When I Pray for You

May 24, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Best Books

Once upon a time, long, long ago, children were brought before a rabbi to be blessed. His followers were aghast, for surely their teacher had more important things to do. He had sermons to proclaim, blind folk to cure, and oppressed souls to deliver. After his followers rebuked the parents for their impertinence, the rabbi drew near, visibly angry over the disruption. Clearly, someone was about to have a bad day. To the surprise of the disciples, the rabbi did not turn his attention to the presumptuous parents and their toddlers. Jesus fixed his gaze on the twelve and tore into them, essentially telling them that children were closer to the kingdom than they were. Then he blessed all the children, one by one. It was a good day in the kingdom of God.

In addition to writing When I Pray for You, author and journalist Matthew Paul Turner has travelled globally for National Geographic’s show, “The Story of God with Morgan Freeman.”

As followers of Jesus, blessing children is part of our calling in this world. We are to teach them, pray over them and love them as God loves them. One of the many ways we can fulfill this calling is by reading to them. If you’re looking for a new book to bless a child with, When I Pray for You (Waterbrook) is one I strongly recommend. Written by Matthew Paul Turner and illustrated by Kimberley Barnes, When I Pray for You is a delightful book, celebrating the hopes we have for our children as they discover their place in the kingdom of Jesus. The writing is lyrical and playful, but surprisingly moving and substantive. Both parent and child are spiritually enhanced by the sentiments expressed in this lovely book.

“I pray you grow strong, have passion and fight.

And stand up for what’s good with all of your might.

I pray heaven protects you, that you’re generous and kind.

That your brave little spirit never ceases to shine.

I pray you love others, whether strangers or friends,

with the same kind of love that God feels for them.”

Prayers such as these express our deepest and most profound hopes, yet they are simple enough for even a child to comprehend. Of such is the kingdom of God.

–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

205-663-2370

May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Church Leaders

Prince of Peace (POP) Catholic Parish was blessed to have two priests from Aguascalientes, Mexico visit the parish during Holy Week. Fr. Jorge H. Pedroza and Fr. Antonio Verdin of the Diocese of Aguascalientes came to lead a three-evening mission in Spanish on the days leading up to Holy Thursday. POP’s associate pastor Fr. Jose Luis Guevara Gomez is also from that diocese. While at POP, the visiting priests concelebrated Masses with Fr. Jose Luis on Holy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter. They also assisted Fr. Jose Luis with hearing confessions in Spanish from the children preparing for their first Eucharist and adults preparing to enter the Church at the Easter Vigil Mass.

Fr. Pedroza is a teacher of moral theology in the Diocese of Oaxaca, Mexico. Fr. Verdin is a civil lawyer with the Diocese of Aguascalientes who is studying Canon law in Mexico City. Both graduated from the same seminary as Fr. Jose Luis, Santa Maria de Guadalupe. †

May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Church Leaders

Eight months ago, the members of Birmingham Reformed Presbyterian Church opened their doors in Hoover and welcomed the community to visit. As a new mission church, Pastor Paul Martin explains that the church is under the leadership and care of the Presbytery of the Alleghenies. He travels to Birmingham twice a month from his home in Virginia and alternates preaching on Sundays with Pastor Herb Bowsher.

Birmingham Reformed Presbyterian is located in an office complex in Riverchase, Ala. Here is a map that will guide you!

Members of the congregation meet each Sunday morning to worship and enjoy fellowship. At 10:45 a.m., members attend an instruction class in which they are currently studying the Minor Prophets. Immediately following the class, members have prayer time. “Here we pray for God’s blessing on us and that we might see people converted to Christ,” says Martin. Everyone is then welcomed to enjoy a simple lunch together before their time of worship and preaching at 1:15 p.m. Martin explains that there are two current books of the Bible the church is studying: Hebrews and 1 Corinthians. Some may find the worship time to be “a bit unusual,” Martin explains, since they strictly sing from the Book of Psalms with no instrument accompaniment. He describes it as a beautiful time where the church focuses on the Lord.

One core belief of Birmingham Reformed is that Jesus has all authority both on earth and in heaven and that God’s word is final. “I would say that our mission is to gather in the lost and to teach them all that the Lord has commanded us,” Martin says. Visit the church at 100 Chase Park South, Suite 220. To learn more about the church, visit www.birmingham-reformed.org or call 662-418-0591.

-Melissa Armstrong

May 23, 2019May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Mission Makers

Children in Discovery Clubs interact with God’s Word in several ways including music time where songs are sung about creation and the love of God for them.

The perception may be that God, prayer and the Bible are no longer in the public school system but here in our community there is an awesome opportunity to share Jesus with children every week in 30 public schools thanks to Discovery Clubs of the Jimmie Hale Mission.

