Cheer on Vestavia’s Ben Cox as he bikes across America for people with disabilities! Cox, a sophomore at Troy University and a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, will bike across America from California to Washington, D.C. in an annual cycling trip called The Journey of Hope. Cox plans to raise $15,000 for The Ability Experience before he leaves for the trip at the end of May. The Journey of Hope, an opportunity provided by The Ability Experience, is in benefit of people living with disabilities everywhere. During this trip, after the average 75-mile bike ride day, the Journey of Hope team will meet with organizations that support disabled people at events called friendship visits. The event raises funds and awareness for people with disabilities while developing the men of Pi Kappa Phi into servant leaders.
Ben Cox prepares to cycle from California to Washington, D.C. in The Journey of Hope cycling trip. He hopes to raise $15,000 before he begins the ride the end of May. Learn more here.
The Journey of Hope started in 1987 when one man biked across the U.S. to raise awareness for people with disabilities. Since then, the men of Pi Kappa Phi have developed this trip into a yearly event with 3 routes, spanning 12,000 miles and 32 states, with around 25 cyclists and eight crew members per route.
The Journey of Hope is a once in a lifetime experience for Cox in which he hopes to impact the lives of people living with disabilities in a positive way. He also desires to encourage people everywhere to do good wherever and whenever they can. The number one message he desires to spread is that disabled does not mean unable, and anyone living with disabilities or not can do whatever they put their mind to. “I believe that God has been there through all of this, and it’s been part of His plan. I look at all the lessons and blessings I’ve received recently, which have put me in a position to be able to do this, and I’m incredibly thankful,” says Cox.
On March 12-15, Cox will ride from Birmingham to Troy to fundraise for his overall goal of being able to bike across America. The trip will be 170 miles over three days starting in Vestavia and ending at the Troy University Quad. He is currently raising money through his fundraising page, www.give.classy.org/JOHBen and on his Facebook page for the event “Ben Cox Journey of Hope.” †
See exotic creatures, including a 100-pound tortoise, with your own eyes at the Gardendale Magnolia Festival. The annual Festival takes place at 857 Main Street, Gardendale, Ala.
It’s almost time for the 19th Annual Gardendale Magnolia Festival on April 17-18, 2020. With over 150 vendors, two stages of live entertainment, a pooch parade, car show, petting zoo/pony rides and more, the festival is fun for the whole family. On Saturday, the festival will welcome for the first time, some slithering and crawling special guests including a 100-pound tortoise, a prickly porcupine, a mischievous kinkajou, a large snake, tarantula, legless lizard, pixie frog, a hedgehog and more! The animals are the stars of 6th Day Creatures Animal Adventures. They love people and love to teach. Their human caretakers love to teach and love animals.
When the animals come to visit at the Magnolia Festival, be prepared to be captivated by the amazing creatures. The presentations are so much fun the kids won’t even know they’re learning! Adults will be compelled to raise their hands to ask questions and have fun too! 6th Day Creatures Animal Adventures is a fully licensed and insured educational outreach organization and the company name comes from the creation story found in the Bible in Genesis 1.
Make plans to catch one of the exciting 6th Day Creatures Animal Adventure showtimes on Saturday April 18. The animals will be waiting to see you on the corner of Main Street and Rocket Way at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Learn more about all aspects of the Magnolia Festival at www.magnoliafestival.org. †
Whether you’re looking for grief counseling, help with parenting, or support in your battle against cancer, the list below is a resource to help you find the support you need.
Click on any of these topics to find support groups and their meeting times. We have included addresses, e-mails, phone numbers, and other contact information to help you connect. Do you have a support group you would like others to attend? Email [email protected], Subject Line: Support Groups.
Forgiven & Set Free
Chelsea, Fultondale, Helena, Hoover, and Springville. To learn more call 205-620-1344, www.abortionrecoveryalabama.org Surrendering the Secret
Classes hosted by The Church at Brook Hills, [email protected] Flow of the Spirit Church
Every Monday at 6:30pm, 90 Sheffield Dr, Ashville, call 205-240-4801 or 205-594-4888 Grace Episcopal
Every Monday at 12:00pm, Nar Anon Family group meeting. Nar Anon provides support and information for families and friends of those suffering with addiction, 5712 First Ave. N, 35212, call 205-617-7911 Pine Haven Church
Every Monday at 6:00pm, Christian support for people recovering from addiction or life issues. Family members affected by addiction also welcome, 3465 Shannon-Wenonah Road, Bessemer, call 205-260-0020
Addiction
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones- Free Group Meetings providing education and support for loved ones of those suffering from substance abuse. You don’t have to be a parent to attend. Two meeting places: The Moore Institute, 4126 Autumn Lane, Vestavia Hills, Thursdays at 6:30pm, call 205-616-8867 for more information; Double Oak Community Church, 112 Olmstead Street Room C-11, Birmingham, Mondays at 6:30pm, call 717-314-1918 for more information.
