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Volume 24, Issue 7

Feature Articles

N OVEMBER 20 2 2 Columns

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Faith @ Work: Rhonda Thompson The Director of the Nehemiah Center, a ministry of Montgomery’s First Baptist Church, discusses her passion for helping underprivileged children and parents, how her mother influenced her to become a giver and what she believes truly matters in life.

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Publisher’s Note Jason Watson

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Pastor's Perspective Dr. Peyton Hill, First Baptist Church, Prattville

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Moments with Kym page 10

Kym Klass

Thanksgiving Gives Us Eyes for God

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Women Arising Pastor Kemi Searcy

by Steve Fuller

Putting on the “glasses” of gratitude helps us see God’s mercy more clearly. The author shares five steps to thanking God in a way that will increase our joy in Him.

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Counselor’s Corner George Ishman

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Christmas in the River Region

Start planning to celebrate Christ in a variety of ways with local churches. You’ll find musicals, candlelight services and so much more coming in December.

The Intersection Bob Crittenden

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Dave $ays Dave Ramsey

In Every Issue

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Life on Wheels

Serving Women, Saving Babies, Sharing Jesus

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Books to Read

by Kym Klass

Discover the beautiful, life-saving work happening on this bus which provides ultrasounds and support for women in an unwanted pregnancy situation.

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Faith @ Work

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River Region Christians

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 Tim Challies Bob Crittenden Steve Fuller Dr. Peyton Hill George Ishman Kym Klass Dave Ramsey Kemi Searcy

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

Digital Manager Scott Davis

Ad Design

Tim Welch, Welch Designs

From the Publisher On Thanksgiving... Are we really just thanking God for the things that keep us BOUND IN FEAR? Now, no one will ever make that statement when the family is going around the room sharing the one thing for which they are grateful. At least, we hope not. What a downer that person would be. So, I’ll save you that experience by asking the question now.

On Thanksgiving... we thank God for the money to have such a bountiful celebration, but we’re continually stressed trying to afford our chosen lifestyle.

On Thanksgiving... we thank God for family and friends, but we hold grudges in our hearts against those who never invite us over or fail to send a birthday card on time.

On Thanksgiving... we thank God for our country, but we stay angered at people who vote differently than us, and we denigrate elected officials rather than pray for them.

I’ve been reading a book called Deep Peace by Todd Hunter, and he lists many things that rob us of our peace. His words have convicted me. One point that stuck with me is we can find peace a lot easier if we live with less. Less of what? I think that depends on each person and the things that keep us from loving God and our neighbors.

I Timothy 6:6-7 states, “But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it.” ave you met anyone who exemplifies those verses? Have you noticed how the fruit of the Spirit grows bountifully in them? Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. They’re not double-minded.

The Apostle Paul wrote these things to Timothy, and in the verses that follow, he applies this thought to food, clothing, and the use of money. But its application can reach many areas of our lives, like those Thanksgiving examples I wrote about above. When we live with fewer of the unnecessary requirements we place on ourselves and others, we can fulfill the Lord’s words, “It is better to give than receive.” We are freed from becoming people’s judges. Freed from besetting anger. Freed from the stress of maintaining our possessions. And in turn, we are empowered by God’s Spirit to love God and our neighbor.

This Thanksgiving, can we be honest? Maybe not in front of all your guests, but before the Lord, using a prayer like the one found in Proverbs 30:7-9: “Two things I ask of you, LORD; do not refuse me before I die: Keep falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches, but give me only my daily bread.

Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you and say, ‘Who is the LORD?’ Or I may become poor and steal, and so dishonor the name of my God.”

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

For information, call 334-213-7940. River Region Christians is copyrighted 2022 by KeepSharing. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is prohibited.

The opinions expressed in River Region Christians 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 Christians has the right to refuse any content that is not consistent with its statement of faith.

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PLEASE JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE

ADVENT & CHRISTMAS 1st Sunday of Advent Service with Holy Eucharist † 9:30 am, November 27

Service of Lessons and Carols Service with ticketed champagne reception † 6:30 pm, Thursday, December 1

2nd Sunday of Advent Service with Holy Eucharist † 9:30 am, December 4

3rd Sunday of Advent Service with Holy Eucharist † 9:30 am, December 11

4th Sunday of Advent Service with Holy Eucharist † 9:30 am, December 18

Christmas Eve Service with Holy Eucharist and Pageant † 4:00 pm Saturday, December 24 Service with Holy Eucharist and Incense † 7:00 pm Saturday, December 24

Christmas Day Service with Holy Eucharist † 11 am, Sunday, December 25

Christ the Lord Returns to Reign!

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8800 Vaughn Rd | www.christchurchanglican.net | 334-387-0566 November 2022 River Region Christians 3

Pastor’s Perspective

by Dr. Peyton Hill, First Baptist Church of Prattville

“Unbusy Yourself” fervently obeyed the Scriptures, and yet even his obedience was only the first part of his mission. Ultimately, he was sent by his Father to die in the place of sinners.

But even in the midst of all of his obedience and mission-critical tasks, Jesus was a man who knew how to unbusy himself.

Jesus spent 40 days and nights in the wilderness alone, not working on a work project or doing Pilates, but praying and fasting (Matthew 4:1–2). On the night before choosing his disciples, Jesus didn’t spend time running through their resumes one more time and calling their references, no, Jesus prayed (Luke 6:12). When Jesus had thousands of men, women, and children hanging on his every instruction, he didn’t build them a school to continue his lessons.

Instead, Jesus pulled away to pray (Mark 6:46).

His prayer life was so consistent that Jesus’s disciples did not just want to learn from his teaching and his ministry, but rather they interrupted his prayers because they hoped that he could teach them how to pray (Luke 11:1).

The most necessary, needed man who has ever lived knew that the busyness of the SERVICE 9:30 AM Traditional calendar and the TIMES 11:00 AM Contemporary meetings and the appointments 334-365-0606 | FBCPRATTVILLE.ORG would never Connect with us: @fbcprattville cease, so what

Every. Single. Day. The calendar fills with meetings, events, and tasks. Every.

Single. Day. The people around me are vying for my attention. The phone never stops. Ask anyone how they’re doing.

“We’re fine, just busy.”

It seems that the more we do, the less content we are. For some strange reason, the more activity we build into our lives, the more angst we invite in with it.

Is this the type of life Jesus wants us to live? Does he really desire that we run ourselves ragged because, well, YOLO (you only live once)?

I think we have missed the boat when it comes to understanding the message and example of Jesus. As the God-man, he came to earth on an urgent mission to seek and save the lost. He

Worship Wi th Us!

