Fall/Winter ‘15
Faith Family matters
prayer CONNECTIONS Transforming a Neighborhood Lincoln Village Ministry • page 9
ministry
engage equip empower • page 21
A
C H U R C H
O F
N E W
L I F E
Battle Plan Prayer Card Develop a Battle Plan • pages 11-12
Missions: Global Impact HERE NEAR AFAR • pages 14-15
Complimentary
Answered Prayer
Jesus said in Matthew 7:7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” Based on this promise we ask, seek and knock expecting results. When desperate, we may even pound on the door of prayer. What do God’s answers look like? He answers prayer in one of three ways: 1. When God says “no,” trust that He has a better plan.
Part of being a parent is loving your children enough to say “no.” Sometimes our Heavenly Father says “no,” because He has a better plan. Ruth Bell Graham, the wife of Billy Graham, once said, “If God answered every prayer of mine, I would have married the wrong man seven times.” Ruth became thankful for those seven “no’s” because Billy Graham was God’s “yes.” Learn to be thankful when God says “no,” because He has something better waiting in your future. God knows things we don’t know, and He can see things we can’t see. When you don’t understand what God is doing or isn’t doing, fall back on what you do understand. He loves you. He cares about you. He believes in you and wants what’s best for you. If God tells us “no,” it’s only because His plan for us is better than our plan. 2. When God says “wait,” trust that He has a better time.
Psalm 27:14 says, “Be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Part of following God is learning how to wait on Him. Nothing is more frustrating than being in a hurry and realizing God isn’t. Years ago, I knew a man by the name of Lewis Timberlake. As he finished a speaking engagement in Chicago, he had exactly one hour to make it to the airport to catch a flight for San Diego where he was to speak that night. He jumped in a cab and promised the driver a big tip if he could go as fast as possible. Half way to the airport, they hit a traffic jam. Now they were moving at a snail’s pace. Lewis knew he would be cutting it close.
BAILEY COVE CAMPUS
When he finally got to the airport, he sprinted to the gate. He handed his ticket to the agent, but she said, “I’m sorry Mr. Timberlake. You just missed the flight. Look out the window. That’s your plane taxiing away from the terminal.” Lewis was upset. He was mad at the cab driver for not going faster. He was mad at Chicago for having congested traffic. He was mad at the ticket agent for not holding the plane. He was even a little mad at God. He said, “Lord, I prayed to make this plane. People are counting on me. This is unfair.” As he watched the plane taxi toward the runway, he said out loud, “I should be on that plane.” As he watched the airplane take off, he fumed, “I should be on that plane.” As he watched the plane bank to the right heading for San Diego, he said, “I should be on that plane.” Then he watched the plane take a steep nosedive and crash into the ground in a ball of flames. His heart nearly stopped as he whispered, “I should be on that plane.” When God doesn’t answer your prayer as quickly as you want, trust Him. He has a better time that will be better for you. 3. When God says “yes,” praise Him.
I hope God says “yes” to many of your prayers. But always remember the highest purpose of prayer is not getting something from God; it is spending time with God. Prayer is not just about asking for stuff. It’s about enjoying God. The relationship is more important than the request. “You will fill me with joy in your presence” Psalm 16:11. When you pray to the Father, tell Him what you need. But remember what you need most is to just enjoy Him. He’s your Heavenly Dad, and that’s what kids do. Enjoy Him.
MADISON CAMPUS
7625 Bailey Cove Road, Huntsville, AL 35802 256-883-LIFE
7105 Hwy. 72, Huntsville, AL 35806 256-883-LIFE
Sunday Morning Worship
Sunday Morning Worship
8 a.m. Traditional 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. - Music Venues and Life Groups
Sunday Night
5 p.m. Contemporary Worship Service 6:10 p.m. Life Groups
A Message from Mark
9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Sunday Night
4:45 p.m. - 7 p.m. Bible Study for Children/Youth 5 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. Life Groups in Homes
A
C H U R C H
O F
N E W
L I F E
willowbrook.org
" This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of Him." 1 John 5:14-15
What’ s Inside... volume ten-issue two
3 4 8 9
Answered Prayer
INSPIRATION
1 John 5:14-15
ESSENTIAL OILS AND THE BIBLE by Lisa Ward
TRANSFORMING A NEIGHBORHOOD
Lincoln Village Ministry
10
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY
11
BATTLE PLAN by Esther Neal Camealy and BATTLE PLAN PRAYER CARD
13
EMOTIONAL & SPIRITUAL SUPPORT
by Doug Merchant, Pastor to Senior Adults
14
MISSIONS: GLOBAL IMPACT and THE CALL TO LOVE
16
NEW STORY - CHAPTER ONE
18
WOODEN HOLIDAY BLOCKS
21
Her MINISTRY
22
RECIPES FROM FEED YOUR SPIRIT
25
COUPONS
27
SAVE THE DATE
28
CHRISTMAS MUSIC EVENTS
13
by D L Wood
8
MESSAGE FROM PASTOR MARK
and SERVE U MINISTRY
by David & Jessica Hagins
11 16
by Justin Bedingfield
Give Thanks and Jingle Bell Blocks
Engage Equip Empower
Food and Faith from Willowbrook
Willowbrook Events
22
14 faithandfamilymatters.net
5
faithandfamilymatters.net
Let’s Be Social!
FFMmagazine
Special Thanks To Our Advertisers:
Please be sure to patronize our sponsors who advertise throughout the magazine. If you or your business is interested in advertising in Faith & Family Matters magazine, please email
[email protected].
