May 2023

Gò0dNews

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan D. Hix

Brent Goodge

Brian Johnson

Charles Finney

Chase Holtzclaw

Danny Hesterly

Danny House

Granger Hughes

Heather Guthrie

Janice Washington

John Garrod

Judy Hood

Kristen West

Porter Johnson

Terrie Ruff

SALES

Matthew Ruckman

423-503-1410

Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Melanie Abney

706-844-3818

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Rome

DISTRIBUTION

5000 Monthly

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Jodi Varnado

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!

by Porter Johnson

“Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much” (Luke 16:10). The context for this verse of Scripture makes it clear that it is about resources. There are three main resources individuals have in this life. They are money, energy, and time. It is no feat to convince Americans that money is a valuable resource. In fact, it controls many people’s lives. It is also easy to recognize the value of energy because it seems as if everyone is running short on this resource. However, I am persuaded that time is the most valuable of these resources, and yet it is treated as the least valuable.

I’m going to assume that you value time theoretically more than you value it practically. Let me put this in perspective…If you were offered $100,000 today, but taking it would guarantee you wouldn’t wake up tomorrow, would you accept the offer? Most likely, you would not. However, my guess is that you will not treat tomorrow as if it’s this valuable. You might not treat tomorrow as if it’s worth more than $100,000, but theoretically you said that it is. Therefore, my encouragement to you is to make the most of each day God gives you. You would not intentionally squander $100,000. Why would you waste something worth more than that?

In the grand scheme of things, a singular day is a small portion of time. Compared to 60 years, one day sounds like nothing. Therefore, we are often tempted to treat individual days as if they are nothing. What I

mean by this is that we don’t take advantage of them. However, the problem arises when one creates a habit of treating each day as if it is insignificant. Your life will simply be defined by adding up all of your days. Therefore, if each day is insignificant, life becomes insignificant. I don’t think that’s how God intended us to live. God does not intentionally create and gift people

so they can remain complacent. He created and gifted you in a unique way to have an impact on the people around you.

If you are faithful with each day of your life, you will prove yourself faithful with all of your life. Figure out what you want your life to be and use each day to achieve that. Time is a resource for you to use. It’s not just an ambiguous concept that comes and goes. Therefore, start using it to its fullest potential.

Porter Johnson is a Shorter University Graduate, a current student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and College Pastor at Sherwood Rome.

Intertwinement

by Charles Finney

There was a boy named Judge Ment. He was a bright and curious student, but he often found himself feeling isolated from his classmates and teachers. He didn’t quite know how to connect with them, and as a result, he struggled to make friends and form meaningful relationships.

his classmates to join him in activities outside of school, and even made an effort to strike up conversations with his teachers during class.

Judge Ment also learned the importance of intertwining with others in work and play. He found that working together on projects helped him to learn new skills and to appreciate the perspectives of others. He also discovered that playing with his classmates and teachers helped to build trust and camaraderie, and that it was a great way to have fun and relax.

As Judge Ment continued to make connections and build relationships, he found that his experience at school became much more enjoyable. He felt happier and more fulfilled, and he was able to

One day, Judge Ment’s English teacher assigned the class to read Psalm 133:1, which says, “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” The verse struck a chord with Judge Ment, and he began to reflect on the importance of unity and connection in his own life. Determined to change his ways, Judge Ment began to actively seek out opportunities to connect with his classmates and teachers. He volunteered to work on group projects, invited

achieve more academically and personally.

In the end, Judge Ment realized that the verse from Psalm 133:1 was not just a scriptural passage but a wisdom that can be applied to his daily life. He understood the true meaning of unity and how it can be achieved by intertwining with others in work and play. He became a shining example to his classmates and teachers, and he was forever grateful for the lessons he learned about the importance of connection and community.

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Taxes on Your Investments and Social Security

Money Matters Granger Hughes with

As tax season comes to an end for most tax filers, let’s look at how our investments can affect our tax filing at year end and how and when your Social Security income might be subject to income tax.

The stock market and taxes are closely related, as investment gains and losses in the stock market can trigger tax implications for investors. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

1. Capital Gains: When you sell a stock for more than what you paid for it, you have a capital gain. Depending on how long you held the stock, the gain may be classified as short-term (if you held the stock for one year or less) or long-term (if you held the stock for more than one year). Capital gains are subject to taxation, with long-term gains generally taxed at a lower rate than short-term gains.

2. Capital Losses: When you sell a stock for less than what you paid for it, you have a capital loss. Capital losses can be used to offset capital gains in the same year, which can lower your tax bill. If your capital losses exceed your capital gains, you can use the excess losses to offset up to $3,000 of other types of income (such as wages) and carry over any remaining losses to future tax years.

