River Region's Journey June 2016

ATLANTA HIGHWAY 8:00, 9:30 & 11:00 AM PIKE ROAD 10:00 AM IN THE PIKE ROAD SCHOOL

WWW.FRAZER.CHURCH 6000 ATLANTA HWY. MONTGOMERY • 272-8622 37 BRIDGE ST. PIKE ROAD • 801-9080

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR CHILDREN • FRAZER.CHURCH/CHILDREN

SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS • FRAZER.CHURCH/STUDENTS

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Volume 18, Issue 1

Feature Articles

JU N E 2 0 1 6 Columns page 2

page 12

Publisher’s Note

Faith @ Work

Jason Watson

Meet Kasey Hope, owner of P’zazz Art Studio in Prattville. Kasey not only impacts the lives of the children she works with at P’zazz, but her business has also partnered with a ministry to feed hungry children worldwide and care for orphans.

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Pastor's Perspective Dr. Patrick Quinn, Frazer UMC’s Pike Road Campus

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Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy

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Pondering the Journey

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Dealing with Disappointment

Sam Whatley

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Counselor’s Corner

by Victor Parachin

Nancy Thomas, LPC

Disappointments are inevitable, but we do have some control over how we deal with them and let them affect our lives. Discover five ways to make the most of the hard times that come your way and how to come out stronger on the other side.

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The Intersection Bob Crittenden

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Dave $ays

2016 VBS Guide

Dave Ramsey

Our guide gives you details on the many Vacation Bible School opportunities beginning in June in the River Region, including dates, times, themes and how to register.

In Every Issue

page 26

page 6

Knights of the 21st Century

Books to Read page 8

Around Our Community

by Laura Bell

Learn all about David Noles and his ministry to prison inmates using the “Knights 21” curriculum. The program, along with David’s mentoring and teaching, is transforming these inmates into true and noble men.

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Faith @ Work

June 2016

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.

From the Publisher I have a past that isn’t squeaky clean. No, no, I’m not about to share something that will put me on America’s Most Wanted list, but I have a long list of things about which I’m embarrassed and ashamed. Sadly, that’s a list that I still add to when I fall short of what God requires. The good news though is that I can openly confess that I’m a sinner because I hope in Christ. I’ve done wrong, but in Christ I’m no longer condemned!

And, every day, by God’s Spirit at work in me, I’m be-

Editor

ing renewed to walk in the freedom of holiness. I know

DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

you’re just like me. Your past isn’t squeaky clean either.

I pray you’ve received Christ as your Savior and are

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Associate Publisher Gena Hill

walking in the freedom He offers. That’s what a group of Central Alabama inmates is doing through the work of this month’s Ministry Spotlight, Knight’s of the 21st Century, led by David Noles. The hope of Christ is on full display as these inmates take on Christ’s noble character. Find out more on page 26.

Speaking of hope, this month’s Faith @ Work interview is with Kasey Hope. Kas-

Research Editor

ey owns P’zazz Art Studio in Prattville where her faith in Christ is on full display. I hope

Wendy McCollum

you have been to her studio, where she offers classes for children and adults. You

Contributing Writers Laura Bell Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Victor Parachin Dr. Patrick Quinn Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Nancy Thomas, LPC Sam Whatley

may think that’s all she offers, but in our interview you’ll see that Kasey and P’zazz Art Studio is touching lives all around the world.

Because all of us are still dealing with the plague of sin and its effects on our world – life can deliver disappointments. Author Victor Parachin writes, “Life offers equal opportunities when it comes to setbacks - separation, divorce, bereavement, life altering illness, unemployment, bankruptcy, rejection, loss of a love interest, a

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

problem child, a dysfunctional parent and more.” What might you add to his list?

Yes, life can deliver disappointments, but turn to page 18 and discover 5 ways to best deal with them.

A few weeks ago a woman told me how much she loves Journey because it’s so uplifting. She said, “Journey isn’t the kind of magazine you throw away.” I agree!

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

Distribution Team Wendy McCollum Chris Mitchell, Manager Manzie Moore Richard Ward Lesa Youngblood

Our writers and staff do an amazing job putting each issue together. Journey is a Gospel ministry that goes beyond the church walls to where you live, work and play.

We want to “uplift” your life with God’s truth and connect you with the River Region’s community of Christ-seekers. Please enjoy Journey each month and share the magazine with a friend. But, don’t stop there. Make sure you Like us on Facebook (River

Regions Journey) so we can encourage you every day of the week.

Live each day in the Hope of Christ!

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 2016 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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CHRISTCHURCH 8800 Vaughn Road

Come Worship With Us!

Founded Upon God’s Word At Christchurch, Holy Scripture serves as the final authority for our teaching and preaching. Indeed, over the course of three years, almost the entire Bible is read aloud and preached upon.

Warm and Loving

Liturgically Joyful At Christchurch worship involves the entire congregation, as we offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions that can be traced back to the earliest days of the Church.

Our worship is not designed to entertain us, but to honor the true “audience” of worship, the Lord!

Committed to Mission

By God’s grace and through His Spirit, the people of Christchurch enjoy the richness and joy of being a true family. We’d love for you to become a part of us!

Regardless of who you are, you will always find a home at Christchurch.

The people of Christchurch respond to God’s Word by going out into the world, to places like Uganda, Guatemala and Montgomery, proclaiming the good news of Jesus and joyfully serving as His hands and feet!

Sundays: 9:30 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Christian Education for All Ages Weekly: Discipleship and fellowship opportunities abound

Find us on Facebook and visit us at www.christchurchXP.net 3

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Pastor’s Perspective

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Dr. Patrick M. Quinn, Frazer UMC’s Pike Road Campus

Hit the Gas Pedal on Your Parenting When my daughter Kaylee turned 16 I began teaching her to drive. I discovered there’s nothing more thrilling or more terrifying than hurtling through space with a teen at the wheel—like being on my own personal roller coaster!

It’s amazing how many things we take for granted about driving until we try to teach someone else. For instance, the subtleties of that little pedal in the middle of the floorboard called the brake.

Maybe we should rename it the whiplash button.

A law of physics of which I grew newly aware is, you have to be moving to steer. At first Kaylee wanted to separate the two—get her wheels all lined up before she hit the gas. I kept reminding her, “You have to start moving first, then cut your wheel at the same time.” It’s a struggle to turn while sitting still; it’s easy when you’re moving. It’s just an exercise in faith.

Now here’s the life lesson for parents.

Your relationship with your children is the gas; teaching and discipline are the wheel.

It’s tempting to correct your children first and think about investing time in relationship with them later, after you get things all lined up. But that doesn’t really work. It’s extremely difficult to turn a vehicle that’s not moving.

Sometimes parents work very hard to correct their children, but don’t realize it doesn’t have to be so hard. If they would

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June 2016

invest more time in building a relationship—hit the gas a little harder—they would discover that it’s much easier to steer.

That analogy begs the question: What gets in the way of building a relationship?

Sometimes we blame our lack of time because we’re just too busy. In the analogy, that’s like running out of gas. Other times we blame our children’s stubbornness. They don’t want a relationship and push us away.

That’s like having a flat tire. We’re not going anywhere until we pull off to the side of our paths and change an attitude or two.

Both our lack of time and their stubbornness can be factors in why the relationship isn’t gaining much acceleration. However, I’d like to suggest another reason, one I think is actually much more common than we recognize. Many parents are riding down the road with one foot on the gas and the other foot on the brake. The name of that brake pedal is pride.

Three times in God’s Word, pride is linked to resistance. Peter and James both tell us, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” The writer of Proverbs says, “Toward the scorners he is scornful, but to the humble he gives favor.” I don’t know about you, but I’m thinking this issue must be really important to Him. Here’s my paraphrase: In a relationship with God, humility hits the gas and pride hits the brakes.

God warns us repeatedly about pride because

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it destroys our relationship with Him. God does not want your life to implode into selfcenteredness.

And there’s another reason why God repeats the pride warning—He isn’t the only one who resists the proud. Think for a moment about that arrogant boss you once worked for or that stuck-up kid at school.

Were you drawn to those people, or did you instinctively push away from them?

On the other hand, if you think about the people in your life you’ve really been drawn to—the coach you played your hardest for, the friend you felt the most relaxed with, the Christian leader you were inspired to be like—they shared a common trait of deep-down, genuine humility.

As parents, we have a degree of power over our children, but that power grows more limited as our children grow older.

