Celebrating the Savior: Local Live Nativities

November 28, 2022November 28, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Experience the Christmas story come to life at local live nativities in and around Birmingham!

The Baptist Church at McAdory presents for the 7th year their Live Nativity Story on December 16-18 from 6 p.m.- 8 p.m. in the wooded area directly behind the church located in McCalla.

Special Feature Live Nativity girl holding lamb — Scenes from The Live Nativity Story presented by The Baptist Church at McAdory December 16-18. The Church is located at 4954 Eastern Valley Road, McCalla, 35111.

A combination of tractor and open wagons provide a “hay-ride” and narrative exploring the life of Jesus. The event makes use of live costumed characters, outdoor sets and lighting to tell the story of Jesus. All are welcome to come and experience the Gospel story reenacted by church members and other volunteers. Learn more at www.bcam.info.

Each Advent season Briarwood Presbyterian Church hosts a Walk Through Nativity. Hundreds of Briarwood members come together to depict the birth and life of our Lord in 14 biblical scenes with narrated drama using live actors and animals (including a camel!) Won’t you plan on joining us this year? Come anytime between 6:45 p.m.- 8:45 p.m. on December 7-9 and take an easy, 1/4-mile stroll that is wheelchair and stroller friendly. Admission is free, but the message is priceless! The church is located at 2200 Briarwood Way, Birmingham, 35243. Learn more at www.briarwood.org/nativity.

Special Feature Live Nativity boys by fire — More scenes from The Live Nativity Story at The Baptist Church at McAdory.

Brookview Wesleyan Church in Irondale invites you to visit their Live Nativity on December 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. Rain date is December 11 from 6 to 8 p.m., www.brookviewchurch.org. Mountain Brook Baptist Church will also host a Living Nativity for three evenings- December 20-22 from 7:30 to 8 p.m., www.mbbc.org. †

November 9, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

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Get up close and personal with the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales at the Bluff Park Piggly Wiggly on Thursday, Nov. 10 from 2 to 4 p.m.! The gentle giants will be present at Piggly Wiggly, a proud carrier of Anheuser-Busch products, along with their iconic beer wagon to host an educational show, a trot and photo opportunities for those in attendance. City of Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato will join the Clydesdale handlers to ride aboard as the beautiful horses trot along.

In addition to their appearance at Piggly Wiggly, the Clydesdales’ tour will also include the following:

Alabama’s 75th Annual National Veterans Day Parade – Friday, Nov. 11 (With Parade After Party)
Lakeview District Trot Parade – Saturday, Nov. 12
Cullman Christmas Market Open House – Sunday, Nov. 13

For more information about these events and the Budweiser Clydesdales, visit www.adamsbeverages.net/BudClydesdales.

October 31, 2022October 31, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Experience live at The Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre, The Sound of Music reimagined as a ballet, inspired by music from the 1965 musical film, and the von Trapp family’s life story. You don’t want to miss this one day only ballet performance by The Dance Studio on Saturday, November 19 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. “We are excited about bringing this timeless classic to the city of Birmingham completely reimagined and full of dance,” said Jaclyn Shiflett, Artistic Director.

Sound of Music performance — Save the date for The Sound of Music at the Dorothy Jemison Day Theatre on November 19.

Students of The Dance Studio have auditioned and been cast as characters from the story and have been hard at work learning choreography with Artistic Director Jaclyn Shiflett and guest star John Mingle, who is dancing the role of Captain von Trapp. John Arthur Mingle is celebrating his eighth season with the Alabama Ballet. John trained on scholarship with the San Francisco Ballet School, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, American Ballet Theatre, Dallas Metropolitan Ballet, and Ballet Frontier of Texas. John earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance Performance from Southern Methodist University where he danced the role of Waltz Man in George Balanchine’s Serenade at the opening of the renowned Winspear Opera House. Prior to joining Alabama Ballet, he danced professionally with the Cincinnati Ballet and Dayton Ballet. Since joining, John has been seen in principal roles such as Basilio and Espada in Don Quixote, Romeo in Romeo and Juliet, Prince Désiré in The Sleeping Beauty, Cavalier in George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®, Von Rothbart in Swan Lake, Big Boss Man in Blue Suede Shoes, and Allegro in Western Symphony.

“Please join The Dance Studio in bringing this timeless classic reimagined and full of dance to the stage at the Alabama School of Fine Arts’ Dorothy Jemison Day Theater this November. I am so excited and can’t think of a better way to kick-off the holiday season,” Shiflett says, adding, “This beautiful ballet includes over 40 young dancers from communities throughout the Birmingham community.” This beautiful performance is a unique, magical and budget friendly experience you will never forget. Tickets are general admission and $20 for adults and $10 for children (2 and up). Click here to purchase tickets. †

Birmingham Christian Family is giving one winner two tickets to experience this timeless classic reimagined as a ballet. In addition to tickets, the winner will receive a gift basket filled with great items including a O’Henry’s Coffee Basket with Coffee Products and a pair of ballet pointe shoes signed by the cast of the Sound of Music. To enter, like, share and comment on the giveaway post on our Facebook page.