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did he do? He got away for time alone to pray. The words in the Gospels concerning his prayer life that strike me as the most intriguing are found in Luke 5:15– 16, “The news about [Jesus] spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” When he was at the height of his popularity and his ministry was gaining steam, Jesus continued to practice his custom of solitude and prayer.

There are many necessary tasks, important events, and unique opportunities that arise daily. And though Jesus exists as a unique person (God in the flesh), his example should at least show us the importance of unplugging, unbusying ourselves and pressing into intimacy with the Father. Could it be that our calendars will always be full? Could it be that there will always be more tasks? So why not take the time to forget about time... why not put it on the calendar to forget about the calendar? Could it be that busyness breeds anxiety but solitude and prayer allow space for the anxiety to flee? Life with Jesus is much less about what we do for him and much more about enjoying him. The tyranny of the urgent distracts, but Jesus invites us close to him in the quiet... and that’s where the peace is found.

Peyton joined FBC Prattville in August 2019 as senior pastor. He is passionate about preaching Christ from the entire Bible and motivating believers for global missions. Peyton is married to Jordan Lee, and they have four children: Harper, Zane, Elliot and Wren. Visit www.fbcprattville.org for more information and service times.

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Powerful Leaders?

Build a Stronger Marriage

When Church Leadership Goes Wrong

by Joni Eareckson Tada

by Marcus Honeysett

It is no small feat to build a strong marriage. It is no easy thing to maintain a strong marriage through years of trials and temptations, through decades of sinning and being sinned against.

It is not something any of us can take for granted and it is for this reason that there are so many resources available to help marriages start well and continue well.

New to store shelves is Bob Lepine’s Build a Stronger Marriage: The Path to Oneness, one of the inaugural books in a new series from New Growth Press titled “Ask the Christian Counselor.” The purpose of the book is to point couples to the most common “pressure points” in marriage and to address them from the Bible—to identify potential issues in a marriage and help a husband and wife solve them, thus strengthening their marriage.

The format is simple: The book is comprised of 17 brief chapters and each has a few pages of teaching followed by an assignment the couple is meant to complete together. Always a husband and wife are to consider their own issues or flaws ahead of the other person’s. After all, “the only person you can change is you.

So instead of reading this book and hoping it will fix what is wrong with your mate, read it asking God to show you what needs to be addressed in your own life.” The chapters flow from the meaning and purpose of marriage, to examining past examples of marriage and events in life that may have contributed to marital difficulties, to matters related to conflict and forgiveness, to “best practices” that can strengthen and even restore a marriage. It’s a simple, effective format.

Though this book can be completed by a couple alone, many will benefit from involving someone else—perhaps a pastor or elder or perhaps another couple who has been married for a little longer and can serve as mentors. This is especially true of those whose marriages are in a serious state and who may need something more significant than a minor tune-up.

Build a Stronger Marriage is an excellent little book and one I’m convinced will make a different in many marriages. I’d recommend pastors keep a few handy that they can give away to couples who are looking for just a little help. I’d recommend older couples keep a few handy and invite younger couples to join them in going through it together. And I’d recommend it to couples who may wish to join with a few others and strengthen their marriages together. In any case, it should serve its purpose well.

Over the past few years we have witnessed quite a number of leadership failures within the church. We have learned of pastors who have used their position to enrich themselves, to use their prominence to run roughshod over others, to use their prestige to feed their flesh. Some of these failures have been shocking, some almost expected. Some of these failures have been public, some very quiet. But each of them has, in its own way, been grievous and harmful.

Each of them shows that, at times, leadership can go tragically wrong.

Powerful Leaders? is a book about what happens when Christian leadership goes wrong. “Today’s culture has become deeply sensitive to issues of power imbalance, misuse of authority and manipulation,” says Marcus Honeysett, and this puts an increased onus on faithful Christian leaders to ensure they are leading well—and to ensure they are avoiding the snares that seem to have entrapped so many others. “My aim is modest,” he says. “I hope to sketch a map of the slippery slope of power – the path that runs from good intentions, via lack of accountability and transparency, down into manipulation and self-serving, all the way to the most serious abuses – and put up some ‘turn back’ signs.” In other words, he wants to help leaders identify some of the points at which they may prove to go terribly wrong and to turn them back before it’s too late.

Anyone who is in a position of leadership needs to consider whether he is in danger of misusing power and position. That is true whether the position is formal or informal and whether he leads individuals, churches, organizations, or movements. Anyone should humbly consider whether he may be falling for some common traps. And that is exactly what this book is all about.

Any good leader should know and admit that he is not above misusing his position. Any good leader should have the self-awareness to know that he is not above the traps that have ensnared so many of his peers. Any good leader should be willing to evaluate his leadership—and have it evaluated by others—to ensure he is leading in the way God calls him to. And for that reason, I highly recommend this book. “My prayer,” says the author in the afterword, “is that this book has helped you think about biblical, spiritual leadership through the lens of Christ-like servanthood, rather than through a worldly lens of big characters wielding power with their impressive strength, or subtle manipulators wielding power through the warmth of their impressive smiles and personal winsomeness.”

It would be a blessing to the church if every leader would read this book and evaluate his leadership by it.

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people for who they are and their values without trying to change them. I believe a sincere servant is willing to learn from those who may be different. Ultimately, people should see Christ in you and draw a closer understanding of him based on your actions, not just your words.

RRC: What is one piece of advice that you give to at-risk children you serve within the community?

RT: I constantly harp on my kids to understand that they are worthy, important, and valuable to God, me, and our community (Nehemiah’s family).

RRC: The Nehemiah Center’s primary mission is to build relationships. How does building relationships keep kids off the streets?

RRC: For two decades, you’ve served as the Director of The Nehemiah Center through First Baptist Church, Montgomery. How did the program evolve?

RT: In 2002, the Minister of Community Ministries realized that the needs in the Chisholm community were quickly growing. She also realized that the community was vastly underserved and asked me to start a new program to help meet needs. Her request was for a parenting program and a children’s program. She gave me the words every social worker wants to hear, “The rest is up to you. Take the ball and run with it.” The rest is history.

RRC: What does having a servant’s heart mean to you?

RT: It means that you do the work God has called you to do without any expectations of getting anything in return (no ulterior motives). You understand your job to be that of a giver and one who sacrifices for the good of others. I believe it means that you accept River Region Christians

November 2022

RT: One of the most effective ways to keep kids off the street is to give them a sense of belonging. As we build relationships with our kids, we show them that they are worthy, they are a valuable part of something bigger than themselves, and they are needed by those who love them. Kids will find a place to belong. Our job is to provide a safe, loving, and encouraging place for them to feel special and wanted. By building relationships and being a servant model, we can become a trusted, non-judgmental source for them to feel free to share what’s going on in their heads, homes, and lives. They will then value our opinions and our advice. When kids are loved and honored, they are less likely to fall prey to the negative influences pulling them to the streets.