Our influence over our children, however, is virtually unlimited and has the potential to inspire change in their hearts and minds.

Influence does not come from formal authority or power. You might force others to change their behavior, but you’ll never reach their hearts and minds. So how do we gain influence? One of my favorite writers, Henri Nouwen, says it this way: “What makes the temptation of power so seemingly irresistible? Maybe it’s that power offers an easy substitute for the hard task of love. It seems easier to be God than to love God, easier to control people than to love people, easier to own life than to love life.” © 2015 Dr. Patrick Quinn and Ken Roach.

Excerpted from How To Ruin Your Child in 7 Easy Steps (David C Cook). All rights reserved.

Dr. Patrick M. Quinn is a Teaching Pastor at Frazer United Methodist Church and leads the Frazer Pike Road Campus. Patrick and his wife, Rachael, have three children.

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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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Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ

by Andrew David Naselli

Sometimes I get well into a new book and suddenly find myself wondering, “Why on earth have I never read a book on this topic before?” This was exactly the case with Conscience: What It Is, How to Train It, and Loving Those Who Differ by Andy Naselli and J.D. Crowley.

How is it that I’ve read so many hundreds of books, but have never read one on conscience? Whatever the answer, I am very thankful that I read this one. I benefitted tremendously from doing so.

Is this subject worthy of a whole book (granted that it is a fairly short one)?

Yes, by my judgment. Naselli and Crowley say: Our modest but potentially life-changing goal is to put conscience back on your daily radar, to show from Scripture what God intended and did not intend conscience to do, and to explain how your conscience works, how to care for it, and how not to damage it.

We’ll show you how awareness of conscience increases church unity and strengthens evangelism and missions. We’ll talk about how to get along with others whose consciences enable them to hold different personal standards. And we’ll give you principles for how to calibrate your conscience to better conform to God’s will. We’ll even include a chapter on how missionaries and other cross-cultural servants can avoid pitfalls that arise from misunderstandings over differing consciences across cultures.

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What is the conscience anyway? In short, “The conscience is your consciousness of what you believe is right and wrong. It’s basically your moral consciousness or your moral awareness turned back on yourself.”

Conscience is a God-given capacity to make moral judgments in areas in which we do not have clear revelation from God or where we lack the spiritual maturity to properly understand his revelation. Conscience is a kind of early-warning or alarm system that alerts us when we are transgressing God’s will. “Your conscience is a gift. God gave it to you for your good. And when it’s condemning you, you need to discern why and then respond.” A look at the Bible passages on conscience shows two principles that take prominence: God is the only Lord of conscience and you should always obey conscience.

Of course the conscience is not infallible, so it needs calibration. If you are required to heed conscience, then of course you want your conscience to be as accurate and reliable as possible. “Don’t sin against your conscience. Listen to your conscience.

Cultivate a good conscience.” A whole chapter provides wisdom on discerning the reliability of conscience and calibrating it according to the clear revelation of God. A series of examples helpfully illustrates how you might do this when it comes to allowing certain instruments in worship, listening to particular styles of music, celebrating Halloween, and the like. A list highlights areas where your conscience may need greater conviction and calibration.

One of the tricky elements of conscience is that it is related to our spiritual maturity and to the depth of our understanding of Scripture. This being the case, no 6

two consciences will be perfectly alike even while both Christians are expected to heed their own conscience. For this reason, one important chapter offers wisdom on relating to fellow Christians when your consciences disagree. The authors offer twelve principles that can guide Christians as they pursue unity and joy, especially in local church contexts.

Perhaps the most challenging section is the one that looks at the relationship of conscience to culture—an important topic for me, living and ministering as I do in a very multi-cultural context. Crowley speaks with authority here, having spent much of his life as a missionary in Asia.

He tells how certain actions that are unconscionable in America are completely acceptable in Asia (and, of course, vice versa). His experience of two very different cultures helps illustrate the subjectivity of conscience and also the importance of emphasizing it out of love for others and out of a desire to further mission among them. “Wise missionaries study both their own culture and the target culture to find … wholesome and unwholesome aspects so that they and their converts can embrace the good and turn away from the evil.” The authors dwell on Christian liberty to show that the true liberty of the gospel is not the liberty to do whatever you want, even with a clean conscience, but the freedom to discipline yourself in flexibility for the sake of love and the furtherance of the gospel.

A closing prayer wonderfully brings the book’s principles into a plea to God for a clean, pure, tender conscience.

Conscience is an excellent book that covers its topic through skilled, powerful, straightforward teaching. The authors stay deeply grounded in Scripture without swerving into the dangerous ground of binding the reader’s conscience. I’m very glad I read it and am convinced it has equipped me to better honor and represent God in this world.

I believe that if you read it, you will say the same.

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Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of infected mosquitoes. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in items such as buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases.

1. Stay informed

2. Learn about basic injury and disease prevention 3. Look for the most current information on emergency preparedness 4. Create a family preparedness plan 5. Become familiar with the emergency plans of your community

prepare store essential items Water Food Can Opener First Aid Kit Flashlight

Radio Clothes Personal Care Items Important Documents

Avoid the Bite!

You can help prevent the spread of Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases by preventing mosquito bites and breeding. For the most up-to-date information on Zika Virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Alabama, visit www.adph.org/mosquito or call 1-800-252-1818.

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practice Practice and review your preparedness plan every six months Plan. prepare. practice.

http://www.adph.org

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“Belong” Women’s Conference

“Sports Camp” 2016

Be Known. Be Loved.

Be Free.

Frazer UMC presents “Belong” Women’s Conference with Kasey Van Norman, June 10-11 in Wesley Hall. Author and speaker Kasey Van Norman is coming to Frazer to share her story of experiencing God’s grace in the midst of extreme difficulty. A praise team will lead those attending in worship before each session and lunch will be served Saturday to those who register by June 5. Frazer’s Women’s Ministry leader Susan Fisher and conference volunteer/praise team leader Melinda Smith recently shared this exciting news on WSFA! Don’t delay— signing up is easy, simply go to frazer.church/belong.

Young Meadows Presbyterian Church June 6-10, 9am 12pm, For children in completed grades K5-6th. Register online at www.youngmeadows.org, or by calling the church office at 244-1385.

Messianic Dance Camp

Located at River Region Dance Studio, 7734 Atlanta Highway Sunday, June 26th beginning at 5 pm A $10 donation is suggested ($20 for Families) Registration includes: workshops, dance notations, bottled water and snacks.Please call 775.283.8080 or email Mindy@mdci.info.

In the 2015-2016 seasons, we had 10 State Champions, 25 Regional Qualifiers, and 3 National Junior Olympic Qualifiers!!

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We offer recreational gymnastics and competitive level gymnastics from Level 1 to Level 10 Boys and Girls Call today to start your Olympic Dreams in the City of Dreams!!!

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First United Methodist in Cloverdale will host a Kids’ Musical Theatre Camp this summer. The camp will engage children currently in grades K through 5 in hands-on training in the arts, including acting, singing, dancing, building sets, constructing costumes and learning superhero moves! Camp will take place June 20-23rd (8:30am-2:30pm) at the church and Friday the 24th at the Leo J. Drum, Jr. Theater on Huntingdon College campus. The church’s brand new Sacred Arts Program, with Adrian Borden at the helm, kicks off its ministry with the Kids’ Music & Theatre Arts Camp. Borden has her BFA in Musical Theatre from Niagara University and spent almost a decade in Hollywood as a professional actress in theatre, film and television.

Divided into groups by age, children will be encouraged to be creative and playful all week. They will also come away with a deeper knowledge of the Fruits of the Spirit in the Bible. “We found this great little musical called The Agape League.

Each Fruit of the Spirit comes alive in a superhero. There are so many fun characters in it and the music is awesome,” said Borden, when asked of the show.

COST: $150 per camper (discounts offered for High Impact Volunteers; scholarships offered where possible) CONTACT: Adrian Borden | aborden@ fumcmontgomery.org | 334.834.8990.

June 18-19 Legacy Arena, BJCC, Birmingham Moving men to make a change in this world. Cost $99/person. Speakers include Andy Andrews, Jim Kelly, Phil Waldrip, Rick Burgess, Steve Farrar, Tony Evans.

Register at http://gridironmen.org/events.

