Celebrate the Family Expo 2022 Recap!

March 22, 2023May 12, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Special Feature

Birmingham Christian Family (BCF) celebrated 22 years of GOOD NEWS at the Celebrate the Family Expo on May 7, 2022. Here are just a few of the highlights from the free day of family fun at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex!

City of Hoover Mayor Frank Bracato helped us kick off the day of fun.

The Chick-fil-A Herd of Cows danced with Expo attendees and handed out plush cows! The minions even stopped by for a visit and took photos with attendees!

Each attendee received a Birthday Bingo sheet when they arrived. Every booth had a special stamp and if attendees filled out three rows of stamps by visiting each booth, they were entered to receive great prizes like a $100 Walmart gift card courtesy of WAY-FM, cases of cookies from Bud’s Best Cookies, and so much more!

Live music, praising God, was enjoyed by all thanks to Kevin Derryberry!

Children enjoyed getting their faces painted for free, courtesy of Painted Personalities!

2022 BCF Scholarship Winner Virginia Balogh and Runner-Up Liam Long received their college scholarship certificates at the Expo! Balogh plans to attend the University of Tennessee and Long plans to attend UAB. Be on the lookout for our 2023 Scholarship Opportunity soon.

Inflatables from Deborah’s Party Rentals were a huge hit! The 18-foot climbing wall from Mountain High Outfitters attracted Expo attendees of all ages!

The Banks Academy Tension Choir and Pulse performed live at the Expo!

Expo attendees enjoyed delicious food from Krazy Good BBQ, Street Bowlz, and Steel City Pops!

Adorable adoptable dogs from the Shelby County Humane Society joined in on the fun day!

Special thanks to our Title Sponsor: First Priority and Priority Kids, and our Major Sponsors: Collins Group and Shades Mountain Baptist Church for making the Expo a reality and sharing great family resources and giveaways! For more pictures from the event, click here.

For details on sponsoring, exhibiting and attending Expo 2023 click here.

June 13, 2022May 1, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Seeking Move to U.S. Senate, Rep. Mo Brooks Says His Faith Reflects America’s Moral Compass

<em>Rep. Mo Brooks is traveling the state to share with voters why they should elect him to the U.S. Senate on August 15, including his beliefs on issues related to right to life, border security, taxation, the right to bear arms, and protection of family income from excessive taxation. The NRA endorsed Brooks in 2012, 2014 and 2016.</em> — Rep. Mo Brooks is traveling the state to share with voters why they should elect him to the U.S. Senate on August 15, 2017, including his beliefs on issues related to right to life, border security, taxation, the right to bear arms, and protection of family income from excessive taxation. The NRA endorsed Brooks in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

As Alabama Congressman Mo Brooks was practicing his swing along the third baseline in preparation for the annual Congressional Baseball Game for Charity last month, a gunman opened fire. Brooks ran for cover in a cinderblock dugout of the Alexandria, Va. baseball field, unaware that his name was on a haunting list inside the gunman’s pocket. Reflecting on that morning, he says it’s simply a picture of how Americans have to defend themselves from those who want to use force to “undermine our republic.” “Normally it’s verbal bullets, but we’re in a fight. There are people who do not share our values, who do not share the principles that help make America a great nation, and we have to decide if we’re going to continue to adhere to the foundational principles that have helped make America who we are. If we are, we are going to have to fight at the ballot box.”

Serving our state as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives/Fifth Congressional District, Brooks hopes to move to the U.S. Senate via special election on August 15, 2017. Brooks is frustrated with the lack of progress on issues that are important to the Alabama voters who have elected him to Congress four times since 2011. He points out that in the past two years, the House passed more than 500 bills that were never voted on from the Senate floor. He believes serving Alabama in the U.S. Senate will allow him to help stop the obstruction of what his party has set out to accomplish in Washington, D.C.

