Art, Science & Service: Aho Architects, LLC

October 25, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Faith at Work

Brought to you by: Community Partner Aho Architects, LLC, www.ahoarch.com

“One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)

When we introduce our firm to potential customers, one of the things we want them to understand about us, is our concept of stewardship. Simply put, stewardship means we’re given something with the trust we will take care of it… or use it in service to others.

For some, architecture is ART. For others, it is SCIENCE. It is both of those things, but for us, it is also SERVICE.

Members of the Aho Architects Team use their skills to help in volunteer disaster response efforts.

Our team’s shared purpose is to help others. The kind of projects we seek out tend to be those which enable our team to be part of something greater than ourselves. It’s one of the reasons we design places for learning, worship, and low-income housing. There’s a direct connection to the purpose of the environments we create and the service we provide to produce them.

In our firm, stewardship and giving back take many forms. Since our inception, we have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, donated time and money to various other charities, funded scholarships at several community colleges, sponsored Kenyan orphans, provided materials for in-town mission projects to fix-up homes in low income neighborhoods, helped to retrofit an old school bus for a summer feeding program, volunteered technical assistance in disaster response, and sought to live out stewardship in many other ways. Last year, in addition to the firm as a whole contributing and supporting various charities, each member of our team was given a budget to spend however they saw fit, in support of a cause which meant something to them. This expanded our stewardship into new areas and was a very meaningful experience as we each shared what we had chosen to support. We posted information and thank-you notes from these charities on our breakroom wall, and then decided to leave them up all year as a reminder of things we get to be a part of through our work. It has inspired us to ensure we’re able to continue this Kingdom-building work this year.

The Stewardship Wall at Aho Architects reflects the many ways we can serve others in our community.

We encourage you and your team to find ways to get out there and to serve, to give back, and see how you will in turn be refreshed. It will strengthen your team and bless you immeasurably. If you would like to know more, please do not hesitate to contact us www.ahoarch.com 205-983-6000.

Tim Aho, President/CEO

Aho Architects, LLC

October 25, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

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Encouraging Word

In our world today, stress is unavoidable. There is confusion, chaos and conflict all around. No one is excused or exempt from the trials and troubles of life. In John 16:33 Jesus says, “…In this world you have tribulation, but take courage, I have overcome the world.”

Stress is that which causes tension, pain, pressure or strain. With stress being universal, we need to learn how to respond to it. I Thessalonians 5:16-18, gives three important insights on dealing with stress. It says to be joyful always; pray continually; and give thanks in all circumstances.

Be Joyful Always. To be joyful is to express confident assurance because of God’s presence, that life is going to turn out okay. As born-again Christians, we have the Spirit of God living inside us (I Corinthians 3:16; Galatians 2:20). I John 4:4 says, “… because greater is He who is in you than He who is in the world.” Therefore, we can express the joy of the Lord always.
Pray Continually. Prayer is communication and communion with God. Prayer puts us in contact with God. It helps maintain our focus on Him regardless of what we are dealing with. God is always bigger than the problem or situation!
Give Thanks in all Circumstances. Being thankful helps keep a proper perspective and positive attitude. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

As we apply these helpful insights to our life, stress will become manageable and less threatening. So Be Encouraged!

-Tony Cooper

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

www.jimmiehalemission.com

October 31, 2018October 25, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Education Extra

Dr. Jim Boyce teaching biology from a Biblical perspective at Glen Iris Baptist School. https://www.gibschool.com

The word “retirement” means “giving back” for Birmingham’s Dr. Jim Boyce. After a very successful career as an anesthesiologist at UAB, he joined the faculty at Glen Iris Baptist School in 2017 to teach biology, as a volunteer. “Dr. Boyce exemplifies the Biblical ethic and ambition of desiring not to waste his life. He firmly believes that God has prepared him all his life for this,” explains Glen Iris Baptist School Principal Legrand Lamb. “We are truly thankful for his influence over our students.”