Each week during the school year, I have the privilege to go into Chalkville Elementary School and share the Gospel with twenty 2^ndgraders. This is made possible because I am a mentor with Discovery Clubs of the Jimmie Hale Mission, a ministry that offers an optional one hour after-school Bible club for children in grades 2-5 in 30 area public schools. Being a Discovery Clubs mentor allows you to share the Good News with children in your city who may not hear it otherwise.

Mentor supervisor, EttaMartin shares that children get excited each week when they see mentors in yellow vests walking in. “They say how much they love hearing the Bible stories and how much they love their mentors.” — Mentor supervisor, Etta Martin shares that children get excited each week when they see mentors in yellow vests walking in. “They say how much they love hearing the Bible stories and how much they love their mentors.”

At Discovery Clubs, each week children have music and Bible story time where they learn about God’s unending love for them. Mentors guide children in memorizing Scripture passages, such as Matthew 11:5. Children also begin to practice flashcards that coincide with the Bible stories that are being read each week. Mentors are expected to foster a Christ-honoring atmosphere of fun while children learn and hide God’s Word in their hearts.

Etta Martin, mentor supervisor at Chalkville Elementary School, shares that a mentor’s responsibilities include “being a Christian involved in a local church, being willing to be at club one hour each week for 23 weeks during the school year and being willing to follow our curriculum of creation through restoration that is created for you.” Martin shares that recently one of the children in club was moved to tears after learning about the Holy Spirit and shared that he needed to pray. Martin reflects that she continues to mentor with Discovery Clubs because “It is one of my mission fields. Going into the entire world includes those places closest to me.”

Take two hours this summer to train to be a Discovery Clubs volunteer this fall! Learn more at www.discoveryclubs.org.

To become a mentor, you must attend a two-hour New Mentor Training Session. Training sessions for the month of June will be held every Wednesday from 10am-Noon or 2pm-4pm at the Discovery Clubs Office located at 3940 Pinson Valley Parkway, Birmingham, Ala. In addition, there are training sessions on several Wednesdays in the months of July, August and September. You can become a mentor right in time for the new school year! Visit www.discoveryclubs.org for more details.

-Melissa Armstrong

May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Cool Stuff

While there is no physical storefront where you can purchase Sanctuary Girl pieces, you can easily view all the available products on line at www.sanctuarygirl.com/wandakincaid.

Jewelry pieces can hold special meaning and tell a story. Unique pieces from Sanctuary Girl provide a great way to display your faith in Christ with those around you! Birmingham’s Wanda Kincaid is an Independent Ambassador for the direct sales company. Kincaid shares that the mission of faith-based Sanctuary Girl is “to empower, embolden, and equip women to share their faith with others.” While the jewelry pieces are beautiful, Kincaid explains, “it is not really about the jewelry but about the story that the pieces tell.”

"The Vine" necklace is based off the Bible verse John 15:5 that says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." This jewelry piece can be purchased with an earring set for $45. — “The Vine” necklace is based off the Bible verse John 15:5 that says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” This jewelry piece can be purchased with an earring set for $45.

Sanctuary Girl offers bracelets, necklaces, pouches, pillowcases and more. Kincaid says that the pieces make great gifts for birthdays, graduations or as a simple gift of encouragement. There are even pieces designed for men, perfect for Father’s Day.

While it can be difficult to share your faith with others at times, Kincaid says that “everyone will look at your jewelry or comment on what you are wearing. This opens up the door for you to tell your story.” Some of the bestselling products include wire bangle bracelets with Bible verses like Jeremiah 29:11 and Psalm 46:10 printed on them. There are also necklaces and bracelets of various materials that display reminders like “I am blessed” and “I am His.”

To view and purchase the jewelry, visit www.sanctuarygirl.com/wandakincaid. Sanctuary Girl products range in price from $12-$49. Kincaid shares that there is a Sanctuary ambassador in almost every state and reflects that she is blessed and thankful to be involved with Sanctuary Girl. “I love the founders and I love what the company stands for.”

-Melissa Armstrong

May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Youth News

First Priority Area Director James Cato honors Eunice Pickens for serving as a First Priority volunteer at Bessemer Middle and High Schools. Every Wednesday and Thursday morning during the school year Pickens has met with students for the last 26 years! First Priority’s mission is to spread the word of God on campus and across the nation, www.firstpriorityal.com.

May 23, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Photo Fun

God’s House Kindergarten students celebrate graduation. The K-5 students are a part of the schools Preschool-Kindergarten and Daycare, ages 2-5 years, old located on the campus of Altadena Presbyterian Church, 4660 Caldwell Mill Road, www.avpc.org/ministries/ghk.

May 24, 2019May 22, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Laurie’s Blog

I had the wonderful opportunity to attend church at the beach a few Sundays ago. After the pastor read the Gospel Lesson from John 21:1-14, he asked, “Where are you fishing?