Benefits4Success................................................19 Bentley Automotive..........................................12 Buffalo Rock............................................................2 Clear Captivating Fiction.................................10 Dental Professionals on Whitesburg...........20 Essential Oils..........................................................8 GFWC du Midi Women’s Club.......................... 6 Lee Builders..........................................................12 Producing Smiles! Orthodontics..................... 6 Young Living Essential Oils............................... 8 YMCA......................................................................24 Coupons......................................................... 25-26 Chick-Fil-A Domino’s Pizza Mary Kay
6
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
She’s All That Boutique Sugarman, The Pony Valley Realty, Inc.
PASTOR Dr. Mark D. McClelland EDITOR Ann Burke CHURCH GROWTH Steve Lacy
A Prayer Corner
BUSINESS MANAGER Coinage Gothard CONTRIBUTORS Justin Bedinfield Esther Neal Camealy Joni Grounds David & Jessica Hagins Kari Long Doug Merchant
LeAnn Newsom Ashley Smith Alison Trefry Lisa Ward Deanna Wood
COPY EDITORS Carol L. Prince Alesia Saxon
Andrea Still
After watching the movie, War Room, I was encouraged (like many others) to make a special place to strategize my prayer time. Rather than clearing out a closet, I placed my prayer requests in my devotion corner. In the movie, Ms. Clara, a prayer warrior, teaches how to fill a page with prayers, feel God's spiritual presence and earnestly request His help for solutions to our big problems. Connecting to God with prayer in a quiet time leads to commitment with action.
This issue of Faith & Family Matters is devoted to Prayer Connections. Read how to establish your own War Room, detach the Battle Plan Prayer Card on page 11 and begin praying! Willowbrook cares about the community and is expanding with our new ServeU Ministry (page 13) to reach out and make each guest feel welcome when they visit our church. Serving others is following in the footsteps of Jesus; connecting within our community, and as WAM says... “Splashing Jesus.” Global Impact: (pages 14-15) is connecting missions with our community Here Near Afar. November highlights Orphan Care. Her Ministry (His Energy Released) is our Women’s connection for YOU through Bible study, retreats and Christmas Celebration. Events and contacts are listed on page 21. New Story: Chapter One (page 16) is combining ALL Willowbrook Students to connect to each other and the community.
GRAPHIC DESIGN Jason Elmer SUPPORT GRAPHIC DESIGN Kasi Payne
PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Elmer DISTRIBUTION TEAM Tracy Williams, Manager Jonathan Adams Jim & Fagan Davis Sherry Hilley John Prince Marc & Alice Rader PRINTER Precision Graphics, Inc.
Recipes from Feed Your Spirit (pages 22-23) are selections shared by church members. Willowbrook cookbooks are perfect Christmas gifts for friends and family. Technology connections allow us to view sermon videos online. www.willowbrook.org or download the Willowbrook App. Connect with Willowbrook - attend our Christmas music events and participate with our Christmas Eve celebration! www.willowbrook.org Strategically praying,
Ann
A
C H U R C H
O F
N E W
L I F E
Faith & Family Matters magazine is a Willowbrook publication dedicated to impacting our community through OutReach ministries “beyond our walls” and is distributed free to the residents of Huntsville and Madison County. For additional copies call: 256.883.0907, ext. 146. © Copyright 2015 Willowbrook Baptist Church | 7625 Bailey Cove Rd | Huntsville, AL 35802 All rights reserved.
Ann Burke
[email protected] faithandfamilymatters.net
7
Essential Oils and the Bible God created plants on the third day of creation (Gen. 1:11-13). An essential oil is the vital fluid of a plant, its lifeblood. They are called “essential” because they are necessary for the life of the plant. Since God made plants, He also created the oils within the plants and all their properties. With the fall of mankind (Gen. 3), man ruined God’s plan, bringing death and sickness into what had been a perfect world. God’s original desire was not that we would need healing, but that we would never get sick in the first place! But God, in His mercy, had a plan for each of us to still experience Frankincense: calming Cistus: supports immune system Myrrh: overall well-being Cassia: self-esteem/worth Myrtle: uplifting Onycha: cleanse/purify Cypress: supports circulatory system Aloes: skin care Cedarwood: mental clarity Spikenard: forgiveness Galbanum: focus/concentration Hyssop: exhaustion/grief
abundant health at all levels. This was through the plants He created for us: Ezekiel 47:12 says, “Their fruit will serve as food and their leaves for healing." Also, Revelations 22:2.
Did you know that 36 of the 39 books of the Old Testament, and 10 of the 27 books of the New Testament, mention essential oils or the plants that produce them? Oils have always been used in the Bible, with 1,035 references to 33 species of aromatic herbs and trees. The first specific oil mentioned is myrrh (Gen. 37:25). The priests used “the Holy Anointing Oil” (made of myrrh, onycha, galbanum, and frankincense) for the consecration of themselves and temple objects. Not only was the combination of these oils meant to uplift their spirits and enable them to pray and communicate with God at a deeper levels, but it also would have protected them from the pathogens from daily animal sacrifices. (Exodus 30:22-36) Solomon, known for his great wisdom, chose the cedarwood for
the temple. The aromatic substances in cedarwood not only kept the bugs from eating the wood, but were known to help with mental clarity. Cedarwood oil mixed with hyssop was the formula God gave to Moses to clear up a variety of skin conditions (Lev. 14:54). In the New Testament, healing was linked to faith, prayer, and the anointing of oils (Mark 6:7, 10-13, James 5:14, 16). Throughout the Bible, God uses science, faith, prayer, love, and essential oils to support physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness and to aid in meditation. (James 4:2-3, 5:16, Mark 9:23-24, Phil. 4:5-6, Luke 11:13). All this is true still today! God has provided a way for us to live abundantly! (Article compiled by Lisa Ward using David Stewarts books on biblical oils.)