<em>Rep. Mo Brooks and his wife Martha met as students at Duke University and have been married for 41 years. They are the parents of four adult children and eight grandchildren. Brooks says besides Jesus Christ, his wife is the single greatest influence on his Christian growth. “She is a highly moral person, she sacrifices of her time to assist others, and she embodies the Golden Rule.”</em> — Rep. Mo Brooks and his wife Martha met as students at Duke University and have been married for 41 years. They are the parents of four adult children and eight grandchildren. Brooks says besides Jesus Christ, his wife is the single greatest influence on his Christian growth. “She is a highly moral person, she sacrifices of her time to assist others, and she embodies the Golden Rule.”

A native of North Alabama, Brooks says his Christian faith is directly tied to his passion as an elected official because the moral values he adheres to in his voting record are directly tied to moral values promoted in the Scripture. “Great countries go wayward when they lose their moral compass, [which] guides you to do the right thing rather than the wrong thing with the power that your country has been blessed with,” he says. The single greatest issue that led him to pursue political involvement on the Congressional level is the United States deficit and debt. He looks to examples of other countries that have experienced financial collapse to communicate the severity of a potential insolvency and bankruptcy on future generations of Americans.

Above all, Brooks says, he wants his voting record—and ethics record, with no complaints on file in both his professional and political experiences as a district attorney, state legislator, county commissioner, and U.S. Congressman—to show that he consistently puts his state and his country above personal interest. His ultimate desire is to transfer his passion for conservative issues into action, rather than continued use of filibuster, in the Senate. Learn more here. †

At time of press, a field of 19 candidates will be on the August 15, 2017 Primary ballot for U.S. Senate. Birmingham Christian Family welcomes other candidates to share with us their Christian beliefs and views.

UPDATE June 2022: Congressman Mo Brooks faces a June 21, 2022 Republican Primary Runoff with Katie Britt for Alabama Senate Seat.

April 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Church Leaders

Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church (OLS) parishioners recently volunteered to prepare and serve dinner to dozens of homeless guests at First Light Shelter in downtown Birmingham. OLS works with the shelter about 14 days each year, coordinated by Leslie Bentley. First Light offers the only emergency shelter accepting homeless women and families in the area, www.firstlightshelter.org. †

April 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Parenting Points

The countdown is on, and summer is just around the corner. Students anticipate the break from school. Parents long for a change of pace. And everyone just needs some sun, warm weather, and a change of scenery.

The author of Ecclesiastes writes, “for everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 ESV). The author then goes on to list seven more verses of different moments and experiences that each happen in their own time. As you prepare and plan times for the summer season, here are three things to consider making moments of time to experience.

1. People. Relationships with other people matter and your family’s life will be strengthened by connections to others. Do you know the other families on your street? Who are people with which your family has lost connection? Do you have an old neighbor that moved or a relative that lives out of town? Who are some people in need around you who your family can serve? Could you be intentional to meet and build a friendship with someone from a different culture or race?

2. Places. Alabama is blessed with many small towns which each have their own different charm and experience. What if your family took a day trip to a small town? What if you went on a family hike to a new place? What if your family went out to eat at a local restaurant in a different part of town? Trips to places do not have to be expensive or far away.

3. Lessons and Stories. With school on break for summer, you have a great opportunity to teach your kids something new. What is a story from the Bible that you can share with your kids that they may not have heard before? Have you shared your own testimony with your kids about God’s faithfulness in your life? Have your children heard stories from their grandparent’s childhood and life experiences? What is a new hobby that your family can learn together?

As we anticipate a change in pace and seasons, let’s be intentional to maximize our summertime by looking for people, places, lessons, and stories that can help our family make the most of the time.

-Dr. Ben Birdsong

Missions Minister at Christ Church Birmingham

Writer and Speaker

www.benbirdsong.com

April 25, 2023April 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Miracle Moments

Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born, I set you apart…” Jeremiah 1:5

Sav-a-Life Shelby’s Mission is to develop a culture of life where abortion is unnecessary and undesirable in Shelby County while offering the hope of the Gospel. Here are two miracle stories of lives saved.

