LIVING

• Stealing from the offering plate
If the idea of embezzlement brings to mind images of big corporations and shady employees, then think again.

• Prattville prosthetist meets physical, spiritual needs in Ghana
Hundreds of Alabama Baptists head overseas each year to give a leg up. But rarely does one hear of an Alabama Baptist heading overseas to literally give a leg.

• State Baptist churches use variety of fall events to reach communities
Churches continue to find success when offering alternatives to traditional Halloween festivities. Using the season as an opportunity for outreach to their communities, hundreds of Alabama Baptist churches hosted events such as fall festivals and trunk or treats the last week of October.

• About Alabama
Alabama is not a "home rule" state. The relationship of the state government to cities, counties and local school systems is basically that of parent to child. The state has given cities much freedom to operate, but it retains lots of control over counties and school systems. While the 132 school systems receive the kind of supervision appropriate to such a relationship, the state of Alabama is a neglectful parent to its 67 counties.

• Athens' Fairview Church celebrates 100 years of laboring for the Lord
The labor of love its members put into helping Fairview Baptist Church, Athens, grow was remembered as the Limestone Baptist Association church celebrated its 100th anniversary Oct. 4.

• PowerSurge boosts community ministries
In this economic climate, talk of starting a new business is laughable, and one that relies on donations from community members seems even more far-fetched.

• Tuscaloosa Association celebrates two milestones
At its annual meeting in October, Tuscaloosa Baptist Association celebrated two milestones: the 175th anniversary of the association and the 25th anniversary of Director of Missions Jerry Wilkins.

• Want to know God?
In today's world, some ask, "In what or whom can one trust?" Some trust in their financial balance sheets, only to learn that life is not in stuff. Others trust in government to deliver them but find empty promises. Still others place their trust in religion, yet their lives are empty ritual.