Wellness classes offered monthly for: Introduction to Oils, Ancient Oils of the Bible, Wellness, Immune/Muscular/ Respiratory/Digestive systems, Emotional Wellness, and Making OilInfused Products.
Call for dates, times, and information of wellness classes. Lisa Ward: 256-698-7945
[email protected] facebook: Ask to join Intentional Wellness 8
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
TRANSFORMING A NEIGHBORHOOD… Transforming a Community – Lincoln Village Ministry
It’s a STORY OF HOPE. Years ago the streets of Lincoln Village were dark, dangerous, and decaying. Today it is a neighborhood where children can play, neighbors can visit, and hope is abounding. The call spread all over the city of Huntsville to pour out the hope and love of Jesus Christ into a community. It’s a STORY OF LOVE. Lincoln Village Ministry is the product of one man’s call to action. Lincoln Village Preservation Corporation (LVPC) was formed in 2002 and has two main areas of service: Lincoln Academy (LA) and Lincoln Village Ministry (LVM).
Our Mission: To educate, shelter, comfort and serve the Lincoln Community for Christ and His glory.
It’s a STORY OF REDEMPTION in this neighborhood by building relationships with individuals, residents, and businesses. Through Lincoln Village Ministry partnering with local agencies, homes are being rebuilt, Lincoln Academy is educating children, and the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of our residents are being addressed. Housing: Lincoln Village has provided safe, affordable housing for the Lincoln Village community. Since 2002, 20 houses have been restored, with 56 current residents living in the neighborhood. Two additional buildings were renovated and provide rental office space for the administrative staff of HEALS, Inc. and LINC Research. Work was recently completed on the Lincoln House, where neighborhood residents can come for fun, fellowship, and learning opportunities. Education: Lincoln Academy, founded in 2012, is a non-profit school which seeks to provide a high-quality, Christ-centered education to K-8 students who are zoned to public Title I schools.
Lincoln Learning Labs, an after-school enrichment program provides homework assistance, one-on-one tutoring services, and a snack.
Little Linc Pre-Kindergarten seeks to improve the educational outcomes of the children of Lincoln Village, as well as those in surrounding areas. The pre-kindergarten extends the focus on academic excellence and biblical teaching with a younger group of children.
LA’s partnership with the NOVA Center allows us to provide on-site counseling services for our students.
Outreach: LVM field staff seeks to initiate and develop friendships in order to disciple those who live in the Lincoln Village community and serves as the hands and feet of Christ so that others may see Christ’s love through them. It’s a STORY OF ACTION: You can make a difference at Lincoln Village. Tutoring a child, repairing a house, providing a meal, and sponsoring a student are just a few of the many volunteer opportunities.
www.LincolnVillageMinistry.com
For more information contact: Alison Trefry, Development Director,
[email protected] Lincoln Village Ministry 1110 Meridian St North Huntsville, AL 35801-4636 (256) 701-4303 faithandfamilymatters.net
9
WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW CAN HURT YOU. Travel photojournalist Chloe McConnaughey thought she understood her brother Tate—a brilliant programmer willing to compromise anything to get ahead. She just didn’t know that included her.
LET ME TELL YOU A STORY by D.L. Wood
People connect to the Lord in many different ways. One of the most powerful of those is through stories. Whether it’s an epic tale like The Chronicles of Narnia or a modern mystery like Deadline, by Randy Alcorn, stories help us see from perspectives and connect to truths we might not otherwise consider. Jesus used stories this way. Instead of just stating that God loves His children, Jesus told a story about an ungrateful son who took his entire inheritance from his father, spent it wastefully, then humbly returned home as a last resort. The son was sure his father would barely tolerate him, but instead the father ran to him with open arms. The message? No matter what we’ve done, when we turn back to God He will welcome us home. The story conveys this on a much deeper level than a mere statement could.
Available now at Amazon.com
When Tate dies unexpectedly, Chloe copes by taking an assignment in the Caribbean where she meets Jack, a charming Manhattan escapee who almost has her believing life could turn around. But the illusion is shattered when a series of bizarre incidents leaves them framed for murder and running from killers convinced that Chloe is the key to questions Tate left behind. Suddenly Jack’s timely entrance into her life seems more than coincidental, but with nowhere else to turn, Chloe must trust this man who proves not only charming, but also dangerous. On the run and strained to the breaking point by a life consistently marked by tragedy, a hopeless Chloe asks why God would allow bad things to happen to good people, as she and Jack desperately search for the evidence that will eliminate them as targets of the shadowy conspiracy that will stop at nothing to make its problems go away.