RRC: Your mother was a pioneer at First Baptist Church. How did she influence your life and work?

RT: My mother is the ultimate example of a servant with a servant’s heart. She has a lifetime of service to God and her community and set the example for her children, at a very early age, to always treat people with dignity and respect. She showed me how to find out what people’s needs are and how to help meet those needs. She taught me to value each client’s input into their situation.

Constant examples of showing mercy and compassion led me to value these things and people over money, power, or prestige. She gave me and countless others the template for ministry and service through knowledge, love, and kindness. As a female pioneer, she has opened up many doors and helped put 8

a crack in the glass ceiling that hinder many women in ministry. Through her skill, knowledge, and leadership, she has mentored many women who will carry out her legacy for many years.

RRC: How can the community work together to ensure children are not becoming another statistic or products of unhealthy environments?

RT: We must make children valued, not just with words. We should make a deliberate investment in ending childhood poverty, ending the lack of accessible healthcare, and putting resources in schools, including datadriven trauma-based therapies and alternative education strategies that meet the child where they are. I believe we honor God by honoring parents and helping those in need by investing financially, spiritually, and physically. Band-Aid or gimmick approaches have not worked. If we want to make a change, we must change the way we approach helping communities and families.

RRC: In 2019, you were honored with the Community Hero award, and in 2020 nominated for the Girl Scouts of American Women of Achievement award. What does that mean to you?

RT: I am humbled and honored to be recognized by our community leaders and organizations for making positive changes in our community. I am always encouraged and grateful to meet others who are recognized, too. For example, I received the Liberty Legacy Award a few years ago for my work with my therapy dog Brodie through Dogs on Call and Read To The Paw at Highland Garden Elementary School. It was a special award because it involved my precious fur baby Brodie and all of the children he worked with each week in their classroom. At the risk of sounding trite, the community awards are so special and deeply appreciated, but the love and joy of the children are my greatest reward.

RRC: For the next person who continues to carry on your work, what would you like to impart to them?

RT: For the next person to carry on my work, I would say cling to Micah 6:8, “Do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God.” Rhonda Thompson was born in Alexander City, and her two children are Austin (28) and Morgan (26). She’s an avid outdoors adventurer and enjoys kayaking, hiking, and mountain biking.

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When I was 8 years old, I had an eye exam.

As I tried to make out the letters on the chart, I got so many wrong that the doctor thought I was joking. But this was no joke; I was very nearsighted.

A week later, when I got my first pair of glasses, I was stunned. I could read street signs, recognize people’s faces at a distance, see far-off mountains and individual leaves on trees. I could see more clearly than ever.

That’s a lot like gratitude. Gratitude is like glasses, as it helps us see the glory of God’s mercy more clearly. And therefore, because our greatest joy is seeing God’s glory, gratitude increases our joy.

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Gratitude’s Greatest Joy

Gratitude Helps Us See

We can discover the greatest joy of gratitude by noticing how often God’s word links thanksgiving with praise.

For many years, I did not experience more joy in God through gratitude. I dutifully thanked God for his blessings, but because I did not understand thanksgiving, my gratitude did not help me see God’s glorious mercy, and so it did not increase my joy.

The problem was that I saw thanksgiving mostly as an obligation to be fulfilled. God had done something for me, so now I owed him gratitude. And once I had said, “Thank you,” my debt was paid, and I moved on to something else.

But that’s not how the Bible talks about thanksgiving. Consider, first, how the Bible often links thanksgiving with joy.

I will thank you in the great congregation; in the mighty throng I will praise you. (Psalm 35:18) I will praise the name of God with a song; I will magnify him with thanksgiving. (Psalm 69:30) I was used to distinguishing thanksgiving and praise. And of course, they are different: thanksgiving does focus more on what God does, and praise on who God is. But these verses show there’s a connection. The fact that thanksgiving is linked with praise shows that thanksgiving does not ignore who God is.

Thanksgiving helps us see and praise who God is. And this act of seeing and praising God is thanksgiving’s greatest joy.

How does this work?

Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! (Psalm 95:2) Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name! (Psalm 97:12)

Putting on the Glasses

Let them offer sacrifices of thanksgiving, and tell of his deeds in songs of joy! (Psalm 107:22)

Let’s say you get a promotion and want to thank God. Thankfulness starts with seeing the value and the mercy of God’s gifts.

So, you would remind yourself of the value of this promotion — maybe it’s more interesting work, higher pay, and a better career path. Then, you would ponder the mercy of this promotion — that because you are a sinner deserving only hell, this gift is an infinitely costly mercy, bought for you by Jesus’s suffering on the cross.

So, joy and thanksgiving are connected. But how?

We might think the connection is obvious: when we give thanks, we rejoice in what God has given. Think of the joy we feel in getting promoted, or being healed. Surely, joy in God’s gifts is part of gratitude. But it’s not the only joy of gratitude. And it’s not the greatest joy.

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Helping navigate the mental health system for teens and children.

Growing Toward Gratitude

Services are FREE and confidential. Services provided by phone are not medical advice and should not be considered as such.

Services are provided via telephone by licensed mental health professionals who recommend the most appropriate mental health resources.

PIRC is available seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m.

PIRC is NOT a crisis or suicide hotline. Call for mental health resources.

The PIRC is generously supported by funding from the Anne B. LaRussa Foundation of Hope, United Way of Central Alabama, the Daniel Foundation of Alabama and the Walker Area Community Foundation.

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Then, as you thank God, recounting both the worth and the mercy of this promotion, the experience will be like putting on glasses — you see even more clearly the glory of God’s grace in Christ. And this will increase your joy in God, because beholding God’s glorious mercy is our allsatisfying joy.

So, when God calls us to give thanks, he’s not just calling us to thank him for what he’s done. He’s calling us to rejoice in who he is, as displayed in what he’s done. And that’s why Christian Hedonists love to thank God: thanking God leads to seeing more of God, and seeing more of God is our greatest joy.

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How can we thank God in a way that increases our joy in God? Here are five steps.

First, ask for the Spirit’s help. The goal of thanksgiving is seeing and feeling the glory of God’s mercy, and we can’t do that without the Spirit’s work. So, ask.

Second, ponder the value of God’s gifts. Consider the value of each gift.

Think about health, friends, the food in front of you. Think especially about the Savior, whose death paid for your sins and purchased fullness of joy in him forever.

Third, think about the mercy of God’s gifts. Not only do we not deserve these gifts, but because of our sin, all we deserve is God’s judgment. Ask God to help you see that, so you feel more wonder at the grace and mercy displayed in this blood-bought gift.

