Gò0dNews
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix
Brenda Dedmon
Brian Johnson
Candyce Carden
Detrick Redding
Elijah Jenkins
Granger Hughes
Heather Medley
Judy Hood
Kristen West
Paula Burgner
Spring Fricks
Thomas Morrison
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Melanie Abney
706-844-3818
GoodNews Rome
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/goodnewsrome
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!
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.
Guarding Yourselves from Fear
by Detrick Redding
Have you ever seen the intermingling of fear like that is in the world today? Probably not! We have a generation that has been introduced to fear in such magnitudes that it can’t be measured: fear of our lives and the future; fear that the government will not be; fear that destruction is the only choice. Fear has been downloaded into the hearts and minds of many of us all. This fear is paralyzing to some, causing a lack of moving forward and settling for whatever comes their way. For others, this fear causes rapid and uncalculated movements that promote danger and trauma. Fear will cause mindless, heartless, and portentous activity. We must eradicate fear from our lives.
What is the opposite of fear? Confidence and courage! God told Joshua, in Joshua 1: 6, “Be strong and of a good courage…Only be thou strong and very courageous.” This decree was powerful and yet exactly what Joshua needed for the days ahead of him. The declaration of strength was not just for him physically but for him mentally and spiritually as well. I do believe that God is declaring the same words to us. It’s imperative for us to be strong for the day and times ahead. We need strength for the battles ahead, strength for the confrontations of the evil one, and strength to stand against the opposing forces of the evil one.
Let’s be very clear, the enemy is opposing the Body of Christ in a very strategic manner: taking lives, stealing our children, and confusing the minds of many. This is not normal; this is the enemy at work. We must be strong to stand against the wiles of the devil, (see Ephesians 6:11). We are to be not only strong but very courageous. There must be a sense of bravery within us as well. David the little shepherd boy was courageous. He saw Goliath the giant and called him an uncircumcised Philistine and went after him with a slingshot in his hand. We can see that courage kicked in and caused that big giant to fall. David took the giant’s sword and cut off his head. That took courage.
Paul tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7 that God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Since God didn’t give fear, then it is obvious that it came from the evil one. If the evil one can manipulate us into taking fear, then he can hinder us from flowing with God.
It behooves us to capitalize on the power of love and the power of a sound mind. One of the best ways I can tell you to do that is found in Joshua 1. We must develop our
minds to meditate on the words of our God, day and night. What does biblical meditation mean? Ponder the words of our God, mutter them under your breath, and breathe His words. The psalmist said it this way, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart that I might not sin (or transgress) against thee” (Psalm 119:11 KJV).
It’s time to load up on the word of God. The word of God gives you a new way of thinking that opposes the enemy while at the same time activates the mind of the Spirit within you. This will activate the courageous heart like David had that is within each of us!
Jesus: Blessed Are the Have-nots
by Elijah Jenkins
Jesus had been going from town to town healing people and teaching them about the kingdom of God. Eventually, there was a massive amount of people following Him in order to hear His words and to try to touch Him, hoping they would be healed. In Luke 6:2026, Jesus begins one of the biggest speeches of His life. He addresses this enormous crowd and starts His speech by flipping their way of looking at the world upside-down. Jesus said woe to those who are rich, laughing, liked by all, and blessed are those who are poor, hungry, weeping, and hated/insulted by all.
In other words, woe to those who seem to have it all, and blessed are the have-nots, those who seem to have nothing at all. Jesus says the rich and well-liked, they have received their comfort, but those who are now in need will be taken care of. Jesus wanted people to realize that just because some people seemed to be blessed in every way does not mean they actually are. And just because people (or you) seem to never get any kind of blessing in life doesn't mean that it’s true. Jesus said those who suffer on this earth because of His name are blessed and have a great reward in heaven.
Jesus was aware of how discouraging it can be when we seem to never have any success in this world. When we can’t get the things we hope for we feel like everything is against us. But Jesus wants us all to realize that what people value in this world is not what God values. People value money, popularity, prideful achievements, and all the pleasures of life, but God values a pure heart. God values those who love sacrificially, expecting nothing in return. This is how God loves us and it’s why he values people who are like Him in this way.
Jesus, the Son of God, is the perfect example of this sacrificial love. He committed no sin, never wronged anyone. He taught with wisdom and humility. He showed love and kindness to others, and yet a lot of people were offended by Him. They plotted against Him and had Him arrested and crucified by Roman officials. Jesus perfectly
loved and even forgave those who had beaten Him and nailed Him to the cross. As He was hanging on the cross, slowly dying, He asked his Father in heaven to forgive the people who were crucifying Him. Jesus knew this was His purpose for His life: to become a holy sacrifice, to pay for the sins of the world. Jesus is the perfect example of love for us to follow. He was willing to be a have-not in this life, knowing that as He followed the wishes of His Father in heaven, eternal rewards awaited Him. Jesus is the one
anointed by God to be the savior of the world, to represent who God is to all humanity, and to call all people to repent of their sin, place their faith in Him, and receive eternal life. No matter your current circumstances, God rewards those who love Him and have faith in Him. Whether you have it all or nothing at all, God values what is in your heart. Through faith in Jesus, you can be washed clean and made pure and acceptable in God’s sight. If you are struggling with any of these ideas please pray to God for help, and He will. You can find more help in the scriptures and from people who have been walking faithfully with God for many years. I pray that God blesses you and that you will open your heart to receive Him.
Elijah Jenkins is the student minister at Shorter Avenue Baptist Church in Rome, Georgia. He’s a husband, a father to two baby girls, and just another sinner saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus.
DQualified Charitable Distributions From Your IRA
Money Matters Granger Hughes with
Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community. He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.
id you know that you can take money from your IRA tax-free? Do you make contributions to your church or other charitable organizations throughout the year? If so, and you meet certain requirements, you can make these donations directly from your IRA with no tax implications to your income.
Let’s first look at exactly what a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) is. According to the IRS, this is a distribution IRA account owners over age 70 ½ can make contributions to a charity or charities each year tax-free. Notice the IRS rule states over age 70 ½. This was the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) start age for decades. Thanks to the Secure Act, the RMD has been raised to 73, currently, and then to age 75 in 2033. This means you can make a QCD from your IRA prior to reaching RMD age.
Why would an individual want to make a Qualified Charitable Distribution rather than just using the more traditional method of using cash on hand? Let’s look at the benefits a QCD may offer, especially once you reach RMD age where you are required to take money from your IRA whether you need the income or not.
