"And you will have confidence, because there is hope, you will be protected and take your rest in safety." Job 12:13

A man named Lewis Smedes wrote, "Is there a hope when hope is taken away? Is there hope when the situation is hopeless? That question leads us to Christian hope, for in the Bible, hope is no longer a passion for the possible. It becomes a passion for the promise!" If anyone should be an example of hopelessness it would be Job. But his strength came from his faith. Without faith, hope cannot exist.

During these times of economic crisis, of jobs lost, homes and security lost, we need to remember God's promises. As written in Jeremiah 29:11 "For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope." But how do we obtain these blessings from God? Verse 12 in Jeremiah continues, "When you call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. When you search for me, you will find me, if you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me, says the Lord." We as Christians should not despair, but continue in study and prayer, so God's promise will become a reality.

Our Angelus Ringers were on tour last Sunday. They performed for our sister church, Lake Palestiine UMC during their worship service. I am sure they enjoyed the bell choir as much as we do.

The College U.M.Army is in Friendswood, Texas, till May 23rd. Please keep them in your prayers for a productive, rewarding, and spiritually enlightening experience. The group includes Kyle McGill, Jill McGill, Morgan McGill, Jonathan Dobrinski, Megan Dobrinshi, John Taylor, Andrew Pollard, Maria Pollard, Paul Dean, Bryan Cramer, Victoria Bagler, Callie Worthen, Ben Luckert, Megan Frederick and Marla Frederick. Over 125 adults and college age students will be participating in building and repair projects for victims of the Ike hurricane. This is the largest group that the College U.M.Army has had within our district.

It appears that summer is just around the corner. Plans are in progress for the Terrific Tuesday Program of activities within the community for the young children starting June 9th with Vacation Bible School set for the week of July 21st. The young people, under direction of Sean Little, will be kept busy with summer camp, high school U.M.Army, Sunday night Bible study and Wednesday night youth meetings. If you are looking for some way of working within the church, contact Mr. Reid or Mr. Little. All the programs need volunteers.

Next Sunday, May 24th, we will be recognizing the graduating seniors during the Traditional worship at 11 a.m. You will want to be sure and congratulate all these young people. Also we will be hearing from those who participated in the College U.M.Army. They always share such rewarding experiences and blessings with the congregation.

Happy Anniversary to: Steve and Lynne Staines, Franklin and Serena Griffin, Kasey and Jennifer Garner, and Carl and Sabrina Kinch.

Happy Birthday to: Gary Dinsmore, Al Newman, Tommie Cagle, Stephanie Womack, Brooke Romo, Cade Smith, Jenny Burch, Hannah Stokke.

Thought for the Week: "But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31