River Region's Journey July 2015

“When leaders get better, everybody wins.”

—Bill Hybels, Willow Creek Community Church

The Willow Creek Global Leadership Summit offers two days of Game-Changing Leadership Development for your business, church or organization, featuring a World-Class faculty of speakers, hosted by satellite right here in Montgomery at Frazer UMC. There is simply no better investment you can make in the strength of your team and the future of your mission.

Speakers include: Adam Grant Wharton School Brian Houston Hillsong Church Ed Catmull Walt Disney Animation Sheila Heen Harvard Law School Jim Collins Best-Selling Author Horst Schulze Capelia Hotel Group Brené Brown University of Houston Liz Wiseman Best-Selling Author Craig Groeschel LifeChurch.tv

Individual Registration $209 Significant discounts available for large teams (10+), military, faculty and students

Join an expected 260,000 leaders around the world at The Global Leadership Summit 2015. #wcagls

Frazer Church: find hope, Follow Jesus • Sunday worship 8, 9:30 & 11AM 6000 atlanta Hwy. Montgomery • frazerumc.org • 334.2728622 •

Do you feel chained by your financial situation? Is money stress putting pressure on your marriage and family? Join Frazer as we discover God’s Kingdom Plan for Your Financial Freedom. Sign up now for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University (FPU).

FPU will help you to: • Overcome Debt • Manage Wealth Wisely • Improve Relationships • Have a Secure Future • Join God’s Kingdom Plan

FPU offered to the public Wednesdays at 6pm in Frazer’s Wesley Hall. Course is 9 weeks beginning Wed. Sept. 9, 2015.

Sessions last approximately 2 hours. Registration $99.98 per individual or married couple.

Each class includes a video lesson from Dave Ramsey followed by a friendly group discussion. Childcare available (arrive early for drop-off ). For more information contact Teri Brown, teri@frazerumc.org.

SIGN UP NOW AT WWW.DAVERAMSEY.COM/FPU

Volume 17, Issue 3

Feature Articles

JU LY 20 1 5 Columns page 2

Publisher’s Note

page 16

Jason Watson

Transformation Montgomery

by Mandy Pascal

This local ministry uses a threepronged approach to holistic, sustainable life-change for families, individuals, and communities in poverty. See what they are doing in the River Region and how you can serve with them.

page 4

Pastor's Perspective Tony Butler, Fountain of Grace Church

page 14

Shine

Kim Hendrix

page 19

Pondering the Journey Sam Whatley

page 20

Counselor’s Corner Nancy Thomas, LPC

page 24

page 23

The Bride of Christ

With All Your Mind Matt Jordan, Ph.D.

Plus: 5 Reasons You Should Join a Church

page 38

The Intersection Bob Crittenden

by Tim Challies page 42

Find out why the church, even with all its flaws, is still pleasing to God. Plus, discover five reasons why it’s so important to be a part of a local body of believers.

Family Teams for Christ: Military Edition Lisa and Mike Conn

page 44

Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

PAGE 27

Our 2015 listing of River Region churches can help you get plugged into a local church so you can be strengthened in your faith as you fellowship with and serve others. Churches and details about what each offers are listed in zip code order so you can find a great church right near home.

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In Every Issue page 6

Books to Read page 8

Around Our Community page 12

Faith @ Work Dr. David Stanley

page 34

Support Groups July 2015

River Region’s Journey

Our Mission...

We believe the Good News concerning the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is worth sharing with our friends and neighbors in the River Region. Each month we deliver this life-changing message to the centers of activity across our community in a user-friendly and relevant way to empower and equip all those seeking to grow closer to God. Join us in this mission by sharing a copy with your neighbor or by becoming an advertising partner starting next month.

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Associate Publisher Savannah Bowden

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Pastor Tony Butler Tim Challies Lisa and Mike Conn Bob Crittenden Kim Hendrix Matt Jordan, Ph.D. Mandy Pascal Dave Ramsey Nancy Thomas, LPC Sam Whatley

Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 703

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

Distribution Team Kristy Brennan Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood

From the Publisher How is your life set up? Is it designed in such a way that most of your life’s resources are working to keep YOU happy and satisfied? Don’t get me wrong, happy and satisfied are both good things that God designed us to seek after. Yet, interestingly enough, you gain them by moving YOU down in the order of things and thinking of others first. Followers of Christ should understand this better than anyone. After all, our Savior showed us that this is the way saying, “I have come to serve and give my life as a ransom for many.” Likewise, He taught His disciples to serve when He washed their feet and said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” This way of focusing on God and others is the way of the church and when we choose to become a part of the church in this manner we are blessed beyond measure.

Are you connected with a church? If not, you’re missing out on experiencing life.

Isolation is the popular message of the world today. Just observe your surroundings.

Yes, we definitely share more pictures of ourselves through “social” media, but truly personal connections are losing ground with each passing day. I heard a comedian talk about this recently when he compared how we respond to people dropping by our homes today versus a few decades ago. He said years ago when someone dropped by they were invited in and given a piece of cake. Now, when we hear the doorbell ring we direct our families to get down and not move until the guest has left and the coast is clear. Maybe, I’m the only one guilty, but I doubt it.

God has designed a different plan. It’s one that calls you to serve... and to be served. It’s the blending together of many gifts and talents, in one Spirit, to glorify God and edify one another through His word and sacraments. That’s the church! A vortex of love centered around Jesus’ life, death and resurrection that calls you into sacrificial relationships and satisfies you as you bless others in Jesus name.

Clearly, if you’re a follower of Jesus or want to know more about Him, you belong in the church. You’re missing out on life as long as you wait week after week to walk through the doors of a local gathering of Christians. We want to help you take those first steps. On page 27 we’ve published our annual River Region Church Directory.

It’s the most comprehensive list of Protestant churches in the area filtered by zip code to make it easy to find a church just around the corner. Also, you’ll see several advertising churches throughout this issue. I’ve spoken with each of these churches and I know their doors are open to you and your family. They would be a good place to start your search. Also, you’ll find other articles that explain why we need the church, like this month’s Pastor’s Perspective by Pastor Tony Butler titled, “Going to Church and Fellowship: How Important Is It?” A lot of changes are happening around us. Society, more and more, is pushing a different message than what’s laid out in the Bible. We need the church more than ever.

I pray this issue will lead you into a deeper relationship with God and others so you can know the happiness and satisfaction that comes from living according to God’s plan for life together with others.

River Region’s Journey is published monthly by Keep Sharing, P.O. Box 230367, Montgomery, AL 36123.

For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region’s Journey is copyrighted 2015 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

The opinions expressed in River Region’s Journey are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of the owners, nor do they constitute an endorsement of products or services herein. River Region’s Journey has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.

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Pastor’s Perspective

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Pastor Tony Butler, Fountain of Grace Church

Going to Church and Fellowship

How Important Is It?

How important is it to go to church?

That depends on how you define “going to church”. If by going to church you mean attending some ecclesiastical entity that is mostly caught up in its own agenda, its own promotion, and man pleasing entertainment; if by going to church you mean having a place to promote personal reputation, power, position/titles for personal glory; if by going to church you mean going someplace trying to be a good Christian through self-righteous living; if by going to church you mean trying to worship and serve God without the power of Holy Spirit; if by attending church you mean gathering together in a place where the whole council of God’s Word isn’t fully taught, then I say attending church isn’t important at all. Any attendance of church where

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God isn’t worshipped in spirit and truth; where the Lordship of Christ isn’t recognized; where His glory isn’t taken seriously; where His love isn’t prioritized, and where His grace and truth is compromised is an act of vanity resulting in ”Churchianity” (church done in human power). May those kinds of churches repent or be seen for the empty forms they are.

It is important to know that the Bible knows nothing of going to church, but declares the necessity of “being” the church. To understand the importance of church people need to know what the church is. To millions, the church is thought to be a building where one goes to practice religion. True believers don’t “Go” to church, they “Are” the church!

The Bible teaches that the church isn’t a place; rather it is a group of people (I Corinthians 1:2). The true church has been called out of darkness and has come into the light of salvation, having received the forgiveness of sins through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:13).

Millions of Americans have gone to church and have done church, but they may not be “The Church”. This may be why so many see attending church as optional or not important. There is an old saying, “Just because a cat has her kittens in the oven, that doesn’t make biscuits out of them.”

The true church is a world-wide body of all true believers in Christ who have experienced God’s salvation.

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Gathering together as the church is a corporate command (Heb. 10:25) and opportunity. We come together as the church to worship God, to teach/learn the Word of God, exercise our spiritual gifts for edification of the congregation, to serve, to equip for ministry, and to share our resources for the glory of God. We come together as a holy counter-culture that is spiritually seated in heavenly places whose citizenship is in heaven (Eph. 2:6; Phil.

3:20). Our priorities are heavenly (Col. 3:1) and our pursuits are motivated by truth, love and divine guidance. The true church gathers together as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ and is missionally engaged to fulfill the Great Commission of Christ as we proclaim the gospel to the whole world. If that isn’t important to you then you might be just a kitten in the oven that thinks it is a biscuit.

Biblical fellowship is also important in the life of the believer. Biblical fellowship isn’t coming together to have a pot luck meal, or having fun together (I am not opposed to any of those things). True Christian fellowship has more to do with our sharing/partaking together in the things of Christ. It is what we go through together as we walk out God’s call on our lives. We are a “Band of Brothers” united together for a divine purpose.

Soldiers who have fought together better understand the idea of fellowship. Together they experienced blood, bullets, hardship, grief and sacrifice. Biblical fellowship is what true believers experience when they worship together, serve together, and suffer together for the glory of God. Such fellowship brings us closer to Christ and one another.

Bottom line, true believers don’t go to church, they are the church. True fellowship isn’t about food, or entertainment, it’s all about our life in Christ. Amen or Meow?

Tony Butler has been pastor of the Fountain of Grace Church in Prattville for 30 years – Denomination – Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is married to Sabrina Butler (37 years), has three children, two sonsin–law, five grandchildren and one on the way.

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Our Statement of Faith In keeping with Protestant theology, we believe that the Bible, as contained in the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments, is fully inspired by God and therefore inerrant in the original manuscripts. The Bible is the only essential and infallible record of God’s self-disclosure to mankind. The Scriptures are the authoritative and normative rule and guide of all Christian life, practice, and doctrine. They are totally sufficient and must not be added to, superseded, or changed by later tradition, extra-biblical revelation, or worldly wisdom. The Bible is perfect in every way and shows us how to become and live as Christians.

The way of becoming a Christian is by faith alone in Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, who came to us, born of a virgin, in full human form while remaining fully God. Jesus was, and is, perfect, and was crucified so that others could live. Three days later He rose from the dead, never to die again.

He ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God the Father, where He, the only mediator between God and man, continually makes intercession for His own.

Those who have faith in Jesus as their Lord in this life, and Savior from damnation in the next life, now live by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, becoming more like Jesus everyday.

We believe that God is one God. The one God has three persons: the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Just as God is one, so also, all believers are to be one. We believe in the unity and fellowship of all those that have faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We are one in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the Head of the Church, His Body, which is composed of all men, living and dead, who have been joined to Him through saving faith. *All editorial content published needs to be in agreement with our Statement of Faith

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Side by Side

by Edward T. Welch Sometimes I read a book and think, “If we all just got this, the church would be so much stronger. If we all just did these things, the church would be so much better.” And Ed Welch’s new book Side by Side is exactly that kind of book. If we could all just agree to do these things, the church would be immeasurably blessed.

Side by Side: Walking with Others in Wisdom and Love is practical advice for Christians on how they can live lives of love for others. Welch begins with the observation and assumption that “God is pleased to use ordinary people, ordinary conversations, and extraordinary and wise love to do the heavy lifting in his kingdom.” In an age of experts and specialization, we need to remember and believe that the work of the ministry is still assigned to all of us—to ordinary Christians. “We were meant to walk side by side, an interdependent body of weak people. God is pleased to grow and change us through the help of people who have been re-created in Christ and empowered by the Spirit.

This is how life in the church works.”

What keeps us from doing this with joy and confidence? At least two things: the idea that such work is best River Region’s Journey

July 2015

left to experts, and our own pride.

But in most cases simple friendship trumps expertise. “In our era we consult experts, professionals, and specialists, but when you look at your own history of having been helped, it’s likely that you’ll notice very few experts among those who have helped you. Who were your helpers? Were they professional counselors or specialists? Probably not. More often they were friends—the regular, everyday people in your life. Friends are the best helpers. They come prepackaged with compassion and love.

All they need is wisdom, and that is available to everyone.” This is not to say that there is no room for specialized pastors or counselors (since Ed Welch is, himself, a counselor), but that we are not dependent upon such people.

Far more of the help we receive in love comes through ordinary Christians than through trained experts.

If the first hindrance to this kind of life is a misplaced emphasis on expertise, the second is pride. Pride convinces us that we need to be strong, that we cannot ask for help from others. “Yet weakness—or neediness—is a valuable asset in God’s community. Jesus introduced a new era in which weakness is the new strength. Anything that reminds us that we are dependent on God and other people is a good thing. Otherwise, 6

we trick ourselves into thinking that we are self-sufficient, and arrogance is sure to follow. We need help, and God has given us his Spirit and each other to provide it.”

When we let go of pride we invite others into our struggles; when we let go of the idolatry of expertise, we allow ourselves into other people’s struggles.

And this is exactly what God wants us to be—ordinary people who minister his extraordinary Word to others. Welch says he has written this book “for people like me, who are willing to move toward other struggling people but are not confident that they can say or do anything very helpful. If you feel quite weak and ordinary—if you feel like a mess but have the Spirit—you have the right credentials. You are one of the ordinary people God uses to help others.” Not only that, but your neediness is the very thing that qualifies you to help others.

“Your neediness, offered well to someone else, can even be one of the great gifts you give your church. You will inspire others to ask for help.”

Side by Side is simply a collection of practical instructions on extending and inviting the kind of help we all need as we live lives like these in a world like this. It is ultra-practical and ultra-biblical, and, as I said at the outset, if we just chose to do these things, our churches would be better and stronger for it. I appreciate what Heath Lambert says in his commendation: “This book will help you to know what the love of Christ looks like, how to extend it to others, and how to accept it from others as you live in relationship together.” What could be better than that?

