River Region Christian (October Issue)

Feature Articles

page 8

Faith @ Work: Kim Stinson

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kim Stinson to discuss what event led her to believe in Christ, why she put her career on hold to stay home with her children, and how her professional life is thriving now. She shares wisdom for walking through difficult times, plus advice for living out the Christian faith beyond the church walls.

OCTOBER 2023

Columns

page 2

Publisher’s Note

Jason Watson

page 4

Pastor's Perspective

Rev. Dr. Patrick M. Quinn, Century Church

page 8

page 12

If Satan Took Up Marriage Counseling

by Tim Challies

God’s view of and plans for marriage are the exact opposite of the ideas written here, and Christians should be sure not to take advice about marriage from the secular world.

page 18

Ministry

Spotlight:

The Launch Mission

by Kym Klass

Tommy McGregor shares how his ministry helps high school students transition to the college years with their faith in tact, and a plan to help it thrive. You’ll find resources for students and parents that McGregor’s ministry provides plus all the ways you can get involved.

page 22

Fall Festivals Guide

Trunk-or-treats and fun festivals abound in our area! Local churches invite your family to join them for a safe and exciting Halloween alternative.

Books to Read

page 10

Faith @ Work

page 17

The Intersection

Bob Crittenden

page 15

Women Arising

Pastor Kemi Searcy

page 24

Counselor’s Corner

Jessica Gibbe-Fernandez, LMFT

page 26

Support Groups

page 28

Dave $ays

Dave Ramsey

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

Jessica Gibbe-Fernandez, LMFT

Kym Klass

Rev. Dr. Patrick M. Quinn

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

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 2023 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.

From the Publisher

By Grace Alone

As we land on another month and a fresh new season, I am reminded of the great privilege we have in being part of a community that thrives on faith, hope, and love. That only happens because of the foundation we believe a life should be built upon. Unlike the world, whose measure is one’s ability to achieve greatness, Christians know we owe everything to God’s amazing grace.

Let me share a powerful quote by Tim Keller that struck a chord with me: “A salvation earned by good works and moral effort would favor the more able, competent, accomplished, and privileged. But salvation by sheer grace favors the failed, the outsiders, the weak, because it goes only to those who know salvation must be by sheer Grace.”

Are these words not the very essence of our Christian faith? They serve as a gentle reminder that salvation is not a reward for our abilities, accomplishments, or privilege, but a divine gift bestowed upon us by the boundless grace of God. In a world that often measures worth by success and self-sufficiency, our faith stands as a beacon of hope for the marginalized, the downtrodden, and the lost.

But wait, don’t read those last few words and not find yourself among that lot. Grace levels the playing field, extending its hand to those who have stumbled and fallen, to those who have felt like outsiders, and to those who recognize their own weakness. It reminds us that none of us are beyond redemption, and no one is too broken to be made whole. Grace is the great equalizer that unites us all under the banner of God’s love poured out through Jesus our Savior.

River Region Christians seeks to share this amazing grace each month. Inside these pages is the light of God’s love and salvation. There’s no great message for us to soak up and spread together. As we navigate the challenges of our daily lives, let us hold fast to the truth that salvation is not a prize to be earned but a gift to be received. Our faith is not about being perfect; it’s about being perfectly loved and forgiven by our Heavenly Father through the atoning work of Jesus. Understanding this is the foundation of our Christian walk and takes us down path of humility, compassion for all.

Let’s embrace this grace with open hearts, and let it flow through us to touch the lives of those around us. Let us be a community that exemplifies the radical, inclusive love of Christ, where the weak are made strong, the outsiders are welcomed, and the failed find redemption.

Pastor’s Perspective

by Rev. Dr. Patrick M. Quinn, Century Church

Modern Day Parable: The Tale of the Two CEOs

In a world obsessed with market dynamics and profit margins, it’s easy to overlook the spiritual and ethical dimensions of leadership. Yet, as Jesus once taught timeless lessons through simple stories, our modern narratives can offer similar wisdom. Such is the case with the tale of two CEOs, Alex and Chad.

Alex, leading a Fortune 500 behemoth, is solely driven by the bottom line. Employees are treated as mere entries in a balance sheet, valuable only as long as they contribute to profits. “Business isn’t about making friends; it’s about making money,” Alex often remarks. The company soars in Wall Street valuations, but internally it suffers from stress, distrust, and high turnover.

On the opposite end of the spectrum is Chad, who leads a smaller enterprise. He places great importance on his employees’ well-being, ethical business practices, and community engagement. His company may not compete with Alex’s in terms of financial performance, but it is rich in employee satisfaction and community respect. Echoing the sentiments of Hobby Lobby CEO David Green, Chad believes, “It’s not what you make, but what you keep, and what you do with what you keep.”

Alex’s myopic focus on profit yields immediate gains but reveals long-term challenges—legal disputes, ethical lapses, and a workforce plagued by low morale. Chad’s philosophy, however, captures a holistic vision of success that enriches lives beyond mere financial metrics. As John Wesley famously advised, “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” Chad’s lead-

ership embodies this, earning respectfully, saving judiciously, and giving generously to causes and the community.

The theological underpinning of this tale finds resonance in the words of theologian Karl Barth, who observed, “Laughter is the closest thing to the grace of God.” Barth’s wisdom, although not explicitly addressing business ethics, encapsulates the essence of a work environment filled with grace, joy, and a shared sense of purpose—features easily seen in Chad’s company.