It was only a few years ago that I discovered that the books I read for entertainment could have a meaningful, God-connecting impact on my life. Maybe it’s a thriller with an underlying message that teaches something about God’s truth that enriches my life. Or maybe it’s a sweeping saga with subtle themes of God’s truth woven in. There are many books out there that do this-written in all the genres we love-but we often overlook them when we search for our next great read. And they aren’t all sunshine and bubblegum. These books have grit, tackle complicated issues, face down evils and ask the hard questions. But they do it in a way that draws us closer to God and the hope He offers. The next time you reach for a book, consider selecting one that does double duty. One that entertains you and connects you to the God that loves you. (For help finding these books, check out your church library, online book blogs, relevant Amazon categories and the CleanCaptivatingFiction™ Booklist on dlwoodonline.com.)
D.L. Wood is the author of CleanCaptivatingFiction,™ including Unintended Target, a novel of suspense laced with romance and questions of faith. A former litigation attorney now in her second career, Wood loves the art of storytelling, especially when it involves tales of suspense and the epic struggle of good versus evil. She lives in Huntsville, Alabama with her husband, twin daughters and Westies, Frodo and Dobby. For speaking engagements and more, contact Wood at dlwoodonline.com.
Register for a giveaway Scan this to learn more or buy now.
10
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
of one autographed paperback copy of Unintended Target by D.L. Wood. Visit www.dlwoodonline.com and subscribe to the mailing list and be entered in the drawing to be held January 5, 2016. No purchase necessary. Winner will be notified by email.
Battle Plan
by Esther Neal Camealy
Early in our marriage, my husband indicated to me his desire to cultivate deeper relationships with certain family members and friends—something that stretched him tremendously. In order to grow those relationships, regular communication was necessary. This, by definition, went against the very fiber of his introverted being. He developed a strategy: before picking up the phone, he would create a list of possible conversation topics, so as to avoid potentially awkward moments of dreaded silence, or the anxiety of trying to segue into another topic on the spot. For many, prayer is intimidating. Perhaps you may feel like my husband does anytime he picks up the phone or engages in a social conversation. However, the Scriptures say that it is the responsibility of every believer to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NIV), meaning that we have all been called to make prayer a part of everything we do. Since this does not come naturally to us, we are wise to develop a strategy for prayer. Strategy in business is essential for organizational development. Having a plan to serve as a roadmap of where the organization wants to go and how to get there, is a marker for true success. Similarly, before an officer sends his troops into battle, there must be a clearly defined plan. The battle plan requires intelligence regarding the enemy, while the business plan requires knowledge of the competition. Believers are in the throes of a spiritual war: “For our battle is not against flesh and blood” (Ephesians 6:12, HCSB). Creating and implementing an intentional plan for battling against our enemy on our knees through prayer is essential. If prayer intimidates you, start by developing a strategy for how to begin your conversations with our Heavenly Father. Plan a time. Pick a place. Make a list with prompts. Use Scripture as a guide. Utilize the resources below to help you get started.
✁ To create booklet: Cut on dotted line, fold down middle.
Develop a Battle Plan Develop your own battle plan and establish a “Prayer Place” – a room, corner, chair, swing, or a quiet location where you may talk, and more importantly, “listen” to God. Praying continuously is a powerful, strategic weapon and a part of the battle plan. Choose Scripture to pray for: friends, relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, church members, and your pastor. List their name and specific prayer requests on the Prayer Focus. Put on the armor of God and begin praying!
Prayer Focus
□________________________________________ _________________________________________
□________________________________________ _________________________________________
□________________________________________ _________________________________________
□________________________________________ _________________________________________
□________________________________________ _________________________________________
Proudly Serving the
Huntsville Community for Over 74 Years
With great dealS on neW & Pre-oWned vehicleS Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24
2120 Drake Avenue SW
3805 University Drive
3815 University Drive
BentleyAuto.com
2118 Drake Avenue SW
CONNECT WITH US:
✁ To create booklet: Cut on dotted line, fold down middle.
WAR ROOM UPCOMING PRAYER MEETINGS at Willowbrook These evenings are for the entire family.
7:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Worship Center December 7 January 25 February 29
April 4 May 2
Worship Services at Bailey Cove Campus 8:00 a.m. Traditional Service in the Worship Center 9:15 a.m. Blended Service in the Worship Center Contemporary Service in the Venue 10:45 a.m. Contemporary Service in the Worship Center Blended Service in the Venue 5:00 p.m. Contemporary Service in the Worship Center
Worship Services at Madison Campus 9:30 a.m. Contemporary Service 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Service
Battle Plan
Prayer Card
Emotional & Spiritual Support by Doug Merchant, Pastor to Senior Adults
“I never know what to say to those who are sick or terminally ill. What would I talk about anyway?”
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
In the length of time it takes to read this article, first-time guests to a church begin making a decision whether they will make it their home church. As a church we have a responsibility to make their first experience a positive one. ServeU is not only a ministry but a movement that may ultimately make a life-changing impact on the lives of those who walk through the doors of Willowbrook every Sunday.
The only requirement for ServeU is to simply be YOU. 1 Peter reads, Each of us should use his or her gifts to serve others and ServeU has a variety of areas for you to share these gifts. We have everything from parking lot attendants, greeters, ushers, hospitality, and there are even opportunities for our 7th and 8th grade students on our JV team. ServeU is also a great way for families to serve together. Childcare will be provided. We ask that you begin the movement with us today!
