By Dr. Martha Poole Simmons News Staff Writer

A mission team from Frazer traveled to Kima, Kenya in August to visit the Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope (MCCH) where 28 orphan boys and girls and boys and girls ranging in age from 3-15 years old have a home and refuge. Charlotte Robertson, Steve Robertson, Jonathan Robertson, Mark Griffin, Susan Allen and Gabriela Maxcy made this incredible, inspirational journey and returned home with vivid memories of a country with ex-

treme poverty in a rural area with no industry. At MCCH, children are nurtured by Ruth Owuor, the Founder

of MCCH and a Frazer member, and her family. These children come from various backgrounds. Many are the victims from los-ing parents and family members from AIDS. Some have been abused, and some have placed by relatives unable to care for them.

The children had few clothes—one pair of pajamas each—no toys, no books, and no pillows for sleeping. There is no run-ning water or electricity where the children stay, and cooking is done over a wood fire. But these are happy, loving children because they have three things, namely, safety, a place to sleep, three meals a day, and they are loved. The mission team gave each child a toy and new clothes.

Ruth Owuor, who lived in the U.S. for 15 years before return-ing to Kenya in March, to run MCCH, is deeply committed to nurturing these children, protecting them, and raising them to become productive citizens of Kenya. Her vision is that these 28 children will grow up to be such citizens, return to Kima and help the children who are then in the orphanage.

The children attend public school up to the eighth grade, at the end of which, an exam is given. If a child fails, there is no further education—no vocational schools or technical schools. There is an auto mechanics class taught at the Church of God mission and Ruth’s husband is working on starting a tailoring school, but educational or job training opportunities for those who fail the exam are basically non-existent.

Staff Reports

God has been working in the hearts of our Frazer family to give to the needs of children this Christmas season. Through a variety of donations and special collections, Frazer is working to share the love of Christ with children both here in our community and around the world.

In November, Frazer collected 1,295 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child. These shoeboxes, filled with small gifts and personal hygiene prod-ucts, will be shipped to orphans and needy children all around the world, through Samaritan’s Purse.

Frazer’s Children’s Ministry collected 426 pairs of pajamas during their Pajama Party for Jesus, Dec. 2. New pajamas were purchased and collected to give to children at Father Walter’s and Father Purcell’s here in Montgom-ery, and also to give to sick children at Children’s Hospital in Birmingham.

All 150 Angel Tree tags for local foster care children were covered by the Frazer family the very first week they were made available. Gifts will be collected the week of Dec. 8 and 9 and then delivered to the Alabama Department of Human Resources to distribute to foster children in the Montgomery area. Frazer’s ONEFamily initiative is sponsoring this year’s Angel Tree collection.

Vol. 25 No.4 www.frazerumc.org December 2012

N e w s & e v e N t sturN iN your Followership Card! It’s not too late to turn in your Followership cards. Turn in your card by mailing it to the church, dropping it off in the church office, or going to www.frazerumc.org.

the loNgest Night serviCe deC. 21 -Held on the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, this unique night of worship on Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. in the East Sanctuary is open to all but is especially designed for those who have experienced some grief, loss or brokenness that makes the Christmas holidays an emotionally difficult time of year. Come and rediscover the joy of Christ in the midst of suffering, our hope in the longest of nights.

Christmas eve CommuNioN, CaNdlelight serviCes -Communion will be offered “come and go” from 12 to 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary on Christmas Eve. Candlelight Worship will be offered at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary and 7 p.m. in Wesley Hall. A nursery (0-3) will be available for both candlelight services; children are invited and encouraged to join in these family worship events. Come and invite a friend!

speCial oFFeriNg For traNsForm moNtgomery- Last year, Frazer witnessed a “Christmas Miracle” when money was raised in a single night t build a church for the deaf community in Haiti. This year, we invite the congregation to once again make an offering on Christmas Eve, this time to fund the next phase in our Transformation Montgomery project in Garden Square. Our vision is to turn a nearby commercial building into a “Transformation Center” to provide a base from which to serve the entire neighborhood in life-changing ways. More information will be available soon. We ask for you to pray about how God may be leading you to give to this project above and beyond your faithful regular giving.

m o r e e v e N t s & a N N o u N C e m e N t s pa g e 2

m o N t h ly C a l e N d a r pa g e 3

Continued page 5

Mission team visits Kenya orphanage founded by Frazer member

Frazer family celebrates the season by giving to others

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

A mission team from Frazer visited the Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope in Kenya in August. The orphanage was founded by Frazer member Ruth Owuor. Team members included Charlotte Robertson, Steve Robertson, Jonathan Robertson, Mark Griffin, Susan Allen and Gabriela Maxcy.