Scripture lends further weight to this modern-day parable. Matthew 16:26 asks, “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” This verse could easily be a rhetorical question aimed at Alex, whose relentless pursuit of profit seems to ignore the moral and spiritual costs. Chad, conversely, operates with a sense of balance, mindful of not just worldly gains but also eternal values.

This narrative serves as a compass for Christians navigating the complex landscape of contemporary business. It challenges us to ask: What kind of legacy do we wish to leave? A legacy celebrated only in quarterly earnings reports, or one reflected in the well-being of our employees, ethical standing, and social contributions?

The story of Alex and Chad stands as a warning and an inspiration. It highlights that our professional pursuits should align with a higher moral and spiritual calling. It reminds us that the road to true success is

paved not merely with good intentions but with responsible actions that echo through eternity.

In the end, as we wade through the challenges and opportunities of modern business, let this parable serve as a reminder. True success isn’t quantified merely in fiscal terms, but in the enduring impact we leave on the lives we touch and the communities we serve.

A few questions for reflection:

1. Which CEO do you most closely identify with in your approach to work or leadership—Alex or Chad? What steps can you take to align your professional practices more closely with your moral and spiritual values?

2. How do you interpret John Wesley’s advice to “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can” in the context of your own life? Are there areas where you could improve in earning respectfully, saving judiciously, and giving generously?

3. Matthew 16:26 asks what it profits someone to gain the whole world but lose their soul. Are there areas in your life where you’re prioritizing worldly success over ethical or spiritual integrity? What changes could you make to bring more balance?

Rev. Dr. Patrick M. Quinn has been in ministry for over 20 years serving in our local area at both FUMC Montgomery and Frazer Church. He is the Founding Pastor of Century Church in Pike Road and has served there as Lead Pastor since its establishment in 2017. He and his wife, Rachael, have 7 children. When not working, writing, or spending time with his family, you can often find him living an adventure at various IronMan competitions with his family cheering him on!

Big Daddy Weave // Heaven Changes Everything Tour with Tasha Layton and Hannah Kerr

LIVE at Troy University’s Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts in Montgomery, AL on Thursday, November 2. This will be an unforgettable night of inspiration and joy featuring your favorite songs from Big Daddy Weave, including their latest hits Heaven Changes Everything and God Is In This Story, Tasha Layton’s Look What You’ve Done, How Far, and her newest song Never, Hannah Kerr’s Same God and Warrior, and more. Get your tickets for this one-of-a-kind event today! Visit www.ticketwebb.com.

Southern Raised in Concert

Boones Chapel Baptist, 2301 Co Rd 66, Prattville, AL

Sunday, October 22, 10:30 AM

Southern Raised, a bluegrass band from the Ozark mountains, has created a trademark sound where classical meets bluegrass and city streets meets country roads.

Movie Nights at Capital City Church of the Nazarene

The community is invited to a free, family-friendly Movie Night at Capital City Church of the Nazarene on the third Friday of each month (September 15, October 20, November 17, etc.).

Registration begins at 6:30, and the show begins at 7:00. Concessions will be available. No RSVP needed. Capital City Church of the Nazarene is located at 4450 Vaughn Road in Montgomery. For more information, call 272-8176.

A Night of Worship with Terry MacAlmon

Intercessors are invited to join us on Friday, October 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. for a Night of Worship with Terry MacAlmon at the Union Station Train Shed. This event is free, but registration is required. Invite a friend and bring a chair for this special night of worship!

Candlelight Memorial in Honor of Pregnancy Loss

The Gift of Life Foundation and River Region Community Ac tion Team will be having a Candlelight Memorial in honor of International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day on Sunday, October 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the Baptist Health Deboer Building in Montgomery. Faith Radio’s Billy Irvin will be emcee & be the guest speaker for the event. Visit www.golfound.org.

Stay Strong Tour with Danny Gokey

Coming November 19, Vaughn Forest Church will host an evening with the “Stay Strong Tour” with Danny Gokey, along with his friend Austin French (“Born Again,” “Freedom Hymn”), and introducing Natalie Layne. Together, they are excited to be hitting 20+ cities nationwide for these acoustic nights of stories and song that are sure to refresh and remind you to ‘Stay Strong’ in the midst of whatever life might bring. You don’t want to miss the opportunity to join them for a powerful evening of uplifting music and encouragement! Visit vaughnforest.com/events for details and tickets.

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

The Gender Revolution

by Patricia Weerakoon, Kamal Weerakoon and Robert Smith

The Gender Revolution has been written to provide a biblical, biological, and compassionate response to the modern day gender ideology that has been flooding our world and sweeping away so many victims. This errant worldview needs to be countered and this book is their attempt to do so. Yet they make it clear that their protest is not against people—especially the mostly-young people who are falling victim—but against ideology. Their goal is to promote the health and well-being of all people, and especially those who are so vulnerable and so susceptible to damage.

The book begins by explaining today’s sexual and gender ideology. They offer the analogy of a tree to describe a model of sexuality that features four distinct elements: biological sex; gendered behaviours or expressions; sexual orientation; and gender identity. Some readers may be concerned that they cede too much ideological territory in using terminology like “gender identity,” but they do defend the decision and broker no compromise with their understanding of sexuality.