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church- AA: Monday/Wednesday, 8 p.m., Room 106; Alanon: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 12 p.m., Monday/Wednesday 8 p.m., Tuesday/Thursday 10:30 a.m. – all in Rm 102; Heroin Anonymous: Monday 6-8 p.m., Friday 8-9 p.m., both in Room 104; Narcotics Anonymous: Monday/Wednesday/Friday 8 p.m., Room 107. Groups meet at VHUMC downstairs beneath Tyson Hall, www.vhumc.org.
Loved Ones of Addicts- Beginning Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 6 p.m. at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Giers 524. Recovering from addiction is hard. It demands sacrifice, patience, and grace for those in recovery and especially from those who walk alongside them. This safe, confidential, and supportive group is designed for parents, spouses, families, and friends of those suffering through addiction. www.shades.org/care
Sober AA Meetings- These groups are designed to help those suffering from alcohol addiction find help in Hoover. Click here to find valuable resources for people at any stage of their recovery journey, along with a local AA meeting directory.
ADHD Parent Support Group
Family Bridges and Grace Presbyterian Church
4th Tuesday of every month. 6:00-7:30pm, 6110 Deerfoot Parkway, Trussville. Call Diane at 205-681-6431. Visit www.fambridge.org
Alzheimers
Covenant Place, Gardendale
2nd Thursday of month, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church
Hwy 119, 2nd and 4th Wednesday, 5:30pm
Our Lady of Sorrows, “A Faith Perspective”
1st and 3rd Sunday 2:00pm, 1728 Oxmoor Rd, Homewood, Social Hall, 983-4030 / Chad
Viva Health Caregiver Support Group: 1550-K Montgomery Hwy., Hoover AL 35216. 4th Wednesday of the month – 1:00 pm. For more information, contact Tiffany Nabors 205-978-4911.
Caregiver Support Group at The Episcopal Church of the Epiphany: 1334 Montevallo Road SW, Leeds AL 35094. 1st Tuesday of the month – 6:30 pm. For more information, contact Julie Slagle 419-654-1149, jslagle@lakesidehospice.org.
Lakeside Hospice Caregiver Support Group: 4010 Masters Rd., Pell City AL 35128. 2nd Tuesday of the month – 2:30 pm. For more information, contact Julie Slagle 419-654-1149, [email protected].
Caregiver Support Group: Caring for someone with memory loss due to dementia, Alzheimer’s, or stroke? Find comfort among a community of friends the first and third Thursday of the month at 1:00 p.m. in Room 129. This fall, join us for an informative and interactive series of presentations given by Renée Harmon, MD, author of “Surfing the Waves of Alzheimer’s: Principles of Caregiving That Kept Me Upright.” Through engaging stories and lectures, you will gain knowledge, understanding, and a deeper compassion for persons living with all forms of dementia. The series is intended for persons who are currently caregivers as well as for those who want to learn how to best support these families. 2023 Schedule: September 7–Dementia 101: Just the Facts, M’am; October 5–Dementia 102: Communication Issues in Dementia; November 2—Dementia 103: Enter Their World; December 7—Dementia 104: Care for the Caregiver. No registration required.
Living with Alzheimer’s Family and Caregiver Support Group at Brookdale University Park: Are you caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia? Join our partners at Brookdale University Park, 400 University Park Drive, Homewood, 35209, for their monthly support group meetings. Meetings are held every third Tuesday of the month from 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and welcome guest speakers on various topics.
