-------------------------------------------------------
Family Lines Newsletter, August 25, 2002
-------------------------------------------------------
**STRUGGLES**
Everyone has them. Children, men, and women have them. Single, married,
divorced, and grieving people have them. Good people, indifferent people,
and evil people have them. Teens, adults of all ages, even elderly people
have them. Parents with children at home and parents with grown children
have them. Healthy people, sick people, poor people, middle class people,
and rich people have them.
The only requirement for having struggles is life. If you are alive, you
have struggles. The issue is always the same: "How will I deal with my
struggles?" The issue is never, "Will I have struggles?"
The human reaction to struggle is strange. "Mine" are "real" and
"unavoidable." "Yours" are "unnecessary." If "I" were "you," "I" would not
struggle. However, if "you" were "me," "you" could not cope with "my"
struggles.
If you inquire about my struggles, I will do one of three things. (a) I
will deny that I have any struggles. I might even be offended that you
imply that I do. Your inquiry may be considered an intrusion. (b) I might
express appreciation for your concern while minimizing my struggles. I
might even indicate that something breaking my heart is no more than a minor
irritation I occasionally notice. (c) Or, I may throw myself a pity party
at your expense. I might exaggerate my problems. I might magnify my
insecurity. I might do all I can to make you feel sorry for me.
Christians do a less than desirable job of declaring Jesus' messages about
struggles. The ability to cope is not found in denying or exaggerating the
fact that we each confront problems. People can help, but people are
neither the ideal nor complete answer.
After noting the fickleness and blindness of many people, Jesus offered
hope: "Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you
rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS. For My yoke is easy and My
burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30)
On the last night of his physical life, he said this to the twelve: "These
things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world
you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world." (John
16:33)
Jesus does not cause our struggles to "evaporate." He gives us strength to
cope with them.
-------------------------------------------------------
Page 2
-------------------------------------------------------
**"This is a test; it is only a test."**
School is back in session. You can get into the school spirit by taking the
following test and answering "yes" or "no":
Are you tired of complaining about the crisis our nation's children are in?
Can you remember someone -- anyone -- spending time with you when you were a
child?
Have you been blessed with much (materially, spiritually, or educationally)?
Do you understand what Jesus meant when he said, "From everyone who has been
given much, much will be demanded"?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you are tutor-material.
Beginning Thursday, September 5 and meeting every Thursday from 3:00 to
5:00, West-Ark Christians will spend time with some of our community's 1st
through 5th graders by helping them with homework, talking about whatever is
going on in their lives, and being a hope-giving Christian influence. Can
you help by supplying snacks, driving a van, or spending one-on-one time
with one of these children?
As of this writing, there are several interested young students who will not
have a tutor. If you are ready to fill a void in a young life and need more
information about how to do it, see the "Tutor Information" bulletin board
in the church building foyer. Fill out the second sheet and leave it in the
tan folder on the bulletin board. You can also see David Boozer (478-9330)
or Leslie Ann Holland.
**Singles Meeting**
Place of Meeting Changed
**Child Care Worker Needed**
Tuesday Morning WINGS class needs someone to work on the Child Care Team. We
are looking for someone who would work especially well with the preschool
class. This is a paid position, Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Call
Shelley at (479) 996-2109 to schedule an interview.
**L.T.C. News**
Please check the lists in the foyer for correction. Anyone who would like to
sign up for an event please add your name. There are four new challenge
events for this year's convention. Adults are needed for coaches in these
events. There have been rule changes concerning scripture challenge: grades
3-6 (50), 7-9 (80), and 10-12 (100). Everyone planning to attend the
convention in Tulsa sign up so we can get a number to start the reservation
process. Contact Hank or Pam at 452-9381 if you questions.
**Life Groups Now Forming**
Interested in getting involved in closer fellowship and meaningful Bible
study in the comfortable setting of a Christian home??? Sign up now on the
bulletin board in the foyer to be involved starting in September!! Life
Groups are the small group ministry at West-Ark.
**LTC Service Challenge Participants**
...meet in room 126B Sunday evening from 6 until 7:00 P.M.
**Christmas Gifts for Workers at City of Children**
In our work for the City of Children we have a wonderful opportunity to
serve not only the children but the workers at the home. This year we would
like to send Christmas presents to these workers. Patty, the director's
wife, has given the following list of items they cannot obtain in Mexico.
