My dream was to be a mom. We tried and tried. Doctors told us it would never happen. Then on September 15, 1995, I rededicated my life to the Lord. But my husband wasn't ready to give his life to God yet. I prayed and prayed and then on May 13, 2001 it happened! He kneeled at the altar and gave his life to the Lord! And yet again, it was another beautiful summer night in July of 2001 when we found out I was pregnant. God is so good!
Then my mind fast forwards to the 16 and 17 year old me. The me who fell in love with my now husband. We would take long walks at night just holding hands and enjoying each other's company. Again, no cell phones or technology. Just the love we had for each other. I remember sitting in his car at night just talking about our future and looking at the beautiful stars. God already had plans for us that neither one of us could see yet. Oh, how wonderful the world was with no AI or technology.
It was like Sarah in the Bible. Sarah was sure her time was up but God gave them a son. Issac was his name. I wonder how many summers Sarah and Issac sat out and gazed at the stars on a summer's night.
I'm just so grateful that God gives us beautiful summer nights and I just felt the need to share some of mine.
by Garrett Nudd
Ilove stories. Every evening we sit around the dinner table as a family and share stories about our day. There’s something about sharing a story. Stories move people— they move people to believe, change, and grow. Stories move people to love.
Over the years I’ve learned a sad and unfortunate truth. Most people view themselves as less than. Less than they are. Less than others see them. And less than God designed them to be.
I’m not a psychologist or psychotherapist. And I have no formal training in how to help people feel their best.
Who am I? I am a husband to my wife, Joy. She loves me beautifully, and after a quarter of a century, I still can’t figure out why, but I’ll go with it! I’m a father to three strong, beautiful, spirited daughters. And most importantly, I’m a child of God.
Last year I published my first book. And during the process, I did a lot of reflecting. I realized the less-than perception we often have of ourselves is contrary to everything God stands for and every promise He’s ever made. If only we could see ourselves through His eyes. If only we could see why He loves us and how He loves us, I think everything would change, especially how we feel about ourselves. And how we feel about our own stories.
The truth is, when you think you’re less than, God says you are MORE THAN. When you think you are less than, God says you are His.
“Oh, I love you beyond your wildest dreams,” God says. “Make no mistake about it.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I do.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I created you.”
My life story is fairly ordinary. But as I’ve reflected, I’ve discovered countless times when God has shown up in the simplest moments and revealed Himself as MORE THAN.
I was raised right, by most standards. And I’ve lived mostly right, by my standards. But I’ve wrestled with God. I’ve tried being in charge. I’ve tested Him. And I’ve tried calling His bluff. I’ve denied Him, turned my back on Him, and more than once I’ve given up and thrown in the towel.
But every time I’ve found Him waiting there at the end of a chapter in my story with the most beautiful words, “You are MORE THAN.”
In the Gospel of Luke, the prodigal son returns home to a father who is outside in the driveway with his arms open wide ready to welcome him. That’s MORE THAN. He doesn’t just wait for his son to come to the door. He’s looking for him. And when he sees him, he races toward him. That’s MORE THAN.
No, I haven’t squandered an inheritance on gluttonous and frivolous pursuits, and I haven’t dined on slop with swine. But more than once I’ve been the prodigal. And I bet you have too. Sometimes it’s gotten pretty uncomfortable. In my own MORE THAN journey, I’ve discovered that God is pushing me to give MORE THAN—more of myself, more of my time, more of my talents and resources, and more of my heart. Even when I felt I had nothing more to give, He’s challenged me to give more. But you know what? That’s giving MORE THAN. And that’s what He’s given me.
I’ve come to understand when God gives us MORE THAN, He expects us to give MORE THAN so others can experience MORE THAN too. Did you catch that? It’s big. Go ahead and read it again. It’s okay—I’ll wait.
Got it? Now let’s go.
Guess which month is most popular for moves and relocations? August! Here’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for those hectic moving days when you need a nutritious and satisfying meal without much fuss. This one-pan chicken and veggies recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with protein and nutrients to keep you energized during the moving process. The minimal cleanup and simple preparation make it an ideal choice for those busy, transitional days. Enjoy a wholesome meal without the hassle, and keep your move stress-free!
