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• It’s safe, simple, and free of charge. • It could keep you from getting COVID-19. If you still get COVID-19, it could keep you from becoming seriously ill. • It will help you do your part to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of your family, your friends and your community. • It’s an mRNA vaccine. These types of vaccines have been studied for more than two decades to evaluate their safety and effectiveness. • It’s the first step toward life returning to normal.

alabamapublichealth.gov/covid19 1

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Volume 23, Issue 2

Feature Articles

MAY 20 2 1 Columns

Mona Davis

Marketing and Community Outreach Director Gift of Life Foundation

page 2

Publisher’s Note

page 8

Jason Watson

Faith @ Work: Mona Davis

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We had the pleasure of chatting with Mona Davis, Marketing and Community Outreach Director with The Gift of Life Foundation. Mona shares how she carries her faith into her career, why she finds working with at-risk mothers and their babies so rewarding and more.

Pastor's Perspective Pastor Mark Bethea, First Baptist Church Montgomery

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Moments with Kym Kym Klass

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First Baptist Montgomery’s Prison Serve Ministry

Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy

by Kym Klass

FBC’s Prison Serve had to change course like never before due to COVID-19, but they’ve been able to expand their impact under these circumstances. The ministry’s leader, Chuck Latham, shares all the details and you are invited to join in their mission.

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The Intersection Bob Crittenden

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Dave $ays

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Dave Ramsey

Simple Ways to Teach Your Kids About God by Aaron Earls

In Every Issue

Our kids will learn much about God during their time in our home. Consider these 5 ways to teach them about the Christian faith in every day settings.

page 6

Books to Read page 7

Around Our Community

page 24

VBS Guide

After a year off in 2020 due to COVID-19, VBS is back and our listing has all the details!

page 8

Faith @ Work page 26

Support Groups May 2021

River Region’s Journey

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

Editor DeAnne Watson deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

Publisher

Jason Watson jason@readjourneymagazine.com

Research Editor Wendy McCollum

Contributing Writers Pastor Mark Bethea Allena Burbage, LPC Bob Crittenden Aaron Earls Kym Klass Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy Dr. David Steele

Advertising Opportunities Jason Watson ads@readjourneymagazine.com (334) 213-7940 ext 702

Digital Manager

From the Publisher How to Make Your Kids Strong I’ve always wanted my kids to be strong-minded and believe in their abilities to accomplish great things. When one of our kids was about to enter high school I told my wife we needed to figure out how to toughen them up. My concern was that timidness might result in future struggles. Meekness was a weakness in my mind, so it needed to be purged away. How do you replace meekness? By making them more self-reliant and helping them to believe in themselves. Not until recently did I realize the fallacy of my thinking. Taking this approach was steering my kids away from God and His blessings. I now see I was parenting more from our culture’s truth than the Bible’s truth. Think through this with me. If we aim to make our children more reliant on themselves the result will be more pride, perfectionism, and then anxiety as they seek to maintain their onward and upward trajectory through life. The same is true for us. Take a second and ask if self-reliance is producing these things in you? Worry is a telltale sign that we’re relying on our strength and wisdom rather than God’s. This is described in Matthew 6 where Jesus explains that we worry because we don’t look to God’s reign and His faithfulness to care for us. This is where biblical meekness comes in. Meekness is not a weakness – it’s a strength! Yes, Biblical meekness is standing back and yielding to another. But the one we yield to is God, who is more than able to give us all that we need. It’s the opposite of pushing your way through life with an “I’ll Get R Done” attitude. It’s having the faith to wait on the Lord and to act when he reveals His will. According to mental health professionals, we have an anxiety epidemic happening among kids today. Is much of the answer found in the simple phrase, “Let go, and Let God”? It is simple, but founded on the greatest source of strength and flowing with peace. Will you join me in first showing, then teaching, our kids to stop relying on themselves and to trust in the Father by echoing our Savior’s words in the Garden of Gethsemane, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”

Scott Davis

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

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 2021 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.

River Region’s Journey

May 2021

River Region’s Journey

Pastor’s Perspective by Mark Bethea, First Baptist Church of Montgomery

Every Day a Step Closer! It seems every Sunday I get the joy of greeting several of our faithful First Baptist Church members who walk up after a service to jubilantly share, “This is our first Sunday back, and we could not be more excited to be here!” It has been so moving to see faces that we’ve dearly missed this past year in-person. You can see the joy and elation as friends see each other and share fellowship in their classes and in the parking lot. Every day, the fog of COVID lifts a little more and we take another step closer. While it’s true of our COVID world, it’s true of our Jesus-following too. Every day, we purpose to take a step closer to Jesus. Some days I want to be free from so many of the frustrations, struggles, temptations, and mess that I find my heart and soul going after, but at the end of the day, I just want to be a step closer to Jesus. In certain

River Region’s Journey

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stretches, rather than giant leaps of growth, it’s simply steps towards Jesus. In my home growing up, we utilized the inside of a closet to measure our growth as kids. My parents would grab a pencil, make a mark where the top of our head reached, and write the date to the side. I’m still astonished looking back to see huge gaps of great growth and also many sideby-side tick marks where the growth was slight and the gap between was miniscule. Our physical growth was easy to measure, especially as kids growing like weeds, but spiritual growth towards Jesus can be hard to see at times. For the past many years, I’ve adopted a simple goal for my daily life. I want to look more like Jesus when my head hits the pillow at the end of the day than when I took it off the pillow that morning. When we look

back weeks, months, and years down the road, we will see incredible spiritual fruit as we daily walk with Jesus. As we intentionally purpose to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of our minds. As we allow ourselves to be daily renewed, we can, by testing, discern and know the will of God which is good and acceptable and perfect (Romans 12:2). Don’t be discouraged or grow weary friends. Today, walk with Jesus and know He is walking with you. Recall Jesus’ simple, yet profound words in John 10:27, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Let’s follow Jesus together! Mark Bethea is senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Montgomery.

