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

"You love what is good and hate what is wrong. Therefore God, your God, has given you more gladness than anyone else." Psalms 45:7

In my younger days I worked diligently to have fun, but sometime during this period I became acutely aware that was what others were doing as well. Looking for happiness through entertainment works, if at all, for only short periods of time and then only superficial. Deep abiding joy is only found within you and cannot survive if outside stimulation is required. It is written that lasting joy and happiness comes from the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22, 23) and it is ours for the asking. That doesn't mean prayer will immediately turn one into a joyous person. True happiness and joy is like a seed given by the Holy Spirit, to be nurtured, cultivated and shared. Ask God to give you joy and comfort, and then accept his gift. For if you ask you will receive!

Our lives are like a small dot on a continuous neverending line. Dr. Munch addressed just that issue last Sunday and left everyone thinking. What an image to help us put into perspective the significance of life without God. One has to wonder how atheists can remain sane thinking that their lives and all their life's efforts are just a dot on a never-ending line. Our Christian life provides the gifts necessary to survive this world and gloriously on through to eternity.

The Youth Bells performed "The Heavens are Telling" this Sunday. I am always amazed at how beautiful bell music sounds. It's like what one imagines heaven's music will be. This year the Youth Bells consists of Zane Griffin, Taylor Johnston, Marla Pollard, Preston Reid, Jacquelyn Taylor, Allison Reid, Ryan Reid, Jacob Pollard, with Ken Reid, Director of Music.

The Cross Training program for Pre-K to 5th graders is going strong. Last week they celebrated Halloween with games, pumpkin carving contests, balloons and loads of food and candy. Fortunately a lot more treats than tricks. Now that we are starting to enter the holidays, a really big schedule of activities has been planned for the children. Remember, if you have not brought your child, they are missing a wonderful time. The program is from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. each Wednesday. A free meal is provided with stories, crafts and musical activities. This is an excellent opportunity for children to learn and play in a Christian atmosphere. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

This Wednesday is the monthly Family Night covered dish dinner in Fellowship Hall. The Covenant Class will be hosting. So come and join in the wonderful food and fellowship with your church family.

Did you receive a letter from the Chandler Volunteer Fire Department? Hopefully you have sent in your donation in support of this department. The community of Chandler is very fortunate to have a volunteer fire department at this time. In fact, it would be difficult to consider how the community of Chandler would function without the volunteerism of its citizens. But volunteering to fight fires really takes a commitment, and deserves our support.

Happy Anniversary to: Donald and Deborah Partin, and Donny and Sherri Wilson. "I know what you are going to say ..." Job 21:27

Happy Birthday to: Nick Jordan, Marian Crawford, and Franklin Griffin. "He shall live within God's circle of blessing ..." Psalms 25:13

Thought for the Week: "It is a wonderful thing to be alive! If a person lives to be very old, let him rejoice in every day of life, but let him also remember that eternity is far longer, and that everything down here is futile in comparison." Ecclesiastes 11:7-8