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, rubbing it in to coat.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby potatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and bell pepper slices. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
4. Assemble the Pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
1. Prep Ahead: If you know you’ll be busy on moving day, prep the chicken and vegetables the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is pop them onto the baking sheet and into the oven.
2. Use Disposable Baking Sheets: To make cleanup even easier, consider using disposable aluminum baking sheets. This way, you can toss the whole thing once you’re done, saving precious time and effort.
3. Portable Meal: This meal is perfect for packing into containers and eating on the go if you’re in between homes or need to take a break during the move.
4. Customizable: Switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans are all great alternatives.
by Lori McAfee
Woven by the Creator’s glorious hand, Intricately threaded every stitch and every strand.
Praise be to the Lord!
Woven fearfully and wonderfully, graciously adored.
Thread by thread without exception, Marvelous works stitched to perfection.
Woven and securely tethered,
Love threaded the needle of scarlet infinitely measured.
For all mankind, the sacrifice paid.
A mysterious treasure, the world to illuminate.
Woven strands of two are better than one, Despite unraveling, tattered, and torn, Designed to complete the tapestry of life,
An array of colors, delicate and divine. No single thread can fulfill the work of art.
Friendship’s elegant hand lifts the heart.
Tangled as one shall cease to proceed,
Intertwined as two empower the stitch to victory!
Oh, the strength in cord of three, The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit dwell within me.
Woven and intertwined will complete the eternal tapestry, Crafted by the skilled weaver intentionally.
The unseen confess
Vast colors mingled and unified reveal a mess.
A masterpiece of skilled workmanship, Woven by hand with a firm grip.
Remnants of scarlet thread reveal: Love was woven for each thread so surreal. The masterpiece was given at such a price,
The Eternal Tapestry, woven with threads, complete in Jesus Christ.
by Stephanie Evans
As an elderly single woman after a late-life divorce, I learned to keep myself company and keep moving. I get outside at least once a day, if weather permits, and when relatives gifted me with a much-appreciated car, I started driving to stores for supplies or just stopping by local frozen yogurt or custard shops when I can afford dessert.
(Incidentally, when I didn't have a vehicle postdivorce, I rode the Cleveland Urban Area Transit System city buses, which serve the Cleveland area on several routes from early morning to early evening. It's a great and affordable way to travel locally Monday through Friday).
But one lonely Sunday night stands out in my memory now. (First, let me clean the cream soda off my eyeglasses and floss this turkey sandwich away. There. That's better).
Anyway, that night—I stopped at one of my favorite frozen yogurt shops and parked my car to sit with myself and enjoy vanilla-cherry amaretto. In front of my car, about ten feet away, yellow and black caution tape surrounds a small depressed square full of gravel and broken pieces of old asphalt. (We feel ya!) The cool autumn breeze trembles the plastic warning. Then the breeze settles, gracing that tape into a curve. (Was that God, smiling at me? Yes, I think it was).
Dusk turns the day gray and solemn. Cars whoosh by steadily on the recently-repaired four-lane behind me. I try to call one friend--busy and unavailable. At that point, I feel like one line of a couplet.
A piercing car alarm disturbs my daze, then quickly shuts off. I remember my former family, when we used to watch our television shows and laugh together or go to church and serve Communion or take our children to class and nursery, when I was a happy mother of children.
But my children are grown and on their own, as they should be. I miss the old days sometimes--even the old
cradle phones and land lines. And yet I enjoy and appreciate new technology that lets me get nearly-instant photos and texts and calls from family, even when they travel long distances. I just got photos of my granddaughter on a first school field trip. My heart melts and I rejoice at the festive colors and happy faces. Now I'm a happy grandmother!!
Anyway, let me get to the ladybug! That Sunday evening, everybody I know was busy—or maybe just worn out from the workweek. But God is God and never wears out. I look down while my warm car turns that pink and white frozen treat melt-y around the edges. (Yum!) I look up and see ten gentle raindrops on my car's front windshield. I knew God saw me. Maybe He wept with me. “Thank You,” I say.