Fourth, do this until you see and feel more of God’s glorious mercy. Keep praying for the Spirit’s Jesus-revealing work, and keep thinking about the worth and mercy of God’s gifts, until you sense more of God’s glorious mercy in Christ.

Fifth, express your thanksgiving and joyful praise to God. Thank him for his gifts, expressing the worth of each gift and the mercy of each gift. And rejoice in how each gift displays the glory of God’s grace to you in Christ.

We all need help seeing God’s glorious mercy. And gratitude, like glasses, can help. So, for the sake of your joy in God, put on the glasses of gratitude. And see.

Steve Fuller is lead pastor of Grace Church Abu Dhabi and writes at Living by Faith.

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Remembering God is There Beginning & End Can you remember a time, or several, when you’ve wondered how you could possibly get through a trial in your life? How you’d get through every step you’d have to take to possibly come out on the other side? And do so victoriously – however that looks for you.

And during this time, during a time a trial feels impossible to overcome, you wonder how God would not only pull you through, but where He was on this walk.

Maybe we talk about this often. I’m positive I’ve shared this message previously. But I can’t be the only one who needs reminding of where I’ve been, and how He is going to continue being there for me in the future.

Tell me I’m not the only one who does this without remembering every – single – time He has pulled us through repeatedly. Not only through hard times, but also through life’s journey that leads us to wherever He knows we need to be. And when He reminds us that His plan is our plan – through everyday decisions that are made.

Even before being offered my position at Frazer Church almost two years ago, I sat in my car in front of the main office door and battled with an unimaginable (to me) fear and uncertainty, following a few years of endured abuse. I wouldn’t share this with anyone at my job for almost a full year.

But I sat there, and before walking in to my second interview, prayed, “God, if this is where I need to be, then... let’s go in.”

What I battled that one afternoon didn’t resolve itself for several months, and I wasn’t able to fully let go of the situation in my heart for over a year and a half. But God had His hand on my path, leading me to a

job, a church, to people that I needed to be around. The internal battle was one I didn’t know how I would pull through.

But He walked alongside me, and I grew spiritually. I have learned, professionally. I have made some of my closest friends.

And I have poured my soul into Jesus as I haven’t ever before.

So, I sit here, and maybe you do, too, and wonder, “How?” But that’s when our hearts, our minds, and our memories must slow down and look back at what we’ve already faced. What we’ve already pulled through with God at our side.

And if you come across this quote like I did recently: Faith tells me that no matter what lies ahead of me, God is already there.

You’ll remember that heartbreak, the financial strains, the depression, the relationship strains with family or friends.

And you’ll remember how He was there at the beginning, the middle, and the end – whatever that end is.

As I’ve grown deeper in my relationship with Christ, I have found myself reminding others that God didn’t promise us we wouldn’t have problems, but that He would walk beside us through our trials. As hard as that is to believe in our time of desperation, of hardship.

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The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.

(Deuteronomy 31:8) Share this message with others.

I have a younger friend who recently shared some difficult circumstances in her life with me and who said, “I guess this is how it is always going to be,” and I replied, “No... no... no.” Not only “no,” but that God would walk with her in her situation. That there would be eventual resolve with Him beside her. To have hope in that. To fully trust our walk with Him.

Schedule your retirement review today.

It’s been said that we spend more time planning vacations than planning for retirement. Let’s set aside some time to create positive change for you and the people you care about and understand: • How much you’ll need to retire • If you are on track for your retirement goals • Which IRA is right for your retirement needs – Roth or traditional • The importance of asset allocation and how it can help as you work toward your long-term goals

It’s more than just money. Investing is about realizing the possibilities of your future.

Sang Y Chung, AAMS®, CRPC® Financial Advisor 1951 Berry Chase Place Montgomery, AL 36117 334-271-9573

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Dalraida UMC

Montgomery Aldersgate UMC Founded Upon6610 God’s Word VaughnLiturgically Road,Joyful (334)

272.6152 At Christchurch, worship involves the entire congregation, as we www.aldersgateumc.org offer God praise, thanksgiving and adoration using worship traditions December atback 10:30 that can be11 traced to the a.m. earliest days of the Church. Our worship is not designed to entertain Christmas Carol Service us, but to honor the true “audience” the Lord!

Sanctuary andof worship, online at Aldersgateumc.org Christmas Eve Carols, Communion and Candlelight Saturday, December 24 Warm and Loving Committed to Mission

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.

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 proclaiming the good news of Jesus, and we joyfully serve as His hands and feet whether in places like Uganda and Guatemala or within Montgomery.

Christchurch

ad on page 3 8800 Vaughn Road, (334) 387.0566, ext. 203.

8800 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36117 www.christchurchmgm.net 334.387.0566

www.christchurchxp.net Candlelit Service of Lessons and Carols December 1 Christmas Eve Pageant December 24 at 4 p.m.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24 at 8 p.m.

Christmas at Eastern Hills Baptist 3604 Pleasant Ridge Rd., (334) 272.0604 www.ehbconline.com Christmas Hope, Christmas Music Program Featuring our Children’s Choir, Student Choir, Song Drama, Adult Choir, guest Orchestra.

Free Admission - Childcare provided for birth through 5 years old December 4, 3 p.m.

Christmas Candlelight Service All ages will attend this service which includes a special story time for children.

December 24, 5 p.m.

Church of the Highlands 4255 Taylor Road, (205) 980.5577 www.churchofthehighlands.com Dates to be announced on website.

Come join us for a service full of worship, prayer, and celebration as we honored the birth of Jesus Christ. Please visit our website for times and locations.

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ad on page 20 3817 Atlanta Hwy., (334) 272.2190 www.dalraidaumc.com Christmas Cantata, TBA Christmas Eve Candlelight December 24, Time to be decided

First Baptist Church

ad on Back Cover 305 South Perry Street, (334) 834.6310 www.montgomery fbc.org The Living Christmas Tree Thursday and Friday at 7 PM; Saturday and Sunday at 4 PM Come experience the splendor of Christmas in Main Sanctuary as the FBC choir and orchestra present, The Living Christmas Tree, a musical presentation that celebrates the birth of Jesus and the hope He brings.

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24 , TBA

First United Methodist Church 2416 West Cloverdale Park, (334) 834.8990 Gift Hope: Gift Hope invites the community to find a richer meaning for giving this holiday season by doing their “shopping” to help fund specific needs of those served by River Region area non-profit organizations. Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. Visit them at Fumcmontgomery.org/gifthope.

Sunday, November 27 Advent 1 - Hanging of the Greens Sunday, December 3 Advent 2 – Holy Communion Sunday, December 11 Advent 3 – Lessons and Carols December 18 Advent 4 – Poinsettia Sunday 14

Christmas Eve Services Saturday, December 24 12 p.m., Communion; 3:15 p.m., Family Service; 5 & 7 p.m., Candlelight Services.