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River Region’s Journey

The Word Explored

Fault Lines:

The Social Justice Movement and Evangelicalism’s Looming Catastrophe

Dave Jenkins We live in a culture that is biblically illiterate for the most part. I recently spoke to a friend who lamented that many people have never heard of Jonah? My initial response was, “Who?” After a hearty chuckle, the tone turned serious as scores of biblical haven’t the slightest clue about the character of the Bible, let alone the plotline of Redemptive history. The Word Explored sets out to offer practical solutions for the problem of biblical illiteracy. The book is light on diagnosis but places a heavy emphasis on prescription. Jenkins’ prescription includes an urgent appeal to hear, read, study, memorize, and meditate on the Word of God. One of the great appeals of The Word Explored is the emphasis on application. Jenkins makes it clear that Bible input is critical but without practical application, all efforts fall flat. The author includes personal examples of how Scripture has impacted his life and enables him to worship the Lord Jesus Christ in spirit and truth. This is an ideal book for new Christians but is also a powerful encouragement for seasoned believers as well. I commend this excellent book and trust that it will receive a wide reading for the good of the church and the glory of God!

Voddie Baucham Trouble has been brewing for some while now. Social justice warriors have taken to the streets, courtroom, and universities. Most recently, social justice has penetrated the church walls. While many applaud the social justice movement, including well-known evangelical leaders, a few are standing strong and voicing deep concern. One such man is Dr. Voddie T. Baucham. In his most recent book, Dr. Baucham exposes the underbelly of the social justice movement. He sees a looming catastrophe on the horizon as scores of professing Christians begin assimilating the tenets of social justice into the fabric of their lives and worldviews. Fault Lines has a specific goal in mind. Dr. Baucham speaks in clear terms: I want to unmask the ideology of Critical Theory, Critical Race Theory, and Intersectionality in hopes that those who have imbibed it can have the blinders removed from their eyes, and those who have bowed in the face of it can stand up, take courage, and ‘contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints’ (Jude 3). The author accomplishes his goal by beginning with a personal narrative. He reveals several pertinent points about his background, including family, faith, and some of the racial tension that was a regular part of his life as a young person. Readers unfamiliar with Baucham’s background will be humbled by his candor and encouraged by a marvelous story of God’s grace. Baucham reveals how the various fault lines are impacting the church as leaders succumb to the spirit of the age. He unpacks the false narratives that are being promoted in the media and willingly consumed by Americans. Fault Lines is a greatly needed book. Dr. Baucham’s work is a true labor of love, which is grounded in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Readers should read this work carefully and thoughtfully and make it their aim to move into the marketplace of ideas, armed with the truth of God’s Word, and ready to make a difference in a world that is desperately in need of Jesus’s saving work on the cross. River Region’s Journey

May 2021

R.C. Sproul: A Life Stephen J. Nichols On December 14, 2017, Dr. R.C. Sproul entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was greatly used by God as he reintroduced Reformed theology to the evangelical church. He articulated the doctrines of grace with passion, courage, conviction, and authority. Nichols skillfully guides readers on a detailed journey of Dr. Sproul’s life story – from Pittsburgh to Ligonier Valley to Orlando. He highlights the critical points in R.C.’s life including conversion, Seminary, the founding of Ligonier Ministry, and beyond. 6

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Run for a Mom 10K, 5K, Fun Run 2021

May 8 at 7:30 a.m.-May 10 at 8 p.m. 3800 Vaughn Rd, Montgomery Support Agape moms and children in your community by choosing to Run for a Mom on our certified course or virtually wherever you are! The in-person race will have a staggered start beginning at 7:30 a.m. Start your 5K or 10K race anytime between 7:30 and 8 a.m. Virtual runners have until May 10 to turn in times by sending a picture of timing device. Everyone registers at runforamom.org. For more info, contact agunn@agapeforchildren.org.

Art Splash 2021

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Art Splash 2021 will be on Thursday, May 13, at 1919 South Hull Street in Montgomery. The art preview event will be from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and the online auction will be from May 13 until May 17. This event features artwork from individuals throughout the River Region and seeks to raise money for scholarships for students at Montgomery Christian School.

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May 2021

River Region’s Journey

Mona Davis Marketing and Community Outreach Director Gift of Life Foundation

RRJ: What you do is a ministry. What are some things in your daily occupation that reassure you that you are where God wants you to be? Mona: The purpose that I feel being in an environment with other people who passionately want to help pregnant women have a healthy pregnancy and see them become self-sufficient, set life goals, and achieve them. It’s seeing a mom or dad leave our program more resilient and achieving goals. It’s also awe-inspiring to hold a sweet baby and to consider all their God-given potential. RRJ: For most of us, we find solace in our faith journey. How does your faith sustain you in continuing to dedicate yourself to your career, even when there are challenges ahead? Mona: I remind myself often that no challenge is bigger than God and that there is purpose beneath every problem that we face. I’ve learned through experience that sometimes God allows us to stay in an uncomfortable place because he is birthing something in us that will prepare us for what He has in store. Like the apostle Paul, sometimes he doesn’t remove a problem, but he gives us the grace we need to trust Him more.

RRJ: We are thrilled that you are sharing how your faith is at work in the community. Was it a spiritual calling that led you to dedicate your time and service to the Gift of Life foundation? Mona: For me, it was more so akin to stepping out in faith. I’d worked in communications and community outreach for Montgomery Public Schools for almost 13 years. While I was there, I developed a deeper understanding of the needs of children and families. But, in the last two years of being there, I felt a strong urging from God that it was time to do something new. Naturally, I resisted. But more and more, circumstances, random conversations, and chance meetings began happening that made it clear to me that Gift of Life Foundation is where He wanted me to be. River Region’s Journey

May 2021

RRJ: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them? Mona: Some of the most admired people in the Bible struggled with sin: Abraham, King David, Peter, Paul, the list goes on and on, yet God still used them to accomplish mighty things. We will never be perfect or get it right all the time—and that’s okay. We can be perfected through the only one who ever was perfect, Jesus Christ. RRJ: At the brink of 2020, the world was drastically and unexpectedly affected by the coronavirus crisis. And still, in 2021, we are trying to navigate and co-exist with COVID-19. For people who are having difficulty dealing with it, what are some tips of encouragement within the Christian faith? 8

Mona: Anytime we find ourselves faced with widespread suffering, be it a pandemic, social unrest, or economic crisis, the tendency is to ask God “why.” But as followers of Christ, we can be comforted by the fact that He is always in control. RRJ: Being a believer of Christ, there are values that you live by in your personal life. What are values that you carry into your professional life? Mona: In the workplace, I’ve always been guided by Colossians 3:23-24. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” That has been my through-line in every kind of workplace situation that’s possible. RRJ: Your faith is a vital part of who you are, and it adds an exciting dimension to your personality. How would your colleagues describe you? Mona: My co-workers would describe me as a go-getter who never gives up and enjoys a challenge. RRJ: Rightfully so, there are several things that you are proud of when it comes to your occupation. What is something that sticks out most? Mona: I’m most proud of communicating the important work that Gift of Life does throughout the community. Investing in mothers, babies and supporting fathers to be actively involved is one of the best things we can do.