As I got ready to leave the parking lot, a coral ladybug touched down on my driver's side window. “Wow!” I thought. “A ladybug!” With tiny wings and vibrant colors, she flew away with my despair. I flew home to my next good book. (Hooray!! Another good day!!)
by Thomas Morrison
Dr. Atkins was wrong. Eating excess calories makes you fat—not excess carbs. In 2001, the medical journal Obesity Research published “Popular Diets: A Scientific Review,” where they reviewed every study ever done on lowcarb diets and concluded, “In all cases, individuals on high fat, low carbohydrate diets lose weight because they consume fewer calories.” In line with this same thinking, health writer Anthony Colpo dug up every metabolic ward study he could find comparing low-carb to high-carb diets. Unlike free-living studies, where participants can choose what they want to eat and try to recall it later, in a metabolic ward the caloric intake of the low- and high-carb participants is tightly controlled. And in these studies, 100% of the time, it was shown that at the same caloric intake, low-carbohydrate diets offer absolutely no fat-loss advantage whatsoever. When it comes to weight loss, calories count—every time, all the time.
Unfortunately, Dr. Atkins sought to convince us that carbs were the enemy because they raised insulin levels. Insulin is the “storage” hormone the body releases to help shuttle the nutrients you have digested into the muscle and fat cells for storage. If insulin levels are high, we are in storage mode and not burning fat. Therefore, not only Dr. Atkins but many other diet gurus have blamed high insulin levels from carbohydraterich foods for making us sicker and fatter. The problem is… it’s just not true.
What Dr. Atkins and those promoting lower-carb eating have failed to mention is that insulin is raised by protein foods too! Research in which study subjects serve as their own controls, for example, shows that under fasting conditions, a quarter pound of beef raises insulin levels as much as a quarter pound of straight sugar! Low-carb diets suggest eating foods like beef and cheese instead of “dreaded” high-carb foods like pasta, but a single burger or just three slices of cheese will boost insulin more than almost two cups of cooked pasta! That’s why a more whole-foods, plant-based type diet is encouraged, because the insulin levels, weight, and overall health of those following that is consistently better than those following anything else.
A study done at Tufts, for example, compared four popular diets for a year. They compared Weight Watchers, The Zone Diet (moderate carb), the Atkins Diet (low carb), and the Ornish Diet (high carb). Only Ornish’s vegetarian high-carb diet showed a reduction of 27% in insulin levels—even though the Zone and Atkins Diet were supposedly designed for that purpose!
Other studies show that a high (70%+) carb diet combined with a 15–30-minute walk each day not only results in weight loss (if the calories are reduced) but also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin levels as well—exactly the opposite of what those promoting low-carb diets would predict. One study showed such a high-carb vegetarian diet reduced the need for insulin by diabetics and cured most pre-diabetics of insulin resistance in just three weeks!
The longest-lived peoples in the world live in five regions called “Blue Zones.” These people are notable because they have no problems with weight gain—even into old age—and none of them eat low-carb. In fact, all of them eat high-carb and mostly vegetarian diets.
So don’t fall for the low-carb mantra of “carbs make you fat.” Carbs aren’t the problem, and insulin isn’t either. Understand that your body was built to move, and that carbohydrates from plant food are a source of fuel you were designed to eat, and you will do well.
by Candyce Carden
Toward the end of July and into August, I experienced feelings of malaise and unease. When I shared my thoughts with a friend, she bluntly asked: “Why?”
Why indeed? I didn’t have a concrete answer, so I dismissed her question by saying, “Oh, just the dog days of summer, I guess.”
I heard that phrase for years, but didn’t know what it meant, so I researched its meaning. The Dog Days of Summer references a period of hot and humid weather during July and August. This scorching phase of the year coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is the brightest star in our sky other than the Sun.
But the real question was why I felt the way I did. At the start of summer, I eagerly anticipated the joy-filled days of the season. Why should a period of dry, sultry heat disrupt those positive vibes?
The term restlessness sums up my mood. Writers of the Bible describe restlessness as inner disquiet. Unease is another term used. Restlessness is the opposite of rest. When our soul is restless, it is not at rest.
“Why are you in despair my soul? And why are you restless within me?” (Psalm 42:5; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 43:5 NASB)
The psalmist asks himself these questions three times in Psalm 42 and 43. Clearly, he felt troubled. I understand why he sought answers. Inner disquiet is a hard thing. Bible commentator Andrew MacLaren points out the psalmist is questioning himself as to the reasonableness of the emotions churning in his soul. MacLaren concludes by saying, “Our moods and emotions need to be examined and governed by a higher self.” Was my restlessness unreasonable? I couldn’t identify a specific cause for it, so maybe. I finally took my restlessness to God.
