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

Sermon (Dec. 30) "Priceless ", Guest Speaker, Mr. Bob Fisher

Scripture: Hebrews 2:10-18 Matthew 2:13-23

"I don't mean to say I am perfect. I haven't learned all I should even yet, but I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ saved me for and wants me to be." -Philippians 3:12

Considering New Year resolutions? Tired of making the same old resolutions to lose weight and cut out chocolate? Paul, in his letter to the Philippians gave us several good resolutions to consider for the New Year. For example: 1. Rejoice in the Lord! 2. Don't worry about anything. 3. Pray to God for all your needs. 4. Think only of what is true, good and right. 5. Focus on only the goodness of others. 6. Think about things that are pure and lovely. 7. Let others see you as a concerned and unselfish person. 8. Live in eager expectation and hope. 9. Thank God for all His blessings.

As Paul wrote, none of us are perfect, but following these rules would certainly get us closer to what Christ intends for us. One other resolution for this coming year should be immersing one's self in the Word. Happiness relies on happenings or possessions; deep abiding joy is knowing God in all his wonder. So number 10 would be to read the Bible daily. "All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." -II Timothy 3:16, 17

Remember the New Year's Morning Prayer Service at 9:30 a.m., with blackeyed peas and cornbread lunch to follow. We will pray throughout the church, for staff, teachers, and functions that go on in the various rooms of the church facilities.

Mark your calendar for Jan. 13 and 14 when Rope Myers and his wife Candice will present a program of witness and special music. Bring a friend!!

Upon review of the previous year of our church, we as a congregation have been blessed in so many ways. The church has gone through some changes which have affected each of us in varying degrees. We had a change in our pastors and in our times of worship services. A praise service was initiated by our leadership. A new weekly program, "Cross Training" for young children was successfully implemented. Local interest trips were offered for our mature members. The UM Army visit sponsored by our church came to Chandler to aid citizens within our community. The UMW organization has become committed to the missionary program in Kenya where some of the members will be on a "working" trip this summer. In addition the other programs sponsored by our church membership, as the numerous Bible studies, special interest groups as the Prayer group, the Bread of Life, and the Quilting group, and the Triple L, and even the Merry Maids that keep the Sunday school rooms clean, continue through out the year.

We should be proud of the accomplishments of our church. We owe much to our leadership, our pastor and the staff of CFUMC but also to the active members of all the various programs, who have given their time, energies and creativity to making the programs a success. There are way too many names to identify in this column, but God bless each, for you are the ones that truly make our church alive.

Happy Anniversary to: Lowell and Carolyn Wood.

Happy Birthday to: Dorothy Newsom, Martha Copeland, Shelia Spencer, Elvin White, Nelda Horton, Ross Mallette, Louise Callaway, Lowell Wood, Coy Ellis, Cheryl McFarland, and Maria Graef.

Thought for the week: "You need only to be strong and courageous and to obey to the letter every law Moses gave you, for if you are careful to obey every one of them you will be successful in everything you do." -Joshua 1:7