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Terrific Tuesdays for Older Adults

First UMC, 2416 West Cloverdale Pk, welcomes all Senior Adults on Tuesday mornings. 10 – 10:30 Fellowship and a Snack; 10:30 -11:30 Devotional and a program; 11:30 –Noon; Lunch ($2.50) July 7 – Beverly Callaway – Informs us about One Center. July 14– Dee Moody & Rebuilding Together. July 21 – Watch the Patriotic Concert. July 27 – Bingo!

Questions? Call Nee Nee at 834-8990.

Creative Arts Camp 2015

In early June 47 campers converged on Grace@Bell Road Church for a fun week of learning about several of the parables Jesus told. The students enjoyed expressing themselves in a variety of creative ways. They learned dances and songs, created props and put together skits – all to enhance their understanding of the Biblical parables about lost things (lost sheep, lost coin, lost son), the sower and seed, the wise and foolish builders, and the pearl of great price. Memory verses, crafts and a treasure hunt were also geared around these stories.

The youngest group learned to play hand bells for a performance on the last day of camp. Everything came together on Friday as the campers presented Tell Me A Story for family and friends.

Woodland UMC Sponsors Back to School Blast

Saturday, July 25, from 8-11 a.m.

Woodland United Methodist Church, 4428 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road (intersection of Vaughn and Wallahatchie Roads) For all children ages K5-12th grades School supplies; free bookbags (to first 600 children); health screenings including blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing and dental screens; fun & giveaways; games & prizes; snacks; free haircuts & much, much more...

Everything is FREE! Call 272-7230 for more info.

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New friends are now best friends. New experiences are now the best times ever. No wonder it’s so easy to tell others about it and include them in the fun.

Welcome to Riverview Camp for Girls!

We’ve do put Itogether everything you’re looking for in a perfect“I saw camp onemy of Why choose Riverview each summer? mysetting! first river Recognized on a mountain,as I rode Golf,times Dance, Dance, Outdoor Sports, Soccer,use Beach Volleyball, Basketball, “As go,Stomp it was one of the BEST.”Skills AndClass, what child couldn’t some of that these days?

Riverview Refinement, Program, Campfires night,Recognized optional trips and more!

We’ve put together everythingCIT you’re looking for in a perfect every camp setting! as one of the Southeast’s best all-around summer camps for girls, Riverview is an oasis of fun, friends and happiness. Spring and Fall &available 2 week Sessions ages to 16...

Mother-Daughter Weekends1are also!

Registeredfor Nurses and6 Physician on Staff. Entire full-summer staff is First Aid andand CPRFall Certified.

Camper/Counselor Ratio 5:1 Spring Mother-Daughter Weekends...

waiting lists start early...sign up soon!...

Waitingwww.riverviewcamp.com! lists start early...sign up soon!...

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Call for FREE DVD and catalog 1-800-882-0722 Accredited by American Camping Association • Members of Christian Camping International

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www.riverviewcamp.com

Only 1 /Mountain 2 hours from Huntsville Located on top of Lookout in Mentone, AL. Only a 3 hr drive.

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Dr. Larry & Susan Hooks, Owners/Directors • Donna Bares,Asst. Director

1 & 2Week Sessions for Ages 6-16

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first I had campfires every night. Icamps felt close to God. giggled a lot is with friends and counselors. time flew by! thehorse.

Southeast’s best all-around for girls,IRiverview annew oasis of fun, friends andThe happiness...

I Exciting felt safe and secure. Iinclude: gained confidence in myselfPool,Tennis, through the world around me.” activities Riding, Heated Canoeing, Ropes Course, Climbing Tower,

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FLAG TWIRLING • CHEERLEADING • RIFLERY • ARCHERY • TRIP DAY • GOLF

We don’t wonder anymore how it happened, that one summer could bring such happy memories.

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• H ORSEBACK R IDING • S WIMMING • T ENNIS • C ANOEING • D ANCE • A EROBICS • G YMNASTICS • B EACH V OLLEYBALL •

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Patrick Quinn and Ken Roach of Frazer Church Author New Parenting Book In the face of the bewildering array of modern parenting advice, author and pastor Patrick Quinn, along with Ken Roach, shows parents a new way to make a positive difference in their children’s lives in How to Ruin Your Child in 7 Easy Steps: Tame Your Vices, Nurture Their Virtues (June 1, 2015). Modern parenting tends to lean heavily on either behavior—what children do—or on education—what children think. A growing number of parents, however, are most concerned with identity—who children become. Patrick directs these eager parents to the ancient understanding of virtues and vices, the powerful forces that shape one’s character.

Modern parenting is all about being yourself, and helping your children be themselves. But we can forget that there is

a shadow side to ourselves. The ancient way of taming our vices and nurturing our virtues reminds us how to become the best version of ourselves—the loving, unique, fully human people that God created us to be from the beginning.

Drawing on roots that go back centuries, the authors show how the tradition of the Seven Deadly Sins provides a framework for understanding how to help our sons and daughters avoid the traps that can corrupt and destroy their identity, while offering practical tools to nurture the corresponding Seven Cardinal Virtues that will empower children to grow into the best of who they were created to be.

In the end, parenting is not about what we do or what we say, it’s the journey of who we become—and how we transfer that down to our children, for bad or good.

Patrick Quinn is Teaching Pastor at Frazer Memorial UMC and Ken Roach is Director of Content Creation, also at Frazer.

You may find the book for purchase at the Frazer Bookstore, 6000 Atlanta Highway, or Wherever Books Are Sold.

Email ministry or church news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.

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Prattville First United Methodist Church 100 E. 4th Street, Prattville, AL 36067

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Holy Cross Participates in a Year of Giving Every year, Holy Cross Episcopal School reaches out to those in need in our community. During the 2014-2015 school year, Holy Cross students, their families and teachers made a difference in the lives of others through their support of three major outreach projects.

Beginning in September, the school collected items to benefit the Montgomery Humane Shelter. Many bags of pet food and treats for dogs and cats, blankets, toys, and newspapers filled the table in the center of the building. Excitement for this project built as the collection of items grew until October 3, and the project ended with the annual Blessing of the Animals.

The school’s next mission, the Christmas outreach project, was to provide needed items to the elderly in the area in partnership with the Montgomery Area Council on Aging (MACOA). Students collected 290 pairs of warm socks, 150 jars of peanut butter, and a little something extra—pet food to feed the furry friends of the elderly who would benefit from the socks and peanut butter.

The third project, the Easter outreach, was a new undertaking for Holy Cross. Students, families and teachers collected receiving blankets for the Footprints Ministry of Montgomery, who includes them in gift bags for the families of babies in the neonatal intensive care units at Baptist East and Baptist South.

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Also included in this project was the collection of paper plates, toilet paper, paper towels, travel size tissues, laundry detergent, and disinfectant wipes for the House of Hope. A project of the Footprints Ministry, House of Hope provides a place for a family from outside the area to stay while their newborn is in the NICU. Through participation in outreach projects, Holy Cross students learn about the needs in their community and how to care for other people.

The Holy Cross community is small enough to care, but big enough to make a positive impact in their world.

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HandsOn River Region Adopts Fire Stations

First responders risk their lives every day for the benefit of others. HandsOn River Region wants to thank and encourage these individuals by coordinating acts of kindness such as visiting with a plate of cookies, offering to perform general maintenance and yard work, or just dropping by to say thank you.

In honor of the anniversary of September 11, HandsOn introduces the Adopt-a-Station Program and encourages families, organizations, businesses and schools to adopt stations near them in order to show appreciation for their work. Groups participating in this program have the option of serving the station year round or can oversee a one-time service event offering assistance in an area requested by the station adopted.

Suggestions include: home-cooked meals; landscaping/yard work; or letters of appreciation.

Plan now to adopt a fire and/or police station near you! Contact Leslie Martorana at (334) 264-3335 or leslie@handsonriverregion.org.

Even though their judgment isn’t always amazing,

their healthcare is.

Welcoming Olivia Garcia, MD. PHYSICIANS TO CHILDREN 470 TAYLOR ROAD, SUITE 210 MONTGOMERY, AL 36117 (334) 293-5033

Dr. Bob Beshear, Dr. Kendra Gillis Colvin, Dr. Cheryl Fekete, Dr. Olivia Garcia, Dr. Alicia Jeturian Hughes, Dr. Dina Winston

Healthcare as amazing as their potential

Frazer Outreach to Pike Road Teachers

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Frazer UMC showered the teachers at the new Pike Road School with hospitality during their in-service training. Volunteers and staff, including members of Frazer’s youth ministry, served lunch and delivered snacks and goodies to the teachers all week. There is definitely excitement in the air as the Pike Road staff prepares for the opening of the 2015-2016 school year and as Frazer UMC prepares to open a multi-site campus in the new high school in February of 2016. (Susan Fisher is pictured with Superintendent Dr. Suzanne Freeman.)

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foundation laid by your parents and those in the church who helped disciple you?

I am so blessed and thankful to have been raised by godly parents who led me to Christ at an early age. They laid a strong foundation for my faith. God has also put so many people in my life to disciple me and point me to Christ. I am blessed with wonderful friends who give me biblical counsel and wisdom when I need it. While the church is a place of membership, the universal church, meaning all Christians, is the bigger picture of having others involved in our lives to love and encourage us.

RRJ: Being a child of God is something you never turn off. It’s who you are. As a pediatric dentist at Montgomery Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics how does your faith impact your work?

RRJ: You recognized Christ as your Savior when you were in elementary school and “walked the straight and narrow” as you grew into a man, but your view of being a Christian changed while you were in college. What was the difference?

It has changed. As my faith has matured, I have come to see that none of us really walk the “straight and narrow”. We are all still sinners who need Christ on a daily basis. As I have seen the depth of my own sin I’ve come to see the depth of God’s love and grace towards me as well. That has now become my motivation for wanting to obey and follow Him. RRJ: Yes, our faith should be maturing and growing as we gain understanding of God’s truths, but we can’t discount the previous stages in that process.

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My faith is the foundation of how I treat our patients. I am not only a pediatric dentist, I am a Christian who happens to be a pediatric dentist. My desire is that I would represent Christ well in whatever I do. While I will often fail, that is what I strive for. I desire to treat our patients the way I would want to be treated. It also means that I perform my work to the best of my ability. We have a lot of patients and parents at our office every day, so there are many opportunities throughout the day to represent Christ to others.

RRJ: You mentioned to me earlier that one of the goals you have is to make coming to the dentist fun. Some people might think the only way to live for God at work is to lead a Bible study with co-workers, but can making a trip to the dentist fun be a way of honoring God? Our office is designed to be a friendly and fun environment that encourages children to grow up enjoying coming to the dentist. A large part of creating that environment is having an office staff that is patient and kind. We have won12

derful employees who do a great job of that. I believe God is honored when we treat others with these virtues.

RRJ: Living your faith @ work starts way before you show up to the office on Monday morning. How does your wife and your church assist you in glorifying God daily?

My wife is a huge influence and encouragement to my faith. She knows me, sees all of my flaws and loves me anyway. As a husband, I recognize ways I do not live up to the standards of loving my wife the way God loves me. That is a daily reminder of how I am loved

by God despite my imperfect love for Him. My wife and church are two of the consistent factors in my life that remind me daily of my need for Christ. My church is the influence of people who encourage my walk with Christ through teaching and community.

RRJ: Finally, is there a particular verse or passage of Scripture that gives you hope and inspiration for living this way?

Ephesians 2 talks about how all Christians were before we came to salvation in Christ. It tells us that we are all spiritually dead apart from Him. I love the words in verse 4, “But God.” God, in his great mercy for us, while we were still sinners, made us alive through Christ. We are saved by grace through faith as a gift from God. Knowing that I do not have to earn God’s favor through my attempts at being a good person is extremely freeing.

Out of gratitude for all He has done for me I am motivated to be His reflection in my work and my home.

Thank you, David, for taking the time to share your story and help us see practical ways we can all live out our faith beyond the church walls.

David is married to Natalie and they have four children: Coleman (12), Cameron (9), Delaney (9), and Hayes (4). The family attends Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery.

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River Region’s Journey

Deliver Your Flowers Today Hebrews 3:12-13: “See to it, brothers, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God. But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.”

My sister-n-law, Carole Clark, has always loved flowers. She grows them extremely well, arranges them beautifully and has recently received them in abundance! As Carole battles a terminal illness and we realize our time is precious, we see a constant flow of “flowers” flooding into her life. Some are the type you put in vases and admire on a table or shelf, others are delivered in the form of words and hugs and stored forever in our hearts.

Friends from various seasons in Carole’s life are stopping by and sharing their love and stories, and as they do, we realize Carole has been delivering “flowers” for years as well—encouraging words just when they’re needed most.

Scripture tells us to encourage one another and it tells us when—“as long as it is called Today.” In other words don’t wait for tomorrow, deliver your flowers today!

You’ve probably heard the expression, “Give flowers to people while they’re living, they can’t smell them when they’re gone.” We often tell wonderful stories and share heartfelt sentimental compliments at funerals about a loved one lost, and River Region’s Journey

July 2015

that’s no doubt healing for the living, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if we shared those thoughts and stories with the person we’re honoring, while they’re still here with us?

We had a beautiful opportunity to do just that recently for my sister-n-law through a Making Memories with Carole Tea. Carole had mentioned she would like for us to have a tea for her wake, and thankfully two friends said, “Why wait?” So on a Saturday, just two days before hospice would enter our lives, about 100 friends and family members came through Carole’s home, delivering their “flowers” while she could enjoy them and feel encouraged. One friend who couldn’t attend, sent 10 beautiful floral arrangements in teacups—those along with numerous arrangements taken from Carole’s yard brought vibrant color and an aroma of love into the house. For close to seven hours, even though her body is weak and tired from the fight, Carole laughed, smiled for the camera and thanked God for a circle of supportive friends and family.

She told God quite honestly in prayer, “I don’t know why you want to take me from this life, but I’m so thankful to have so many loving friends and family.”

In a commentary about Hebrews 3: 12-13, the writer states, “If overexposure to sin causes hardness of the heart, then being 14

built up and encouraged daily will prove just the opposite. It will keep our hearts soft, pliable and receptive to the Lord.”

If you love the people in your life with all your heart, tell them today. Tell your husband, wife or child they make your heart burst with gratefulness and love, tell a friend you don’t know what you would do without them.