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You’re Worth The Wait Conference

June 3, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

Riverwalk Amphitheater, 355 Commerce St, Montgomery Sponsored by RachelDawn Organization, Inc, a nonprofit which works with girls 12-19 years of age to inspire young girls to know their worth. The #IRespectMyBody is a movement with a motivating message to educate and uplift girls to have a positive and healthy view about themselves and their bodies. Guest speakers: Hannah Arrowood, a Christian speaker and author who will speak about teen modesty and teen culture; Amy Camp, a makeup artist, offering age appropriate beauty tips (makeup and skincare) for teen girls and a speaker on health and fitness. A live Zumba performance with Monette Bosby. There will also be prizes, gift bags and cash giveaways. Tickets are $32. For more information, call 334-233-6987.

Table Tennis Tourney

Renascence Inc is hosting its Inaugural Table Tennis Tourney August 12 and 13. Friday August 12 starts with a Preview Party and Celebrity Slamfest from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Crump Senior Center, 1750 Congressman Dickinson Drive. Saturday August 13 is the main event, with play from 9 am to 4 pm, also held at the Crump Senior Center. Registrants can compete in beginner, intermediate, or advanced competition categories. Entry fees are $10/player for individuals under 18 years of age, and $20/player for those 18 years of age or older.

Registration at www.halfway-home.net must be completed and fees paid online by August 1.

Email your community or ministry news to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com!

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Cool Classic and Modern Cars on Father’s Day

June 19, 10:30 a.m.

Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Rd, Dudes like cars, dudes like bacon, dudes like recliners … and on Father’s Day we’re giving one away. We will have all kinds of cool classic and modern cars for you to check out, bacon on the grill and a drawing to give away a recliner to a dad at the end of our Sunday morning service.

Visit www.vaughnforest.com!

Got Dust?

It's virtually impossible to avoid—and it can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma is characterized by excessive sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli.

Certain triggers—ranging from viral infections to allergies to irritating gases and particles in the air—can make asthma worse. Each child reacts differently to the factors that may trigger asthma.

We can help you recognize what makes

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your child's asthma worse and find simple solutions to reduce and avoid asthma attacks.

Counseling & Discipleship Training: Finding Biblical

ChildrensAL.org/asthma

Answers for Yourself and Others

Registration is now open!

2016 Counseling & Discipleship Training is an excellent opportunity to learn more of God’s Word and how to apply it to real-life problems. Our presenters are not only serious theologians, but also compassionate practitioners who are involved in helping hurting souls and watching the Holy Spirit transform lives on a daily basis.

Choose from 3 courses offered concurrently: Fundamentals of Biblical Counseling Marriage and Family Counseling Preparing & Writing Your ACBC Certification Exam When: July 28–30 & August 4–6, 2016 (Both weekends included per course) Held on the campus of Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Birmingham Alabama Cost: $255*

Asthma Clinic Specialized asthma care for: l

Children with severe asthma Children with repeat hospital and/or urgent care visits Children and families with unique asthma education needs l Children with other conditions that make asthma hard to control l l

Appointments made by physician referral only. For appointments, call: 205.638.9583

ChildrensAL.org/asthma For Children’s Financial Assistance information contact 1.844.750.8950 or visit www.childrensal.org/financial-assistance

*Discounts available for Church pastors when 6 members register together or for group registration, see website for details.

Sponsored by: Birmingham Theological Seminary, Briarwood Counseling Ministry, and the Alabama Coalition for Biblical Counseling Email us at BHAM.BCtraining@gmail. com for more information Or go to https://briarwood.org/outreach/ counseling-ministry/ counseling-discipleship-training/.

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ing me I should start teaching art. The Spirit was prompting me that it was time to change directions, the circumstances were that our school system didn’t offer art in the schools so this would fill a void, and then His Word says for us to be a light. I knew I could be a light, love on kids, and reflect Christ a little bit better in the environment of an art studio. So in the summer of 2007 when I was seven months pregnant we opened P’zazz Art Studio!

RRJ: So in many ways you get to do a lot of the same things you were doing in the classroom. Why do you enjoy working with young people so much?

RRJ: You’re the owner of P’zazz Art Studio in Prattville, but that wasn’t the career path you originally thought you would take. What did you do before P’zazz?

Kasey: I actually got my degree from Auburn University in Elementary Education. Although I didn’t always know the exact career path God wanted me on, I did know that He wanted me to invest in kids and use my creativity. Elementary Education seemed like the wise choice to do those two things. It’s fun to look back now and see how God was giving me whispers all along even though I didn’t know His exact plan.

RRJ: What led you to go from teaching to owning a fun art studio?

Kasey: In 2007 I became pregnant with my first child. It was around that same time that I felt a strong pull to stay home with my little girl instead of putting her in daycare.

However, I just didn’t think that was possible.

I knew God was leading me in that direction, but I just couldn’t figure out the “how” part.

I just asked, “How, God?” And that’s when the Holy Spirit started stirring this idea of opening an art studio. God uses his Word, His Spirit, other people, and circumstances to point us to where we should go. All of those things were lining up. Other people were tellRiver Region’s Journey

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Kasey: Yes! I feel like I get to do what I do best here in the studio. I get to love on kids, help grow their confidence and self esteem, help them develop a skill set to be proud of, and teach them life lessons along the way.

I want to be a part of shaping them for the good. Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A wrote a book called It’s Better to Build Boys than Mend Men. And although I work with a lot of little girls too, this book embodies a lot of how I feel. I want to help build them into confident, kind, and generous kids now so that their whole life is better going forward.

RRJ: Your influence on children’s lives goes beyond your studio. How are you using your business to bring the hope of Christ to children around the world?

Kasey: We are proud partners with “Rice Bowls” ( www.ricebowls.org) to help feed kids around the world. What began as a small project to teach my students about giving grew into something unexpectedly wonderful. I saw on the Rice Bowls website that they had these cute rice bowl piggy banks. Then I read that you could use them in your church or small group as a mission project. Fill the bowls up with change and send them back.

I thought, Wow this could be fun for our art students. I was looking for a way to teach them the joy of giving so this seemed perfect.

I ordered the bowls, all our students filled them up with change, and then we had a big bowl breaking party where we busted open the bowls and counted all the money. To my surprise the kids had collected more than $1000 in change! I was so proud. Then later that year, Rice Bowls asked if I wanted to go with them to Honduras to see first hand one of the orphanages that our students helped to feed. It was on that trip to Honduras that we felt we had to do even more. On that trip 12

we made a pledge that for every child or adult who painted at P’zazz, whether a class, birthday party, extra event, anything... for every painter that walked in P’zazz we would feed a kid for a day. To date we have been able to provide more than 56,000 meals. We were also able to travel to India last summer and teach P’zazz art classes to more than 1000 orphans supported by Rice Bowls there.

Our partnership with Rice Bowls has helped changed the way I see the world and it’s helped give our business even more purpose.

RRJ: You are truly a great example of “Faith @ Work”. Of course, the Holy Spirit applying God’s Word to your heart deserves the most credit, but what has God used to shape your thinking in this way?

Kasey: A pivotal point in my faith was during my college years. It was during that time that I was under the leadership of some great people who really invested in the lives of college kids. They taught us from the Word, took us into their homes, showed us what living on mission looked like, gave us leadership opportunities, and showed us what it looked like to love people and serve God. During college I began to see that every city was a mission field. I realized I didn’t have to go to another country or be on staff at a church to be on mission. There is a spiritual hunger in our world and so many people are turning to false things to fill that void. It was during those college years that God began to give me a boldness and courage to tell other people about Him. I really am so thankful for all those leaders who invested in so many college kids’ lives. Their influence is making a difference for generations to come.

RRJ: How would you encourage our readers to live out their faith beyond the church walls?

Kasey: Love people (even the seemingly unlovable) and point them to Jesus. Simple as that. My pastor always says that people need “A Look, A Word, A Touch”. God doesn’t make it hard for us. We just have to rely on Him for the strength, the courage, the words, and the opportunities. They really are all around us!

Kasey Hope has owned and operated P’zazz Art Studio for the past 9 years. She is a mom to two great kids ( Kloe-8, Cade-5), married to her high school sweetheart T.R. Hope, and lives in Prattville. For more information on her studio head to www.pzazzart.com or her personal blog at www.kaseyhope.com.

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June 2016

River Region’s Journey

Healing From Father Wounds I knew a beautiful Christian young woman who I will call Janet. Janet loved the Lord with all of her heart, and aspired to live the Christian life to the best of her ability.

Unfortunately, she constantly fell into sexual promiscuity. In an attempt to try to help her, I discovered that she had a history of an immoral life style prior to her redemption. Now that she was a Christian, she still struggled with that bondage.