• Reduction in Taxable Income: One of the primary benefits of using a QCD for your RMD is that the distributed amount is not included in your taxable income. Normally, RMDs are taxable as ordinary income, which can increase your taxable income and potentially push you into a higher tax bracket. By using a QCD, you can reduce your taxable income by the amount donated to charity.
• Satisfy RMD Requirements: A QCD allows you to satisfy part or all of your RMD requirement for the year. This is particularly advantageous if you don't need the entire RMD amount for personal expenses and would prefer to support charitable organizations instead.
• No Charitable Contribution Limitations: Unlike regular charitable deductions, which are subject to various limitations based on your income and the type of donation, QCDs allow IRA owners aged 70½ or older to donate up to $100,000 annually directly to qualified charities per individual. This can be especially
beneficial for individuals with higher incomes who may face restrictions on their charitable deductions.
• Potential Savings on Medicare Premiums: Reducing your taxable income through a QCD can also help lower your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI). This, in turn, could potentially reduce your Medicare Part B premiums or help you avoid Medicare surcharges that apply to higher-income retirees.
• Philanthropic Impact: By using a QCD, you can support charitable causes that are meaningful to you directly from your retirement savings. This allows you to make a positive impact on your community or causes you care about while leveraging tax efficient strategies.
• Simplicity and Compliance: QCDs are straightforward to execute if done correctly. The distribution must be made directly from the IRA custodian to the qualified charity to qualify for the tax benefits. This ensures compliance with IRS regulations and avoids potential tax penalties that could arise from mishandling RMDs.
One thing to keep in mind during tax time is that your 1099-R will show a QCD as a normal distribution from your IRA and must be reported as taxable income. The individual is responsible for reporting it accordingly on their tax return or providing accurate information to their CPA to account for the QCD. Utilizing QCDs, especially when reaching RMD age can provide tax advantages, support charitable organizations that matter to you, and help to optimize your retirement planning by effectively managing your taxable income. It is a strategy that should be discussed as part of your retirement game plan.
Contact our office today to further discuss QCDs and allow our team to show you how The Retirement Playbook™ can help develop your game plan and coach you through your retirement season.
Memorials
by Brian Johnson
If you’ve read any of my previous articles, you’ve probably come across a time in which I mentioned a life-changing experience. It was after a devastating betrayal. Recovering from that was, by far, the most difficult time of my life. I don’t live too far away from the house we were in at the time. Trying to raise three children primarily on my own was hard but with the help of God and the body of Christ, the church, I was able to get through it.
come, saying, What mean ye by these stones? Then ye shall answer them, That the waters of Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the LORD; when it passed over Jordan” (KJV).
This memorial was for the generations to remember what God had done for them. Do you have something like that in your life? It may not be physical but something that you can look to, to remind you of what God has done for you.
The pain of that time brought me closer to God than I’d ever been before. I can definitely say that I wouldn’t have the relationship with Him that I have today if it weren’t for that experience. Every time I go by that house, I’m reminded of the pain but – even more so – I'm reminded of the victory.
In the fourth chapter of Joshua, the children of Israel had just crossed the Jordan River into the promised land. Joshua instructed a man from each of the twelve tribes to get a stone from the Jordan River and put them “in the place where they lodged” (Joshua 4:8) for a memorial. The purpose of this is mentioned in verses 6-7 “…that when your children ask their fathers in time to
We know that God will allow trials in our lives, but He also promises us that He’ll get us through them. We just have to trust in Him as we go through the trial. He does this to help us mature and continue the process of conforming us to the image of Christ (see Romans 8:29).
Romans 5:3-4 KJV says, “Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” One of the ways we can have hope during tribulation is by going back to the memorials we’ve been able to set up to remind us of the trials God has brought us through.
If you can’t find a memorial in your life, could it be because you haven’t trusted God during a trial to bring you through? Do you just continue to struggle and struggle but you’re never victorious? To you, I’d say, give up ownership of your life and completely give it over to Him. When you do that, you’ll see and experience God in a way you never have before. You’ll see Him in a miraculous way that will give you a testimony and hope knowing that God will give you victory now because of what He’s done in the past.
Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.
Seeking God’s Face
by Spring Fricks
There’s a bench. It’s made of stone. In the morning when the sun has just peeked over the horizon and the dew is fresh, the stone is cold and sends a shiver through me as I sit. It’s a bench I frequent often, and I'm familiar with the surroundings by scent and feel. The bench is in a garden.
Sometimes, the garden is tended with blooms open in all their glory, perfuming the air, and beds and paths that are meticulous in their presentation. Other times, the garden is neglected. The shriveled blooms litter the ground, weeds have overgrown the paths, and the beds are in disarray.
radiant glory as if declaring, “He is coming...Just wait...He’s almost here.”
It’s His gate and I’m here on this bench in a tattered garden waiting for Him to arrive. I am still, My breath is catching in my throat scared that if I let it out, I won’t be able to get it back. My hope is dwindling, and fear gnaws at my flesh. But I choose to sit. I choose to seek. I choose to wait. Until...
The sunrays burning through the gate turn to fire with a golden glow which warms the path and heats my skin. The gate opens. The light is so bright I cannot search it with my eyes and yet I know from whom the light is emanating. He has come.
Today, the gardens are blooming, but they are wild and unkempt, and shame fills me knowing I haven’t cared for my garden as I should.
Yet I sit. And wait.
I turn my eyes toward the gate. It’s not the gate I use to enter the garden. My gate is tattered and made of wrought iron which is rusted in places and creaks when opened. No, my eyes are turned toward the eastern gate where the sun shines through lighting the garden in dancing rays of
My King. My Jesus.
He does not care about the state of the garden. He sits with me on the bench, which is no longer cold. Taking my hand in His He whispers into my ear, “If you seek Me, you will find me. I will never leave you.”
Psalms 27:7-8 CJB says, “Listen, Lord, to my voice when I cry; show favor to me; and answer me. My heart said of you, ‘Seek my face.’ Your face, Lord, I will seek.”
With God, it’s never about the state of our garden or our circumstances. With God, it is always about our heart. He is willing to be found if we humble ourselves and seek. It’s in the finding that we embark upon a love story that nurtures, grows, comforts, redeems, and endures throughout our lives. It’s the growth of a relationship with the goal of nurturing an intimate friendship. Only this friendship is with the king of the universe, the creator of heaven and earth, and is a friendship that will last for all eternity. Father, our God, it is your face that we seek.