In the following chapter they explain that their interest in this book is defending “how science has affirmed, and continues to affirm, the goodness of our given biological sex.” Hence they rely on Scripture to guide and shape them, but are especially eager to show how God’s natural revelation demonstrates the goodness of the biblical view of sexuality. Not only that, but they also want to show how modern gender ideology, and transgender ideology in particular, has absolutely no scientific basis to commend it. It is, in fact, ideological and antiscientific.

As the book continues, the authors cover a host of important issues: harmony and disharmony between inner feelings and biological reality, the binary nature of human sexuality, gendered behavior and what it has to do with being men and women, and the nature of desire, whether that desire is for someone of the opposite sex or the same sex. It concludes with a pair of lengthy chapters meant to help Christians live well and to live without compromise. How should we respond to young people in our churches if they express gender confusion? Should we grant a person who claims to be transgendered their newly-chosen opposite-gender name? What should we do if asked to provide our pronouns at work or school? They answer these questions and many more and do so in very satisfying ways.

This book, written by people with particular expertise in the area and people who have a great love for the vulnerable, is a tremendous resource for parents, pastors, and anyone else. I highly recommend it.

Short of Glory

A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall

by Mitchell Chase

Every word of the Bible matters. Some sections carry special significance. Some sections are so important that the rest of the Bible cannot be understood apart from them. One of these is the third chapter of Genesis, for it stands between the perfect world of Genesis 2 and the utterly shattered world of Genesis 4. It explains what went so tragically wrong.

Genesis 3 is the subject of Mitchell Chase’s book Short of Glory: A Biblical and Theological Exploration of the Fall. “All of us are born outside Eden,” he explains, “so Genesis 1–3 is a special set of chapters. God makes the world, and specifically a garden, for his people. And there, in the sacred space of Eden, God’s image bearers defy his word and succumb to the tempter. When God exiles them, we are exiled in them too.” This is the great tragedy. Yet all is not lost, for “in that same chapter where God announces judgment, he gives a promise of hope that a deliverer will come one day and defeat the serpent. The rest of the biblical story grows out of the ground of Genesis 3. When we meditate on the content of this chapter, many biblical themes and connections become clear. The events in Genesis 3 become a lens through which to read and understand the progressive revelation of God’s redemptive epic.”

Chase explores a number of the themes that are introduced in Genesis 3 and that then carry on through the rest of the Bible. He begins with sacred space, “the kind of theme that locks the metanar rative together. Sacred space is given, lost, promised, and at last received again. As readers cross the threshold into Genesis 3, they come to a sacred place that God gave his people. God had made the heavens and the earth, and part of his work on earth included a gar den in a place called Eden (2:8).” In this chapter we see that sacred space violated and lost, but also the promise that it will be recovered.

From here he turns to the two trees, to the God who walks and talks with his people, to the ancient serpent who leads them astray, and to the idea of taking and eating. And so it goes through several other themes, each of them introduced in Genesis 3 and each of them carrying into the rest of the Bible. In each case, he doesn’t merely explain these themes, but also applies them to the Christian life.

Short of Glory is a relatively small book, but it is one that deals with one of the most important passages in the entire Bible. It explains it, applies it, and calls Christians to live according to it. For those reasons and many more, I highly recommend reading both the chapter itself and this excellent explanation of it.

RRC: How did your spiritual development and personal faith in Christ come to fruition?

KS: For most of my life, my mom took me to church. But sadly enough, the church was not in me. In August 1995 my life changed forever. I remember asking my mom about a young lady from our church because I hadn’t seen her. The next day, my mom called me and inquired why I had asked about her. I didn’t know why, but she was on my mind. She had called to tell me the young lady, a mother and wife, had been murdered. From that day forward, I saw life differently. On September 12, 1995, I decided to follow Christ. It is a decision that I have never regretted. I have been on this journey since that time.

RRC: Being a believer of Christ, there are values that you live by in your personal life.

What are the values that you carry in your professional life?

KS: Some Christian values I carry in my professional life include honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and humility. I know that we must have respect for others. I try each day to work with a spirit of humility with the understanding that I don’t always get it right. When I am wrong, I have learned to go back and admit my mistakes. I know that being a Christian is not just a talk. It must be a walk, one that exemplifies Christ. The saying is true, “People will forget what you said, but they will never forget how you made them feel.”

RRC: Within your career, how do you establish and maintain healthy boundaries when dealing with the public?

KS: One way I maintain healthy boundaries is by avoiding situations that could potentially compromise my integrity. It is what makes me who I am as a Christian. I have learned to tell the truth no matter what and avoid making a promise unless I know I can keep it.

RRC: With seven children who are all adults now, how did you model the importance of having a servant’s heart?

KS: As a mom, I love giving. And not only monetary things, but of my time and talent. I have always tried to help others who were in need. I have spent time fulfilling the basic needs of others in difficult situations. Now I have two children who are teachers. I notice that they are reaching out to students who have needs, and they take pride in their efforts. I have taught them to send kind words and inspiration to the brokenhearted and to encourage those who want to give up. They have all learned to value people and do whatever they can to help. I believe that the little we do can change one life at a time.

RRC: How did you know and trust that God was placing you in a line of work that you would find fulfilling?

KS: I knew God would provide me with a fulfilling career. I made the choice to follow His lead as a mom. For many years, I tried working while my kids were younger. But God spoke to me and encouraged me to

stay home until the walls were built around my children. I did not like this idea and kept trying to get around it. In 2007, I surrendered and obeyed His plan. In 2013, God allowed me to enter back into the workforce. I have been in the same field of work since then, and it has been nothing but an overflow of blessings and favor.