After much time, we finally arrived at the root cause of Janet’s problem.

Her promiscuous behavior was due to wounds from her father. This “Father Wound” had festered to contaminate her life.

You see, Janet’s mom and dad were never married. She dreamed about what her dad would be like.

She had a stepfather but it wasn’t the same.

At age 11, the situation changed when Janet’s mom told her that her dad was coming to visit.

Janet couldn’t believe it! But that wasn’t all. Her dad was going to take her to live with him. This was the best news ever! Janet packed her belongings with great joy. The day came when Dad showed up and took her with him. Janet now had someone she could call her very own daddy.

After a few months, Janet’s dad left her with some friends of his to go join his “other River Region’s Journey

June 2016

family.” He promised to come back to take her with him, but he never returned. Janet was now living with people she did not know. She was required to cook, clean, and babysit for these strangers.

Can you image how this little girl must have felt? Janet cleaned keeping one eye on the door hoping her father would return.

She was certain he planned to rescue her.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks became months. Janet eventually made it back home to her mom, but the situation grew worse as Janet’s stepfather and other family members tried to rape her many times.

Janet grew up and was finally able to leave the house.

Can you feel the pain of this eleven year old? Janet’s childhood hurt still caused her to struggle as an adult. Have you ever suffered similar ills? Have you been neglected or abandoned?

Have you encountered rejection, abuse, or fear? These things always hurt, but they are worse when perpetrated from the very people that were responsible to protect you.

If you feel pain from your past, allow Jesus to apply the balm of Gilead to every father wound that you have received. Without this healing, you may be looking for love in all the wrong places.

Maybe your father was a responsible person, paid the bills, put food on the table, and made sure your material needs were met.

But perhaps he was disconnected when it came to what you needed the most—matters of the heart.

14

Every girl desires her father’s affection.

Our Creator designed us with the need for affection, love, and intimacy. When that craving is not satisfied legitimately, it often creates a vacuum and a void that is often leads to promiscuity.

Here are a few signs that you may have a father wound.

1. Promiscuity 2. Feelings of rejection 3. Lack of trust for men 4. Intimidation 5. Fear 6. Anger 7. Unforgiveness 8. Lack of confidence

If you have a father wound, here are some things that you can do to be healed by your heavenly Father.

1. Stop measuring God with the same measuring rod you use to measure your natural father.

2. Begin to see God as the Father He really is. If you let Him, He will father you.

He will heal every wound sustained by your natural father.

3. Trust that God will never reject, abuse, or abandon you.

4. Pray to Him for healing.

Psalm 68:5-6 says: God is a Father to the fatherless, defender of widows, this is God, whose dwelling is holy. God places the lonely in families He sets the prisoners free and gives them joy.

I desire for you to let Jesus in! He will heal your every wound, restore, and fill every void in your soul with His presence and glory.

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Sunday Morning Small Groups - 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship - 10:30 a.m.

7505 Wares Ferry Road Montgomery, Alabama 36117 334.396.9811 15

June 2016

easternoaks.org River Region’s Journey

A New Season of Faith I saw a striking photo the other day. It showed the Schonberg Castle on the crest of a hill overlooking the Rhine River in Germany.

The castle was built of stone more than eight centuries ago and bears the destruction of many wars. But in the middle of that yellow stone fortress is a red brick building about six stories tall. It sports rows of archway windows with dormers cut into the roof. It looks modern, and therefore out of character with the surrounding battlements.

The armies of Louis XIV of France burned the fortress in 1689 and for 200 years it was left abandoned. But in the 1890s an Amer-

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

ican millionaire bought the property from the nearby town of Oberwesel and spent a fortune restoring part of the castle to be his family’s summer home. He finished the work in 1914, which explains the brick edifice. Two generations later his heirs sold the castle back to the town. In the 1950s the town fathers converted the brick building into a 24-room luxury hotel and gourmet restaurant. It was a hit. Tourists love the medieval rooms, four-course meals, and walks in the surrounding vineyards.

The startling sight of that brick building amid the ancient ruins and the changes that it brought made me consider that all of us have to change our purpose in life from time to time, especially after a disaster. The castle was originally built to defend the town against invaders. But, centuries later a new purpose was required. The wars were over. The nation of Germany defended the village. Now they needed revenue.

It seems to me that most of us are like that old castle. We start off with one aim, but end up with another.

Sometimes the change is a natural progression of events, like your children leaving home or your elderly parents passing away. In those cases we have time to prepare ourselves, because we can see the shift coming.

However, sometimes a catastrophic 16

event that changes our course does not seem natural at all. We have little warning, if any. A company from which you expected to retire can suddenly shut their doors and lay off everyone. An accident or illness can keep you from walking again or take away the life of someone you dearly love. A divorce can wreck your finances and take away your own children. It happens suddenly and it causes us to either change our life’s purpose (with God’s help) or crumble in despair. If we do not seek God’s guidance we can feel devastated.

This is true even in Christian ministry and among lay volunteers in God’s vineyard.

Sometimes it is the result our own on sin.

Which is why the Apostle John wrote: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9 NIV).

So what do you do if you feel that much of your life has been squandered away and you cannot get it back? What if that call to a certain ministry that God once placed in your heart is no longer an option? Try asking God to give you a new purpose, a new vision of service. And it does not have to be a grand adventure.

There are things that the Lord wants done in your home, your office, your school, and your church. He is not through using you.

You may find yourself assisting in a ministry that you never considered before. Maybe you are not so sure it fits your skills. But if God has truly called you to this new work, He will prepare you for it and give you the desire to get the job done.

If your goals have been crushed, you may feel you cannot accomplish what you thought you would for Christ. But trust Him to do something even better in this new season of faith. As Paul told the Corinthians, Therefore, if anyone is in Christ he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV).

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June 2016

River Region’s Journey

• Suspend Judgement • Trust • Identify 3 Positives 1 • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trus • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trust • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trus • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trust • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trus • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow

by Victor Parachin • Suspend Judgement • Trust • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow • Suspend Judgement • Trus • Identify 3 Positives • Neutralize Bitterness • Grow

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Life offers equal opportunities when it comes to setbacks separation, divorce, bereavement, life altering illness, unemployment, bankruptcy, rejection, loss of a love interest, a problem child, a dysfunctional parent and more. The Bible records several people who experienced life’s disappointment. Some examples include: Rachel, wife of the biblical patriarch Jacob, who could not bear children, and cried out: “Give me children or I’ll die.” (Genesis 30:1, New International Version); the prophet Elijah, who was so disappointed, he demanded of God: “Take my life.”

While some people allow disappointment to constrict and contract their living, others respond in ways which are constructive and expansive. Rather than becoming fragile and frightened, those who manage disappointment skillfully emerge bigger, bolder, braver and better. Here are five ways to deal effectively with disappointment.

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

18

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ves 1. Suspend judgment. t • Trust ow ves t • Trust ow ves t • Trust ow ves t • Trust ow

When things don’t go the way we want them to, our tendency is to make a snap judgment and turn negative on the spot. Avoid this temptation. Don’t jump to the conclusion that an unwelcome event is terrible and disastrous.

A wiser course of action is to face it skillfully but give it time to see how it ultimately plays out before arriving at a pessimistic conclusion.

A powerful example of this wisdom operating comes through the life of Rabbi Akiva (c. 40 – 137 CE) one of the most influential individuals in Jewish history. He was traveling from one village to another accompanied by his pet rooster, a donkey and lamp. Arriving at a small village he sought refuge for the night but the only inn was full and he was turned away. So he made his way to a field nearby where he and the two animals settled in to spend the night.

That evening a strong, loud windstorm emerged and blew out his lamp. Because of the noisy winds, Rabi Akiva did not hear when a fox came and ate his rooster. Nor did he hear a mountain lion approach, attack and drag away his donkey. The same night while he slept in the open field, a mercenary army attacked the village killing those who resisted and capturing all others to sell off as slaves. Immediately he realized that had the rooster crowed, had the donkey brayed, had his light glowed, he would have been discovered, possibly killed and certainly carried off as a slave. What initially appeared to be an adversity turned out to be an advantage for him. The lesson from Rabbi Akiva’s experience is simply this: only with the passing of time can we properly evaluate the full meaning of an event or experience.

2. Trust.

Believe that God will use your disappointment. Trust that God will turn a disappointment into a detour leading to something bigger and better for you. Take comfort from the words of the prophet: “The Lord says: ‘My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.”

