Meet the New Owners of Classic Iron Works: Ready to Help You Spruce Up Your Home

June 10, 2020February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Faith at Work

For 30 years Classic Iron Works has provided homeowners in Central Alabama with iron doors, railings, gates, accessories and more. Longtime owners John Gallagher and Bob Cooley served the community with great customer service and products from their showroom at 3724 1^st Avenue North in Birmingham and in September of 2019, officially passed the torch to Jeff and Lisa Boyd.

Natives of Gadsden, Ala., the Boyds met and started dating in high school and both graduated from The University of Alabama. “Right after college, I went on active duty in the Army and we were stationed in Texas,” says Jeff Boyd. After his service, the couple moved to Alabaster and eventually to Hoover, where they have lived with their three children for fourteen years. Boyd explains that he always held an interest in entrepreneurship but, “our life circumstances and career paths just never made this a realistic possibility.” In the summer of 2019, Boyd learned from a friend that Gallagher and Cooley were seeking to transition into retirement. “Lisa and I had considered a couple of other opportunities to purchase businesses, but they just did not seem like the right fit.” With Classic Iron Works, he adds, “It was different right from the start. You could tell that John and Bob are men of high character and had established a strong business with a long track record.” In September of 2019, the Boyds became the new owners of Classic Iron Works.

When asked how their faith impacts their business, Boyd answered, “For us, it really is faith, family and friends in that order.” The Boyd family has confidence in God’s direction through this transition and will continue trusting in His plan. “We decided to use the number 153 in the name of the LLC used to purchase Classic Iron Works after the catch of 153 fish that the disciples caught after Jesus’ resurrection where Peter was restored.” He adds, “The number 153 represents abundant blessing with the focus on God providing.”

What Your Home Needs. When it comes to sprucing up your home this spring, Boyd says Classic Iron Works is ready to help. Whether it’s a new ornamental fence, iron door, or any project with ornamental metal, Classic Iron Works has it. You’ll also find savings. Classic Iron Works is currently offering 20% off hand and porch rails as well as buy one get one half ornamental iron doors. Learn more at www.classicironworks.com.

-Melissa Armstrong

February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Healthy Living

Free Health and Wellness Event — Participate in the 2nd Annual Health and Wellness Event on March 12 at First Baptist Church Trussville, 128 North Chalkville Road, 35173.

The Seasoned Adult Ministry of First Baptist Trussville will host its 2^nd Annual Health and Wellness Event on Thursday, March 12. A panel of physicians and other healthcare professionals will lecture and answer questions on topics including pain management, hip and knee replacement, heart health, kidney disease, hearing and ENT, weight management, stroke prevention, Alzheimer’s and more. Also visit 20 booths with helpful information on living a healthy lifestyle. The free event is from 2 p.m.-6 p.m. Start visiting booths at 2pm and speakers begin at 3 p.m. Bob Smith, the Seasoned Adult Minister at First Baptist Church Trussville, shares, “The focus of the Health and Wellness Event is to provide education and information for individuals in our church and community that will increase their prospects for better health and wellness, especially if they classify themselves as senior adults.”

If you are a senior adult or if you have a senior adult friend or family member, this is a great event for you. For more information, contact Gail Stewart at [email protected] or Hope Garrett at [email protected]. †

August 5, 2020February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Mission Makers

Hope Inspired Ministries (HIM) teaches people how to fish. How? For eight years and counting, HIM has served low-skilled, poorly educated, and chronically unemployed men and women by preparing them to obtain and maintain employment and introducing a way of life that fosters the development of the emotional, physical, and spiritual maturity in each student. Instead of bringing a traditional band aid approach by helping people survive in poverty, HIM’s approach is radically different. HIM trains people, through a system of structure and accountability combined with empathy and compassion, how to escape hopelessness and despair found in a lifetime of poverty.

