By ANDREW SIMONSON | Sports Editor

It wasn’t Art Bogan’s plan to come and coach the Thompson girls basketball program.

Bogan was in a comfortable situation as the assistant coach for Texas Southern’s women’s basketball program at a Division I school outside of Houston, a situation he was fine remaining in.

However, during a season of prayer, Thompson reached out about coaching at the school, and he knew that was a call from God.

“I really wasn’t looking to leave Texas Southern when this opportunity presented itself to me, but I was at that place where I was praying and seeking God for direction on where he could use me the most at this phase and time in my life,” Bogan said.

Bogan’s Christian faith is a key part of the person and coach that he is. It is one of the key reasons why he coaches and it is the heartbeat behind his passion for the profession.

“From a faith-based standpoint, me and my career, that’s what everything is going to be about,” Bogan said. “I coach basketball and I do what I do so that I can be an influence for Christ. That’s my priority. And so, basketball, it just happens to be the platform and the gifts that God has given me to be able to do those things.”

That is why he asked his family to pray with him about where God could use him best at this time. He was open about his prayer journey with many friends and family, including his friend Caleb Castille, a former Alabama football player who became an actor and has starred in “Woodlawn” and “NCIS: Los Angeles.”

During that process, Bogan asked God to do what He wanted to do since that was his only priority.

It was about, for me, ‘Where do you want me God?’” Bogan said. “‘Not where I want to be. Not my will be done, but God’s will be done in this situation.’ And so, I sought prayer out about it and God, and this is where it landed me at.”

Bogan also said his family is another reason why he moved to Alabaster. Bogan was born in Birmingham, and most of his family lives in the area.

He and his wife have sons who are ten and eight years old, and after spending time away from Alabama, he wants his kids to be able to grow up around their extended family and get to know them on a deeper level.

“They’ve never really had, in my opinion, that true experience of Alabama,” Bogan said. “We’ve been home to visit, but it’s different when you’re living there. You get a better understanding of it. I want them to have relationships with family members so that they’re familiar with them.

“And so, from a family standpoint, this is a great opportunity for my wife and I to have people with us that we can trust and leave our kids with. That’s a big thing for us being away from Alabama and all of our family members for so long, just having that community that our kids can feel like they’re a part of played a big role in this decision for us as well.”

Bogan has already started working with the Thompson players in offseason workouts and practices. He describes himself as a very fundamentals-based coach, but more importantly, as a player-development coach.

He sees an opportunity to turn Thompson into the top talent developer for girls basketball in Alabama. His goal is to invest in every player, from the star players down to the bench players, not only to develop their on-court skills, but develop them into upstanding people.

The opportunity to pour into kids and mentor them is not lost on Bogan, and it is one that he is honored to have.

“You hear a lot from coaches where there’s always this tone that players alone should be privileged to be a part of the team,” Bogan said. “I do think that there should be some honor in and a privileged feeling of being a part of the team. But it’s also an honor and a privilege to be entrusted with young kids, with molding young people.”

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY – It was a touching reunion for many as people traveled across the country to join locals and church members in celebrating Valleydale Church’s 50th anniversary.

Valleydale Church celebrated its bicentennial with a variety of events on Saturday, Sept. 9 and a worship service on Sunday, Sept. 10.

“It was phenomenal,” said Carolyn Smith, a longtime church member who helped to organize the celebration. “It was just absolutely awesome—God’s presence was there.”

In the early ‘70s, sixteen families prayed about establishing a church in northern Shelby County and they first met at a camp where Spain Park High School is currently located. After spending time meeting in a church member’s basement on Indian Crest Drive, Valleydale Church held its first charter service at 2545 Valleydale Road on Sept. 9, 1973.

“It’s really humbling that God has been so faithful to his church for 50 years,” Smith said. “There have been many peaks and valleys that we have gone through, even from the beginning. And to hear those stories, of what our founding fathers and charter members faced and they never gave up and God was faithful to them.”

The 50-year celebration marked not only a time of festivity at the church, but also a time of reunion as many previous church members traveled across the country to reconvene once again.

“Many of these people, we have not seen each other in 20 years,” Smith said.

On Saturday, there were reunions for Valleydale Church’s past choir’s, orchestra, staff and youth.

“These youth are in their 40s now raising children and some have stepped away from the church,” Smith said. “We had some really sweet conversations—that they had missed church and this made them realize where they need to be.  I had one person tell me that he has been away for so long, and that being there, he did not realize how homesick he had been for Valleydale.”

During the celebration, many in attendance gathered together with the choir and orchestra to enjoy a trip through the years in music during a segment entitled, “50 Years: An Evening of Stories and Songs.”

“The choir and the orchestra went through many of the songs that we loved back in the previous decades,” Smith said. “And then we had some of our old dramas (with) the drama team and we had a lot of videos of our previous staff and just some of the great stories. We just worshiped and celebrated.”