December 8, 2022October 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Publisher’s Note

Happy Thanksgiving & Merry Christmas to You- Our Readers! As we celebrate the season, all of us at Birmingham Christian Family wanted to do something special for readers like you who read and spread Good News with your family and friends each month- either sharing a print issue or reading and sharing one of our articles on-line. So, get ready to enjoy our Jingle All the Way Reader Giveaways!

The fun starts on Friday, November 18 with 4 Weeks of Great Give-A-Ways all valued at $250 or more!

Week 1 Family Four Pack of Tickets to Cirque Dreams Holidaze, BJCC, December 9-10, www.cirquedreams.com. Starts on Friday November 18. To be entered for a chance to receive the Family 4 Pack, LIKE and SHARE the giveaway post on Birmingham Christian Family‘s Facebook, @BirminghamChristianFamily and TAG 3 friends in the comments. WINNER will be announced on the Giveaway Post November 25, 2022. So be sure to LIKE our Facebook page.

Week 2 Artist Daniel A. Moore’s new pencil drawing portrait of Coach Nick Saban, framed limited edition, www.danielmooreart.com. Starts on Friday November 25. To be entered for a chance to receive the framed portrait, LIKE and SHARE the giveaway post on Birmingham Christian Family‘s Facebook, @BirminghamChristianFamily and TAG 3 friends in the comments. WINNER will be announced on the Giveaway Post Friday December 2, 2022. So be sure to LIKE our Facebook page.

Week 3 Luxurious Filson Wool Blanket from Mark’s Outdoors Vestavia, www.marksoutdoors.com. Starts on Friday December 2. To be entered for a chance to receive the Filson blanket, LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram, @cfpbirmingham. Be sure to follow our account. Post to your story on Instagram for an extra entry. WINNER will be announced on the Giveaway Post Friday December 9, 2022. So be sure to LIKE our Instagram page.

Week 4 $250 Trak Shak Gift Card to use at any area Track Shak, www.trakshak.com. Starts on Friday December 9. To be entered for a chance to win the $250 gift card, LIKE and COMMENT on the Giveaway Post on Birmingham Christian Family’s Instagram, @cfpbirmingham and be following our account. Post to your story on Instagram for an extra entry. If your account is private, message us a screenshot of your story for the extra entry. WINNER will be announced on the Giveaway Post Friday December 16, 2022. So be sure to LIKE our Instagram page.

WINNERS for each giveaway will be announced EVERY FRIDAY morning on the Giveaway Post- November 25, December 2, 9, and 16, 2022. So be sure to LIKE our pages on Facebook and Instagram.

A NEW GIVEAWAY begins EVERY FRIDAY afternoon- November 25, December 2, 9, and 16, 2022.

A BIG THANK YOU to our advertising partners who make the gift giving possible and most importantly help us share the gift of our Savior Jesus Christ with readers and followers every day of the year!

“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14

-Laurie Stroud Franklin

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

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Celebrating 22 Years of Good News!

October 27, 2022October 27, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

For 40 years, Christmas Village Festival has been a staple shopping experience for the city of Birmingham and beyond.

It all started in 1982. Lisa Fullilove’s father, Wayne Dees, was in direct mail marketing and wanted to diversify. “He got with his silent partner and came up with something new. They traveled around the southern states to get vendors and produced the show,” Fullilove says. In the first few years, they would have a variety of live entertainment to draw more vendors and shoppers to the show. “That’s how they built the business,” she explains.

Special Feature Celebrating 40 Years Christmas Village Lisa Fallilove with volunteers in green shirts — Lisa Fullilove has worked the Christmas Village Festival since she was a teenager. She is seen here (left) with volunteers who make the event a success each year.

Fullilove has fond memories of growing up around the show. “I grew up selling tickets, taking tickets, decorating and all of the fun things,” Fullilove says. Christmas Village Festival has always been at the BJCC but has expanded over the years. “It used to only be in the north and south hall of the BJCC but now we take up the whole exhibition space,” she adds. She remembers the early years of the show being somewhat chaotic but each year became more organized. “We are now known for the organization of the show. That’s why vendors come back year after year.” The show started with roughly 200 vendor booths and now has 750 booths! Seeing Christmas Village Festival grow each year fills Fullilove with a sense of pride for what her father began 40 years ago. “He was a wonderful person,” she says.