Mona and her husband, Walter, are the proud parents of Corbin (27). They have been married for 15 years and attend the Church of God in Christ and Resurrection Catholic Church, where Mona serves in the Church Media Ministry. She volunteers with All Kids ROCK (supporting autism research), Women of Refined Gold (a local domestic violence organization), Alabama Dept. of Public Health’s River Region Community Action Team, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

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River Region’s Journey

Will You Surrender All? As soon as I would wake up. As I walked around my house. As I walked the halls, offices and rooms at work. At my desk. On my morning runs. The same song. “All to thee my blessed Savior...” And then again, the next day. And, again. “All to Him I freely give...” And then in the car. Out loud. Humming to myself: “Humbly at his feet I bow...”

And then during a church service. “May Thy Holy Spirit fill me...” This was within a matter of a week. And it wouldn’t let up. I. Surrender. All. Over and over. If there was a God wink, I received it tenfold. Had I not been doing this? Something this powerful – this same message over and again – caused me to reconsider my prayer life. My turnover. Have I not been turning over my fear, concerns, desires to God? Had I not been surrendering? Had I reached another period in my life where I felt I had control? Had I forgotten that I can only do things through Christ? Certainly not. But that song... “All to Jesus, I surrender... All to Him I freely give” Surrendering to God is a daily choice. I remember the first time I let that soak in, understanding fully the implications of what it means: giving up control. Giving up the power you feel you have to guide your life. Once in a while seems manageable, yes? But every day? I Surrender All every single day? Sunday through Saturday? Not just on church days? Not just when we need something in return? Not just when we remember to pray? But, all the time?

I surrender...I will trust your plan for my life. Matthew 6:31-34 How can we remember this in our daily walk? Surrender Control: Romans 8:28 – River Region’s Journey

May 2021

and we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Surrender Worry: Philippians 4:6 – Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. Surrender Money: Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Surrender Relationships: Matthew 6:30 – If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? Surrender Future: Matthew 6:34 – Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. I know there are moments in all our lives where we hit a blockade, and have to remember to stop and pray, breathe, settle down, talk to God. And then surrender. My moments usually end in apologies. Apologies that I don’t remember time and again what I should be doing all along. That I try to venture out into the world and my daily life without Him leading my steps. My current steps, and my next steps. And in doing so, in surrendering, I always feel a sense of calm. There are days I forget to ask God to guide me in my attitude, my thoughts, and in my patience and focus. And it shows. It shows in how I speak. It shows in my daily walk. In how I approach difficult situations. And I get to an eventual moment of release, of complete surrender, and say, “Take it all. I won’t resist.” I surrender all. We’re human. We’re going to want to maintain all control. It’s embedded in us. We want to feel we can do it all, have it all. But when we turn over to God, when we surrender, we change on the inside. And we allow Him to take care of us in every way. It’s that difficult. It’s that simple.

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4 REASONS TO HAVE YOUR CHILD TESTED FOR LEAD AT AGES 1 AND 2:

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For more information, visit By testing for lead at an early age, lead exposure can be identified and lead poisoning alabamapublichealth.gov/aclppp prevented through simple at-home strategies.11 or call 1-833-667-1495. May 2021 River Region’s Journey

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Over the past year, Chuck Latham has found himself looking through barbed wire, ministering to prisoners he hopes can change the lives of others after their reentry into society. Because they have great testimonies. Through the First Baptist Church Prison Serve program, and as part of the church’s prison ministry, this past year has found Latham altering his outreach. No longer allowed inside prisons due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Latham has gone from gathering volunteers, visiting prisons, mentoring and providing hope and the gospel, to finding a way to do that behind fences and locked doors.

River Region’s Journey

May 2021

“All of a sudden, I can’t do what I know to do in prison ministry,” he said. “But Covid opened a door of ministry I had not seen before. I asked God, ‘What am I supposed to be doing now?’ “Traditional ministry has changed in that we have to be creative. We have outdoor worship services now. You stand outside the gates and the inmates come out into the yard and you serve them and have worship and activities all socially distanced. We... mentor them into Christ so when they come out, they’re better.” Prison ministry has been a part of FBC since the 1980s. Its Prison Ministry is described as: Being Jesus with “skin on” for those in prison, those released from prison, and their families, while honoring victims of crimes and those who work in criminal justice. The goal of the FBC Prison Ministries is to ensure affirming relationships with prison chaplains in the River Region correctional institutions, deepen inmate family support through direct Angel Tree contact and other ministries, and best-match its capabilities with existing needs, including partnerships with other ministries. Asked why he does this work, Latham said, “One, we’re instructed to do so from a biblical perspective. I don’t think Christ went through all He did for us to sit back and enjoy the fruits of that without doing the work of the kingdom. “I like what God likes. And one of the things He likes, is He likes the poor, He likes the oppressed, the widows, the inmates. We are here as part of that ministry, to do what pleases the father.” Prison ministry is not what Latham signed up for in life. His plan was to get a small church somewhere – it certainly

wasn’t in his plan to minister to prisoners. He brings to FBC 20 years of experience, having worked at the Maxwell Federal Prison Camp for two decades, and where most of his time was spent teaching Bible classes and facilitating and helping with some of their services. Prior to Covid in early 2020, First Baptist had 11 servant leaders – one director, an administrative assistant, an Operation Angel Tree coordinator, seven instructors for Pathway to Freedom classes, an assistant chaplain, and two worship leaders – to serve incarcerated men and women in six correctional facilities in the River Region (Kilby, Staton, Tutwiler Main, Tutwiler Annex, Montgomery Women’s Facility, and the Montgomery County Jail). Through this, an untold number of inmates made decisions to follow Christ. During a recent Christmas season, over 100 First Baptist members, working with Prison Fellowship, gave Christmas gifts to 110 children of incarcerated parents. The majority of First Baptist volunteers have taught inmates in Pathway to Freedom courses (founded by FBC member Ken Brothers, and which was handed over to another prison ministry program, We Care), a program designed to empower inmates with Christian discipleship and life skills to advance their success when they return to free communities. And enter Latham a year ago. He never imagined his time with Prison Serve would quickly be outside of prison walls.