3. Dividends: If you own stocks that pay dividends, the dividends you receive are generally taxable. The tax rate on qualified dividends (which includes most dividends paid by U.S. corporations) is generally lower than the tax rate on ordinary income.

4. Retirement Accounts: If you hold stocks in a tax-advantaged retirement account, such as a traditional IRA or a 401(k), you generally won’t owe taxes on gains or dividends until you withdraw money from the account. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you take early withdrawals from the account or if you hold certain types of investments (such as REITs) in the account.

5. Tax-loss Harvesting: Some investors engage in a strategy known as tax-loss harvesting, where they sell losing investments to offset gains and reduce their tax bill. However, there are rules and limitations to be aware of, such as the “wash sale” rule that prevents investors from immediately repurchasing the same or a substantially identical security after selling it at a loss.

Social Security income may be subject to federal income tax, depending on the total amount of income received from all sources, including Social Security benefits. If an individual’s total income, including half of their Social Security benefits, exceeds certain thresholds, they may be required to pay federal income tax on a portion of their Social Security benefits. The thresholds for determining whether Social Security benefits are taxable depend on an individual’s filing status and are as follows for the 2021 tax year:

• Single Filers: If their combined income (which includes adjusted gross income, nontaxable interest, and half of their Social Security benefits) is between $25,000 and $34,000, up to 50% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. If their combined income exceeds $34,000, up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax.

• Married Filing Jointly: If their combined income is between $32,000 and $44,000, up to 50% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax. If their combined income exceeds $44,000, up to 85% of their Social Security benefits may be subject to federal income tax.

Overall, it’s important to be aware of the tax implications of your stock market investments. It’s also important to note that not all states tax Social Security benefits. Both of these factors make it worth consulting with a tax professional or a financial advisor if you have any questions or concerns.

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.

A New Life is Here for You!

Lovely Things

by Brian Johnson

How do you handle adversity? People have different ideas, thoughts, and techniques to get them through. As Christians, we have a tendency to forget to turn to God first. We try to work things out on our own, and eventually, we get around to talking to God about it. Philippians 4:6 says, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know unto God.” In the next verse, we’re told this will give us peace. This isn’t always an instantaneous process though. What do we do when we keep dwelling on it? How can we move our focus away from the problem so that we’re not full of care? Not only does Paul tell us to give it to God, but he also tells us what to think on instead of the problem.

Verse 8 of that same chapter tells us to “think on” things that are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and things that are of a good report.

After an eleven-year marriage, I discovered my wife was having an affair. She decided to leave me and our children to be with him. This was the most difficult time of my life. I cried a lot! I lost weight without trying. Everyday was incredibly difficult. In my Bible reading, I came across this scripture and saw it in a different light. I decided to look up each of these six things through the Bible and write down a key phrase or thought that corresponded to each one. I also thought about things in my life that had to do with each one.

When school started that fall, my daughter was in kindergarten. She rode the bus to school, but I had to be at work before the bus picked her up, so I would drop

her off at her mother’s house every morning so she could catch the bus from there. She and I had a ritual. When she got out of the car to walk to the door, she would stop halfway, turn to me, and blow me a kiss. I would blow one back to her. She would catch it, close her eyes, and hold it to her chest, then look at me and smile. That was lovely! It was a key thing I would think on whenever I was upset about the situation I found myself in.

Thank God for His word and its practicality. In this scripture, it doesn’t just tell us to let go and let God, it also tells us what we can do to replace those negative thoughts. If you are struggling with issues in your life that make you full of care, take the time to write out some things you can think on that will help you focus on the positive or things that you can be thankful for. That way, you’re prepared to combat those thoughts Satan uses to keep you down.

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.

Who Are You Opening the Door To?

by Heather Guthrie

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Matthew 7:7).

I was headed out the door. The door wouldn’t shut. I slammed it a time or two. Actually, three times. Open and shut. Open and shut. I looked around the door and could not figure out why it wouldn’t shut. I thought maybe the camera cord had repositioned. Maybe someone recently had problems

it had to be around the latch. I looked closer. Sure enough, there’s a plate that goes around the latch, and that was loose. The two screws were loose that kept it aligned. In that moment, the Holy Spirit started speaking to me. How something small being misaligned can throw you off. Nothing else was in the way except the most important plate.

Are you opening the door to your past? We say, “Come on in, old friends! Come on in, anxiety! Come on in, depression! Y’all have always been there! Come on in, old ways. Come on in, old sin.”