Rome Church Directory
African Methodist Episcopal
Bethel AME Church
22 Nichols Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0019
St. James AME Zion Church
3 Maxwell Lane Rome, GA 30165
404-307-7396
Summer Hill AME Church
1981 Kingston Hwy NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-7113
Anglican
St. Andrew’s Anglican Church 42 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5892
Apostolic
First Apostolic Church of Rome
3213 Cave Spring Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9551
Assembly of God
Redemption Church
105 Broadus Road NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0277
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church
4526 Big Texas Valley Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7248
Armuchee Baptist Church
6648 Big Texas Valley Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-3169
Berean Baptist Church
8 Skyline Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-9832
Blue Pond Baptist Church
1291 Morrison Campground Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3296
Bryant Chapel Baptist Church 24 Shady Lane Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9768
Bush Arbor Baptist Church
3290 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga. 30161
770-885-0779
Calhoun Avenue Baptist Church 1021 Calhoun Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4431
Calvary Baptist Church 101 Broadus Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-1461
Cedar Creek Baptist Church
5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-777-8360
Cedar Valley Baptist Church 3024 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-0978
Community Chapel Baptist Church
3733 Black Bluff Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4070
Desoto Park Baptist Church
1107 Cave Spring Rd. Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-6207
Dykes Creek Baptist Church
3181 Kingston Hwy NE
Rome Ga, 30161
706-291-7790
East Rome Baptist Church
601 Cedar Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8553
East View Baptist Church
901 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8250
Eden Valley Baptist Church
348 Eden Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
770-608-8168
Emmanuel Baptist Church 1414 Old Dalton Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-3939
Enon Baptist Church
3105 Turkey Mountain Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-5052
Fairview Baptist Church 2348 Old Cedartown Hwy SE Lindale, Ga 30147
Fellowship Rome Baptist Church
314 Burnett Ferry Rd Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-9416
First Baptist Church 100 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6850
Flatrock Baptist Church
848 Cunningham Rd SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-9976
Flint Hill Baptist Church 3578 Wax Rd SE, Aragon, GA 30104
706-232-8121
Friendship Baptist Church 2283 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-4803
Garden Lakes Baptist Church 2200 Redmond Cir Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-6615
Greater Mount Calvary Baptist
445 East 14th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-5047
Hill Crest Baptist Church
2202 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8806
Hollywood Baptist Church 112 Lombardy Way Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6642
In Focus Baptist Church 12 N Hughes Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8963
Lakeview Baptist Church 80 Salem Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2149
Lovejoy Baptist Church 436 Branham Ave Rome, Ga 30171
706-232-1917
McFall Baptist Church
3011 Rockmart Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5673
Mount Alto Church
1915 Huffaker Rd NW Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-6222
Mount Carmel Baptist Church E 20th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-8777
Mount Olive Baptist Church 17 E Pennington Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-6413
New Antioch Baptist Church 4553 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2248
New Bethel Baptist Church Weathington Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706, 291-8939
New Canaan Baptist Church 3 Excelsior St Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-1984
New Hope Baptist Church Hwy 156 Rome, Ga
706-235-0250
New Hope Baptist Church 399 Moran Lake Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-0507
North Broad Baptist Church
1309 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-2100
Northwood Missionary Baptist 4076 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
Park Ave Baptist Church 531 Park Ave SE Lindale, GA 30147
Parkview Baptist Church 4 Wesley Drive Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4431
PisGah Baptist Church Alabama Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4431
Pleasant Hope Baptist Church 5935 Rockmart Road SE Silver Creek, Ga
706-235-2800
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
500 N Division St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0731
Pleasant Valley North Baptist 735 Old Summerville Road NW Rome, GA 30165
706-232-6426
Pleasant Valley South Baptist 702 Pleasant Valley Rd SE Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-1841
Providence Baptist Church 17 Burnett Ferry Road SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0689
Riverside Baptist Church 48 Ash Street Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8114
State Line Baptist Church 8536 Black Bluff Road Cave Spring, Ga 30124
678-988-0339
Saint Paul Baptist Church Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-5037
Second Avenue Baptist 823 E 2nd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-3663
Shannon First Baptist Church 400 Fourth Street, PO Box 997, Shannon, GA 30172
Sherwood Forest Baptist Church
1 Goodman Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6174
Shorter Avenue Baptist Church
1410 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-8266
South Broad Baptist Church 508 South Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
Spring Creek Baptist Church
2636 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-1220
Springfield Baptist Church 113 Smith St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7217
Thankful Baptist Church 935 Spider Webb Dr Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8132
Three Rivers Church 2960 New Calhoun Highway NE Rome, Ga
706-766-0942
Trinity Baptist Church 1728 Calhoun Rd NE Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-3368
Turner Chapel Baptist Church 756 Turner Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-8682
Unity Baptist Church 2261 Pleasant Valley Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-2184
West End Baptist Church 107 Mississippi Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-1971
West Rome Baptist Church 914 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-9722
Wilkerson Road Baptist Church
Wilkerson Rd Rome, Ga 30161
Woodlawn Baptist Church 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-4171
Word & Way Baptist Church New Rocketmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-8729
Catholic
Saint Mary Catholic Church 911 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7014
Christian & Missionary Alliance
Missionary Alliance 306 Coker Dr Rome, Ga 20165
706-235-9190
Church of Christ
Church of Christ 108 E Callahan St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0675
Lindale Church of Christ
3035 Maple Road
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-234-3027
Oak Hill Church of Christ
1500 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 20165
706-291-0351
Rome Church of Christ
121 Primrose Road Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4444
Church of God
Armuchee Church of God
4974 Martha Berry Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4414
Church of God of Prophecy 94 Huffaker Rd. Rome, GA 30165
706-528-4225
Lindale Church of God
585 Park Ave
Lindale, Ga 30147
706-232-5676
New Life Church of God
210 E 18th St Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-0704
New Hope Overcoming Church of God
200 Nixon Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4695
North Rome Church of God 1929 N Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6687
Rome AOH Church of God
504 Decatur St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2999
West Rome Church of God UA 2827 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-880-6895