RRC: For Christians who struggle to live their faith beyond the church walls, what encouragement would you give them?

KS: I would admonish any Christian who struggles with their faith beyond the church walls to remember the words of Jesus. He said if you are ashamed of me before men, then I will be ashamed of you before my heavenly Father. I would encourage them to remember how much we need our relationship with Christ. Once that relationship becomes the lifeline, it will remove the struggle of living out their faith before others who desperately need a Christian example.

RRC: What advice would you give to others who find it difficult to trust God during times of uncertainty in a career they don’t enjoy?

KS: Trusting God in difficult times is not an easy task for any of us. Life has its ups and downs. Scripture asks: What shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall our troubles and worries? No! In all things, we are more than conquerors. During difficult times, it’s a time of testing our faith. Are we in this just when things are good? Or are we in this relationship until the end? God promises that He will always be there.

RRC: How do you keep your professional and personal life separate?

KS: Balancing professional and personal life can be challenging at times. I work with my spouse. I am learning that no matter what happens at work, it should stay at work. If it doesn’t, this will cause a conflict in my marriage. Even though I am my husband’s supervisor, I understand that he is still the head of our home, as Christ requires. It’s not always easy, but only through Christ does it work.

Kim Stinson lives in Montgomery, AL. She has been married to Mike Stinson for 28 years. The couple worships at the New Testament Christian Center.

by Tim Challies

Every now and again I just can’t help myself—I respond to a clickbait headline and find myself reading an advice column. The question this time was from a woman who had become disillusioned with her husband and enamored with someone else. And as I read the columnist’s response I thought, “I’m pretty sure that’s exactly how Satan would counsel if he was asked.” That got me thinking…

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that marriage was invented by human beings, either for reasons related to humanity’s evolutionary origins or related to men’s need to control and dominate women. He would want people to believe that because marriage came from within this world rather, it in no way reflects any kind of divine design for human beings or human society. This makes it not only unnecessary but possibly harmful and oppressive.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that marriage offers no great benefits that cannot be had with singleness, cohabitation, or serial monogamy. He would want people to believe, to the contrary, that marriage offers risks and drawbacks that are mitigated or avoided altogether when people choose not to marry.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that marriage is primarily a matter of an individual’s personal lifestyle, that before marriage is about giving oneself to another person to love and to serve, marriage is about a sense of personal well-being and fulfillment.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe marriage is so risky that it is best to postpone it almost indefinitely, that it is so significant and perilous an undertaking that people should not even consider it until they have completed their education, begun a career, and become well established in life. He would especially want young people to anticipate it with a sense of dread instead of excitement.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that marriage is a union between any two—or three or four—willing partners regardless of any factor related to their sex or maybe even their family relationship. He would also want to be clear that marriage can be easily dissolved when it is no longer satisfying or desirable—“’til death or dissatisfaction do us part.”

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to miss the contradiction that while marriage is in some ways insignificant and easily dissolved, it is also so significant that a wedding should cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars and that the institution is best dignified when a couple puts themselves heavily in debt to make sure every detail is perfect. He would want people to believe that the best measure of a successful wedding is that it wows the attendees, glorifies the couple, and looks great on Instagram.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that marriage is where sex goes to die rather than to thrive and that a lifetime of sex with one person can be

nowhere near as satisfying as fleeting moments of sex with a long succession of people. He would want them to be suspicious that to enter marriage is to settle for sexual mediocrity rather than fulfillment. He would make sure this message is so endlessly repeated in popular culture that it becomes almost a given.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that children are a hindrance to a happy marriage rather than a blessing to it and that people are happiest when dedicating themselves entirely to themselves rather than to others. And if they still insisted on having children, he would want them to think of those children as a lifestyle choice, as a kind of prop to be used to enhance a parent’s sense of personal satisfaction.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want struggles or issues a couple encounters to be left festering and unresolved. “It’s fine and good to let the sun set on your anger.” He would most certainly not want the couple to reach out to others for counsel, prayer, or even rebuke.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want husbands to be passive in their leadership and wives to be so disappointed in that lack of leadership that they feel justified in failing to respect their husbands. He would want wives to determine that submission is a mark of weakness and that if it is given at all, it should be given only when it is earned. He would want husbands to treat their wives harshly instead of

gently and to express constant disappointment rather than delight.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would encour age husbands and wives to each insist that problems can only be resolved when the other person makes the first move. He would ensure they each consider it impossible to continue to love and serve their spouse when he or she fails to reciprocate that love.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want people to believe that there is one soulmate out there for each of them and that after a number of years of marriage, they may learn, to their disappointment, that the person they married is not “the one.” He would want people to then believe that they will only truly be happy if they leave their spouse to pursue this soulmate.

If Satan took up marriage counseling, he would want even Christians to focus more on the struggles and difficulties of marriage than on its joys. He would want even Christians to talk often about how hard it is and seldom about how good it is. And he would most certainly want Christians to forget all about the reality that the deepest meaning of marriage is not first about a husband and wife but about Christ and his church.

When people with extraordinary talent and passion are given the technology, the facilities, and the support, they achieve great things. The discoveries taking place today will help shape the future of treatments and lead to cures – benefitting not only our patients and families, but people across the country and around the world for years to come.

Tim Challies is a pastor, blogger and book reviewer living in Canada.