Breast Cancer
St. Vincent’s Bruno Conference Center
2nd Tuesday of month, Facilitator Judith Harrington, 12:00pm-1:30pm, free lunch provided. Call 930-2217, e-mail [email protected] to register St. Vincent’s East, Cancer Treatment Center
3rd Tuesday of the month. 12:00pm, free lunch provided. Call 838-3519 for details
Cancer
St. Vincent’s Bruno Conference Center
General Cancer Support Group, 1st Tuesday of month, Facilitator Louis Josof, 12:00pm-1:30pm, free lunch provided. Call 930-2217,
e-mail [email protected] to register St. Vincent’s East, Cancer Treatment Center
TOUCH General Cancer Support Group for Cancer Survivors & Families. First Wednesday of every month, 11:00am, free lunch provided. Call 838-3519 for details Rays of Hope
Hunter Street Baptist 2600 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, call 985-7295, email [email protected]
Celebrate Recovery
Calvary Baptist
Every Tuesday at 6:00pm, 7570 15th Street Road, Concord, call 205-491-1885, visit calvaryalive.com First Baptist Church Pelham
Every Sunday at 5:00pm for Big Group & 6:00pm for Small Group. Safe place where hurts can be healed, habits broken and hang-ups overcome. 2867 Pelham Parkway, 35124, call 663-7492 Harvest Assembly of God
Every Wednesday at 6:30pm, meal provided, 81 Old Shocco Road, Talladega, 256-362-5973 Harvest Community Church
Every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at 7:00pm, 4465 Pinson Valley Parkway, www.harvestcpc.org Lakeview United Methodist Church
Meets every Thursday night. Dinner at 6:00-6:30pm, large group from 6:35-7:30pm and small group from 7:35-8:30pm. 1154 Hwy 11, Pelham, 35124. We are a 12 Step Bible-based program to help us with our hurts, habits and hang-ups. For more information, call 205-663-3309. McElwain Baptist
Every Friday at 6:30pm, visit www.celebraterecoverybirmingham.com, 4445 Montevallo Road, 35213, call 956-0388 North Gardendale Baptist
Every Thursday 6:00pm dinner, 7:00pm worship and large group, 125 Belcher Hill Road, call 410-2156 One Eighty/Clearbranch
UMC Ministry, Every Friday at 6:00pm, 5770 U.S. Highway 11, Springville, 35146, visit www.turnoneeighty.org, call 238-8075 Palmerdale United Methodist
Sundays 5:00pm, 7778 Alabama Highway 75, Pinson, 35126, call 681-9762
COPD
St. Vincent’s Blount
First Tuesday of every month, 6:00pm
Divorce/Grief Recovery
Rebuilding
A Divorce and Grief Recovery Group- Interdenominational, Family Life Center Assembly Hall Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church Homewood 6:00-8:30pm every Tuesday, www.ourrebuilding.org, No pre-registration required, $25 for 10 week session, call 969-0062
Divorce
DivorceCare
The Church at Brook Hills, women only. August 14 – November 13 meeting every Sunday 9:00-10:30am, Modular 4B, childcare available, www.brookhills.org/news/divorcecare, call 313-7790 DivorceCare & (DC4K) DivorceCare for Kids start Monday evening August 14 from 6-8 PM. Inverness Vineyard Church, 4733 Valleydale Road Birmingham, AL 35242. We meet in the main sanctuary foyer. Find out more about DivorceCare at invernessvineyard.org under the “Get Help” tab. Or call 205-910-3962.
Divorce Care- Beginning Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church in Dobbins 527. Navigating divorce can be one of life’s most challenging journeys, filled with complex emotions and unexpected hurdles. But you don’t have to face this difficult time alone. DivorceCare offers a supportive 13-week program designed to help you heal and move forward. www.shades.org/care
DivorceCare
South Highland Presbyterian. Wednesday, G16, 6:00-7:30pm. Registration, call 933-0790 DivorceCare
Asbury United Methodist, Sundays, September 18 – November 27, 4:00-5:30pm, 6690 Cahaba Valley Rd (119), www.asburyonline.org, call 995-1700
Family Support Group
Special Needs Parent Support- Begins Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 6 p.m. in Giers 512. Monthly meetings on 8/28/24, 9/4/24, 10/2/24 ,11/6/24, 12/11/24. The Special Needs Parent Support Group is a welcoming space for those caring for children or adults with developmental disabilities. Find encouragement, share experiences, and gain practical wisdom from others on similar journeys. This supportive community offers a place to process both the joys and challenges of everyday life while connecting with those who understand your unique situation. Childcare is provided for children not attending Midweek classes, ensuring accessibility for all. www.shades.org/care
Parents of Wayward Children- Begins Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 6 p.m. in Dobbins 542. Monthly meetings on 8/28/24, 9/4/24, 10/2/24, 11/6/24, 12/11/24. Our child turned away from his or her faith. Why did this happen? How do we respond? If you are a parent who’s asked similar questions, come join other parents navigating difficult emotions and challenging situations from loving and relating to children who’ve wandered from faith and family. Join to find support, wisdom, and community as you navigate the delicate balance of maintaining relationships while holding onto hope for your child’s return to faith. www.shades.org/care
Grandparents Raising Grandkids- Begins Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 6pm in Giers 516. Monthly meetings on 8/28/24, 9/4/24, 10/2/24, 11/6/24, 12/11/24. More than 2.6 million children are raised by grandparents or an extended family. What do you do when your role shifts from grandparent to parent of your grandchild? In this monthly group, you’ll find a supportive, encouraging community for discussing the emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual challenges of raising grandkids. www.shades.org/care
Safe Harbor
Every Tuesday faith-based support for those who have teens in rebellion. Signs of rebellion can be disrespect, social withdrawal, dropping grades, truancy, substance abuse, call 205-981-0995, visit www.thesafeharbor.org
Grief
Faith Presbyterian GriefShare: If you’ve lost a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or other close family member, you’ve probably found there are not many people who understand the deep hurt you feel. This can be a confusing time when you feel isolated and have many questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare provides a friendly, caring group of people who will walk alongside you. Trained facilitators who have experienced grief just like you will guide you through one of life’s most difficult experiences and provide you with the tools and resources to move forward. Meetings will be held at Faith Church (Lower Level), 4601 Valleydale Road, Birmingham, AL 35242 on Thursday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., starting February 1, 2024. You are welcome to join us at any time during the 14-week series. If you are college age or older and have lost a close family member, please call 205-908-6529 or email [email protected] for questions and/or registration. Or you may visit www.griefshare.org/groups/178218. Registration Fee: $25.00 (includes workbook and refreshments).