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But that’s where opportunities began. Recently, Prison Serve rolled out a new online training website for the Alabama Department of Corrections staff – https://www.adocvolunteering.com – and soon thousands of volunteers will go through training rather than having to drive miles and miles, plus pay for lodging expenses to attend live prison ministry training. “This new aspect of prison ministry is a fast-coming reality,” Latham said. “We have an online system now. The grain of our prison ministry volunteers are usually older folks.” Online training opens the door and provides career opportunities to a younger generation. They are learning, and they are being mentored. FBC has had about 15 volunteers enter institutions and jails, witness-

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River Region’s Journey

We work tirelessly to help kids get well because the world needs to see what Natalie dreams up. WE DO WHAT WE DO BECAUSE CHILDREN HAVE DREAMS.

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ing to anywhere between 20 and 50 people. “That’s the reach we had,” Latham said of pre-Covid numbers. “Thousands of volunteers are (now) going to be going to the website … and touching thousands more in about 25 facilities throughout the state of Alabama. That’s how far this reach is.” Providing this outreach helps reduce the recidivism rate. There’s also a social and societal benefit. A moral benefit. And Latham said families left behind are also supported. When prisoners served are released, they become a ministry. They share their testimony to those who thought they were a castaway. They turn around and help others. It’s about taking an impossible situation and turning it around. “They become a ministry to those of us who think we’re okay and we don’t have issues,” Latham said. “To hear how God works in someone’s life who is a castaway has got to give you the incentive to say you want to be a part of that, or you can use that testimony to improve your own life.” Prison Serve, Latham said, is what Jesus has outlined for people to do as Christians. In general, it’s the redemption for those in society. “He is a better husband and father because of the ministry in prison,” Latham said. But it’s not just about FBC. Prison ministry is a community connection, he said. It is seeing people come up to the razor wire and giving their life to God. All of that comes from a community opening up. “How does it feel when you do something nice for someone and you know it’s going to please your father?” Latham asked. “I don’t think He wants us visiting the poor and being benevolent to inmates and prisoners just to be doing it.” Like the “Parable of the Talents,” Latham is an investor. “I tell them, you have a greater testimony than I do,” he said. “I’m just trying to earn interest. Because if you leave this place, whoever you touch and whoever you lead to Christ, I get interest, and I get to enjoy that. “You have every denomination all rolled up into that one chapel, and you have to figure out how you’re all going to work together for the greater part of the kingdom.” For information on Prison Serve, contact Chuck Latham at chucklatham8@ gmail.com or visit montgomeryfbc.org/ prison-serve.

Kym Klass is a contributing writer and the Director of Communications with the Media Ministry of Frazer Memorial UMC in Montgomery.

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May 2021

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OMG! Just What We’re Looking For A Complete Package My friend has a hairdresser who believes in God and Jesus, but welcomes other religions who “also have their own worship of God.” She may fear she would be thought of as a bigot to exclude those who are religious but worship Buddha or Allah. She also may not understand the unique God of the Christian heritage. Either way, this sweet lady is missing an important issue that women need to understand as they often are the religious trainers of the next generation. God Almighty, (aka Jehovah, Yahweh, etc.), is a Trinity of completeness. There are three Persons: God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Yet these Persons are all part of one God. Some people have trouble understanding how this is possible. History is replete with entire societies finding it easier to understand multiple gods than the concept of one mighty God. There are pantheons of gods in so many ancient and contemporary cultures: Egypt, Italy, Greece, Japan, Cameroon are a just a few examples. People couldn’t imagine a god who had everything, therefore breaking God into small pieces, identifying each one as it’s own person, and giving different names to each one seemed logical. I may be missing something, but we humans often combine items together. So what’s the problem? My husband and I used to have a fax machine, a copier, and a scanner, but now we have a 3-in-1 machine. This is not hard to believe. Not to dummy down the Godhead, but why is it so hard to believe in the Trinity that encompasses every part of what we look for in a god?

Women must settle the issue of who and what God is so that they are able to receive from Him and know what He wants them to give to Him. Let’s breakdown how the Trinity works for our benefit: God the Father: You need a proactive Agent on your behalf – Someone who can see into your future. “The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good.” (Proverbs 15:3) You need safety (Psalm 91:1-16), purpose, security, unconditional love (1 John 4:16), faithfulness, grace, and mercy (Hebrews 4:16). What does God ask in return? Just to love Him with all of your heart, mind and soul. God the Son: You need Someone who can identify with your weaknesses. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) You need forgiveness (Ephesians 2:7), someone to fight for you (1 John 4:4), acceptance for who you are, and Someone who doesn’t hold your past against you (Acts 2:38). What does God ask for in return? Just to 15

accept His free gift of forgiveness and the strength He offers in your weakness. God the Holy Spirit: You need to trust Someone who is as close as possible for every situation. “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?” (1 Corinthians 3:16) You need comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3,4), guidance (Romans 8:26), and understanding (John 16:13). What does God ask for in return? Just to go to Him first, before trying to work things out on our own or through the imperfect filter of human logic. What does this mean for women? Most females are global---the hemispheres of our brains are closer together than men’s. The electric impulses can bounce from hemisphere to hemisphere easily. Therefore, we tend to look at the overall status of a situation and blend its parts together. God is global too. He sees the whole picture. If we connect with His global perspective, we can hone our global nature for good as we raise children, blend with our husbands, shape our church ministries, and frame the workplace. When we look globally at our lives, we must remind ourselves to not get overwhelmed with the duties within our roles. If we call upon the Lord in all of His Persons, we can receive everything, yes everything we need to leave stress outside the door of our existence and rise above the fray. Isaiah 55:6 says, Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” Let Jehovah minister to you in all of His wonderful ways: use the list above and meditate on the accompanying scriptures. Your current best will get even better! May 2021