We literally open the door of our hearts, our mind, and our soul to those old ways. When the Lord comes knocking, we close the door on Him. We don’t trust Him with our ugly. We say, “Nope, God, you can’t see this, you can’t fix this, and I’m too ashamed for you to work this out. You deserve better than this.”

shutting it. Maybe someone tried to break in and just didn’t do well. My first thought was it was just fine last night. I didn’t have time to see who could fix it. Also, who could? Anyhow, I locked the screen door and shut the door the best I could. I said, “God, this is your house. You protect it and take care of it anyways, so I’m trusting you.” At some points, the door came to my mind throughout the day. I talked to God about it again.

When I got home, I talked to Him again and tried to shut the door a few more times. It didn’t work the first time, but I thought, surely, it’ll work this time. I looked all around the door. Finally, I thought

He keeps gently knocking. Finally, we decide we are going to open the door to Him! Opening the door! “Come on in, peace and contentment! Come on in, freedom! Come on in, Jesus!”

We were so focused on what we used to be and opened the door to anything. Let’s open the door to the Lord! Let’s surrender to Him! Let’s ask Him in all things! He is the door! He is the way! His is the truth! Let’s focus on the Kingdom! The door to Heaven! We have the keys to the Kingdom! Are you going to keep opening the door to what is not of God? He really loves you. He really loves you. He really loves you.

Heather Guthrie, daughter of the King dancing in the deep and encouraging others with truth. She loves to meet people where they’re at in ministry. She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

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 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

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

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

706-234-4923

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

706-232-5230

Trinity UMC

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

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

Shannon UMC

600 First Street

Shannon, GA 30172

706-491-7112

Silver Creek UMC

36 Reeceburg Rd SE

Silver Creek, GA 30173

706-234-2518

South Broad UMC

546 S Broad St

Rome, Ga 30161

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

Solid Holy Rock Deliverance Tabernacle

700 Kingston Ave

Rome, Ga 30161

706-291-8948

The Church at Rome

246 North 5th Avenue

Rome, Ga 30165

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

Cedar Creek Baptist Church

5440 Black Buff Rd Rome, Ga 30161

706-777-8360

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

Empty-Nesters

by Kristen West

My husband and I are empty-nesters. The days of making little lunches, working through endless piles of laundry, and juggling a variety of extracurricular activities are over. Our four children are all grown and living their own independent lives. I smile to see them happily settling into their own marriages, careers, and families. As parents, though, that transition can be challenging, can’t it?

We spend decades providing for them, instructing them, and ultimately, preparing them to leave us and our homes. Yet, when the time finally comes for them to vacate the nest, we sometimes struggle to understand what our new role is. Many times, we try to continue to be a remote extension of what we once were when they lived in our house. As a result, we insert ourselves where we’re not invited; offer advice when it’s not solicited; and try to co-manage their decisions and jump in to offer damage control if we see things not going so well. Speaking from experience, that generally doesn’t help.

The book of Job offers a wonderful example of how we, as parents, can continue to influence the lives of our children for good, even when they’re grown, out of our homes, and making their own decisions. Job’s sons “used to take turns having banquets at their homes” and would invite their sisters to join them (Job 1:4 CSB). There’s no record of Job attending these house parties, however “whenever a round of banqueting was over, Job would send for his children and purify

them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them.”

“For Job thought, ‘Perhaps my children have sinned, having cursed God in their hearts.’ This was Job’s regular practice” (vs. 5).

Even as an empty-nester, Job continued to spiritually cover his grown children in prayer! He continued to exercise his God-given parental authority

to bring his kids before God’s throne regardless of their age or station in life. Can you think of anything more influential than this?

Our children will grow up, move out, and embark on their own lives. Our days of in-home nurturing will come to a close. But the truth that should comfort every parent’s heart is simply this—while your children will eventually be beyond your reach, they will never be beyond your prayers!

Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly

The Pool Store

by Danny House

The Pool Store is where you can find swimming pools and all your pool supplies. The store itself has had several owners throughout the years while being in continuous operation since 1971, making it the oldest full-service pool store in Floyd County. The company grew to its current state via the entrepreneurial dreams of its founders, Tom Fox and Dave Ficquette, both of whom began their careers in the pool industry with Leslie’s Pool Supplies, one of the largest pool suppliers in the U.S., many years before coming to Rome in 2000. I joined the team in May of 2010 and have had the privilege of being a part of The Pool Store ever since. Between the three of us, we have over 70 years of pool professional experience, most of that expertise belonging to Dave. Being part of this organization has been one of the greatest opportunities of my professional career. I take joy in the fact that we are such a close-knit team with a staff that feels more like family than co-workers. In fact, a great many of our customers just assume we are family. It gives real meaning to the saying, “Not all family is blood.”

