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

Dr. Munch's Sunday sermon: A Kingdom Minded Church: Does Whatever it Takes. Psalm 119:103-109

"Let us, as a nation, not be afraid of standing alone for the rights of men, since we were born that way, as the only nation on earth that came into being `for the glory of God and the advancement of the Christian faith.' To the extent that America honors Thee, wilt Thou bless America, and keep her true as Thou hast kept her free, and make her good as Thou hast made her rich. Amen." Prayer by Peter Marshall, 1947

It is beneficial at all times to look into our history to discover how we came into being as a society and to let that guide us into the future. God has blessed this country with great leaders, both in government, society, and the religious sectors. In 1954 Dwight D. Eisenhower presented a bill to the Congress to add the words "under God" to the Pledge of Allegiance. "In this way we are reaffirming the transcendence of religious faith in America's heritage and future; in this way we shall constantly strengthen those spiritual weapons which forever will be our country's most powerful resource in peace and war." (This bill was later declared unconstitutional by a Federal Court.) We must remember as Daniel Webster stated, "God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard it and defend it." Thomas Jefferson prayed "My God! How little do my countrymen know what precious blessings they are in possession of, and which no other people on earth enjoy!" Let us always, in our prayers, thank God for this country and pray that God's wisdom be granted our leaders.

CUMC KIDS Summer Missions, held during traditional Sunday school time for this summer, has been a huge success for the K through 5th grades. They have been introduced to the different mission programs of the Church, visited the local nursing home and God's Open Hands food pantry. In the future weeks they will make prayer beads, develop health kits for distribution by UMCOR during disasters and participate in the Prayer walk. Now is the time to get your child involved in Sunday school. They will love the activities while learning how they, as individuals, can make a difference while serving Christ. The programs go through August 26th, so it is not too late to enroll your child.

Jenny Burch, age 7, received a standing ovation for her rendition of "I Love My Country" dedicated to her father who is currently home from Kuwait, and will be returning next week.

It was good to have the UM ARMY back with us after their mission service in Ore City. They looked a little on the tired side, but stated they enjoyed every minute of the week. Now Marla will start planning for UM ARMY program visiting our community July 15-21. If you know anyone in this area that could benefit from minor construction work, clean-up, or painting, let Marla know. Also the young people will need places close to the church, where they may shower while they are here. They will be sleeping and eating at the Church, so if you wish to volunteer to help out, please contact Marla.

Remember, the Men's Breakfast the first Tuesday of each month and the Single Men's Breakfast the third Wednesday of each month. This is a great time for Christian fellowship.

Happy Anniversary to: Don and Edie Young and Justin and Erin Edwards. "And now just as you trusted Christ to save you, trust him too, for each day's problems; live in vital union with him." - Colossians 2:6

Happy Birthday to: Tom Bradbeer, Dee Curtis, Kenneth Reid, Key Duke, Joshua Cade, Casey Mayfield, Stacey Ibarra, Taylor Johnston, and Vivian Birdwell. "See that you go on growing in the Lord, and become strong and vigorous in the truth you were taught. Let your lives overflow with joy and thanksgiving for all he has done." - Colossians 2:7

Thought for the Week: "For the scientist who has lived by his faith in the power of reason, the story ends like a bad dream. He has scaled the mountains of ignorance; he is about to conquer the highest peak; as he pulls himself over the final rock, he is greeted by a band of theologians who have been sitting there for centuries." Dr. Robert Jastrow, founder of NASA's Institute for Space Studies