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

Sermon (Nov. 4th) "Are You Living for the Dot or the Line?"

Scripture: II Corinthians 5:5-10

"Not all who sound religious are really godly people. They may refer to me as `Lord' but still won't get to heaven. For the decisive question is whether they obey my Father in heaven." Matthew 7:21

I recently read a news report about peoples' belief in heaven. Seventy-eight percent of Americans stated that they believed that they would go to heaven when they die. Yet only thirty-four percent of those who called themselves Christians attend church. But Jesus stated in Matthew 7 that: "The Gateway to Life is small, and the road is narrow, and only a few ever find it." And in Luke 18:17 He said, "The Kingdom of God belongs to men who have hearts as trusting as these little children's. And anyone who doesn't have their kind of faith will never get within the Kingdom's gates." Attendance in church teaches one to have that type of faith. As written in I Timothy 3:15: "God's family is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth." So, "Let this message sink into the ears of anyone who listens to what the Spirit is saying to the churches: To everyone who is victorious, I will give fruit from the Tree of Life in the Paradise of God." (Rev. 2:7). Wouldn't it be wonderful to see the other sixty-six percent in church this Sunday?

What an uplifting meeting the congregation held last Sunday, to discuss potential approaches to the scheduling of the worship services. It nearly felt like a family reunion / revival. It was wonderful to hear what the church meant to all the families. The Church Council has a lot to consider, but they know they are going forward with the best wishes and prayers of the congregation. Dr. Tom Cherry, as Chairman of the Church Council has worked hard to implement suggestions made a few years ago, regarding the Praise service and with the work of our pastor, the Church is moving forward.

"All Saints Day" was this Sunday, a day that we remember those members we lost during the year. For those who have not attended this service, the pastor reads out the names and a candle is lit and a bell is rung for each soul. What a wonderful way to share with others the memory of lost family members.

It is time to sign up for Summer U.M. Army Camp for this summer. Any questions concerning this program should be directed toward Kyle McGill or Marla Frederick.

Last year we received a double dose, where our young people went to other communities in Texas to help in construction and maintenance needs of the poor and handicapped, and Chandler played host to another U.M. Army group from churches across Texas.

This program is truly an inspirational mission, that reaches not only the young people, but the adult counselors and through them to the whole church.

The dinner last Sunday, to raise money for the "Nothing but Net" mission exceeded the desired goal! This is a terrific mission that serves a very important goal, so if you would like to contribute, and have not yet done so, please send your $10 to Marla Frederick.

Warning to the congregation! Be safe! Gayle Haynes, Jo Stauber, Rosie Bussman, Armenta Montgomery and George Grantham are all recovering from recently broken bones. Please keep them in your prayers. And remember to drink plenty of milk, and watch your step.

Happy Anniversary to: Roy and Alice Wilson, and Russell and Maria Graef. "No one can ever lay any other real foundation than that one we already have - Jesus Christ." Corinthians 3:11.

Happy Birthday to: Joann Ellis, Dianna Pollard, Matthew Pollard, Betty Dalton and Debbie Cherry. "Rich and poor are alike in this; each depends on God for light." Proverbs 29:13.

Thought for the Week: "Besides Theology, music is the only art capable of affording peace and joy of the heart like that induced by the study of the science of Divinity. The proof of this is that the devil, the originator of sorrowful anxieties and restless troubles, flees before the sound of music almost as much as he does before the Word of God. This is why the prophets preferred music before all the other arts, proclaiming the Word in psalms and hymns. My heart, which is full of overflowing, has often been solaced and refreshed by music when sick and weary." -Martin Luther