The issue of parental rights has been elevated across our country, and we are seeing parents who are appealing to educational authorities and taking hold of their God-given responsibility to do what they see is best for their children.

That responsibility involves parents ascertaining that those whom they choose to educate their children are acting in a manner consistent with their principles they are learning at home. Some Christian parents have even taken an extra step and run for school board, so that they can have a greater say in the policies and curriculum of their local school systems, taking seriously their call to be salt and light in that way.

Intercessors for America ran an article on its website, which related a series of events in Tulsa, Oklahoma:

In 2020, a group of believers started attending the school board meetings — praying before and during the meetings. E’Lena Ashley belonged to that prayer group. She decided to run for a vacant school board seat in 2022. She won.

The article goes on to say:

E’Lena has transformed the TPS school board. She invited experienced intercessors to pray over all the chairs in the room prior to school board meetings. She wisely refused to rubber-stamp the TPS superintendent’s yearly budget. As a result, a $343,000 embezzlement was discovered.

Sonja Shaw is the President of the Chino Valley Unified School District in California, one

In the Arena

of several districts that have taken steps recently to uphold the rights of parents to know important information about their students’ sexuality; the school district passed a strong parental notification bill, which has received vocal opposition and a legal challenge.

Shaw is reliant on the Lord during this challenging time. She is quoted at The Christian Post: “It’s no secret I’m a Christ follower.” The article states:

Shaw, a Chino native who is a wife and mother of two, is also a small business owner and leads a local Bible study.

She says her decision to run for the school board began during the COVID-19 lockdowns as California enacted some of the most stringent public health restrictions in the country.

“When the shutdown happened a few years ago is when so many of us parents got involved and things were revealed about the elected officials and they began exposing their intentions and focus,” Shaw said. “As more and more parents united, we knew they had no desire to listen to us.”

The Christian Post article included further statements from Shaw about the role of her Christian faith in her position:

“People from all over the nation have called, emailed and continue to write letters of support and saying this gave them hope,” she explained. “A few years ago, when I joined this journey, God kept showing me hope [in] Jeremiah 29:11.

“I have drawn closer and closer to God during this time and look to Him for direction and protection.”

E’lena Ashley, Sonja Shaw, and other school board members throughout the country who are devoted to upholding Christian principles have begun to make a difference. There are also bold educators, like Bremerton, Washington, football coach Joe Kennedy, who returned to coach a game at the high school from which he had been fired for praying at midfield after games; the U.S. Supreme Court upheld his right to act according to his faith in Christ.

We should never write off any city, county, state, or our nation just because ungodly principles have been embraced or implemented. God was extremely graceful when He told Abraham that he would not pour his wrath on Sodom if he could find only 10 people who served God. Only 10 - there are far more in our American cities in decline, way more than that in our nation. There is a remnant, a Church who has been placed here by God to act in accordance with His Kingdom principles. One could make the accusation: well, that’s just Christian nationalism. I believe that it’s Biblical Christianity - to be desirous to make the glory of God known in every single aspect of life and culture. Perhaps God is sparing the judgment we deserve in our nation because of the presence of His Church.

From time to time, as I address the issue of civic engagement, I will challenge listeners to consider running for office themselves. It’s certainly a challenge to put yourself up for elective office, to run a campaign, and then to serve in that capacity if you are elected. But, we need Christians in places of influence - many in our government have strayed from the values rooted in Judeo-Christian principles upon which our nation is founded. One person, directed by and empowered by the Spirit of God, can have a dramatic impact in whatever sphere to which he or she is called.

by Kym Klass

Tommy McGregor remembers not connecting well with a Christian community his first couple of years in college –and becoming a self-described wanderer.

While he grew up in an ideal Christian environment in high school, the transition to college didn’t include the four major influences he believes Christian high school students need to help them grow in their faith:

Family. Friends. Church. Mentors.

“The expectation is that students who have been surrounded by those four influences will grow and mature in their faith and make wise decisions,” McGregor said. “For me, I went into college with a solid Christian upbringing, but I was unprepared for the challenges ahead. I didn’t have any kind of insight on how to replace those influences. I struggled. For the first two and a half to three years, I didn’t connect well.”

It was mid-way into his junior year in college when he found his way back.

To help other students with their own transition, McGregor founded TheTransMission in 2010 to focus full-time attention on the transition students make after high school graduation. TheTransMission trains leaders, equips parents, and prepares students for the challenges of life after high school.

On October 1, 2022, TheTransMission was rebranded as The Launch Mission and continues to provide leadership, content, and resources for those walk-

ing through this life transition through the nonprofit’s website, App, blog, podcast, and books McGregor has written related to his teachings.

“When they get to college, a lot of times students don’t see the importance of replacing their faith community,” Mc Gregor said. “For many students, they don’t know that they need to replace it –and they don’t know how.

“They don’t know how to find a new church. They don’t know how to start over socially.”

Everything is new – a new location, new friend base, new class structure. Col lege students are managing their time and

life for the first time on their own. They’re desperate to find friends and belong.

“I think they get overwhelmed,” McGregor said. “Everything is new, and faith takes a back seat to getting accustomed to their new surroundings. They have never had to start over finding a new group of friends and most teenagers have never had to find a new church on their own. For some, the struggle comes as they are looking for a church just like the one they grew up with, which they are never going to find. My advice is to take the first semester and visit a few churches in the area.”

He soon met with those seniors and shared some of the lessons he learned – the hard way – in college. Each year in ministry, Tommy continued to spend extra time with his senior class, and it was after 16 years of youth ministry that he created TheTransMission.

Finally, The Launch Mission partners with parents and mentors to equip them to directly lead teenagers during this transitional period. They are provided content, insight, and resources through books, training materials, teaching curriculum, online courses, and webinars.

statistics. These students, we’ve raised them, they’ve come up in this church, we’ve been leading them, shepherding them, and we send them off unprepared?

“I would ask for the church to see this as an extremely important mission and then ask the questions of how we prepare our students. I have a curriculum for youth pastors on how to structure the ministry to send them out prepared. That’s the role of the church, to partner with the parents and make sure that when we’re sending their students out, that they are ready. That they know what they believe.”

This is the community – the four influ ences.

“If they understand how valuable they are, they’ll seek to replace them and stay healthy in college,” McGregor said.

More information:

Follow The LAUNCH Mission on Facebook and Instagram @thelaunchmission

Parents of seniors can request to follow the private Facebook page: facebook. com/groups/launchpad2024

“The thing is, they are going to be doing life without the four influences,” McGregor said. “Between 60-75 percent of Christians leave home and go to college and don’t pursue their faith. It’s a real problem. And there hasn’t been anything really to address this. So, I felt it was my calling to do something.”

What The Launch Mission Offers

The Launch Mission focuses on three groups to provide content and guidance through online media and print resources: high school juniors and seniors, college freshman and sophomores, and parents/ mentors.

High school juniors and seniors are guided through our four major transitional components: faith development, life management, social behaviors, and goal setting through content, online and live events, and resources.

College freshman and sophomores are guided to make a healthy transition to college and find the right community to connect to. This is done through books and devotionals, online content, and the 3C App – which McGregor developed to help connect students to college ministries at 75 universities in the United States.

“The key is that they replace those influences, and that they find community,” McGregor said.

“My hope is that they will make that faith transition from high school life to the next stage and continue to grow and mature in their faith. They’ve got to find their way to a Christian community on their campus,” he said. “That’s what is going to make that transition in their faith from one chapter to the next.”

Parents Are “Mission Control”

Parents can help with this, McGregor said. He considers them “mission control,” and is a firm believer of parents leading the way.

“We have something for parents of seniors – the Launch Pad, a private Facebook page. That is also the name of our blog. Parents take the lead in preparing their seniors. It’s important for them to have a part in that process and not just have the youth pastor do that.”

Churches are also an important focus of discipleship.

“When I started this ministry, I would talk to youth pastors, and a lot would say they didn’t know how to handle the transition,” McGregor said. “We’ve seen the

The LAUNCH Mission podcast releases every Monday, and can be found anywhere you stream podcasts. This interview-style offering features guests in high school and college ministry, college professors, authors, and other experts in related fields. Every school year, The Launch Mission Podcast enters a new season and tracks with that year’s high school seniors from the start of the senior year until move-in day at college.

Website: www.thelaunchmission.org

Download the 3C App on either Apple or GooglePlay.

The LAUNCH Mission is 100 percent donation-based. Donations to the ministry can be made on their website.

Contact:

tommy@thelaunchmission.org

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

Angel Fest

St. Michael and All angels Church, 5941 Main Street, Millbrook.

October 21 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. Enjoy entertainment while you browse the booths of renowned local artisans, bid on amazing items for an unbeatable price at the Silent Auction, as the children enjoy the Kids’ Carnival. Don’t miss out on all the great food… Grab a tasty lunch of mouthwatering homemade goods at the Bake Sale, freshly cooked Boston Butts and more. Put the date on your calendar and come be part of this classic Millbrook festival! For vendor information or to pre-order Boston butts call the church office at (334) 285.3905.

Aldersgate UMC

Fall Festival

ad on page 6

Friday, October 23, 5-7 p.m.

6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery

Trunk or Treat, games, prizes, crafts, hayride. A fun-filled family night open to everyone free of charge. Call 272.6152.

Blue Ridge Baptist Church

4471 Jasmine Hill Road in Wetumpka

Sunday, October 29 from 4p.m. until 6 p.m.

A hotdog and chili supper. Trunk or Treat, bouncy houses, fun, games and crafts. Friendly costumes are welcome. Come celebrate this beautiful season God has given us. Call at 567.4325 for more information.

Calvary Baptist Prattville

Trunk or Treat

432 W. Fourth St., Prattville October 31 from 6-8 pm. Lots of candy! For more information, Please call (334) 365.5213

Calvary Baptist Wetumpka

Fall Festival

504 West Osceola Street, Wetumpka For more information, please call (334) 567.4729

Dalraida Baptist Church

Annual Family Fall Festival

3838 Wares Ferry Road, Montgomery

Sunday, October 29 from 4:30 until 6:30 p.m.

Games, Inflatable, Hayride and More! No scary costumes, please. Please Call 272.2412.

Dalraida Global

Methodist Fall Festival / Trunk or Treat

ad on page 19

3817 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Call for date and time.

Games, food, prizes, costume contest and other surprises. Please Call 272.2190.

East Memorial Baptist Family

Fun Fall Festival

1320 Old Ridge Road, Prattville October 29, 4:00-6:00

Games, Candy, Balloon Animals, and all sorts of fun for the whole family! FREE!! For more info call 334.365.7500 or visit us at www.eastmemorial.org.