(Isaiah 55:8-9 Contemporary English Version) Several years ago a young woman in her twenties was working for her father’s tax consulting business “making good money, more than my friends who were college graduates.”

However, the position meant that many days she worked eighteen hours. Then, one morning, she and her father received a call saying their office building was on fire. Rushing there, she watched “as everything I worked for burned.” Though she was shocked, upset and in tears, it was also a life transforming catalyst “because it was the first thing that made me stop and say, ‘Okay, hold on here. I’m crying because my adding machine is gone. What does that tell me about my life?’” A conviction grew within her that buried within this disaster could be an opportunity leading her to “create

a better life.” The young woman, Cheryl Richardson, left the tax consulting business, and over the next two decades, has become a best selling author of numerous motivational books.

3. Identify three positives.

Any time and every time an event comes into your life which is disappointing and damaging, look at it carefully, and identify three positives. This is a technique used by business consultant Shirzad Chamine, author of Positive Intelligence. He once asked a national sales manager of a company to come up with three positive scenarios which could emerge following the recent loss of her company’s biggest customer. Initially expressing skepticism, 19

she came up with the following three: “1) This could sober up the whole company to the fact that we are losing our edge and trigger more urgent action on new product development, which could in the long run get us many more clients; 2) This could make my sales team more open to upgrading its skills; 3) This could free up our service staff to serve our existing customers better and result in even more referral than what we lost with the recent customer.”

Chamine’s technique is a powerful one which can be used anytime disappointment strikes. For example: if you are suddenly downsized, identify three positives which emerge from becoming unemployed; if you experienced a serious health setback, identify three positives which emerge from loss of health; June 2016

River Region’s Journey

if you’ve been injured in an accident, identify three positives which emerge as a result of the incident; if you’ve had to file for bankruptcy, identify three positives which emerge because of financial losses. Practicing this technique will minimize despair and maximize hope.

4. Neutralize bitterness.

“Perhaps the most challenging thing we will ever be called on to do is to remain aware of the redeeming qualities of people who have hurt or disappointed us” says Rabbi Harold Kushner in his book Overcoming Life’s Disappointments. The way to remain free of bitterness and anger toward those who have disappointed or hurt is by attempting to see their virtues as well as their vices. This perspective is one Rabbi Kushner promotes to those “who complain about over controlling parents and to those who complain about neglectful children... to husbands and wives who are contemplating divorce because their mates turned out to be less perfect than they once thought they were.

Relationships require us to recognize people’s limitations and accept them as they are.”

5. Grow from experience.

This is especially important to do when you are the cause of your own disappointment.

There are times when most of us will fall short of our own standards and values. Rather than dropping down into self-condemnation and selfrejection, commit to self-growth and increasing self-awareness so it doesn’t happen again. Here’s an example. A man tells of an incident which happened many years ago when he was much younger and less patient. He was driving to his parents’ place when he became highly irritated by a very slow driver ahead of him. Becoming angry, he tailgated the auto so closely that he couldn’t even see the rear license plate on the vehicle ahead. His aggressive driving clearly intimidated the driver in front of him who seemed relieved at turning off onto a side road.

However, that side road was the very one he was taking to visit his parents. The driver soon realized that the person driving in front of him was his own mother. Immediately, his rage turned to enormous shame and great guilt, but he didn’t stay stuck there. Fortunately, he had the maturity and wisdom to learn from the experience and growth. From that time on, whenever he encountered a particularly slow driver or was cut off in traffic by a careless driver, he repeats this mantra to manage any road rage: that could be my mother…that could be my mother...that could be my mother. That simple five word phrase transforms hostility and anger into respect and love, impatience into acceptance.

Being disappointed by life is inevitable. Being defeated by life is optional. It all comes down to a matter of choice. Choose your options wisely.

Victor Parachin is a pastor and freelance writer.

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

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River Region’s Journey

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Aldersgate UMC

Dalraida Baptist Church

6610 Vaughn Road Theme: TBA When: June 11-14; 4 p.m.-8 p.m.

Ages: 3 yrs – 5th grade Register at www.aldersgateumc.org or call 272.6152.

3838 Wares Ferry Rd. Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10; 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Age: Kindergarten through 6th grade Registration on line and at the church. Call 272.2412.

Autauga Heights Baptist Church

Eastern Hills Baptist Church

1393 Highway 31 N, Prattville Theme: Cave Quest When: June 20-24 Ages: 4 years – 6th grade Call: (334) 322.3222.

3604 Pleasant Ridge Road Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10; Time: 8:30 – 12 p.m.

Ages: 4 (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or register online@ www.ehbconline.com.

Blue Ridge Baptist Church

East Memorial Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church

1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Theme: Ocean Commotion When: June 13-17, 9 a.m.–12 p.m.

Family Night, Thursday, June 16 at 6 p.m. with hotdog supper beginning at 5 p.m.

Ages: 4 years through 8th Grade Call 365.7500.

431 W. Fourth Street, Prattville Theme: Moses, Superhero of the Bible.

When: June 4, Time: 9 am til 3 pm Ages: Preschool – K; Grades 1-6 Registration Information: 334-365-5213 (church) or 334-546-5755 (Patsy).

4505 Atlanta Highway Theme: TBA When: June 13-17; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ages: 4 yr. - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277.6300.

4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Submerged When: July 10-14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

A family night musical performance will be held July 17 at 6 p.m. Call 567.4325.

Camellia Baptist Church

201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Theme: Submerged When: June 5-9, Kickoff will begin 4 p.m. on Sunday followed by a hotdog dinner.

All other nights will begin at 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Ages: 3 year preschool through 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register at www.camelliabaptist.com. Call 365.0231.

Capitol Heights Baptist Church

2514 Madison Avenue Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10, 9 a.m. to noon Ages: 4 years old by Sept. 1 to 6th grade.

Nursery provided for VBS workers only. Call 264.6461.

Cornerstone Christian Church 301 Dalraida Road When: June 20- 24, 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Theme: Submerged For more information, call Meranda Thompson at 334-430-7568

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

Eastmont Baptist Church

First Baptist Prattville (ad on page 20)

Theme: Submerged June 20-24, 8:30-12:00 noon Ages 3 years- Eighth Grade.

Children must be 3 years old by September 2, 2014 to attend. For more information and/ or to register visit fbcprattville.org or call 365-0606.

First Baptist Church, Wetumpka 205 W. Bridge Street Theme: Cave Quest When: June 5-9, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Ages: K-6th grade.

Call 567.5191.

First Christian Church

1705 Taylor Road Theme: Cave Quest When: July 26-29; Time: 5:30-7:30 Light dinner and snack provided Ages 4 years old – 6 grade Please call for more information, 270.1320

First Presbyterian, Prattville

Elizabeth Baptist Church

211 S. Chestnut Street Theme: Camp Kilimanjaro When: June 6-10 VBS starts at 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: 4 years old through entering 6th grade Call 365.6387.

15627 Troy Highway, Mathews Theme: The Ultimate Climb-Hiking Up to Meet God! When: June 27-29; Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

For all ages – adults included.

Dinner provided.

Please call 281.4506

2416 W. Cloverdale Park Theme: Hawaiian Surf Shack When: June 6-10; 9a.m. until noon Ages: Age 3 (by Sept 1 of 2015) through 5th grade. Call 834.8990.

Evangel Church

3974 Vaughn Road Theme: Cave Quest When: June 27-July 1; 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.

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

First Baptist, Montgomery (ad on Back Cover)

305 South Perry Street Theme: Submerged When: June 20-24; 9 a.m. to Noon You can register on our website at www.

MontgomeryFBC.org. Call 834.6310.

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First UMC, Montgomery (ad on page 29)

First UMC, Prattville

100 E. Fourth Street Theme: Everest: Cave Quest When: June 6-10, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 6th grade Call 365.5977.

Fountain City Baptist

492 East Main Street, Prattville Theme: Kowabunga Farm: Growing with Our Faithful God When: June 12-16 Ages: 3 to 12. Call 365.2034.

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Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church (ad on Inside Front Cover)

6000 Atlanta Highway Theme: Submerged When: July 11-15; 9 a.m. to 12 noon Ages: Rising K4 year olds-Finishing 5th grade Call 272.8622.

Gateway Baptist Church (ad on page 9)

3300 Bell Road Theme: Submerged When: June 20-24; 9am-12pm Ages: Completed 1st through completed 5th Call 272.9494 to register.

