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Family
Lines Newsletter, September 22,
2002
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**This,
That, and the Other**
By Ron Lenderman
This: Your Assignment:
Write a one paragraph description
(you can call it a definition if you prefer) of Effective Leadership.
Please limit your composition to 50 words or less. You have 30 minutes and
you should leave your paper on the table by the door when you exit.
When I was active in the US Army Reserves about 15 or so years
ago, I enrolled in a 3-year course of study called Command and General Staff
College. It was a course required for all officers who wished to be
promoted above the rank of Captain. One of the course requirements was to
write a paper on leadership. It could be no longer than 12 pages and the
only reference material I could use was various Army regulations and
publications. The only grade that could be received was either "pass" or
"fail."
The premise for my paper was that "real and effective
leadership is more a matter of action than of position." In other words,
people will more naturally follow someone of action rather than just because
they occupy a position. I received a "pass" but with reservations because
my grader did not agree with my basic premise. What do you
think?
That: Your Assignment:
Write a one paragraph description
(you can still call it a definition if you prefer) of Effective Church
Leadership. Please limit your composition to 50 words or less. You
have until Sunday morning to complete this assignment but you should still leave
your paper on the table by the door when you exit your classroom. The only
reference material allowed is the Bible and perhaps one or two highly regarded
treatises.
Hint: The best way to get started with your assignment
is to begin with the basic premise or foundational thought on which your
description will be based. The next step is to approach your reference
material with the desire to support your premise. However, you have to be
careful that you study with an open mind to insure that the facts do support
your premise. If your study proves your initial premise to be incorrect or
faulty, you must be willing to make a change or you will find yourself in
error.
the Other: We are now beginning the process of selecting
additional Elders to serve as shepherds for the family of believers at
West-Ark. In past times when we have had the need to select elders, we
have been encouraged to read passages from 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, among
others, to help remind us of some of the qualities that are desirable in an
elder. However, those verses should not be considered "the checklist"
against which a man is compared to determine his absolute qualification to be an
elder in the body.
Those are certainly important characteristics but that is not
the "end of the story," as Paul Harvey often says. What about the fruit of
the spirit that we find in Galatians 5? Aren't those important qualities,
too? When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, how did He
respond (Matthew 22)? How would your prospective elder respond to the part
about "loving your neighbor as yourself"? Or what about ...
All these are important to consider when selecting a man to
assume the responsibility of an elder in the Lord's church. But please
consider the man's heart when you make your recommendation. He won't be
perfect and he probably won't possess all the characteristics you think
important to the degree you would prefer. However, if his heart is
centered on Jesus Christ and he loves the body and he has the ability to lead
you to active service, then perhaps he is the man for the job! Is he a man
of action whom you would be willing to follow?
PS: Some of you men will be approached in the weeks to come
about your willingness to serve the Lord's body as an elder. You need to
be praying about this now! It is an awesome responsibility that none can
shoulder effectively without the aid of the Spirit but He will provide the
strength if you ask.
Please consider Matthew 21:22 as you pray about
this.
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** "We Will Always Have the Poor" **
By Oscar
Nolasco
"The poor you will always have with you ..." Jesus said in
Matthew 26:11. In that occasion, as always, we have people that don't see with
the eyes of faith. People see injustice. People don't want to invest
in something they cannot see because they do not receive instant
gratification. Nobody can become miraculously rich. But you can reduce the
suffering. While we live, we will be surrounded by the poor. But we can
make others happy, through sharing material things and spiritual truths, until
faith is created in them. We have the good feelings of sharing. Everyday
is an experience of putting into practice our faith, by means of good works.
**Hispanic Announcements **
On September 21, we begin the
Hispanic meetings in the Johnson Street building. We need your
prayers.
Last weekend, twenty members and friends of the Hispanic
church traveled to Southside Church of Christ in Rogers for the grand opening of
their building for Hispanic work.
**New Class for Singles**
A new class for singles will
begin on Sunday, September 22 at our 9:30 a.m. Bible class time in room
202B. This class will focus on the ways that this unique and diversified
group of individuals can better serve God in their daily lives. The class will
be taught by Stan Musick. We're counting on you to join us and help make this
class a success. If you have any questions, contact Stan Musick at
783-8506 or Glenda Hodnett at 783-2758.
**Singles Retreat**
Camp Galilee on Bull Shoals Lake,
October 19 - 20. The cost is $20. If you are interested in going, please
contact Glenda Hodnett.
**Special Collection for Zambia **
The West-Ark
congregation will be provided an opportunity to contribute in a special
collection on Sunday, September 29, for the Zambian famine relief fund.
Our brothers and sisters in Christ are literally dying by the hundreds, maybe
thousands, in Zambia because of their lack of food. We can help a family
of 4 to survive for a month with each $25 donation.