As part of the business landscape in Rome, we have had the pleasure of not only being Rome’s go-to pool place but also being part of several of our community’s events and organizations. These include the Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreational Department, Relay for Life, the YMCA, Mercy Senior Care, and Toys for Tots, and we are strong supporters of Rome’s Masonic and Shriners’ clubs. The list goes on, as giving back to the community that supports us is one of the cornerstones of our business practices. We are truly grateful for these opportunities when they arise.

There is an unwritten saying in the swimming pool industry: “Once you’re in, there’s no getting out.” While some may view this as having a negative connotation, I don’t foresee any of us getting out anytime soon simply because we love serving both our customers and our community. Whether it’s a first-time pool owner or one of our many repeat customers who have owned a pool so long their great-great-grandkids are learning to swim in it, we want to be a part of your swimming pool experience.

We know that a swimming pool is a lot of work, but owning one is worth the investment and time. Our goal

is to make the demands of pool ownership easier for you. Whether you need a one-time repair, weekly cleaning service throughout the year, products and supplies, or are just getting started adding a pool of your own to your backyard, we can help.

Whether you intend to build a new swimming pool or would like to upgrade an existing one, we promise to provide quality work, strong customer service, and the full breadth of our experience. We can help you design a project that is as simple or as complex as you envision, taking into consideration all pertinent factors such as the site, the budget, and of course, any city or county guidelines that need to be taken into account. Ensuring our customers’ satisfaction is key, so we take the time to walk each customer through the process, making sure any questions are answered before, during, and after the completion of the project.

Backed by years of hands-on experience in the poolbuilding industry, we stay with you every step of the way to monitor the pool construction process and ensure that your pool is completed promptly, correctly, and precisely to your satisfaction. And we will always be nearby to answer your questions, provide expert pool service, and be the swimming pool professionals you can rely on.

We also know that understanding the products you use to maintain your pool is paramount to keeping it clean and protecting it through the years. We carry professional brands of pool products you can rely on. Our customers agree that they see better results using full-concentration chemicals and high-quality tools.

In addition, our staff is specialized. We are pool professionals, not sales associates. Rely on us to answer your questions and advise you on products and pool care. We offer free in-store water testing with step-by-step

chemical application instructions and year-round pool care to make your life easier.

Our service team is fast, efficient, and on time. We are knowledgeable and conscientious when it comes to the needs of our customers and pride ourselves on the level of care we provide, which is evident by the number of repeat customers and referrals we receive. Regardless of what the question may be, feel free to reach out to us and give us the opportunity to earn your loyalty as well. The only thing stronger than our chlorine is our love for our customers!

Color in the Clouds

by Terrie Ruff

After work I decided to pick up something quick for dinner and run another errand before heading home. Honestly, I was distracted by several thoughts that day and wanted peace of mind. I kept dwelling on my “issues,” and before long, I began to feel down. I tried to call several friends and no one—I mean no one—was available! I then began to get angry because I try to always be there for them, now I couldn’t find anyone (my self-pity party had begun).

With only voice messages and silence, I had almost worked myself into tears when I noticed ahead of me a bright, colorful cloud! The first color was blue, then red and yellow! It looked as if the sun was reflecting the colors off of the fall trees in the surrounding area, and I was able to witness fall colors in the sky! I was so amazed at this sight that I forgot about my “issues” and began to focus on the awesome Creator God I serve. Just at the moment of a tearful breakdown, He gave me a reason to smile!

The colors I saw were peaceful and calming. The blue brought me to my knees as I worshipped God

and saw nature as a witness of God’s creation. The red revealed His loving sacrifice for my sins and the sins of the whole world. And the yellow seemed to be shouting to me that I had the Son of Righteousness in my life, and that the sun would shine again! I would smile again and my tears were temporary. And the “Son” was shining, and I was smiling. Hallelujah. What a colorful God!

I will never forget that colorful cloud and how God showed up at just the right time in a wonderful display of color, reminding me that He delights to be with me and that by any means necessary, He will come to me when I need Him the most. Even if it’s in the form of a colorful cloud!

How has God “wowed” you lately? How has nature reminded you of God’s love, watch, care, and protection of you? The next time you see something extraordinary in nature, consider it a gift/reminder from God just for you!

Terrie E. Ruff is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.

“The Heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork” (Ps. 19:1).

Church Activities & Events

First Baptist Church of Lindale

Sunday Morning Small Groups

May 7 | 9:45AM - 11AM

9 Park Ave SE, Lindale, GA

Floyd County Sheriff’s Office

Boston Butt Sale & Raffle

May 20 | 12PM - 2PM

109 Bells Ferry Rd, Rome, GA

Coosa Valley Fairgrounds

Third Annual Spring in the Valley Festival

May 20 | 10AM - 4PM

1400 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Rome, GA

Sharing the Burden

by Danny Hesterly

Every Thursday, I get up at 4:45 a.m. to play basketball with a few of my buddies. It’s never easy getting up at that time. I’ve been doing this for over a year now, and I never want to get out of bed. This week I’m playing basketball, and I’m already dreading the annoying sound my alarm clock is going to make.

