Chandler F.U.M.C.

"To preach the Word of God urgently at all times, whenever you get the chance, in season and out, when it is convenient and when it is not. Correct and rebuke your people when they need it, encourage them to do right, and all the time be feeding them patiently with God's Word." II Timothy 4:2

Our new pastor, Dr. Russ Munch and family are here! What a joy it was to meet Reverend Munch, his wife Carol, their daughter Jessy, and son Chris and to welcome them to Chandler First United Methodist Church.

Dr. Munch completed his Master of Divinity at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University and his Doctor of Ministry from Houston Graduate School of Theology. Prior to entering the ministry in 1995, Dr. Munch received a degree in Financial Management from the University of Nebraska and worked in the financial industry. Dr. Munch's ministerial experience includes adult education, and evangelism at Foundry UMC in Houston, and Senior Pastor of Kountze/Warren UMC and Van UMC. As a pastor, Dr. Munch focuses on the need to bring young families, children and youth into the Church community. While at Van UMC, they were successful in establishing a VBS style weekly community ministry for over 80 children each week and were able to feed over 150 families per week from their food pantry.

Mrs. Carol Munch is an elementary school teacher and will be teaching in the Chandler Elementary School. Their daughter Jessy graduated this spring from high school and will be attending the University of Nebraska, this fall as a pre-vet major. Their son Chris has just completed basic training as a Marine and is currently stationed in San Diego.

Dr. Munch stated one of the most rewarding aspects of his ministry is "watching lives being influenced by the Grace of God and enhanced by volunteers using their gifts and talents to make a difference in the lives of others." It is our hope and prayer, that with his guidance and teachings we, as a congregation, will continue to grow in the Word and blessings of Christ our Lord.

The Munches have invited the whole congregation to come for a "Meet the Munch Bunch" at the parsonage at 605 Ridgewood. Supper to be served from 6:00 to 7:30 pm over a six-day period, June 12, 16, 19, 20, 21 and 25. Sign-up sheets are located in the entrance to the sanctuary, or you may call the church office. This will give Russ and Carol an opportunity to meet the congregation in smaller, more personal groups. Carol must be a very brave person to take on such a task, but what a wonderful opportunity for us to really get to know them.

June 24th the congregation will host the new pastor and family with a potluck dinner following the 11:00 service. Traditionally this is a "pounding " time. You remember, you bring the pastor a pound of coffee, sugar or flour. This year it is suggested we may want to give a gift certificate for some of the stores, or a small gift that may make their transition to Chandler more pleasant.

Remember, next Sunday, June 17th is Father's Day and Ken Reid needs all the ladies to sing in the choir. Practice is Wednesday, June 13th at 7 p.m. This is a good opportunity to share your voice with the congregation as well as recognizing the fathers in our church family.

Marla is collecting money for the Summer Church Camp; the registration fee is $200 this year. I hope all our young people will be able to attend. I know many of us have had such wonderful memories of attending Christian Church Camps in our youth. And many come to accept Christ through such an experience.

Remember the UM ARMY needs paper goods, and Capri Sun drinks. They should be brought to Marla's office between June 13-18.

What's Happening - Nelda Horton attended the wedding of Rusty Herrington and Diane Kanak in Crosby, Texas last weekend, and was pleasantly surprised to learn the officiating pastor was Rob Fisher, a former minister of CFUMC. He said to tell everyone hello.

Happy Anniversary - Justin and Wendy Armstrong, Darren and Nicole Grant, Erik and Jennifer Hemingway, Tom and Nancy Martin, Kyle and Jill McGill, and Kim and Bill Pollard. "...then you will sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your hearts." Ephesians 5:19

Happy Birthday - Judy Boehms, Winston Reagan, Jean Thatcher, Bud Cade, Charles Newsom, Debi Cade, Michael Grace, Lindsay Ford, Mary Mire, Rhnea Barnes, and Megan Frederick. "I was delighted every day, enjoying His presence all the time." Proverbs 8:30

Thought for the Week: (the pastor's) "responsibility is to equip God's people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ, until we (the congregation) come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature and full grown in the Lord, measuring up to the full stature of Christ." Ephesians 4:11-13