HIM’s curriculum is focused on teaching essential life/soft skills, employment skills, character building, financial management, in addition to problem-solving, critical thinking, anger management, and conflict resolution. HIM combines classroom instruction with intensive case management that assists students with other life issues such as obtaining proper documents and navigating through legal issues. In 2017, due to the HIM’s proven formula of success, the ministry expanded their services into the Birmingham communities of Woodlawn, East Lake, and surrounding areas. In 2019, a partnership with The Foundry Ministries allowed HIM to serve the men seeking help in their program in the Birmingham area. Beginning in April, HIM will offer the same courses to the Women’s Campus of The Foundry. Through a collaborative effort with the Montgomery Baptist Association, HIM expanded into Lowndes County in 2020.

HIM welcomed a new Executive Director in January of 2020. John Bowman first joined the mission of HIM on a volunteer basis several years ago. After 26 years of serving with the Montgomery Police Department, where he completed his career as Chief of Staff, he began his new role as Executive Director one day after retirement. “In the last part of my career with the Police Department, God showed me that jail is not the answer for problems in our society, Jesus is,” says Bowman who adds, “I believe HIM is a cure as it addresses the underlying issues of life. It provides our students with a firm foundation and teaches them how to be self-sufficient in society.”

Volunteers are vital to HIM. There are several different avenues of volunteering available. Volunteers provide lunches to meet physical needs. They provide support and encouragement to students through mentoring one day a week. Volunteers also help students advance their education through tutoring. Finally, volunteers assist with fundraising/special events and through financial support. Learn more about HIM and how you can join the mission at www.hopeinspiredministries.org. †

June 10, 2020February 26, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Roof Showing Soffit On The Fro 206382055

Our House

Brought to you by: Community Partner Hinkle Roofing, www.HinkleRoofing.com

As a homeowner, it’s important to have basic knowledge of the different parts of your home so you can provide the best care and maintenance. Your roof, for instance, is made up of various components, and two essential parts that help keep it in optimal condition are the soffit and fascia boards. What is the purpose of soffits and fascia?

The importance of soffits and fascia. The soffit is the exposed surface underneath the overhanging section of an eave. It also refers to the horizontal underside of architectural structures like staircases, archways and ceilings. With regards to roofing, part of its function is to aid in attic ventilation. That is why the soffit is typically designed with small holes, which help in circulating air.

The fascia, on the other hand, is a vertical finishing edge that’s usually connected to the ends of trusses, rafters or the area where the gutters are attached to the roof. It’s mainly used to provide a layer between the outside and the edge of the roof. Furthermore, this layer protects the wooden board against water damage, especially during severe weather. Due to the specific functions of soffits and fascia, any residential roofing company recommends proper maintenance and immediate repairs of these parts. Otherwise, your roof won’t have adequate protection against winds, humid air and moisture, which can cause problems such as rotting, water infiltration and pest infestation.

How do they get damaged? The most common causes of soffit and fascia damage are water and sun exposure. Being exposed to these elements for long periods, soffit and fascia boards may end up with wet or dry rot. Over time, these boards may crumble as well. If you have vinyl soffits, they may sustain cracks due to physical damage or freeze/thaw cycles.

If you’re looking for a metal roofing contractor, Hinkle Roofing is a company that you can trust. With our expertise, you can count on us to deliver top-notch results. Call us at 205-324-8545 or visit www.HinkleRoofing.com to request a free quote.

–Bob Baker

Owner/President, Hinkle Roofing

205-324-8545

www.HinkleRoofing.com

June 7, 2021February 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

bigstock Cute Boy Play Game In The Cell 305144383

Parenting Points

We live in a culture who embraces different values, priorities, and beliefs than we are called to have as Christ-followers. From turning on the TV to scrolling through Facebook, we constantly see things that push agendas that don’t promote the truth of the gospel. As parents, we also realize that every time our child taps the screen of their iPhone, they are also coming face to face with this conflicting worldview.