God led me to the source of my restlessness during my “Dog Days of Summer.” He also instilled four valuable lessons. I. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
I had a couple of major disappointments this summer that I didn’t deal with. Instead, I ignored them. I swept them under the proverbial rug and kept on trucking. Maybe I feared accepting them made me vulnerable.
II. Feelings of unrest don’t make us less Christian.
I need to acknowledge and evaluate my emotions, including disappointment. I had so many things for which to be thankful that I suffered guilt about my agitation. Restlessness may signal a warning we need to pay attention to, so let’s examine our feelings. During a sermon I heard a while ago, a pastor said our restlessness may be God stirring our soul, calling us to something different.
III. Waiting can be a good thing.
I hate waiting. Impatient for my familiar feeling of contentment to return, I rebelled and turned from God, which only added to the inner turmoil. Waiting with God is to rest in God. And rest is the opposite of restlessness.
IV. Jesus desires to share our burdens.
He tells us so throughout Scripture. In one of my favorite verses, He invites us to share His yoke, follow His lead, and rely on His support. This is the one true path to rest and contentment. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls“ (Matthew 11:29 ESV).
Have you ever wrestled with unsettled feelings? How did you handle them? What did you learn?
With permission, this article was adapted for our format from Candyce’s blog, www.candycecarden.com.
by Zebbie Brewster
When I still worked, I loved to treat myself to a Saturday of loafing. I would allot myself so much money to spend and would set off for an adventure. I usually had something in mind that I was looking for. Sometimes it could be found and sometimes not. Please know that we have Trade Day in our town on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It has always been fun to go and see what you might find on that particular Tuesday or Saturday. I remember often you would see people just stopping and visiting with others as they walked around
Trade Day. I can fondly bring to remembrance a homemade porch swing that I bought at Trade Day. I still have it on my porch and that is my happy place. It is amazing how peaceful it is to sit on the front porch and watch the world go by. My cat loves to get my attention and enjoy the quiet time with me. How would I have ever known that swing would bring so much joy?
*Proverbs 17:22a KJV, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine.”
On another Saturday, we ran upon a dachshund puppy someone had for sale. He was so tiny and my daughter named him “Little Bit.” He could be found where she was at,
as they soon became best friends. I do believe that dog had to be a God-send for all the joy that he brought into our lives. I also will never forget a really special need that God met at Trade Day for me. My young daughter needed some church dresses to wear to church. I remember feeling discouraged as it seemed that I had walked all over Trade Day and not found what I was looking for. I remember looking one more place before we left and found those sweet little dresses that were just her size. You would never believe how much they cost? I bought them for 10 cents each! Without a doubt that was a blessing from The Good Lord. Even now as I remember that special blessing, it is never too late to thank God again for His loving kindness.
Psalm 16:11, “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Trade Day has been around for a long time and there are many stories that can be told by others who visit there. It was a time to visit with old friends and make new friends. We need each other and I hope you can take time today to say a kind word to someone. A friend of mine had a T-shirt that asked the question, “How do you know if someone needs encouragement? The answer was “They are breathing!“ A kind word can go a long way, let it begin with you. With a kind word or even a smile, you can bring joy to someone.
Psalm 35:9, “And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation.”
Nehemiah 8:10, “Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Stay strong in Jesus.
*All Scriptures are KJV.