The only positive thing about getting up that early is going to pick up my little brother to play basketball with me. I’m the one who is usually doing the pick-up, but every once in a while, he messages me: “Hey Danny, let me pick you up for basketball this week.” Do you know what that means for me? I get to sleep an extra twenty-five minutes! Praise Jesus! It makes a huge difference knowing that my little brother is willing to pick me up from time to time and share in those early morning drives to the gym.

Galatians 6:2 says, “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”

As followers of Jesus, we are called to live a holy life. To live a holy life simply means that our behaviors are not to copy the world’s behaviors. Our lives are to reflect the character and actions of Jesus. When we share each other’s burdens, we are obeying the law of Christ. What is the “law of Christ?”

To love and to be willing to share the pain, the hard moments, and the challenges of our

family and friends. If you’ve lived for more than a minute, you know how crazy and difficult this can be.

Jesus loved with no strings attached. He was willing to be inconvenienced daily. Jesus’ heart was constantly being moved with compassion as He interacted with people. Jesus was the perfect embodiment of outrageous love in action. If Jesus lived like this, we, too, should be doing the same thing. To be called a Christian is to be like Jesus in every way possible.

This month, what are some of the ways you can share in the troubles of those you care about? It doesn’t mean getting in trouble with those you care about, but how you can be a voice of encouragement and a present friend. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” If God is present in our lives during times of trouble, we should also be present in the lives of those we care about when tough times come their way.

Have you ever tried to lift a sleeper sofa (a couch with a bed in it) by yourself? Those things are super heavy. By having just one other person to help lift an end of the couch, it dramatically decreases the amount of weight you are lifting. It’s the same way in helping those in trouble. By being a present friend, you are sharing in their burden by helping make it lighter for them to carry. Go and be that kind of person this week.

Danny Hesterly lives in Chattanooga, TN where he spends most of his days in coffee shops helping others discover their part in God’s amazing story. Danny has two children (12, 10) and has been married to his lovely bride for 17 years.

He Called First

by Chase Holtzclaw

Imagine what it would be like if God had a cell phone. Imagine if you had His number saved in your phone as Father God. You can reach out to Him anytime you want to text or call Him. You can speak to your Father anytime you want, knowing when you text or call, He would answer you. What would you do if you had this ability to communicate with Him in this way? Would you text Him all the time or call Him for everything? Or would you not want to bother Him because you thought He was busy? What would you do with such a gift as this? What if Father sent you a text every day and told you good morning and how much He loves you. It would be wonderful to feel that love from your Father every day.

After a while, when life gets busy, would you start to see Father is calling but hesitant to pick up the phone? Maybe you’re too busy today to have a conversation with Him, or you could not be in the right mood to talk to your Father. A little time goes by, and you’re just not where you want to be in life, or you have things in your life you know that your Father would not like, so you don’t respond back to Him. After all, it is not hard to get busy or feel a little ashamed or embarrassed sometimes. Each time He calls and you do not answer, more guilt fills your heart. Days turn into weeks, and weeks into months.

Either way you want to look at it, if we do not keep in touch with our Heavenly Father, we feel as though we have lost the relationship we built with Him. We feel guilty for not building that connection to become closer with Him.

We get to the point where we feel we have let our Father down. In this frame of mind, we find ourselves defeated and often lonely. We fall off the wagon or backslide, as they used to say. We tend to forget who God really is to us. We forget how much He is for us, and yes, I meant to say, “how much He is for us.” Remember what the Word says, “If God is for you, who can be against you?” (Romans 8:31).

When we become a child of God, He is our Father, no question about it. He becomes our Father who loves us and is for us. He may not like all the things we do or how we act sometimes but He loves us the same. We must remember these things and keep them close to our hearts. When we get away from Father, it is not Him who leaves us. It is not Him who stops calling. Father always keeps His phone charged and right beside Him. He always wants to talk to His children and make sure we know how much He loves us. He is always willing to give you the best advice even if it’s not what you want to hear. If you have stopped calling Father back, now is the best time to dial His number. He may speak with a whisper, but you, His child, will know His voice. It is never too late to call God. He is waiting up day and night to hear your voice. He loves you so much. I pray you make that call today. I pray you get the chance to hear Father’s voice. It will change your life.

Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids. God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.