Briarwood Griefshare: Mark Cushman • W202 • Wednesdays, Sept. 5–Nov. 28 A 13-week seminar and support group for those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Each session includes a discussion based on video presentations dealing with grief. Participants are welcome to start attending any time during the quarter. Contact Mark Cushman, 776-5227 or [email protected] for more information. W202 is above the foyer to the Worship Center, next to the elevator. Cost: $15 for workbook.
Community Grief Support offers various support groups for different types of grief. By gathering people with like losses together, great support is received—both from the leaders and volunteers, and from one other. Various locations are available, so please choose the group that is most convenient to you and communicate your choice to us so we can contact you prior to the first meeting. Call us at 205.870.8667 to sign up. Community Grief Support (CGS) offers video and phone grief counseling, as well. Call 205-870-8667 for information. CGS offers free grief support services for bereaved adults who are rebuilding their lives after the loss of a loved one, www.communitygriefsupport.org.
Meadow Brook Baptist GriefShare: 13-week cycle beginning on January 6, 2021 from 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Group led by Mrs. Judy Sheppard. Call 205-612-7240 or click here for more information.
Shades Mountain Baptist’s GriefShare: Beginning Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at 6 p.m. in Dobbins 535. GriefShare is a safe, welcoming place to understand the difficult emotions of grief. Through this 13-week group, you will discover what to expect, what’s “normal” and learn helpful ways to coping with grief’s unpredictability while gaining solid support each step of the way. www.shades.org/care
Daytime Widowed Support Groups (Age 70+): Over-the-Mountain Area: Location: Vestavia Hills Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Avenue, Vestavia Hills, AL 35216. Time: 10 – 11:30am. Days: 1st & 3rd Tuesdays, Year Round. Riverchase/Hoover Area: Location: Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery Hwy, Birmingham, AL 35244. Time: 10:00 – 11:30am. Days: 1st & 3rd Thursdays, Year Round. Huffman/Roebuck Area: Location: Huffman Baptist Church, 700 Huffman Road, Birmingham, AL 35125. Time: 10:00 – 11:30am. Days: 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, Year Round.
Homewood Working Widowed: facilitated by Bob House and Deb Kattus; to convene via videoconferencing on Tuesday, September 22, at 6:30 p.m., 205-870-8667.
Trussville Working Widowed: facilitated by Bob Butler and Peggy Hicks; to convene at Trussville First UMC on Thursday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m., 205-870-8667.
Midtown Working Widowed: facilitated by Claudia Williams; to convene via videoconferencing on Monday, September 14, at 6 p.m., 205-870-8667.
Riverchase Retirees’ Spousal Loss: facilitated by Steve Sweatt; to reconvene in-person at Riverchase UMC, Hoover, in Riverchase Room B on Thursday, September 17, at 10 a.m., 205-870-8667.
Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church Grief Support Group- 7 week Grief Support Group with fellow grief survivors, designed to help navigate challenges faced by those who have suffered the loss of a loved one. Dinner is provided and there is no cost to attend. Group meets at VHUMC from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m., vhumc.org.
Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church Spousal Loss Group: Location: Saint Luke’s Episcopal Church, 3736 Montrose Rd, Mountain Brook, AL 35213. Time: 5:30-7pm. Days: Wednesdays April 19-June 21, 2023. Facilitator Contact: Dr. Larry Michael.
Collat Jewish Family Services Spousal Loss Group: Location: Levite Jewish Community Center, 3960 Montclair Rd Birmingham, AL 35213. Time:10-11:30am. Days: Wednesdays April 17-June 26, 2023.