1. When Almir found herself pregnant, she thought she had no other choice than abortion. After a visit to the abortion clinic, Almir was given a choice of procedures. “It was very cold, like when you go to the dentist and they tell you about what happens when they pull a tooth,” she remembers. Almir’s cousin had visited the Pregnancy Resource Center before, and already knew what services were provided. She urged Almir to come in for an ultrasound to see how far along she was. When she came into the center, one of Sav-a-Life Shelby’s peer counselors spent a long time with Almir, talking through all of her options and listening to Almir’s concerns. “She told me, ‘It’s going to be okay,’ and she told me that God loved me,” Almir recalled. After seeing the ultrasound of her son, Almir said she felt such a relief and peace, and she made the decision to choose life for her son.

2. It was her third pregnancy, and with two other children to take care of, Rae remembers thinking, “I don’t need another baby.” She had an abortion appointment set for that morning, but because her ride was late, Rae missed the appointment. “I felt like I had no other choice…I really was thinking about having an abortion,” she said.
Rae began searching online for help and came across the Sav-a-Life Shelby’s center. She decided to come in to see how far along she was to determine whether or not she could be comfortable with having an abortion. Still undecided, Rae talked with a peer counselor about her concerns and agreed to have an ultrasound. Seeing her baby on the ultrasound screen, she admitted, “It made me want to keep the baby. It was a baby, you know, not just a thing in there,” she said. “They assured me that God would make a way. They offered services that would help me provide for my child” Today, Rae has a beautiful baby boy named Andrew. “Now, I see my son and I’m like, ‘What was I thinking?’ Not only did Sav-a-Life Shelby save my son’s life, I feel like in a way they also saved my life.”

Every day, the team at Sav-a-Life Shelby shines a light on the gift of life and shares the hope of the Gospel. To read more about the Pregnancy Resource Center, visit www.savalifeshelby.org. †

We need you to share your Miracle Moment! Email [email protected] Subject Line: Miracle Moments or call 205-408-7150.

April 26, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Money Matters

If you are a follower of Jesus, then God has made you part of His plan and has gifted you to accomplish the works He put you here to do. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For you are His workmanship, created for good works in Christ Jesus, which God has planned beforehand, that you should walk in them.”

One of the twenty listed spiritual gifts in the New Testament is giving. God has gifted many of you to have a generous spirit, regardless of how much money you have. This gift is not limited to the wealthy. Giving comes in many forms.

The wealthy, however, have a different calling according to Scripture. They should develop this gift of giving because God has stewarded so much to them. Deuteronomy 8:17-19 says, “Beware lest you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gotten me this wealth.’ You shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the power to get wealth, that He may confirm His covenant… …And if you forget the Lord your God and go after other gods…” Well, the outcome for you is not good!

The truly wealthy have a bigger responsibility, and if you are among them, let me encourage you. Why do you think God gave you the gifts and talents to acquire wealth? For what purpose? Why you? Why has He given you so much?

At OneAscent Wealth, we believe it is because He has chosen you to be one of His appointed stewards that He trusts with His resources. Most would agree that all that we have is not ours, but His, and He wants us to be very generous with it to bring change and hope to a hurting world. The questions for many are,

“How can my wealth be given in an impactful way?”

“Who can I trust?”

“Where can my resources be given to have the greatest effect?”

If you are asking yourself these questions, OneAscent Wealth could be of assistance. We take people through a process that helps them understand their passions and interests and then connects them to local, regional, and worldwide ministries. Let us know how we can help.

-Don Ankenbrandt

Director of Stewardship and Strategic Engagement, OneAscent Wealth

To set up a conversation concerning this article, email [email protected] or call 205-313-9142.

July 27, 2022April 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

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Legal Matters

Brought to you by: Community Partner Holliman & Holliman, www.bradfordholliman.com

Two major new chapters of life are newly graduated seniors heading off to college and mature seniors retiring and downsizing their homes to retirement communities or even assisted living. Both new chapters need a fresh look at estate plans.

Late Teens. For the late teen heading off to college for the first time, a healthcare and durable power of attorney is critical. Students who go to college in other states may suddenly become adults legally meaning that parents have less authority to handle medical emergencies or finances. For example, Alabama’s age of majority is 19 while Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana’s age of majority is 18, and Mississippi’s age is 21. If a college student’s parents have been serving as custodians of a Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) account, their custodial role ends when the student becomes a legal adult. The student now has complete control of the account. A durable power of attorney authorizes parents to continue directing investments and expenditures on behalf of their student. A will is also advisable unless the parents want their student’s assets to revert to them if the student were to die intestate (with no will). For example, one adult college student set up his will naming his younger brother as the beneficiary of his “college account.”