PHOTO By LEE WERLING

Molly Mitchell helps decorate a Christmas tree in the East Sanctuary on Nov. 28. Dozens of volunteers spread throughout the church that Sunday for the annual “Hanging of the Greens.”Continued page 4

2 Frazer Family News December 2012

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announcementswedNesday Night supper aNd programs eNd deCemBer 12, and will resume January 9. Please note that Choir, Band and Orchestra will still hold their regular rehearsals on Wedneday, Dec. 19 and Wednesday, Jan. 2.

suNday morNiNg BreaKFast - Please note that Sunday Morning Breakfast will be taking a break Sundays, Dec. 23 and 30 but we will resume serving breakfast Jan. 6. Make plans to join us Sundays in the new year for a hot breakfast, starting at 6:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Cost is $3.

save the date: Followership voluNteer traiNiNg JaN. 26- Mark your calendar for Saturday, Jan. 26, for Followership 2013 Volunteer training! A complete schedule of training times and locations will be posted in the bulletin and other publications in the coming weeks. you should also be contacted by the ministry area which you signed up to serve. Please note, not all ministry areas will hold training activities on Jan. 26 but the individual ministries will contact you to let you know when that particular training will be scheduled.

N e w s + e v e N t s

D i s c i p l e s h i p + F e l l o w s h i p

FrieNds BiBle study- Friends will not meet this month due to the Christmas holidays. We will resume in January.

deCemBer meN’s supper- The Men’s Monthly Fellowship Supper has been cancelled for December due to Christmas. See you in January!

atteNtioN stay at home mamas! Are you a stay at home mom looking for mid-day activities that you and your chilD can do with other young moms, or are you looking for activities for you where childcare is provided? E-mail Mary Causey at marymade09@gmail.com for a weekly and monthly e-mail letting you know about various activities designed for young moms in mind. Sponsored by the Women’s Ministry.

s e R v i N G + G i v i N G

Food paNtry aNd homeless hygieNe miNistries will collect non-perishable food and personal care items the first Sunday of each month. Please drop off items in the donation carts located throughout the church.

salvatioN army Needs voluNteers For the holidays- Frazer members and families have a great tradition of supporting the work of the Salvation Army. To sign up for a slot ringing the bell at a red kettle in our area through Dec. 24, contact coordinator Bill Allison, 244-0467.

toasty toes miNistry soCK drive: The Toasty Toes Ministry will host its annual sock drive Jan.6- Feb. 9. Look for the special bins in the Atrium. Donations of new socks are greatly appreciated and will be distributed to local nursing homes and assisted living facilities before Valentine’s Day. Help us bring some warmth and smiles to someone’s day. Volunteers are also needed to help distribute socks. For more information, call Donna Burnett at 277-9011 or 538-4798.

The FRAZER FAMILY NEWS (USPS #959-520) is published monthly by Frazer Memorial United Methodist Church, 6000 Atlanta Hwy, Montgomery AL 36117-2804. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery AL 36119. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to FRAZER FAMILY NEWS, PO Box 241347, Montgomery AL 36124-1347.

The Frazer Family News tells the story of what God is doing in the lives of people in and through His church. Submissions are welcome, but we cannot be responsible for unsolicited articles. To pass along information or story ideas, please leave a note in the editor’s mailbox in the church office, call 272-8622, or send e-mail to ffn@frazerumc.org. Editor .................... Amy PresleyCommunications Director ................ Ken RoachStaff ..................... Kenisha Brown, AnnaBeth Crittenden, Mac

McLellan, Mike Presley, Neil Probst, Robin Raiford, Candace Rutherford, Alexia Scott, Martha Poole Simmons, Andrea Vandermey

Columnist ............. Ginger KoernerPhotographers ...... Diana Bunch, Heather David, Harold Hill,

Judi Mallory, Mac McLellan, Lori Mercer, Mary Ogden, Martha Poole Simmons, Chris Thornton, Lee Werling, Suzanne Williams

Staff Reports

Since 2008, the Frazer congregation has donated more than 1400 pounds of pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which provide a “home away from home” for families whose children are receiving treatment at Chil-dren’s Hospital in Birmingham. After a recent donation of 120 pounds of pop tabs, the RMCH sent a letter of gratitude to Bill Daugherty, Frazer’s Christian Job Exchange coordi-nator, who also oversees the pop tab donation efforts at Frazer. Bill wants to share the letter with the Frazer family, so they can see how their contributions can and are mak-ing a difference in the lives of families.

“You made a special gift of hope and comfort to the fami-lies who call the Ronald McDonald House “home.” Your gift allows families who have traveled to Birmingham for their child’s health crisis an affordable safe haven. In our House of fort-one famlie bed rooms- with dinners contributed by volunteers and local businesses, internet access, laundry fa-cilities, a playground and Cracker Barrell rocking chairs to boot- families can come together to share stories of joy and

sorrow about recovery, treatments, doctors and simplty sup-port each other.

“On behalf of the board of directors, the staff, and most of all, the guest families of Ronald McDonald House Chari-ties, please accept our gratitude for contributing pop tabs on 10/19/2012.

“Thank you for your support and for giving Mothers and Fathers the comforts of a “home away from home” so they can focus their time on their child or relax so they can be a better support system for their family. We hope you will continue to join us in our efforts.

Sincerely,Kathy RobsonVolunteer and Program ManagerRonald McDonald House Charities of Alabama

Please continue to save your pop tabs and bring them the special collection boxes located throughout the church. Your donations of something as simple as a soda can pop tab add up to make a huge difference.

Pop tab donations continue to make a big impact

December 2012 www.frazerumc.org 3

SUNDAy MONDAy TUESDAy WEDNESDAy THURSDAy FRIDAy SATURDAy

1

9 a.m. Women’s Christmas Brunch

26:45 a.m. Breakfast8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday Schoolchildren’s pajama party3 p.m. Youth Worship Arts4 p.m. Pre-K 3,4,5 year olds Christmas Program, Sanctuary5 p.m. Board of Stewards/Charge Conference6 p.m. Sunday Evening Worship, Speeder’s Choir & Good News Singers

3 45:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, Grief Support6:55 p.m. Singles TNT7 p.m. ESL

56:30 a.m. Men’s Breakfast9 a.m. Women’s Bible Study5 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper6 p.m. Adult Bible studies, Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, Children’s ORBIT (1st-5th grades only) and Crave students programs7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra

6

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Studies

9:30 a.m. Dementia Daycare

7 8

7-11 a.m. Men’s Pancake Breakfast for Missions

96:45 a.m. Breakfast8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School

6 p.m. Youth Worship Arts Christmas Program, Wesley Hall

10 11

12 p.m. Noon Salad Luncheon5:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, Grief Support6:55 p.m. Singles TNT7 p.m. ESL

129 a.m. Women’s Bible Study 5 p.m. Wednesday Night Supper6 p.m. Adult Bible studies, Men’s and Women’s Bible studies, Children’s ORBIT and Crave students programs7 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra

13

9 a.m. Women’s Bible Studies 9:30 a.m. Dementia Daycare 6 p.m. S.P.I.R.I.T.

14 15

10 a.m. YWA Character Party

7 p.m. my Favorite Christmas Card

166:45 a.m. Breakfast8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School

7 p.m. my Favorite Christmas Card

17 185:30 p.m. Singles Small Group, Grief Support6:55 p.m. Singles TNT7 p.m. ESL

197 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra

20 21

6 p.m. Longest Night Service, East Sanctuary

22

23 8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School

church office closed 24

12-2 p.m. Christmas Eve Come and Go Communion, Sanctuary

Christmas Eve Candlelight Services 5 p.m. Sanctuary 7 p.m. Wesley Hall

church office closed 25

Merry Christmas!

26 27 28 29

30

8, 9:30, 11 a.m. Worship & Sunday School

31

1

happy New year!

church office closed

1

27 p.m. Choir, Band, Orchestra

3 4 5

d e C e m B e r 2012 C a l e N da r o F e v e N ts

J a N ua r y 2013

4 Frazer Family News December 2012

Celebrate the seasoncontinued from page 1

Staff Reports

“In the future your children will ask, ‘What do these stones mean?’ Then you can tell them, ‘This is where the Israelites crossed the Jordan on dry ground.’ For the Lord your God dried up the river right before your eyes, and he kept it dry until you were all across, just as he did at the Red Sea when he dried it up until we had all crossed over. He did this so all the nations of the earth might know that the Lord’s hand is powerful, and so you might fear the Lord your God forever. – Joshua 4: 21-24 NLT

Like the stones the Israelites placed after crossing the Jordan River to mark God’s faithfulness, Stones of Faith are designed to provide a visual and tangible reminder of God’s faithfulness through the trials and triumphs of life. Pam Mashburn, cancer sur-vivor and mother of three, was inspired to create Stones of Faith after sharing many instances of “God Moments” with friends. One friend encouraged her to write these moments on rocks and display them in a pretty bowl, as both a reminder and a way to share with others who were curious about the “word rocks,” as she calls them

Stones of Faith is a beautifully packaged gift box that contains several smooth stones for the recipient to record those moments that God reveals His faithfulness. It also includes a journal and a bowl to display the stones. Stones of Faith would make a wonderful, meaningful gift for weddings, birthdays, baptisms, graduations or just about any milestone in life.

A white stone is also included in the set and this one signifies hope for the future, as promised in Revelation 2:17:”...I will also give him a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to him who receives it.” This stone is not to be written on but rather to be used as a reminder of our eternal hope in Christ.

“Since God is in control and uses our seasons and storms to bring us closer to him and to Jesus Christ, we keep a white stone on the top of our stones to remind us of God’s long term plan for our lives,” Pam writes in the intro of the journal.

“The people of Israel used stones to remember promises and blessings that God gave them. The stones were not to be worshipped, but to remind them of God’s faith-fulness to them. In the same way, my stones remind me of God’s faithfulness so that I never forget. I desire for my children to know my God so I leave for them these spiritual milestones so they never forget the impact and favor God has shown in our lives,” she wrote.

Stones of Faith are available in the Frazer Bookstore. The set costs $39.95 and comes wrapped in ribbon and ready to be given as a gift.

For more information about Stones of Faith, visit www.stonesoffaith.com

Sunday, Dec. 2, the congregation gave more than $21,000 above and beyond regular offerings in support of the boys and girls of the United Methodist Children’s Home, for the annual White Christmas offering.

We praise God for how he uses His church to meet the needs of children. Our prayer is that these children will not only have a gift to open on Christmas day but that through the generous giving spirit of the Frazer family, these children might come to know the love of God and His gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Our prayer is the each shoebox, pair of pajamas or other gift will be the vehicle that carries God’s love to every boy and girl that is touched by these gifts this Christmas season.

Coming in January: A look at how the Frazer Family celebrates the birth of Christ, through worship, fellowship and giving. Stay tuned for photos and updates from Christmas activities for all ages, worship from our children, youth and adult choirs and Christmas Eve services.

Stones a powerful, beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness, opportunity to share with others

Use Stones of Faith to:

Record answered prayersRemember people God has put in your life to be His handsStart conversations with your guests about God’s love & provisionRemind you of God’s faithfulness when you feel aloneTeach your children to look for God’s hand in their livesPass down a recorded legacy to your children

�And�finally,�to�remind�you�that,�we�need�to�have�an�eternal�focus�–like�the�white�stone�–�which�will�be�the�start�of�our�new�life.

Stones of Faith, created by cancer survivor Pam Mashburn, are a beautiful reminder of God’s faithfulness. Each set includes several smooth stones for writing God’s answered prayers on, a journal and a bowl to display the stones, all beautifully packaged and would make a wonderful gift for someone special in your life. Stones of Faith sets are available in the Frazer Bookstore for $39.99.

PHOTO By LORI MERCER

The Children’s Ministry collected pajamas for children at Father Purcell’s and Father Walter’s and celebrated the collection effort Dec. 2. Children were invited to wear their own favorite pajamas to church that Sunday morning.

PHOTO By MARTHA POOLE SIMMONS

Frazer members Alex Ansley and Jim Barrs assemble boxes for the Salvation Army Angel Tree canned good collection. Many volunteers from Frazer gave their time to help the Salvation Army, both through the Angel Tree project and also by serving as bell ringers.

December 2012 www.frazerumc.org 5

The mission team taught Bible school, led arts and crafts and played board games with the children. The crafts and board games were new experiences. The teenage boys proudly wore sun visors that they decorat-ed with flowers and butterflies. The team also provided pillows and new pajamas for each child. The children gravitated toward the three adult men on the team, most likely because they have few positive male role models.

Thanks to MCCH, the children have an opportunity to break the vicious cycle of poverty and abuse. The young boys are not only educated in school, but they also learn compassion and love at the center. The girls learn that they are valuable and don’t have to endure a life of abuse and despair.

Steve Robertson said, “The children quoted Bible verses and amazed our team with their songs about Je-sus. Everything that each child owned was packed in a 11x14 homemade wooden locker. However, Ruth, her family and Joann, the matron, have poured their lives into these children. Our team’s mission was intended to minister to the children, but the children did so much more to minister to us. I also believe our team’s plan was to somehow change the children, but God had another plan. I believe God showed our team how much He could do with so little, and our lives will never be same again.”

Mark Griffin said, “Our journey to see Ruth and her children was an incredibly rewarding experience. They possess an attitude of compassion and service that is most tender and transparent. A tiny village is their view of this world at this juncture, and viewing the commu-nity as a whole, we speculated if they will ever experi-ence the world as we observe it. Similar to us though is their love for their homeland and those who are extend-ing protection and nurturing as inspired by the Savior’s love.

“Ruth, Kenneth, Dorothy, and Joann Owuor are to-tally invested in these precious creations; we witnessed prayer lives which belied their short time on this earth. Like the woman who poured out her treasure for the Lord’s feet, these souls offered their finest for our ben-efit treating us like royalty. How proud our Lord must be as He gazes on such an incredible flock in a tiny, remote portion of his creation. And thanks to the Frazer family in making our dream a reality,” Mark added.

Susan Allen summed up her experience in three ma-

jor thoughts.“One, on a personal level, I have always appreciated

my home, my car, my books. After Kenya, I appreciate these things more but value them less. The children in Mescal’s are the happiest children that I’ve ever seen, and it has nothing to do with material things. Two, in experiencing a different culture and way of life and a dif-ferent form of government, I realize on a much deeper level how extremely difficult and complex dealing with foreign countries like Kenya is for the United States, even though Christianity is the major religion in Kenya. We have two major political parties, Kenya has 47 tribes. Even a small thing like tears is different. In Kenya, tears are a bad omen, but it is through visionaries like Ruth Ouwor that hope for change is possible,” she said.

“The most important thing that I learned is this: I have always wanted to go to the Holy Land to see where Jesus walked, but after my trip to Kenya, I know an orphanage where He is walking every single day,” Susan said.

Gabriela Maxcy shared that she had prayed for an op-portunity like the one she had in Kenya.

“Although the children were shy and serious when they first saw us, it did not take long after our teaching, playing and loving them for the children to respond hap-pily,” she said. “What a wonderful feeling it was to see, hold and love a child who not too long ago mattered to nobody. They have already changed my life because I know that children in Kenya love me, and my love exists for them.”

Jonathan Robertson said, “I had a million excuses not to go to Kenya, but God truly laid it on my heart to go. When we first arrived, the children were lined up singing welcoming songs to us, and I saw some of the purest and most joyous smiles that I have ever seen. I was amazed by how many Bible verses that the children already knew and the hearts for God that had already been forming. Some of the simplest little crafts meant so much to them, no matter what age or how simple we thought that they might have been. We gave them gifts and toys, and the biggest hits were balloons and bubble gum. The children were so thrilled to have anything of their own. I was truly blessed to part of this mission trip. The children and the people of Kenya made a much big-ger impact on me, than I can or could ever give back.”

Charlotte Robertson said, “How trite it is to say, but yet how true, that our trip to Kenya was life-changing. While we expected to minister to the orphans at Mes-cal’s, we were the ones that were most profoundly min-

istered to by them. We were surprised to find children with two changes of clothes, their only material posses-sions, to be so happy and full of joy. They quoted Scrip-ture, sang songs about Jesus vigorously, and oh . . . how they prayed! Of course, they were taught by the most powerful prayer warrior I’ve ever known, Ruth Owuor.

Ruth’s vision for these children involves a holistic ap-proach: educationally, emotionally, physically and spiri-tually. While some of the children came to the orphan-age never having been to school, most all of the children are doing extremely well now and many are at the top of their classes. She is pouring into these children so that they will grow up to become strong and contributing members of their communities. While the surrounding poverty in the little village of Kima was severe and over-whelming, MCCH was like an oasis in a dry and thirsty land. There are many physical needs there, especially for a van for transportation and a new facility. But, in the really important matters of mental, emotional, and spiri-tual growth, they are thriving!”

