Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God's throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to the things written in the books, according to what they had done. -Revelation 20:12

The season of Lent is the 40 weekdays beginning on Ash Wednesday and climaxing during Holy Week with Holy Thursday (Maundy Thursday), Good Friday, and concluding Saturday before Easter. Originally, Lent was the time of preparation for those who were to be baptized. But since these new members were to be received into a living community of Faith, the entire community was called to preparation. As Dennis Bratcher (http:// w w w. c r i v o i v e . o r g / cylent.html) wrote: "Today, Lent is marked by a time of prayer and a period of introspection, self-examination and repentance. It is a way to empty ourselves of our false pride, of our rationalizations that prevent us from seeing ourselves as needy creatures, of our perfectionist tendencies that blind us to the beam in our own eyes. For even though we profess our faith in Christ and accept his salvation, we are still tempted by our human nature. It is therefore good to remember while Christ came to earth to die for our sins, we will still be judged on that final day as to how we used this wonderful gift of forgiveness and grace.

The Joy Jinglers, under the direction of Mrs. Dianna Keesey performed three songs during last Sunday's service and they were outstanding! The Joy Jinglers are the youngest bell choir group which includes 2nd through 5th graders. The performers were Zane Griffin, Cubby Griffin, Gabe Grantham, Will Grantham, Taylor Johnston, Tommie Pollard, Michie Ibarra, Amy Ibarra, Sami Jo Taylor, and Lyn York. Thank you all for a wonderful experience.

Thirty Hours Fast: Most religions today that consider fasting as part of their worship, are looking at fasting during the daylight hours, with breakfast before sunrise and a meal after sunset. But not our young people. As part of a mission program, they will be collecting donations (which will be doubled) to benefit a program against Africa hunger. The fast will start this Saturday morning and end after the 11 a.m. Sunday service. Donations toward the African mission may be given to Marla Frederick at the church office. You may also sign up to provide a luncheon for those who will be very hungry after next Sunday's service. All our prayers are with each of you in this mission.

"And now about fasting. When you fast, declining your food for a spiritual purpose, don't do it publicly, as the hypocrites do, who try to look wan and disheveled so people will feel sorry for them. But when you fast, put on festive clothing, so that no one will suspect you are hungry, except your Father who knows every secret. And he will reward you." --Matthew 6:16- 18

On Sunday, March 11, the day the time springs forward, Reverend Luckert announced we would have only one service at 9:45 a.m. I am looking forward to having one service. Since I am not an "early person" it will be nice to meet those attending the early service.

Remember, the "Mom's with Preschoolers" will be meeting March 5th at 9:30 in the Church parlor.

Happy Birthday to Chris Taylor, Joan Stauber, Wynelle McDonald, Sharon Moffeit, and Grace Callaway. "One must wait until evening to see how splendid the day has been."

--Will Rogers

Thought for the Week: For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ --Romans 14:10. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in thy sight. --Psalms 19:14