2 Corinthians 4:16-17: “Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

As hard as it is to watch someone you love lose their strength physically, there’s an inexplicable excitement of knowing spiritually, they’re stepping into renewal, healing, abundance and life as we can’t even imagine here on earth. If you’ve been planning to deliver some flowers to someone you love, live

by His word, and deliver those today.

Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us so well. You give us instruction and truth that is flawless and perfect and always meant for our good.

Please flood your love, compassion and strength into each of us so we are equipped to pour into others. May we spend more time in your word and in prayer, so your “flowers” will naturally flow from our presence into the lives of those around us— especially anyone who is hurting. Thank you for everyday we have with those we love and for giving us the promise of being together again. In the name of your son Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.

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“Christ has no body on Earth but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours.

Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion for the world is to look out; yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good; and yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”

–Saint Teresa of Avilla River Region’s Journey

July 2015

A few years ago, an organization began in Montgomery that has become the true hands and feet of Christ. Transformation Montgomery is a faith-based community development organization that has focused its thoughts and efforts on the Garden Square neighborhood located in the Chisholm area of north Montgomery. In this area, they have transformed not just houses for families to move into, but also the lives of these families.

A three-pronged approach to holistic, sustainable life-change for families, individuals, and communities in poverty is used by Transformation Montgomery:

Step 1: Affordable Home Ownership

Through this process, vacant houses 16

are purchased, or sometimes even donated, and completely renovated. This is done mostly through volunteer labor which helps keep the cost of the renovation down. By doing this, Transformation is able to use a rent-to-own and zero-percent interest mortgage process.

Step 2: Life Skills Training

The life skills training program that is used is called Getting Ahead. It is a 16-week workshop where participants begin by conducting a self-analysis and figuring out just where they need help, and then using the resources they have to work on it. During this process, members of the Transformation Montgomery team walk hand and hand with them and

let people know they are with them all the way. They extend help in areas such as finance, education, job skills, family relations, practical day to day living and spiritual components. Currently Getting Ahead is being held at Frazer United Methodist Church.

Step 3: Community Renewal

Transformation Montgomery realizes that in order for true change to be made, they have to extend further than

in turn, lead to them being able to spread their story and help many others just like them.”

Since the program began, there have been a lot of changes. The team has learned that they have to put themselves in their participants’ shoes and learn to relate.

Relationships are the key component to any organization, and Transformation is no exception to that rule.

“We are learning just as much as our participants,” said Spaeth. “It is a day by day process.”

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just the people participating in the program, they also have to get out into the community. By doing this, they are able to develop relationships and build trust.

Transformation Montgomery uses many resources while trying to make a difference in peoples lives, families and communities. The 11 resources they focus on are: Financial, Emotional, Mental, Language, Social, Physical, Spiritual, Trust, Motivation, Relationships, and Knowledge.

“We know we cannot save the entire city,” explains Coordinator of Adult Activities, Peggy Spaeth. “God asks us to become His hands and feet, and through Transformation Montgomery that is what we are trying to do. Helping one person could,

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July 2015

River Region’s Journey

children?” asked the Coordinator of Youth and Children’s Activities, Debbie Peavy.

“After we thought long and hard about that, we decided to begin a scaled down version of the Getting Ahead program for the children.”

Through this process, Transformation Montgomery took the Getting Ahead curriculum for the adults and made activities that children would understand. Their hope in doing this is for the children to take what they have learned and bring it home and talk about it with their parents.

Change begins in the heart, and if people realize their children are eager to change, they are more likely to be receptive to what is being shown to them.

There are many activities available for the children. This summer, there is a “Splash into Summer” day camp being held at Transformation Montgomery. This camp is free of charge and open to any children who wish to participate. The children are split up by age and participate in activities that appeal to them. From science projects, to learning to film and produce music videos, to fashion design and dance, there is a little something for everyone.

“All of our summer camp activities are enrichment activities,” said Peavy. “I do not want to host a camp where the children only play kick ball all day, or do nothing but read. Rather, I want to do activities that enrich their minds and share the gospel with them along the way.”

Volunteers Are Always Needed

Transformation Montgomery would not be in the great shape it is today if it were not for volunteers. “We can always, always, always use volunteers,” said Spaeth and Peavy. There is no long term commitment when it comes to volunteering. Any help they receive is always greatly appreciated.

Just like the summer camp activities, there is something for everyone to get involved with as a volunteer. From providing meals, to providing transportation, to spending time at summer camp helping out in any way possible, you can be used.

“If you want to work, I’ll find a place to plug you in,” said Spaeth.

To learn more about Transformation Montgomery or to inquire about becoming a volunteer you can visit their website at www.transformationmontgomery.com or call Peggy Spaeth at 334-224-1048.

With your help, Transformation Montgomery can continue “transforming our city one family, one house, one neighborhood at a time through affordable home ownership, holistic life skills training and relational community renewal.”

Mandy Pascal is a freelance writer with a journalism degree from Troy University.

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Meek, Like a Warhorse The Bible has been translated into English for hundreds of years by scholars and theologians. But occasionally it comes to light that our language has changed so much that another interpretation of a word may be more accurate. Some 30 years ago I heard that said about the word meek.

Jesus creates a strange image by saying, “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5) The Apostle Paul speaks of “…the meekness and gentleness of Christ…” (2 Corinthians 10:1) A casual reading of these verses today would give you a mental picture of meekness that is far from the forceful image common in Bible times. Our dictionary defines meekness as, “…easily imposed upon, submissive, spineless.” But wait a minute. Once you realize that this word is a translation of a Greek military term, you get a completely different picture.

The Greek word “praus” (prah-oos) was used to define a horse trained for battle. Wild stallions were brought down from the mountains and broken for riding. Some were used to pull wagons, some were raced, and the best were trained for warfare. They retained their fierce spirit, courage, and power, but were disciplined to respond to the slightest nudge or pressure of the rider’s leg. They could gallop into battle at 35 miles per hour and come to a sliding stop at a word. They were not frightened by arrows, spears, or torches. Then they were said to be meeked.

As centuries went by the secret of training such animals was passed from the Greeks to the Roman legions, then to the Moors, the Spanish conquistadors, and finally the Austrian Empire. We see a few war horse descendants today in the Lippizanner horses of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna.

To be meeked was to be taken from a state of wild rebellion and made completely loyal to, and dependent upon, one’s master.

It is also to be taken from an atmosphere of fearfulness and made unflinching in the presence of danger. Some war horses dove from ravines into rivers in pursuit of their quarry.

Some charged into the face of exploding cannons as Lord Tennyson expressed in his poem, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.”

These stallions became submissive, but certainly not spineless. They embodied power under control, strength with forbearance.

When Paul speaks of the “… meekness and gentleness of Christ…” he is describing this kind of obedience. Jesus did not suffer on the cross because he was a doormat. He went to pay a price that had to be paid for all of us, including you and me. He marched into Hell to keep us away from it.

And we, too, are called to demonstrate power under control. Through the Holy Spirit we can forgive those who hurt us. We can withhold our spiteful replies. We can be the first to apologize. We can be a servant to others. We can be meek.

When Jesus needed to confront sin, hypocrisy, and abuse, he did so. He drove the money changers out of the temple. He told his prideful opponents, “You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desire.”

(John 8:44) When Pilate reminded Jesus that he could have him crucified, Jesus replied that Pilate had only the authority that was given to him from above.

All of those things took courage and control. Jesus demonstrated the spiritual discipline to face confrontation without using his power to do it in a sinful way.

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Do you have a confrontation looming in your future? Someone at work/school?

Someone at home? Someone at church?

Your old nature may want to resort to spitefulness, prideful put-downs, or the cruelty of shutting that person out of your life. But God calls you to be meek. He urges you to speak the truth in love and leave the consequences to Him. You see, we too, are being trained for war. And Christ leads us forward to battle the world, the flesh, and the devil. We go as those who charge into the face of danger when ordered to do so. Let us be as meek as war horses.

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Preparing Your Young Adult for Transition to College Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6 (RSV) Proverbs 22:6 promises us that our children will not depart from the teaching we provide them. Do you know a family where children never stray?! The blessing is that most will return to the solid family teachings if the atmosphere has been a loving, respectful, healthy, character building and values based. Below are some practical things to consider when sending your child off to college.

As a Parent:

• Show an interest in their academic success. If you are paying for their college, make sure they give permission for you to have access to their grades.

• Attend parent orientation and sign up for the parent association.

• Emphasize that attending class is strongly associated with success in college.

• Emphasize that nutrition and sleep are important to their overall academic success and health. Sleeping well before a test solidifies learning and improves performance.

• Mid-terms can be a rude awakening for students so know the academic calendar.

• Take a tour of the health center and counseling center at orientation, if the River Region’s Journey

July 2015

campus has one, and your student will be more likely to access these services.

• Insist they get a flu shot. The flu can wipe out a semester of good grades very quickly.

• If your student has ongoing health or psychological health issues, be sure to have the appropriate providers identified before the first semester begins and that they have enough medication to last until their next visit to their provider.

• Provide them a lockable box for valuables and medication.

• Be aware that the first 10-12 weeks of school are a stressful, high risk time where students can establish patterns of alcohol abuse, missing class and unhealthy friendship groups that may result in students experiencing campus violence.

• Have very frank conversations about hazing. Unfortunately, hazing rituals have evolved into forms of torture. Hazing is not limited to fraternities.

• The most common alcohol problem is binge drinking. Have several conversations about alcohol and your expectations.

Be sure they know what constitutes a binge, can recognize the signs of alcohol poisoning and the risks involved. Even if they don’t drink, they may save the life of someone else.

• The common denominator in most physical and sexual assaults is the excessive use of alcohol. Females are especially vulnerable during the first semester of college.

• Make your visit to see your student fun and on a weekend that is convenient so they look forward to you coming back.

• Never surprise visit.

• Clarify their budget and the expenses they will be responsible for prior to going to college. If they have a credit card for emergencies, give them one with a low limit and monitor charges.

• All students get homesick at one time or another but comes in many forms, at different times.

• Encourage your student to get plugged in to spiritual activities at orientation. If your student gives them a phone number or an email address, they may receive a personal invitation to activities.

• Support your student with encouraging emails, texts, calls and care packages.

Expecting a warm response in return is unrealistic.

• Remind them that nothing transmitted via the college internet system or on a college supplied computer is private.

• Before they leave, discuss expectations about rules and curfews when they are home on vacation rather than waiting until they come back home.

• Be a good listener and avoid unsolicited advice. Encourage them as much as possible. You will be surprised how much your student will share with you if you do not freak out. Believe me, you want to be your student’s go to person when they want to talk.

• Pray for their protection, wisdom and discernment. Give your students support and a soft place to land when they have made mistakes so they can make better choices.

Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. Luke 15: 7 (RSV) Nancy W. Thomas, M.A., N.C.C., C.C.M.H.C., L.P.C.

Nancy Thomas is the Executive Director of Clinical Services at The Samaritan Counseling Center, Inc. in Montgomery. She is a National Certified Counselor, Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated from the University of Alabama with an M.A. in Counselor Education in 1994. She has extensive training and experience in mental health and marriage and family therapy. Her professional interests are in mental health recovery, adolescent and college issues, life transitions, healthy relationships, marital counseling, parenting, spirituality and identity development, and preserving marriages and families. Nancy works primarily with adolescents and adults.

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Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 19-23, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A family night musical performance will be held July 26th at 6 p.m. Call 567.4325.

Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road, Montgomery Theme: Everest When: July 20-24, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm Contact Meranda Thompson, 334-430-7568, for further details.

Evangel Church

3974 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Everest When: July 20-24; 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Ages: 3 to upcoming 6th graders Call 272.4882 ext. 107.

Frazer Memorial UMC

6000 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery

Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 13-17; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Finishing K4 year olds (as of Sept. 2 2015) - Finishing 5th grade.

Call 272.8622.

Hayneville Baptist Church 1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 12-16, 5:45 until 8:30 Ages: Pre K - 6th Grade (grade completed) Email: hbc@connecthbc.com or call (334) 548.2620.

Landmark Church 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, Montgomery Theme: The Mystery of Christ When: July 12-15, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Ages: Nursery through adults Call 277.5800.

Millbrook Presbyterian (PCA) 3480 Main Street, Millbrook Theme: Space Probe

When: July 6-10 6-8:15pm Ages: Entering K-4 thru 6th grade For registration, call 285-4031.

Murdock Chapel AME and Grace Episcopal Church Community VBS 906 Pike Road (at Grace Episcopal Church) Theme: Fun Run When: July 13-17, 8:45 to 11:45 am.

Ages: 3 through entering 9th grade. There will also be a nursery with music and activities for children under 3. Registration is $5 per person and includes a t-shirt, and all of the activities, crafts and snacks during the Fun Run week. Registration forms are available at MCAME.org or by calling 334-4141851 or at efranconstant@aol.com.

Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery Theme: Journey Off the Map When: July 20-24, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completion K-6th grade.

Call 271.3363.

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Christianity for the 21st Century In last month’s column, I made the case that orthodox Christianity has become genuinely countercultural. The “default settings” of American culture are inherently at odds with apostolic Christian faith.

If we intend to remain faithful, and if we seek to be trustworthy stewards of the faith that has been passed on to us, we need to be more deliberate in our practices than American Christians have ever needed to be before. Here are three specific suggestions to consider.

(1) Think about the role of the body in the spiritual life. One rival to Christianity that pops up throughout the centuries is Gnosticism, a worldview which maintains (among other things) that the mind or soul is inherently superior to the body. We can ignore the physical because what really matters is spiritual. This, to be blunt, is a heresy. Human beings are not merely physical things, of course, but to be human is to have a physical body. We must not forget this. There is a strongly Gnostic tendency in American Christianity, as we frequently emphasize the importance of true belief and intense emotional experiences to the exclusion of all else. We sometimes talk as though the body simply doesn’t matter at all, as though we’d never heard of the Transfiguration of the Lord or read Romans 12 or 1 Corinthians 15.

Practically speaking, we should think about bodily worship, in both public and private: raising our hands, kneeling, and bowing before the Lord, as appropriate.

Let our worship be holistic, involving our whole being, and not merely our minds. In a similar vein, consider what it means to “buffet our bodies,” à la 1 Corinthians 9.

We should recover the practice of spiritual disciplines like fasting, silence, and the

liturgy of the hours, all of which involve surrendering the body and its appetites to the Lord in tangible ways.