Think about this person in need for a moment and what’s going on in their minds? • If they have dementia, they are often confused. • If they have Alzheimer’s, they are losing their memory. • If they have ALS (Lou Gehrig), they may not have motor skills, including speech. I once asked an elderly woman in a nursing home what she was afraid of. “The dying part,” she said. “But what about the dying part?” I asked. “The part about dying alone,” she replied. Frequent visits can provide emotional support by just being with our friend or loved one. Remind them that we love and care about them. Assure them they will not be abandoned; they are not alone. You may want to consider the following suggestions: • • • • • • • • •
Give them a hug or hold their hands. Talk about times you spent together. Read a poem or a story. Bring cards or a vase of flowers. Ask them to share a story about their life. Pray with them. Prayer connects! Read a favorite passage, such as Psalm 23, which is about death, but also a Psalm about life—eternal life with God. Dying does not have to be a lonely experience. There is someone to walk through the valley of the shadow of death with us. That someone is God. Read John 14. Jesus said, Do not let your heart be troubled. There is enough room in my Father’s house. I am preparing a place for you. Tell them you WILL see them again.
Let me encourage you to be there for people who are sick or terminally ill. It’s not all about you. It’s about helping them not to be afraid or alone.
For more information contact Ashley Smith at
[email protected].
For information about Willowbrook programs, contact Doug Merchant, Pastor to Senior Adults 256.883.0907, ext. 155
[email protected] faithandfamilymatters.net
13
I encourage you to find a ministry and volunteer your time. Find a people group and help them learn about Jesus. Use the days you have to live wisely and feel for yourself the joy that only comes from being fully, completely obedient to Jesus. John Stone, Associate Pastor
willowbrook missions
The local church must be the heartbeat of this community. As the church body, we are the connectors-the ones who bring the hands and feet of Jesus into unity throughout our city. What does local mission work look like? It can be a weekly afternoon spent tutoring a 5th grader at the Huntsville Inner City Learning Center. Maybe it is a weekend spent helping victims of a natural disaster with the Disaster Relief program. It could be as simple as working with food programs to sponsor and pray for a local child through the For Life Ministries’ Love One program, or as involved as taking a mission trip overseas.
It has to start with the church. It has to start with you and me. The goal of our missions team- here, near, and afar- is to carry the hope of the Gospel outside our church walls. God has not called, He has commanded that we share His story as ambassadors. Our prayer is that you would pray over all the mission work happening at Willowbrook. Pray for how God can use you now. Pray for how He is using your neighbor in the pew, and for those overseas. Listen to how He is asking you to serve, and with courage obey His call. LeAnn Newsom Director of Women’s Ministry & Local Missions
14
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
Missions 2016 Prepare to pray, praise, give and particpate! You can get involved hear, near, and afar. For any questions relating to the 2016 Mission opportunities to spread the Gospel, contact the Missions office at 256-883-0907, ext. 101.
The Call toLove by David and Jessica Hagins
There are so many verses in the Bible that call us to action when it comes to orphans and children. Religion that God our father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Psalm 82:3 Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause. Isaiah 1:17 I wish I could say that is what motivated us to be involved in orphan care. But it wasn’t. However, when God speaks... you learn to move! Being involved in orphan care is not about us filling a void to have children. Orphan care is a call from God to love the unloved. When we first felt God place this on our hearts, we already had two biological children. What God is teaching us through our journey, including the kiddos, and everyone in the circle of life around us, just leaves us in awe. By allowing our children to see and know about the hardships and difficulties others face, they see the need for Jesus in a fallen world. They see a need for us to be the hands and feet of Jesus now. When we started the journey, we weren’t thinking of growing our family. However, that is what happened. As parents of an adopted child, we see the Gospel in a way we didn’t before. It is a clear picture of the love God has for us, how He sought us, and adopted us into His family.
Children end up in the system because we live in a fallen world, where the enemy is prowling like a lion seeking to destroy. We can’t stand by and let the enemy continue to tear down our poor and powerless while we do nothing. We have to work together to make an impact on these families and children for today, tomorrow, and eternity. It's overwhelming when you think of the statistics: 400,000 children are in foster care in the United States. 100,000, are currently adoptable today and more than 20,000 age out of the foster care system with no forever family to call their own. Worldwide, there are approximately 153 million orphans. So how can we make a difference? Matthew West said it so eloquently, “Do Something.” Whether it is becoming a foster or adoptive parent, helping those parents with childcare, cooking meals, collecting clothing for the children, providing respite care, or just being present, there is always something that you can do. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He himself said “It is more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35
Foster and orphan care is not about us saving children from terrible circumstances. It is just us trying to love others the way we would want to be loved. It is an opportunity for us to be obedient to God, for God to refine us, discipline us, restore families, and even create new ones. Essentially, an opportunity for God to heal His broken children, all of us. We are not special, nor do we do anything special. Most of the time we fail at being good, loving, patient parents. Most of the time we fail at loving the social workers, attorneys, and biological families. But when we finally let God work in us, it is beautiful. faithandfamilymatters.net
15
by Justin Bedingfield
At the beginning of this school year, our preteen, middle and high school ministries launched a new era in vision and direction. Willowbrook Students was born in an effort to solidify and unite our respective groups for the cause of reaching, equipping and sending students more effectively. While all three departments will be under this new name, each ministry (preteen, middle school and high school) will still be focused on their age group and meeting in the same locations on campus here at Willowbrook. Along with a new look and structure, we have a new mission and vision for the future.