He challenged us to be “fishers of men” wherever we may find God taking us this summer. He suggested the “best bait” for this is sharing our own stories. He challenged us to recall how God has been most real to us and be ready and willing to tell others. I encourage you to pray for opportunities this summer to “fish” and be ready share your best “fish story.”

Our children and grandchildren especially need to hear our “fish stories.” This month, our advertising partner Mark’s Outdoors is hosting “Take a Kid Fishing Day.” 100 kids will have the opportunity to receive a free rod and reel- with the catch that their parent/grandparent will take them fishing ASAP. Great incentive for us to do TWO types of fishing- a multi-taskers dream!

Happy Summer!

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

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Celebrating 19 Years of Good News!

“Look to the Lord & His Strength, Seek His face always.” 1 Chronicles 16:11

JUNE 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 a TWO Great Giveaways.

TWO WAYS To Win A $15 Gift Card for Sanctuary Girl jewelry

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Sanctuary Girl Post!
Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (2) Announced 6/26/19 on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 6/25/19

THREE WAYS to Win a $20 Gift Card to Sheep Dog Fire Arms Training Center Trussville

Like & Follow Us on Facebook AND Like & Share the Sheep Dog Post!
Follow Us on Instagram AND Like the Sheep Dog Post!
Sign Up for our E-newsletter/Free Online Subscription to BCF.

Winners (3) Announced 6/26/19on Facebook so be sure to LIKE our page! Offer Ends 6/25/19

ALSO vote for your Favorite Summer Activity for an opportunity to win a $100 Gift Card to Ashley Mac’s just for completing our Summer Activity Survey!

June 5, 2019May 21, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Special Featrue YBL summer series wide shot 2

Special Feature

Brought to you by: White Plume Technologies, www.whiteplume.com

Young Business Leaders helps men and women to transform the marketplace by winning people to Christ, building them up in their faith, and sending them out for the glory of God. To get involved in a small group or mentoring, or see how YBL might be able help you visit www.ybl.org

In business, certain buzzwords seem to dominate conversation for a time. Words like “disruptive,” “catalyst,” “engagement” and “lean” gain traction as the latest keys to success. You read articles and books about them. Two trending terms employers are using to describe the qualities in the employees they are looking for are: “humility” and “grit.” Young Business Leaders (YBL) Summer Series at Samford University is a series of free events that will investigate what is at the deepest roots of these currently catchy words. These meetings will take place at Samford’s School of Business (Cooney Hall/Regions Room-4^thfloor) from 6:30-7:30 a.m. A light continental breakfast will be served from 6:00-6:30 at each event.

YBL Summer Series

Workplace Disciplines: Humility and Grit

(How to stick with it without being stuck on yourself)

Summer Series #1: Thursday, June 13– Dr. Paul House, Beeson Professor of Old Testament

Summer Series #2: Wednesday, July 10– Panel Discussion: Dr. Robert Record, Director of Christ Health Center; Brooks Harris, Chief Business Development Officer–Harris Doyle Homes; John Lovoy, CEO Infomedia.

Summer Series #3: Thursday, August 1– Panel Discussion: Brooks Henderson, Director of Rates, Kinder Morgan Energy; Mike Kemp, CEO Kemp Project Management; Hugh Jacks, former CEO Bellsouth.

Signups for these free events are available on Eventbrite: www.summerseriesone.eventbrite.com or email [email protected]. †

May 19, 2019 by Birmingham Christian Family

Education Extra

Prince of Peace Eighth grade student Nick Hernandez’s drawing of a giraffe won the best of the best at the diocesan art show and is on display in the Diocese of Birmingham’s office.

Congratulations to the 52 Prince of Peace (POP) School students who recently won ribbons at the diocesan art show at John Paul II High School in Huntsville, Ala. Eighth grade student Nick Hernandez not only won a first-place ribbon in the drawing category but he also won a Diocesan Award, which is given to one elementary, middle and high school student as the best of the best at the show. His drawing of a giraffe is being framed and will be placed on display in the Diocese of Birmingham’s office!

Catholic elementary and high schools from around the diocese sent hundreds of pieces of art in to be judged in the five categories of printmaking, collage, mixed media, painting and drawing. Every school was permitted to send 10 pieces of art per grade to the contest. The 204 first, second, third and honorable mention pieces for grades Kindergarten through twelve were displayed at the show.

Fine arts education is an integral part of the curriculum throughout all grades at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Hoover, Ala. Kindergarten through fifth grade students take fine art with teacher JoJo Settine who weaves her art curriculum around the Kindergarten through grade five core standards. This talented instructor also teaches choir and has 26 students in the middle school band! POP’s middle school students are instructed in fine art by teacher Shannon Bourn. Both teachers also offer summer art classes and camps at the school. †

When I Pray for You

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