Spousal Loss Support Group: If you or a loved one has recently lost their spouse, Asbury offers a spousal-loss support group called “Healing Hearts.” The group is facilitated by Asbury Member Sunny Gilliam, working with Community Grief Support. A new class this fall from Sept. 6- Nov. 8 at 10:30 a.m. Register at https://asburybham.org/care.
Other Loss Support Groups
Loss of Adult Child Support Group: A grief support group for those who lost a child aged 18 or older. Held on Tuesdays from June 4-July 30, 2024 (no meeting on July 4) from 5:30-6:30pm at Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, North Building, Room 258, 1114 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, 35209, www.communitygriefsupport.org.
Young Adult Parent-Grandparent-Sibling-Friend Loss Support Group: Pre-consultation is required for this loss specific group. If interested, call Steve Sweatt, CGS Clinical Director, 205-870-8667. Location: Dawson Memorial Baptist Church, 255 North Building. Time: 6pm -7:30pm. Days: Thursdays starting May 25, 2023.
Loss of Adult Child Support Group: Pre-consultation is required to register for this loss specific group. If interested, call Steve Sweatt, CGS Clinical Director, at 205-870-8667. This support group is led by Steve Sweatt, LPC, LMFT. Location: Room 255 North Building, Dawson Memorial Baptist Church. Time: 4pm -5:30pm. Days: Mondays starting May 16, 2023.
Infertility
Infertility and Infant Loss- Begins Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 6pm in Giers 525. Monthly meetings on 8/28/24, 9/4/24, 10/2/24, 11/6/24, 12/11/24. If you have experienced infant loss or a season of infertility, you know the pain of grief and isolation it can bring. This type of grief is unique, but you are not alone. This group offers a place of mutual support and care during a difficult season. This group provides a regular, safe place to process your experiences and find hope amidst the struggle. www.shades.org/care
Homewood Library
RESOLVE (The National Infertility Association) Peer Support Group, 1st Monday of month, 6:00-7:30pm, call 868-1252 or email [email protected]
Low Vision
St. Vincent’s East
Classrooms 1-2. For individuals and supporting individuals living with Low Vision. Last Wednesday of month 11:30am-1:00pm. Lunch $5, first time attending free, 838-3162
Shelby County: First Presbyterian Church of Alabaster (8828 AL-119, Alabaster, AL 35007) Meet the 1st Tuesday of each month, 10:00am-12:00pm, The meetings are led by Sue Schulgin who works with the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, Individuals are welcome to join us whether you have vision, low vision, some vision or no vision, Call Gwendolyn Brown 205-685-0570 for more information.
Lupus
St. Vincent’s 119
1st Saturday of month, 10:00am – Noon, 7191 Cahaba Valley Rd, 35242, call 408-6551
Mental Health
NAMI Shelby Family Support Group
4th Tuesday of the Month, 6pm
Shelby Baptist Physician’s Center: 1000 1st Street, Second Floor, Suite 240 North Alabaster, Al 35007
Free peer-led support group for family, partner and friends of individuals with mental illness, www.namishelby.com, 205-202-0827.
NAMI Connections Support Group
4th Tuesday of the Month, 6pm
Shelby Baptist Physician’s Center: 1000 1st Street, Second Floor, Suite 240 North Alabaster, Al 35007
Free, recovery support group for individuals living with mental illness where people learn from one another’s experiences, share coping strategies and offer mutual encouragement and understanding. Facilitated by peers living in recovery, www.namishelby.com,205-202-0827.
Multiple Myeloma
Southern Legacy BBQ
2943 John Hawkins Parkway, Hoover, AL 35244, 2nd Saturday of month, 11:00am-1pm, email [email protected]
Ostomy
St. Vincent’s 119
September 11, 2:30pm-4:30 p.m. B’ham Ostomy Association, call Lyn Hayes at 907-3706 or Sydney Bloom at 995-0149
Parenting
Alabama Family Rights- call 626-9458, visit www.alfra.org, Hoover Library, 200 Municipal Drive, email [email protected]
5 Conversations- This book study addresses the dynamic social and spiritual issues affecting our kids from cradle to college. This study helps parents prepare the ongoing discussions needed in your daughters and sons formative years. Group meets at Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church for 5 weeks: Daughters: 4-5 p.m.; Sons 5:15-6:15 p.m., vhumc.org.
