West-Ark Newsletter, 8 September 2002

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Family Lines Newsletter, September 8, 2002
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I am amazed at how often I transform joyous blessings into agonizing drudgery. That seems to be characteristic of Americans. Too many Americans believe the "ideal life" combines no responsibility with sufficient money to be self-centered. Unfortunately, too many Christians confidently accept this conviction without thought.

I truly enjoy what I do. I always have felt blessed to do what I do. My age reminds me that a radical change is coming. Because of "the passing of time" I physically will not be able to do what I enjoy doing. What a strange thought!

If life's only purpose is to be selfish and self-centered, life has no purpose. If all a person has to think about or consider is "me," that person's life is horribly empty. If "my" existence revolves around "my" pleasures and "my" desires, "I" am mixing the ingredients for a recipe of disaster. Consider:

Taking the garbage out is preferable to having no garbage.
"Having to work" is preferable to having no job.
Wearing clothes that are not "in" is preferable to wearing rags.
Having to attend school is preferable to not being able to read.
Mowing the grass is preferable to having no home.
Having "less than ideal" health care is preferable to having no health care.
Working is preferable to not eating.

Use your own life and experiences to expand this list. I have heard about people who ate other's garbage to prevent starvation. I have lived where there were no jobs, where some people wore rags, where many people could not read, where many people had no home, and where some people went a lifetime without seeing one doctor.

In two completely different contexts this summer I talked with individuals who (a) came from impoverished third world countries and (b) were visiting the U.S.A. for the first time. I asked both the same question and received from both the same answer. Question: "What most impresses you about this country?" Answer: "Your infrastructure. You actually can see what your taxes do."

Amazing! Not the food, the houses, the wealth, the pleasures, or the lifestyles, but our use of taxes to create infrastructure! When was the last time you were thankful for our infrastructure? When was the last time you were grateful for the way our taxes are spent?

Perhaps we cannot be grateful for such things unless we live where there is little infrastructure, and we never see anything constructive produced by taxation.

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"We Will Always Have The Poor."
By Oscar Nolasco

We are studying the book of Galatias on Wednesday evening and analyzing the mission of Peter and Paul.

When Paul went to Jerusalem and later when he went to the Gentiles to preach the gospel, the petition that he made was "remember the poor." (Galatias 2:10).

Being here in Fort Smith, I have experienced the blessings of God through West-Ark: a day under the bridge, and then last Saturday in the Family Life Center [community outreach day], I met more Hispanic people for Bible studies. I am happy because some people that I invited came. Sharing with others is beautiful.

In the visits that I am making, I took foods to two families, one from El Salvador, and another from Mexico. Sharing with them made me realize their necessities.

Paul said that he tried with diligence to work this biblical passage. I had two opportunities to practice it.

There are many spiritually and materially needy Hispanics that I am a correspondent to, as Paul was.

I request to God and you for this great mission, so that together we make it for the glory of God.

**KFC Begins**
KFC starts this weekend. KFC 1 is for 3 years old through Kindergarten. KFC 2 is for grades 1-6. See you Sunday night!!

**LTC Registration Ends Soon**
The sign up time for events will officially end September 15th. The lists are posted in the foyer.

**Teachers Needed**
Two teachers are needed for the Wednesday night 4 years old class. Contact Misty Floyd if you can help.

**Christmas Gifts for Workers at City of Children**
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.

**Library News**
The Talmud (Volume X) has been placed in the library by Debra Hatfield in memory of George and Hazel Hastings.

We have bargain "book bundles" to swap for a buck and a $5 bundle with a nice Family Bible in it. Come to the Library before or after services to "swap."

**Singles Retreat**
Camp Galilee on Bull Shoals Lake, October 19 - 20. The cost is $20 which includes one night's lodging and four meals. Hosted by Singles from College & North Church of Christ, Mountain Home, Arkansas. If you are interested in going, please contact Glenda Hodnett.

**Peak of the Week: In His Image**
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
in the Family Life Center.
From September through December, we will examine what it means to live "In His Image." This Wednesday, September 11, Ron Lenderman looks at "The West-Ark Church: In His Image."

**Our Church on the Web Brings Good News!**
"Several months ago, I signed up and was sent one of your on-line Bible courses. As a result I have since been baptized into Christ. Thank you so much for putting the true word on the Internet. Just wanted you to know."
-- Norma Howard

**All LIFE Group Members **
We will meet this Sunday night in the Family Life Center immediately after
evening services for our Fall Kickoff Celebration!
Meal and drinks are provided. Please bring a dessert.
Come and enjoy the fellowship, learn about other groups and meet our new group!