River Region’s Journey

Days of Weird How to Help Your Teen and Preteen Through the COVID-19 Stress

Here we are, a bit over a year from where COVID entered our lives. Masks, vaccinations, hand sanitizer, social distancing, quarantining; these are things very familiar to all of us. We all have had to adjust, sometimes very quickly, to our new normals; which has led to stress for all of us, in different ways. Adolescents in particular, have been hit very hard due to all of these adjustments. In their world, peer groups are very important. When COVID hit, their peer groups changed rapidly or were totally dissolved. School stopped or changed, then changed again. Sports and clubs stopped. Youth groups and churches stopped. Their world stopped. Their world has often been large and open; their real physical world in addition to social media and the internet. Then in 2020, their world shrunk to mostly just their four physical walls and their electronic world. The stressful news conferences about COVID, political unrest, and faceless electronic friends, became their culture, their worldview, their filter. How could our kids not be stressed in this environment? Our brains are designed to survive and weather anxiety. In our ancient past, there would be a stressor (ie a weather event thereating our crop) and we would work through the stressor (ie save our crop). River Region’s Journey

May 2021

Later we would be satisfied and rest, allowing the stress chemicals to leave our brain and body. Our ancestors also only received news in the occasional letter and newspaper. It was limited and often old news once it reached them. In our current culture, particularly for our youth, the stress is more chronic and long term. Constantly bombarded with all of the negative news 24/7, constantly connected to peers, friends, and unknowns through text, social media, and the news. This coupled with a lack of resolution for the stress and anxiety, the stress chemicals never fully dissipate. This creates an environment for anxiety to thrive. How do you know if your teen is experiencing anxiety? Some signals may be sleep issues, irritable mood, increased isolation and less socialization, increased negative talking, some physical issues may be headaches or stomach issues (make sure to get a doctor to do a check up), and/or academic changes. Now that all parents are sufficiently worried... there is good news. Anxiety and stress can be managed and reduced, even for our teens. The best way to help your teens through anxiety is keeping open lines of communication. Have family dinners, go on a walk, listen to when they talk about their video games or every play they made in their sports game. When you listen to the little things, you set up a culture of caring in your home. One day, your teen will say something important. James 1:19 says, “My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” 16

Keep listening. Create opportunities to talk without distractions. Learn mindfulness techniques and help your teen learn them also. Exodus 14:14; Psalm 46:10; Psalm 62:5 all mention being still and waiting. Mindfulness has been shown to reduce and even reverse the symptoms of anxiety when worked on regularly. Mindfulness, relaxation and proper sleep patterns, are all ways to help reduce and at times reverse anxiety. Another technique that is helpful to reduce anxiety in your teen, is to limit electronics and social media. Let’s face it, social media and the internet are not going anywhere, however we need to help our teens learn to navigate the waters of electronics, cell phones, and social media. Help them learn to limit the time they spend on social media, as well as limit or block any sites that are negative or cause negative thinking. Finally, pray with your teen. Help them learn to rely on God. Remind them that they are made strong and in His image (2 Timothy 1:7) and that they can grow and survive their stresses and anxieties. 1 Peter 5:7 “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” Remind them that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14) and you are on their side. If you have concerns about your teen’s mood or behaviors, please seek professional help, via a primary care provider and a therapist. Allena Burbage is a Licensed Professional Counselor at Samaritan Counseling Center. Allena works with children, adolescents, and adults. She lives in Montgomery with her husband and three children.

for big smiles and even bigger innovations. Treating patients and families with genuine compassion, kindness and respect is the rule here, not the exception. But while a smile can make you feel welcome, it can’t make you feel better. That’s why, at Jackson Hospital, we never stop working to bring advanced treatments and technologies to the community – including state-of-the-art Robotic Surgery, which can lead to less pain, reduced scarring and shorter recovery times. YOUR HOME FOR HEALTH

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River Region’s Journey

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Teaching your kids can feel daunting. But teaching your kids about God can feel downright terrifying. Some feel overwhelmed with time issues. They just don’t see how they can fit something else into their day. Others may not feel as if they have adequate theological training. They feel uncomfortable instructing their kids beyond, “Jesus loves you.” How can you weave theological teaching into their daily lives, without necessarily setting them down for an in-depth family sermon (though there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? How can you impart good theology into the lives of your children, without possessing a theological degree (though hopefully there is nothing inherently wrong with that)? You don’t need to feel like you’re trying out the latest parenting fad or complicated system. If you are like me, you’ll try it for a month or two and then give up because it didn’t feel natural.

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May 2021

Instead, here are 5 simple ways to teach your kids theology virtually every day.

stories and several others. I don’t have to start a discussion time with them, they naturally asked questions. Because of our reading the books together, both of my sons are practically experts on all things Narnia and Middle Earth. They often remember scenes from the novels better than I do. They also caught the spiritual themes before I expected. As we read through The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, they commented about how Aslan was sacrificing himself just like Jesus did. I didn’t have to tell them that or develop a lesson for that. They naturally got it. And yours will too, if you make a habit of reading them good stories that reflect the great story.

Read the Bible

It seems obvious, and it is, but it is the foundation before anything else. Why not let God do much of the teaching for you? He has given us His word with the Holy Spirit who works in the life of the believer to help illuminate that word. By reading the Bible to your children, you’ll allow God to speak through His word, while demonstrating that Scripture is important to you and your faith. Use it before anything else. Will you come across passages that you don’t understand? Absolutely. Will your children ask questions that you don’t know the answer to? Sure. Both of those are actually beneficial to your children and your own Christian walk. They can see that their mom and dad are growing too. They’ll know it’s okay to ask questions and wrestle with some of the hard things in their faith. Hopefully, it will inspire both you and your child to seek answers through your own personal studies and also using some other sources of good theology.

Pray intentionally

Honestly, this is one that I accidentally discovered with my kids. In praying with them at night, I would try to always pray with the Gospel in mind, with the ideas of creation, fall, redemption and restoration at the forefront of how I talked to God. Thanking Him for the goodness He made, how we messed it up, but how He opened the door for us to be redeemed through Jesus’ death on the cross and how, ultimately, God is going to restore things back to the way they should be. One night, I heard one of my boys praying about how he got a scratch on his leg because this world was fallen, but that God still had good things here. The leg could be healed and God was still here.