Fourth Trimester- Begins Wednesday, August 28, 2024 at Shades Mountain Baptist Church at 6pm in Worship Center 426. Monthly meetings on 8/28/24, 9/4/24, 10/2/24, 11/6/24, 12/11/24. Moms, have you had a baby in the last year? Join us for this unique ‘Fourth Trimester” support group as we laugh, maybe cry a little and learn to be new moms together. www.shades.org/care
Baby Café-Free resource for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers offered through Monogram Maternity at St. Vincent’s that provides support from specifically-trained staff and the opportunity to share experiences and made friends. Refreshments, comfortable seating and open-forum discussions are also provided. Meeting times and locations: St. Vincent’s 119 (Conference Center Room), Wednesdays, 10am-12 Noon; St. Vincent’s Birmingham (4th fl. Women’s and Children’s Bldg. down the hall from Monogram Maternity), Tuesdays and Wednesdays 1pm-3pm; St. Vincent’s East (2nd floor classroom #4), Fridays 10am-12pm; Prince of Peace Catholic Parish in Hoover, (St. Elizabeth Room), Mondays 10am-12pm; Crossroads Baptist Church in Warrior (Mommy & Me Room), Thursdays 9am-11am. For more details, email [email protected] or call 205-212-6667.
Pet Loss
Dixie’s Group, Homewood Library Last Tuesday of mo., 5:30-7pm. Led by Dr. Larry Michael. Free, walk-ins welcome. For further details call 492–9992.
Pulmonary Hypertension
The Kirklin Clinic: 4th Floor Conference Room (2000 6th Ave south, 35294) 2nd Tuesday of the month, 12:00pm, free lunch is provided, call 2055855603 to RSVP.
Prostate Cancer
St. Vincent’s East, Cancer Treatment Center
2nd Wednesday of the month. 12:00pm, free lunch provided. Call 838-3519
Sexual Addiction
Route 1520
Recovery groups for men struggling with pornography, sexual brokenness and sex addiction. Also groups for their spouses. Visit www.route1520.com for locations, dates, times throughout the Birmingham area
Weight Loss
Indian Springs First Baptist
Mondays, 5:30-6:30pm, 3375 Cahaba Valley Rd, www.tops.org, Facebook: TOPS Indian Springs AL
Easter and Passover might seem unrelated, but did you know that Jesus’ Last Supper was actually a traditional Passover meal? Or that when Jesus introduced communion, He was fulfilling a traditional Passover element that had been practiced for thousands of years by Jews? The mysterious links between the first Passover meal and Jesus’ Last Supper will be revealed during the upcoming annual CommUnity Passover Seder presented by Beth Hallel Birmingham on April 11, 2020. The spectacular event features not only the traditional Seder elements revealing the rich Hebraic roots of the Christian faith, but also a full banquet meal in an elegant setting in the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt/Wynfrey Hotel.
A full concert with Messianic recording artists, Marty and Misha Goetz, will feature songs from their recent albums “Live in Jerusalem” and “L’Dor V’Dor – From Generation to Generation.”
Beth Hallel’s CommUnity Seder is a participatory event where guests will experience, taste and smell all while learning connections between the Old and New Testaments, between ancient paths and current practices. Guests will have the opportunity to dance with Beth Hallel’s Davidic Dance Team, and to rejoice to sounds and prayers from the first Century until the present. The sound of the shofars (ram’s horn trumpet) of Beth Hallel’s Shofar Team will beckon young and old, Jew and Gentile, to enter in to the celebration. This is a joyous event also for interfaith couples, and for Jews and Gentiles curious about the Jewishness of Jesus, whose name in Hebrew, “Yeshua,” means “salvation, or the one who saves.”
Beth Hallel will also offer a Judaica and Resources table from their Courtyard Books and Gifts Shop, for those who want to take home a unique item, a Jewish Bible translation, or a shofar to get started in the ancient sound of war and praise! The CommUnity Seder is always a sell-out event, so get your tickets now.
Invite your friends for a dedicated table of 10 guests through online sales at www.shalombirmingham.com. At that website, you also can see our weekend Shabbat Services on livestream. You may also order tickets at $55.00 each by calling Beth Hallel’s office 205-822-2510 or by mailing a check to Beth Hallel Birmingham, 2230 Sumpter St., Birmingham, AL 35226. A reserved table for 10 is the best option!
“Come join us for the experience of a lifetime. All are welcome!” says Rabbi David Schneier.
-Rabbi David and Rebbitzen Leslye Schneier
Beth Hallel Birmingham, a Messianic Jewish Congregation
“I am honored to be speaking at Samford University’s Corts Author Series — a series that brings interesting voices to Birmingham to highlight literacy and provide support for the Orlean Beason School of Education. We’ll talk in depth about the fiery woman, Joy Davidman: the wife of C. S. Lewis, and how her radical transformational journey changed Lewis’ life, work and heart, and therefore ours,” says best-selling author Patti Callahan who will be at Samford, March 31, www.tickets.samford.edu. Callahan resides in Birmingham, Ala. and Bluffton, S.C.