Willowbrook Students exists to reach youth with the Gospel, equip them to grow in their faith, send them to make disciples and serve others. Our student ministry staff feels that this mission statement expresses the heart of our ministry to students and parents. Our vision for Willowbrook Students is to graduate students with an understanding of their identity in Christ, an ownership of what they believe, and a passion for making much of Christ with their lives. We have also developed “phases” for our ministry. This means that we are intentionally taking students through specific biblical principles and topics that speak into their lives. We have based all our phases of ministry on two passages of Scripture: The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-39) and The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). In these passages, we see the purposes of the church: Evangelism, Worship, Community, Discipleship and Ministry. Everything we do will be geared towards accomplishing one or more of these purposes. We are very excited for what’s ahead for Willowbrook Students! Please be sure to bookmark our new website: wbstudents.com. Also, be sure to follow us on social media using @wbstudents.
16
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
Justin
Wayne
Angela
Dusty
We are pleased to announce that Willowbrook Students is partnering with The Huntsville Inner City Learning Center. This partnership is the culmination of much prayer by the Willowbrook Students staff and HICLC Founder/Director Art Leslie. While meeting with Art and his Program Director, Susan, he mentioned the need for the kids at the center to experience biblical teaching with a “church” atmosphere. This fell in line with our staff’s God-given desire to minister outside the church walls of Willowbrook and develop meaningful relationships with others. We saw a huge, God-orchestrated opportunity to impact our community in a major way. As a result, we are happy to be spending time at the HICLC and investing in the students by presenting biblical truths, games, music and much more. Each Wednesday night preteens, middle schoolers or high schoolers travel to the HIClC for Bible club at 5:45 p.m. and return by 7:45 p.m. The return time is a little later than our normal Bible study time. However, we hope special arrangements can be made so that students who would like to take part can do so. We are looking forward to developing long-lasting relationships with HICLC through this endeavor.
Other Activities Include: Middle & High School Events: 30 Hour Famine - November 13-14 Christmas Party - December 13 Strength to Stand Student Conference - January 16-18, 2016
Preteen Events: Hayride - November 6 Compassion Experience - November 13 Christmas Party - December 13
wbstudents.com faithandfamilymatters.net
17
Wooden Holiday 7x1½
6x3½
5 x 3 ½
3½ x3½
3½ x3½
5x3½
6x3½
1
CUT wood pieces to measurements. Use medium grade sandpaper to smooth rough edges.
2
PAINT the wooden blocks with suggested colors or choose your own color pattern. Brown | Yellow | Orange | Brown | Yellow | Orange
Dk green | Red | Lt green | Dk green | Red | Lt green
3
Apply adhesive lettering or use paint marker pens. May also free-hand lettering in choice of colors.
4
Apply top coat of protective sealer to the completed blocks for gloss finish.
CRAFT night is offered several times during the year.
Crafters of all levels are welcome! Check out upcoming craft nights at both Willowbrook campuses. See details and sign up at willowbrookwomen.org
18
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
It’s 2015 – do you know where your IDENTITY is? by Joni Grounds, Benefits4Success
It Can Happen to Anyone Detective Rose, a Financial Crimes Investigator in Indiana, told about a woman in a church choir who stole the identities of several church members….someone whom absolutely no one suspected.
If you have attended school, visited a doctor, been employed, or licensed, your information is out there. Your information ➟ your identity Do you know where your identity is? Identity Theft is often in the news these days – you may have heard of data breaches with the Office of Personnel Management, Target, Home Depot, and healthcare companies. Will it stop? Unlikely. For 15 years, Identity Theft has been the #1 fraud complaint according to the FTC, based on known data breaches. I was pulled over for a speeding ticket and was taken to jail. Someone had stolen my identity and I had warrants in two states. – Waitress My brother & sister-in law found out someone had filed “their” taxes for $24,000. – Realtor I went for a routine procedure at the hospital. I lost my Top Secret Clearance (and job) after a data entry clerk sold my information. – Former Employee
Identity Theft Forms There are many types of identity theft that affect people of all ages. Some of the most commonly known include:
• Credit fraud • Driver’s License fraud • Criminal/Character fraud
• Social Security fraud • Medical fraud • Tax Return fraud
The Right Protection How do you sort through the myriad of Protection Services? Look for key differentiators:
• Comprehensive protection. Do they protect Social Security number, driver’s license, passport, medical records, more? • Stability – Years in business, reputation • Complete Restoration Services –If companies say they “help” restore, that’s not restoration.
Proactive Versus Reactive wise man once told me, it is easier to keep the horses in the barn if the A door is closed.
Regardless of your efforts, your information is out there. It takes an average of $1,400 and 600 hours to clear up an identity theft issue. – Don’t go it alone. It takes a professional to steal your identity; it takes a professional to restore it for you.
Important to know: Free monitoring offered from businesses that have been breached provides services that only cover you for damages directly attributable to that breach.
One of the “newest” types – synthetic identity theft – can cause the widest damage. Basically, a thief takes data from multiple victims to create a new identity.
For more information, contact Joni Grounds,
[email protected], 256.585.7005. Featuring LegalShield and IDShield Services
Benefits4Success.com
Don’t put off until tomorrow what you need to check today No one knows what tomorrow may bring
Your Benefits Consultant: Joni Grounds (256) 585-7005 ●
[email protected] Family, Individual, & Employee Benefits Legal & Identity Theft Risk Management
Free Consultation Identity Theft Checkup Legal Checkup • Allow 7 minutes per Check • Confidentiality Guaranteed
faithandfamilymatters.net
19
Let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior together over an elegant dinner served at festive tables. We encourage you to reach out to neighbors, co-workers, friends and family. This year’s special guest is Margaret Feinberg, author of many books and Bible studies for women, including Fight Back With Joy. Margaret was recently named one of the 50 women who are most shaping culture and the church by Christianity Today.
