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

"Lord, help me!" - Matthew 15:25

Prayer is the essential tool that has been given us by God. It is the center of a Christian's life. One is encouraged, in the Bible, to pray in private, to pray in silent and in public, to pray with musical instuments, to pray without ceasing. The library is full of books on prayer. There are books on how to pray, samples of prayer and guidelines for praying. And they all serve a purpose in helping us make our prayers pleasing to God and to others. But there are occasions where contact with God is needed expediently. We all have those times where the situation feels hopeless, or where comfort is not forthcoming or danger is eminent. It is those times that we call out in our despair "Help me, Jesus." Isn't it wonderful to have that closeness with the Almighty that we can call him directly and at any time and he will answer? Makes one feel pretty special, doesn't it?

The Confirmation graduating class which hosted a baked potato luncheon last Sunday, earned donations for God's Open Hands. After lunch the congregation returned to the sanctuary for the Confirmation service. Nineteen youth completed the class.

As the various Bible study groups are wrapping up for the summer months, effort is now being focused on plans for this summer. The Women's Summer Christian Book Club will be meeting once a month. If you are interested, please fill out the flyer in the church bulletin. Pastor Munch is asking us what Biblical topics we would like for him to explore in his summer sermons. As Christians living in this world, we should be able to come up with quite a few concerns that would make good subjects for sermons.

Volunteers are also needed this summer for Vacation Bible School, to be held August 10th to August 15th. Also the "Tuesday Kids" activities will begin.

Wednesday, May 7th, Family Night Covered Dish Dinner will honor the High School Seniors and the end of year program for the Cross Training group. The High School Seniors are so busy with high school graduation activities, job and college preparation, that this might be our last chance to see them for awhile.

Happy Anniversary to: Bill and Zel Snow.

Happy Birthday to: Carey Crist, Mildred Raulerson, Martha Hemphill, Don Copeland, Nancy Kinch, Thurman Reed, Heather Stokke, Daniel Hays, Loren Parks, Austin Lackey, Camryn Johnston and Elise Grant.

Thought for the Week: "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." -I Thessalonians 5:16- 18