CHANDLER U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

"Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace." - Galatians 5:4

Do you believe that once saved always saved? Many immature Christians profess their belief in Jesus as the Son of God, and consider this as sufficient to ensure admittance into heaven. They perform "good deeds," give generously to the Church, publically acknowledge their beliefs, but still walk in darkness.

An acquaintance once told me that they did not believe in hell, because "my god" would not be so cruel. While that may well be a belief, it is more likely wishful thinking. How nice it would be not to fight the temptations the devil places before us. How much fun could one have in life not worrying about pleasing God?

We only need to acknowledge Him and we will get into heaven. Of course Satan lived in the very presence of God, yet look what happened to him. Remember, we have been recorded in the Book of Life since before the beginning of time, but in Revelation (3:3-5) Jesus will "erase our names from the Book of Life, if we are not worthy. "If anyone sins deliberately by rejecting the Savior after knowing the truth of forgiveness, this sin is not covered by Christ's death; there is no way to get rid of it." -Hebrews 10:26.

Our Church is truly blessed with wonderfully talented musicians and last Sunday we were treated with an outstanding program of songs of worship. Kim Pollard sang "El Shaddai," a beautiful song using the Hebrew name for "the all-sufficient God."

She touched our souls with her voice and the message of this song. We also had the privilege of hearing Kate Griffin joining the Chancel Choir playing the French horn in "Call on Him."

We also enjoyed the Joy Jinglers, the 2nd to 5th graders ' bell players, "Jesus Loves Me," and the Youth Bell Choir playing the offeratory "Immortal, Invisible God Only Wise."

This year the Joy Jinglers consists of Sarah Stokke, Jenny Burch, Kaylee Lambert, Camryn Johnston, Lyric Patterson, Joseph Cherry, Cub Griffin, Tommy Pollard and Christopher Bass, while Taylor Johnston, Zane Griffin, Taylor Cramer, Debbie Taylor, Sami Jo Taylor, Dianne Johnston, Jacalyn Taylor, Allison Reid, and Ryan Reid made up the Youth Bell Choir.

Have you considered joining the new mission aim toward contacting those who are serving in the military service?

It is a wonderful way of having personal contact with those who protect our freedom with their own lives. The mission will consist of contacting individuals through e-mail, letters or cards and an occasional gift bag. Contact Reverend Pinson or Ken Reid if you are interested in this mission.

Wednesday, November 19th the Methodist Women and Methodist Men met. Both organizations have exciting activities and missions plans for the coming year, so plan to join these dynamic service groups. The UMW's silent auction will be held on November 30th following the Unity Service at 10:30 a.m.

Place Saturday, December 6th on your calendar, for the Live Nativity program with crafts, music, food and fun, offered by the seven regional Methodist Churches.

What a wonderful opportunity to get into the "spirit" of Christmas with the whole family. Rediscover Christmas by discovering Christ in the coming holiday season. Check out www.rediscoverchristmas.org for directions and other information.

Happy Anniversary to: Billy and Chris Martin

Happy Birthday to: Jack Irwin, Shirley Ann Bradbeer, Lindsey Johnson, and Lyn York.

Thought for the Week: "...no temptation is irresistible. You can trust God to keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it, for he has promised this and will do what he says. He will show you how to escape temptation's power so that you can bear up patiently against it." I Corinthians 10:13