Master Of My Soul

by Judy Hood

He is the Master of my soul

Everyday I make heaven my goal

I walk the very narrow straight

One day St. Peter will let me through the gate

I bow my head as I fast and pray

I know He will be with me all the way

My journey is long, but my heart beats strong

Nothing can keep me from the throng

I love my Lord more than life, you know

I gave Him my heart, I gave Him my soul

So if you would like to live in heaven too

Just humbly bow, He’s been waiting for you

MAKING A DIFFERENCE, JUDE 1:22

Eradicating poverty involves an integrated approach, which Community Share Ministries is committed to providing for our local communities. It isn't enough to simply provide food and clothing to people during difficult times, but is essential to tackle all of the core issues impacting families. We believe in doing our part to make the world a better place for all within our community and the communities surrounding. We do this through feeding, clothing, and housing people in need. We exist to make a difference. helpcommunityshare.com

What’s In a Name?

by Dr. Alan D. Hix

Are you happy with your birth name, or do you wish your parents had thought more about it before they made it official? Parents-to-be choose names for a variety of reasons. Some go with which names are trending at the time. Others choose a name based on how it sounds. My parents admitted to naming me after a popular movie star. Many parents seek to incorporate names from their

encountered outside ancient Jerusalem, is described as a priest of El Elyon, “God Most High.” At Beersheba, Abraham plants a tree and calls upon El Olam, or “Everlasting God.” In the Covenant renewal ceremony held after the Israelites entered the Promised Land, Joshua refers to God as El Berith, or “God of the Covenant.”

One name for God that is not as well-known as others comes in Genesis 16:13. Although Abraham and Sarah use Hagar as a surrogate in order to have a child, once Sarah sees that Hagar is pregnant, she forces her to flee their camp. God finds Hagar alone in the wilderness, and he promises her that her child, although not the child promised to Abraham, will be the father of a great people. In response to God’s promise, Hagar calls God El Roi, or “The God who sees.”

“You are a God of seeing,” for she said, “Truly here I have seen him who looks after me.” Therefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi (the well of the Living One who sees me) (Genesis 16:13-14).

family tree to carry on a family’s legacy. Our daughter’s first name is my wife’s maiden name. As she had only sisters, this was a way to continue to remember that side of the family.

When we look at names from the Bible, they often reflect a particular trait or value. “Jacob” means “trickster” or “supplanter.” As we read his story, his actions match his name. Sometimes, portions of the divine name are included. “Joshua,” for example, means “Yahweh is Salvation” or “Yahweh saves.” The Greek name “Jesus” is a translation of “Joshua.” Understanding this, the message from the angel to Joseph becomes poignant: “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matt. 1:21).

By the time God revealed his divine name to Moses on the mountain, the Hebrews had been attributing names to God based on actions he performed or some aspect of his character. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob referred to God as El Shaddai, or “God Almighty.” Melchizedek, whom Abraham

Have there been times in your life when you felt all alone? Have there been times when it seemed that there was no solution to your problem and no one to help? Have there been times when all your hopes and dreams lie broken at your feet? Have you ever asked the question, “Where is God in my pain?”

Hagar’s story gives us a beautiful picture of God for our troubled times. Regardless of the difficulties and the challenges of our circumstance, we are never alone, for our God is one who sees us. He knows who we are and all the burdens that threaten to overwhelm us. He not only sees us, but he also gives us the promise of his presence. With Hagar, we can declare that he is the God who looks after us. Because God sees us, we can trust him to provide all we need, even in the most difficult of times.

Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter 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.

April Showers

by Janice Washington

We’ve all heard the old adage: “April showers bring May flowers.” Sit down with an apple blossom or a chrysanthemum. Go ahead, get real up close and personal: “Chrysanthemum, you’re sporting a lovely fuchsia heugh this season. May I ask where you got it? Apple Blossom, your fragrance is to die for. May I ask how you acquired it?” If you listen carefully, they—like a great aunt with a southern drawl—will chuckle back, “Oh this old thing? I got it from April Showers.” May’s flowers are a direct result of April’s showers. This natural

perspective, call it comfort, call it crazy, but isn’t it the birth of a child that makes the labor pains worth it?

Romans 8:28 makes it clear that all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Suppose, however, that (metaphorically speaking) the awareness of May does not eliminate the sting, impact, nor trauma of April. What solace does the word offer us when life is not so cut and dry? What do we do with miscarriages, relapses, natural disasters, infidelity, eating disorders, paralysis? How do we cope when the pain is graphic, deep, and ugly? What happens when life intrudes upon our stability in taboo shades of cancer, molestation, poverty, identity confusion, postpartum depression, pornography addiction, and PTSD, to name a few? What is the answer when the promise of May’s flowers is not enough to process the gravity of April’s showers? When the mud won’t wash away, when the imagery remains long after the monsoon has passed?

dynamic has metaphorical value and its sentiment is echoed throughout God’s word.