Children in attendance had a variety of activities to enjoy on Sunday morning, including a visit from Miss Patty Cake, while adults attended Sunday morning worship with a lesson from the church’s pastor.

“Our Pastor, Dr. Mac Brunson, was teaching out of the last (chapter) of Exodus and he was able to tie our founding fathers and charter members to the scripture in Exodus,” Smith said. “These people were recognized for their sacrifice and their faithfulness to trust in God and so they were honored numerous times.”

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By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church hosted a Back to School Supplies Giveaway on Sunday, Aug. 6 presented by Southern Xpress LLC and 77 Kids Foundation.

The 77 Kids Foundation, in partnership with Southern Xpress LLC and with help from several sponsors in the local community, successfully provided an estimated 100 backpacks and school supplies to community kids in need.

“The turnout was great,” said Byron De’Vinner, founder of the 77 Kids Foundation and organizer of the event. “They had youth day at church, getting (students/supplies) ready for the kids going back to school this week in Shelby County Schools. It was really amazing to see all the smiling faces on the young kids, and on some middle and high-school kids as well but especially the little young kids. Being able to get them supplies that they need, being able to bless them, (is great) because with the way things are right now, everything (prices) is going up.”

De’Vinner started the 77 Kids Foundation four years ago with the mission of providing opportunities for youth development in the southeastern United States, with a focus in community and sports involvement. In tandem with Southern Xpress LLC, which De’Vinner began 14 years ago, the two groups are now approaching the conclusion of the third year where they have presented such supply giveaways.

“I just want to be able to be a person that can give back to the community where I grew up at, in Calera,” De’Vinner said. “(I want to) give back to these kids out here, to help these parents during these times of need.”

With two giveaways already completed, one in Jefferson County and the one in Calera finding success, there is still one more to go in Talladega County on Sunday, Aug. 13 before the school year begins. The two organizations will also be performing other giveaways and donations directly at local schools, such as an event held at Calera Elementary School on Monday, Aug. 7.

“We have a goal of giving out roughly 800 backpacks and school supplies a year through our non-profit and LLC,” De’Vinner said. “We were able to service the Calera community with roughly about 100 backpacks and school supplies yesterday (Aug. 6) to every kid. Every kid that came through there got school supplies and backpacks.”

Not to be confused with a trucking company of the same name, Southern Xpress LLC is a 7-on-7 travel football organization that aims to benefit kids from the age of 13 until the end of high school. The team has featured such local stars as Tony Mitchell and Kobe Prentice of the University of Alabama, as well as Omari Kelly for Auburn University.

“I could tell these kids here were so excited to get back in the classroom,” De’Vinner said.

Shelby County Schools will begin their new year on Thursday, Aug. 10.

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By ROBBIE HESS | Staff Writer

CALERA – The stars aligned at Calera Baptist Church this past week as they held their annual Vacation Bible School.

The overall theme of this year’s VBS was “Stellar” with an astronaut and outer space theme alongside the line: “Let Jesus Shine.”

Calera Baptist Church hosted around 120 kids from K5-5th grade for Bible study, games and crafts throughout the week of July 10-13.

“I think it went amazing,” Family Minister Katie Jarvis said. “This was our first year to do a night VBS. We typically always did it in the mornings, and we just struggled with volunteers. So, opening it up to night just allowed so many more people to come, and we noticed each night it seemed like more and more kids were coming.”

Along with church staff, 40 adult volunteers helped during the week.

Calera Baptist Church will also host a Back To School Movie Night on Sunday, Aug. 6 at 5:30 p.m. with popcorn, drinks, candy and more for local residents to enjoy.

“Since we’re winding down summer, that (VBS) was our last major event of the summer,” Jarvis said. “But going into the school year, we’ll do a family movie night. Just a fun movie for the kids and families to come hang out, eat and just have a good time before we jump back into the crazy school year.”

For more information about upcoming events or to learn more about Calera Baptist Church, visit Calerabaptist.org.

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By EMILY SPARACINO | Special to the Reporter

ALABASTER – The Westwood Baptist Church campus was humming with activity in June as hundreds of children attended the church’s 2023 Vacation Bible School.

With this year’s VBS theme “Stellar: Shine Jesus’ Light,” Westwood hosted 481 children from 5K-6th grade for Bible study, crafts and other activities throughout the week of June 12-16.

“Everything was stellar,” Families Pastor Ric Callahan said. “The worship, crafts, recreation, missions emphasis, and even the snacks were fun. Bible study classes were taught by incredibly creative teachers, and kids had a blast with their friends learning about Jesus.”

This year, Westwood’s VBS attendees gave $3,400 in offerings for community missions, Callahan said.