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Frazer Church

ad on page 7 6000 Atlanta Highway, (334) 272.8622 Visit frazer.church Frazer Church Women’s Christmas Brunch December 3, 9 am to 11 am in Wesley Hall Women and girls of all ages are invited to our annual Women’s Christmas Brunch featuring tables beautifully decorated by the ladies of the church and a special message entitled “Setting Another Place” from Donna Oliphint. Tickets are $10 in the Atrium beginning November 3.

Lessons and Carols of Christmas December 4 at 4 p.m.

The Longest Night Christmas Worship December 21, 6 p.m.

“Candlelight Worship” Friday, December 23 at 6 p.m. (Contemporary) or Saturday, December 24 at 6 p.m.

(Traditional) and 6 p.m. for Contemporary Christmas Day Services December 25 from 10-11 a.m.

We will offer one service on Christmas Day, December 25, at 10 a.m., as we celebrate the birth of Jesus. The service will be led by Pastor Christ and his family. There will be no childcare available. Classes will not meet.

Gateway Baptist Church

ad on page 23 3300 Bell Road, (334) 272.9494 gatewaybaptist.com Candlelight Service and Communion Saturday, December 24, 5 p.m.

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Heritage Baptist Church 1849 Perry Hill Road, (334) 279.9976 www.hbcm.net Christmas Eve Service December 24, 5 p.m.

His Vessel Ministries 300 Water Street, (334) 356.4478 Open House December 13, 4-6 p.m.

Refreshments served, Live Music

Saint James Church 9045 Vaughn Road, (334) 277.3037 www.sjlife.com Christmas Tree Lighting Do you hear what I hear? Yes! It’s Live Christmas music, all kinds of treats, and of course the lighting of the tree to start the season!

November 27 at 5-7 p.m.

Happy Birthday Jesus Party Children’s Ministry is throwing our annual birthday party for Jesus! Your kids will absolutely love this but families are welcome to attend together!

December 11, 11a.m.

Christmas Eve Services December 24, 12 p.m. Traditional Service If you long to sing in a candlelight service with Christmas hymns in a stain glass sanctuary on Christmas Eve at noon, then this is your service.

December 24, 5:30 p.m.

Contemporary Service It’s really just a big celebration! This service contains worship from upbeat to the hope filled somber Christmas songs, a quick Christmas message that includes candle lighting, Silent Night around the pond, and then fireworks! A perfect family event to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. Nursery available for 3 and under.

Taylor Road Baptist 1685 Taylor Road, (334) 271.3363 www.taylorroad.org Candlelight Service December 24 at 5 p.m.

Vaughn Forest Church

the whole family! We will have it all!

Fun and games, music, lights and an interactive show that’s sure to engage all ages, and a totally rockin’ after party!

Please visit our website for more information and to make a reservation.

Candlelight Service December 24 at 3 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.

East Memorial Baptist Church 1320 Old Ridge Road, (334) 365.7500 www.eastmemorial.org “The Promise of Christmas” Our Celebration Choir, Orchestra, and Drama Team will present an East Memorial Favorite.

December 11 at 10:30 a.m.

Christmas Eve Service December 24 with times TBA

8660 Vaughn Road, (334) 279.5433 www.vaughnforrest.com Christmas Eve Services December 24 with times to be announced.

First Baptist Church

Prattville Centerpoint Fellowship Church 1200 McQueen Smith Road, Prattville (334) 356.3076; www.centeringlives.com Jingle Jam December 4 from 3p.m. – 6 p.m.

Jingle Jam…a Christmas party big enough for

ad on page 4 138 South Washington St., (334) 365.0606 fbcprattville.org Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

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Thanksgiving as an Act of Worship Did your parents teach you the “magic words” when you were young?

“Please, thank you, and you’re welcome” were given special status as words that made us polite in society. Little Lachlin, aged 2, says, “tank oo” and “welkum” and “pwease” and we clap our hands in delight. Yet, these words became autoresponses, often without feeling what we were saying.

As adults, we still often say these words without thinking and genuinely being thankful in our hearts for what we have been given. “Thank you, Jesus, thank you, Jesus” can become a superficial mantra every time something goes our way, without much thought behind it.

As Christians, we recognize the blessings of God…or at least we should… on a daily basis. The privilege of life, skills, talents, health, and safety are all part of our lives. Yet we often think these are things we deserve. As a result, we may take them for granted until we face someone who doesn’t have these “basics.”

There are two extravagant gifts that you possess. These have been granted to you by your Heavenly Father. The first is life itself. Your body is performing according to design. Every second, 15 million blood cells are destroyed in the human body. Yet, simultaneously, your body is making over 3.8 million new cells every second. Your heart pumps about 11mL of oxygen into your lungs every 60 seconds; I could go on, but suffice it to say just breathing is a complicated, ingenious gift from God. The second amazing gift you have is eternal life. The price for this gift is well beyond Neman Marcus’ most expensive item. Jesus’ blood has paid a high price to erase your sin and put it upon Himself.

If you calculated the number of sins you River Region Christians

November 2022

have committed just during childhood - disobeying, having a bad attitude, rebelling, cheating, lying, etc. – your shame would taint your life forever. Yet God has not only forgiven, through Jesus, each sin but has forgotten them. If that isn’t an excuse for thanksgiving, I don’t know what can be!

This isn’t just a “glass-half-full” plea.

This is a call to live in a world where thanksgiving becomes an act of worship. Look at an example. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was shocked at the angel’s declaration that she would bear the Messiah.

At first, she asked for an explanation, but then her heart embraced the situation, and her thanksgiving for being chosen turned into a phenomenal worship song.

And Mary said,

My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name… (Luke 1:46–55) Do you hear how her heart moved beyond thanksgiving to rejoicing to worship? She recognized her unworthiness and God’s holiness. She esteemed His plan above her own. She relinquished her will to His. Do you think God felt honored? Do you 16

believe He received her worship? How could you think otherwise?

How can we make our thanksgiving turn into an act of worship? First, think about a time when you have been really grateful. Perhaps thinking about it today brings you to tears or an overwhelming sense of awe.

Even in the little things, you can transition from rote thanksgiving to pure worship. It is like the secular saying, “take time to smell the roses,” but with the caveat that Jesus is in those little things that you take time to notice.

The act of worship costs us something.

Like Mary, we must realize our estate and His sovereignty. We must agree with David’s principle that “I will not sacrifice to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.”

(2 Samuel 24:24) That means we are never too busy to have a worship break. (Coffee breaks are second best!)