Patti Callahan Henry is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of 15 novels and the recipient of the 2020 Harper Lee Award for Alabama’s distinguished writer. She has also been selected as the 2020 Corts Distinguished Author and will take the stage at Samford University for the 10th Annual Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series on March 31, 2020. Beginning at 7 p.m. in Samford’s Leslie S. Wright Center, Henry will share insights and stories of inspiration from her highly acclaimed book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis, a motivational account of the life of Joy Davidman Lewis, wife of legendary writer C.S. Lewis. “I began this novel a little in love with the image of C.S. Lewis and a little enchanted by Joy and by Oxford, but what I discovered was a fascinating woman who teaches us about the great and worthwhile struggle toward the undivided life of a woman’s soul seeking God,” said Henry of her latest work. Becoming Mrs. Lewis beautifully documents Henry’s extensive research of Lewis’s fascinating life and her unlikely love story. The book was selected for The Christy Award for “Book of the Year” in 2019. Henry has also been a finalist in the Townsend Prize for Fiction, an Indie Next Pick, an OKRA pick, and a multiple nominee for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance (SIBA) Novel of the Year.
The Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series was established in 2011 to highlight reading and literacy and provide financial support for Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education. “The Series is a testament to the love of literature and learning shared by our former Samford president and first lady. It is a privilege for Orlean Beeson School of Education to partner with the greater Birmingham community in extending their legacy,” explained Anna McEwan, Dean Orlean Beeson School of Education. General admission tickets are $10 for the public and complimentary for Samford students and employees. A book signing will follow Henry’s presentation. VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved seating at the lecture and a private reception and book signing with Henry at 5:30 p.m. Order tickets at tickets.samford.edu or call 205-726-2853. †
If you are a parent of a teenager, you have probably heard about this app. It is like Instagram, but not really. It is similar to Vine but very different. TikTok is simply its own thing. What started as an app that had some of the sketchiest ads out there has become a juggernaut of social media growth.
Every teen wants to end up “TikTok famous” by making it to the “For You” page that the app uses to promote new videos. The question we have to ask is, “how far will they go?” A simple scroll through the first few videos after downloading the app will get you suggestive content, kids pointing out “little known facts,” acts of vandalism and lip syncing (so much lip syncing). While other outlets reward new concepts, TikTok seems to run on kids doing their own take on established trends. One piece of audio from a movie or song will be played over and over with users acting out various scenes around it. Then, as quickly as the trend hits, it will be over and done with users moving on to the next concept.
A lot of the content is rated R, but before adults totally dismiss this as a plague upon our kids’ iPhones, they have to know that there is some genuinely creative and funny content out there as well. The analytics are very quick to adjust to what a user likes, and it only took a couple of days for our feed to go from the default to mostly Christians giving uplifting words and corgi videos. The main problem is that it took us wading through the other stuff for two days to get there.
Should churches have a TikTok account? Not yet. This is an app that strictly appeals to the 13-29 age crowd and there are a lot of things that our churches don’t want to be associated with. If they can find a way to generate a more “family friendly” feed, then there may be room there for organizations, but that might also be the death knell for the app’s “cool factor” as we have seen with other social media platforms. In the meantime, we will wait and see if TikTok is really here to stay, or just another flash in the pan that is only cool until the next big thing.
If you are a church leader or volunteer seeking to help your church utilize social media as a part of your outreach, Clearbranch United Methodist Church in Trussville is hosting a free social media seminar on Saturday, March 7. Find out how to grow your church’s presence on social media and get the most out of your time on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Learn how you can better connect with your congregation and the community. Click here to learn more.
Enjoy one of Wes Hampton’s recipes from his cookbook, Wescipes. Be on the lookout for Wescipes Volume Two releasing in 2020!
If there’s one dessert I’ve made that I could successfully make with my eyes closed, it would be this one. 9 ingredients. A bundt pan. Cooking spray. An oven.
Ingredients:
1 box yellow cake mix
1 small box instant chocolate pudding
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 T cocoa powder
1 cup sour cream
1 cup vegetable/canola oil
1/2 cup water
1 package mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
4 eggs
Additional granulated sugar for dusting pan
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In another large bowl, combine wet ingredients. Add the wet to the dry and stir until just combined.
Liberally spray a bundt pan with cooking spray with flour (Baker’s Joy or Pam with Flour). Pour about 1/3 cup granulated sugar into the pan, shaking until all is coated with a layer of sugar. Dump out excess sugar.