Eastmont Baptist Church

Trunk or Treat

4505 Atlanta Highway, Montgomery Sunday, October 29 from 3-5 p.m. in the front parking lot of Eastmont Baptist Church. Bring your little super heroes, princesses, pirates and cowgirls for a FREE, fun and safe alternative to trick-or-treating. Visit www. eastmont.org for info or call 277-6300.

First Baptist Church

Fall Family Festival ad on Back Cover

305 South Perry Street, Montgomery Sunday, October 29 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Event is free. Food available for purchase. Games, Fun and prizes.

For more information, call 834.6310.

First UMC, Montgomery Pumpkinfest

2416 W. Cloverdale Park, Montgomery Sunday, October 22, 4-5 p.m. 2416 W. Cloverdale Park

For children of all ages - Front lawn of the church. Fun, games, horse-drawn hayride, moonwalk, refreshments and more! Happy costumes are welcome! In the event of rain, the Pumpkinfest will be moved indoors. For children age toddler through 3rd grade. Call 834.8990.

FUMC Fall Bazaar 2023

Wednesday, November 1, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Luncheon $12 | 12-1:00 p.m. Fellowship Hall Shopping & Silent Auction 1:00-7:00 p.m., Wesley Hall Baked Goods

• Frozen Foods • Garden Treasures

Gifts & Crafts • Kid’s Closet • Nice as New Please call 834.8990 for more information.

First Methodist Church of Wetumpka Trunk or Treat

ad on page 7

306 W. Tuskeena Street, Wetumpka

Wednesday, October 25 from 5-7 p.m. Contests, games, and treats for all ages. Parents are encouraged to attend with child. Call 567.7865 or visit fumcwetumpka.com.

Mulder Church Trunk or Treat

3454 Firetower Road, Wetumpka

Sunday, October 29 from 3 p.m. Until 5 p.m. Fun for the whole family. There will be inflatables, games, trunks of treats, hayrides, face painting, live music and more. No scary costumes please. For info call 567.4225

Saint James Church Trunk or Treat

9045 Vaughn Road, Montgomery

Sunday, October 22, 4 to 5:30 p.m. Located in parking lot at back of church. Hayride, inflatables, games, candy and much more! Wear your costume but please nothing scary. For info, call Jennifer at 277.3037.

Taylor Road Baptist Church Treats the Town

1685 Taylor Road, Montgomery

Sunday, October 29. Gates open at 5 pm. Come out for a night of fun. We will have games, a cakewalk, photo booth, inflatables, and a food truck. We will also have Trunk or Treat with lots of candy. Call 271.3363.

Thorington Road Baptist Church Fall Festival

450 Ray Thorington Road, Montgomery

Sunday, October 15, 3-5 p.m. Come join us for Inflatables, games, and fun for the entire family. Free! Rain or shine! Call 396.9376.

GOD HAS A PLAN AND A PURPOSE FOR ME

Evangel Christian Academy

Encouraging each child to achieve their God-given potential

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord... Jeremiah 29:11

Accredited: ACTS, AISA, SACS, Advanced ED, NCPSA

AISA Blue Ribbon School

Time Perspective

How do you manage your time? Most of us manage our day-to-day lives by hours and minutes of the day, functioning around times of appointments, when we need to wake up or leave for work or school. Time is important, but often it is not something we think about deeply, not only for how we function, but also for our psychological sense of time. Our time perspective is related to whether we are focused on the past, present, or future when making decisions and determining day-to-day experiences.

Dr. Philip Zimbardo is a renowned psychologist, famously known for his 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment where his team studied human reactions and behaviors in a prison environment. There are even movies and documentaries on Netflix. Based on his research, Dr. Zimbardo came up with several theories of human behavior and proposed that Time Perspective “is a pervasive and powerful yet largely unrecognized influence on much human behavior.”

Dr. Zimbardo proposed that there are five main time perspectives: future, pastnegative, past-positive, present-hedonistic, and present-fatalistic. One time perspective is not better than another, and being focused on one time without considering the others in life decisions and experiences can be detrimental to functional decisions as well as to mental health. In times of despair or when

feeling overwhelmed, it is beneficial for us to consider what time perspective we are leaning toward.

Zimbardo defined the five main perspectives:

Past-positive focuses on positive experiences in past life, “the good old days.” It is good to have positive memories, and people in this time perspective tend to have better self-esteem. However, individuals who focus only on this time can cling to old, sometimes dysfunctional, patterns in life.

Past-negative focuses on everything that went wrong in life, traumas, and resentments from past relationships. Individuals with a past-negative focus could experience more depression and thoughts that nothing in their lives will change.

In the present-hedonistic perspective, individuals make decisions to avoid pain and discomfort; they seek pleasure and make decisions without thinking of future consequences. Children are primarily present-hedonistic, but this approach can be problematic in adults. These individuals can potentially struggle with addictions, be impulsive, and have thrill-seeking or risky behaviors.

Present-fatalistic assumes a hopeless and helpless position. Individuals with this focus do not make decisions; they believe they have no control, and nothing they do can change their situation. They believe “outside forces” (e.g. spiritual or governmental) have all the control that determines their lives.

Future-oriented individuals are focused on planning and making decisions based on future results and avoiding negative consequences. Because they are driven by goals, they could potentially function bet-

ter and be successful. Thinking about future consequences also helps curb impulsive actions. However, they can experience more anxiety and fears of potential negatives. Often, they don’t take time to be present, to enjoy the moment, or to occasionally selfindulge or take time for hobbies.