Women - Body lotions, body spray, nail stuff (manicure supplies), hair
stuff, and craft items such as crochet thread, beads etc.
Men - Lotions, cologne (light fragrances such as Cool water) , wallets,
hats, caps and long sleeve shirts.
**It's Time to Fly Into Another Year of WinGS!!**
"Women In God's Service" Come join us Tuesday, September 3, 2002 at 9:00
a.m. for coffee and refreshments and at 9:30 a.m. for Orientation. Come learn about the
different activities and studies we will be doing for 2002-2003. Bring a
friend or two and enjoy the fellowship of new friends and of old friends.
**Golf Tournament at River Valley Golf in Dyer on September 21, 2002**
Four person scramble (cost is $100 per 4 person team. There are 2 flights.
Call Jim Bullock at 474-5886 (work) or 632-3097 (home) to enter.
Make checks payable to Jim Bullock, 6020 Kibler Road, Van Buren, AR 72956
(memo: Golfers for Christ tournament). Lunch is included!
**Griffin Ice Cream Supper**
Sunday, August 25th
Bring a freezer of your
favorite homemade ice cream (or desserts if you don't have a freezer) to
the Griffin Home at 3320 S. 66th in Fort Smith. Lawn chairs, old quilts
or blankets are recommended.
-------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
-------------------------------------------------------
**Remember in Prayer**
Sandy Berger has Hodgkin's Lymphoma and will have a CAT scan Monday.
Finis Beckham (husband of Alta) has been diagnosed with cancer, and the
family requests prayers.
Justin Phillips (nephew of Jane Newman) is recovering from surgery.
Virgil Kirchner's surgery went well, and he was released from the hospital
Tuesday.
Shirley Holsinger, sister of Louise Howard, will have neurosurgery Friday.
Wilburn Howard had an ultra sound Wednesday and will get the results Friday.
Frances Strawhacker broke her arm last Saturday.
**Continued Prayers**
Erma Beshears, Anita Maxwell, Will Ed Warren, Rebecca Holloway's father
Sympathy
Our love and sympathy to Bennie Hedrick & Nancy James in the death of
Bennie's sister, Agnes Work.
Wedding Shower
A shower in honor of Brian and Andrea Berryhill is planned for Sunday,
September 8 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the home of Helen Pratt, 3705 May
Branch Lane. Brian and Andrea are registered at Linens 'N Things and
Dillards.
**Notes of Thanks**
We would like to thank everyone for their prayers, visits, cards, and calls
while I was in the hospital. We feel very blessed to have a wonderful church
family.
Dear Family,
We appreciate Whirlpool Corporation and their employees for the recent
donation of a large side by side refrigerator to the church to use in our
benevolent ministries.
Letter from Hastings Family
Dear West-Ark Church Family,
Caring for our Shut-ins
Mildred Saxton, Beverly Health & Rehab, Pointer Trail, Van Buren, Phone
782-7534. Jim & Rose Daniels 1206 Church St., Barling, Phone 452-5228.
**Wedding Announcement**
Dr. Bruce and Mabel Coleman request the honor of your presence at the
marriage of their daughter Jennifer Kay to Joshua Alan Fortenberry, son of
Alan and Patricia Fortenberry, Saturday, the 14th of September, at two
o'clock in the afternoon Mulberry Church of Christ, Hiway 64, Mulberry,
Arkansas, Outdoor reception following
**Happy Birthday**
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 5
September 6
September 7
-------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
-------------------------------------------------------
**Living Images of God's Healing Truth**
I read an article this past Friday morning that left me in tears. The title
of the article is "The Blessing of a Father" and it deals with leaving
family members a spiritual legacy to help them live their lives.
The article appeared in a special magazine on "The Church and Family" put
out by Harding University and you can find a copy of the article on my
Parent's Information Table in the foyer.
The article really hit home with me, especially after coming off of an
incredible 3 month run of activities and spiritual experiences with our
young people here at West-Ark.
Wow! There were so many spiritual highlights this summer. I can think of
spiritual memories that were made in Mexico, Little Rock, Rogers, and St.
Louis. I also think of the decisions that were made as a result of our times
at Aubrey's house, camp, VBS, Soullift, and weekly devotionals.
As I think of those times and the justification I used for 12 straight weeks
of commitment to everyone but my family, I feel torn.as I should. I did some
great things this summer. I accomplished a lot of good. I helped touch the
lives of many people.
