June Weddings Bring Estate Planning “To Do” Lists

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Legal Matters

Congratulations to all who are tying the knot this month! After the honeymoon, you need to put estate planning on the top of your “To Do” list. One of the best investments for cash wedding presents is a complete estate plan. Many newlyweds do not yet have wills, powers of attorney, or healthcare directives, so now is the time to get those in place. Otherwise, Alabama state law will decide who gets what if one of you were to die – and that’s not usually what you would prefer.

As you make decisions about joint bank accounts and credits cards, keep in mind that in many cases, keeping pre-marital assets in separate names makes sense. It’s especially common to keep accounts and assets in separate names when seniors remarry. Many people choose to keep family inheritances separate so the inheritances can be used for specific purposes.

Newlyweds should check the beneficiaries of investment accounts such as 401Ks, IRAs, life insurance policies both personal and any provided by your employers, pension plans, and the titles on any real estate. Most of the beneficiary designations on these accounts override a will, so it’s best for the two of you to sit down together to review the full scope of your newly merged estates. Be sure to talk through secondary beneficiaries, too. We certainly hope it never happens, but a couple could die at the same time in a car wreck or a tornado.  

If your wedding has created a blended family, you also need to carefully review the specifics of divorce decrees as you update your estate documents. A blended family needs experienced legal help in making sure that their estate plans not only abide by any divorce decrees, but that the plans do not inadvertently disinherit one partner’s children.  

For your own records, develop a joint net worth statement which specifies whose names are on each asset, who the beneficiaries are, all account names and numbers, all loans and mortgages, as well as your attorney, accountant, and financial advisor contacts. We hope that many years down the road, you and your spouse will have fun looking back on your original net worth and will appreciate the good lives you’ve shared. Hope your wedding is wonderful and your marriage is long and blessed!

Now, start organizing your “To Do” list and your asset list for after the honeymoon and reach out to an experienced and qualified estate lawyer.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner, Bradford & Holliman

Estate Planning, Trusts, & Special Needs

www.bradfordholliman.com

No representation is made that the quality of the legal service to be performed is greater than the quality of service performed by other lawyers.

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Encouraging Word

Referring to born again believers, I Corinthians 12:27 says, “Now you are Christ’s body, and individually members of it.”  I Corinthians 6:19-20 says, “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, therefore glorify God in your body.”

I am not sure all of what that means but I would like to offer some suggestions.  You have heard it said that we are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, I would add that we should also be the eyes and ears of Jesus and the head (mind of Christ); having His heart of compassion and a mouth that speaks the words of Christ.

Hands represent activity; the things we do; Godly works we perform.  Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works….”

Feet represent the places we go.  Wherever we go we are to represent Jesus.  II Corinthians 5:20 refers to us as being ambassadors for Christ.  Matthew 5:13-14 mentions that we are to be salt of the earth and the light of the world.

Eyes refer to sight.  We are to see the needs of those around us and take advantage of the opportunity to serve (minister) to others.  In Matthew 20:28, Jesus said He didn’t come to be served, but to serve.

Ears represent hearing and being sensitive to the hurts, struggles and challenges of those in our world.  Romans 12:15 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”

Head suggests that we are to have the mind of Christ.  I Corinthians 2:16 says, “. . . But we have the mind of Christ.”  We are to focus on Godly thoughts.  Philippians 4:8 instructs us to discipline our minds and think on things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy.

Heart represents Jesus’ heart of compassion.  Colossians 3:12 says, “. . . put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Mouth refers to us speaking the words of Jesus.  Colossians 3:17 says, “and whatever you do in word of deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus…”  Ephesians 4:29 says, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Let’s strive to be the “body of Christ!”

-Tony Cooper 

Celebrating 28 Years of Service as Exec. Director, Jimmie Hale Mission

www.jimmiehalemission.com

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Best Books

Summer reading lists are not just for the kids! Long flights, beach trips, car rides, and mountain vacations all call for a stack of books. I always love to hear what people are reading during their spare time. Here are my top 4 picks for this summer’s bookshelf:

  1. With This Pledge by Tamera Alexander. I love fiction that teaches something about history and the people in it. Tamera Alexander does a beautiful job of painting a picture of the setting and developing the characters in such a way that you feel as if the characters are your friends. This book is set in the South during the Civil War and The Battle of Franklin. The details are real and gruesome and not for the faint of heart, but the characters are based on real people who experienced it first-hand and found love and courage in the midst of it. Once you begin, you will not be able to put it down, but you will not want the story to end.
  2. Nate Saint by Janet and Geoff Benge. Most of us have heard of Nate Saint and know the tragic way in which his story progressed, but this biography highlights Nate’s drive and passion for flying and for the gospel in a way I had not read before. The audio book is especially riveting, and I cried visible tears traveling down the interstate as I listened to the final chapters. If it does for you as it did for me, it will create a new passion for and perspective on missions and on whatever work you do.
  3. Waiting on God by Andrew Murray. Andrew Murray wrote several Christian classics, but this one is my favorite. During college, I travelled extensively. I remember being on one of my first trips and thinking that for the first time, it was just me and God. I read this book, and it had a tremendous impact on my life. It changed my perspective of walking with God and of waiting on His perfect timing. Whatever your stage of life, I am sure it will bless you as you walk with the Lord.
  4. Crazy Busy by Kevin DeYoung. When asked how you are, who doesn’t reply “busy”? It has become our standard answer, but even as we say it, we know that it’s normal and wonder how it got to be that way. Kevin DeYoung takes it a step deeper than I had ever considered. The root of busyness could be something far more concerning than we imagine when we take a glance at our crammed daily planners. Crazy Busy is incredibly practical as it points the reader toward the deep spiritual issues that drive our motives as we say “Yes” and “No” to the myriad of commitments with which we are faced every day.

-Summer Schor 

All books available at Briarwood Christian Bookstore, 2200 Briarwood Way, 35243, www.briarwood.org/bookstore as well as Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts, Colonial Promenade in Alabaster.

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Best Books 0619

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.”
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

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church leaders POP Fr. Jose and visitors

Church Leaders

Fr. Jorge H. Pedroza, Fr. Jose Luis Guevara Gomez, and Fr. Antonio Verdin at Prince of Peace Catholic Parish in Hoover, Ala, www.popcatholic.org.
Fr. Jorge H. Pedroza, Fr. Jose Luis Guevara Gomez, and Fr. Antonio Verdin at Prince of Peace Catholic Parish in Hoover, Ala, www.popcatholic.org.

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. †

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church leaders Bham Reformed congregation

Church Leaders

Pastor Martin says church members feel like family at Birmingham Reformed Presbyterian Church. Martin attended Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has been in the ministry for nearly 50 years.
Pastor Martin says church members feel like family at Birmingham Reformed Presbyterian Church. Martin attended Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has been in the ministry for nearly 50 years.

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!
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

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Mission Makers Discovery Club Pic Melissa with children

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.
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 2ndgraders. 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.
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

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Cool Stuff Sanctuary Girl Believe Pillow

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.
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.”

Sanctuary Girl also has a wide assortment of pillow covers with uplifting messages, $12 each.
Sanctuary Girl also has a wide assortment of pillow covers with uplifting messages, $12 each.

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

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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.

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