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

Sermon for August 19th: Teach Me Your Way Oh Lord, So I Can Walk in Your Truth." Scripture: Exodus 33:12-23

"We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us, they help us learn to be patient." -Romans 5:3

One of the many things I have learned from the Disciple Bible Study courses was how truly relevant the Bible is in daily situations. For example, I purchased a new computer with Window Vista installed. Now I should have read Psalms 90:10 first as "Seventy years are given us. But even the best are often in emptiness and pain ..." For I have met my match with this program. But in praying for help, read "Share each other's troubles and problems ..." (Galatians 6:2). So I shared my troubles with Ken Reid. Thank you, Ken for helping me get last week's column off the computer. Let's hope that this trouble will not be like Job's "I therefore looked for good to come. Evil came instead. I waited for the light; Darkness came." (Job 30:26). I am still very much in the dark, however "Proud men end in shame but the meek become wise." (Proverb 11:2). I am meek, not a proud bone in my body. I am crying for help from anyone knowledgeable about Windows Vista that will lead me to the light.

CALLING ALL KIDS - To wrap up the summer, for children pre-K to grade 5, a back to school celebration will be offered on the church grounds, Wednesday, August 29th from 6 to 8 p.m. Free food, free carnival games, a bounce house and plenty of fun will be offered. Everyone is invited, so bring a friend.

Vacation Bible School was an outstanding success. Sevby enty-seven children were registered for the program. A very special appreciation goes to Kasey Oliver for her terrific job as coordinator and to all her talented helpers: Dianne Johnston, Debbie Taylor, Marla Frederick, Terri York, Karen McHam, Carolyn Bradley, Carolyn Hendrix, Rhnea Barnes, Deanna Pollard, Tina Burch, Mary Stewart and Debbie Cherry. The hardworking kitchen crew was Polly Dunklin, Sue Starnes, Liz Killough, Sandy Dinsmore, Nancy Adkins, Barbara Alexander, Sue Lipscomb, Melba White and Ruthie Callaway.

The CUMC KIDS: Summer Missions is wrapping up and what a wonderful program this has been. This week they helped in developing 10 health kits, and with the help of the Wesley Sunday School class an additional 10 health kits will be sent to UMCOR. The students also donated from their class piggy bank over $25 toward helping feed two children in Kenyon. Fifteen dollars will feed one child for one month. This mission is sponsored by the Methodist Women through the Jerri and Bill Savuto missionaries. Wouldn't this be a good project for each Sunday school class? Just think, $15 to feed one child for one month!

"Resurrection Women" sponsored by the FUMC Methodist Women will be offered Saturday, August 25 from 8:30-3:00p.m. Lunch and child care will be provided. The presenter will be Stacy Hawkins, Texas Conference UMW Spiritual Growth Coordinator. The retreat will focus on the theology of mission. It is designed to increase understanding of and commitment to God's mission to women, children, and youth. Please mail in your registration or call the church office. You will need to register by August 17th.

Prayer Crafting Workshop will be offered Saturday, August 18th from 10 till 12 p.m. in Heritage Hall. The workshop will be led by Shirley Murray and will introduce a creative way of using scripture in prayer. The class is for all ages including teachers and parents. The prayers crafted in the class will be used to make a prayer and devotional book for the participants to use for the first month of school.

Back to school is coming fast, and the fall schedule will give us plenty of opportunity to learn and grow in our Christian life. If you have not signed up for one of the courses to be offered, please sign up soon. Books will need to be ordered for some of the classes and classrooms prepared.

Keep your calendar handy:

* Youth Fellowship for 6- 12th grades will begin Sept. 5 from 6:30 to 8p.m. This will be an evening of food, fun, music and learning what it means to be a Christian today.

* "Cross Training" for pre- K through 5th grade will start Wednesday, Sept. 5. A free meal will be provided from 5:30 to 6 p.m. and crafts, stories, and music from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is invited.

* Home Improvement classes for couples will begin Sept. 9th from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Arrangements will be made for children and youth with music, games and fellowship.

* The Discipleship classes will start Monday, Sept. 10. So please let Ken or Martha Copeland know you will be attending these classes so books may be ordered.

Happy Anniversary to Tom and Laurie Maddox, and Joshua and Amanda Williams. "... I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead ..." Philippians 3:13-14

Happy Birthday to Woody McFarland, Benny Westbrooks, Mary Langford, Shirley Pyle, Gene Giger, Mary Stewart, Donna Ford, Jeff Hutchins, and Marla Pollard.