For more information about MCCH, go to www.mes-calskids.org. If your group would like for a representa-tive of MCCH to come and share about the ministry, contact Charlotte Robertson at chacha25@charter.net or 334-546-7362. Sponsorships for children and dona-tions towards the purchase of a van for the orphanage are needed.

Kenya Missioncontinued from page 1

Frazer’s mission team with the children and staff of Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope in Kenya.

MCCH expresses deep and heartfelt thanks to the many groups and individuals at Frazer who have contributed generously to the support of the ministry:

* Encourager’s Sunday School Class: sponsorship of a child; Sa-maritan shoe boxes for each child, the first Christmas present that they have ever received; and a generous donation to help buy a van for the children

* Harbor Light’s Sunday School Class: generous donations; shoes for Mescal’s children for Christmas

* Harvester’s Sunday School Class: sponsorship of a child * Thursday morning Women’s Bible Study Group: sponsorship

of two children; shoes for Mescal’s children for Christmas * JBug (Wed. night women’s group) donations to purchase

chickens* 25 individual Frazer members who have sponsored children.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED

Ruth Owuor, founder and director of MCCH and former Frazer member, prays with the children of the orphanage.

Some of the precious children who have been given hope and a chance at life through the work of Mescal’s Children’s Center of Hope and the support of many at Frazer.

6 Frazer Family News December 2012

By Neil Probst News Staff Writer

Hooper Academy recently inducted a Frazer member into its Hall of Honor, recognition for achievements on the football field and especially off.

Steve Steele, a Frazer member for 22 years, played at Hooper in the early 70s, primarily as a placekicker.

Although he was second on the Colts team in scoring and made the All-Metro Team as kicker in the 73-74 season, he is quick to point out that he was the “beneficiary of a great offense” and careful mention that five or six other Colts players made the All-Metro Team that season.

He also had the honor of playing for a coach many at Hooper consider a leg-end and who for him was a mentor.

Under George Cochran, the Colts played for the state championship twice against rival Monroe Academy, losing

once and winning in dramatic fashion 24-0 in 1973.

“Coach Cochran was one of those guys who coached with love and en-couragement (rather than fear),” Steve said.

That ’73 season, the undefeated, 13-0 Colts scored 346 points while allowing only 79, according to the Alabama Foot-ball Historical Society’s Web page.

However, for Steve, the Hooper expe-rience was more than just football.

“It was a blessing like you wouldn’t believe. It changed my life going to Hooper,” he said.

Steve savored not just booting the pigskin but also establishing lifelong relationships with coaches and team-mates.

That concern for others combined with a huge love of sports inspired Steve after his Hooper days to continue

serving the youth sports community.Steve has coached softball in East

Montgomery for 20 years and coached football at Floyd Junior High School.

He also has announced home games at Capitol Heights Junior High School for 10 years and at Goodwyn Junior High School for four years.

In the late 1990s, Steve was influen-tial in the start of a Faith Radio show that focused on football.

“God inspired a dream in my head that we would have a show with high-lights and scores of high school foot-ball,” he said.

Faith Football Update aired for four years and 55 shows, some of its stories reaching National Christian Radio, he said.

These days, you are very likely to find Steve at the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s headquarters ev-

ery Saturday morning during football playoff season.

High school coaches from across the state meet at the Montgomery head-quarters every week to exchange game tapes.

For 20 years, Steve has bought food and raised funds so the hungry coaches can have a delicious, hot breakfast when they get to Montgomery.

“It’s my way of giving back. Coach-ing has had so much influence in my life that I wanted a way to give back,” Steve said.

“It’s a tremendous sacrifice to be a coach and especially to be a good one.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Frazer member Steve Steele was recently inducted into the Hooper Academt Hall of Honor

Frazer member inducted into Hooper Academy’s Hall of Honor

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Steve Steele, seated center, is pictured here with other teammates from the Floyd Jr. High in the fall of 1971.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

Steve with his family, from left to right: Wife Jan, Steve, daughter Lindsay, granddaughter Hayley and son Scott.

What? DNow 2013: The KingdomWhen? Feb. 15-17Where? Shocco Springs, Talladega, Ala.

All 6th -12th graders are welcome. During this weekend retreat, students will learn about THE KINGDOM. From four amazing worship sessions, games, challenges, and small groups we will learn our role when it comes to the King-dom of God.