In addition to church staff members, 125 adult leaders served during the week.

Next on the church’s schedule are two separate summer camps for kids and family outings at the park, Callahan said.

“VBS gives our church an opportunity to impact our world for Christ,” he said. “This year, 74 kids gave their lives to Jesus. To God be all glory.”

For more information about upcoming events, or to learn more about the church, visit Gowestwood.org or follow Westwood Baptist Church on Facebook and Twitter.

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By LIZZIE BOWEN| Staff Writer

HELENA – Christ Community Church in Helena is preparing for its Vacation Bible School event on Sunday, June 25 to Thursday, June 29.

The event is set to run from 6-8 p.m. during those days. The theme for this year’s VBS is “Road Rally.”

“Each day is taken from a road sign that they would see,” Children’s Minister Ellen Chandlee said. “Each road sign communicates a Biblical truth associated with it.”

All children ages four to rising sixth graders are invited to attend. Activities will include worship, craft time and snacks.

Around 80 children attended last year’s VBS, and this year an estimated 100 children are expected to attend.

There will be dress-up days for each day of VBS this year.

-Day one is Black Out Day where children are encouraged to wear all black

-Day two is Backwards Day

-Day three is 80’s Neon Day

-Day four is Hat Day

-Day five is VBS Shirt Day where children in attendance wear their VBS shirts

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

COLUMBIANA – Children will be able to enjoy a variety of educational activities during the Columbiana Church of Christ’s upcoming Vacation Bible School series.

The VBS series entitled, “Operation Creation” will begin on Sunday, June 11 from 6-7:30 p.m., and the following days will be from 7-8:30 p.m. The series will conclude on Wednesday, June 14.

“We are greatly looking forward to this event,” Preacher Chris Blackwell said. “It’s been a few years since we’ve had a VBS. So, we really have planned and want this to go well and be a value to the community. We hope this will be something that people will be able to come to and learn a lot about and have a great time.”

Blackwell described the various activities that children will be able to enjoy during the VBS series.

“They will be able to expect fun classes where they’ll learn different Bible lessons,” he said. “There’s going to be craft time where they’re going to get hands-on and make different crafts. There’s’ going to be snacks and refreshments, and I’m sure there will be time where they will have playtime and where they can enjoy just socializing with each other. On the last night of VBS, on Wednesday, there’s going to be an ice cream social at the very end, so they can enjoy that as well.”

Blackwell explaining the meaning behind the VBs series’ theme, “Operation Creation.”

“Operation Creation is simply going through and showing the evidences for the Earth and the universe being created by God,” he said. “There are so many things kids hear today that teach that the universe basically just popped into existence—that we are just essentially a cosmic accident. Operation Creation goes through and just meticulously shows, in a very fun way, that the evidence supports there is a God. It’s not simply a blind leap in the dark but something we can know, have faith in and have a good time while we’re learning it.”

Blackwell said the event is open to anyone interested in attending.

“(We) just want everybody in the community to know this is open to everybody,” he said. “We would love to see you. We care about the community, and we’re really hoping that we can have a lot of people come out and they can learn about the evidence for the existence of God.”

More information on the Columbiana Church of Christ can be found online on its website at Columbianacoc.com.

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

ALABASTER – The Alabama Youth Choir will soon kick-off its 2023 tour with a free concert at Alabaster First United Methodist Church on Sunday, May 28.

The concert will be held at 5 p.m. in the Sanctuary and will feature a variety of songs.

“I think this is an opportunity for the community to come together for some music, some food and a ton of fun,” said William Harper, director of traditional worship at Alabaster FUMC.

The event is open to the public to attend, and the church will host a hot dog supper after the event for attendees to enjoy following the program.

“There’s going to be an energetic concert by young people which I think is an exciting thing to experience,” Harper said. “It is that Memorial Day weekend, so we’re going to do a cookout (and) hot dog supper. (Attendees) will get to come and hear the music, and there’ll be time to meet the young people that are in the choir and just spend a little social time together on our campus.”

The program for this year presents the message in music, “Missions Begin at Home.”

“People always think of foreign missionaries, of things happening somewhere else, but it’s also true that, as Christians, we’re charged to share the love of Christ where we are, and so sharing with one another at home is a good way to start,” Harper said.

The musical selections for this program include, “When We All Get to Heaven,” “God is on the Move,” and “Amazing Grace.”

The Alabama Youth Choir represents a partnership from a group of three Birmingham area churches and boasts around forty young singers.

One of the group’s musical directors, Mike Jones of Grace Life Baptist Church, said the group formed to give these young people opportunities to grow musically and spiritually in a cooperative endeavor and that the tour is intended to foster a commitment of service to others.