Church of God in Christ
Great Joy Church of God in Christ 60 Shorter Industrial Blvd Rome, Ga 30161
706-766-6148
Disciples of Christ
First Christian Church
209 E. Second Ave, Rome, Ga 30161
Episcopal
Saint Peter’s Episcopal Church 101 E 4th Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-9111
Foursquare
Rome Foursquare Church
308 Reservoir St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Full Gospel
Christ Gospel Church 619 Chulio Rd SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-7744
Independent Bible
Grace Bible Church 614 Dalton Rd NE Rome, Ga 30165
Interdenominational
Cornerstone Church
324 Mathis Dr Rome, Ga 30165
Ministerios El Vino Nuevo
4216 Alabama Hwy NW
Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0500
Renovation Church
13 Redmond Ct. Rome, Ga 30165
706-314-9084
Latter-day Saints
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
3300 Garden Lakes Pkwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-2281
Lutheran
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
3000 Garden Lakes Blvd
Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-7257
Methodist
GracePoint Rome
43 Chateau Court Rome, Ga 30161
Holsey Sinai CME Church
1233 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-295-7265
Lindsay Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
Livingston UMC
21 E Lakeshore Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161
Metropolitan UMC
700 Broad St Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8660
Mt Pleasant UMC
4782 Alabama Hwy Rome, Ga 30165
706-232-4350
New Bethel Methodist Church
Reeceburg Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-9700
North Rome UMC
706-291-6704
Oostanaula UMC
74 Battey Farm Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0084
Rome First UMC
202 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8590
Rush Chapel UMC
1225 Rush Chapel Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-7986
Scott Chapel UMC
3 Chambers St NE Rome, Ga 30161
Second Avenue UMC
801 E Second Ave SW Rome, GA 30161
Silver Creek UMC
36 Reeceburg Rd SE Silver Creek, GA 30173
706-234-2518
South Broad UMC
546 S Broad St
Rome, Ga 30161
706-232-5230
Trinity By The River, Global Methodist
606 Turner McCall Blvd SW Rome, Ga 30165
706-291-0033
Wesley Chapel UMC
9 College Park Dr SW Rome, Ga 30161
West Rome UMC
1003 Shorter Ave
PO Box 2247 Rome, GA 30164
706-234-6214
Messianic
Congregation Hallelu HaShem
1869 Floyd Springs Rd NE, Armuchee, GA 3105
706-936-6711
Nazarene
Rome First Church of the Nazarene 20 Glenda Dr Rome, Ga 30165
706-234-5023
Non-Denominational
Access Church
1905 Calhoun Rd
Rome, Ga 30161
705-584-7497
Beech Creek Church
2972 Alabama Hwy, Rome, Ga 30165
706-346-1018
Christian Church at Rome 2417 Shorter Ave Rome, GA 30165
706-235-0501
Glorious New Jerusalem Church 537 W 12th St Rome, Ga 30165
706-295-2045
Glory Tabernacle Church
300 Watson St Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-0888
Gospel Harvester Church
1246 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-290-9858
Greater Refuge Ministries 1604 North Broad St Rome, GA 30161
706-622-2448
Legacy Church 524 Avenue A SW Rome, GA 30165
LIFE Church of Rome 19 John Davenport Drive Rome GA 30165
706-728-3166
Lighthouse Church of Rome Lighthouse Dr SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-0864
New and Living Way Bible Church 59 Dykes Creek Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-233-9200
Northside Church
75 N. Floyd Park Rd. Rome, Ga 30165
706-233-9896
Rally Up International Ministries
2460 Shorter Avenue Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Shannon Community Church
600 First Street Shannon, GA 30172
706-491-7112
Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle
700 Kingston Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-8948
The Church at Rome 1649 Cartersville Hwy SE Rome, Ga 30161
706-346-2733
Trinity United Christian Church 6 Deer Run Trail Rome, Ga 30165
706-204-8270
We The Church 1818 Kingston Hwy Rome, Ga 30161
Words of Faith Tabernacle 3134 Rockmart Rd Rome, Ga 30161
706-314-9158
Orthodox
All Saints Church 615 Cleveland Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-378-4474
Pentecostal
Cannon Temple Holiness Church 308 Porter St Rome, Ga 20161
706-233-9001
Christ Temple Holiness Church 1321 Martin L King Rome, Ga 30161
706-235-3787
Victory Temple Of Joy 118 Williamson St. Rome, Ga 30165
706-766-3865
Presbyterian
First Presbyterian Church EPC 101 E 3rd Ave Rome, Ga 30161
706-291-6033
Seven Hills Fellowship 530 Broad Street Rome, GA 30161
706-530-1630
Silver Creek Presbyterian Church 6 Old Rockmart Road Silver Creek, Ga 30173
706-234-6862
Westminster Presbyterian Church 1941 Shorter Ave Rome, Ga 30165
706-235-8561
Seventh-Day Adventist
Rome Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church 307 E 14th St SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-292-0067
Seventh-Day Adventist Church 2526 Cedartown Hwy SW Rome, Ga 30161
706-234-4117
Cave Spring Church Directory
Cave Spring Church of God
19 Mill Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8348
Grace Fellowship Baptist Church
6635 Blacks Bluff Rd SW
Cave Spring Ga 30124
706-346-9786
Live Oak Baptist Church
5506 GA-100
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8566
The Empty Tomb
5630 Fosters Mill Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
Rehoboth Missionary Baptist
6 Rehoboth Rd SW
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3313
First Baptist Church 4 Old Cedartown Rd.
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-3566
Cave Spring UMC
30 Alabama Street
Cave Spring, GA 30124
706-777-8624
Jackson Chapel UMC
301 Jackson Chapel Rd
Cave Spring, GA 30125
706-777-3750
for Marriage Learning To Love
by Paula Burgner
Faith, hope, and love: these words are expressed most often when showing affection for someone, whether it is giving someone a word of encouragement, making someone feel as though they are special, or trying to help someone through a rough time. Sometimes when you tell someone you love them, do you ever stop to think of the meaning behind the words? Or, is it just an expression thrown around because it is something you were taught when you were younger? Before you can truly understand the love that comes from someone else, you must learn to love yourself. The Bible tells us in *Ephesians 5:29, “For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it.”
whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
This kind of love that God shows to us is not meant to be bottled up and kept to ourselves. Showing that we love one another is an order that God gives us. The Bible tells us in John 13:34, “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you.” Every time you show love to someone or something whether it is a pet you have or someone that you really care for, you should always make sure that it comes from your heart and not just words that are flying out of your mouth.
When you decide to turn your life over to God, you will find yourself reading and studying the word of God more. From reading and studying the Bible, you learn what loving someone really means. The Bible tells us in 1 John 4:16, “And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.” So don’t ever doubt that God does love you because the Bible not only tells us this, it confirms that God does love us all. It says in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that
This is the same way we are suppose to love God once you accept Him into your heart. The Bible tells us this in Matthew 22:37, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” So don’t ever forget that having faith is what makes everything possible, having hope is what keeps you pushing forward, and having love is everything. The Bible tells us this in Ephesians 3:17, “That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith that ye, being rooted and grounded in love.” On those days when you get the feeling that you can’t go on or the feeling that you are alone with no one there to love you, always remember that once you accept God into your heart then you will have His grace and love. His grace and love is always there surrounding you to protect you. You just have to remember to speak the word of God over your life and keep it over you as a shield. The Bible tells us this in 1 Thessalonians 5:8, “But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love.”