Register at
Thursday, December 10 • 6p.m. The Jackson Center 6001 Moquin Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 Cost: $20.00
www.willowbrookwomen.org
20
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
His Energy Released by Kari Long, Women’s Ministry Assistant
T
his is a season of change at Willowbrook, and the women’s ministry is no exception! With a new director and the unveiling of a brand new approach to women’s ministry, we are embracing this season of change with grateful hearts. Who is Her? Well, in short, Her is YOU! Every woman, every age, every generation. Her Ministry is your ministry. Whether you are a student, a mom, a CEO, a grandmother, a single woman, a newlywed, enjoying retirement, or anywhere in between- Her Ministry wants to engage, equip, and empower you to serve the Lord joyfully at Willowbrook and in your world.
Engage
Intentional events like Celebrate, ongoing Bible studies such as Huntsville Night Light and Tea Time, and fun gatherings, including our Small Talk group for preschool moms, and Craft Nights at both campuses provide women with many opportunities to come together and form meaningful relationships in the Willowbrook family.
Equip
Discipleship classes for women on Wednesday nights, support groups like Mending Hearts for widows, and special times of prayer, combined with vibrant biblical teaching at all of our events and Bible studies strengthen women in their individual walks with God and equip them to run their race well.
His Energy Released
We firmly believe that as we engage, equip and empower women, they will become unstoppable forces for the Kingdom of God as His energy is released in and through their lives. Throughout Scripture and history, God has used women from all walks of life to change the world. We want in on that. For more information on upcoming events and how YOU can be involved, visit willowbrookwomen.org. He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me. Colossians 1:28-29
togetherness encourages all
Tea Time- Ladies’ Bible study meets on Thursday mornings at the Bailey Cove Campus and features several options for small group study. Madison Campus Tea Time meets on Tuesday mornings. Both campuses offer free childcare by reservation. See website for more details and a complete list of classes offered.
Empower
Providing opportunities for women to get involved in local and global missions, taking the Gospel of Jesus Christ outside the walls of Willowbrook and into our community, and raising up leaders through our Servant Leadership team, are all ways that Her Ministry empowers women to be the light God has called them to be.
Huntsville Night Light- non-denominational evening Bible study for women of all ages at the Bailey Cove Campus. Dynamic worship and in-depth Bible teaching in a casual, relaxed environment. Check website for details.
visit us online for more information www.willowbrookwomen.org faithandfamilymatters.net
21
Recipes from Feed Your Spirit Food and Faith from Willowbrook God is great, God is good, let us thank Him for our food, by His hands we all are fed,give us Lord, our daily bread. Amen. (Give us this day our daily bread. Matthew 6:11) Holidays and special occasions are a time for family and friends to connect. It is a time to offer prayer to thank God for His blessings of “our daily bread.”
Chicken Crescent Wreath by Jettie Godwin | page 146 2 1 2/3 ½ ¼ 1
8 oz packages crescent rolls cup (4 oz) shredded Colby Jack cheese cup chopped fresh broccoli cup chopped, sweet red pepper cup chopped water chestnuts 5 oz can white chicken, drained (or ¾ cup cubed cooked chicken) 2 tablespoons chopped onion Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Arrange crescent rolls on 12-inch pizza pan, forming a ring with pointed ends facing the outer edge of pan and wide ends overlapping; form should look like a sunburst (i.e., wreath). Combine cheese, broccoli, pepper, water chestnuts, chicken, and onion; spoon over wide ends of rolls. Fold points over filling and tuck under wide ends (filling will be visible). Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Feed Your Spirit cookbook contains more than 500 “tried and true”
recipes, cooking tips, church history, inspirational God stories, children’s quotes and Bible verses. This cookbook was created through our congregation’s talents and generosity through our Lord, Jesus Christ that will be cherished for many years to come. Consider purchasing one or several cookbooks as gifts for Christmas or any special occasion. (Discount price of $5.)
22
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
Breakfast Casserole
by Lynn Cawthon, Michele Cochran, Jana Washburn | page 56
6 slices of bread 3 tablespoons butter 1 pound sausage, cooked and crumbled 1 ½ cups grated Cheddar cheese
6 eggs 2 cups half & half 1 teaspoon salt
Spray 9x13 inch baking pan. Put bread slices in dish. Spread butter on top of bread. Sprinkle sausage and cheese on bread. Beat eggs, half & half, and salt. Pour on top of bread. Put in the refrigerator overnight. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 40-45 minutes. *Milk can be substituted for half & half.
Cranberry Apple Crisp by Shelia Eisenzimmer | page 264 4 2 2 3
cups peeled and chopped apples cups fresh cranberries tablespoons all-purpose flour packets cinnamon instant oatmeal
1 ½ cup sugar ½ cup brown sugar 1 stick butter, melted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix apples, cranberries, flour, and 1 cup of sugar together. Place in buttered casserole dish. Mix oatmeal, brown sugar, ½ cup sugar, and butters. Spoon over apple mixture. Bake for 45 minutes. Serves 6.
