Sermon (Oct. 12), Blessed are the Peacemakers. Scripture, Romans 5:1-5

"The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear?" Psalms 27:1

Stress is one of the most debilitating conditions in our society today. Emotional stress can cause insomnia, overeating, depression, as well as physical diseases such as heart attacks and peptic ulcers. Yet we consider most stress as a result of this world's making. The desire to succeed, to accomplish some degree of worldliness, or simply to "live life to the fullest" has become our goals. Unfortunately, a few years of living at breakneck speed may result in damage that follows one the rest of their life. That is why Jesus told us: "If you love your life down here you will lose it. If you despise your life down here you will exchange it for eternal glory." (John 12:25). All we need to do is believe. "How earnestly I tell you this, anyone who believes in me already has eternal life!" (John 6:47). So what need do we truly have to "succeed" in this world?

As is the tradition of our Church, donations left at the altar during Communion is given to God's Open Hands food pantry. Mrs. Pat Martin, President of God's Open Hands program, stated that over 305 food boxes were distributed last month, serving 1002 family members. Many of these families are the elderly and disadvantaged, raising their grandchildren or caring for the infirm. But newer families are being added due to the current economic status. While all gifts are appreciated, more meals can be acquired by donating money for purchase directly from the East Texas Food Bank. You can give either through the Church or directly to the food pantry, located at 104 Jones Street. Remember, it is said in Exodus 22:22-27, "We should reflect God's concern for the poor by helping those less fortunate than ourselves."

If you attended last week's Family Night, you were blessed with sharing a meal with over forty young children of the CrossTraining program. These Pre-K through 5th grade students are a real joy to watch. It was a little difficult to hear, so watching was the best mode of communication. And what joy they communicated. They are learning the Bible and the value of Christian fellowship in a community of love and laughter. We owe so much to Kasey Oliver and all her volunteers for the outstanding job they are doing with this program.

Our Youth Program now under direction of John Taylor and Terry York continues to grow. Wednesday's "Youth Bible Study" class normally has more than 30 young people from 6th grade through high school. As the year progresses, more volunteers will be needed for specific projects and activities schedule for the young people. If you are interested in helping with your time, talent or money, please contact John Taylor or Terry York. "Since we are all one body in Christ, we belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others." Romans 12:5

The Praise and Worship Service, offered in Heritage Hall at 10:30 a.m. is attracting more and more young couples and their children. The average attendance is between 60 to 80, each Sunday. It has been our joy to observe new people coming to participate in the Praise Service and worshiping God with songs of praise.

Participants attending the Sunday school classes at 9 a.m. till 10 a.m. and the Praise Service at 10:30 may wish to drop in on "Coffee with Herb," at the back of Hall. His class starts at 10 a.m. but you are welcome to come in late and join in the discussion of Biblical lessons. He is currently focusing on "Discipleship."

The Methodist Women will be meeting the third Wednesday of this month. The program will be "World Bank offering." During the year members collect their coins to contribute to the Womens' Division for World- Wide Missions. They will also have "Pledge Service" where each member pledges their contributions to the Methodist Women's mission programs for the coming year. The UMW accomplishes so much in support of Methodist missions and in volunteerism within the Church and community. Come join a wonderful group of Christian ladies for fellowship and service. Remember they meet the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 in Heritage Hall parlor.

Happy Anniversary to: Mark and Dinah Hockman, Charles and Juanita Price, and Doug and Jody Callaway.

Happy Birthday to: Virginia Padgett, Manda Hockman, Chris Wangler, Adam Reelfs, and Olivia Kinch.

Thought for the Week: "So I tell you, don't worry about the food or drink you need to live, or about the clothes you need for your body. Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothes." Matthew 6:25