Mature Seniors. If mature seniors have moved to Alabama from another state (and many do!), a local estate planning attorney can advise them about key differences in estate law. Pension beneficiaries should be checked, and new addresses provided to the former employers. An old estate plan should be cleaned up eliminating guardianship terms for minor children who are now fully grown. All beneficiaries, trustees, and executors should be verified and updated. Although Alabama does not require an executor to be an Alabama resident, an executor who lives near you is usually best. Terms relating to incapacity should define who will serve as either trustee or personal representative, keeping in mind who is qualified and nearby. When mature seniors set up new accounts, careful thought should be given to the beneficiaries so that it aligns with the rest of their estate plans.

New chapters of life are exciting and sometimes scary, but a good estate planning attorney can make sure that your legal affairs are in order to address the new chapter… and that offers peace of mind.

-Melanie B. Holliman, JD

Partner at Holliman & Holliman, LLC

www.bradfordholliman.com

205-663-0281

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.

April 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

One day, in 2005, a young lady in Nashville picked up the phone, stated her name and phone number, and then sang an Aretha Franklin song for twenty seconds. The submission was among a multitude of vocalists who aspired to break into the music industry. Three days later, she got a return call that changed her life. As a top ten finalist in the subsequent season of American Idol, Mandisa went on to record multiple Christian albums and won a Grammy in 2014.

In her new book, Out of the Dark- My Journey Through the Shadows to Find God’s Joy (K-Love Books), Mandisa shares her story of faith. From her days as a singer at Fisk University, then the American Idol experience, and on to her career as a Christian recording artist, Mandisa explores both the high points and the difficult and dark times. When her close friend died of cancer, Mandisa felt betrayed by God. Although her music celebrated the victorious power and presence of God, the darkness and depression deepened. When she hit bottom and felt as though God had abandoned her, the light began to overcome the darkness. Through the love of God, the compassionate intervention of friends, and the companionship of her beloved “praise puppy” Kiya, Mandisa rediscovered a life of joy, hope, and wholeness.

Like Mandisa, we all go through difficult days. Sometimes they are the result of poor choices, but some come simply because the world is broken. We can’t always choose what happens to us. We can, however, choose how we respond to God during tough times. We can be angry and bitter towards Him, or we can trust Him and lean into the hope that is found only in God. Out of the Dark reminds us, just as the Apostle John wrote long ago, that “God is light and in Him, there is no darkness at all.”

-Darrel Holcombe, Owner

Sanctuary Christian Books and Gifts

Colonial Promenade, Alabaster

www.sanctuarychristianbooksandgifts.com

205-663-2370

April 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Best Books

Whether you are getting married or have been married for days or years, in-law drama does not have to be part of your life. Even if you have been spared the drama and have a great relationship, you can always find new ways to make it better.

Relationships with in-laws can seem like a nightmare. If you’ve ever faced difficulty with your spouse’s parents, you’re not alone. The good news is there is hope. Early in her marriage, Hannarich Asiedu discovered how to change her focus and perception. It revolutionized her relationship with her in-laws. She is passionate about offering helpful strategies to take hopeless relationships with a spouse’s parents to one filled with hope and endless possibilities. The key is mastering mindsets. Decoding the In-Law Code will give you helpful tips to take in-law relationships from one of despair to one of endless possibilities.

Hannarich Asiedu holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Ghana and is also certified in the science of well-being under the instruction of cognitive scientist Dr. Laurie Santos at Yale University.

Written in a conversational and humorous style with real-life examples and scriptural references, you’ll have a guide to show you how to:

Identify unique in-law problems,
See in-laws through a new lens,
Know what to do when all is still not enough,
Engage in meaningful conversations, and
Enjoy blessings by honoring your in-laws.