(2) Embrace community. The Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation. We need fellow believers in our lives, people who share our commitment to orthopraxy (“right living,” obedience to the Lord) as well as to orthodoxy (“right belief”) and who will support and encourage us in our efforts to become, by the grace of God, more and more like Jesus. In addition, we should remember that the Christian community extends backward and forward through time as well as geographically across the globe. Let us make use of the resources left behind by our predecessors: the great creeds of the faith, ancient prayers, and old hymns are not merely aesthetically impressive; they connect us with Christians through the ages who have also sought to live faithfully before God—and often in much more challenging circumstances than our own.

vibrant, loving, generous, sacrificial, joyful, faithful lives. We cannot allow ourselves to live as though entertainment and material comfort are the only genuinely important things in life. And we need to recognize that the religious education of our children is first and foremost our responsibility, not that of Sunday school teachers or youth pastors.

Much more could be said, of course; but this will have to suffice for now. We live in interesting times… may we and ours be found faithful!

If there are topics you’d like to see Dr. Jordan address in a future column, please email him at mjordan5@aum.edu.

(3) Make your home a monastery.

For those who have children, the question of what it means to be a Christian family has taken on a new urgency. Our homes need to be safe places where the world’s way of doing things does not have a foothold. Our children need to see us living 23

July 2015

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It’s easy to grow discouraged at the state of the church...

As a person who invests a lot of time and attention to studying the church, her health and what Jesus requires of her, I often find myself prone to lamenting her state. Writers from all backgrounds and denominations have written about the church, and I have read many of these books and publications.

The standard book begins with a few chapters outlining all the ways the church has failed with the rest of the book providing the solution. If only we did this or that or the other thing, we would make the church what she was intended to be. I haven’t read too many books that give the church a pat on the back and say “good job!” Maybe for good reason.

Maybe not.

Here are just a couple of examples of people who have taken on the church in recent years. Rick Warren wrote the megaseller The Purpose Driven Church and in it he proclaimed that the church has lost sight of her purpose and that God was calling her to rediscover it. Millions of pastors bought and read this book and began what Warren refers to as the Second Reformation—a Reformation of purpose. A couple of years ago I counted six or seven books in the Christian bookstore heralding “the next Reformation,” yet all of them pointed towards a different basis for this Reformation. The men and women of the Emergent community (does anyone even remember Emergent anymore?) continually wrote indictments of the church, showing how, in their view, she has failed in the modern world and is primed to be an even greater failure in the postmodern world.

A person who was fully immersed in the emerging church sent me an email once and wrote about “denominational distinctives that strive to keep us divided” as if churches are purposely focusing on the distinctives in order to drive wedges between them and other believers. There are any number of other authors that identify problems and tell us how to fix them. Many people are proud to be believers, yet are ashamed to be part of the church, the visible body of Christ. They portray the church as being purposeless, intellectual and ancient, knowingly and joyfully trapped in the past, snickering as we watch our neighbors fall into the abyss.

Yet the church is not a failure; the church—the remnant of those who are faithful, who compose only a part of the wider, visible church, remain true to Christ and continue

to do God’s work in the world. Jesus himself told us that the road to salvation is narrow and only a few enter, so we should not be surprised when there are far more who turn their backs than respond with joy. We mourn their loss but trust in God’s sovereignty in saving a people to himself. This I can guarantee: 100% of God’s people have been (or will be!) ministered to and shaped by the Word of God. Every one of them has heard the preaching of a minister of the Word or has read a Bible lovingly and obediently translated. Every one of them has been successfully ministered to by another Christian.

Why then do we dwell so often and sometimes exclusively on our failures and shortcomings?

Does this honor God and glorify him for the battles that have been won and the lives he has changed through us?

Too often we see the church as an abject failure. I used to receive regular emails from a friend who has a high view of his own sin.

He tends to sign his emails as “your sinful, spiteful, hell-deserving sinner of a friend” or something else along those lines. He never hides from his own sin, and I admire that.

And while it is fully true that he is a sinner and no doubt feels spite and malice and while he does deserve hell, this is only half the story.

In his view of his sin I think he often loses sight of the fact that in God’s eyes he is now a beautiful new creation, restored to the image of the Creator. He has been bought with precious blood and adopted into the family of the king! I continually have to remind him that he is focusing on only half of the battle.

His emphasis on his sin does not allow him to see the beauty of what he has become.

And I think this is how the church often sees herself—it sees the bad and loses track of all the great things that the church has accomplished through Christ and for the glory of God. It sees in the church the image of sinful humanity but loses sight of the fact that the church is the beautiful bride of Christ.

The church, despite sin and failings and shortcomings and imperfections of all sorts is a glorious body and one that I know Christ is proud of. I know that there is so much more we could do, and must do. I know the church is not all that God wants it to be. Yet I am confident that it brings him glory and makes him proud.

So if you are part of this body, allow yourself a moment of gratitude and awe for what God has done in and through his body; thank God that you can be part of something so awesome, so glorious, so godly. And then put your hand to the plow and continue the work he has entrusted to us.

Tim Challies is a blogger, author and book reviewer.

Visit his website at www.challies.com.

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July 2015

River Region’s Journey

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Christian Recording Artist and Worship Leader

August 26 Dr. Sammy Gilbreath Evangelist with the Alabama Baptist Convention

1849 Perry Hill Road, Montgomery, Alabama 334.279.9976 | hbcm.net

5 Reasons You Need to Join a Church 1. FOR ASSURANCE. While a person should not feel he needs to join a church in order to be saved, he ought to join a church to be certain that he has been saved. Christians, those who are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, will naturally gravitate towards other Christians and will desire to be with them, to learn from them, and to serve them. A person who professes Christ but feels no desire to be among his believing brothers and sisters is not a healthy Christian. Thus, eager participation in a local church and heartfelt attempts to measure our enthusiasm for that group of believers is a God-given way for us to assure ourselves that we are truly saved.

2. TO EVANGELIZE THE WORLD. The gospel can best be spread through combined and collaborative efforts. Throughout the history of the church great men and women have attempted great things on their own and have often been successful. But more often, great things have been accomplished through the collaborate efforts of Christians working together. If we are to reach this world with the gospel message of Jesus Christ, we must share our efforts with other believers.

3. TO EXPOSE FALSE GOSPELS. As we interact with other believers, we will see what true Christianity is, which ought to expose the common belief that Christians are selfrighteous, selfish individuals. As we labor, fellowship, and serve alongside other Christians, and as we observe the lives of other Christ-followers, we will see what biblical Christianity looks like. The more we see of genuine Christianity, the more the counterfeits will be exposed.

4. TO EDIFY THE CHURCH. Joining a church will help Christians counter their sinful individualism and teach them the importance of seeking to serve and edify others. The benefit of being a member of a local church is not primarily inward, but outward. Christians attend a local church so they might have opportunities to serve others and thus to serve God. Every Christian should be eager to serve within the church and to edify others through teaching, serving, and exercising the spiritual gifts.

5. TO GLORIFY GOD. We can bring God glory through the way we live our lives. God is honored when we are obedient to him. He is glorified when his people come together in unity and harmony to find assurance, to evangelize the world, to expose false gospels, and to edify one another. God is glorified in and through the local church.

River Region’s Journey

July 2015

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MIN: Support Groups, Bible Studies (all ages), Childrens, Youth, Seniors, Mens, Womens, Family Pike Road Baptist Church 4790 Pike Road, (334) 272.7690 Email: pikeroad@aol.com Web: www.pikeroadchurch.org DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Wednesday 5:30 p.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens ministry, Youth and Missions

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36043-Pintlala, Hope Hull Pintlala Baptist Church 73 Federal Road, (334) 281.9439 Email: info@pintlalabaptist.com Web: www.pintlalabaptistchurch.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Gary Burton WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Youth & Adult Choirs

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Hope Hull UMC (ad on page 22) 305 Wasden Road, (334) 288-3956 Website: www.hopehullumc.org Pastor: Chris Cook DN: Methodist WT: 8:30 and 11 am WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children, Women, Missions

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WS: Contemporary AT: 1000-1200 MIN: Small Groups, Youth, Meals for Homeless, Children, and College Goodship Missionary Baptist Church 1554 AL Hwy 143, (334) 285.0094 Pastor: Mack H. Parker DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

WS: Traditional MIN: Sunday School, Youth, Bible Study Grace Community Church 3515 Highway 14, (334) 285.4655 Email: gracecommunityonline@gmail.com Web: http://sites.google.com/site/gracecommunityonline/ or on Facebook under Grace Community Church Pastor: Mike Wilkinson DN: Cumberland Presbyterian WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Youth, Bible Study, Discipleship, Mens, Womens, Missions, Faith Training Millbrook Baptist Church 3431 Browns Road, (334) 285.4731 DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Ingram WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Childrens, Music, Womens, Mens, Daycare Millbrook Presbyterian Church 3480 Main Street, (334) 285.4031 Email: mpcaoffice@gmail.com Web: www.millbrookpca.com DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor: Dr. Rev. Steve Muzio WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m., 5:30 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth/Children, Womens, Seniors, Mens, Fellowship Groups, VBS, Mission Trips New Life Church of Millbrook 4230 Millbrook, Hwy 14, (334) 285.6996 DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: T. Allen Cova WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Young couples, Womens, Men’s, Seniors, New Life Christian Academy Victory Baptist Church 5481 Main Street, (334) 285.5082 Email: info@victorymillbrook.com Website: www.victorymillbrook.com DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Steve Sanders WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Juvenile, Jail, Children’s Church, Junior Church, Nursing Home Ministry Well Spring Community Church 1881 I-65 Access Rd in Millbrook, (334) 220.0560 Email: link on website Website: www.wecometowellspring.com DN: Community Church Pastor: Michael J. Beale WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Prayer, Childrens, Weekly Community-Based Small Groups, Team-Based Ministry, Servant Evangelism, Missionary Discipleship

36064-Pike Road Centerpoint Fellowship Off-Center Video site at 1445 Wilson Park Drive (Pike Road Jim Wilson YMCA), (334) 356-3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Don Darling WT: Sunday, 9:30 and 11:00 WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children Ministry, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups at main campus East Lake Community Church 1 Chapel Hill St (Chapel at The Waters), (334) 799-7424 Web: www.eastlakecc.org or check us out on Facebook under East Lake Community Church at the Waters Email: Eastlakechad@yahoo.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Chad Harrison WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary; Blend AT: under 150 MIN: Home groups, Childrens (Family ministry), Singles, Local community ministries, Youth Group First Presbyterian Church 9299 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.1372 Email:1st.pca@gmail.com Web: www.firstpreschantilly.com DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Reed De Pace WT: Sunday, 9:25 worship WS: Blended AT: Under 150

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Woodland United Methodist Church 4428 Wallahatchie Road, (334) 272.7230 Website: www.woodlandontheweb.org Email: office@woodlandontheweb.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Tim Meadows WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Seniors, Discipleship, Childrens, Youth, Music

36066, 36067-Prattville Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. 4th Street, (334) 365.5213 Pastor: Winston Brooks DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Seniors, Children Centerpoint Fellowship 2500 Legends Circle (Marriot Legends Capitol Hill Conference Center) (334) 356.3076 dawn@centeringlives.com; www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: John Schmidt WT: Sunday, 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 1200-1500 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, (334) 365.0231 Email: info@camelliabaptist.com Web: www.camelliabaptist.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Reverend Mark Stokes WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: AWANA, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Womens, Mens, Missions, Music, Upward East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Rd., (334) 365.7500 Email: beasley@eastmemorial.org Web: www.eastmemorial.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Glenn Graham, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m.; Wed. night at 6:20 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 700-900 MIN: Student, College & Career, Singles, Childrens, AWANA, Seniors, Womens, Mens

First Baptist Church (ad on page 19) 138 S. Washington Street, (334) 365.0606 Email: mail@fbcprattville.org Web: www.fbcprattville.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Dr. Travis Coleman, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 800-1200 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens, Mission Friends, Choir (all ages), Moms Day Out, Kindergarten, Adult Discipleship, Moms LIFE First Presbyterian Church 211 S. Chestnut Street, (334) 365.6387 Email: barbara@fpcministries.org Web: www.fpcministries.org DN: First Presbyterian Church of America Pastor: Bryant Hansen WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Community, Womens, Mens

July 2015

River Region’s Journey

DN First United Methodist Church 306 W. Tuskeena St., (334) 567.7865 Email: link on website Web: www.fumcwetumpka.com Pastor: Kevin Kelly WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens ministry, Youth, Hispanic Ministry, Young adults, Missions, Prayer and Adult ministry

First United Methodist Church

(ad on page 9) 100 E. Fourth Street, (334) 365.5977 Web: www.prattvillemethodist.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rob Couch WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Older Adults, Support Groups, Mom’s Day Out, Preschool Fountain City Baptist Church 492 East Main Street, (334) 365.2034 Email: link on website Web: www.fountaincitybaptistchurch.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Moore WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Teen, Older Adult, AWANA, Music (adults and youth), Mens, Womens, Missions and Outreach Fountain of Grace 881 McQueen Smith Road, S., (334) 365.5511 Email: info@fountainofgraceac.us Web: www.fountainofgrace.us DN: Christian Missionary Alliance Pastor: Tony Butler WT: Sunday, 10:40 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: Under 150-400 MIN: Youth, Sunday school, Women of Grace, Music, Sound, AWANA (during school year) Grace Life Church 972 McQueen Smith Road (services being held in Prattville YMCA), (334) 365.8672 Email: Links on website Web: www.churchgonewild.tv DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Phil Bevilacqua WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Kids, Canaan Land Ministries and Grace Life Bar Church

MIN: AWANA, Youth, VBS, Childrens Church, Adult, Music and Missions Trips Hunter Hills Church of Christ 330 Old Farm Lane, N., (334) 285.2700 Web: www.hunterhills.org DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Ryan Lassiter WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Singles, Support Groups, Leisure, Small Groups Journey Church 435 Shiela Blvd, Prattville, (334) 351.9994 Web: www.myjourneychurch.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Mike Mozingo WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 10:45 WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Small Groups, Childrens, Youth, Missions and Outreach Voice of Victory Church (10 min. from Prattville) 449 County RD 165, Autaugville, (334) 365.2031 Web: www.vovc.org DN: Word of Faith Pastor: Sandra Gober Associate Pastor: Caleb Gober WT: Sunday 10 a.m and Wed., 7 p.m. AT: under 150 WS: Contemporary MIN: Prison, Youth, Children’s, Adult, Senior, Young Professionals and Invasion Evangelism

36092-Wetumpka Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Rd., (334) 567.4325 Web: www.blueridgebaptistchurch.net Pastor: Rev. John Carney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: under 150 Min: Childrens, Adult, Youth, College, Prayer and Missions

Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, (334) 361.9180 Email: glynwoodbc@knology.net Web: www.glynwoodbc.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Reverend Bruce Hose WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Music, Prayer, Seniors, Mom’s Day Out w/ A Beka, Bible Study and prayer Wedn., 6:30 p.m.

