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

"God always has shown us that these messages are true by signs and wonders and various miracles and by giving certain special abilities from the Holy Spirit to those who believe; yes, God has assigned such gifts to each of us." -Hebrews 2:4

"He gives power for doing miracles to some, and to others power to prophesy ..." - Corinthians 12:10

It is a strange thing about miracles, we accept them when we read about them in the Bible, but in today's world we look for all kinds of explanations rather than accepting them as true miracles. Science, medical technology and simple luck are cited today as the cause of most miraculous occurrences.

When I was a student nurse, working in the newborn nursery, a premature baby had been pronounced dead in the delivery room. The physicians had worked with the infant for some time before the infant was brought to the nursery workroom to await the funeral home. After a few minutes I went into the room to start the paperwork. I heard a muffled sound and turned to see this small bundle, moving as if fighting to get out of the blanket. A miracle or wrong assessment? You see, we are just like those in biblical times. "And they forgot about the wonderful miracles God had done for them." -Psalms 78:11

While cutting and pasting last week, a blessing was lost. Sunday, April 22, Luke Stephens Oliver, son of Kasey and John Oliver and the little brother of Levi, was baptized. The grandparents, Charles and Mary John Oliver and the congregation welcome this child into our Christian family.

The Youth and Junior Choirs under the direction of Ken Reid, sang "Hine Ma Tyv" and "Sing to the Lord." It is a real joy to hear these choirs perform. The members in the Youth Choir are Morgan Barnes, Allison Reid, John Griffin, Taylor Barnes, Ryan Reid, Macy Pollard, Kate Griffin, Marla Pollard, and Preston Reid. The Junior Choir consists of Jenny Burch, Carlin, Joseph and Krista Cherry, Cub and Zane Griffin, Camryn and Taylor Johnston and Sarah Stokke.

The reception held in honor of David, Cathy and their progenies Ben and Danae Luckert (it seems inappropriate to use the term children with Ben and Danae) was very enjoyable, even if it was for the purpose of recognizing that they would be leaving us at the end of this month. While God, and the Church District have called David for another church, it is with sadness that we see them go. "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow, for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. " -Matthew 6:33, 34

The Seekers Sunday School class will host the Wednesday Family Night Covered Dish Dinner. The graduates will be honored that night and the Methodist Women's organization will be selling handmade gifts for Mother's Day. Come and share the good food and Christian fellowship.

Saturday, May 5th at 8 a.m. the Methodist Men are asking for volunteers to do some work around the Church. Something about getting some carpet down? Bet they will have some free coffee and donuts!!

High School Graduates! Scholarship forms may be picked up at the Church office or at the high school counselor's office. These forms need to be completed and returned by noon, May 4, 2007.

National Day of Prayer - Thursday, May 3, we have been asked to focus our prayers for Reverend Luckert and family as well as our new pastor, Russ Munch and family this month. But let's also remember in our prayers our State and National leaders, our soldiers and all of our elected officials. We need to pray for our Nation and seek a time of healing worldwide.

Happy Anniversary: Billy and Karen O'Steen, Jared and Renee Jordan and Jim and Sheri Morton. "Live happily with the woman you love through the fleeting days of life, for the wife God gives you is your best reward down here." -Ecclesiastes 9:9

Happy Birthday: Barbara Ellis, Whitney McFarland, Gabe Grantham, Gina Magee, Andrew Pollard, Taylor Barnes, Braden Reelfs. "Stay always within the boundaries where God's love can reach and bless you." -Jude 21

Thought for the Week: What power believers have been given! Then God said, "Let us make people in our image, to be like ourselves. They will be masters over all life -- the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky and all the livestock, wild animals, and small animals." -Genesis 1:26

Then Jesus said: "For if you had faith, even as small as a tiny mustard see you could say to this mountain, `Move!' and it would go far away. Nothing would be impossible. " -Matthew 17:20