Glynwood Baptist Church

376 N. McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10, 5:45 to 8:30 pm Ages: 4 through grade 6 For more info and to preregister, go to www.glynwoodbc.com or call 361.9180.

Grace @ Bell Road 5 Bell Road, Montgomery Theme: “Time Travelers” Creative Arts Camp When: June 6-10, 8:45 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Ages: 6 years to rising 6th graders.

Please call or visit www.discovergrace.org

GracePointe VBS

His Vessels Ministry, Montgomery

1565 Ray Thorington Road Theme: Overboard: Diving in Deep with God When: June 26-29 from 6-8 pm Ages: 4-12 Visit www.grace-pointe.com to register or call 271.2525.

Union Station, Downtown Montgomery Theme: Patriot Camp (Teaching children about the founding of our nation) Dates: June 7-10; Times: 9 a.m. until noon Ages: 6 – 12 Call 334-356-4478 or email info@hisvessel.org.

Hayneville Baptist Church

Holy Spirit Catholic Church

1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Submerged When: July 10-14, 5:45 until 8:30 Ages: Pre K - 6th Grade (grade completed) Email: hbc@connecthbc.com or (334) 548.2620.

8570 Vaughn Road, East Montgomery Theme: Parachute with the Angels When: June 13-17; 8 a.m.- 12:30 p.m.

Age: Entering Preschool – entering 6th grade Call 277.1989 or register online @ www.holyspirit-church.com.

Heritage Baptist Church (ad on page 24)

Lakeview Baptist Church

1849 Perry Hill Road Theme: Submerged When: June 13-17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:05 p.m.

Ages: Complete 4K - 5th grade Call 279.9976.

9225 Atlanta Highway Theme: Deep Sea Discovery When: June 20-24; 5:45 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Ages: 4 years old thru entering 6th grade.

Free meal for kids at 5 pm.

Call 213.3080.

1357 S. Memorial Drive Theme: Ocean Commotion Dates: June 12-16, Time: 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Ages: K3 through completion of 6th grade Call 365-2372.

1800 Halcyon Boulevard Theme: TBA When: June 26-29, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

Ages: Nursery through adults Call 277.5800.

Heritage Baptist, Prattville

Landmark Church

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2600 Bell Road Montgomery, Alabama 334.277.6690

460 McQueen Smith Road Prattville, Alabama 334.358.6411

Dr. John H. Payne IV • Dr. David Stanley • Dr. Davis Denney • Dr. Rob Owen 23

June 2016

River Region’s Journey

Millbrook Presbyterian (PCA) 3480 Main Street, Millbrook Theme: Cave Quest When: July 11-15 5:30-8:30pm Ages: Entering K-4 thru 5th grade For registration, call 285-4031.

Montgomery Area Episcopal Churches Church of the Ascension, 315 Clanton Avenue, Montgomery Theme: Egypt Dates: June 6-9, 8:30 a.m. – Noon Ages: Rising K4 through rising 6th grade For registration or more info, call 263.5529.

Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road Theme: Cave Quest When: June 6-10, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304.

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Theme: Submerged When: June 13-17, Times: 8 a.m.- 11:30 a.m.

Ages: Completed K5 through 6th grade Call (334) 567.4458.

Mulder UMC

3454 Firetower Road ~ Wetumpka Theme: Surf Shack When: June 5-8; 6 – 8 p.m.

For more info please call 567.4225.

Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist 1550 East Washington Street, Montgomery Theme: TBA When: June 22-27; Time: TBA Please call 265-1807 for more information.

Redland Baptist Church

1266 Dozier Rd, Wetumpka Theme: Submerged Dates: June 26-July 1; 9:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

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Ages: 5 (by Sept. 1) through graduated 5th grade. Please call 567.8649.

Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Ages: 4 to completed the 6th grade.

Please visit rbcmontgomery.com for more information. Call 277.0011.

Saint James UMC

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9045 Vaughn Road Theme: Cave Quest When: June 20-22, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Ages: K4-5th grade Call 277.3037.

Taylor Road Baptist Church

1685 Taylor Road Theme: Submerged When: July 18-22, 8:30 a.m. to Noon

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Theme: The Race is On When: June 6-10, 9 a.m. to noon.

Ages: Pre-K 4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register.

Trinity UMC, Prattville

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Ages: Completion of Kindergarten through 6th grade. Call 271.3363.

Thelma Baptist VBS/VBX When: June 6-10; 9 a.m.-noon VBS is for kids entering K5 through completed 5th grade. VBX is for kids who have completed 6th & 7th grade.

Register online @ www.tlifeonline.com.

Spanish language offered as well.

Thorington Road Baptist

450 Ray Thorington Road Theme: Journey Off the Map When: May 31-June 4; 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Ages: 5 yrs. to 5th grade. Call 396.9376.

Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 S. Hull Street

610 Fairview Avenue, Prattville Theme: TBD When: June 14-18, 5 p.m. until 8 p.m.

Dinner provided for children every night.

Call 365.7339.

University Church of Christ

5315 Atlanta Highway Theme: TBA When: June 26-29, Time: TBD Ages: newborn thru 6th grade Adult classes will be available Please call 386.7320 or visit www.ucoc.org.

Vaughn Forest Church 8660 Vaughn Road Theme: Submerged When: June 6-10; 9 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Ages: Entering Kindergarten entering 6th grade.

Registration online at www.vaughnforest.com. Call 279.5433.

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Vaughn Park Church of Christ (ad on page 11)

3800 Vaughn Road Theme: SonSpark Labs, Discovering God’s Plan 4U = Jesus When: June 26-29, 6-8 pm For more info contact Carrie Stark at 272.2665 or carriejmstark@gmail.com.

Whitfield UMC

2673 Fisk Road Theme: SurfShack When: June 13-16, 5:30 to 8 p.m.

Ages: 3 years to 6th grade.

Call 281.2467.

Woodland UMC 4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road Theme: Cave Quest When: June 6-9; 5:30 – 8 p.m.

Ages: 4 years old -6th grade Call 272.7230.

Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road Theme: Sports Camp 2016 When: June 6-10, 9 a.m. until noon Ages: Kindergarten -6th grade Call 244.1385.

June 2016

River Region’s Journey

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Twenty-seven years ago David Noles began his journey in prison ministry, an adventure of a lifetime for sure. David began working with inmates part time to form relationships and draw these men closer to Jesus.

Working with inmates can have its challenges, and with time, David began to see consistent issue within these men: fatherlessness (either emotional or actual absence) and drug and alcohol abuse. The men were subject to this type of hurt and began living out of these wounded places of their hearts. He noticed that the greater issue lies in these places that have not found healing or any type of teaching. “It is a generational problem.” David told me in an interview, “I knew that the problem needed something spectacular to change it.” When David’s ministry became full time, he began asking the Lord exactly how he could reach the hearts of these men, and God had the best plan up His sleeve.

While away at a Truett Cathy Conference, David met a man named Roy Smith, who started a curriculum in Lancaster, PA called “Knights of the 21st Century.” It was being used in churches to build the strength of male leadership in homes and work. This particular study changed the way men treated their wives, children, co-workers, etc. and seemed River Region’s Journey

June 2016

to have some miraculous affect on the way it transformed their overall lives. David was intrigued, feeling extremely drawn towards this curriculum, hoping to bring it to the prisons in his hometown. After much prayer and thought, David began incorporating this particular curriculum into the prison ministry that he had already invested in, and the results were remarkable.

The curriculum is based solely on Scripture and how to apply it to your life. There are eight steps with eight foundations of Scripture attached to them, giving them life and breath to the wounded places in need of great redemption

Step one: Luke 22:42 “Father, if you are

willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will but yours be done.” There must be a willingness to focus on doing what is right, rather than focusing on what we want. Ask Jesus for strength to make choices align with Him.

Step two: James 5:16 “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” We can’t hide the sin within us, but we can talk through our imperfections to find healing in those places.

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Step three: 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up just as you are in fact doing.” In order to harvest a fruitful life of accepting God’s truth over Satan’s lies, we must help each other by encouraging one another in love.

Step four: James 1:22 “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.

Do what it says.” We must continually resist passivity to achieve the goals and fulfill God’s purpose.

Step five: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Let’s get it done with God by actively pursuing a relationship of closeness to Him. Step six: Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

We must respect ourselves by acting out of honor, and pursuing our greatest capabilities.

