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

Sermon: Jan. 13th: "Can I believe It? Myths about Christianity - #1

Scripture: II Peter 1:2-21

"If your faith were only the size of a mustard seed," Jesus answered, "it would be large enough to uproot that mulberry tree over there and send it hurtling into the sea! Your command would bring immediate results!" Luke 17:6

We often talk about the power of prayer but infrequently about the power of faith. How does one acquire the degree of faith as Jesus spoke? Each day brings an opportunity to grow in faith. Have you experienced long periods without attending Church? Are you active in a Sunday school class or Bible study? If faith does not grow, unbelief, like weeds in a garden, will take hold. If we do not value our faith, we diminish it. Whenever we wish to know anything we go to the expert in that field. If we want our faith to grow, we nurture it by prayer, study and worship. Imagine what it would be like if our faith were strong enough to move a tree? What miraculous things Christians could accomplish!

Didn't you love the acronym JOY (Jesus 1st, Others 2nd, and Yourself 3rd) that Pastor Russ shared in his sermon last Sunday? What a message to live by in just one word. This was demonstrated in the report that the UM Army participants gave the congregation about their trip over the holidays to work in a family homeless shelter. The joy that showed in their faces when they told of their accomplishments illustrated how great it is to serve others in Christian love.

Remember this Sunday and Monday, Jan. 13-14, will be the "Reviving Our Faith" revival. The program will be from 6 to 7:30 pm each night. Come and join in the wonderful message and music of Rope and Candice Myers. Ask your neighbors to join you in this wonderful experience. Plant a mustard seed and watch your faith blossom.

The Financial Seminar to be taught by Dr. Herb Marlow, will be held the following two Sundays, Jan. 20th and 27th, from 6 to 7:30 pm. The seminar is practical, possible and easy to understand. "It covers all aspects of individual and family finances from how to balance your checkbook, to how to save in spite of yourself. " Sounds like an idea we can all benefit from, to begin the New Year without financial worry. All ages are welcome. Even the young can benefit from learning how to manage their finances, or yours.

The 10 am Bible Study, led by Martha Copeland will start January 21st. This session will be "Invitation to John," by Robert D. Kysar. The Study is open to everyone, so contact Martha or call the church office if you are interested. This is a wonderful opportunity for Bible study with you friends and church family.

Happy Anniversary to: Danny and Dawnn Crossley and Preston and Wanda Gamble.

Happy Birthday to: Rob Burch, Sarah Stokke, Chris Cochran, Preston Gamble, Dan Townsend, Helen Reese, James Griffin, Rosie Bussman, David Travis, Russell Goodwin and Judy Pope.

Thought for the Week: "What is faith? It is the confident assurance that something we want is going to happen. It is the certainty that what we hope for is waiting for us, even though we cannot see it up ahead." (Hebrews 11:1). "You can never please God without faith, without depending on him. Anyone who wants to come to God must believe that there is a God." (Hebrews 11:6).