🌱 Megachurch Founder Dies + Disaster Relief Scams

Rise and shine, Birmingham! Here's everything you need to know to get this Wednesday started off right. Sadly, one of the Birmingham clergy community's longtime members died Monday. Rev. Frank Barker founded Briarwood Presbyterian Church in 1960, and helped it grow into one of the Birmingham metro's first megachurches. Also in the news, federal aid is available for victims of October floods in the area, but those seeking aid need to be aware of multiple scams out there related to the aid. Read about it below.

First, today's weather:

A strong afternoon t-storm. High: 76 Low: 68.

Here are the top stories today in Birmingham:

1. The Rev. Frank Barker, who founded Briarwood Presbyterian Church in a storefront in 1960 and led it to become one of Birmingham’s first megachurches, has died. (AL.com)
2. Jefferson County and Shelby County disaster survivors are urged to be alert to fraud and scams. (Alabama's News Leader)
3. Gunfire was exchanged between a Gardendale homeowner and a person suspected of breaking into the homeowner's car. (Trussville Patch)
4. Birmingham truly boasts an extraordinary musical legacy over its 150 years. Read this tribute to music in the Magic City. (Alabama NewsCenter)
5. See how this Auburn grad is making a difference in the Magic City with REV Birmingham. (Bham Now)

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Today in Birmingham:

• Hospitals need blood in a big way these days. Donate at the Red Cross Blood Drive at Levite Jewish Community Center. (10 a.m.)
• Experience a Celebration of Kwanzaa at the Birmingham Public Library. (6 p.m.)
• See a showing of the 2021 film Licorice Pizza, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, at Sidewalk Cinema. (Details)

From my notebook:

• Celebrate New Year's Eve at Vino Dine-in or To-Go. (280 Living)
• Here is where to recycle your Christmas tree in Birmingham. (birminghammommy.com
• Chez Fonfon's fish of the day is served over @rancho_gordo lima beans, haricots verts, capers, olives and shaved red onion with an anchovy vinaigrette. (Instagram)
• Birmingham was proud to host the TicketSmarter Birmingham Bowl at Protective Stadium. Thanks to the Auburn Tigers and Houston Cougars for an incredible experience. (Instagram)
• Greater Birmingham Humane Society's Jazz Cat Ball will be back and in-person on February 5, 2022, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel. (Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Wednesday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Michael Seale

About me: I am a lifelong Alabama resident with more than two decades of media under my belt. I have worked for a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper, a monthly magazine, a television station and a couple of radio stations. I also tried my hand at marketing for a little while. But I love writing news. This opportunity to bring Patch to Birmingham is a chance for my hometown to benefit from a new - and better - way to read and receive news.