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

"But when the kindness and love of God our Savior was shown, he saved us because of his mercy. It was not because of good deeds we did to be right with him." Titus 3:4, 5

Aesop wrote that no act of kindness, no matter how small is ever wasted. William Wordsworth wrote that the best portion of a good man's life was his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness. Kindness seldom takes much time or effort on an individual's part, yet could result in such significant impact on another that it could change their life forever. Of all the miracles Jesus performed it was his acts of kindness that mostly exemplified his life. His teachings often carried the message that our time on earth was the "seed time" and that the next world would be the reaping of what we have sowed. Kindness is the expression of love, which can be shared with a friend or a stranger. Have you stopped in your busy day to show a total stranger some kindness?

I certainly have been the recipient of kindness during my recent illness. For those well appreciated meals, cards, offers of assistances and wonderful prayers, I thank you. And to Linda Pinson for ensuring the church news column was written, for being there when called, and for her prayers and friendship every day. "The glory of friendship is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship." Corrie ten Boom

We have many to pray for during the coming weeks; the Kenya Mission Team has an arduous task ahead of them working with the Methodist Hospital in Kenya and desire our continued prayers for them and their mission. The U.M. Army left last Sunday for their mission week in Atlanta, Texas. Adults and high school students attending are: Kyle McGill, John Taylor, Marla and Megan Frederick, Russ and Carol Munch, Elaine Deal, Deanna and Allen Pollard with Marla, Macy and Andrew Pollard, Preston and Ryan Reid, Kate Griffin, Paul Deal, Mikey Grace and Taylor Cramer. How honored we are to have such wonderful high school students as members of our church, and we pray that they will be enriched by their service to others.

Don and Martha Copeland have been celebrating their family's successes and blessings this month. Their granddaughter, Morgan McGill completed her first year at Lon Morris College where she is majoring in Marketing. She received a scholarship from Lon Morris to play softball for the Bearcats. This spring she was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa Rho. Lon Morris, a United Methodist College, celebrated their 79th anniversary in 2008.

Zachary Copeland graduated from Southwestern University on May 10, 2008. He received his Bachelor of Arts and Science Degree in sociology and has also completed graduate courses in Architecture. He received a four-year scholarship in baseball for the Southwestern Pirates. Southwestern is one of the oldest established United Methodist Universities in Texas.

Emily Copeland, a junior at Parish Episcopal High School, has been very active in the drama department. Last fall, Emily played the part of Quiser Boudreaux in "Steel Magnolias," and as the Cowgirl and Principal Clark in the musical "Footloose" this spring.

Terrific Tuesday (July 8th) the children will tour the Texas Fish Hatchery in Athens, Texas. Contact Ken Reid at the church office if your children would like to attend.

Wednesday, July 2, will be the Family Night Covered Dish dinner, hosted by the Wesley fellowship Sunday school class. While the summer months tend to slow us all down, it is still a pleasure to "get out" once in a while and share your favorite dish, make new friends, share your activities of the summer and not have to wash the dishes!

Kasey Oliver is still seeking volunteers to help with Vacation Bible School starting August 10th. Please notify Mrs. Oliver as soon as possible. Anyone who has ever worked with Bible school, understands the wonderful work these people accomplish in leading our young toward the path of Christianity. Make this your personal mission of growth. Volunteer!

Happy Anniversay to: Don and Edie Young.

Happy Birthday to: Lowell Wood, John Taylor, Charles Curtis, Natalie Smith, Megan McGill, Madison Stewart, Vivian Birdwell, Dee Curtis, Kenneth Reid, Joshua Cade, Casey Mayfield and Stacey Ibarra.