Dear Friends,
Of the questions I get asked, the most frequently asked one is a "why" question: Why does God let bad things happen to good people? Why does God allow evil to exist? Why does God allow a loved one to get sick or die? Why is there suffering in the world? I have a suspicion that underneath these questions are questions about God's goodness and God's power: If God is so good, why does God let the innocent suffer? If God is so powerful, why does God let evil exist and persist? Why doesn't God do something about it?

There is a song by Andre Crouch that I enjoyed as a teen that I believe still rings true today: "Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there is no other; Jesus is the way." All that God wants to tell us about Himself and His ways, God has done so ultimately through sending His Son, Jesus Christ. We will find the answers to life's hard questions when we yield to Christ.

As we continue to grow in faith, instead of asking "why God?" perhaps a far better question to ask is, "How can I express my hope and faith in You in these challenging times?"

2005 ANNUAL REPORTS are due. All committees and ministries are asked to submit an annual report by 2/15/06. If you have already done so for the Charge Conference, please submit your most updated report.

HEY KIDS: This Sunday, February 12th is our Children's Worship Service. Try to wear something red to church for Valentine's Day and don't forget to bring your smiles!

YOUTH GROUP: Progressive Dinner will be this Sunday, February 12th. We will meet at Church at 5:00pm and proceed from there, ending up at the parsonage.

SKILLS DIRECTORY: We are still compiling information for the Skills Directory. It is not too late to submit your information. You can either fill out a form on Sunday during church or e-mail Rodger Lee at rltrumpet@aol.com.

VALENTINE'S DINNER: The UMM will once again host a dinner for men and their significant others. In addition, the widows of former members are invited to attend at no cost. The date will be Monday, February 13th at 7:00pm (snow date Feb. 20th) in Fellowship Hall. The cost is $5.00 for members (must have paid the $10.00 annual dues) and $10.00 for non-members. For tickets, please see Pete Campanella or Jeff James.

OUTREACH COMMITTEE: Would you like to help extend our Church's reach beyond our own walls to the greater world? Then you're welcome to join the Outreach Committee! If you're interested, call the Church Office and leave message for Lisa James.

BOYS' CHRYSALIS WEEKEND: for grades 10-12 is Feb. 18-20 at the Hicksville UMC. Experience the grace and love of our Lord in a new way. You'll meet new friends, learn new songs and share a weekend with other youth. Applications are available in the So. Transcept. Further info. please see Pat DiMassi or Shanna Wurth.

FAREWELL BRUNCH: Please join us on Sunday, February 26th after church in Fellowship Hall for a farewell brunch for Christine Bouton and her family. We wish her well in her move to Texas and thank her for her many years of music ministry with us.

J.C. CAFÉ Join us on Saturday, March 4th at 7:00pm in Fellowship Hall for an evening of fellowship and contemporary Christian music featuring Joe Guadagno and Paul Paoli. Suggested donation is $5.00, which includes coffee and desserts. See Harry Schwartz for tickets at Coffee Hour.

DIRECTOR OF MUSIC POSITION AVAILABLE: Farmingdale UMC seeks part-time Director of Music. Skilled, creative organist and pianist to direct and accompany a chancel choir, a praise and gospel choir, a youth choir and a bell choir and to play at Sunday worship service and other special services. Organ is a twenty rank Austin. Position could be divided. Salary up to $22K, commensurate with responsibilities. Additional income from weddings and funerals is possible. Position open March 1, 2006. Send resume to Music Search Committee at farmumc@earthlink.net or to 407 Main Street, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE: save money on your car insurance by taking a Defensive Driving Course on Saturday, March 11th 9:00am-3:00pm at St. Killian's. The cost is $37.00, part of which will go to fund our friends at their outreach center. For more information, call 516-756-9656.

ALTAR FLOWER REQUESTS: If you wish to place flowers on the Altar in memory of a loved one, or in honor of someone or a special time in your life, there are flower request forms available in the South Transcept. Next available dates are: 2/19, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19, 3/26.