Read other books together

Some of the memories I cherish the most have been times of reading to my children before they go to sleep. Along with the Bible, we’ve read devotional books, classic fiction, Christian

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Model it

Those were good things to be thankful for, even though the world is fallen. My son had picked up on that from my prayers. Be specific and intentional about what you are talking to God about with your children. Use that prayer time to speak to God, but also cause your children to think theologically.

This may be the most difficult, but it is absolutely the most important. Live out your faith in front of your kids, even when they no longer think you are the greatest thing ever. Even when they know you make mistakes Your kids may have thought you wore a cape when they were younger, but, at some point, you clearly can no longer wear a mask. They see you and how you live. If you say you value Christ, His commands, and His church, but you can’t be bothered with going to services on Sunday because the big game is on or the golf course is “calling your name,” then what you say is pointless. It’s not a matter of being perfect—again, your children know better than anyone else you aren’t. It’s about being consistent and seeking to live for Christ and admitting when you mess up. After all, that probably needs to be modeled more than anything else. Have the humility to acknowledge your own shortcomings, ask them for forgiveness and help them see they can always turn to God for forgiveness. It is our job as parents to teach our children theology. It can be intimidating, but it doesn’t require a seminary degree. You can help your kids know and love Jesus more.

Talk about entertainment

This one is an opportunity that many parents fail to capitalize on. Most families watch some television or movies, read books or do something for entertainment. Some times those entertainment choices may line up fairly close with your values. Often times the entertainment, even (perhaps, especially) children’s shows, lies in direct contrast to your perspective as a Christian parent. What do you do then? Use both of those situations to create theological conversations. It doesn’t have to seem deep and philosophical in order to be important and impacting. Reinforcing that, no, we aren’t a cosmic accident that just purposelessly evolved, can create a lasting reassurance in the mind of your child. Evaluate the entertainment—music, movies, TV, video games, everything—in light of a Christian worldview, through the perspective of Scripture and just talk with your kids about what they just saw or heard. It will help them to see how their faith should be involved in every aspect of their life.

Aaron Earls lives in Tennessee with his wife and three children, and serves as a writer and online editor for Facts & Trends. You can connect with Aaron at www.thewardrobedoor.com or email him at wardrobedoor@gmail.com.

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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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River Region’s Journey

“Dear Mother - A Life Well-Lived” During May, this month of Mother’s Day, I wanted to share some words that I wrote in tribute to my own mother, who passed away on February 10th of this year. 2nd Corinthians 5 says: “...we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. (NKJV)” We have the hope and promise of eternal life in Christ and can anticipate seeing loved ones who know the Lord again. ~BC

Dear Mother, You made it - 98 years young! I really thought you’d make it to 100; I kept saying that you would, but we remember that our times are in God’s hands. He chose the very day, February 10, 2021, to take you home. Yours was certainly a life well-lived, a life that made an impact on the people with whom you interacted. A life that impacted me, your son. Many of them braved a cold, windy day and a COVID pandemic to visit with your only son, your only child, and to honor your memory; and...to say “thank you.” I really believed that you underestimated the number of people whom you touched. I regret that our last in-person visits revealed only half my face, but hopefully, that last visit, which I felt needed to take place as soon as I could come out of COVID isolation, communicated my whole heart and deep appreciation. You crossed the finish line after so many of your friends, those who, like you, lived into their 90’s - including so many who attended the Phebean S.S. class at First Baptist Church of Marietta, the church in which I grew up, where you and my faRiver Region’s Journey

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the battles in which we should engage and ther were members and where you served those we should not. as the pastor’s secretary for 9 years. Now, in a very real sense, I am on my I asked one of the long-time staff own. You do realize the void when both members to preach your graveside serof your parents have passed away. It’s vices. Dean Hunter did a marvelous job. said that the loss of I knew he had seen a loved one is one of you and knew you in the biggest stressors the good times and the we face in life; I get it bad, and he painted a - now more than ever! picture of someone who These are foundational displayed the fruit of relationships, and in the Spirit: he specified the last month, I have faithfulness, love, and experienced those peace. times of being out of Now, the house sorts, even feeling a bit that you and my father lost. I caught myself built in 1949 lies empty, remembering the but, not really - plenty regular Sunday phone of memories are stored call that was certainly there. And, the memoan integral part of our ries of those formative relationship during years of my life, being Mary Evelyn Tumlin Crittenden your last few years. I raised in that house 1922-2021 won’t be picking up the where you breathed phone - ever again! your last breath, have But, one day, we shall be reunited come cascading back. Memories of family you and my father are experiencing that meals together. Memories of love, support, even now, and it’s a wonderful feeling to and affirmation. Memories of life lessons know that. You spoke regularly of your picked up along the way. parents during your final months on this You know, I think it takes growing up earth - and I am sure that you have had and leaving the house to really realize the the chance to reconnect. One of your best indelible impact a parent has had upon his friends, with whom you would take road or her children. In a lot of ways, I am very trips while you both were in your 80’s, who much like you. died just one week after you did and had And, I think I am coming to realize her funeral service in the adjacent room at that even more - you taught me, most of the funeral home while we were receiving all, the importance of following Jesus, a friends in another, perhaps you all have journey I began at a relatively young age. been or will be exploring the streets of You demonstrated a diligent work ethic. gold. You were incredibly organized, and I just And, you and I will see each other hope some of those skills made it down again. So, until then...goodbye, I miss you to my level - I still have a ways to go! You and love you. also taught me the fine art of determining 22

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June 21-25, 9 a.m. to Noon You can register on our website at www.MontgomeryFBC.org. Call 834.6310. First Baptist, Prattville Destination Dig June 21-25, 8:30 to noon Ages 3 years - 6th Grade. Children must be 3 years old by September 2 to attend. Register visit fbcprattville.org/vbs or call 365-0606.