*All Scriptures are KJV.
Paula Burgner is a strong-willed, outgoing girl who loves spending time with her husband and working out. She believes in her heart that you can do anything you put your mind to. Paula is the author of a new book, Grounded by God’s Grace.
North Georgia Equipment Company: Delivering Comfort since 1945
The Heating and Cooling Experts
Since 1945, North Georgia Equipment Company has delivered comfort to our customers' homes, their businesses, their schools, and their institutions.
Owner, David Perry, explains, “We carry products from top quality manufacturers like Carrier and Trane. Our factory trained technicians and professional courteous customer service staff, are confident you will be satisfied. That includes maintenance and service on all makes and models of heating and air conditioning systems, not just the ones installed by NGE.
Our professional and courteous service technicians are factory-trained by companies like Carrier. Names you trust in heating and air conditioning. We have 12 NATE certified technicians on staff, more than any other North Georgia heating and air conditioning company. And we are licensed, bonded, and fully insured.
The contracting department stands ready to help you from the very beginning of your project. We actually show up and do our job when we say we will. Also, our service department will be ready and provide quick reliable service and maintenance for the life of the building. We
are so confident that we back up our service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.”
NGE offers services for residential, commercial, and industrial projects in the Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama area, particularly Rome, Calhoun, Adairsville, Cartersville, Cedartown, Rockmart, and Summerville, GA plus Cedar Bluff and Gaylesville, AL
Residential Heating & Cooling
Did you know that with a new high efficiency residential heating and cooling system you can save up to 40% on energy costs? A new system is a sound investment in your home that pays dividends in the savings.
The NGE professional, courteous technicians will promptly repair your system. Also if the system is old
enough that you need a new one, the technician can also give the customer a price and arrange to have a crew install the new system.
NGE has been here for years and will continue to be here to install, maintain, and service your system with expertise and a fast response with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Financing is also offered with approved credit. There are rebates available on certain high efficiency systems.
If you don’t need service but want to get a price on a new system, free estimates are offered for the installation of a new system.
NGE truly delivers comfort.
Commercial Heating & Cooling
David Perry adds, “We provide honest, quick, and reliable service that stands out above the rest. The right company for your project is here at NGE. We offer a wide variety of services for your project. We design and utilize Carrier’s Hourly Analysis Program to perform an accurate load calculation to make sure your system is the correct size. If we are awarded the project we provide AutoCad drawings of the project to make sure the job progresses without problems. We design our ductwork and have our own metal fabrication facility to make the most energy efficient ductwork possible.
We also offer a complete energy management system. We can install the controls and have your commercial
system on your computer. You can manage the system easily and sometimes diagnose the problem from your computer.
Choose NGE and the work will be done correctly the first time and you know NGE will be available to provide quality service for years and years. Don’t forget: we’ve been here since 1945!”
To see for yourself, check out the successful and varied NGE projects on their website, www.ngec.net. You’ll find photos of geothermal systems, a boiler and floor heating, plus commercial projects with chillers and boilers like Berry College, First Baptist Church, 800 Broad St building, and International Paper. You’ll also see schools and gyms like Model High School.
With 24-hour emergency service, it’s easy to see why NGE truly delivers comfort.
Call (706) 232-8930 and we’ll come to you. For your convenience, there’s also an online option for requesting service. See the website www.ngec.net for additional information, to request service, or to conveniently pay an invoice.
for Everyone
Healing Through Lament
by Heather Medley
Over the last few years, many of us have encountered an array of losses that have challenged our emotional resilience. For me, navigating through this period has often felt like trying to stay afloat in an ocean of grief. It's in these moments of vulnerability that I have turned to the practice of lament. While lament might seem outdated or unfamiliar to some, it is essentially about making a heartfelt connection with our deepest emotions. This practice involves openly expressing our intense sadness, grief, or any strong feelings that press heavily on us. Lament is much more than a simple release; it is a profound conversation with God, where we lay out our struggles and pains without holding back. This act of opening up is not just therapeutic; it's a critical spiritual discipline that strengthens our bond with the divine, enabling us to navigate the tumult of our hearts with grace and sincerity. Consider the heartfelt plea in Psalm 44:23-26 ESV, "Awake! Why are you sleeping, O Lord? Rouse yourself! Do not reject us forever! Why do you hide your face and forget our affliction and oppression? For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the ground. Rise up; come to our help! Redeem us for the sake of your steadfast love."
In these verses, the psalmist voices a profound sense of despair, earnestly seeking God’s presence in a moment of acute need, yet maintaining a grip on hope for divine support and love. To lament is to confront these difficult emotions head-on, creating a space for healing to begin.
How to Write Your Own Lament
1. Who are you talking to? Initiate your lament by addressing it to someone or something. This might be God, your own soul, or a concept you're grappling with.
2. What’s got you down? Clearly define what's causing your distress. Detail the events or emotions that have precipitated your need to lament, such as the loss of a loved one, a broken relationship, or health setbacks.
3. Express your emotions: Fully embrace and express your feelings. Whether you’re feeling angry, sad, confused, or scared—allow these emotions to emerge and be expressed.
4. State your needs: Explicitly request what you believe could alleviate your pain. This could be comfort, clarity, or simply space to grieve.
5. Cling to hope: Conclude your lament with an affirmation of hope. Believe that you are heard and that improvement is possible, through faith or the healing process itself.
The Transformative Power of Lament
Lament allows us to be transparent about our struggles, placing our trust in a greater love that transcends our immediate pain. This openness can lead to profound healing as it tackles our pain directly, enabling deep and meaningful transformation. Even in the depths of despair, as affirmed in Psalm 34:18 ESV, there remains a resilient hope that underscores God’s promise: "The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit."
It's Okay to Feel Deeply
Feeling and expressing profound grief is a natural and necessary part of the human experience. You are not alone in your emotions. Acknowledging and expressing your pain is essential for healing. Remember, healing is a gradual journey, composed of many small steps. Trust in this process and maintain your belief that renewal and peace are attainable. By embracing lament, you not only pave the way for personal healing but also deepen your faith in God's enduring love and mercy.
Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides in Rome with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.
for Parents
Feeding and Squawking
by Kristen West
Iwas minding my own business. Just sitting on my front porch sipping my fresh coffee and watching the sun begin to rise in the sky.
What I thought would be a quiet, relaxing atmosphere was quickly punctured as I was auditorily accosted by two very angry wrens.