“It’s an exciting opportunity to hear music,” Harper said. “I am also excited for the young people in our church and in our community to get to experience the musical results of when young people from different backgrounds, different musical abilities get together and work. This program is the culmination of a lot of the work that those young people (have) done in the choir.”

Alabaster First United Methodist Church is located at 10903 Highway 119 in Alabaster, and those interested in learning more are encouraged to call the church office at 205-663-0509.

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

CALERA – Collectivus Church in Calera recently hosted a special outdoor art display featuring pieces by acclaimed artist Scott Erickson.

The display, entitled, “Stations in the Streets,” features 12 pieces of artwork that represent a contemplative journey through Jesus’ final steps in Jerusalem. The art was displayed on the back brick wall of the church.

“This visual contemplation has been practiced for centuries, and this is my artistic take on the Stations of the Cross,” Erickson said. “’Stations in the Street’ is a downloadable art resource for faith communities of all kinds to engage the contemplation of Christ’s journey to the grave.”

Erickson is an artist, author, performative speaker and creative curate who mixes autobiography, mythology and aesthetics to create art.

“This journey to the cross is not only a meditation of Jesus accomplishing what He came to do—the redemption of humanity through His own willful sacrifice—but it’s also a contemplation of Jesus silently participating in some of the worst aspects of being human,” Erickson said.

“Stations in the Streets” depicts Jesus being tempted to give up, His friend’s betrayal, His unjust conviction, the pain He endured, mockery, public humiliation, broken family relationships and the fear of death.

Ben Nelson, who is the pastor of Collectivus Church, shared his thoughts on the artwork.

“Art is an important part of our spiritual faith as it has the power to transcend language and culture, allowing us to connect with God in a unique and powerful way,” he said. “We are excited to have Scott Erickson’s ‘Stations in the Streets’ on display at Collectivus Church, providing a unique and profound way for our community to connect with God during this holy season.”

The work was on display throughout Holy Week until it was taken down on Easter day. Nelson shared that the church plans on displaying it again next year as well as a version for Advent.

Those interested in learning more about Collectivus Church may visit its website at Collectivus.church, and more information on Scott Erickson can be found online at Scottericksonart.com.

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By NOAH WORTHAM | Staff Writer

ALABASTER – Rain didn’t stop local residents from enjoying the annual Easter festivities at Cultivate Church’s annual Great Big Helicopter Easter Egg Drop.

The event was held on Saturday, April 8 at Veterans Park in Alabaster.

“Considering the weather, we felt we had a great day,” Lead Pastor Brandon Mathews said. “We were shocked that families got out with their kids in the pouring down rain, but the kids had a blast. People were very complimentary that we still did the event. We’re very thankful we did it. Just to know that we were able to accomplish what we set out to do by giving people a fun day with their family—it was well worth it to us.”

Residents had a variety of activities to enjoy during the event, including pictures with the Easter Bunny, free freshly-grilled hotdogs, a sensory area for special needs kids and the highlight of the event, more than 40,000 candy-filled Easter eggs.

“Everything that we did was 100 percent free,” Mathews said. “We do it just to show generosity. We feel like Jesus has been so generous for us. That’s what Easter represents—what He did for us. So, it’s our way of being generous to others, just extending that generosity to the community.”

Due to weather conditions this year, the helicopter was not able to fly for the egg drop. Mathews said they waited until the morning of the event to see if they could fly but were unable to.

“Instead of the helicopter dropping the eggs, we were able to scatter all those eggs across the field,” Mathews said. “And that way, the kids still received the amount of eggs that they would have been able to receive had the helicopter been able to fly.”

Mathews said that the community was complimentary and understanding of the work the Cultivate Church team went through due to the weather.

“People recognized the amount of work that our team went (through) to try to provide the day,” Mathews said. “(They) were so kind and complimentary and went above and beyond to thank us and show their appreciation that it happened. That meant a lot to us.”

Mathews expressed his gratitude for those that helped make the event possible.

“The hundreds of people from Cultivate Church who served—gave their day, rain or shine, to come out on a cold wet day to serve Shelby County is really incredible,” Mathews said. “The Parks and Rec for the city of Alabaster is always so kind and supportive of us that day. They provide people there from Parks and Rec to help take care of the park and assist us in things that may be needed. And so, I think they go unrecognized in a lot of areas through our community—they do so much. A big shout out to Parks and Rec for what they do.”

Mathews spoke on the importance of the Easter holiday.

“I think this is a powerful time each and every year that people are open to the idea of what God has done for us,” he said. “People often ask why we do this and go (through) so much trouble and expense and everything that it takes to do it. We just hope that it shows the heartbeat of God—for God so loved the world that He gave His Son—and that’s what this season of Easter represents. We just wanted as people to be a reflection of what Easter is all about in the generosity of God. We’re so thankful that we get to be a part of it and that we get to serve this community.”

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