Special Feature Christmas Village 40 years manger scene — For 40 years Christmas Village Festival has been helping visitors celebrate the season and complete their Christmas shopping.

One common misconception about Christmas Village Festival is that everything is Christmas related. “It’s not all Christmas items. We have gift items and personal items like food vendors, pottery, jewelry, art and more,” Fullilove says, adding that shoppers can expect to see new vendors this year including inflatable chairs for the beach.

Christmas Village Festival will be at the BJCC on November 3-5 from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. and November 6 from Noon- 5 p.m. “Stop by and get all of your shopping done in one place,” Fullilove says. To learn more, visit www.christmasvillagefestival.com or call 205-836-7173.

-Melissa Armstrong

September 13, 2022 by Nathan Ingram

Full Life Ahead, a non-profit serving teenagers and young adults with any kind of disability and their families, is hosting their first annual Toss for Hope Corn Hole Tournament. There will be 2 divisions of play, Competitive and Special Needs. All players should be 14 years old and up. Community resources will be on-hand to share information with families that have a young person with a disability. Join us for food, fun, prizes, and connection! Saturday, October 29 at Hargis Christian Camp in Chelsea. The fun starts at 9 a.m. with food, games, prizes.

July 26, 2022July 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

camp spotlight shocoo springs Blob on the lake

Special Feature

Congratulations to our Readers’ Choice Winners for Summer Family Fun!

Entertainment Spot: American Village
Recreation Spot: American Village
Summer Camp: Shocco Springs Camp & Conference Center
Travel Spot: Greater Gadsden Tourism

Thank you to all of our readers who participated in our Readers’ Choice Survey! As a thank you for taking the survey, reader Rachael Montgomery from Birmingham won four tickets to Alabama Adventure & Splash Adventure!

Congratulations to the American Village for being the Readers’ Choice for Favorite Summer Entertainment Spot AND Recreation Spot! American Village in Montevallo welcomes you to enjoy red, white, and blue fun all summer long. From August 1-31, enjoy free self-guided walking tours of the 188-acre campus. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.americanvillage.org.

Congratulations to Shocco Springs Camp & Conference Center for being our Readers’ Choice for Favorite Summer Camp! Centrally located on over 900 acres in Talladega, Alabama, Shocco Springs is an all-inclusive camp and conference center where you can relax and unwind in God’s incredible nature while holding your church or school group’s next event. Shocco Springs has an abundant selection of meeting spaces, lodging facilities and dining choices, whether you need space for 10 or 1400. Learn more at www.shocco.org.

Greater Gadsden Tourism is our Readers’ Choice for Favorite Summer Travel Spot! The area includes Noccalula Falls Park and Campground with hiking and biking on the black creek trails, an animal habitat, botanical gardens, and the spectacular falls cascading over 90 feet into the Black Creek ravine! For updates on offerings all summer long in Greater Gadsden, visit www.greatergadsden.com.

For more ideas on Family Fun click here. †

June 28, 2022June 15, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Special Feature

On October 24-25, pastors, worship leaders, visual artists and musicians are invited to join in learning from and interacting with a diverse group of experienced practitioners and speakers who will focus attention on the beauty of the Triune God whom Christian people gather to worship and adore. Worship, informative talks, breakout sessions, meals and informal conversations will provide opportunities to deepen your understanding on how the beauty of God’s love is manifested through the ministries of preaching, worship, and the arts. Conference guests will hear from several featured speakers including:

Daniel Cason is an ordained minister, concert pianist and a former high school music teacher. He received his formal education at the Cleveland Music School Settlement (Rainey Institute), the renowned Cleveland Institute of Music and the University of Southern California (ISOMATA), where he studied master classes with Lee Thompson of the Julliard School of Music. Cason holds two earned music degrees (Bachelor of Arts and Masters) from MTC School of Theology.
Joe Cory is associate professor of art and design for Samford University’s School of the Arts and faculty fellow of the Center for Worship and the Arts. He is an accomplished artist and educator who has been using a mix of traditional and innovative teaching methods for over 15 years to help students learn artistic skills and think creatively. As an educator, practicing artist, former gallery director, and leader of the non-profit CIVA | Christians in the Visual Arts, he’s gained extensive experience in all facets of the art world.
Cliff Duren is the worship pastor at First Baptist Church Woodstock, GA. He also writes, arranges, orchestrates and produces music resources for various publishers while also producing various artist recordings. He is a five-time Dove Award winner for his contributions in Christian music.
Matt Papa, a veteran songwriter and Christian musician, has carved an even more unique space for himself as one of the world’s top modern-day hymn writers. With songs like, “His Mercy Is More,” “Christ Our Hope In Life And Death” and “Come Behold The Wondrous Mystery,” Matt tours regularly across the U.S. as a songwriter with Getty Music and frequently guests on their tours. A two-time Dove Award nominated artist, Matt is on a mission to write songs that are singable, beautiful, and timeless. He serves as an artist-in-residence at Cedarville University and Marco Presbyterian Church.