Perched high above me from opposite ends of my elevated porch roof, they were taking turns squawking at me in a manner that was clearly meant to offend. Having circled the sun for a while now, I knew what this ritual meant. They had a nest nearby and were making it abundantly clear that they did not appreciate my presence this close to their nursery.
They took turns serving breakfast to a nest full of needy mouths that I could hear every time Dad or Mom came in for a landing with a juicy bug. Dad flew in, deposited part of the morning meal, and flew off again – squawking at me the whole time. Mom followed in the same manner. Their touch-and-go meal delivery system had been elevated to a code red because I was in the area. Their “verbal” assault on me continued for as long as I sat there.
Watching Mom and Dad Wren reminded me anew of what our call, as parents, tends to look like. Feeding and protecting happen routinely (and sometimes simultaneously). Our children look to us for spiritual sustenance – solid, Biblical application of why and how
the Scriptures are still as relevant today as they were hundreds of years ago. It’s our job to feed them, teach them, train them, show them how and where to find things for themselves in the Word so that they grow to be strong in faith and personally dependent on Christ, able to eventually fly on their own.
“These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:6,7 CSB).
“…don’t frustrate your children…take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master” (Ephesians 6:4 MSG).
But, at the same time, it’s also our responsibility to protect them. Spiritually cover them in prayer, resist the enemy as we discern him afoot, and speak the Word of God in a powerful and effective manner that puts any spiritual adversary looking to harass our children on the run.
“I use God’s mighty weapons, not those made by men, to knock down the devil’s strongholds” (2 Corinthians 10:4 TLB).
“…be strengthened by the Lord…put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11 CSB).
These truths and promises apply regardless of the children God has given you to shepherd and care for –biological, adopted, foster, spiritual mentorship, or otherwise.
Parenting is such a sacred responsibility. God has entrusted these children to us for a season while we’re on the earth, but He hasn’t asked us to do it alone. He’s given us His Word that is full of timely and applicable verses to help us along the way as we depend on Him to help us train, teach, nourish, and protect our kids. Whatever your parental position may be, I pray that the handful of meaningful verses above will encourage you greatly today and give you plenty to squawk about!
Splish Splash! A Fun Day Water Blast
by Brenda Dedmon
Do you like to go to a water park? It can be a fun time with your friends, especially when the weather is hot! However, it may be too costly to take your friends. You will find ideas in this article to have a fun water day with your friends in your own backyard! Ask your parents to assist you in this adventure and include on your guest list a child that does not get invited to many parties. We read in John 15:17 “Love One Another,” so this day could be a day of showing love to your friends. Remember to tell your friends to wear their bathing suits and bring a towel.
● Pool of Bubbles Items needed: Small kiddie size pools and bathtub bubbles. Instructions: Place the Bubble Bath solution in the pool and fill it with water. Stir the water while filling the pool to make more bubbles! After playing in the bubbles, run through your sprinkler to rinse off the bubbles.
● Water Balloon Pinta Game Items needed: A regular size balloon for each person., a plastic bat, string to tie up balloons. Instructions: Before the activities fill each balloon with water. Attach the string to the balloon and hang it from a tree. Directions for the game: Have one child at a time use the plastic bat to hit their balloon! No candy, but lots of wet fun when the balloon burst!
● Homemade Sprinkler Items needed: Sturdy Plastic Bottle, Garden hose, Waterproof tape, drill. Instructions: Drill small holes at different angles in the bottle. Attach the garden hose to the bottle using the tape. Place sprinkler in the yard.
● Water Bombs Items needed: Package of small sponges, elastic bands such as ponytail holders, container for water, scissors. Instructions: Cut the sponges into eight equal strips. Bunch the strips together and place elastic bands around the middle. Place in a container of water and you are set to have a water bomb soaking!
● Water Balloon Toss Items needed: small water balloon, water, container for balloons Instructions: Before the activities fill the water balloons with water and place them in a container. Directions: Divide the children into two teams. Have them line up in two lines about an arm's length apart. Give one team a filled water balloon and they will toss it to the person standing in front of them. After each toss, each player will take a step backward and continue to toss the balloon until it bursts. When it bursts, have each player sit down at that spot. Continue until all the balloons have burst or until players reach a designated place you have determined to be the finish line.
● Snacks: It would not be a fun day without water theme snacks! Items needed: Assorted flavors of juices, watermelon, grapes, pineapple wedges, gummy fish, gummy lifesavers, goldfish, snack size plastic bags, plastic cups, plates, napkins. Directions: Pour the different juices into ice cube trays and freeze. Make a fruit tray using the fruits. Use the zip lock bags for the candies and goldfish.
Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center in Dalton, Georgia and an avid Roll Tide fan.
for Everyone
What Kind of God Do You Have?
by Dr. Alan Hix
Afew years ago, I had the privilege of tracing Paul’s steps in his second missionary journey. Most of the ancient cities of Turkey and Greece were built along a similar pattern, and each had temples to their patrons, gods, and rulers. However, when I came to Athens, I found a scene I had not encountered before, and I could better appreciate the apostle Paul’s response on his first visit to that city.
16 Now while Paul was waiting for them at Athens, his spirit was provoked within him as he saw that the city was full of idols (Acts 17:16 ESV).
18 Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also conversed with him. And some said, “What does this babbler wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign divinities”—because he was preaching Jesus and the resurrection. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? (Acts 17:18–19 ESV).
Standing on Mars Hill (Areopagus) just as Paul did, I had an amazing view of the Acropolis, containing the Parthenon and other temples. But the most arresting thing Paul would have seen would have been a 30-foot-tall statue of the goddess Athena. Ancient writers recorded that the top of her helmet and the tip of her spear could be seen as people approached the city.
The street descending to the Agora from Mars Hill is lined with statues of gods, heroes, and patrons about every 30 feet on both sides. It was here that Paul found an altar to “the unknown god.” Just in case they had overlooked someone, the Athenians wanted to cover themselves.
It was this altar to the unknown god that Paul used as an entrance for telling them about Jesus Christ. Standing in the midst of the Areopagus, Paul proclaimed the truth of the gospel to the Athenians. Probably gesturing all around him, Paul declared that our God is not confined to the limitations of earthly structures or man-made idols.
Furthermore, Paul boldly proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Throughout Paul’s argument, the Athenians
had listened respectfully. But when he declared that Jesus was resurrected from the dead, that caused a great problem for the Athenians, because that went against the way they understood the world to work. The resurrection, more than anything else, was what set Jesus apart. If the resurrection was true, then they would have to turn their back on all the gods that littered the city. And that was something most of them were not willing to do.