This year’s DNOW will feature speaker Wade Morris (returning from last year),

Irish worship band Rend Collective, and hip-hop worship artist Propaganda, all with the common goal of showing us the gospel in a new way through the lens of the Kingdom.

For payment information and schol-arship guidelines, check out the Crave Orientation Packet. Reserve your spot by turning in your registration form and $50 deposit by Jan. 31. A parent meeting will be held Feb. 10 from 5-6 p.m. in the Crave Room. For more information, con-tact the Crave Office at 495-6409.

students, save the Date: DNow 13 Feb. 15-17

December 2012 www.frazerumc.org 7

dear dave, My wife and I have our fully funded emer-gency fund in place, and we’re debt-free, except for the house. She wants to return to school to get a master’s degree and change careers. She’ll be reimbursed up to $7,000 a year. Can we use some of our emergency fund to get things started?

—Kevin

dear KeviN, I’ve got a better idea. Save up the money!You guys are in great shape already. And to me,

this opportunity seems like a small investment with a fabulous return. I really like the idea. But you have to be careful when it comes to things like this. You don’t want to get into the habit of calling things emergencies when they’re not emergencies. It’s a great thing, but it’s nowhere near an emergency.

I know she’s excited about the possibilities, but I’d just roll up my sleeves, save a little extra for a while and cash flow the classes. She’ll probably get reimbursed

for the first classes right after she gets her grades, then you can use the reimbursement check to pay for the next classes, and the next check the next classes. Make sense?

I love the school idea, and I’m glad your wife has such a great opportunity. But I don’t want you to take a chance on messing up the progress you’ve made in taking control of your finances. Just take your time and save for those first classes. You’ll be glad you did!

—Dave

Reprinted�with�Permission.�Dave Ramsey is America’s most trusted

voice on money and business. He’s authored four New York Times best-

selling books: Financial Peace, More Than Enough, The Total Money

Makeover and EntreLeadership. The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by

more than 5 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio sta-

tions. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the web at

daveramsey.com.

Need� help? Overcoming and eliminating debt can be overwhelming and even seem impossible. If you would like to get started on Dave’s Financial Peace program with his seven Baby Steps to Financial Freedom, or would like to learn how to create a budget, call Gary Sanderson at 462-0839 or sandersong@knology.net.

Dave Says

Dave Ramsey

Save up to pay for classes instead of dipping into emergency fund

CARING FOR OUR

CONGREGATIONBIRTHS

We rejoice with our members who have recently wel-comed a new child into their family.

A son, David DeWitt “Witt“ Jr., born to Lauren and •David Cole Oct. 28, 2012.

A daughter, “Mercy“ Elizabeth, born to Rachel and •Josh Phllips Oct. 29, 2012.

A son, Charles “Banks“, born to Leah and Daniel •Davenport Oct. 31, 2012.

A son, Maxwell “Max” Gray, born to Katie and Scott •Suchocki Nov, 4, 2012.

A son, “Connor“ Michael, born to Margaret and •Darren Crimi Nov.14, 2012.

A son, William “Will” Patrick, born to Lara and Shan •McCorkle Nov. 21, 2012.

deATHSWe extend our deepest Christian sympathy and love to those families who have recently experienced the death of a loved one. Remembering these families in your prayers, giving them a call or sending a card provides healing ministry and extends the love of Christ during

this time of loss and grief.

Mother of Dennis Herrick•

Mary Mangham•

Mother of Tim Thaggard•

Joseph Self•

Mother of Cheryl York•

Son of Richard Ball•

Father of Robin Lambert•

Mother of BJ. Lambert•

Father of Susan Poole•

SAVE THE DATE: FOLLOWERSHIP TRAINING DAy JAN. 26** Many but not all ministry areas will hold training this day. Look for a training day schedule in your Sunday Bulletin in the coming weeks.

Frazer Memorial United Methodist ChurchP.O. Box 241347Montgomery, AL 36124-1347

PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT MONTGOMERY AL 36119

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iNside this issue:

FraZer Family gets iNto Christm

as spirit, gives to ChildreN iN Need .......1m

issioN team visit KeNya orphaNage FouNded By ChurCh m

emBer ...........1

pop taB doNatioNs maKiNg a diFFereNCe.....................................................2

stoNes a remiNder oF god’s FaithFulNess .................................................4

FraZer mem

Ber iNduCted iNto sChool’s hall oF hoNor .............................6aNd m

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