Step seven: Ephesians 4:26 “In your anger do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your

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anger.” We want the people in our lives, women and children, to feel safe, valued, respected and cared for.

Step eight: Matthew 22:36-39 “What is

the greatest commandment in the law? Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart soul, mind, and strength. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Knights must step up to the mandate of Jesus to love others and not limit ourselves from sharing our faith.

In a recent survey of the men who have been taking this course in the prison ministry, 100% said that they are “more motivated to be a more honorable man.” Along with that, every statistic of positive outcome such as: less disciplinary action against them, less arguments and fights, and lessened anger all ranged above 75% of the students. These men have been pursued and blessed to live differently, whether incarcerated or at home. This particular course is teaching these men to live differently than what the world tells them.

In an article interview, Roy Smith, the founder of Knights of the 21st Century says, “In developing Knights of the 21st Century,

a program that helps men achieve their potential from God’s perspective, we have seen men’s lives changed— leading to a ripple effect across their lives: marriages are restored, challenges are met and their relationship with Jesus, the Ultimate Man, is strengthened. There are three essential ingredients which contribute to the success of Knights 21. First, God is honored as men pursue an increasingly intimate relationship with Him. Second, men are encouraged as they become aware of their individual giftedness, experience being valued by others and make a commitment to preparing themselves for God’s purpose. Third, a sense of community is established as men talk with other men about what really matters and consider God’s will regarding their life choices, their leadership within the home and their influence in the world.”

As David has pursued this particular course of teaching, he has come to see the lives of multiple men changed. He has mentored and helped more than 340 men and has seen nothing but blessings come from this class and the vision. In the years to come there is a great desire and vision to see churches get involved in sponsoring the inmates to learn this curriculum, but today, David will continue to love and bless the people he works with daily, teaching them to be men of honor and integrity.

If there is an interest in learning more about this ministry and how your church can help sponsor a Knights 21 program, you can contact David at chapnoles@gmail.com.

Laura Bell is a freelance writer, born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama. She enjoys spending time with her husband Cody and finding all reasons to have joy in life!

More About “Chap” Noles David “Chap” Noles began his ministry to the poor, homeless and incarcerated in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1990 while participating in the St. Louis Spiritual Internship Program. In 1994, Chap was asked to be the Resident Program Supervisor for Labor of Love Ministries in Tallassee, Alabama, his home town, where he served for two years working with the addicted and those in transition from prison. After marrying Amy Taylor in 1995, he continued to work as a volunteer for Labor of Love Ministries and also became involved with Prison Fellowship Weekend programs and Kairos Prison Ministry weekends.

In 2005, Chap answered the call back to full time ministry and founded “The Least: a ministry of compassion” as an organization to serve as a chaplain in the underserved prisons of central Alabama. One year after starting this ministry, he was asked to become the Volunteer Institutional Chaplain of Red Eagle Work Center north of Montgomery where he has served since.

Chap sees himself as a missionary chaplain and not as a prison minister. As a Missionary Chaplain to the prison system, Chaplain Noles has 24 hour, seven day a week, unlimited access to the facility in which he ministers. He is considered by the Alabama Department of Corrections to be the Volunteer Institutional Chaplain of Red Eagle Work Center and directs all religions activities in this facility. 1600 men move through Red Eagle Work Center each year.

Chap is available to speak to churches about developing a men’s ministry in their congregation or those who would be willing to sponsor a men’s ministry in one of the local prisons.

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MEN’S MINISTRY 1.800.777.0305* • knights21.com * To contact our Alabama representative, Chap Noles, press 1 for Knights, then press 4

The world needs to feel the impact of Godly women.

Don’t lose your moMENtum. Build a thriving men’s ministry with K21.

Our DVD study programs for men are changing lives in churches, prisons, rescue missions and communities.

SQUIRE: THE TRAINING OF THE KNIGHT This 24-lesson DVD series challenges men to become their best. This is the first volume of our 5-year series, The Heroic Man’s Journey.

LIVING BETTER: VOLUME 1 This 18-session DVD series was created to guide Christian women and those who have yet to receive Christ toward their greatest potential.

Our mission is to draw women together to discover God’s truths and directives that are found in the Bible.

1.800.777.0305 (press 2) • realwomen21.com

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June 2016

River Region’s Journey

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Adoption

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy and First UMC, Millbrook APAC- Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connection Support Group This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Montgomery Group meets 3rd Thursdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Room 8114 at Frazer.

For information, call Monica Russell at 409-9477 or email mrussell@childrensaid.org. Autauga/Elmore Group meets 4th Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., First UMC, Millbrook.

Childcare, children’s group and dinner provided. For info, call Hannah Taylor at 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.

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June 2016

Location: Millbrook First United Methodist Church, 3350 Edgewood Road Adoption Support- Will meet 4th Tuesday of each month from 6-7:30 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.

Alcoholic / Addict

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: 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: 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.

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: 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.

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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.

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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 life-challenging 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: First United Methodist Church, Wetumpka 306 W. Tuskeena Street ‘Fresh Start’ Recovery meets every Thursday, 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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River Region’s Journey

Divorce

Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling: 277-5100

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.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm. in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Also, are you stuck in a pattern of going back to the same relationships or situations hoping for or expecting different results? In this new study “Never Go Back”, you will recognize and truly change those life patterns that hold you back and keep you from your goals. Call 495-6368 or e-mail singles@ frazerumc.org.

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.

Grief Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compas-

sionate 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 for info.

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 Sundays from 5-7 p.m. For more information or to sign up, please call the church office at 285-4114 or email churchoffice@mfumc.org.

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: 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 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

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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 ages birth to 5 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: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd.

Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For more information call 277-5800.

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.

Location: Redland Baptist, 1266 Dozier Rd, 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 .

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.

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: Vaughn Park Church, 3800 Vaughn Rd. Montgomery Area Down Syndrome Outreach Group meets 2nd Friday of each month from 6:30- 8 PM. We have activities, speakers and special events throughout the year for the parents, siblings and children with Down Syndrome Childcare is provided. Please visit our website at www.montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or visit our Facebook page (MADSOG) for more information.

Please contact MADSOG at montgomeryareadownsyndrome@gmail.com for more information.

Same Sex Attraction

Location: Huff Community Ministry Building of First Baptist Church at 305 S. Perry Street Pathway Support Group for those dealing with unwanted same sex attraction. The group meets at 6:30 pm every first, third and fifth Tuesday evenings. For more information about the Pathway call (334) 241-5141 or (334) 241-5140.

Singlehood

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Boundaries study for singles meets each Tuesday from 6-7:30pm in the Fellowship Hall Lobby. This study will help singles learn to set boundaries with emotions and help avoid the harmful behavior of others. For more information, call 495-6386 or email singles@ frazerumc.org.

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Single and Parenting! A New Group for Single Mom’s. This group meets every Tuesday from 6-7:30pm for hope & encouragement & guidance & parenting ideas. For information, call 495-6386 or email singles@frazerumc.org.

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!

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and other violent behavior illustrating that the effect of maternal depression is not exclusive to mothers and is devastating to children.

Christian Women Are Experiencing a Perfect Storm It’s the moms of this nation - single, married, widowed - who really hold this country together. We’re the mothers, we’re the wives, we’re the grandmothers, we’re the big sisters, we’re the little sisters, we’re the daughters. You know it’s true, don’t you? You’re the ones who always have to do a little more. Ann Romney Traditional female role expectations and the modern reality women face create a perfect storm of stress for women. An article by the American Mental Health Counselors Association in May documents new research indicating what many of us have realized for a long time; women are facing a “perfect storm of factors and issues” significantly increasing their risk for depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Four of the critical factors are outlined as contributors to the perfect storm.

1. Postpartum depression affects one in seven women each year and most are untreated due to the shame and stigma of postpartum depression. Unfortunately, untreated maternal depression has long term negative effects for children in the form of depression, anxiety, conduct and substance abuse disorders. When children experience depression it is associated with an increased severity of their illness, risk of suicide River Region’s Journey

June 2016

2. Discrimination in the workplace and income disparity leads to higher rates of depression and anxiety, particularly for poor and minority women. Women earn 79% of median income of men and are 2.5 times more likely to have depression than men with similar levels of education and experience. Social and cultural gender inequality funnels women into jobs where they are compensated less, promoted less, have less power and where they experience disrespect and harassment in the workplace. Working mothers are assumed to be less focused on their careers because of their family even when their family depends on their income to survive.