You see, May dawns the glitz, but April holds the grit. May epitomizes freshness—birds are chirping, bees are buzzing, and animals are coming out of hibernation. May sings lead while April harmonizes in the background under dim lighting. April is to Calvary what May is to Resurrection. Psalm 30:5 puts it this way, “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.” Isaiah 61:3 describes it as an exchange of sorts: beauty for ashes, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, and the oil of joy instead of that of mourning.

While April’s raindrops are pummeling the earth, we all know that May’s flowers are coming. There is something about a picturesque May that puts a messy April into context. We tolerate the former in anticipation of the latter. One is to be endured, the other to be enjoyed. Call it

One word: “Gethsemane.” It is the intersection of humanity and deity, where Christ grappled with the task before him. A reckoning place. A grayness. Under the weight of expectation, a vulnerable savior prayed with blood, sweat, and—I imagine—tears for an alternative. Yes, a resurrection was His to claim, but crucifixion was the prerequisite. Liberation was the final destination, but torture was the vehicle that would get Him there. Gethsemane literally translates to “oil press.” This was a place of pressing, where friends slept while He carried the weight of the world. In honest prayer, He pressed beyond “Can this cup pass from Me? to “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Sometimes April lingers and you are up to your waist in flood water, debt, unforgiveness, chemo treatments, or even suicidal thoughts. Sometimes you are seeking desperately for a way out, an alternative to the storm. The promise of May’s flowers can seem far off, a faint whisper competing for your faith over the sound of thunder. May God’s sovereignty settle like a healing balm until raindrops give way to sprouts and Gethsemane ushers in courage. Oh, and the next time you cross a chrysanthemum or an apple blossom, perhaps you will be the pinnacle of the garden this time. “Reader, just where did you get that glow?”

Was This the Last One?

by John Garrod

The troubles had begun before Thanksgiving, with problems that even left my primary care physician at the VA scratching her head a bit. She tossed out possibilities and acronyms with no certainty to any of them. The one thing that stuck in my head was that this problem needed to be fixed, and soon.

Then in January, came one of those voicemail messages you don’t ever want to get. Based on a scan I had done last July (yes, 6 months prior), a doctor somewhere in the system determined I had a form of

in the door of my mind. A thought began to haunt me: Was this Christmas just past my last one?

And then I began to do the wise thing. I began to pray. I began to look at the Word.

The reality is, yes, I am going to die. Short of the Rapture coming soon (today before lunch would be fine, Lord), something will get the better of this body.

cirrhosis, a suspicious spot on my liver, and I needed to be evaluated for home health care. (That last bit was an error; the doctor’s assistant just basically guessed at the meaning of an abbreviation on a note from the doctor and left that on my voicemail.)

Don’t ever Google medical stuff. It’s a bad idea. Two hours in, I was convinced I was rabid or maybe had ovarian cysts. Pretty unlikely for a 58-year-old man, but by the time I was done, I was almost ready to just go dig a hole somewhere. Fear was trying to stick its size 18 shoe

Cancer? Tailgaters on a wet I-75? Random Chinese weather balloon falling on me? I don’t know. I don’t know how, and I don’t know when. I don’t know if it will be peacefully in my sleep, or screaming like the passengers in my car at the time. But just as much as I don’t know the how or when, I do know how it turns out. God will still be God, and Jesus will still be my savior. Every promise He gives me in the Word will be true, and I 110% believe that when that day does come, as I enter the gates of heaven, I will in no way whatsoever be concerned about cancer, tailgaters, or the indignity of death. I won’t spare a thought as to whether I have a good doctor or not. I won’t be second-guessing my dietary choices. On that day, I will cry no tears and feel no fear, nor will I ever do any of these again. The road of life between this point and there may be rife with potholes, detours, and washouts, but the destination is worth the disturbances.

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and death will be no more, nor will there be sorrow or crying or pain anymore; for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).

John Garrod is father of 6, husband of 1, an ESOL teacher in Dalton, GA, a Lee U graduate (c/o ‘19), a U.S. Army veteran and a member of South Cleveland COG.

Deputy Mike Williams Floyd County Sheriff’s Office

In early 2023, Deputy Mike Williams at the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office was diagnosed with cancer in the neck and throat area. This mass has developed rapidly and will require extensive radiation and chemotherapy. We are trying to collect money to help with his medical bills and family.

Fischer Lord and the chapel praise team, including raffles, giveaways, fellowship, and prayer time. Thank you to all that donated and bought Boston Butt and raffle tickets.