Pour batter into bundt pan and bake 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. Let rest 10 minutes before turning pan over.
Don’t forget to submit your favorite summer recipe!
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!
Win TWO TICKETS/Mother & Son to the King’s Home Queen’s Ball February 28, 2020 at The Club, www.Kingshome.com/queensball. Simply Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Queens Ball Post! @CFPBirmingham Offer Ends 2/20/2020. Winner Announced 2/21/2020 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! www.facebook.com/BirminghamChristianFamily
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You can have peace regardless of your circumstances. My life was killing me. Every morning, when it was time to get out of bed after a night of not sleeping, I would lie there, preparing myself for all the problems, worries, lack, fear, anger, and resentment that would start chasing me down from the moment my feet hit the floor.
My husband and I were raising our children. Our oldest daughter is mentally and physically challenged and has a chronic seizure disorder. We also cared for my mother-in-law through cancer and dementia. My husband is an only child, so her care fell fully on us. I gave up my career to do the caring. Our finances were cut in half. Our goals and dreams were shattered. Our marriage was struggling. There was never enough time, resources or energy to get it all done. I was not enough. There was a growing list of people I was letting down. I became angry, resentful and fearful – living in a constant state of stress and burnout.
Then, while reading my Bible in the wee hours of another sleepless night, these words leaped off the page at me from Romans 8:6, “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” These words whispered to my aching heart, “Peace is choice.” I thought, “Yes, Lord, but how?” The Voice whispered Exodus 14:14, “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” “That makes no sense. How can I be still with everything that is chasing me down every day,” I questioned? “Renew your mind. Stop listening to the father of lies (Romans 12:2). Listen to Me (John 10:27). Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to Me. And My peace, which transcends all understanding, will guard your heart and mind” (Philippians 4:5-7). And with that, the anxiety lifted.
That was fifteen years ago. Yes, I have been gripped by panic and fear since then, but I know there is a Way out. Peace is possible regardless of my circumstances. Peace is a choice.
-Mary Tutterow
Author of The Heart of the Caregiver & The Peaceful Caregiver, www.newhopepublishers.com. Download a free PDF of her Five Simple Steps on The Path to Peace at www.ThePeacefulCaregiver.com & read her blog at www.MaryTutterow.com.
Do you have the strength of soul you need to live out God’s story for your life? Let award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell show you how to become soul strong!
How do I know my life makes a difference? How am I supposed to balance life when it seems I can’t catch a break? How do I move forward spiritually and with purpose? The answer to these questions is in learning how to live Soul Strong.
The journey of faith is truly “a long obedience in the same direction.” It is a deep commitment and an even deeper empowerment. It is making mistakes while standing daily in need of God’s grace and mercy. These seven key decisions can give you soul strength for the story God calls you to live.
Soul Strong is available here or your favorite retailer.
Live Loved
Be Authentic
Dwell Deep
Pray Always
Overcome Pain
Extend Kindness
Share Stories
God wants to give you strength of soul for the story He has called you to live. Let these practical guidelines and prompts help you live authentically and love extravagantly. You can choose today to live Soul Strong! †
-Rabbi David and Rebbitzen Leslye Schneier
The Tom and Marla Corts Distinguished Author Series was established in 2011 to highlight reading and literacy and provide financial support for Samford’s Orlean Beeson School of Education. “The Series is a testament to the love of literature and learning shared by our former Samford president and first lady. It is a privilege for Orlean Beeson School of Education to partner with the greater Birmingham community in extending their legacy,” explained Anna McEwan, Dean Orlean Beeson School of Education. General admission tickets are $10 for the public and complimentary for Samford students and employees. A book signing will follow Henry’s presentation. VIP tickets are $50 and include reserved seating at the lecture and a private reception and book signing with Henry at 5:30 p.m. Order tickets at 
If you are a church leader or volunteer seeking to help your church utilize social media as a part of your outreach, Clearbranch United Methodist Church in Trussville is hosting a free social media seminar on Saturday, March 7. Find out how to grow your church’s presence on social media and get the most out of your time on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Learn how you can better connect with your congregation and the community. Click 
Ingredients:
Win TWO TICKETS/Mother & Son to the King’s Home Queen’s Ball February 28, 2020 at The Club, 
You can have peace regardless of your circumstances. My life was killing me. Every morning, when it was time to get out of bed after a night of not sleeping, I would lie there, preparing myself for all the problems, worries, lack, fear, anger, and resentment that would start chasing me down from the moment my feet hit the floor.
-Mary Tutterow
Do you have the strength of soul you need to live out God’s story for your life? Let award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell show you how to become soul strong!