3. Social stressors include the lack of paid parental/maternity leave, particularly for low income women and discrimination against women who take maternity leave that is provided. Evidence indicates that paid maternal and parental leave positively impacts the mental and physical health of the child and mother for years to come. Knowing that one’s job and income are protected during maternity leave has positive impacts mental health. The lack of affordable, quality childcare, childcare for sick children and the multiple role demands women compounds stress.

4. Trauma, violence and abuse effects one in four women. Women 20-24 are at the greatest risk. This includes physical, sexual and psychological abuse by a current or former partner or spouse with effects that can last a lifetime.

Intimate partner violence occurs in all socioeconomic groups and within Christian families.

Violence is outside of the awareness of others, minimized when brought to the awareness of clergy and goes unaddressed. Violent people inappropriately use scripture to shame and 32

control their spouse. Women frequently believe their abusers’ statements that the violence is their fault, they deserve the abuse and they have failed as a wife and mother.

Traditionally, when coping is difficult for women, it has been viewed as a weakness in faith or character which further shames and isolates them. It is time to place a high priority on integration of mental health awareness and supportive services into ministries for women because it impacts the lives of everyone in their families. Gaining knowledge in this area enhances women’s ministries, decreases stigma and increases access to care.

As faith communities it is imperative that we work to provide supportive public policies for women and their families, dispute commonly accepted negative images, rhetoric, disrespect and misinterpretation of scripture surrounding women. Supporting women and children is integral to the survival of our families and our faith communities as women and children are vital to the growth of the Church.

Compassionately refer women and families experiencing stress or mental health issues to faith and family friendly counseling or their primary care physician. Begin ministries that support working women with children by incorporating mental, physical and spiritual health, healthy relationships and community support. Fortunately research is recognizing that the holistic approach is important to wellness and recovery. I think Paul did too!

Yes, and I ask you also, my loyal companion, help these women, for they have struggled beside me in the work of the gospel.

Philippians 4:3 (NRSV) 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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June 2016

River Region’s Journey

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F

Fr 5: What Are Your “Essentials”?

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third say that attending religious services is essential.

At the bottom of the list, 18% say that living a healthy lifestyle and/or resting on the Sabbath are essential, and 14% say buying from companies that pay fair wage is essential.

The Pew summary also says that:

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The image is clear from John chapter 15...Jesus said in verse 5: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (NKJV) We derive our spiritual life from the life of Jesus, the vine to whom we are each connected. He teaches us later in the chapter in verses 7 and 8: “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” (NKJV) Recently, on The Meeting House program on Faith Radio, I referred to a new Pew Research study release about how religion affects everyday life. I would like to discuss a list that is found in the data - a list of essentials. The Pew people wanted to examine a link between what people view as “essential” in their lives and the degree to which they actually act in accordance with what they say is important to them.

This supplemental survey, according to the summary, asked U.S. adults whether each of a series of 16 beliefs and behaviors is “essential,” “important but not essential,” or “not important” to what their religion means to them, personally.

Among Christians, believing in God tops the list, with 86% of those identified as Christians saying belief in God is “essential” to their Christian identity. Which means you have about 1-in-7 who don’t think that believing in God is essential to being a Christian. Hmmmm...

Moving on: 71% of Christians say being grateful for what they have is an essential, 69% say forgiving those who have wronged them is one, and 67% relate that always being honest is essential to being Christian. 63% - just under two-thirds - believe that praying regularly is an essential component of their lives as Christians. Just over a River Region’s Journey

June 2016

The survey shows a clear link between what people see as essential to their faith and their self-reported day-to-day behavior. Simply put, those who believe that behaving in a particular way or performing certain actions are key elements of their faith are much more likely to say they actually perform those actions on a regular basis.

For example, among Christians who say that working to help the poor is essential to what being Christian means to them, about six-in-ten say they donated time, money or goods to help the poor in the past week. By comparison, fewer Christians who do not see helping the poor as central to their religious identity say they worked to help the poor during the previous week (42%). The survey also indicates that Christians are more likely to live healthy lives or behave in environmentally conscious ways if they consider these things essential to what it means to be a Christian.

There are two questions I want to mention that each of us can examine. One is: what do we consider “essential” in the Chris34

tian life? And the other is: do our actions line up with what we regard as “essential?”

While that listing of essentials from the Pew survey does seem to be rather worksbased, still we recognize that our outward expressions flow from our inward beliefs.

In determining what is essential to us, we can recognize that our list of “essentials” should be based on and compatible with the principles of the Scriptures. The principle of accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior is certainly the pre-requisite for calling oneself a Christian, and the beliefs we consider “essential” will ideally flow from that foundational decision.

Our relationship with Him is displayed through the fruit we bear - remember that Jesus said that if we abide in Him and His words abide in us, we will bear fruit; i.e., our actions will line up with our beliefs. If they don’t line up, well, maybe we didn’t believe it in the first place. If we believe Jesus lives in us, then we acknowledge that His nature resides in us. He has declared us to be holy and righteous, and as we walk with Him, He shows us what that means and empowers us to live in a manner consistent with that identity. A growing Christian, I believe, is characterized by the degree to which his or her beliefs line up with actions. Our outward performance flows from the person inside; our outward performance does not determine who we really are.

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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Q. I know when it comes to investing you like mutual funds and paid-for real estate.

What do you think about using condominiums as investment properties instead of single-family homes?

A. I don’t really have a problem with condos as paid-for investments. I own a couple of them myself. When it comes to making this kind of investment for the first time, however, I would advise that you keep a few things in mind.

Based on equal price and equal neighborhood, the average single-family home will probably increase more in value over the years.

Now, a nice, well-placed condo will obviously go up in value faster than a traditional house in a lesser neighborhood. So speaking in an overall sense, they’re not bad investments if you do your homework.

You have to think about what you’re getting into and also take into consideration a number of variables. What are the HOA dues or condo fees going to be? Is the condo association being managed well? That and the neighborhood are the two biggest concerns I have when buying a condo. A lot of condo associations are very poorly managed. And if they don’t provide proper maintenance or keep a certain percentage of the complex owner-occupied versus rental, the condo association or complex can lose the

River Region’s Journey

June 2016

ability to get normal permanent financing. If they can’t get FHA, VA or conventional financing, the values are going to drop like a rock — because you’ve only got cash buyers and investment buyers at that point.

Research on these kinds of things doesn’t take an awful lot of work. Just call the management company, and the realtor who’s involved if it’s listed, and ask for the documentation. Most of the time this sort of stuff is public information, so it’s not hard to access. Some other questions you might ask are: What are the reserves for the roof? What are the reserves for paint and the parking lot? Are they collecting enough to pay their bills, and are they actually paying their bills?

Q. I’ve had a judgment filed against me for an old, unpaid medical bill. The original amount was $2,500, but now it has increased to $3,200. Can I negotiate this with the lawyer?

I’ve asked him for a detailed statement of the account several times, but all I’ve gotten is a payment booklet.

A. When it comes to paying off bills or debt, you should always pay what’s owed if you have

36

the money. There’s a moral, as well as legal, responsibility involved. That being said, if you don’t have $3,200, offer him whatever you’ve got — $2,000 or the original $2,500 as a settlement.

Make sure he understands that you’re not offering to pay the amount you have on the debt, but that it’s being offered as settlement in full if the debt is cleared.

The reason you haven’t gotten what you’ve asked for so far is you may have been talking to some low-level staffer or paralegal. If you have been talking directly to the lawyer, then he’s probably running a small debt collections or debt lawsuit machine. That means you’re just one of dozens of widgets coming down the line. To you, this is very personal. But to him, you’re just another account. You might have to do something to get his attention and wake him up.

If this is the case, he probably gets a piece of whatever he collects. So, if he gets a third of $2,000 or $2,500 it might make his house payment this month. You could also talk to the hospital administrator, too, and let them know you’ll bring a couple thousand down there today if they’ll accept it as payment in full. At this point, you’ve just got to do something to get off the conveyor belt!

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First Baptist Church Montgomery

June 20–24 |

Vacation Bible School

9:00 AM to Noon :: FREE! ages 4 through 6th grade

As kids are submerged in God’s Word, they will discover that Jesus saw people differently. He saw people for who they were deep down, not who they appeared to be on the surface. Kids will look below the surface to find the truth about how Jesus sees them.

For more information or to register, visit

www.montgomeryfbc.org/vbs FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH montgomery

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 334.834.6310