Peaceful and loving relations are obtainable with your in-laws. Get ready to be encouraged and to see change as you learn about Decoding the In-Law Code. Find Decoding the In-Law Code wherever books are sold. †

April 26, 2022April 25, 2022 by Laurie Stroud

Family Fun Guide

Grab your family and friends and join us for the 3rd Annual Celebrate the Family Expo on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex brought to you by Birmingham Christian Family and First Priority. Enjoy free family fun, great giveaways and so much more! Be one of the first 200 attendees to receive a swag bag full of giveaways. Rain or shine this is an event you don’t want to miss! Here is a sneak peek of the jam-packed schedule full of fun.

Climbing Wall Mountain High Outfitters — There will be no shortage of fun at the Expo Kids Zone including inflatables, face painting and an 18-foot climbing wall!

10 a.m. – Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato will kick of the Expo. Plus, Kevin Derryberry will perform praise/worship music and continue to do so throughout the Expo. ABC 33/40’s James Spann will also be with us throughout the event signing copies of his latest books.

10-11 a.m. – Meet the Minions! Dance with them and have your picture made with them.

Kevin Derryberry at Expo — Kevin Derryberry will perform praise and worship music throughout the Expo!

11-11:30 a.m. and Noon-12:30 p.m. – Chick-fil-A Herd arrives! Enjoy dancing and free goodies from the cows who will also be happy to pose for pictures.

12:15 p.m. – Giveaway drawings begin and will continue every 15 minutes until 3 p.m. Be sure to fill out your Birthday Bingo card to be entered. Prizes include cases of Bud’s Best Cookies, Kenny Chesney concert tickets, Alabama Adventure and Splash Adventure tickets and so much more.

Chick fil A Herd with Kids — The Chick-fil-A Herd as well as Minions will be onsite to dances, take pictures and pass out giveaways to the crowd.

12:30 p.m. – Our Emcee for the Expo, Mark Harvard of the Mark Harvard Podcast, will record a live episode of his podcast featuring Expo attendees and exhibitors.

1 p.m. – Chick-fil-A Herd performs fun dances everybody can join in on! More giveaways from the cows and picture time!

1:30 p.m. – 2022 Birmingham Christian Family Scholarship Winners introduced and recognized for their winning essays.

2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. – Special music performances including the Banks Academy “Tension” Choir and Pulse Instrumental Ensemble!

Pulse Ensemble — The Banks Academy Pulse Instrumental Ensemble will perform live at the Celebrate the Family Expo at 2 p.m.

2:15 p.m. – Giveaway drawing for two tickets to the Kenny Chesney Here and Now Tour 2022 concert in Nashville on May 28! Must be present to win.

Kids Zone. From 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. enjoy free fun in the Kids Zone including an 18-foot climbing wall from Mountain High Outfitters, free inflatables from Deb’s Party Rentals and face painting from Painted Personalities.

We are pleased to have ABC 33/40’s James Spann with us at the Expo! Did you know he is the author of three books? He will be signing copies at the event.

Food Vendors. Be sure to come to the Expo hungry! Purchase lunch and snacks from Street Bowlz, Krazy Good BBQ, and Steel City Pops.

Stuff The Truck. Remember to bring those spring cleaning donation items with you! Sozo Children’s Stuff the Truck will be onsite accepting donations. They accept gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, household items, and furniture. Your donations will assist Sozo in their mission of helping at risk children in Uganda become strong leaders for Christ who will have a positive impact on the next generation of Ugandan society.

Special thanks to our Sponsors: First Priority and Priority Kids, Shades Mountain Baptist Church, and Collins Group! Plus our Event Sponsors Alabama Credit Union, Alabama Relay, Children’s of Alabama, Faye Nichols ACT Prep, Reignite Chiropractic, Renewal by Andersen, The Onin Group, Thrivent Financial and Vulcan Termite and Pest Control.

See you at the Expo from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Hoover Met Complex, 100 Ben Chapman Drive, Hoover, 35244. †

Visit www.BirminghamChristian.com/Fun for more ideas on Summer Family Fun!

Celebrate the Family Expo 2022 Recap!

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