When asked what led him to Glen Iris, he simply states, “I found out about a need at the school and as a retired anesthesiologist from UAB I felt I could volunteer to help in biology.” Dr. Boyce says as he teaches he also reaps the benefit of continued learning. “The most rewarding part is to discover (from what I am learning) new ways to glorify God by understanding more of the complexity of his creation and realizing we are only just beginning!” Boyce particularly enjoys teaching in a Christian environment. “Because it is a Bible based curriculum, it is easy for me to stay motivated and driven to do all I can to teach as an act of worship and bring to the classroom 50 years’ experience as a physician to enhance the biological principles.”

As a part of his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Boyce participates in the school’s weekly chapel services by reading the Scripture lessons.

Boyce adds he hopes to be an encouragement to other senior adults to give back to the youth in our community. “I would encourage any Christian retired professional to investigate ways their experience developed over the years could be a valuable asset to young people by volunteer teaching in a school like Glen Iris Baptist.”

Laurie Stroud

October 26, 2018October 25, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Church Leaders

Prince of Peace (POP) Catholic Parish is pleased to welcome Father Joy Nellissery as its new associate pastor. He joins Father John Fallon and associate pastor Fr. Jose Luis Gomez Guevara at the Hoover church. Father Joy comes to POP from The Cathedral of Saint Paul in downtown Birmingham. He is a native of Irinjalakuda Diocese, Kerala, India and knew that he wanted to become a priest from early childhood. He was ordained on December 29, 1988, at his home parish.

Father Joy earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Loyola College, University of Madras, India while continuing his work as a priest and offering his assistance at two substance abuse treatment centers. In 1998 Father Joy came to the United States to study for a PhD at the University of Georgia. During his studies there, he also served the Diocese of Atlanta as an associate pastor at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Athens. After graduating in 2002, Father Joy returned to Kerala and worked in a detoxification center and taught at Sahrdaya College, University of Calicut, Kerala.

Father Joy is a U.S. citizen, and in July of 2011 he came back to the U.S. and served at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Hoover, St. John’s in Madison, and at Our Lady Queen of the Universe in Huntsville, Ala. He returned to Kerala in 2017; his father had passed away in June 2016 and his mother was ill. After the death of his mother, he returned to Birmingham in February 2018 and served at The Cathedral of Saint Paul before being assigned to his current position at Prince of Peace.

Father Joy enjoys working in a parish environment helping individuals and families to develop a personal relationship with Jesus that leads to communion with God. He is excited about his ministry at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. He said, “One day many years ago, when I was praying about becoming a priest, I opened the Bible to John 17:24 ‘Father, they are your gift to me.’ That has become my motto.” My philosophy is to treat everyone as if they are a gift of God to me.” †

October 23, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Cool Stuff

Find great gifts from Crown Creations, Pottery by Mike Davis, Grandma Betty’s Pepper Jelly and much more at the Briarwood Christmas Shop, November 8-9. Proceeds support Christian education.

Find wonderful gifts for friends and family while supporting Christian education at the annual Briarwood Christmas Shop. The free admission event features more than 60 different artists and vendors and is hosted by the Briarwood High School Parent Teacher Fellowship (PTF). “All of the money raised is used to support our teachers in the classroom, the school’s faculty and administration and of course the students they teach and minister to,” explains PTF Pres. Amy Pylant. “It also gives our school family the opportunity to meet and minister to people in our community!”

Shop the event Thursday, November 8 from Noon-6 p.m. and Friday, November 9 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. in the Briarwood Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall. A few featured vendors include art by Crown Creations, Jewelry by Napping Nest, Clothing by LuLu’s Loft and Everly’s Boutique, Pottery by Mike Davis and an event favorite, Grandma Betty’s Homemade Pepper Jelly!

Find stocking stuffers and more at the Briarwood Christmas Gift Shop November 8-9 at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, 2200 Briarwood Way, 35243. Door prizes given away each day, no purchase necessary! †

October 25, 2018October 23, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Healthy Living

Join in The Walk to End Epilepsy November 3, 9am-Noon at Railroad Park. The walk is an annual event hosted by The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama, www.WalkToEndEpilepsy.org/Birmingham.