Chocolate Toffee Crackers by Leah Dion, Chanyn Hill | page 232 1 box unsalted saltine crackers 2 sticks butter ½ cup chopped nuts or pecans
1 8 oz pkg chocolate chips 1 cup packed brown sugar
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 12 x 17 inch pan with aluminum foil and spray with vegetable cooking spray. Line the bottom of the pan with crackers as close together as possible. Boil butter and brown sugar until caramelized (about 5 minutes), stirring continuously. Pour over crackers; try and cover all of them. Bake for 7 minutes. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top. Let chips melt for about 1 minute then spread evenly. Sprinkle with nuts and place in refrigerator until hard, usually 1 hour. Peel away foil and break into pieces. *Substitute colored sugar crystals for nuts to make a colorful holiday candy!
Layered English Pea Salad by Alesia Smith, Kathy Whitt | page 97 1 1 1 ½ 5
head lettuce, chopped or shredded 1 stalk celery, chopped green bell pepper, chopped 1-2 tablespoons sugar can English peas, drained ½-¾ cup mayonnaise cup grated Cheddar or Parmesan cheese bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (or bacon bits)
In bowl or 9 x 13 inch dish, place ingredients in the following order: lettuce, chopped green peppers, onions, celery, and English peas. Mix mayonnaise and sugar in small bowl and spread on top of peas. Sprinkle with grated cheese. Top with cooked, crumbled bacon or bacon bits. Best if refrigerated overnight or several hours before serving. 8-10 servings.
faithandfamilymatters.net
23
BE WELL * BE STRONG BELONG To a COMMUNITY where CHRISTIAN principles are Did you know that the Y is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and that our cause is strengthening communities? Build something good, right where you live.
Volunteer
put into practice through programs that BUILD HEALTHY spirit, mind and body FOR ALL. Veterans Prayer Breakfast with Lee Greenwood November 6 @ Hogan YMCA
$20/Ticket or $225/Sponsor table
Winter Break Day Camp December 20-January 5
Kids can enjoy games, swimming, and activities while school is out. $25-$165 Members & Community
Birthdays @ the Y
Reserve the swimming pool, party rooms, gym, climbing tree or Teen Center for a fun, active party!
More great programs at ymcahuntsville.org
Find Faith & Family Matters at your YMCA Southeast Family Y • 1000 Weatherly Rd, Huntsville Downtown Express Y • 101 Church Street, Huntsville Hogan Family Y • 130 Park Square Lane, Madison
256.883.9622 256.319.9622 256.705.9622
Exciting new children’s book! Get ready for lots of giggles and grins as Sugarman the Pony and his playful barnyard friends teach children the importance of walking in love and helping others every day. www.sugarmanthepony.com
Great Gift! $18.99 + tax
faithandfamilymatters.net
25
2700 Cullom Blvd. Owens Cross Roads, Al
Tues-Fri: 12pm - 6pm Sat: 10am - 4pm
Fashion with a Mission
256-469-7279 www.shesallthat.org
20% OFF Any Single Item With this coupon. Not to be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/31/15.
She’s All That Boutique is a 501c3 Providing Vocational Experience, Mentorships and Scholarships for Local Students
20% discount coupon code WB20 One FREE Sugarman cookie with purchase Redeemable online or by email only Expires December 31, 2015
www.sugarmanthepony.com
[email protected]
26
FAITH & FAMILY MATTERS | FALL/WINTER 2015
Pricing:
A Baker’s Dozen $ .00 (one free) 13 cookies
10
Save the Date! for these Willowbrook events:
The
12 days of Christmas
Let’s celebrate the birth of our Savior together over an elegant dinner served at festive tables. We encourage you to reach out to neighbors, co-workers, friends and family.
2015
Presented by the preschool children
Presented by the children grades 1 - 4
This year’s special guest is Margaret Feinberg, author of many books and Bible studies for women, including Fight Back With Joy.
Wednesday, December 2 at 6p.m. • Willowbrook (Bailey Cove) Thursday, December 10 • 6p.m. The Jackson Center 6001 Moquin Drive Huntsville, AL 35806 Cost: $20.00 Register at
www.willowbrookwomen.org
Winter Bible Conference “The Heart of God’s Story” - Dr. George Guthrie January 22-24, 2016 5 sessions built around teaching people to track three key themes through the Scriptures: Seeking God’s Face Living in God’s Space Sharing God’s Grace
Women’s Conference
Save the Date!
2 0 1 6
MANUP 1 C O R 1 6 : 1 3
Men’s Calendar
Winter Bible Study – January 13 (Bailey Cove) Men’s Dinner – Thursday, February 11, 7-8:30 p.m., Bailey Cove Campus Men’s Discipleship Summit – February 26-27, Deer Run Retreat Men’s Handgun Shoot – TBD March Father/Son Campout – April 22-23, Camp MACOBA Father/Daughter Campout – April 23-24, Camp MACOBA Car Show – Saturday, May 21, 11 a.m.–2 p.m., Bailey Cove Campus
February 12-13, 2016
For more information please visit us online
willowbrook.org
WILLOWBROOK CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS The
12 days of Christmas 2015
Presented by the preschool children
Presented by the children grades 1 - 4
Wednesday, December 2 at 6p.m. • Willowbrook (Bailey Cove)
DECEMBER 13 ALL SERVICES
DECEMBER 6 8, 9:15, 10:45a.m., and 5p.m. 8, 9:15, 10:45a.m., and 5p.m.
Celebrate Christmas Eve WITH WILLOWBROOK
December 24, 2015 details at willowbrook.org
One Church - Two Locations A
C H U R C H
O F
N E W
L I F E
willowbrook.org
Bailey Cove • Madison