Centerpoint Fellowship 4876 U.S. Hwy. 231, (334) 356.3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Tom Gaylord WT: Sunday, 9:35 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups

Heritage Baptist Church 1357 S. Memorial Drive, (334) 365.2372 Email: office@hbcprattville.org Web: www.hbcprattville.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Roger D. Parks WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 6 p.m. (summer); Regular worship schedule: Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400

First Baptist Church 205 W. Bridge Street, (334) 567.5191 Website: www.fbc-wetumpka.org Pastor: Dr. James Troglen DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 5 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Mens, Womens and Older Adults

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Grace Baptist Church 304 Old Montgomery Hwy., (334) 567.3255 Email: info@gbcwetumpka.com Web: www.gbcwetumpka.org Pastor: Justin Peate WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Wed. WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Sunday school, Adult, Youth, Childrens Mountain View Baptist Church 1025 Rifle Range Rd, Wetumpka, (334) 567.4458 Web: www.mvbaptistchurch.info DN: Baptist Pastor: Anthony Counts WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m, and 6 p.m.

MIN: A fully graded Bible study program, Music ministry, Children’s ministry, group studies.

Mulder Memorial UMC 3454 Firetower Rd., (334) 567.4225 Web: www.mulderchurch.org Pastor: Matt Mobley WT: Sunday, 8:15 and 10:45 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens ministry, Adult, Youth, Missions and Prayer Redland Baptist Church 1266 Dozier Road, (334) 567.8649 Web: www.redlandbaptistchurch.com DN: Baptist Pastor: Bryce Cox WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Senior, Adult, Choir and VBS

36104-Montgomery 2Cities Church 128 Lee Street, (334) 294.7263 Email: info@2cities.org Website: www.2cities.org Pastor: Rev. Brian D. MacDonald DN: Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) WT: Sunday, 10 a.m..

WS: Blended AT: under 150 MIN: Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, Community Groups, City Outreach, Childrens Church of the Highlands 201 Tallapoosa St (located in the Montgomery Performing Arts Center inside the Renaissance Hotel), (205) 980.5577 Email: Erwin@churchofthehighlands.com Website: www.churchofthehighlands.com/campuses/ Montgomery Pastor: Chris Erwin WT: Sunday, 8 :00, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary Attendance: 400-800 Ministries: Small Groups, Outreach & Missions The Episcopal Church of the Ascension 315 Clanton Avenue, (334) 263.5529 Email: staff@coascension.org Website: http://www.coascension.org Rector: Reverend Andrew Thayer DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m. and 10:15 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Children, Youth, Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Food Pantry, Shut-in, Outreach, Stephen Ministry, Tutoring

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First Baptist Church (ad on Back Cover) 305 S. Perry Street, (334) 834.6310 Email: link on website Web: www.montgomeryfbc.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Jay Wolf WT: Sunday, 8:30, 11 a.m., and 6:15 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: over 1500 MIN: Preschool, Childrens, Youth, College, Singles, Adults, Seniors, Internationals, Music, Special Needs, Community, Television, School of Fine Arts, Support Groups, Counseling

36105-Montgomery

New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 3) 600 Columbus Street, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Kylle McKinney WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112

36106-Montgomery

River City Church 301 Dexter Ave, (334) 263.0549 Email: info@rivercityumc.com Website: www.rivercityumc.com Pastor: Rev. Anthony “Tony” McCullough DN: United Methodist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Childrens, REACH, ENGAGE, ARM, LAUNCH St. John’s AME Church 807 Madison Avenue, (334) 265-4136 Website: www.stjohnsame.com Pastor: Rev. James E. Arnell DN: African Methodist Episcopal WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

MIN: Youth, Clothes Closet, Food Pantry, Free Transportation, Prayer St. John’s Episcopal Church 113 Madison Avenue, (334) 262.1937 Website: www.stjohnsmontgomery.org DN: Episcopal Rector: Rev. Robert C. Wisnewski AT: 150-400 WT: Sunday, 7:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m.; Tuesdays, 7 a.m.; Wednesdays, 5:30 p.m.; Thursdays, 12:05 p.m.

MIN: Christian Education, Youth, Childrens, Adult, Missions and Outreach, Homeless ministry

Trinity Presbyterian Church

(ad on page 44) 1728 S. Hull Street, (334) 262.3892 Email: office@trinitypca.org Web: www.trinitypca.org DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Claude E. McRoberts, III WT: Sunday, 8:30 and 11 a.m., 6:30 p.m. Summer schedule: 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Adults, Childrens (Catechism Classes and Pioneer Clubs), Youth, Missions, Choir, Preschool, Singles

Snowdoun Baptist Church 6564 Norman Bridge Road, (334) 280.0217 Web: www.snowdounbaptist.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Steve Campbell WT: Sunday 11 AM and 6:30 PMWS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Worship, Children, Youth, Men’s and Women’s Ministries, Missions, Music

Capital City Church of the Nazarene 4450 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, (334) 272.8176 Web: www.capcitynaz.org DN: Church of the Nazarene Pastor: Blake Mohling WT: Sunday, 10:45 and 6 p.m. and Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 Centerpoint Fellowship 608 East Fairview Ave. (meets Cloverdale Baptist Church) (334) 356.3076 Email: dawn@centeringlives.com Web: www.centeringlives.com DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Will Barrett WT: Sunday, 9:15 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Missions and Small Groups Cloverdale Baptist Church 608 E. Fairview Avenue, (334) 265.9223 Website: www.cloverdalebaptist.net Email: info@cloverdalebaptist.net DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Keith Hinson WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 5 p.m.; Wednesday, 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Preschool Academy, Fun and Fellowship, Seniors, Youth, Choir for all ages Eastwood Presbyterian Church 1701 E. Trinity Blvd., (334) 272.3103 Email: missions@eastwoodchurch.org Web: www.eastwoodchurch.org DN: Presbyterian (PCA) Pastor: Bart Lester WT: Sunday, 10:50 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Missions, Counseling, School, College, Youth, Women, Military

Evangel Church (ad on page 22) 3975 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.4882 Web: http:evangelchurch.me DN: Assembly of God Pastor: Michael Rippy WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (classical) and 11 a.m. (contemporary) WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Sunday school, Children, Students, College, Growth Track, Life Groups, Dream Team First United Methodist Church

(ad on page 35) 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, (334) 834.8990 Email: info@fumcmontgomery.org Web: www.fumcmontgomery.org DN: Methodist Pastor: Dr. R. Lawson Bryan WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and Wed. night at 5:30 WS: Traditional AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Young Adults, Adults, Seniors, Mens, Womens

Heritage Baptist Church (ad on page 26)

1849 Perry Hill Road, (334) 279.9976 Web: www.hbcm.net Pastor: Teman Knight DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:15 WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: Life Groups, Horizons, Greenhouse, Missions, Worship Arts, Recreation, Family Life Center, Child Development Center, Footprints Ministry, Heritage FaithRiderz New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 1) 1615 Mulberry Street, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 6) 1601 East Trinity Blvd., (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Rodney Brannon WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Under 150 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Men’s group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Vaughn Park Church of Christ 3800 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.2665 Web: www.vaughnpark.com Pastor: Brad Sullivan DN: Church of Christ WT: Sunday, 10 a.m., 5 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Agape, Bible Class, Childrens, Financial Peace University, Life Groups, Ladies, Marriage, Mens, Student, Upward, World Bible School and Worship

36107-Montgomery Capitol Heights Baptist Church 2514 Madison Avenue, (334) 264.6461 Email: link on website Web: www.capitolheights.org DN: Baptist Pastor: J. Warren Culver WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Worship & Music, Childrens, Families, Mens, Seniors, Students, Womens Cornerstone Bible Church 341 N. Madison Terrace, (334) 262.3706 Email: cornerstone.biblechurch@yahoo.com Website: www.cornerstone-biblechurch.org

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DN DN: Baptist Pastor: Mike Northcutt WT: Sunday, 8:10 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: above 1500 MIN: Childrens, Studetn, College & Career, Singles, Mens, Womens, Senior, Music, Missions, Hispanic, Technical

Pastor: Myron Price DN: Independent Bible Church WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: AWANA, Play Group for moms with young children, Prayer and Bible Study Groups Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 East Washington Street, (334) 265.1807 Website: www.pilgrimrestmbc.org Pastor: Rev. Walter E. Ellis DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Noon Day Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday at noon. Wednesday Prayer Meeting 6 p.m., Bible Study, 7 p.m.

WS: Blended MIN: Sunday School, Youth Mentoring, Youth Choir, Women’s, Bible Study

36108-Montgomery Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church (ad on page 23)

3323 Day St., (334) 263.2171 Email: Link on website Web: www.mtgillarddayst.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rev. Henry Carnegie, Jr. WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m. and Wed. 6:45 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Music and Praise, Women’s, Men’s, Youth and Children’s New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 4) 4781 Mobile Highway, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and Sunday evening at 6 p.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strageties To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Rosa Parks Avenue Church of God 1701 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, (334) 265.6008 Web: http://netministries.org/see/churches.exe/ch22420 Pastor: James I. Marshall DN: Non-denominational WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 11 a.m.

AT: under 150-400 MIN: Youth, GED Program, Bible Study, Singles, Seniors, Counseling, Choir

36109-Montgomery All Saints Episcopal Church 645 Coliseum Blvd., (334) 272.2591

River Region’s Journey

July 2015

Email: link included on website Web: www.episcopalchurch.org or www.allsaintsal.com Rector: Rev. Matthew Grunfield DN: Episcopal WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Outreach, Childrens, Womens, Mens, Youth Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road, (334) 273.8595 Web: www.cornerstone-cc.org DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Jay Thompson WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Youth, Womens, Seniors, AWANA, Cornerstone Kids, CC Quilters Covenant Presbyterian Church 5 Arden Road at Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.1133 Email: covenantpcmgm@bellsouth.net Website: www.covenantmontgomery.com DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Lee Bloodworth WT: Sunday, 11 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional, Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Mens, Womens, Seniors Dalraida Baptist Church 3838 Wares Ferry Road, (334) 272.2412 Web: www.thedalraidadifference.org DN: Baptist Pastor: Rick Evans WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Music, Sunday school, Discipleship, Children’s, Youth, Ladies, Seniors, FAITH Outreach, Missions Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.2190 Email: info@dalraidaumc.org Web: www.dalraidaumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Jason Gregg WT: Sunday, 8:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Music, Outreach, Sunday School, Youth Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road, (334) 272.0604 Web: www.ehbconline.com Pastor: Dr. Rick Marshall WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m., 6:00 p.m. ; Summer Schedule: 10:15 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 OL: Spanish MIN: Children, Teens, College & Career, Adults, Senior Adults, Men, Women, Music, Hispanic, Childcare and Homeschool Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway, (334) 277.6300 Web: www.eastmont.org

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Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, (334) 272.2304 Email: info@morningview.org Web: www.morningview.org DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Shawn Merithew WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, Youth, Family, AWANA, Student, Adult Bible Studies, Fellowship Groups, Senior Adult , Cornerstone Classical Christian Academy, Music and Worship, GRACE outreach teams, Hands of Christ, Orphan Care, International Missions, Partner Trips Perry Hill United Methodist Church 910 Perry Hill Road, (334) 272.3174 Web: www.perryhillumc.org Email: office@perryhillumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Mark Osgood WT: Sunday, 10:30 and 6 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: Under 150 MIN: Senior, Famiy, Men, Womens, Music, Prayer, Church, Prayer Shawl

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The Rock Church 3401 Harrison Road, (334) 260.0984 Email: link on website Web: www.therockofmontgomery.org DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: H. Nelson Cash, Jr. WT: Sunday, 10 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Prayer, Discipleship, Youth, Childrens, Local Outreach, Rock School (grades K3-12)

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University Church of Christ 5315 Atlanta Hwy, (334) 386.7320 Web: www.ucoc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Randy Medlin WT: Sundays, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Youth, College, Prison and Childrens

36

St. Paul Lutheran Church 4475 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.6214 Web: www.stpaulmontgomery.org Pastor: Reverend Carey Elam DN: Lutheran WT: Sunday, 9 a.m. (Contemporary), 10:30 a.m. (traditional) WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, Choir

36110-Montgomery Chisholm Baptist Church 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, (334) 262.6437 DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Community Fellowship Worship Highland Gardens Baptist Church 2014 Johnson Street, (334) 263.0294 Web: Please visit us on Facebook under Highland Gardens Baptist Church Pastor: Earl B. Wise DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Children, Youth

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36111-Montgomery New Life Church of God in Christ (Main Campus) 4116 Narrow Lane Road, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Co-Pastor: Elder Charles Clark WT: Sunday, 8 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM Children’s, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, and much, much more. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 Westminster Presbyterian Church 2515 Woodley Road, (334) 281.2241 Web: www.westminsterpcusa.org DN: PC USA Pastor: Rev. Robert Edwards WT: Sunday, 10:25 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Music, Outreach, Sunday school, Womens Whitfield Memorial United Methodist 2673 Fisk Road, (334) 281.2467 Email: office@whitfieldumc.org Web: www.whitfieldumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Carolyn Nelson WT: Sunday, 8:15 a.m., 10:30 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Older Adults

36116-Montgomery Aldersgate United Methodist Church 6610 Vaughn Road, (334) 272.6152 Email: email@aldersgateumc.org Web: www.aldersgateumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Bryan Miller WT: Sunday, 8:45 a.m. (Contemporary); 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Children’s Ministry, Youth, Music (all ages), Young Adults (College & Career), Seniors, Stephens, Weekday Children’s Ministry Day Care & After School Programs, Men’s, Women’s, Wednesday Night Connections Dinner & Small Groups, Youth and Adult Sports, Food Pantry, Library Calvary Baptist Church 8197 Decker Lane, (334) 284.3737 Web: www.calvarymontgomery.org DN: Independent Baptist Pastor: Dr. Paul Spargo WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wednesday, 6:30 p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Married, Singles, Seniors, Men, Women, Preschool, Children, AWANA, Bus Ministry, Summer Program, Youth, Missions, Worship

ChristChurch (ad on page 3)

8800 Vaughn Rd., (334) 387-0566 Email: info@christchurchxp.net Website: www.christchurchxp.net DN: Anglican Pastor: Rev. Andrew M. Rowell WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist Rite II WS: Traditional AT: 400-800 MIN: Adult, Small Groups, Wednesday Night “Salt & Light”, Young Adults, Men’s, Women’s, Music, Technology, Parish Life, Older Adults’, Youth, Pastoral Care, Children’s, Stewardship Eastern Meadows Church of Christ 8460 Vaughn Rd., 273-0001 Email: easternmeadows@emcofc.org Website: www.emcofc.org DN: Church of Christ Minister: Steve Housley WT: Sundays, 10:00a.m. and 5:00p.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Youth, College, Young Adult, Senior, Mens, Womens, Educational, Missions Fresh Anointing International Church 150 East Fleming Rd., (334) 613.3363 Email: info@anointedchurch.org Web: www.anointedchurch.org DN: Independent Pastor: Kyle Searcy WT: Sunday, 8:00 and 11 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 800-1500 MIN: Singles, Nursing Home, Prison, Childrens, College, Drama, Angel Food, Marital Counseling, Intercession, Fresh Start Christian Academy, KCS Ministries

Gateway Baptist Church (ad on page 11) 3300 Bell Road, (334) 272.9494 Email: link on website Web: www.gatewaybaptist.com Pastor: Alan Cross DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Small Groups, AWANA, , Student, Youth, Seniors, Men and Women’s, Military Messiah Lutheran Church 6670 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.4213 Email: link on website Web: www.messiahlutheranmgm.org.