At the same time, was I there for my own family during many of those 50 and
60 hour weeks? There were 2 different periods this summer involving a total
of 16 days when I never even laid eyes on my own children.
Like many of you, my work involves some great things. I can honestly feel
good about what I've done. I've helped a lot of people. The results are
easily measured. But what about my family? Am I as close to them as I was in
May? What legacy have I left behind so far this year?
May I challenge EVERY PARENT to read the article I have left on the Parent's
Table. May I also challenge each of us, including myself, to follow
scripture as we strive to find the healthy balance between our commitments
to our jobs and God's call to lead our families. May God bless your family
this week!
**Sunday Nursery**
A.M. Infants
Toddlers
P.M. Infants
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)................698
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
-------------------------------------------------------
By David Chadwell
By David Boozer
Singles will meet on Saturday, August 24, at the home of Charlotte Pinedo,
2005 N. 48th Circle, Fort Smith, at 6:00 p.m. It will be a potluck.
All the workers love T-shirts. The men who work outside prefer long
sleeves. Arkansas shirts are a big hit! There is a box in the foyer on the
Mexico table if you would like to bring a gift for these workers. Please do
not wrap the gifts as we will need to itemize them for shipment. There is a
list next to the box that includes shirt sizes. See Roxie or Tom Benincosa
if you have any questions - Thanks!
Little WinGS child care provided.
(following evening services)
Love,
Clayton & Ollie Amos
Thank you for the outpouring of love during the passing of our mother and
grandmother. You have such strong arms to comfort and tender hearts to love.
We are truly blessed.
In Him,
Bob Faries and Family
Earl Flood
Our family will keep every one of you in our hearts. George and Hazel loved
every one of you so much. We know what has happened is difficult to process.
Today, we focus and let our hearts and minds remember the joy that George
and Hazel had with each other, their family and their church family.
Sunday mornings were such a wonderful time at the Hastings home. George
would always be ready before Hazel, and he would have such fun in teasing
her. George had a heavy walk and would on purpose hit the floor hard with
his heals to make it obvious to Hazel that he was making his way to the car.
All dressed up in his Sunday best and, of course, his favorite hat; George
would yell out, "That bus is leaving in five minutes!" Hazel immediately
would begin to laugh. George would always get in the car first, start the car
and then pull out of the garage making it easier for Hazel to hop in. Hazel
would first lock the kitchen door, head for the indoor garage door button
and press it, then run quickly towards the car and duck under the garage
door as it was closing. George would press the garage door button he had in
the car as he saw Hazel approach the indoor garage button, making her have
to really run to pass under the closing door. Hazel would always be laughing
so hard when she would get inside of the car. George and Hazel loved to make
each other laugh and they spent a good deal of time enjoying each other's
gifted sense of humor.
This is just one of the many memories we will cherish. It is our wish
that every one of you will remember them and how much you meant to them. In
his prayers, George always was mindful to pray for the church and that we
would all love one another. George and Hazel understood the power of love
and the bonds that love ties. Such love as this will help each and every one
of us to go on with our lives, continuing to love one another and perhaps
showing each other our love more readily. We all need hugs to help comfort
and heal during this time.
Thursday morning, many of you came to help comfort us with our loss. You
also came, because George and Hazel touched your hearts and you came to show
your love for them. We love you for that and appreciate you all so very
much. Each one of you told us such wonderful stories of how George and
Hazel touched your lives. Many of you expressed how George taught your Bible
school class, or how they were like "parents to you." We understand your
loss, too.
Thank you for your love towards George and Hazel. Continue to pray for
the church, and to love one another.
We love you,
Meta and the Hastings Family
Mike Mason
Linda McRay
Jacqueline Myers
Brenda Wewers
Bobbie Hughes
Oneta Love
Stephanie McClendon
Charlotte Pinedo
Norma Jean Breedlove
Dixie Burkhart
Marea Sutherland
Janice Hatcher
Jena Roberts
Patty Null
Andy Rye
Bruce Davenport
Kim Goode
Hannah Hatcher
Geneva Shepherd
Brandon Yowell
By Brad Pistole
Berniece Rogers
Sharon Faries
Joann Davenport
Sue George
Kristin Smith
Marjorie Blake
Arista Lindgren
Sunday Classes (9:30) ..................411
Evening Worship (6:00)................. 288
Small Groups (600)..............no Count
Wednesday Worship (7:00)........... 387
Sunday Contribution ................$19,501
Fax (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org
-------------------------------------------------------