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

Beware! Don't always be wishing for what you don't have. For real life and real living are not related to how rich we are. - Luke 12:15

Did you watch the program on Public Television about the collapse of E-Ron? It was a very disturbing example of how greed of money can really destroy an individual's soul. But love of money is not the only source of greed. Greed is a form of extreme selfishness where personal desires result in gluttony, drunkenness, impurity of thought and sexual lust. Observe our world, the internet brings pornography into our homes, television celebrates promiscuity, exhibitionism, and filthy talk. Men of power, as Donald Trump, states "Greed is good capitalism based on greed." Sometimes we feel overwhelmed with the presence of sin; can you imagine the poor people without a strong faith to choose the right path? Pray for these young people who will be going to college soon. Pray that they have the strength of faith that Christ has given them to choose the righteous path and not be tempted away. "Come, they say, `We'll get some wine and have a party; let's all get drunk. This is really living, let it go on and on, and tomorrow will be better yet!" -Isaiah 57:12. Rather do as written in Ephesians 5:3, "Let there be no sex sin, impurity or greed among you. Dirty stories, foul talk, and coarse jokes, these are not for you."

Last Sunday services were conducted by our youth under the leadership of Marla Fredericks. Marla delivered an outstanding message titled, "Your Everyday Life" emphasizing the important role God can play in the ordinary moments. She made excellent points for the young beginning a new phase of their lives, as well as for the rest of us.

The Youth Choir consisting of Morgan Barnes, Allison Reid, John Griffin, Taylor Barnes, Ryan Reid, Macy Pollard, Kate Griffin, Marla Pollard, and Reid Preston performed beautifully, with solo performances by Marla Pollard and Danae Luckert. Our church is blessed with so many talented young people.

Our high school seniors were acknowledged during the Sunday service. They are: Morgan McGill, Blake Richardson, Callie Crossley, Daniel Herron, Zach Shaffer, Carter Maddox, Ruben Watson, Katie Pirtle, and Jordan Magee. We all wish them the very best future and will keep them in our prayers as they enter a new phase of their lives. "We pray that you will be strengthened from God's glorious power, so that you may be able to pass through any experience and endure it with joy." -Colossians 1:11

Scholarships administered by the First United Methodist Church were awarded during the service. Recipients of the Cade Scholarship were: Matt Pollard, Megan Frederick, Megan McGill, Loren Parks, Morgan McGill, Blake Richardson, Zach Shaffer, Carter Maddox, Clayton Boyd, and Draper Foster. Recipients of the Pollard Scholarship were Black Richardson, Zach Shaffer, Tonya Kiker, and Katy Ereman.

Memorial services for Sara Clark were held last week. She was a friend to all; she loved life, her God, Church and family. She was a joy on earth; and I am sure, a delight in heaven.

What's Happening - Remember to put on your calendar May 27th for the farewell luncheon for our Pastor and family. Also next Sunday is Family fun in Winchester Park following the 11:00 worship. Bring your picnic lunch and plenty of sunscreen and energy. If you don't have any young children you may want to borrow your neighbor's.

Gwen Jones and her neighbor, Lela Johnson attended a seminar entitled, Managing Our Superwoman Tendencies on Sat., May 5, presented at Grace Community Church in Tyler by the nationally known author Mary Whelchel, Director of Women's Ministries at Moody Church in Chicago, Illinois. Also, a nationally known singer, Damaris Carbaugh from New York ministered in song to the wonderful group of ladies in attendance there who were from many surrounding East Texas cities.

Happy Anniversary - Tony and Susanne Hays, and Steve and Lynne Staines. "Talk with each other much about the Lord, making music in your hearts to the Lord." - Ephesians 5:19

Happy Birthday - Helga Shaffer, Robert York, Nicole Gregory, Robert Montgomery, Frank Haynes, Joe Hendrix, Debbie Taylor, Austin Cade, Brook Romo, Cade Smith, Jenny Burch, and Hannah Stokke. "Happy is the man who doesn't give in and do wrong when he is tempted, for afterwards he will get as his reward the crown of life." James 1:2

Thought for the Week - "I was angry and smote these greedy men. But they went right on sinning, doing everything their evil hearts desired. I have seen what they do, but I will heal them anyway! I will lead them and comfort them helping them to mourn and to confess their sins." - Isaiah 57:17-19