Start filling your life with thanksgiving and worship, and you will be surprised at the results. I have seen lives turn from melancholy to exuberant. I have watched the grieving mother find true peace. I have witnessed the downtrodden become blessings to others. There is a life exchange that awaits each one of us. So: Start your day with thanks. Always.

Schedule several “worship breaks” into your day’s agenda.

Make yourself go to bed before you are so tired you can’t think. Write some points of thanksgiving about your day to God and let Him tuck you in.

You are the apple of God’s eye, woman of God. Enjoy His presence as you multiply your thanksgiving and worship each day!

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Champions of Faith Ministry Celebration Tuesday, November 15, 6:00 PM Fellowship of Christian Athletes will be having its Champions of Faith Ministry Celebration - Iron Bowl Edition at Frazer Church in Montgomery. The guest speakers will be Steadman Shealy and Chette Williams. Visit frazer.church for details on attending.

Reserve Your 7-Foot Christmas Cross from Faith Radio Thanks to a wonderful donation from a faithful listener, Faith Radio has been provided a limited number of seven-foot wooden crosses for us to distribute to our listeners!

The donor has recommended that Faith Radio receive a generous financial donation for each cross. This donation helps Faith Radio continue to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ and the crosses are great visual displays of the Christmas message.

Visit faithradio.org to reserve your cross to be picked up at the Faith Radio Studios, 381 Mendel Pkwy. in Montgomery on Monday, November 14 from 7:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

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2022 K-Love Christmas w/ Crowder

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with Matt Maher, Jordan St. Cyr, Katy Nichole Thursday, December 1, at 7:00 pm Montgomery Performing Arts Centre, 201 Tallapoosa Street Visit www.mpac.org or call 334-481-5110 for ticket info.

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The mission of Life On Wheels’ is threefold: they use the power of ultrasound to serve women, save babies, and share Jesus.

The mobile unit that provides free pregnancy tests and ultrasounds, and which serves women throughout the River Region and Birmingham, works to make women feel safe, supported, and loved, offering a three-step process to inform them and help them see their future clearly.

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by Kym Klass

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“We don’t judge them or hound them,” said Robyn Blessing, who has served as the executive director of the nonprofit since its inception in late 2016. “We get them on the bus, show them the ultrasound of their own baby and we just believe the Holy Spirit does the work.”

The Process • For clients who are uncertain of the pregnancy, Life On Wheels administers a urine pregnancy test to give them answers. If the test is negative, Blessing and her team can discuss a client’s fears or worries if she desires, and if it is positive, the team takes it from there.

• Ultrasounds can be expensive, but Life On Wheels understands their importance.

The mobile has been equipped with an ultrasound machine so that a client can see for herself without having to worry about the cost.

• The team’s trained counselors share the truth that a woman is loved, supported, and show her that she does not have to walk through this alone. Clients are referred to pregnancy resource centers and community resources who can walk with her through the next phase of life.

Life On Wheels was the idea of Dr. Matthew Phillips, a partner with OB-GYN Associates, and who was seeing women in the emergency room who had had botched abortions. The mobile unit became a vision after a patient challenged him to create the opportunity for women.

Life On Wheels is an affiliate of ICU Mobile, an organization based in Ohio dedicated to serving women across the country.

The mobile unit can be found throughout the area, including on South Perry Street, on the Alabama State University campus (across from the Acadome), Mary’s Haven in Prattville, and the Elmore County Pregnancy Center.

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The units travel to eight different locations weekly, positioning themselves in areas where many women need to find them. There are three full-time staff members, seven part-time, and 124 volunteers.

Life On Wheels has one unit in the Montgomery area, and two in Birmingham.

The goal by 2030 is to have units all over the state, including Huntsville, Tuscaloosa and Mobile.

Life On Wheels supports crisis pregnancy centers by partnering with Christian ministries and individuals to empower and assist pregnant women in making an informed, life-affirming decision for their child.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well. – Psalm 139:13-14 “We use the power of ultrasound to give women an alternative,” Blessing said. “It does not matter that Alabama has banned abortions. They’re still being done in Georgia and Florida. What’s being pushed now is the abortion pills. Our goal is to reach the woman. Eighty-nine percent

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River Region Christians

of women who see the baby on ultrasound change their minds.”

Recently, Roe vs Wade, the landmark ruling that established the constitutional right to abortion in the U.S. in 1973, was overturned, giving individual states the power to set their own abortion laws without concern of Roe, which had allowed abortions during the first two trimesters of pregnancy.

In Georgia, women are not allowed to have abortions at six weeks if a heartbeat is detected. Blessing said there are now women calling Life On Wheels to test and see how far along they are in their pregnancy.

“We’re doing a lot more education,” she said. “We’ve extended our hours. We have brought on more staff. We want to be available so women see us before they

do something drastic.”

Phillips invited Blessing on the unit to serve alongside him. She shared with him that she had previously had an abortion, and until 2016, was prochoice.

Blessing remembers being told by Phillips that God would forgive her sin, but Blessing didn’t realize it was a sin – she had never heard the word associated with what she did. She was married with a 5-year-old at the time and just remembers asking a nurse if she made it on time to have the abortion.

“I was a Christian when I had an abortion,” she said. “I was like, wow. What did I do? Why I do this (today), is because I don’t want women to be in the same situation. It’s going to be their choice, but I want to show them the truth.”

The average age of a client at Life On Wheels is between 20-29. Most already have a child. The youngest client they have seen was 12. The oldest, late 40s.

The only criteria for getting on the bus is that you can’t be currently under the care of a doctor. And to have an ultrasound, women must have a positive pregnancy test. Once the ultrasound is completed, the staff prints a photo for the woman. And they offer resources: domestic abuse help, 211, Medicaid, doctors in clinics.

“The main goal is to get them in a position to have a successful pregnancy,” Blessing said. “Then, of course, we do want them to know Jesus. We ask them, ‘May I ask you a question? If you were to die tonight, do you know if you would go to heaven?’

“What we find is many of them have accepted Jesus, but they feel guilty. We’re able to reassure them and pray with them.

Almost everyone lets us pray with them.

We ask permission to follow up to make sure they have the connections they need.”

There have been 208 professions of faith since the mobile unit first set out in December 2016. They have distributed more than 1,000 Bibles, and 309 women

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have changed their minds on abortions.

Of the 5,436 women they’ve seen, they understand that number could be higher.

Churches throughout the region support Life On Wheels. Denominations have come together to support the work being done.

“Even if we have different beliefs on how we worship, we can all rally around the fact that God loves life,” Blessing said. “We have 14 different denominations between the volunteers and staff. It’s just great to have so many people coming together for the same goal.

“I really see womens’ lives changed.