Just like Athens with all its temples, altars, and statues, our lives are full of things that cry for our attention, that call for a response, that demand our allegiance. And if we are not careful, they will suck up all our time until there is nothing left. We might take a moment and offer up a prayer for God to bless our plans, actions, or circumstances, but that’s just like the Athenians' “unknown god.” We’re trying to cover all our bases.
But a resurrected Christ exposes our gods for what they are—shallow, selfish, and powerless. A resurrected Christ shows us that all those things that would call for our allegiance have an expiration date. They will pass away. And yet we spend so much of our lives chasing after things that do not last. Jesus offers us a life that will never pass away. Why should we rely on anything else?
is
of
University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
Dr. Alan Hix
Professor
Christian Studies at Shorter
for Everyone
Beach Flag Days – A Metaphor for Life
by Candyce Carden
You’re probably familiar with the color-coded flag system in place at the beach:
Green Flag - calm conditions and low risk
Yellow Flag - moderate surf or current; medium risk
Red Flag - high surf and strong current; extreme hazard threat
Double Red Flag - water is closed
Green flags fly less often. Occasionally, calm conditions prevail and present a low hazard risk.
from sleepless nights, and the dance of moving one step forward then two steps back, we cling to God.
And God draws us close, providing the peace, reassurance, and love we need. Satan doesn’t stand a chance during our Red Flag Days.
The Green Flag Days
The green flag days are the mountaintops for us. A heartfelt prayer is finally answered. We land the desired job.
A wayward child finally graduates college. Our mother is deemed cancer-free after months of chemo. During green flag days, our heart points to God. We rejoice and praise our Savior.
Yellow flags fly frequently at the Destin beach I visit. People don’t pay attention to these flags. The ocean fills with grownups and kids because the water doesn’t look threatening. All seems well.
Red flags are a rare sight in Destin. During the threat of the last summer’s Hurricane Idalia, I saw my first red flag. The water was ferocious and visitors avoided the thrashing waves—with the exception of a few thrill-seeking surfers. It struck me how beach flag days can serve as a metaphor for life.
The Red Flag Days
In the life of a Christian, the red flag days drive us to the safety of our Savior. We’re on high alert when we face health issues. Alarm bells clang when a sudden loss derails our carefully laid plans. Weighed down with anxiety, exhausted
Satan avoids us during these highs because our faith holds strong. He prefers to attack us when we’re down.
The Yellow Flag Days
Most of the time, life is a yellow flag day. There are a few bumps, some slightly shifting sand beneath our feet, but nothing we can’t handle. We sleepwalk through our days, meeting responsibilities with little friction. We grow bored with the sameness, taking God’s gifts for granted due to their sheer abundance. We’re more likely to drift from God during these days, unaware of the moderate rip current, the undertow of Satan. He’s sneaky and will do all he can to drive a wedge between us and God.
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8 NIV).
God arms us to fight Satan, even in our weakness. He protects our faith with His unlimited power. But we have to resist Satan’s pull by keeping our eyes on God, no matter what color the flag is.
Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11 NIV).
What color is your flag today?
for your Taste Buds
August Delights: A Calendar of Unique Designated Days
August is a month filled with delightful and quirky designated days, offering the perfect excuse to indulge in some unique and tasty celebrations. From cool treats to savory delights, here's a roundup of the designated days for August that you’ll want to make plans for!
August 2ndIce Cream Sandwich Day
Celebrate the perfect combination of creamy ice cream nestled between two delicious cookies or wafers. Feel free to purchase these or try making some with the family.
August 3rdWatermelon Day
Savor the refreshing and hydrating goodness of juicy watermelon. As temperatures rise, a slice of chilled watermelon becomes a delightful way to stay cool and hydrated while enjoying the essence of summer.
August 6th - Root Beer Float Day
Celebrate this classic American beverage, consisting of root beer and
vanilla ice cream. A fizzy and frothy delight that has been a favorite for generations, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane.
August 10thS'mores Day
If you have a sweet tooth, mark your calendar for this day dedicated to the gooey combination of marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers. Gather around a campfire or create a cozy indoor setup to enjoy this classic treat.
August 31stInternational and National Bacon Day
A savory celebration for bacon enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you prefer it crispy or chewy, with lettuce and tomato, or candied with chocolate coating, there's no denying the irresistible allure of bacon!
August 31st is also Eat Outside Day. So feel free to take any of your favorites beyond the kitchen or dining room into nature’s space. Create an inviting spread at a picnic table, nibble on an ice cream cone during break, or munch a bacon filled sandwich for supper at the end of a busy day. Embrace the fun days of summer and especially the quirky days of August!
THE TOTAL CHURCH EQUIPPING CONFERENCE
Cost: $15 Per Person
Thom S. Rainer is a renowned church leader, author, and consultant, currently serving as the founder and CEO of Church Answers, an online resource platform for church leaders. He previously held the positions of President and CEO at LifeWay Christian Resources and was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His expertise in church health led him to establish the Rainer Group, a consulting firm that has guided numerous churches and organizations. A prolific author, Rainer has contributed more than two dozen books to the field, including influential works such as “I Am a Church Member” and “Autopsy of a Deceased Church.”
SESSION TOPICS:
MISSIONS
• Steps to Recognize and Raise Up Missional Leaders in Your Church
• Getting Ready to Go NEXT GEN – KIDS
• Babysitter vs Influencer
• Leading a Child to Christ
• Starting a Special Needs Ministry in Your Church NEXT GEN – STUDENTS
• Six Things Every Volunteer Needs to Know to Work with Teenagers
• Navigating Best Practices for Discipling Teenagers
• Beyond Meat: Helps for those that lead youth Bible study
PASTOR WELLNESS
• Why Groups Matter: Small Group & Sunday School Training
• Winning the Church Back to Men
• The State of Manhood
• Key to Multiplying Gospel Impact Through Your Senior Adult Ministry
• First Impressions and Guest Services
• Fears in Disciple-making
• New Member Connection and Assimilation
• Open Your Church to Deaf People
• Teaching/Leading an Adult Class or Group
EVANGELISM
• The Power of Prayer in Evangelism
• The Five-Star Evangelistic Leader
MINISTRY ADMINISTRATION
• Artificial Intelligence and Your Ministry: The New Fuel for Efficiency and Impact
MISSION GEORGIA
• Navigating Trauma in the Church
• Four Keys to a Healthy Church
• UNLEASH!: 5 Strategies for Shaping a Church That’s Reaching, Discipling, and Deploying Young Leaders
• Deacon Ministry Foundations
• Current Trends and Common Practices in Turn-Around Churches
• Dealing Effectively with Church Conflict PUBLIC AFFAIRS
• Protecting Evangelism and Missions through Religious Freedom
• Reducing the Risk of Child Sexual Abuse in the Church WOMEN
• Five Essential Elements for Leading Women in the Local Church
• Women in Ministry WORSHIP & MUSIC
• Harmonizing Hearts: The Art of Being a Great Worship and Music Leader
• Sound & Vision: Elevating Worship Experiences Through Audio, Visual, and Livestream Mastery
The Apple Of My Eye
by Judy Hood
You’re the apple of my eye. To ever replace you, I need not try. When I stand upon your word, You always hear me, I’m always heard. For you’re the One who walks with me, You are the Master of my sea.