Assembly of God
Christian Fellowship Assembly
3656 Chattanooga Road, 30755
706-280-7594
The Sanctuary 515 Reed Rd NW, 30720 706-270-2088
The Healing Center Church 515 Reed Road, 30720 706-229-9456
Baptist
Abundant Life Baptist Church 811 J and J, 30721
706-278-5289
Antioch Baptist Church 1205 Antioch Road, 30720 706-278-1305
Beaverdale Baptist Church 2496 Beaverdale Rd NW, 30721 706-259-7089
Calvary Baptist Church 2115 Chatsworth Rd, 30721 706-278-6324
Carolyn Baptist Church 2305 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-8142
Centerpoint Baptist Church 420 Centerpoint Drive SE, 30721 706-277-2100
Christ Reformed Baptist Church 1378 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-226-3026
Concord Baptist Church 1054 Hopewell Rd, Cohutta 30710
706-694-8618
Cove Baptist Fellowship Church 461 Carbondale Rd SW, 30721 706-277-3484
Crown View Baptist Church 502 West Tyler St, 30720 706-278-7422
Deep Springs Baptist Church 1660 Beaverdale Rd NE, 30721 706-259-3255
Dug Gap Baptist Church 2031 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-2377
Eastbrook Baptist Church 204 Hill Rd, 30720 Eastside Baptist Church 913 East Morris St, 30721 706-278-8553
Eleventh Avenue Baptist Church 2550 South Dalton Bypass, 30722 706-278-7020
Emmaus Baptist Church
4268 S. Dixie Rd, 30735 706-483-5251
First Baptist Church 802 Kenner St, 30721
706-226-9681
First Baptist Church of Dalton 311 North Thornton Ave, 30720
706-278-2911
Grace Baptist Church 2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721
706-537-6884
Good Hope Baptist Church
2525 Lake Francis Rd, 30721
706-259-3719
Grove Level Baptist Church 2802 Cleveland Highway, 30721
706-259-8519
Good Samaritan Baptist Church 3137 Cleveland Rd, 30721
706-259-7239
Gospelway Baptist Church
336 Jupiter Cir, 30721
706-278-1424
Grace Baptist Church
2049 Lower Kings Bridge Rd, 30721
706-537-6884
Harmony Baptist Church
187 Lower Dawnville Rd, 30721
706-226-5521
Harvest Baptist Church
3986 Cleveland Hwy, 30721
706-694-8951
Hill Crest Baptist Church
1901 Cityview St, 30720
706-279-1267
Hopewell Baptist Church 3527 Airport Rd, 30721
706-226-5987
Hopewell Baptist Church Cohutta 810 Baldwin Rd, 30710
706-280-8286
Kinsey Drive Baptist Church 2626 Kinsey Drive,30720 706-277-3505
Lakeshore Park Baptist Church 12 Crescent St, 30720
706-275-6050
Liberty Baptist Church
506 South Pentz St, 30720
706-226-5535
Lindsey Memorial Baptist
706-673-7650
3503 Lindsey Memorial Rd.
Rocky Face, Ga. 30740
Macedonia Baptist Church
1355 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721
706-259-9220
Maple Grove Baptist Church
347 Maple Grove Rd, 30721
706-483-6300
McFarland Hill Baptist Church
307 Brickyard Rd, 30721
706-277-5521
Mount Rachel Baptist Church
332 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720
706-278-5192
Mount Ridge Baptist Church
1401 M L King, Jr. Blvd, 30721
706-278-0335
New Hope Baptist Church
900 Roan St, 30721
706-226-2093
New Hope Baptist Church
706-673-8050
2105 Tunnel Hill-Varnell Road
Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
New Life Baptist Church
2620 Old Grade Rd, 30721
Northwest Georgia Baptist Church
222 North Pentz St, 30720
706-463-3490
Olivia Baptist Church
1817 Guy St, 30720
706-278-3507
Pine Grove Baptist Church
4004 Airport Road, 30721
706-264-8630
Poplar Springs Baptist Church
897 Poplar Springs Rd, 30720
706-259-8727
Reformation Baptist Church
244 N. Hamilton St, 30720
706-314-8711
Rocky Face Baptist Church
1544 Rocky Face Railroad St, 30740
706- 226-5751
Salem Baptist Church
1448 Pleasant Grove Dr, 30721
706-259-7045
South Dalton Baptist Church 498 Lakemont Drive, 30720 706-278-4946
Shiloh Baptist Church
2014 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721 706-226-5981
Temple Baptist Church 2310 South Dixie Hwy, 30720 706-226-6785
Tunnel Hill First Baptist Church 706-673-2085
202 South Cherry Street
Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
Valley Baptist Church 2907 Old Rome, 30720
Welcome Hill Baptist Church 2772 E Welcome Hill Circle, 30721 706-278-0368
Whitfield Baptist Church 2134 Dug Gap Rd, 30721 706-278-6776
Bible
Fellowship Bible Church 2044 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-6269
Catholic
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church 968 Haig Mill Lake Rd, 30720 706-278-3107
Christian
First Christian Church 1506 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-278-7244
Church of Christ
Central Church of Christ 515 N. Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-278-8051
Riverbend Church of Christ 2218 S Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-226-0819
Church of God
Church of God of Union Assembly 2311 South Dixie Rd, 30720 706-275-0510
City View Church of God 3688 Chatsworth Hwy, 30721 706-226-6686
Crosspointe 2681 Underwood Street 30721 706-278-2649
Lifegate Church 2744 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-0016
Valley Brook Church of God 1474 Mineral Springs Rd, 30720 706-279-3296
Community
Church on the Hill 1035 Abutment Rd, 30721 706-278-9208
Community Fellowship Church 409 North Fredrick St, 30721 706-278-3204
Freedom Community Church 908 Elk Street, 30720 706-463-2690
The River Community Church 2410 Cleveland Hwy, Suite 112, 30721
678-314-7994
Rock Bridge Community Church 121 W Crawford St, 30720
Episcopal
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church 901 West Emory St, 30720 706-278-8857
Jehovah’s Witnesses
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1309 Applewood Drive, 30720 706-529-0192
Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1817 Dug Gap Rd, 30720 706-270-0156
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 610 Shugart Rd, 30720 706-278-5295
Lutheran
Christ the King Lutheran Church 623 S Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-3979
Methodist
Bethel AME Church
620 Spring Street, 30720 706-226-2714
Bethel Methodist Church 123 Bethel Church Rd, 30721 706-278-3309
Dalton First UMC 500 South Thornton Ave, 30720 706-278-8494
Fairview Church 1735 Riverbend Rd, 30721 706-996-5057
Five Springs Methodist Church 2823 Five Springs Rd, 30720 706-277-3928
Mineral Springs UMC 4079 Airport Road, 30721 706-517-0200
Mt. Vernon UMC 597 Lafayette Road Rocky Face, GA 30740 706-673-4667
New Haven UMC 4040 South Dixie Highway, 30721 706-217-1879
Pleasant Grove Methodist 2701 Cleveland Highway, 30721 706-259-3141
Trinity UMC 901 Veterans Dr, 30721 706-278-4042
Varnell Church 3485 Highway 2 Cohutta, 30710 706-694-8023
Wesley Chapel UMC 808 Jamestown CT, 30721 706-270-2331
First Church of the Nazarene 2325 Chattanooga Rd, 30720 706-278-8428
Grace Church of the Nazarene 1111 Nelson St, 30721 706-278-1171
Non-Denominational Abundant Life Bible Church
901 Chester Road, 30721
706-270-9733
Bridging the Gap Ministries
514 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, 30721
706-277-7575
Relentless Worship Center
210 Robinwood Dr, 30721
706-313-1129
Dalton House Of Prayer
897 College Dr, Conference Rm 3, 30720
706-915-6545
Dawnville Community Church 1409 Dawnville Rd NE, 30721
706-259-5342
Good Neighbors Church
910 South Thornton Ave, 30720
706-226-0846
Gospel Light Tabernacle 804 Sheridan Ave, 30721
Grace Fellowship Ministries
620 N Glenwood Ave 2&3, 30721
706-280-1375
Northwest Christian Fellowship
272 Main St, Varnell, GA 30756
706-694-9830
River of Life Church of Dalton 2919 East Walnut Ave, 30721
706-965-6683
Saint James Overcoming Church
400 North Fredrick St, 30721
706-278-0319
Tunnel Hill Community Church
706-673-4022
121 North Varnell Road
Tunnel Hill, GA 30755
Pentecostal
Iglesia de Dios Pentecostal Fuente
de Agua Viva
1007 Underwood St, 30721
706-278-4963
La Senda Antigua 308 East Matilda St, 30720
706-270-8826
True Gospel Pentecostal Church 109 South Henderson St, 30721 706-278-5696
Shadow Ridge Worship Center 122 Wheat Drive Varnell, GA 30721
706-280-4546
Presbyterian
ChristChurch Presbyterian 510 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-529-2911
First Presbyterian Church 101 S. Selvidge St, 30720
706-278-8161
Grace Presbyterian Church 2107 Threadmill Rd, 30720
706-226-6344
Salvationalist
Salvation Army 1109 N. Thornton Ave, 30722
706-278-3966
Seventh Day Adventist
3 Angels Hispanic SDA
701 E Morris St, 30721
706-618-1182
Dalton Hispanic SDA 112 W Long St, 30720
706-275-0523
Dalton SDA Church
300 South Tibbs Rd, 30720 706-226-2166
Baptist
Blue Ridge Primitive Baptist Church
706-517-9849
134 Hyden Tyler Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Calvary Baptist Church
706-695-7747
Highway 225 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Center Hill Baptist Church
706-695-7988
65 Berry Bennett Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Cisco Baptist Church
706-695-9270
Highway 411 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Cool Springs Baptist Church
4330 Holly Creek Cool Springs Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Fellowship Baptist Church
706-695-2626
4396 Highway 52
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US First Baptist Church
706-695-2112
121 West Market Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Flat Branch Baptist Church
706-695-2663
3443 Highway 286
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Free Hope Baptist Church
706-695-3717
4176 Highway 76
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Holly Creek Baptist Church