When Jesus was preparing to go to the cross, He was considering the scary moment we also face as parents of sending our kids in the world. As Jesus prayed, He was praying for His disciples. Jesus prays in John 17:15-18 ESV, “I do not ask that you take them out of the world, but that you keep them from the evil one. They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. Sanctify them in truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” Here are three truths Jesus prayed over His disciples that you can pray over your kids as they engage our culture:

1. Pray that Your Kids Would be Protected from Spiritual Warfare. Jesus begins by acknowledging that there is an evil one. Satan is real, and your kids are in a spiritual war. In a war, there are causalities, and Jesus prays for the protection of His disciples. Pray for protection for your kids because spiritual warfare is real.

2. Pray that Your Kids Would Live for Eternity. Jesus reminds the Father that His disciples are not of this world. If your kids are followers of Jesus, this world is not their home. Pray that your kids would live life in this world living with the priorities of heaven.

3. Pray that Your Kids Would Live Set Apart. Jesus prays for the sanctification of His disciples. Sanctification is the idea that someone would live set apart for a special use. As Christians, Jesus has called your kids to live differently than the world and has empowered them to live that difference by the Holy Spirit’s work in them. Pray that your kids would live set apart from the world.

If Jesus thought praying for His disciples was so important in His final hours, we should take time to embrace that same important task when it comes to praying faithfully for our kids as we send them into the culture.

–Ben Birdsong

Writer, Speaker, and Minister

www.benbirdsong.com

February 25, 2021February 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

MARCH GIVEAWAYS

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses and organizations that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible, we have some Great Giveaways for you and your family!

March 23, 2020February 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Visitors gathered outside Washington Hall to say Happy Birthday to George Washington and share cake in celebration of his 288th birthday.

In a day of thanksgiving and grand ceremony, the American Village in Montevallo celebrated the 288th birthday of the Father of our Country, George Washington, alongside their own 20th Anniversary. An estimated 900 visitors attended activities throughout the day, including a Service of Thanksgiving in the Colonial Chapel, an Anniversary Convocation in a replica of the East Room of the White House, and lunch on campus.

Groundbreaking for Independence Hall — Members of the Board of Trustees of the American Village, along with President George Washington, break ground for a replica of Independence Hall.

Ground was broken for the construction of a replica Independence Hall, and a new campaign, Liberty 250, was launched to raise the replica of Independence Hall as “a touchstone experience for 250,000 students, teachers and other visitors each year; to expand distinctive and inspiring educational programs for students and teachers in pre-K through grade 12, as a foundation for building good citizens and leaders; and to advocate the importance of teaching the foundations of American history and constitutional self-government through United States history, civics, economics and government as an indispensable part of an American education for students.”

The American Village Turns 20! — Approximately 400 people attended the 20th Anniversary Convocation in a replica East Room of the White House at the American Village.

In addition to anniversary activities, visitors enjoyed birthday cake with George Washington, marched with the Continental Army, met patriots of the past such as Phillis Wheatley and Thomas Jefferson, and experienced the National Veterans Shrine, Oval Office, Concord Bridge and other highlights of the American Village’s 188-acre campus. Tom Walker, Founder and President of the American Village, says, “I give thanks for what I, by faith, believe has been a calling to so many individuals – to build and support this place – this American Village, in its own way to be a ‘city set upon a hill,’ to teach and inspire young generations of Americans to know their own history as a ‘goodly heritage,’ and to cherish our Creator-given endowments of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

The American Village Festival of Tulips is open. Stroll through a field of 100,000 tulips and take home the flowers and bulbs.