Other featured speakers include John D. Witvliet, Kevin Twit, Debra Dean Murphy, Overflow, and Tyshawn Gardner. Early bird rates of $59/individual or $47/person for a group of 3 or more are on sale through August 31, 2022. General admission of $89/individual or $71/person for a group of 3 or more starts Sept. 1, 2022. The conference will be held at Samford University, 800 Lakeshore Drive Birmingham, AL 35229. To purchase tickets, click here.

March 22, 2023May 12, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) celebrated 22 years of GOOD NEWS at the Celebrate the Family Expo on May 7, 2022. Here are just a few of the highlights from the free day of family fun at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex!

City of Hoover Mayor Frank Bracato helped us kick off the day of fun.

The Chick-fil-A Herd of Cows danced with Expo attendees and handed out plush cows! The minions even stopped by for a visit and took photos with attendees!

Each attendee received a Birthday Bingo sheet when they arrived. Every booth had a special stamp and if attendees filled out three rows of stamps by visiting each booth, they were entered to receive great prizes like a $100 Walmart gift card courtesy of WAY-FM, cases of cookies from Bud’s Best Cookies, and so much more!

Live music, praising God, was enjoyed by all thanks to Kevin Derryberry!

Children enjoyed getting their faces painted for free, courtesy of Painted Personalities!

2022 BCF Scholarship Winner Virginia Balogh and Runner-Up Liam Long received their college scholarship certificates at the Expo! Balogh plans to attend the University of Tennessee and Long plans to attend UAB. Be on the lookout for our 2023 Scholarship Opportunity soon.

Inflatables from Deborah’s Party Rentals were a huge hit! The 18-foot climbing wall from Mountain High Outfitters attracted Expo attendees of all ages!

The Banks Academy Tension Choir and Pulse performed live at the Expo!

Expo attendees enjoyed delicious food from Krazy Good BBQ, Street Bowlz, and Steel City Pops!

Adorable adoptable dogs from the Shelby County Humane Society joined in on the fun day!

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor: First Priority and Priority Kids, and our Major Sponsors: Collins Group and Shades Mountain Baptist Church for making the Expo a reality and sharing great family resources and giveaways! For more pictures from the event, click here.

For details on sponsoring, exhibiting and attending Expo 2023 click here.

March 17, 2022March 16, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Samford School of Ed 2021 22 Education Corts Social Graphics Twitter 1

Special Feature

Samford University’s Orlean Beeson School of Education will host New York Times bestselling author Charles Martin for the 11th annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series on April 5.

Beginning at 7 p.m. in Samford’s Brock Recital Hall, Martin will share the one thing he wants his son, a Samford freshman, to know. Pulling from his exploration of biblical truths in his book What If It’s True?: A Storyteller’s Journey With Jesus, Martin will share key moments from the life and ministry of Jesus, as well as key moments from his own journey as a disciple of Christ. In his book, Martin addresses fundamental questions of faith to challenge readers to not just think differently, but live differently.

When asked what inspired him to write What If It’s True?, Martin says, “Pretty simple. If scripture is true, and Jesus really said what scripture says He said (and I believe He did) then who does that make Him, who does that make me and why don’t I live like I believe it?” Martin hopes that through his journey of exploration readers will experience true belief, freedom and real intimacy with the Father.

Martin is a New York Times bestselling author of 16 novels. One of his novels, The Mountain Between Us, was adapted into a major motion picture by 20^th Century Fox in 2017 and another, Long Way Gone, is in the pre-production stage to be made into a film. In addition to: What If It’s True?, Martin is the author of another non-fiction book titled They Turned the World Upside Down. His work has been translated into more than 35 languages in more than 40 countries around the world. He and his wife Christy have been married 28 years and live in Jacksonville, Fla.

Special Feature Samford School of Ed Corts Charles Martin — Hear from Charles Martin on April 5 at Samford University. Click here for tickets.

Martin will be joined by friend and fellow New York Times bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry. Henry was the 10^th anniversary Corts Distinguished Author and will return to introduce Martin and share insights from her new book Once Upon a Wardrobe released in October 2021.

General admission tickets are $25 for the public and complimentary for Samford students and employees. A book signing will follow the presentation. VIP tickets are $75 and include a private reception, special seating, a book by each author and a book signing with Martin and Henry at 5:30 p.m. Prepare to be captivated as Martin and Henry share inspiration that will encourage you to engage your faith in new ways. Tickets are available here. †

Celebrating the Savior: Local Live Nativities

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