2021

Vacation

Bible Schools Aldersgate United Methodist Church 6610 Vaughn Road Theme: Compassion Camp June 15-17 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. A VBS experience for the whole family! Register at www.aldersgateumc.org Pre-school-5th grade aged children or call 272.6152. Blue Ridge Baptist Church 4471 Jasmine Hill Road, Wetumpka Theme: Destination Dig July 18-22, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. A family night musical performance will be held July 25 at 6:30 p.m. Call 567.4325. Calvary Baptist Church 431 W. Fourth Street, Prattville Theme: One in a Minion June 5, 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Ages: Preschool – K; Grades 1-6 Pre-registration available at calvarybaptistprattville.org/what’shappening Registration info: 334-365-5213 Camellia Baptist Church 201 Woodvale Road, Prattville Theme: Destination DIG June 6-10 from 6-9 p.m. Ages: Pre-K through 6th grade, plus adult classes. Register at www.camelliabaptist. com. Call 365.0231. River Region’s Journey

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Church of the Highlands 4255 Taylor Road Theme: Summer Blast June 28-30, 8:15 a.m. to Noon Children entering K ithrough 6th grade. Register: www.churchofthehighlands.com Eastern Hills Baptist Church 3604 Pleasant Ridge Road Theme: Jesus: Our Firm Foundation June 7-9, Times TBD Ages: 4 (by August 1st) through 6th grade Call 272.0604 or www.ehbconline.com. East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville Theme: Mystery Island June 21-25, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: K5 through 8th Grade Call 365.7500. Eastmont Baptist Church 4505 Atlanta Highway Theme: BOLT: Totally 80’s June 7-10; 6 p.m. – 8:15 Ages: K - grade 6 Register online @ www.eastmont.org or call 277.6300. First Baptist, Montgomery 305 South Perry Street Theme: Destination Dig 24

First Baptist Church, Wetumpka 205 W. Bridge Street, Wetumpka Theme: Concrete & Cranes June 21-25, 5:30– 8 p.m. Ages: K-6th grade. Call 567.5191. First UMC, Montgomery 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery Theme: It’s Island Time! June 14-16; 9 -11 a.m. Ages: Age 3 through 5th grade. Call 834.8990. First UMC, Prattville 100 E. Fourth Street, Prattville Theme: Rocky Railway June 19-22, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Ages: Open to children who have just completed Kindergarten through 5th grade. Call 365.5977. Fountain City Baptist Church 492 East Main Street, Prattville Theme: Mystery Island June 27-July 1; 6 - 8 p.m. Ages K5 thru 6th grade Ages: 4 to 12. Call 365.2034. Glynwood Baptist Church 376 N. McQueen Smith Road, Prattville Theme: Destination Dig June 13-17, 5:45-8:30 pm Ages: 4 through grade 6 For more info and to preregister, go to www.glynwoodbc.com or call 361.9180. GracePointe VBS 1565 Ray Thorington Road Sundays only, May 30-June 27, 9a.m. Ages: 5-11 years Call 271.2525. Hayneville Baptist Church 1180 State Hwy 21 N, Hayneville, AL Theme: Destination Dig July 18-22, 5:45 until 8:30 p.m. Ages: K4 - 6th Grade (grade completed) Call (334) 548.2620.

Heritage Baptist, Prattville 1357 S. Memorial Drive Theme: Mystery Island June 6-10, 6-8:30 p.m. Ages: Pre-School through completion of 6th grade. Call 365-2372. Holy Spirit Catholic Church 8570 Vaughn Road, East Montgomery Theme: Rocky Railway July 26-30, 9 a.m. to Noon Age: Entering Preschool – rising 5th grade Call 277.1989 or register online at www.holyspiritmgm.org Metropolitan UMC 3108 Rosa L. Parks Avenue, Montgomery July 19-23, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome!! (334) 263-0950 Montgomery Area Episcopal Churches at Saint John’s Episcopal Church 113 Madison Ave., Montgomery June 7-10, 8:30 a.m. to Noon Ages: Rising K4 through rising 6th grade For registration or more info, call 263.5529. Morningview Baptist Church 125 Calhoun Road, Montgomery Theme: Rocky Railway

June 7-10, 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed Kindergarten-5th grade Call 272.2304. Mountain View Baptist 1025 Rifle Range Rd., Wetumpka Theme: Concrete & Cranes June: Dates to be decided Ages: Completed K5 through 6th grade Call (334) 567.4458. Mulder UMC 3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka Theme: Rocky Railway June 14-16; 6 – 8 p.m. Registration required. Registration ends May 19. For more info please call 567.4225. Ridgecrest Baptist Church 5260 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Concrete & Cranes June 7-116-8 p.m. Ages: 1st-6th grade. Call 277.0011. Saint James UMC 9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Theme: Treasured June 14-16, 9 to Noon Ages: K5-5th grade Call 277.3037.

Thelma Baptist VBS 810 Weoka Road, Wetumpka Theme: Destination Dig June 7-12; 9 a.m. to Noon Ages: Completed PreK through 6th Register online @ www.tlifeonline.com. Thorington Road Baptist 450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery Theme: The Incredible Race July 25-29; 6 - 8:30 p.m. Ages: K5 yrs. to 5th grade. Call 396.9376. Trinity Presbyterian Church 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Theme: The Race is On! June 7-11, 9 a.m. to Noon. Ages: Pre-K4 through completed 6th grade Call 262.3892 to pre-register. Woodland UMC 4428 Wallahatchee Rd, Pike Road Theme: Rocky Railway June 13-16, 6-7:45 p.m. Ages: 4 yrs-6th grade. Call 272.7230. Young Meadows Presbyterian Church 5780 Vaughn Road, Montgomery Sports Camp 2021 June 7-11, 9 a.m. until Noon Ages: Kindergarten -5th grade Call 244.1385.

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Adoption

Location: Vaughn Forest Church, 8660 Vaughn Road, Montgomery APAC, Alabama Pre/ Post Adoption Connection Support Group: This group provides education and social interaction for adoptive families. Meets 3rd Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. For more information call Jill Sexton at 409-9477.

