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

Sermon (Dec. 16) Miracle or Coincidence? Scripture, Luke 1:46-55.

"When I was a child I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child does. But when I became a man, my thoughts grew far beyond those of my childhood, and now I have put away the childish things." I Corinthians 13:11

Several children were waylaid with the question, "What are you going to give Jesus for his birthday?" In writing their responses it became clear that Apostle Paul may have been terribly wrong about putting away childish thoughts, for it is clear that these children are very wise:

~ Augustus Cade, age 8, said he would be "nice" for Jesus. Think how many adults could benefit from being nice?

~ Camper Cade, age 5, said she would give Jesus some sandals. Her mother said she used to pray about Jesus' feet. A child's concern about Jesus' well-being has to be very wise.

~ Katy Callaway, age 5, said she would Jesus an angel. With all the work Jesus has to do he needs a lot of angels.

~ Jake and Hunter Hutchins, ages 8 and 6, said they would give Jesus their heart.

~ Maleri McHam, 9, said she would give all her love.

As our Lord and Savior, Jesus said, "Anyone who welcomes a little child like this in my name is welcoming me, and anyone who welcomes me is welcoming my Father who sent me." Mark 9:37

Don Piper, who wrote the book 90 Minutes in Heaven, described the beauty of the music he heard while standing at the gates of Heaven. The congregation was blessed with a taste of Heaven's music last Sunday when the Angelus Ringers, directed by Lou Griffin, performed. The members this year are Linda Pinson, Jill McGill, Deanna Pollard, Debbie Taylor, Mary Mire, Maria Pollard, Tina Burch, Barb Cade, Nancy Martin, Diana Keesey, Natalie Smith, Tom Jones, and Carey Crist.

In the coming newsletter a brochure will be included pertaining to the Kenyan trip the Methodist Women's organization are planning for this summer. Included is a calendar depicting the activities planned to help raise money for the trip. At this time, seven members are committed to the mission project. This is a wonderful opportunity for members interested in handson experience in the mission field. Let's support this project with our prayers and service.

Santa and Mrs. Claus visited Sunday evening at Heritage Hall, and over 100 children came to greet them. Did you notice how much the temperature dropped about the time they arrived? Thankfully, Santa didn't bring any snow with him.

We have so many of our members in the hospital or home recovering from surgeries. They are all listed in the Sunday bulletin, or in the Church office. Please read these names and include them in your daily prayers.

Happy Anniversary to: M.G. and Judy Boehms, Bob and Shirley Pyle, and Winston and Juanita Reagan. "Live happily with the woman you love through the fleeting days of life." -Ecclesiastes 9:9

Happy Birthday to: Dan Mourgos, Emogene Finley, Tom Birdwell, Buster Kidd, Dorothy Newson, Jerry Keating, Marcie Hutchins, Lyndie Wangler, Carter Maddox, Tommy Pollard Jr., and James (Cubby) Griffin. "Don't be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time." -Matthew 6:34

Thought for the Week: GROWTH: G - Go to God in prayer daily; R - Read God's Word daily; O - Obey God, moment by moment; W - Witness for Christ by your life and your words; T - Trust God for every detail of your life; H - Holy Spirit, should be allowed to control and empower your daily life.