Numerous changes have occurred since the start of 2018 for the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama. Formerly the Epilepsy Chapter of Greater Mobile and the Gulf Coast, the organization was previously an affiliate of the larger national organization, the Epilepsy Foundation of America. However, the Board of Directors voted in late 2017 to join the national organization as an official chapter, thus changing its name to Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama. While the organization has always served the entire state, this change also led to the board’s decision to move their state offices from Mobile to Birmingham. “This decision was not made lightly by the Board,” said Mary Michael Kelley, Executive Director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama. “It took a great deal of planning and consideration, but ultimately, they made the decision in order to more centrally locate the organization for the population of the state.”

The Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama seeks to improve the quality of life for individuals with Epilepsy and seizure disorders through client support, outreach, advocacy, and programs. Programs include Camp Evoked Potential, a camp for kids ages 6-18 with Epilepsy, held one week each summer; Studio E Art Program, an eight-week art therapy program for individuals with Epilepsy; and various support groups throughout the state. A national hotline is also available for families 24/7, including a Spanish hotline. “Ultimately, it’s about addressing the major needs of our clients – medication accessibility, transportation, access to care, and fighting misconceptions and discrimination,” explained Kelley

Opportunity for Local Involvement. While the organizational history is vast, it’s presence in Birmingham is quite new. “We are working diligently to get out the word to individuals and their families that we’re here,” said Kelley. “Our hope is that the more they see and hear from us, the likelier that they’ll want to step up and get involved.” The Foundation will host The Walk to End Epilepsy at Railroad Park November 3. Details and registration can be found at www.WalkToEndEpilepsy.org/Birmingham. To learn more about the Foundation and how you can be involved visit www.epilepsy.com/Alabama.You can also find the Alabama chapter on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Just search Epilepsy Foundation of Alabama. †

October 23, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Youth News

Trail Life Troop AL-0254 out of Vestavia Hills launches fundraiser to feed 10,000 hungry people here in Birmingham and in Haiti.

Trail Life Troop AL-0254 in Vestavia Hills will gather November 3, 2018 to pack, seal, and box 10,000 nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals they will distribute to the hungry, locally and in Haiti. It is part of a fundraiser meant to help the troop of kindergarten through fifth graders and those who need it most. “In Trail Life, we tie everything we do back to Scripture, and that includes fundraising,” said Brad Barnett, who serves as the troop’s Ranger. “The question we asked wasn’t, ‘How can we raise money?’ It was, ‘How can we raise money and be the hands and feet of Jesus?’ So, instead of selling junk food, we’re following Jesus’ command to feed the hungry.”

Members of the troop, called Trailmen, are asking their friends and family for donations. They hope to raise enough money to maintain the troop, purchase equipment, and offer need-based scholarships. Individuals can donate by texting “Briarwood” to 71777.

Trail Life USA is a Christian outdoor adventure, leadership, and character development ministry for boys aged 5-18 with more than 38,000 members in more than 750 troops in 48 states. Troop 254 was founded in 1961 and has been affiliated with Trail Life since 2014. Learn more on the troop’s Facebook page, www.Facebook.com/TLAL254.

October 29, 2018October 23, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Special Feature

Brought to you by: Community Partner Tom Douglass, TomDouglassRealtor.com

Honoring Alabama Veterans, World War I. In honor of the 100th Anniversary of the end of World War I (WWI), we recognize some of the Alabama Veterans who served us during WWI. Details of their service are a part of the Register of Honor at the Veterans Shrine at The American Village. “These veterans are representative of the hundreds of thousands of Alabamians who have risked it all for the sake of our country and its freedom,” said American Village founder and CEO Tom Walker. “To all veterans we owe a debt we can never fully repay.”

Marine Private Claude Talmage Abbott of Cullman; killed in action at the Battle of Belleau in France June 11, 1918; posthumously awarded the Croix de Guerre with gilt star by the government of France.

Army First Lieutenant Roland Lee Adams of Auburn; died in 1918 on the front line in France; received the Distinguished Service Cross for extraordinary heroism.

Army Private Hugh Bagley of Talladega County; died on Armistice Day, November 11, 1918, of methane gas that penetrated his gas mask.

Army Private First Class Charlie M. Bonnell of La Pine; an orphan who died of wounds while serving in France in 1919.

Army Private Marion Andrew Brackin of Hedley; member of Co. L, 149^thand Co. H 163^rdInfantry.

Army Corporal Edgar Hubbard Freeman of Montevallo; member of the 187^thU.S. Infantry, the Rainbow Division; survived being shot in the back by a German sniper.

Army Sergeant Merida M. Gilbert of Oak Grove; died in the great influenza pandemic of 1919 after serving four years in Panama.

Navy Fireman Third Class Henry Curtis Godwin of Ozark; died February 19, 1918 of pneumonia at the Naval hospital in Norfolk.

Army Corporal James C. Hendrick of Montevallo; killed in action July 26, 1918.

Navy Seaman Osmond Kelley Ingram of Pratt City; killed on Oct. 15. 1917 aboard the U.S.S. Cassin when it came under submarine attack; posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor and Purple Heart for bravery in saving his crew at the loss of his own life.

Navy Commander Samuel E. Johnson of Clanton; served in WWI and WWII.

Army Corporal William C. Jones of Six Mile; served in Battery E, 117^thField Artillery in WWI. His three children also served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Navy Seaman Forman Austin Maze of Odenville; killed along with 305 other crewmen aboard the U.S.S. Cyclops on March 4, 1918 during a voyage to refuel British ships.

Army Corporal William Manuel McCaig of Russellville.

Navy Lieutenant John Tillman Melvin of Selma; first Naval officer killed in WWI. His ship, the U.S.S. Alcedo, was torpedoed and sank off the coast of France in 1917.

Marine Corporal Gordon M. Mercer of Demopolis; killed in action at the Battle of Belleau in France June 6, 1918.

Army Captain Harry G. Mouat of Birmingham; served in the 341^stInfantry stateside and the 36^thDivision in France; continued in the Army Reserve over 20 years.

Navy Seaman Joseph Mott Reynolds of Birmingham; served a year before being called home following his father’s death.

Army Private First Class James Joel Riley of Guin; died of disease November 7, 1918, while traveling to the front lines in France.

Navy Chief Petty Officer Ezra Hennigan Sessamen of Birmingham; served on a submarine chaser between Miami, Key West and the Bahamas during WWI.

Army Private Horace “Happy” Usry of Ohatchee.

Army Sergeant Ernest F. Walker of Fayette; sailed for France on June 10, 1918; assigned to the casualty division and reported the dead and wounded of the Battle of Bourges. His father died while he was at sea.

Army Private First Class Michael Assad Zataney, born in Syria; an optometrist in Birmingham who was mortally wounded on November 11, 1918 – just 13 hours before the signing of the armistice that ended WWI.

Help us honor, recognize, respect and remember our country’s veterans. Visit www.veteransregisterofhonor.com today and add your loved ones to the Register of Honor. †

-Brought to you by: Community Partner, Tom Douglass, Brik Realty

www.TomDouglassRealtor.com

205-999-2780, [email protected]

Member www.Convenenow.com

April 28, 2020October 23, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Best Books

Birmingham’s Patti CallahanHenry is the author of Becoming Mrs. Lewisas well as Driftwood Summerwhich appeared on the New York Timesbest seller list. The Auburn University graduate worked as a pediatric clinical nurse specialist before becoming a full-time writer. Her books are available at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster. — Birmingham’s Patti Callahan Henry is the author of *Becoming Mrs. Lewis* as well as *Driftwood Summer* which appeared on the *New York Times* best seller list. The Auburn University graduate worked as a pediatric clinical nurse specialist before becoming a full-time writer. Her books are available at Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts in Alabaster.