The first part of our mission is to serve women. If we address whatever has brought the woman to this point – our bus – most women don’t want an abortion. About 75 percent are facing other situations such as money problems, family members. When we’re able to address it – and when they come back and bring their babies – it’s just amazing. I’ve never been part of anything that brings instant gratification.”

They say, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’

How Life On Wheels is funded Private donations. Monthly contributions.

Grants. The one fundraiser each year is “The Blue Jean BBQ.” This year, it is on November 17 at the Warehouse in downtown Montgomery, located at 130 Commerce Street. More information can be found at Life On Wheels Facebook page.

More information To volunteer, you can find an application at www.lifeonwheelsalabama.com. Or email with questions: mom@lifeonwheelsalabama.com. In the River Region, call (334) 202-4994. For the Birmingham Mobile Unit, call (205) 484 -7660 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Note: Men do not volunteer on the bus, but they can volunteer to be a part of the Pit Crew and drive or service the bus. Once the bus stops at their location, the men drive in a separate vehicle back to the office. Women serve as client-advocates, or data entry volunteers.

Kym Klass is a contributing writer and Communications Director of the Media Ministry at Frazer Church in Montgomery.

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Gratitude in November Thanksgiving is celebrated traditionally in many cultures. The national holiday can be observed through the act of giving thanks and the grateful acknowledgment of divine favor. In the Old Testament, the word giving means: to raise one’s hands to God in gratitude. In addition to being a season to be thankful to God, November is National Gratitude Month.

Can we differentiate gratitude from thankfulness? The answer to the question lies in the perception of the person defining the word. Unfortunately, many may define the words with similar meanings.

Gratitude is more complex than simply giving thanks. Practicing gratitude provides a deeper connection to ourselves, the world around us, and our creator.

Increasing an individual’s awareness of the power of gratitude, helping them understand the many ways to display gratitude, and educating others on the therapeutic benefits of practicing gratitude can positively change the mental landscape of society.

Gratitude is proven to have positive effects on multiple areas of our lives. Practicing gratitude can beneficially impact neurotransmitters and is consistently associated with achieving greater happiness. Knowing the power of gratitude can give individuals a renewed perception of life. Practicing gratitude makes available the opportunity to realize life happens for us and not to us.

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A practice of gratitude is focusing on God instead of the situation we face physically.

Robert Emmons, professor of psychology at UC Davis, has deemed gratitude the best mental health medicine during difficult times. During tough times individuals are taught to project themselves into the future and imagine how grateful they will be when their circumstances change. It was a beneficial coping strategy for clients that utilized it during the Covid-19 pandemic.

James 1:2-4 tells us, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.”

If properly executed, this practice can help us find a sense of God’s presence, his personal care, and his perfect timing. The benefit of the knowledge of gratitude allows us to be renewed daily.

One cannot display gratitude without understanding how. The Thanksgiving holiday provides one with many ways and opportunities to express gratitude. During the Thanksgiving holiday, gratitude is typically expressed through preparing traditional food, decorating, and verbal declarations of thankfulness. Gratitude can also be shown through creating a gratitude journal. Writing things you are grateful for every day can be as necessary as a robust meal. It gives individuals a way to reflect on how they are feeling to control their current narrative. Another way to show gratitude is through direct sharing. Telling individuals how grateful you are for having them, their services, and their friendship in your life can be uplifting and impactful to others. Lastly, one can show gratitude by giving back to their community. Helping in the community is an effective way to show appreciation.

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Doing your part gives other community inhabitants a reason to be grateful. Physical portrayals allow one to feel helpful to others and exude compassion.

The greatest reward of practicing gratitude can be received through longterm therapeutic benefits. This practice is one of the simplest ways to help individuals recognize and appreciate positivity instead of focusing on negativity. Any living and breathing human being can attest that times of hardship will appear in life. Practicing gratitude gives control to the person who may be executing it. This practice is proven to positively impact the community’s psychological, physical, and personal well-being.

In conclusion, increasing an individual’s awareness of the power of gratitude, helping them understand how to display gratitude, and educating others about the therapeutic benefits of gratitude are highly effective ways to celebrate National Gratitude Month.

Proverbs 11:25 teaches us: “Generous persons will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.” The betterment of society can begin through the positive effects of gratitude. The improvement of society through reflection, acknowledgment, and acceptance of worth starts with you.

Get to work!

George Ishman was raised in Eutaw, Alabama, where he graduated from Greene County High School. At an early age he knew he wanted to be an advocate for change and an inspiration for individuals that live in communities facing economic challenges.

Ishman received his undergraduate degree in English from ASU in 2017, where he graduated Cum Laude. He obtained his Master of Science Degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in 2021. As a new counselor, George is looking forward to helping clients find solutions and resources that will support their efforts to achieve their optimal level of functioning. George provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Behavioral Modification Therapy, and Supportive Therapy for adults and adolescents.

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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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Finish the Race Eliza Fletcher was a dedicated runner from Memphis who had qualified for the Boston Marathon. Her devotion to running motivated her to get up early and train diligently.

Early on a September Friday morning, she went on a run to start her day. Perhaps you’re familiar with the story by now - she was allegedly kidnapped, reported missing, and her body found four days later. The Commercial Appeal reported a suspect had been taken into custody, a man who had been released from prison in 2020 after a lengthy term.

Fletcher and her husband, Richard, were active members of Second Presbyterian Church in Memphis. The day after her body was found, the church tweeted: “...

Please pray for her family and the Memphis community. We’re seeking shelter in the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort whose Son is the blessed hope of the resurrection and will at the Great Day heal us and our world...”

The Christian Headlines article said that the Senior Pastor of the church, George Robertson “...described Fletcher and Richard as ‘both very active and great leaders in our congregation.’” He added, “... what’s most important at this time is they have a very deep and profound trust in Christ, who they have leaned on throughout their lives and who has made a real significant impact on each of them personally.”

One week after her abduction, an event called “Finish Eliza’s Run” occurred.

The Commercial Appeal reported: “I know you need this, and I know Memphis needs this. I know we’re stronger together. And I know none of us are alone,” Charlie Hayden, one of the event organizers, said at the start of the event.

“Start your watches, turn your lights on.

Get your GPS, get your buddy. If you didn’t come with one, make one.”

Spectators lined parts of the 8.2-mile course, holding signs and candles. MemRiver Region Christians

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phis police blocked traffic on eastbound lanes of Central Avenue for the run.

“Running for those who can’t” was a common refrain throughout the morning.

The story noted that running groups across the country remembered Fletcher during their early morning runs.

Eliza, also a mother of two, taught Pre-K at St. Mary’s Episcopal School. The article notes, “A video of her singing ‘This Little Light of Mine’ to her students went viral following her abduction.”

The New York Post reported the song was used in her funeral service, sung by a children’s choir.

