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

"I know your name, it is Jesus." -Collen Crist, age 4

We all have a lot of happy memories of Reverend Luckert's tenure at First United Methodist Church. One of my favorites had to be while David was teaching the Children's Church where all the children joined him in front of the altar. The children were telling him their names when Collen said, "I know your name." And of course David said, "What is my name?" I will never forget David's blush. But as written in Galatians 2:20 Christ lives in David and the children recognized the Shepherd's voice. David is a good shepherd who is constantly looking for different paths in reaching out to his flock. He served the community and encouraged his church members to reach out in Christian fellowship. David has fulfilled his responsibilities here as he will the rest of his life, as a man of God called to teach as a gift of God. "But then, because the Preacher was wise, he went on teaching the people all he knew; and he collected proverbs and classified them. For the Preacher was not only a wise man, but a good teacher; he not only taught what he knew to the people, but taught them in an interesting manner." -Ecclesiastes 11:9-10. Our prayers go with David, Cathy and their family to their new congregation in Richmond, Texas.

Last Sunday, Cathy Luckert performed a solo "Power in the Blood." We are not only losing a good pastor but a wonderful singer. What a gift she has shared with us over the years. Her music has touched many a heart and opened our senses to the joys of Christianity. Thank you, Cathy.

The covered dish for the Luckert farewell will be next Sunday, May 27th following the 11 a.m. service in the fellowship hall. See you there.

The Discipleship classes were recognized during the Sunday services. A certificate of completion and a pin were given to each individual completing the courses. Disciple Two, "Into the Word, Into the World" was led by Ken Reid. Those completing their second year in the discipleship training were, Danny and Dawn Crossley, Bob and Araminta Montgomery, Gayle Haynes, Linda Keeling, Helen Reese, and Mary Stewart.

The first year Discipleship course, "Becoming Disciples through Bible Study," led by Reverend Linda Pinson included Polly Dunklin, Dianne Johnston, John and Liz Killough, Cathy Morvant, Charlotte Thompson, and Melva White.

Martha Copeland and Judy Boehms led a daytime twopart version of the discipleship study titled "Invitation to the New Testament and the Old Testament." Participants of this study were Carolyn Bradley, Grace Callaway, Ruthie Callaway, Sandra Dinsmore, Gwen Jones, Tammy Kidd, Margie Luker, Betty Mulcahy, and Edith Billie Pollard.

Remember that Marla has asked that everyone support UM Army participants with their prayers and cards. Send your best wishes to Lakewood UMC c/o U.M.Army (Person's Name), 11330 Louetta Rd., Houston, TX 77070.

Watch your calendars for the next couple of weeks. Don and Martha Copeland will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary and we are all invited to their home, Saturday, June 2, 2:00 p.m. at 14102 FM 2010.

Habitat for Humanity is an organization committed to the idea that everyone deserves to have a home. But there is another kind of house that is being built in city after city. Churches too, are organizing volunteers and building houses so that the Spirit of God can move in. They are inviting God to dwell in their cities, because where the life of God flows, good things happen; people come to Christ, relationships are healed, crime rates drop, and churches are blessed. They are making a place for God in their neighborhoods, schools and businesses. They are making provision for the Spirit to reside with them, and when a church raises up a "habitat for divinity, the standard of spiritual living around it improves because the power of God is present," says Terry Teyki in the preface of his workbook "Blueprint for the House of Prayer."

Rev. Teykl Will lead the "Acts 29 Encounter," at Lanes Chapel UMC in Tyler. Rev. Teyki has a passion for prayer and teaches with humor and excitement. All denominations are invited to take advantage of this learning opportunity. The seminar is Saturday, June 2 from 9am- 3:30pm. The cost is $20 and lunch is provided. There are several things gong on that day. Even if you just come for the morning or leave at the afternoon break you will be blessed. The workbook, "Blueprint for the House of Prayer" is included. You can register at our church office or pay $25 at the door. Please don't miss this learning opportunity. Contributed by Shirley Murray, Prayer Committee.

Happy Anniversary - Franklin and Serena Griffin, Carl and Sabrina Kinch, and Jim and Sheri Morton. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour." Ecclesiastes 4:9.

Happy Birthday - Gary Dinsmore, Al Newman, Doug Crawford, Daniel Newsom, Danny Verver, Stephanie Womack, and Hunter Hutchins. "He created everything there is. Nothing exists that he didn't make." -John 1:3

Thought for the Week - "It isn't enough just to have faith, Faith that doesn't show itself by good deeds is no faith at all -- it is dead and useless." - James 2:17