Her name was Helen and she was brilliant. She graduated from high school at age fourteen and earned a master’s degree from Columbia University by the time she was twenty. Raised in a secular Jewish home, she was an atheist for much of her life. She won awards for her poetry and joined the American Communist Party. She married a fellow communist during WWII and had two children. After converting to Christianity in her mid-thirties, she visited England and she fell in love with Jack, a writer who greatly admired her but did not return her romantic interest. In 1953, after finding out that her husband was having an affair with her cousin and wanted a divorce, she left America and moved to England.

Three years later Helen Joy Davidman married the English writer. Everyone called him Jack, but his actual name was Clive Staples Lewis.

In her excellent new book, Becoming Mrs. Lewis (Thomas Nelson $25.99), Birmingham author Patti Callahan Henry offers a fictional account of the remarkable love story involving one of the most significant Christian writers of the last century. Joy Davidman was brilliant, passionate, and a maverick. C. S. Lewis may have been equally brilliant, but a passionate maverick he was not. Perhaps the death of his mother and the horror of the Great War compelled him to keep his passions and feelings safely locked away. But Joy held the key, and she unlocked his heart and set him free.

After I finished reading Becoming Mrs. Lewis, I thought about a verse in the First Epistle of John. “He who loves, knows God.” I have no doubt that loving Joy Davidman brought Lewis closer to God, for it isn’t our doctrinal acumen that opens the door to the Kingdom of God. It is love.

–Darrel Holcombe, Owner
Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts
Colonial Promenade, Alabaster Call 205-663-2370 or click here to order Becoming Mrs. Lewis. Curbside pick-up available.

October 22, 2018 by Birmingham Christian Family

Laurie’s Blog

For almost 19 years, God has given us the opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in our community- each and every month through Birmingham Christian Family magazine. When we started, we could only share the free magazine with you in print. Today, we are also able to share it with you as a free on-line subscription as well as articles posted through social media. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I would like to extend a special thank you to you, a reader of Birmingham Christian Family, for your help in spreading God’s Good News.

Your words of encouragement each month through phone calls, letters, e-mail and social media remind us that we are using our talents in a way that is pleasing to God.

The time you take to share an issue or an article in Birmingham Christian Family with a friend continues to broaden our reach in the community.

Your suggestions for future articles makes our publication more meaningful to readers.

Your willingness to support our advertisers and let them know you read about their services in Birmingham Christian Family keeps us operating.

Happy Thanksgiving from Our Family to Yours!

-Laurie Stroud

Founder, The Christian Family Publication, Inc.

www.BirminghamChristian.com

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Celebrating 18 Years of Good News!

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

TELL US YOUR FAMILY FAVORITES! Would you take just a couple of minutes to tell us your Birmingham Family Favorites when it comes to where you eat, shop, play and worship? It’s a part of a brief, anonymous on-line survey students from Samford University’s Brock School of Business are helping us conduct. Simply visit www.birminghamchristian.com/survey to complete. TO SAY THANK YOU for your time, provide us with your email address and we will enter you to win one of two $50 gift certificates to Taziki’s.

NOVEMBER GIVE-AWAYS

TO SAY THANK YOU for reading and supporting the businesses that advertise with us and make spreading Good News possible each month, we have two great giveaways to share with you during the month of November.

3 Ways to Win 4 Tickets to the American Village, in Montevallo, Ala.- including the Veteran’s Shrine!

Sign up for our E-Newsletter at www.birminghamchristian.com or on our Facebook page.
Like & Follow Us on Facebook and Share the American Village Post!
Like & Follow Us on Twitter and Retweet the American Village Post!

American Village Winners announced on Facebook 11/16/18 so be sure to LIKE our page! Facebook.com/BirminghamChristianFamily.com. Offer ends 11/15/18.

2 Ways to Win a Mixed Case of Bud’s Best Cookies!

Follow Us on Instagram and Like the Bud’s Best Cookie Post!
Like & Follow Us on Facebook and Share the Bud’s Best Cookie Post!

Bud’s Best Winners announced on Facebook 11/26/18 so be sure to LIKE our page! Facebook.com/BirminghamChristianFamily.com. Offer ends 11/25/18.

Art, Science & Service: Aho Architects, LLC

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