That article also stated:

An online obituary described Fletcher as “devoted” to her work and her students. “As with everything Liza took on, she nurtured and cared for her students with her whole heart,” the obituary said. “A strong believer in the importance of personal growth, she was not afraid to be vulnerable. To the contrary, she embraced it.” The obituary also said she “modeled the Christian life and trusted in her unwavering faith.”

Paul Batura of Focus on the Family wrote in The Daily Citizen: “America has become a more violent and dangerous place for many reasons – but especially because more homes and families are more broken than they’ve ever been.” He added, “Studies show rapists often feel worthless, suffer low self-esteem, are loners (both physically and mentally), and were sexually abused when they were young.”

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Batura noted, “Eliza has found her rest with the Lord, but as believers, we cannot and must not grow weary while advocating for policies that will strengthen families and produce healthy children and adults destined to help and not harm. In the meantime, our hearts break for this family, and we call on Him to bring comfort where there is sorrow and grief.”

Eliza was running her race - training as a physical runner and running the Christian life. In response to her death, people took up the baton to “Finish Eliza’s Race.” We can ask ourselves: when someone we know and love is sidelined, who will pick up his or her baton? We can also consider if the legacy we are leaving will inspire others to emulate us and carry on what we have stood for.

One of the challenges of the Christian life is to model Christ in a manner that would motivate others to live in the same way we do. Paul encouraged the church at Ephesus to be imitators of God...and that can inspire to have that sort of confidence in our own walk.

In this troubled world, the answer to crime issues comes through the changing of human hearts. There are spiritual forces at play, and through prayer and biblical truth-telling, the Church can address cultural issues that are destroying lives.

We can seize the baton, be responsible for acting, and respond biblically when we see the erosion of the expression of biblical principles.

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- 8 0 0and - 2 3teach 9 - 8 9me” 0 0 psalm • W25:5 W W. F AFaith I T HRadio’s R A D Ministry I O . O RMagazine G “Guide me in your1truth - Jan-Mar 2018 November 2022 River Region Christians

Faith Radio 2022 Power of Christian Media Ad.indd 2

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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: Christchurch Anglican Church, 8800 Vaughn Road next to Southern Homes and Gardens Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday night. Dinner at 6:00, nursery available for children 4 and under. Large Meeting starts at 6:30. For more information, contact Dolly McLemore 334-301-3490.

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.

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 overcoming addictions. 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.

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.

Alzheimer’s / Dementia

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: Frazer Church, 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.

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.

River Region Christians

November 2022

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.

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.

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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.

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Location: Frazer Church, 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.

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Location: Frazer Church, 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

241-5125 for information.

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

Location: Frazer Church, 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.

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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 334399-6918. 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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Grief

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. Welcomes anyone regardless of their religious beliefs. Contact Cheryl Vinson at riverregionsos@gmail.com.

Location: Eastmont Baptist, 4505 Atlanta Hwy. Compassionate Friends is a national self-help support organization for families grieving the death of a child meeting first Tuesdays at 7 pm. Call (334) 284-2721.

Location: Church of the Highlands, 4255 Taylor Rd. Eryn’s Embrace offers hope and healing to children and teens grieving the loss of a loved one through peer support groups. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month from 4-5:15. More info: www.erynsembrace.org; erynsebrace@gmail.com; Erin Camp 334-657-1871.

Location: First UMC, 100 E. Fourth St, Prattville Grief Share, led by Dave Dageford. Call 365-5977 if you are interested.

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Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy GriefShare, Wednesday mornings 10am -12pm in the East Sanctuary. For more information call the church 272-8622. Dian Sims (facilitator)

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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.

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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.M7:00 P.M. For additional information, please contact Alice Glover at (334)281-2754.

Parenting

Location: First Baptist Prattville, 138 South 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 828446-6666.

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 Church, 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

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MOPS meeting, their children are lovingly cared for in the MOPPETS program. Email Denise Braswell at deniseorscott@yahoo.com.

Location: Young Meadows Church, 5780 Vaughn Rd River Region MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays from 9:30 to 11:30 am (September-May). Interested moms can reach out to riverregionmops334@gmail.com or find us on Facebook. riverregionmops334@gmail.com.

Send support group info to deanne@readjourneymagazine.com.

November 2022

River Region Christians

Cutting Costs During the Holiday Season Q. We’re doing our best to stick to our cash Christmas budget this year. Are there any traps to avoid, and do you have other advice on ways we can cut costs during the holiday season?

A. If you’re getting out of debt, the phrase “extra money” probably isn’t even in your vocabulary. Regardless, stores will do everything they can to convince you to toss a couple of extra items into your cart when Christmas rolls around. Their festive marketing is everywhere, and most of it tries to get you to spend extra on things you don’t need or can’t afford.

It might be Christmas, but that doesn’t mean you need to buy a bunch of high-end electronic gadgets for everyone. Any way you slice it, electronics add up to be way more than most people want to spend. Try focusing on more personal—and less expensive—gifts

River Region Christians

November 2022

that will be truly meaningful to the ones receiving them.

Set a reasonable budget, determine what’s fair for each person and stick to it.

Be sure you’re following realistic gift guidelines before you go out shopping. If you have kids, don’t let their Christmas lists dictate how much you spend. Your budget should do that. Look out for sneaky buys that drain your wallet, too. Some people spend as much on stocking stuffers as they do regular gifts under the tree.

Whether you’re shopping online or out and about, remember that extended warranties are not a good deal. Neither are store credit cards and the accompanying “discounts.” It seems everyone from big-box retail stores to mom and pop operations have their own store credit card these days. Sure, they’ll be happy to offer you 10 to 20 percent off a $7 purchase of socks if you’ll just open an account. But there’s a good chance you’ll

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still be paying off this year’s Christmas next December.

If gift wrapping at the store is complementary, go for it. If not, just do it yourself.

Sure, it takes a little time and effort, but you’ll save a ton of money buying a few rolls of wrapping paper at the local dollar store. Don’t wait until December 20th to order your Christmas presents, either. Plan ahead — like right now — so you don’t have to worry about expensive overnight shipping rates.

Finally, I know many folks want to send Christmas cards to everyone they know every year. Some people go completely over-the-top, with their family (including the dog and cat) dressed to the nines and a photo taken by a professional photographer. Come on! You can cut costs by sending cards to just your closest friends and family.

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www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents

The

Living Christmas Tree December 8 • 7 pm December 9 • 7 pm December 10 • 4 pm December 11 • 4 pm Tickets available online beginning November 6.

Call 334.241.5156 or order online at

thelivingchristmastree.org

No offering will be taken during the presentation. $5 per ticket suggested.

305 South Perry Street Montgomery, AL 36104 1

www.facebook.com/auburnopelika.parents