Like in the days of old, When Noah showed you his love, very bold. He didn’t care what people said. He built a boat like he was led. When the rains came, and it poured, The doubters drowned as they knocked on the door.
Noah had warned them of their inevitable plight. The rains will come forty days and nights. But they were indignant; they would not try to understand The ways of God. They only looked to man. Now they are dead, as heaven knows, God sent His promise to man in a gorgeous rainbow.
– Gregory M. Rogers, MD
SPARK Conference
For the last two years, the Floyd County Baptist Association (FCBA) has hosted its annual EQUIP Conference to encourage and equip local church leaders. The event has been a tremendous success with attendance of over 450 each year. This year the event will be different in that the FCBA is partnering with the Georgia Baptist Mission Board (GBMB) to bring the regional SPARK Conference to Northwest Georgia.
This conference is specifically designed to empower and rejuvenate local church leaders, plus provide an opportunity to network, gain fresh ideas, and gather new resources to enhance churches in Northwest Georgia in outreach and spiritual growth. It’s a chance to learn from renowned speakers and participate in breakout sessions that are directly relevant to every area of ministry.
The SPARK Conference is on Sunday, September 22nd at West Rome Baptist Church. Why should you and your leaders attend the SPARK Conference? Dr. Thom Rainer will be the keynote speaker. Thom Rainer is a renowned church leader, author, and consultant, and is the founder of Church Answers, an online resource for church leaders. He previously held the position of President at LifeWay Christian Resources and was the founding dean of the Billy Graham School of Missions and Evangelism at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. His expertise in church health led him to establish the Rainer Group, a consulting firm that has guided numerous churches and organizations. A prolific author, Rainer has contributed more than two
dozen books to the field, including influential works such as I Am a Church Member and Autopsy of a Deceased Church. In addition to Dr. Rainer, there will be 39 breakout session leaders who offer experience and very practical applications for best practices in their fields. For a detailed listing of breakout sessions, go to https://www.thesparkconference.com/2024_.
The schedule for SPARK:
3:30 PM - Doors Open/Registration/Check In
4:15 PM - Inspirational Rally w/ Dr. Thom Rainer
5:30 PM - Light Dinner
6:15-7:15 PM - Breakout #1
7:30-8:30 PM - Breakout #2
8:30 PM - Dismiss
Dr. Tim Smith, director of the FCBA, said “This event will help every church leader plus you’ll get to know some of the leaders in our area. Every church leader needs to attend. I promise you it will be worth your time.”
The cost for SPARK is $15 per person and includes everything involved in the conference. For more information or to register for SPARK, visit https://www.thesparkconference. com/2024_. If you have additional questions contact Lana Melton at the GBMB by emailing lmelton@gabaptist.org or by calling her at (770) 936-5228. You can also contact the FCBA or Dr. Smith by email at fcbaoffice@gamil.com or by calling (706) 291-0904.
for Health & Fitness
Cardiorespiratory Fitness is a Key to a Longer Life
by Thomas Morrison
If you have ever thought about, not only living longer, but living better, then this article is for you. In 2016, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a position statement in their journal, Circulation, calling for the routine assessment of cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF). It seems the weight of the evidence has become overwhelming and fitness levels are now officially recognized as “a potentially stronger predictor of mortality than established risk factors such as smoking, hypertension, high cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes mellitus…” It is now recognized by the largest non-profit organization dedicated to fighting our biggest killers that exercise capacity is a more powerful predictor of mortality than the other risk factors we typically screen for and treat.
What is Cardiorespiratory Fitness (CRF)?
“Cardio” stands for the heart and blood vessels and “respiratory” for the lungs and breathing muscles. Fitness revolves around your body’s ability to take in oxygen, pump it to your working muscles, and have them use it efficiently (extract it from the blood and use it to make energy). It is measured with a volume of oxygen (VO2) max test. The greater your score, the less likely you are to be at risk for cardiovascular diseases, as well as dementia and Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and several types of cancer as well, including lung, breast, and gastrointestinal cancers. This is why the AHA is now recommending you get your fitness levels tested regularly and seek to increase your level.
One study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Oncology, reported about ½ the risk of getting lung or colorectal cancer or dying of heart disease among men who attained a CRF level (or VO2 max) of 45 or better vs. 30 or less. In real world terms, that is the ability to run/walk about 1.5 miles in 12 minutes vs. only getting a little past a mile in the same time frame. Or, if running is not your thing, you could make a similar improvement by increasing your cycling distance from 2.5 miles in 12 minutes to 3.75 miles (females may need to scale these distances down by about 12%). Many different modalities could be used including swimming, dancing, stair climbing, elliptical trainers, or the like.
How Do You Increase CRF?
Endurance exercise that increases your heart rate and keeps it elevated for a time is best for increasing CRF. For this, we are talking about anything that gets your hips and legs moving continuously for at least 10-12 minutes and 30-45 is usually better. CRF is more responsive to intensity than frequency or duration, so doing short bursts of 2-5 minutes that get you really huffing and puffing works best! Three to five such bursts with enough active rest in between to catch your breath (usually two to three minutes) works well. Adding a training day or two like that to your usual easier, longer exercise times works very well for building up your CRF.
Testing Your CRF Levels
To publish an official statement recommending that all adults estimate CRF routinely, like cholesterol or blood pressure, because of “mounting evidence” is some of the most important information to hit the exercise and fitness industry in many years. To determine your own CRF (or VO2 max) levels reliably, there is an online calculator you can use at: www.ntnu. edu/cerg/vo2max or you can contact the Bradley Wellness Center fitness staff (just ask for Tom!) since we have several different tests we can use. Please act soon to discover your CRF level. It is one of the best things you can do for your health!
Thomas Morrison is the fitness coordinator and a personal trainer at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, Georgia, where he has served for the past 23 years.
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