706-695-8522
422 Holly Creek
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Liberty Baptist Church
4221 US-76, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Little Consauga Baptist Church
706-517-5733
1100 Sugar Creek
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Maranatha Baptist Church
706-695-6330
Highway 225 South
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Mount Pisgah Baptist Church
706-517-8944
2309 Old Highway 411
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
New Hope Baptist Church
706-517-3089
1273 New Hope Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
New Prospect Baptist Church
706-629-9521
7629 Highway 225
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Old Fashion Baptist Church
706-695-5420
885 Ben Adams Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Open Air Ministries
706-386-484
1058 Mtn Crest Dr.
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Prayer Baptist Church
706-624-9216
10859 Hwy. 225 South
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Shinning Light Baptist Church
706-517-1739
801 North 5th Avenue
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Smyrna Baptist Church
706-695-5815
1913 Smyrna Church Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Spring Place Baptist Church
706-695-5532
441 Highway 225 South
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Total Praise Baptist Church
706-695-6441
1461 Greeson Bend Rd, Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Zion Hill Baptist Church
706-517-5913
Highway 225 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Bible
Grace Bible Church
2599 Leonard Bridge Rd.
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Church of Christ
Woodhaven Church of Christ
706-847-7400
508 West Peachtree Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Church of God
Chatsworth Church of God
706-695-9388
Highway 411 South
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Central Community Church
706-695-4242
60 Pine Hills Drive
Chatsworth, GA 30705
Spring Place Church of God
706-695-8000
717 Tibbs Bridge Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Full Gospel
Faith Worship Center
706-695-6866
189 Hyden Tyler Road
Chatsworth GA 30705
House Of Prayer
616 Jenkins Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Methodist
Casey Springs
7250 Chastworth Highway South
Chastworth, GA 30705
Center Valley Methodist Church
706-971-4646
5394 Highway 225 North
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
First Methodist Church
706-695-3211
107 W Cherokee Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Fullers Chapel UMC
2144 Fuller’s Chapel Rd
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Spring Place UMC
706-695-5143
Po Box 248
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Non-Denominational
Smyrna Gospel Tabernacle
784 Smyrna Church Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705
The Church of God of the Union Assembly at Chatsworth, GA
706-695-7335
Highway 52 Alternate
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Liberty Tabernacle
706-517-3140
2196 Smyrna Church Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Living Word Christian Fellowship
706-695-5005
960 Cherokee Drive
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
New Beginnings Ministries 706-695-6067
646 Floodtown Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
North Gate Church
706-548-4967
7727 Highway 225 South
Chatsworth, GA 30755 US Tabernacle of Praise
706-517-0377
1435 Leonard Bridge Road
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Wings Of Faith Ministries 706-695-1527
1122 North Holly Drive
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Pentecostal
Victory Tabernacle 706-517-1458
355 Ellijay Street
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
A Place to Worship 706-517-8568
259 Old Landfill Rd
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US Presbyterian Sumach Presbyterian Church 706-695-4773
2089 Sumach Church
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Seventh Day Adventist Hispanic Adventist Church of Chatsworth 706-264-4299
88 North Park Drive
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 706-517-5124
1115 Highway 52
Chatsworth, GA 30705 US
We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.
Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, He did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to reach out to people through words of encouragement.
What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!
Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com
Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
