CHITCHAT CORNER
When in doubt google it
LINDA K. BALLARD

"You can find just about anything you want to know on Google," said Rev. Charlotte Austin this last week. A film crew was at McCary's Chapel United Methodist Church in Liberty City this last Tuesday and Hilly Hicks, a Methodist pastor from Nashville, Tennessee, was employed by the Texas Annual conference to direct the project. Upon hearing his name, Eva Schuler remarked to Charlotte, " I know that name from somewhere." Not wanting to embarrass themselves by asking him directly, they ran to the computer to "Google his name." Sure enough, it popped up and the ladies discovered he was indeed an actor with who was cast in the film "Roots."

Naturally, all to the wise of things, Charlotte, with a big grin across her face, approached the man to reveal she was aware of his acting background. He acknowledged the truth and went right on working. Hicks with a crew of 3 technicians filmed at the church and other places around the community where the members live and work.

McCary's Chapel is one of about 15 churches chosen to share ideas for this project. The DVD will be a supplement to the book "Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations" by Robert Schnase and was filmed to help other congregations.

Over 700 United Methodist Churches in the Texas Conference will be given a copy of the DVD at their annual meeting in Houston, Texas, in May. It is hoped that those churches will be motivated to try some of the successful practices such as the ones filmed at McCary's Chapel. The five practices include radical hospitality, passionate worship, faith-forming relationships, risk-taking mission and service, and extravagant generosity.

"It's here," said Pam DeCeault. "The quilt that was made for Habitat for Humanity's Women's Build Homes is now on display." The beautiful handmade blocked quilt is temporarily on display at the Kilgore National Bank. Each block on the quilt was sold with the proceeds going toward the building of a new home. "We have already had many ask us why we have a quilt hanging in the bank," she said.

Speaking of Habitat for Humanity, their annual chili luncheon held on Friday at the first Baptist Church sure was g-o-o-d.

Wal-Mart has added a new category to their annual award ceremony. This year, for the first time, the Cashiers of the Year were chosen and the recipients were Kilgoreites Linda Self and Barbara Moore. "Twenty employees were award winners," said John Kenna. "Our physical year actually ends on January 31 and our awards are presented every February. "We are proud of their hard work and loyalty," he said. (Next year, John, do we get to vote, too?)

Kelli Grant's at it again. A new release slipped through the mail to us on Friday. The CD called "Swings & Sings" includes her new songs "Don't Mess with Texas" and "Swing Me Back to Texas" which once again features the talents of a few former Texas Playboys. (Way, to go, Kelli!)

May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. In the meantime, we may be reached at 903-984-2593 or by e-mail at chitchatlinda@aol.com.

Kilgore National Bank - Habitat Quilt on display

Cashier of the Year -