**David's Sermons**
Sunday Morning: Encouraging God's Influence In Me
Sunday Evening: Being God's Person Inside & Out

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**Say A Prayer For**

Continue your prayers for Judy Wright's uncle, Smith Davis, who is in the final stages of cancer and under Hospice care.

Stefann Phomasone, who was scheduled to come to Fort Smith on September 8, is presently very ill in Paris, France.

**Continued Prayers**
Erma Beshears, Sandy Berger, Kathy Bauer, Helen Branum, Martha Gooden, David Dodson (husband of Jennifer).

**Love and Sympathy**
Benny Gooden's mother, Lela Gooden, died on September 2nd. Funeral services were Wednesday at Westside Church of Christ in Searcy, Ark.

Paige Kimbrow's grandmother (who is also Kathy Bauer's mother) died unexpectedly Sunday morning in Tennessee.

Lois Jester's brother, Ardith Wooten, died Wednesday after suffering a stroke. He was a resident of Paris, AR.

**Change of Address**
Jenny Oliver and
Jacqueline Oliver (granddaughter)
207 South 21st Terrace
Fort Smith, AR 72908

**Baby Congratulations! **
Kyle David was born August 28th to Kevin and Heather Curtis. Kyle weighed 7 lbs., 6 ozs.

Sydney Breanne was born August 22nd to Mark and Christy Anders. Sydney weighed 7 lbs., 11 ozs.

Brandon Charles was born September 3rd to Shannon and Lori Miller. Brandon weighed 8 lbs., 1 oz. Jimmie and Laura Smith are the happy grandparents.

Ralph and Sally Smith have a new grandson. Clark Allen Smith was born August 20th in Oklahoma City to Allen and Teresa Smith.

**Notes of Thanks**
Thanks to all who made last Saturday's "Community Day" such a success. The doors to our building were opened to about 200 people who were given clothing, household items, and served a hot meal. --David Boozer

Dear West-Ark Quilters,
Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt you made for us! It is absolutely gorgeous!
Sincerely,
Jennifer and Josh

**Wednesday Ladies' Class**
Our Bible study begins on September 11th at 10:00 a.m. in the Annex. A potluck luncheon will follow.

**Wedding Shower**
A shower in honor of Brian and Andrea Berryhill is planned for this Sunday 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.

**Car Clinic**
Car Clinic will be September 7 at the Annex from 8 to 11 a.m., weather permitting.

**Widows/Widowers**
Lunch will be at the Family Life Center at noon. Bring your recipes you want included in the cookbook. Call Janice (474-8851) or Mary (646-6079) if you need a ride.

**Caring for our Shut-in Members**
This week, make a visit, send a card, or make a phone call to:

**West-Ark Tables**
For many years, the church has loaned tables to members for various needs. Due to a decrease in the number of "loanable" tables and the increased used of our facilities, we have just a few tables that can be checked out. The newer tables in the Annex and all the tables in the Family Life Center may not be loaned.

**Wedding Invitation**
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 & 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

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If you dont know it already, your leadership loves you and is committed to getting to know you better. We have set aside two special Sundays in the near future to talk to you more about the concept of "Family Ministry" and to conduct a Congregational Needs Analysis.

Please mark the following dates on your calendar: Sunday, September 29 and Sunday, October 6th. On September 29th, David and I will share some of the concepts involving family ministry and we will talk to you about the Congregational Needs Analysis that will take place the following Sunday, October 6th.

Please keep in mind that Family Ministry is an ALL-INCLUSIVE term that involves children, teens, singles, married, divorced, widowed, etc. When approached correctly, family ministry will include everyone.

It is our goal at West-Ark to involve every single member in some form of ministry and service to other people. When everyone completes the 25 question Congregational Needs Analysis, we will be able to gather information about all of the different types of families we have at West-Ark.

We will also be able to determine what type of special activities, classes, seminars, and sermons we will need to provide in the near future to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get involved here and understand their role as a servant of Christ.

We dont want anyone to be left out! We dont want anyone to feel like they are sitting on the sideline! We want you to be involved and we want your voice to be heard. Please be with us on Sunday, September 29th and Sunday, October 6 as we focus on growing together as a body of believers who want to work together and serve others for the cause of Christ.

**Child Care**
A.M. Infants: Trish Carson, Misty Floyd
Toddlers: Jon Huff, Liz Huff
P.M. Nursery: Marquita Walker, Molly Walker, Roxie Benincosa

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)............... 611
Sunday Classes (9:30) ............... 351
The WAY (4:00) ....................... 43
Evening Worship (6:00)............... 238
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............. 347
Sunday Contribution ............. $20,987

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