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

Don't gossip. Don't falsely accuse your neighbor of some crime, for I am Jehovah. -- Leviticus 19:16

Gossiping about someone is probably the most accepted sin present within the Christian community. Studies have even been conducted on how gossiping about another person with a friend may increase the bonding of new friendships. However this supposedly small sin has in the younger generation been developed into something like a game, with character assassination occurring over the internet and text messaging, all for the specific purpose of "causing hurt." However all gossip, rather just complaining about another person's behavior, or sharing a person's problem given in secret with another, causes harm. Do you carelessly say things that could hurt the feelings or reputations of others? As Christians an apology can bring forgiveness, but it can never erase all the harm caused. It is wise for us to remember "I will not tolerate anyone who secretly slanders his neighbor; I will not permit conceit and pride." Psalms 101:5 and practice Psalm 17:3 "For I am determined not to sin in what I say."

What wonderful memories! Ken Reid, our music director has asked the congregation to list their favorite hymns. So of course we more mature members gave our favorites, "Blessed Assurance," "Amazing Grace," and "The Old Rugged Cross." The songs brought tears of joy to my eyes remembering those hymns of my youth. But it's fun to hear the upbeat of the new songs too, so we are looking forward to some of the younger member's favorites as well.

Marla Pollard sang a beautiful song of praise during the service last week. Marla is a wondereful example of the gifts of our Christian youth. We are really blessed with a giving, active, caring group of young people. And from the large group of children running down to the altar for the Children's Church we are going to be doubly blessed in the next few years. The congregation is enjoying Carol Munch's teachings as well as the children.

Our new church bulletin includes each week, a Prayer Request form to be given to the prayer team. If you have no request, consider tearing the form out and giving it to someone who may have a need. Like someone at work who is having worries, or a neighbor who could benefit from prayer but does not have a church. It is nice to tell someone you have put them on your prayer list, but sometimes a person may benefit from talking to God in a personal way. You may notice that the back of the form is for those wishing to join the church. Coincidence? I think not.

The Prayer Committee has adopted an active strategy called "Prayer Walking." This is taken from Blueprint for the House of Prayer by Terri Teykl, which is based on God's promise to Joshua, "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses: (Joshua 1:3)." On Saturday, July 14th at 9 a.m. the Prayer Committee will do a "Prayer Walk" covering all the areas of our Church that will be used by the UM ARMY. All Church and Community members are welcomed to join in this wonderful opportunity to cover the UM ARMY in God's blessings. On Sunday, July 15th the leaders of UM ARMY will walk the facility in prayer. Over 100 youth and their leaders will be present.

Dr. Munch has requested that those desiring to join in prayer prior to the Sunday service meet at the altar at 8:15 or 10:45 a.m. This will give us an opportunity to pray with the Pastor and Church leaders for guidance and wisdom, as well as for the power of the Holy Spirit to bless our Church and congregation. Jesus told us, "You have not because you ask not."

Reverend Linda Pinson met with the CUMC KIDS Summer Missions program last Sunday to teach about how God created the world and their responsibility as Christians to care for the earth. This Sunday, July 15th they will go to the park and help pick up trash as their application of good stewardship.

What's happening: The family of the late Jim and Ione Fitzgerald had a reunion last week at the home of Mary Stewart. Attending were Margot Frye of Houston, Betty Dabney from Baltimore, Maryland, Holly Braden, Ben and Maryia of Capital, New Mexico, Patty Foster and Matt from Palestine, Nell Warren from Tyler, and Jean Braden, Evelyn Fitzgerald, Ann, Robert and John Baggett, Glyn, Ginger, Lindsey and Madison Stewart, Shelia, Miles, and Brooke Spencer. Everyone had such a wonderful time Mary invited them back next year.

Happy Anniversary to: Russell and Geraldine Bradford, Daniel and Diana Keesey, Bill and Dorothy McHam and David and Jennifer Travis. "Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God." I John 4:7

Happy Birthday to: Alan Helms, David Kidd, Kyle McGill, Adam Travis, Jacalyn Taylor, Dakota Duke, Michael Ibarra, Kealy Barber, Blake Bradbeer, and William Bradbeer. "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever." I John 2:17

Thought for the week: "Their lives became full of every kind of wickedness and sin, of greed and hate, envy, murder, fighting, lying, bitterness, and gossip." Romans 1:29. "Set a watch O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips."