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

Sermon (April 6th) "Being a Child of God." Scripture, Matthew 18:1-7

"Just as the body is dead when there is no spirit in it, so faith is dead if it is not the kind that results in good deeds." James 3:26

I love to read recipes and have a stack of cookbooks, but I am not a cook. I have known those that have a tremendous amount of talent, as playing the piano, but they never play for the enjoyment of others. Christianity is like being given a wonderful gift and if that gift is never used, what good is it? It is true, as Paul teaches in Romans 3:27, we cannot earn our salvation through just doing good deeds; however our faith in Jesus Christ requires that we act on his teachings. Keeping our faith alive necessitates not just attendance in church or taking a Bible study course, but through our everyday lives, demonstrating that we are true Christians who not only believe but practice our faith.

Have you visited the CrossFire service held at 10:30 a.m.? Some may think that to "give praise" is to thank God for what he has done for us. However to "Praise God" is to praise Him for being who he is, the One and only God. "Let all the joys of the godly well up in praise to the Lord, for it is right to praise him." (Psalms 33:1) And those in attendance at CrossFire praise service sing and lift their hands and clap with shouts of joy (Psalms 47, 63, 98) in praise of our Lord. We owe our gratitude to the Praise Team for giving our congregation this opportunity. The Praise Team consists of Danny Hollis as lead singer, with Leta Hollis, Gwen Jones and Dennis Murray as back-up singers. Kyle McGill plays the drums, Frank Griffin plays bass guitar, Billy Osteen on electric guitar, with Nicole Grant at the keyboard. Thank you, friends, for sharing your talent and love of God.

Next Sunday at 4 p.m. in Fellowship Hall the Confirmation Class and Friends in Faith will meet. This year there are 14 young people attending the class. Sunday, April 27th those completing will join the congregation with a celebration luncheon following the 10 a.m. service. Be sure to extend an invitation to all the friends and relatives to attend the services that Sunday, because this is a very special day for these young Christians and for us all.

Include all our young people on your special prayer list this weekend, for they will be on their annual 30-hour fast as part of their mission for starving children throughout the world.

Sunday, April 13th and 20th at 5 p.m., Dr. Munch will be repeating the class on Methodism, our beliefs and heritage. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals seeking a church home. So let all your friends or acquaintances know about this class. It is held in the church parlor, in a very comfortable, informal setting, and Dr. Munch makes the church history and origin interesting, even "born Methodists" can learn.

Happy Anniversary to: Larry and Bettye Davis, Dan and Mickey Saxon, and Tony and Jerry Keating.

Happy Birthday to: Sue Hogan, Rita Noble, Edith Billie Pollard, Tony Keating, Pam Patterson, Nancy Martin, Daniel Sain, Kristina Grace, and Levi Oliver.

Thought for the Week: "Love your enemies! Do good to them! Lend to them! And don't be concerned about the fact that they won't repay. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as sons of God; for he is kind to the unthankful and to those who are very wicked." Luke 6:35