DN: Lutheran Pastor: Rev. Randy Jones WT: Sunday, 8 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Music, Missions, Lunches for Learning New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 5) 5600 Carriage Hills Drive, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Eric Lee WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 400 to 800 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council,

Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry. 24 hr Prayer Line 284-1112 New Life Church of God in Christ (Annex 2) 5000 Patterson Road, (334) 558.0258 Email: pastor@nlcogic.org Web: www.nlcogic.org DN: Church of God in Christ Pastor: Elder Terry Ellison Co-Pastor: Elder Theodore Williams WT: Sunday, 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: Over 1500 MIN: Gospel Radio Station WXVI 1600 AM, Childrens, Youth, Singles, Job Skills Center, New Life Theological Institute, Stages (Strategies To Achieving Godly Experiences in School)Tutorial program, Educational Programs, Man to Man Christian Mens group, Christian Womens Council, Drama Guild, Youth Step and Drill Teams, Mime and Dance Team, Youth for Christ Choir, Sanctuary Choir, Caregiver, Hospitality, Community Outreach Ministry, 24 hr. Prayer Line 284-1112 Pinedale Baptist Church 4785 McInnis Road, (334) 288.0832 DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 11 a.m. (summer schedule) WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Sunday school, Childrens, Brotherhood (Mens Ministry), Womens Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.0011 Email: info@rbcmontgomery.com Web: www.rbcmontgomery.com DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Mike Green WT: Sunday, 10:45 a.m., 6:15 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, College, Student, Mens, Womens, Singles, Seniors Young Meadows Presbyterian 5780 Vaughn Road, (334) 244.1385 Web: www.youngmeadows.org DN: Presbyterian Church in America Pastor: Dr. Jim Simoneau WT: Sunday, 8:15 (Traditional), 10:40 (Contemporary) and 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Childrens, Youth, Choir, Adult Growth Groups Zion Fellowship 4540 Narrow Lane Rd., (334) 281-8971 Email: info@zionfellowshipumc.org or zionfellowshipchurch@live.com Web: www.zionfellowshipumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Rev. Robert Spicer WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

WS: Traditional & Gospel AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children Other: Youth, Children’s, Men, Women’s and Childcare Center

36117-Montgomery Christ Community Church 8285 Ryan Road, (334) 273.8110 Email: mail@christccm.net

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River Region’s Journey

Email: contact@memorialpres.net Web: www.memorialpres.net DN: Presbyterian Pastor: Nan Adams WT: Sunday, 11:00 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: under 150 MIN: Daycare, Womens, Youth, Adults, Seniors, Food Ministry, Music, Childrens

Web: www.christccm.net DN: Non-denominational Pastor: Keith Waldrop WT: Sunday, 10:00a.m WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Kids, Student, Ministry, Military, Nursery, Small Group, Women’s, Missions and Volunteer

Frazer Memorial United Methodist

(ad on Inside Front Cover) 6000 Atlanta Highway (334) 272.8622 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Dr. Tim Thompson and Rev. Patrick Quinn WT: Sunday, 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m.

WS: Multiple Styles Offered AT: Over 1500 OL: include Chinese as well as Spanish; American Sign Language and Korean interpreters available MIN: Children, Students, Singles, Men, Women, Adult Sunday School and Life Groups, Older Adults, Hispanic, Chinese, Music, Recreation, Community and World Missions, Stephen Ministry, Support Groups, Counseling Clinic, Financial Peace, Marriage and Parenting, TV, and many more.

Frazer UMC Hispanic Congregation (ad on Inside Front Cover) meets in North Gym 6000 Atlanta Hwy., (334) 495-6414 Email: info@frazerumc.org Web: www.Frazerumc.org DN: United Methodist Pastor: Mario Aman WT: Sunday, 10:00 a.m.

WS: Traditional AT: 150-400 MIN: Nursery and Children, Please check the website for all Ministries.

GracePointe 1565 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 271.2525 Web: www.grace-pointe.com DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Scottie Harris WT: Sunday, 10:15 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150-400 MIN: Children’s, GPS, Caring Groups, Young Families, Young at Heart, Men’s, Women’s, Global Missions Grace @ Bell Road 5 Bell Road, (334) 272.4930 Email: info@discovergrace.org Web: www.discovergrace.org DN: Evangelical Presbyterian Pastor: Bill Thompson WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: Under 150

River Region’s Journey

MIN: Women’s, Men’s, Missions, Children’s, Life Groups, Outreach Grace Life Bar Church 2430 Eastern Blvd (Rock Bottom American Pub) (334) 365.8672 Web: www.churchgonewild.tv DN: Non-denominational Lead Pastor: Phil Bevilacqua Pastor: Paul Lammon WT: Sunday, 9:45 WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Youth, Children’s, Canaan Land Ministries Harvest Family Church 7245 Copperfield Drive, (334) 277.1156 Email: office@harvestfamilychurch.com Web: www.harvestfamilychurch.com DN: Non-Denominational Pastor: Bill McNeese WT: Sunday, 8:45 and 10:30; Wednesday, 7 p.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 150-400 MIN: Children, Youth, Women and Men’s.

Lakeview Baptist Church 9225 Atlanta Highway, (334) 213-3080 Email: link on website Web: www.lakeviewbaptistchurch.cc DN: Southern Baptist Pastor: Rev. Paul Hubbard WT: Sunday, 10:45 am.

WS: Blended AT: Under 150 MIN: Childrens, College and Career, Seniors, Womens, Music, Student, and Young married.

Landmark Church of Christ 1800 Halcyon Boulevard, (334) 277-5800 Email: Christians@landmarkchurch.net Web: www.landmarkchurch.net DN: Church of Christ Pastor: Buddy Bell WT: Sunday, 9:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 800 to 1500 MIN: Children, Youth, College, Recovery, Inner City, Life Groups, Missions, Life Center Legacy Church 2323 Bell Road, 334-396-2001 Web: www.thelegacychurch.org Pastor: Rev. Doug McCurry DN: Anglican WT: Sundays, 9:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: under 150 MIN: Mens, Women’s Childrens Memorial Presbyterian Church 2130 Bell Road, (334) 274.1018

July 2015

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Passion Church 6000 Monticello Drive, (334) 271.3800 Email: info@mypassion.church Web: www.mypassion.church DN: Inter-denominational Pastor: Steve Vickers WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Contemporary AT: 400-800 MIN: Childrens, Missions, Womens, Mens, Youth, Worship St. James United Methodist Church 9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037 Web: www.sjlife.com DN: United Methodist Pastor: Allen Newton WT: Sunday, 8:30 (blended), 9:45 a.m. (Contemporary), 11 a.m. (Traditional) WS: Traditional & Contemporary AT: above 1500 MIN: 4Life, Life Groups, Life classes, Women, Men, Senior Adults, Recovery Ministry, Local Missions, Global Missions, Childrens, Youth, College, Pre-School Taylor Road Baptist Church 1685 Taylor Road, (334) 271.3363 Email: trbc@taylordroad.org Web: www.taylorroad.org DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.

WS: Blended AT: 400-800 MIN: AWANAS, Childrens Missions, Preschool & Children’s Choirs, Youth & Adult Choirs, Sunday School, Discipleship Training, Womens, Youth and Adult Bible Study, Mothers Morning Out and Kindergarten.

Thorington Road Baptist Church 450 Ray Thorington Road, (334) 396.9376 Email: contact through website Web: www.trbclife.org Pastor: Wade Rials DN: Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 a.m.

WS: Blended AT: 150 to 400 MIN: Nursery, Pre-School, Children, Student, Mens, Womens and VBS Vaughn Forest Baptist Church 8660 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.5433 Email: link through website Web: www.vaughnforest.com Pastor: Scott Weatherford DN: Southern Baptist WT: Sunday, 10:30 WS: Contemporary AT: 800 to 1500 OL: Spanish and Korean MIN: Preschool, Student, Singles, Older Adults, Worship, Hispanic, and Korean

If your church was not listed, please email deanne@readjourneymagazine.com or call 334.213.7940. We’ll be sure to add you in future Church Directory issues.

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July 2015

River Region’s Journey

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Adoption

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and Glynwood Baptist, Prattville APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families.

Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer UMC. For information, call Hannah Taylor at 409-9477 or the church office at 272-8622. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Glynwood Baptist Church, Prattville.

Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For more info, call 409-9477 or e-mail htaylor@childrensaid.org.

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Leaders: Chad & Betsy Emerson (334) 201-5241 Wednesday, 6:30pm in Rm. 116. The Orphan Care Group will focus on God’s call to help orphans through adoption, foster care, and missions work. The group will share experiences, study and Biblical themes regarding orphan care, and provide a support and network for individuals who want to support orphans.

Alcoholic / Addict

Location: Caring Center of FBC, 52 Adams Avenue CrossRoads Support Group is for addicts/alcoholics and family members.

Meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and follows a Christ-centered 12-step program. Call 264-4949.

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Highway Alcoholics Anonymous meets at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays.

272.2190. Alanon meets at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Location: First Baptist Church (Huff Community Ministries Bldg., 200 S. Perry Street) Celebrate Recovery, a Bible-based Christ centered approach to recovery from hurts, habits and hang-ups, meets Friday nights, from 5:30 p.m.- 8 p.m. For more information, contact Jane Ferguson at 241.5141.

Location: Grace @ Bell Road, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m.

An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m.

An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m.

Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info.

Location: Journey Church, 2960 East Cobbs Ford Road across from The Catfish House in Millbrook Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays at 5:30pm (meal-CrossTalk Cafe), 6-6:55 pm (large group), 6:55-7:45 (small group). Childcare available. Call Larry at 334-832-5714 or visit myjourneychurch.com.

River Region’s Journey

July 2015

Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVPThis is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center.

Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 East Main St. RSVP - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse-CASA) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334365-4201 for addition information.

Location: Santuck Baptist Church, 7250 Central Plank Rd. (Hwy 9), Wetumpka. Celebrate Recovery meets each Thursday evening at 6:15 in the Fellowship Hall. This is a Chrsit centered 12 step-program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Call 567-2364.

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behavior. If you believe you have a problem with sex addiction (or are wondering if you might) and you want to change your behavior, we recommend you visit our group. For locations, please visit- https://saa-recovery.org/ or please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com.

Meetings are held: every Sunday night - 7:45 p.m, men only.

Every Monday night - 7:30 p.m, men and women.

Location: St. James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery meets every Thursday night from 6-8 pm in the Youth Room. This is a Christ-centered 12-step group for anyone struggling with an “addiction or lifechallenging issues.” For information, call Chris Henderson at 334-215-0427.

Location: Trinity Episcopal, Wetumpka (Across from Winn Dixie on HWY 231) Gamblers Anonymous-Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Celebrate Recovery is a 12-step-Christian process to help you cope with hurts, hang-ups, and habits on a weekly basis.

Led by Jeff McFarland on Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. Call 279-5433 for more info.

Location: Victory Temple Church (located behind Wetumpka Walmart) ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Monday, 6-8pm (meal included). In 2011, Fresh Start Motorcycle Ministry (FSMM) began when God laid it on the heart of a lifetime biker to minister to those with his background. All are welcome, not a requirement to own/ride a motorcycle. Format used is the Holy Bible. For any info contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Wesley Hall Bldg.

An Adult Parkinson/Alzheimer’s respite ministry meets from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Lunch is served. Contact Daphne at 834-8990.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An Alzheimer’s and Dementia Caregivers’ Support Group meets on the first Thursday of each month at 11 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 272.8622.

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Dementia Daycare is held each Thursday in Rm. 3101 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Each participant may bring a sack lunch. There is no charge. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. Call the LifeCare office at 272-8622.

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Location: Memorial Presbyterian, 2130 Bell Road A Dementia Morning Out for caregivers is offered each Tuesday from 8:45-noon. There is no charge. Each participant may bring a sack lunch (juice provided).

Registration is required by calling 274-1018.

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Cancer Survivors Support Group is sponsored by Samaritan Counseling Center.

We would love to have anyone (patient or family member ) join us. Thursdays at 1 pm. Please call before attending just to make sure we are meeting that week. Please call Debbie D at 467-4578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

Location: Dalraida Baptist, 3838 Wares Ferry Road.

Just for Men -- Faith based cancer support group for men.

Meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the conference center. Please call 272-2412 email stan.hurst@knology.net.

Location: ChristChurch, 8800 Vaughn Road Cancer Support Group for general cancer. Tuesday afternoons at 1 pm. For more info, please call Christy Holding at 531-1390 or Debbie at 467-4578.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Women of Hope Breast Cancer Support Group, providing education, awareness, and mentoring for breast cancer patients/survivors, family, and friends, meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in Rm 8253. Call 272-8622 or womenofhope@charter.net.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. The Central Alabama Multiple Myeloma Support Group meets from 10 a.m. to noon the second Saturday of every month in Room 3105. We have guest speakers, video presentations, printed information and a group that welcomes sharing their journey with myeloma in an informal setting.

Refreshments are provided.. Contact Lorenzo and Elaine Duncan at 334-281-8158, or at duncan6563@gmail.com.

Depression

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Depression/Bipolar Support Group meets on the 1st Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm in Room 3101.

This group also meets on the 3rd Saturday afternoon, 12-2 pm, Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy in Church Annex.

Call 334.652.1431 or email dbsamontgomery@yahoo.com.

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care is held Wednesdays, 6:30-8 pm. Childcare available. $15 for workbook.

Dinner at 4:45 ($5 adults, $3 kids). Call Kathy Cooper at 241-5125.

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Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Divorce Recovery Support Group meets each Tuesday, at 5:30 p.m., in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272-8622.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care for Kids (DC4K) meets each Tuesday from 6-7 pm. Pre-registration is required. This group is for children ages 5 and up and helps children of all ages heal from the pain of their parents separation and divorce. Call (334) 495-6368.

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Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road DivorceCare fosters a weekly supportive and caring environment to heal the hurt of separation and divorce.

Facilitators are Todd Smith, Wendy Timbie, and Becki Harrison. Call 279-5433.

Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/ Wetumpka community Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. 567-0476 Location: Mental Health of America Bldg, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm.

Location: St Paul’s Lutheran Church, 4475 Atlanta Hwy, Mondays @ 6pm.

Gamblers Anonymous Hotline: 334-541-5420 or you can call 2-1-1 and ask for meeting information.

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Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100

Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist,

4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm.

Call (334) 284-2721.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Tuesday evenings at 6:30 pm in the church parlor. Call 365-5977.

Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105, in Fellowship Hall Lobby. 272.8622.

Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka Mourning to Morning is a Christian growth group for mothers who have lost a child, from before birth through adulthood. Meets the last Thursday night of each month. For info, contact Alice Scarborough (334) 462-4775 or Gwen Ellis (334) 567-8754 or e-mail mourningtomorning@gmail. com. Join us on Facebook--Mourning to Morning Group.

Location: Millbrook FUMC, 3350 Edgewood Rd Grief Share meets – Tuesday 5:30 PM in the Friendship Sunday School Class Room. Call 285-4114 for more info. Grief Share is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experience.

Location: Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church 1550 E. Washington Street Grief Ministry is a grief recovery support group that meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M. The ministry is designed to help anyone through the hurt of losing a loved one by successfully traveling the journey from mourning to joy. Alicia Glover is the coordinator. For information contact Glover at 334-281-2754.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road GriefShare is a support group that meets Wednesdays from 6-8 pm. This program is non-denominational and features biblical concepts for healing your grief. GriefShare will be led by Howard and Carol Payne and Jim Williams. Call 2795433 for more information.

Miscellaneous

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy NAMI Montgomery (National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) This group provides understanding, education and information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness. This group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 6:30-8:30 in room 3103.

For more information contact Mary Jo Logan (334) 271-2280.

Location: 5500 Ash Grove Circle, Montgomery.

OCD Support Group (obsessive- Compulsive Disorder) Long showers, multiple hand washing, rituals, checking stove, hoarding and symmetry. This support group is open to anyone who has struggled with OCD. You’re not alone anymore. Call Donald: 220-7555.

Location: Eastmont Baptist Church, 4505 Atlanta Highway Take Heart is for women dealing with infertility and/or miscarriage. The group meets the first Monday of each month at 6 pm in room 116. Contact Melissa at (205) 9132667 for more information.

Parenting

Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 S. Washington Moms LIFE (Living In Faith Everyday) meets twice monthly from 8:30 - 11:45 am in the chapel at the Church from Aug - May. We offer a time of fellowship, Bible study, musical guest, special guest

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speakers and a lot of fun!! Cost is $5 per meeting. For moms of all stages and ages of life. Childcare provided by reservation. For more info and to reserve your spot, call April Scott at 828-446-6666.

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) Moms, need a little break? MOPS is a place you can share a good meal, make new friends, and find encouragement as you face the everyday challenges of raising your little ones. We have educational speakers, great conversation, and fun activities. Free childcare is provided. Meetings are every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., September through May. Contact Tiffany Alewine at 241-5165.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ. Email Mom2mom@frazerumc. org for more information.

Location: Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Road Single Moms’ Care and Support Group meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 6:15 - 8:00 PM. December meeting will be on the 11th. Free snack supper provided to moms and children. Child care for infants -16 years.

Call 272-3174 for information.

Location: Redland Baptist Church, 1266 Dozier Road, Wetumpka A MOPS group will be held 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of every month during the school year, and has scheduled play dates and moms nights out through the summer and beyond. While moms are in a MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com for more info.

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road Are you in need of a time-out? MOPS joins mothers together by a common bond, to be better wives, moms, and friends along this journey in the trenches of motherhood. We meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month from 9:30—11:30 a.m. Childcare is provided. For info e-mail VFCMOPS@gmail.com.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy A Parkinson’s Support Group will meet the 4th Thursday at 6 p.m., in room 8114 at Frazer UMC. This group is for those who have Parkinson’s disease and the family members. 272-8622.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Singles’ Small Groups meet each Tuesday from 6:307:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. Call 272-8622.

Physical Challenges

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Road Visually Impaired Support Group – Meets monthly on second Thursday 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

The group is called Outward Sight - Inward Vision and is for those with vision loss and their caregivers.

Our mission is to assist those experiencing vision loss to maintain their independence by providing access to valuable information and spiritual support. Call 272-6152.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy An MDA/ALS Support Group will meet Tuesday August 10 6:00p.m. – 8:00 p.m. in room 3101. Anyone affected by a neuromuscular disease or family members of those affected. To receive information, call 396-4534.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy The Montgomery Ostomy Support Group is for people who have had or will have urinary or intestinal diversion surgeries such as colostomy, ileostomy and urostomy. Family members are welcome to attend.

Meetings are held every other month generally on a Sunday afternoon. For more information, call Paul at 271-3563 or visit www.montgomeryostomy.info.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy T.N.T. (Tuesday Night Together) for Singles meets Tuesdays from 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall, bldg.

7000. A meal ($5.00) and program are provided. For reservations, call 272-8622.

Location: Cornerstone Christian, 301 Dalraida Rd. Unavoidably Single Again (USA) Fellowship, a support group for widows and widowers. Informal meetings for fellowship and fun are held on the third Saturday of each month starting at 10 AM. Contact Lynda at farauthor@ aol.com or 354-8869.

Veterans

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Veterans OEF/OIF Caregivers Support Group meets on the 3rd Wednesday from 11am-1pm in Room 3108. Contact LaQuana Edwards, Caregiver Support Coordinator at CAVHCS (334) 727-0550 ext. 5350.

Email your support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!

growing confidence naturally SuMMer reSident & day caMP YMCA CAMP CHANDLER

FOR MORE INFORMATION YMCA CAMP CHANDLER Ages 5-15

day camp fees: Starting at $150/wk per child resident camp fees: $245 – $765 per child contact: luke dooley P 334 538 4658 F 334 269 2387 ldooley@ymcamontgomery.org campchandler.org

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Every Saturday through July 25 from 5pm–7pm* Family friendly activities sponsored by River Region organizations including: July 4th No Family Fun Night, Eastdale Mall closes early at 6 pm July 11th Pirate & Princess Night Sponsored by Chick-fil-A and Kreative Moments July 18th Sponsored by Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts July 25th Eastdale Idol, A Kid’s Karaoke Contest

Plus great discounts from retailers

Free Ice Skating for kids 10 and under!

Half Off Carousel Rides!

EASTDALE-MALL.COM

Visit for discounts and entertainment schedules. *Families must check in at Customer Service for a wristband to participate.

PEP Parental Escort Policy Visitors 17 years & younger are required to be escorted by a parent Friday & Saturday evenings after 6pm.

Belk, Dillard’s, JCPenney, Sears and over 85 Specialty Shops, including Bath & Body Works, Sephora and Foot Locker

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July 2015

Not Called to the Middle Pew Research has released a massive new study on religious affiliation that has been opening eyes since its release in May. The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey included some 35,000 respondents.

The summary on the Pew website highlights what might be considered the “lead story” on the results: While the U.S. is still home to more Christians than any other country in the world and just over 7-out-of-10 Americans identify with some branch of the Christian faith, the survey shows that the percentage of adults 18 and up who identify themselves as Christians has dropped by nearly 8 percent since 2007 - from 78.4% then to 70.6% now. This drop in the Christian category is primarily among mainline Protestants and Catholics.

Another of the headlines is that the percentage of Americans who are not affiliated with any religion has risen - from 16.1 to 22.8 percent. Those identifying with nonChristian faiths rose from 4.7 to 5.9 over the last 7 years, with the most significant growth among Muslims and Hindus.

There have been quite a few stories related to the survey, and I want to highlight some analysis. Christianity Today offered an extensive article on its website. It makes note of the stability of evangelicals, recognizing that over the last 7 years, about one in 4 adults have identified with that category, losing less than one percent of their share of the population and preserving their status as the nation’s largest religious group. All in all, there are more evangelicals in America today than 2007, adding more than 2 million people to River Region’s Journey

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their ranks, while so-called mainline churches lost 5 million people.

CT also noted the popularity of the “evangelical” label. It notes that Christians are more likely to consider themselves “bornagain” or evangelical. Half of self-identified Christians described themselves this way in 2014, up from 44 percent in 2007. This includes 72 percent of those in historically black Protestant churches, up from 67 percent in 2007.

Those are just some of the many findings of the survey.

What is its significance?

First of all, we can be reminded that the life of a disciple is a life of distinction, and we can be challenged to live out our faith in a culture that doesn’t seem to embrace Christianity as it once did. In Luke 14:26-27, we see that even though the crowds were following Him, Jesus issued the call to a more devoted life: “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” (NKJV) We can also see that these results indicate opportunity - to reach out to those identified as not being affiliated with any religion and to demonstrate and communicate the love of Christ and the truth of the gospel.

According to a Baptist Press article, Southern Baptist Convention President Ronnie Floyd said: “The results of the survey communicate growing evidence that the greatest need in America is a spiritual awakening,” adding, “The time is now and 38

the hour is urgent; our churches in this nation must come together in clear agreement, visible union and extraordinary prayer for the next Great Awakening and to reach America and the World for Christ.”

One of those distinct areas of opportunity is within the so-called Millennial generation.

There is also the reminder that those who have children, teens, even young adults, in their families can be motivated to share their faith principles.

A polarization is taking place, and there is the indication of a decline in the middle those identifying as “born-again” Christians are on the rise, plus there are more “nones.”

Ed Stetzer of LifeWay Research points out in a Christianity Today piece that: Christianity isn’t dying and no research says it is; the statistics about Christians in America are simply starting to show a clearer picture of what American Christianity is becoming—less nominal, more defined, and more outside of the mainstream of American culture.

For example, the cultural cost of calling yourself “Christian” is starting to outweigh the cultural benefit, so those who do not identify as a “Christian” according to their convictions are starting to identify as “nones” because it’s more culturally savvy.

Perhaps this survey can communicate to us that none of us should be counted in the “nominal” category - the Bible doesn’t teach a cultural Christianity that emphasizes blending in; no, Biblical Christianity calls us to stand out, to be different, and perhaps even to face suffering because of our faith. We are not called to go along, but to go into the world and make a difference.

Bob Crittenden is host of “The Meeting House”, heard weekday afternoons from 4-6pm on Faith Radio, 89.1FM in Montgomery. Described as “the intersection of faith and culture”, the program features Christian music and conversation about a variety of topics. Learn more by visiting www. meetinghouseonline.info.

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Golf Tournament

Tuesday, September 22, 2015 Arrowhead Country Club This outstanding event offers a great time of fellowship, fun, food and prizes, but most importantly helps us communicate the message of God’s love to our listeners.

www.faithradio.org (800) 239-8900 Our family of stations: Montgomery WLBF 89.1 FM • Andalusia WSTF 91.5 FM Dothan WDYF 90.3 FM • Eufaula 91.9 FM • Thorsby/Jemison 96.9 FM Sylacauga 94.1 FM • Alexander City 94.1 FM • Brewton 92.1 FM 39

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Call (800) 239-8900 or email golf@faithradio.org to enter your team, volunteer to help or to donate prizes for the golf tournament.

July 2015 Community Calendar Monthly events can also be found in the Around Our Community Section starting on page 8.

Wednesdays in July Hospice of Montgomery (HOM) will be hosting a Grief Support Group each Wednesday in July from 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. The support group will meet at Hospice of Montgomery’s office located at 1111 Holloway Park, Montgomery, 36117 throughout the month. This Grief Support Group is open to the community. For more information contact Hospice of Montgomery at 334279-6677 or www.hospiceofmontgomery.org.

Saturday, July 18 Metropolitan UMC will host its Men’s 3rd Annual Charity Golf Tournament at 8:30 am at Tallapoosa Lakes Golf Course East. For more info call (334 ) 244-0617 or (334) 272-9405.

Saturday, July 25 Woodland UMC sponsors Back to School Blast, from 8-11 a.m. at Woodland United Methodist Church, 4428 Wallahatchie Road in Pike Road (intersection of Vaughn and Wallahatchie Roads) For all children ages K5-12th grades. School supplies; free bookbags (to first 600 children); health screenings including blood pressure, diabetes, vision, hearing and dental screens; fun & giveaways; games & prizes; snacks; free haircuts & much, much more... Everything is FREE! Call 272-7230 for more info.

Ongoing Happenings AGLOW International meets every third Thursday, 9:30 at the Montgomery House of Prayer. All women welcome to join together for praise, prayer and an anointed message. Contact mboudousquie@yahoo. com.