February 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Education Extra

Young adults in our community who have intellectual and developmental disabilities recently benefited from the generosity of the Prince of Peace Knights of Columbus Council 11537. Grand Knight Jeff Allen presented a $600 donation to Lindy Cleveland, Executive Director of UnlessU, a nonprofit organization in Vestavia that offers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities a university-like atmosphere at Shades Mountain Baptist Church. UnlessU serves these adults and their families through continuing education, life skills, and social skills and creates an environment that promotes independence. Learn more about their mission at www.unlessu.org. The Knights are also committed to serving those in the community with intellectual or developmental needs and this is one of the many charitable donations and outreaches that the council does every year. †

February 25, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

Youth News

What would you do if you found an envelope containing $900 in cash, along with a credit union receipt, while shopping at Target? Well, if you’re Foster Dudley, fourth grade student at Prince of Peace Catholic School (POP), you do the right thing. According to Foster’s mom, Parisa Dudley, his first response was, “Mom, can we keep it?” She told him to put himself in the shoes of the person who lost it. What if he had lost that much money? How would he feel? Foster quickly answered, “Mom, we have to find her and give it back.”

Youth News Foster Dudley Key to Hoover — Foster Dudley receives a key to the City of Hoover at a recent City Council meeting. Front row (L to R): Paul Dudley, Kati Horton, Foster Dudley, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Connie Angstadt, Parisa Dudley. Back row (L to R): Hoover City Council members Mike Shaw, John Lyda, Curt Posey, Gene Smith, John Greene, Derrick Murphy, Casey Middlebrooks.

Foster and his parents, Parisa and Paul, approached Hoover West Target store manager Jeremy Walker and asked for his help. Walker contacted the Hoover Police who were able to locate the owner from the deposit slip. Two days later, Foster and his family were back at Target to meet the envelope’s owner, Ms. Verdina Ball. She was overjoyed to get the envelope back. Foster received a reward of a $100 Target gift card and a key to City of Hoover from Mayor Frank Brocato at a recent City Council meeting. This is only the second key that Mayor Brocato has presented! POP School Principal Connie Angstadt and Foster’s fourth grade teacher Kati Horton were present at the ceremony along with Foster’s parents and grandparents Thomas and Terry Dudley. †

February 18, 2020 by Laurie Stroud

special feature Judson College campus view

Education Extra

Located in Marion, Ala., Judson College has been educating and empowering women for lives of purpose for 181 years. From our founding in 1838, we have been committed to the idea that college should be about more than obtaining a degree and the job you want after you graduate. It’s about becoming the person God calls you to be—not just in four years, but now.

From our beautiful, walkable campus to our small class sizes, we offer a college environment where every resource is committed to helping women succeed. More than 90% of Judson’s classes are fewer than 17 students, so you really get to know your professors and classmates–and they get to know you. This close-knit campus community embraces your unique combination of talents, passions, and ideas and teaches you to use them well. With rigorous academic programs in over 20 areas of study, your academic experience at Judson is an opportunity to dig into work that you’re passionate about, to uncover and develop your skills, and to be fully equipped for the life God calls you to live. You can learn more about yourself and who God calls you to be through your classes, through staff- and student-led Bible studies, through weekly Chapel and Campus Ministries worship services, and through service projects and mission trips.

special feature Judson College Student — Special thanks to Judson College for sponsoring the 2020 Birmingham Christian Family Scholarship. The 2020 scholarship essay winner will receive a $1000 scholarship to be used at the college or university of the student’s choice. Click here to learn more and complete application. Deadline to apply is 3/15/2020.

By the time you leave Judson, you will have had opportunities to engage your mind, practice your faith, and make deep and lasting connections with your classmates, professors, and other members of the Judson community. By understanding how knowledge and faith can work together, you’ll be ready to be the best version of yourself–not just for you, but for God and the world.

Come visit our 118-acre campus in Marion and discover what it means to do college differently. Attend Summer Preview Day on May 16, 2020 or schedule a private visit any weekday by calling 800-447-9472! Be sure to ask about Judson Academic Scholarships, Alabama Baptist Servant Scholarships, and visit www.judson.edu/financial-aid to learn more! †

Meet the New Owners of Classic Iron Works: Ready to Help You Spruce Up Your Home

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