Alcoholic / Addiction

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 Christcentered 12-step program. Call 264-4949. Location: Dalraida United Methodist Church 3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery An Alanon meeting is held at 9 am on Saturday mornings. Call 272.2190 for details. Location: Grace Presbyterian Church, Corner of Bell Road and Atlanta Hwy. Alcoholics Anonymous and Alanon meetings are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, at 6 p.m. An Open AA Speaker meeting is held on Saturday at 6 p.m. An Alanon & AA held on Sundays at 2 p.m. Location: Grace Point Community Church, 78223 Tallassee Hwy (Hwy 14), Wetumpka Celebrate Recovery- every Tuesday night- 6:15pm. All are welcome! These meetings are a safe and loving environment for individuals seeking to conquer their hurts, habits and hang-ups! gracepoint.info. Location: Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Rd, Montgomery, AL Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets: Mondays, 6:30 – 8:00 PM CST. No Childcare Provided. Email montgomery@route1520.com, visit http://www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men/ or call 877.200.1520. Location: Journey Church, 435 Sheila Blvd, Prattville Celebrate Recovery - Christ-centered 12-step for anyone struggling with addiction or life-challenging issues. Mondays beginning at 6:15 pm. Childcare available. Call John Pearse at 303-243-4308 or visit myjourneychurch.com. Location: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. RSVP- This is a 12 step spiritual recovery program for

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overcoming addictions. Using the steps and Bible we help build self-esteem, responsible behavior, the making of amends for our destructive actions, and to fill the void in our hearts in a loving relationship with God. Wednesday @ 6:30pm in Rm. 121 of the Life Center. Location: Prattville Church of Christ, 344 E Main St. CASA - 12 step (Christians Against Substance Abuse) spiritual recovery program, for overcoming addictions. Class begins each Wednesday evening @6:30 PM. Please call 334-365-4201 for additional information. 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: 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. For any information contact ministry leader, Paul Henderson, 334-201-5428. Location: Trinity Presbyterian Church, 1728 S. Hull Street, Montgomery Route1520 is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Wednesday from 6:30-8 pm. For more information email riverregion@route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/ men/groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

Location: First UMC, 2416 W. Cloverdale Park, 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 10:30 a.m. in Room 3103. Call 495-6343. for more information.

Cancer

Location: Aldersgate UMC, 6610 Vaughn Rd 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 4674578 or Ben W at 202-1912.

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 UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. 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 Room 8114. Call 220-4599 or e-mail womenofhope@charter.net

Divorce

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesday nights @6:30-8:00 pm in Room 405B. Child care is available. Contact Kathy Cooper at 241-5125 for information. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Divorce Care meets each Tuesday from 6 – 7:30 p.m. Come to the Library area. This group will provide support & guidance to assist you in working through the issues, pain & pressures surrounding divorce. Call 495-6343 or email rnave@frazer.church.

Gambling

Location: Cedarwood Community Church, 10286 US HWY 231 in the Wallsboro/Wetumpka community. The church is 1 1/2 miles past Tutweiler prison. Gamblers Anonymous, Saturdays at 6 pm. and Mondays at 6:30 pm. Call 567-0476. Location: Mental Health of America, 1116 South Hull Street, Montgomery. Sundays @ 5 pm. For more information about the GA meetings call 334-399-6918. For information about counseling services or to request a guest speaker please call the Alabama Council on Compulsive Gambling at 334-277-5100.

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Location: Cornerstone Christian Church, 301 Dalraida Road River Region Survivors of Suicide meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month (excluding holidays) from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is an open group for those who have lost a loved one to suicide and welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com with questions or for more information.

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Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721 for info. Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the church parlor. Led by Michael Beatty. Call 365-5977. Location: Frazer UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Grief Recovery Support Group meets Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m., Rm 3105. Call495-6343 for more info. 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. 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 support group meets every Monday at 6:00 P.M- 7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.

Mental Health

Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy Mental Health - NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) meets 2nd Monday of each month from 6:30 – 8:30 pm in Room 7205. Group provides understanding, education & information to family members & friends of those who suffer mental illness, Call Pat Cobb at 334279-8331 for more info. NAMI Connection Support Group for individuals with mental illness meets every Thursday evening, 6:30 – 7:30 pm, room 3104. Call Pat Cobb at 334-279-8331 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. Call April Scott at 828-446-6666. Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) 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: Landmark Church, 1800 Halcyon Blvd. Single Moms Support Group, Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m. in classroom 118. For 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: St.James UMC, 9045 Vauhgn Road Moms in Prayer International: This is a Christ centered interdenominational prayer ministry made up of moms, grandmothers, aunts or any woman who wants to gathers to pray for their children and schools. Meets every Sunday afternoon from 3:00-4:00. Call Annette Jones for more information on joining us or training to start your own group. 850-529-4730 or email Montgomerymipac@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. Call 272-6152. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Parkinson’s Support meets 4th Thursdays at 6 pm in Room 8114. Call 495-6343 for more info. Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy. Ostomy Support meets every other month on the 2nd Sunday at 1:30 p.m. in room 3101. In 2018: Feb., April, June, Aug., Oct., Dec. Call 495-6343 for more info. 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 www. montgomeryareadownsyndrome.com or our Facebook page (MADSOG) for information.

Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com

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May 2021

River Region’s Journey

Obstacles and Answers Q. In your mind, what are some of the biggest mental and emotional obstacles preventing people from addressing their financial problems? A. This is a great question! There are always circumstances beyond our control that can put us in a bad place, financially or otherwise, for a season. But to change your situation when it comes to money, you have to be willing to step back and honestly look at the overall picture of what has and hasn’t been working—and why. You need to be willing to admit you might have been wrong about a few things, and be open to learning and trying new ways. Myths about money and debt are definitely near the top of the list of things messing people up when it comes to their finances. I’ve heard it said if you tell a lie often enough and loudly enough, that lie will

become accepted as a fact. Repetition, volume, and longevity will twist and turn a myth, or a lie, into a commonly accepted way of doing things. Debt is so ingrained into our culture, and has been marketed to us so aggressively, that most Americans can’t envision a car without a payment, a house without a mortgage, or a college student without a loan. We’ve also bought into the myth that we can get rich quick. We’re living in a microwave society, but living right financially is a crock pot concept. It takes time. Some people are afraid of change. Change can be painful, and many simply won’t change until the pain of where they are exceeds the pain of change. When it

Advice for the expected and unexpected.

comes to money, where you are right now is a sum total of decisions you’ve made to this point. If you don’t like where you are, you have to admit changes need to be made in order for you to achieve your dreams. Finally, a lot of folks simply haven’t been taught the proper way to manage money. Ignorance is not lack of intelligence, it’s a lack of know how. There’s a big difference between the two. Admit, even if it’s just to yourself, that you are not a financial expert. Read about money, talk to people who have been successful with their finances, and begin a life-long quest to learn as much as you can about money and how to manage it wisely. What you don’t know about money will make you broke, and keep you broke!

LLC

Cindy Cornette,

CFP®, CRPC®

Financial Advisor

334.279.1174

Cindy.Cornette@ampf.com

River Region’s Journey

May 2021

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