Bridge of Life Assembly of God, 9000 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning worship at 10:30 a.m. each week. Sunday school classes meet at 9:30 a.m. We offer classes for all age groups and childcare is provided. Our goal is to build bridges... not walls. We invite you to come join us if you need to learn how to build those bridges. For directions or River Region’s Journey

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information call 334-396-0208. Email jon@bridgeoflife.tv or visit www.bridgeoflife.tv.

Central Community Christian Church, 981 South Perry Street, Montgomery, holds new members training classes on Sundays at 9 a.m. Sunday School (9:30), morning worship (11:00), Tuesday night Bible study (6:30). Every fourth Sunday of the month is our youth Sunday. For more information please call (334) 269-0457 or by email at centralccchurch1@gmail.com.

Christchurch, 8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, offers a Women’s Enrichment Bible Study led

by Jeanne Dean on Thursdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in Canterbury Hall. All women are welcome.

Childcare for ages birth-4 years is provided. Call 387-0566 x 201 for more info.

Christchurch offers a men’s Bible study led by Fr. John-Michael van Dyke, on Thursday mornings on the 11th floor of Goode Medical Bldg, Jackson Hospital. Breakfast is served beginning at 6:45 a.m. and teaching begins at 7:15 a.m. Call 387-0566 x 201.

Chisholm Baptist Church, 2938 Lower Wetumpka Road, Montgomery, holds Sunday morning Bible study (9:30), Morning worship (10:45), Tuesday prayer breakfast (8:30) Wednesday evening prayer service (6 pm) and Senior Body and Soul Group (every 1st Tuesday at 1 pm). Email jbass9784@charter.net or call 262-6437.

First Presbyterian Church, 9299 Vaughn Road, hosts a Men’s Prayer Breakfast every Friday morning, 6 a.m.

The Youth of First United Methodist Church, Montgomery every Wednesday night at 7:00 p.m. for Wednesday Night Live, a time of praise and worship in “the attic”. Also, every Sunday night at 6:00 p.m. is MYF which includes a snack supper $3.00 followed by activities, small groups and lots of fun! Visit www.fumcmontgomery.org.

First United Methodist Church will host Terrific Tuesdays. Please come and join us for fellowship, a program and lunch. Terrific Tuesdays will meet each Tuesday in room 204 of Wesley Hall. Fellowship time will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a program at 10:30 a.m. and lunch at 11:30 a.m. The cost of lunch is $2.50. Contact NeeNee Webb at 834-8990.

Frazer mom2mom is a playgroup to connect mothers of preschoolers at Frazer United Methodist Church to share fun and inspiration in our journey together, with our children, and with Christ.

Email Mom2mom@frazerumc.org.

Good News @ Noon is an interdenominational Bible study, held at the First Baptist Community Ministries Building on Adams Street, Thursdays, at noon.

Small cost for hot lunch. Call 272.1133.

Hall Memorial CME Church says: VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Tutors, prayer-warriors, and office/clerical volunteers needed for the Montgomery City Jail Ministry & G.E.D program. Opportunities are ongoing. No experience or certification necessary. Contact Pastor Anderson T. Graves II, at hallme40

morialcme1@aol.com. Call 334-288-0577. The City Jail ministry is an in-reach ministry of Hall Memorial CME Church, 541 Seibles Road, Montgomery.

Macedonia Miracle Kingdom & Worship Center (MMKWC), 3070 Selma Highway, Montgomery, services are Sunday School and New Members Class, 9:00 a.m., Morning Worship, 10:45 a.m.; Tuesday Night Bible Class, 7:00 p.m. and Friday Night Prayer, 6:00 p.m. (BOTH at The Pattern-Mt Meigs Road) Messiah Lutheran Church, 6670 Vaughn Road, invites all to Wonderful Wednesdays starting with a $3-5 meal at 5:30 pm (RSVP 277-4213 by Monday noon), worship with eucharist 6:15-7:00 pm, and adult choir rehearsal and Catechism class for 7th9th graders at 7:00 pm. Please call for Wednesday schedule due to seasonal breaks. For information, call 277-4213.

Mt. Gillard Missionary Baptist Church, 3323 Day Street, holds Wednesday Bible Study in the church Fellowship Hall and lasts for one hour. Please come and participate in roaming the Bible learning God’s word through teaching. The Rev. Henry M. Carnegie, Jr. is the teacher and pastor. Mid-day Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. Evening Bible Study begins each Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Call 233-8750.

Open Door Christian Faith Worship Center, 2450 Presidents Drive, Montgomery, holds Sunday School at 9:00. Sunday Morning worship 10:45.

Wednesday night Bible study 6:00. Youth Sunday Every 2nd Sunday. Women’s Prayer Monday 6:00.

Our Mission is producing believers who make an impact on a fallen society. Motto: Living –LovingPraying and Walking In The Spirit of Excellence.

William E. Cromblin, Pastor. For information call 334-270-6498.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, sponsors a Bluegrass Jam in the Church Fellowship Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 9AM - 12AM. All Bluegrass Artist plus Fans are invited to attend.

Attendance is FREE. For information call Kathy@ 272-3174.

Perry Hill UMC, 910 Perry Hill Rd, hosts a Wednesday Night Supper and Revive! program each week from 5:30pm til 7:00pm. Reservations are required by noon on the Monday prior to the supper. Cost is $4 per person or $12 per family. Call 334-272-3174 for more information.

River City Church, 301 Dexter Avenue, offers a Friday Christian Night Club (free of alcohol and smoking) with Ballroom Dancing every Friday at 6:30 P.M. Cost $10 for a one hour lesson, devotional, and 3 hours of DJ music. All denominations welcome. 7:30-10:30 open dance floor.

The River of Life Church, located at 116 County Road 40 E (in the Pine Level Community Center) Prattville. Pastor Nick Edwards invites you to a “Place of New Beginnings”, where families come and grow together. Church Service Schedule: Sunday 10:30 a.m. Sunday School; 11:00 a.m. Morning Worship; 5:00 p.m. Evening Worship. Wednesday 6:00 p.m.

Adult Bible Study, Teens (Genesis Project), Jr.

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High (Limitless), Royal Rangers, MPact Girls, Rainbow’s/Noah’s Zoo Club. Thursday 9:00 a.m.Women of Grace Bible Study. Nursery provided. Call the church office 334-657-0392 or visit www.theriveroflifechurch.net.

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers S.N.A.G. (Sunday Nights About God!) This program starts at 5:00p.m. and ends at 6:30p.m.

Childcare is provided for small groups until 7:00p.m. Don’t forget this program is available for all children!

Saint James UMC, 9045 Vaughn Road, offers Wild & Wacky Wednesdays! Wednesday night supper starts at 5:15p.m. We will start checking children in at 6:00p.m. This program ends at 7:30p.m. and childcare is provided until 8:00p.m. for small group participants. Call 277.3037 for more info.

Saint Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, 706 E. Patton Avenue, “Clothes Closet” is open to the public each Thursday morning from 10 a.m. – Noon. The Men of Saint Paul host a free Men’s Prayer Breakfast the Third Saturday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Church Fellowship Hall. The Men’s Prayer Breakfast is open to all men of all ages. Come and share your concerns and needs of our Men of today. For more information, please contact (334) 354-1897.

Bible Study is held each Wednesday, 6-7 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For info call 286.8577.

S-STOP, a commUNITY Bible study for Singles. Souls Strengthened Together for One Purpose. Psalm 46:10 “BE STILL and know that I am God.” Meets at Prattville Christian Academy on Sunday nights at 6 p.m. For info email sstop04@gmail.com.

True Divine Community Development hosts the Community Yard Sale every third Saturday from March to October, 4525 Virginia Loop Road Time: 7:00- 11:00 AM. Sign up for $10 Booths by calling 286-4008.

Vision Full Gospel Ministries, 163 Rifle Range Road, Montgomery, holds Bible Study Tues.

Night 7:00 p.m., Pray & Praise 2nd & 4th Thurs.

Night 7:00 p.m., Sunday School 9:30 am, Sunday Worship Service 10:45 a.m., Internet radiohomecominggospel.com Sunday 3:00p.m. Central & 4:00 p.m. Eastern. and Satellite Radio -wlsg 1340am Sunday 3:00p.m.

Women at The Well Ministry invites you to attend its women’s fellowship at 1 pm every 1st and 3rd Saturday. We are women who desire and have a heart to see broken, crushed, hurting women be transformed through the one man who can fulfill their every need... JESUS. All women of all denominations or race are welcome. This ministry is available to teenagers as well. For info contact Evangelist Dr. Linda McCall, 334-220-1924.

Send your events to deanne@ readjourneymagazine.com.

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Stand Firm in Love

Eph 6:10-20, 1 Cor 13:13, Gal 5:6, Ecc 4:9-12, Gal 5:1 We teach 12-17 workshops every five weeks for Squadron Officer School students and their spouses which focus on building relationships and gaining tools to keep their marriages and families strong as they face and overcome the unique challenges of military life. Three key areas of instruction are: (1) Putting on the Armor of God, (2) Keeping love tanks full, and (3) building “got your back” Christian relationships.

standing with us and helping us put on the armor. We need to encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ to daily put on the full armor by maintaining a close relationship with Jesus. How are you helping others keep their armor on each day?

(2) And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6) To stand firm in love, we must have the foundation upon which to stand: faith

(1) Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. (Ephesians 6:11, 14) “The armor of God” described in One of two small discussion groups identifying possible temptations faced by Ephesians 6 signifies Air Force husbands and wives, and specific ways to help avoid or resist temptations by using The 5 Love Languages to keep each other’s “Love Tank” full. the Christian soldier putting on his armor in Christ and in His Word. We cannot and standing firm against the enemy, the fight the devil’s schemes without that redevil. This is something we need to do lationship. Know your spouse’s and chilby reading God’s word daily and bringing dren’s love languages and learn to speak our needs and concerns to Him through them, showing your love to them in ways prayer. We can help our spouse and chilthey understand. As seen in Dr. Gary dren put on their armor by encouraging Chapman’s book The 5 Love Languages: them to do the same as well as by praying Military Edition, the languages are: specifically for them. One of our daughters recently showed me her prayer journal

#1 - Words of Affirmation where she had highlighted each member

#2 - Quality Time of the family with special scriptures cho #3 - Receiving Gifts sen just for that person, according to their

#4 - Acts of Service needs. She prays for us every day. She is

#5 - Physical Touch River Region’s Journey

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Based on focusing on our ministry to hundreds of military couples each year, Mike believes that most service member’s primary love language is “Acts of Service” followed by “Words of Affirmation.” Mike read once that at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was reported to have said that he could have won the battle if he had one more case of medals--a physical form of “Words of Affirmation.” Do you know your love language? Do you know that of your spouse, your children, parents and in-laws?

Can you apply that knowledge to help keep their love tanks full so they can better face and overcome the challenges of life?

(3) A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12) The cord of three strands can be husband, wife and God or it can consist of being strengthened by other family members or Christian friends. We can survive with just ourselves and God--prisoners of war have-many for years. But Christ always focused on “2 by 2” as seen in Luke 10. Who has your back? Who is on your team and do they have their armor on?

Put your armor on each day and stand firm! Keep the love tanks of those you love full and focus on building your family team to be strong in Christ. As Paul said in Galatians 5:1, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.”

Lt. Col Mike Conn and wife, Lisa, founded Covenant Family Ministries when Mike retired from the Air Force in 1997. CFM is an independent marriage and family education ministry committed to partnering with churches, organizations, and individuals in Montgomery and across Alabama to build Family Teams for Christ. Married for over 33 years, Mike and Lisa have three daughters, two sons-in-law, and three grandchildren.

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Q. What are the long-term effects of declaring bankruptcy?

A. One of the biggest aftershocks of filing

bankruptcy is that it stays on your credit report for years afterward.

A Chapter 7 filing, which wipes out everything and gives you a clean slate, stays on your report for 10 years.

Chapter 13, which is a repayments plan, and Chapter 11, another type of large bankruptcy or business bankruptcy, both stay on your credit bureau report for seven years.

Another big problem is that it can follow you around when it comes to applications or when you apply for different types of licenses. Many of these ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. It doesn’t ask if it’s still on your credit report; it will ask if you’ve ever filed bankruptcy. If you have, you’ll have instances for the rest of your life when you

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have to admit it and explain it all over again.

So, it’s an emotional scar that follows you around for a long, long time.

Too many bankruptcy filers never really recover from their financial distress because they never learn new and better ways to manage their money. That’s why I recommend people do everything they can to avoid bankruptcy. It’s not an easy do-over; it’s a last-resort kind of thing. And in the vast majority of situations it’s just not necessary.

Q. I have a question about budgeting. I give myself and my husband $150 a month each for blow money to be used on whatever we want. I’m upset because he spends all his eating out, then he buys other things he wants that he has no money for. Am I being too stingy?

A. I think you guys are handling your money poorly. You’re acting like his mother instead of his wife, and he’s acting like a little boy

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instead of a man. You don’t want to give your husband an allowance and then not be happy when he spends money “he didn’t have” because he went over what you dictated to him. That’s a bad budget process.

The budget process, if you’re the nerd in the family, should start with you writing it all out. Then he sits down with you, has an equal say in the decisions and you two okay it together. He needs to understand that this is you asking him to man-up and be part of the decision-making process, so that you can both be in agreement as to what’s best for the family. In one sense, you may not like it at first, because right now you’ve got control of things. But in another sense, I’ll bet you’re pretty tired of carrying the weight of all the financial decision making and being the only adult in the household.

He doesn’t even have to work on all that much. I want you to lay it out, but I expect him to sit down and go over it all with you.

You’re not asking him to be an accountant with a pocket protector, but you have every right to expect him to be in on the decisions that are made about your family and your finances!

Come Worship With Us!

Programs offered for all ages and stages of life.

Sunday 8:30 am 9:45 am 11:00 am 5:00 pm 6:15 pm

Worship Services Bible Fellowship Classes Worship Services Discipleship Classes Worship Service

Wednesday 4:45 5:30 6:00 6:30 6:35

pm pm pm pm pm

First Family Dinner Sanctuary Orchestra Rehearsal First Family Prayer Time Powerhouse (Student Ministry) Sanctuary Choir Rehearsal

Bring them in...

Build them up...

Send them out...

305 South Perry Street | Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310 | www.montgomeryfbc.org

Jay Wolf, pastor