Events Coming Up:

Yard Sale

Saturday, May 6

7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

2602 Lakeview Dr NW

Rome, GA 30165

Deputy Williams is well known for his community service with his bloodhound K9 Doc. Before K9 Doc, Deputy Williams had another bloodhound, K9 Snickers. K9 Snickers was a beloved member of the community, tracking down missing people and wanted people for ten years.

Deputy Williams is passionate about helping those in need. Deputy Williams helped start and run the Floyd County Sheriff’s Posse long before coming to work at the Sheriff’s Office. He is the state coordinator of Georgia for the CUE Center For Missing People, helping to bring in searchers and resources from other states and local agencies to assist in locating missing people. He is also very active with the RomeGaCares program in helping those affected by disasters here and across the U.S.

Thank you for the awesome night at Proctor Farms. On Saturday night, over 300 people gathered to have a fundraiser and time of prayer for Mike Williams. His brothers and sisters of the thin blue line and people across the community joined together for BBQ, music by

Boston Butt Sale

See Deputies for tickets

Also sold at Line-X by Braves Stadium

Saturday, May 20 | 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Pick-up at Rome Shriners Club

109 Bells Ferry Rd

Raffle Tickets Drawing

Saturday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m.

Includes:

• 5.56 Rifle Daniel Defense DDM4V7 ($1740 value)

Coosa Valley Public Safety

• Line-X Bed Liner ($500 value)

• Stonebridge Golf Outing

• Meadow Lakes Golf Outing

• Chainsaw

• Leaf Blower

Many more items to be added! Raffle for custom Case Knife with K9 Snickers, K9 Doc and badge on the knife. $5 each or 5 tickets for $20. Contact Deputies Dupree, Kirkpatrick, Taylor or Rigdon to purchase (Drawing May 13).

Chaplain David Thornton—706-506-6120

Deputy Corey Bowers—706-936-7654

Mission Statement:

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.

Writer Guidelines:

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 offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward 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.

Pentecost

by Brent Goodge

Seven weeks following the Passover, the Israelites celebrated the Feast of Weeks. Seven weeks after the original Passover during the deliverance from Egyptian slavery, God spoke His Ten Commandments to Israel. This was the inauguration of the nation of Israel as His people.

On an annual basis, the Feast of Weeks would usually occur during our month of May. It was a thanksgiving celebration for the spring harvest and a prayer of faith for a strong autumn harvest. It was one of the three annual feasts all adult Israelite males were commanded to attend.

The morning after calming the sea, Jesus met a man the world would consider hopeless. Demonic powers had granted him strength in all the wrong ways. The man could rip irons out of rock, but he had no power to go find Jesus for supernatural deliverance. Like the lamb lost on the hills, the only hope for this man was that the Good Shepherd would come looking for him.

While His frightened disciples ran away, Jesus stayed, unafraid to complete the mission His Father had sent Him to do that day. Bring home the lost sheep. In the presence of Almighty God, the demons trembled. Begging Jesus not to send them to torment for torturing one created in His image, the demons asked to invade a herd of pigs. Jesus granted their request but demanded they leave His child immediately.

Almost instantaneously, the onlookers were distraught that a massive value of pigs drowned in the lake. But the Father in heaven was rejoicing that another child had been brought home. Jesus had done it again.

The man had been delivered from slavery to sin and the devil. He was now a living symbol of the early harvest of souls. Falling to his knees in gratitude and worship, the man begged Jesus for permission to join the band of His followers. But Jesus said, “No.” He had received the power of Christ’s redemption. Now he would receive the power

of Christ’s commission. The man wasn’t a theologian, but he could tell an audience who wouldn’t listen to Jesus what the power of Christ had accomplished in his life. And when Jesus returned to the region, this man’s missionary efforts resulted in a massive harvest of souls for the kingdom of God.

Seven weeks after Jesus died and was raised from the dead, the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles. One hundred and

twenty disciples became 3,000 in a day. The Gospel went to the known world in one generation. Deliverance on Calvary had led to the early harvest at Pentecost.

That 3,000 has grown to over two billion who claim to follow Jesus today. The final harvest is fast approaching. Are we telling others what Jesus has done for us? Are we finding the lost sheep? Or do we run away from “losers?” If we have received the deliverance from Christ, if we have been inaugurated as His people, then how can we possibly have any higher priority until He returns?

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and prays for focus to listen for the Master’s voice rather than staring at the surrounding waves.

“WE ARE HERE TO SERVE YOU, AND GUIDE YOU AS TO YOUR SPECIFIC SITUATION.” —MICHAEL MINTER

Greenway Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Rome, Georgia, is enthusiastic