The emphasis on only one time perspective can bring dysfunction or emotional distress. Zimbardo later developed the “Balanced Time Perspective” in which considering different parts of all three times, past, present, and future, could promote functional, mental, and emotional health.

Time Perspective Therapy helps individuals create awareness and a balance between the perspectives of present, past, and future that would promote better decision making and mental health. In general terms, a balanced life would mean thinking about what has been good in our lives, avoiding decisions that have brought bad results, planning for leisure and pleasurable activities, but also working hard to pursue future goals. In moments of distress, bringing a well-balanced way (of all perspectives) of looking at the situation and making decisions around it helps mental health.

Dr. Jessica Gibbe Fernandez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Alabama. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, a Clinical Fellow of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy and an Approved Supervisor for the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. Jessica’s clinical interests include marriage and couples therapy, healthy relationships, and family therapy. She sees adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem and personal growth issues, life transitions, gender issues (LGBTQ+), sexuality issues, family adjustment and acculturation.

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: Christchurch

Anglican, 8800 Vaughn Rd

Celebrate Recovery meets every Friday night. Dinner at 6:00, nursery available for children 4 and under. Large Meeting starts at 6:30. For information, contact Dolly McLemore 334-301-3490.

Location: Dalraida UMC, 3817 Atlanta Hwy, 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: 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. Email montgomery@route1520. com, visit http://www.route1520.com/men/groups-formen/ 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: 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, 306 W. Tuskeena Street, Wetumpka ‘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

Awaken is a Christ-centered recovery movement dedicated to showing the way home for men impacted by sex and pornography addiction. Meets Thursday from 6-7:30 pm. For more information email riverregion@ route1520.com, visit http:// www.route1520.com/men/ groups-for-men or call 877-2000-1520.

Sex Addicts Anonymous (SAA) is open to all struggling with addictive sexual behaviors which may lead to guilt, shame, depression, anxiousness, and loneliness. Examples included use of pornography, adultery, fantasy, reckless sexual behavior, and more. Meetings are Sunday nights. For meeting times and location, please contact – MontgomerySAA@outlook.com or call 334245-1686. For more resources on sex addiction, please visit - https://saa-recovery.org/.

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 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.

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 467-4578 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 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. Contact Joe Crowley at 334-207-4385 or jpcrowl46@yahoo.com Location: Frazer Memorial UMC, 6000 Atlanta Hwy.

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

Location: First Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry Street Divorce Care Wednesdays, August 16 — November 8 | 6:00 PM | Room B405

Find help and healing in the hurt of separation and divorce. This class is a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Don’t go through separation or divorce alone. The seminar will feature videos of top experts on divorce and recovery, followed by support group discussion. Facilitated by Robert Gassman

Location: Centerpoint Fellowship

1200 McQueen Smith Road South, Prattville, AL Divorce Care Sundays @ 9:00 am in the Conference Room. Child care is available. Contact Angie Davis at 730-2566 for information.

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.

: Cornerstone Christian, 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 Baptist Church, 305 S. Perry St. A GriefShare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you’ll discover what to expect in the days ahead and what’s “normal” in grief. Since there are no neat, orderly stages of grief, you’ll learn helpful ways of coping with grief, in all its unpredictability—and gain solid support each step of the way. Wednesdays, August 16 – November 8 | 6:00 PM Room B415. Facilitated by Ben Kelley & Cathy O’Dell

Location: Frazer Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy GriefShare, Wednesday mornings 10am -12pm in the East Sanctuary. Spring group meets through April 26. Fall group from Sept. 6 through Nov. 29. For information call the church 272-8622. Dian Sims (facilitator)

Location: Grace Baptist Church, 304 Old Montgomery Highway, Wetumpka, AL

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.

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.

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 AugMay. 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 for more information.

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 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

Love Them Enough to Teach Them Well

Q. My husband and I are having arguments about money where our children are concerned. They are both 16, and I think they should have part-time jobs and be learning the value of work. He feels they’re only young once and wants them to enjoy being teenagers. He also gives them money anytime they ask. I want our kids to have fun, too, but this is beginning to cause tension in our relationship. I’d love your advice.

A. I understand your concern. I’m sure your husband has a good heart, but by doing this he’s acting like a friend instead of a parent. In the process, he’s allowing them to be nothing but takers and consumers. He’s setting them both up for lifetimes of helplessness and ridiculous expectations without realizing it.

But yes, kids should absolutely learn to work, make money and manage it wisely from an early age. My wife and I gave nice gifts to our kids from time to time, but they also worked and made money for themselves. And the nicer gifts we gave them were for special occasions. Even then we didn’t go crazy with things.

Still, the biggest problem you and your husband are experiencing is a communication breakdown. Your husband should stop being so impulsive, and grow a backbone where the kids are concerned. You’ve recognized this—and you’re right about it—so it’s up to you to take the first step in finding a solution.

Try sitting down with him, just the two of you, and sincerely explaining your feelings. Let him know you love him and how generous he is. But let him know, too, you’re worried this is having a negative impact on your children and why. Talk it out, openly and honestly, and try to agree on some changes together. There’s a middle ground here, but it’s going to take some time and effort from both of you to reach it.

Most of all, it means you two will have to communicate with each other like mature, caring adults, and pull together for the sake of your kids. It might be difficult at first, but it’ll be worth it in the long run. For you and them.

Great question!

Christian Business Owners