**Tuesday Morning WinGS**
(Women In God's Service)
We
are studying Ruth: A Story of Love, Faithfulness and a Plan each Tuesday morning
at 9:30 in room 100. Come earlier for coffee and fellowship. It's not too late
to join us! Bring a friend, a Bible, and a smile. See you there!
**Gospel Meetings**
September 29 - October 3
9th & S
Street Church of Christ
Sunday, September 29 at 3:00 p.m.
Monday -
Thursday at 7:00 p.m.
Speaker: Shelton Gibbs, III from Dallas,
Texas
Please come out and enjoy congregational singing with us
Saturday,
September 28 at 7 p.m.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
September 23-25
Church of Christ in Alma
45
Railroad Street
(479) 632-2659
6:30 p.m. for Singing
7:00 p.m. for
Lesson
Theme: The Gospel of Isaiah
Merrill Pence, Speaker
**Sermons**
Sunday Morning: Will Ed Warren,
Speaking
Sunday Evening: Brad Pistole, Speaking
**Peak of the Week**
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in the Family
Life Center.
This week, September 25, Brad Pistole and Teens: In His
Image
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**Say A Prayer For**
Colleen Shirley had a heart procedure on September 19th
at Washington Regional Medical Center in Fayetteville.
Herb Brasher has moved to Medi-Homes on Rogers. Marie would
appreciate folks visiting with Herb.
Continue to pray for Erma Beshears, Sandy Berger, and Kathy
Bauer as they continue cancer treatments.
Charles Pippin had a heart procedure Wednesday.
Eileen Jones is in room 564 of Sparks Hospital.
Cecil Knight was dismissed from the hospital Wednesday.
Ron and Debbie Belote ask you to remember Ron's mom, Frieda,
as she recovers from surgery for a blocked carotid artery.
Vernetta Gattis is in room 5513 of St. Edward Hospital. She is
a friend of Mary Broyles.
Blossom Mayhan is in room 4320 of St. Edward
Hospital.
Myra Hester's condition is grave. She is the sister of Anetia
Livesay and Marceil Stevens.
Doctors have removed a cancerous tumor in the lower intestine
of Bobby Wayne Dunavin of Fort Worth, Texas. He is Roy Dunavin's nephew.
The Benincosa Family requests prayers for the family of Payton
Trotter. Payton, a 6th grader in Greenwood, died of cancer last
week.
Pat Campbell requests your prayers for her friend, Pat Hughes.
Pat Hughes' son, Jeff, remains on life support at St. Edward
Hospital.
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Judy and Doyle in the
death of Judy Wright's uncle, Smith Davis. Funeral services were Sept.
16.
Our love and sympathy is also extended to Willie Mahone in the
death of her mother, Mary, of Fayetteville. Funeral services were Sept.
14th.
**Baptisms**
Hannah Pressley
1800 Weeks Lane
Fort
Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 452-0107
Jim Jenkins (Hannah's grandfather) was
also baptized. We hope to have his address next week.
**60+ Potluck Correction**
Our September potluck is Saturday, the
21st at 6 p.m. in the Family Life Center.
**New Arrival**
Congratulations to David and Melissa Myers on the birth
of a son, Matthew Christopher, on September 17th. Matthew weighed 8 lbs., 10
ozs. and was 21 inches long.
**Caring for our Shut-in and Homebound Members**
Being homebound or in a nursing home can become quite lonely. This week
make a visit, a phone call, or send a card to someone on the list.
Herb Brasher, Medi-Homes Nursing Home, 4613 Rogers, Room B-8, Fort Smith,
AR 72903.
Cecil & Robbie Knight, Medi-Homes Nursing Home, 4613 Rogers, Room D-10,
Fort Smith, AR 72903.
**Fall Festival**
It's time to start preparing for our Fall Festival.
Last year's was a wonderful success thanks to all who either volunteered or
donated items. Many children and parents from not only our church family, but
also from our community came and had a safe and fun evening. We need your
support and donations again to make this year a success. We will be posting
sign-up sheets for those willing to man one of the booths that evening or donate
items such as desserts for the cake walk. There will be a box next to the gift
table in the foyer for donations of candy or 2 liters. Please sign up and join
in the fun. Parents, when picking out costumes for the little ones, please keep
in mind this will be a church function. Thank you.
**Happy Birthday**
September 29
Nathan Griffin
September 30
Richard Broyles
Hazel Richards
Brian Robbins
October 1
Philip Abuzeide
Denise Lusby
Melinda Yowell
October 2
Joe Pistole
Lorene Yates
October 3
Steven Cole
Terri Jones
Darrell Peters
October 4
Gary Gunter
Debra Lively
October 5
Sharon Faries
Leslie Holland
Dena Jenkins
Margaret
Moss
Sam Oliver
Kinzey Rogers
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
As this weekend approaches, please keep our teens and families in your
prayers. We will be traveling to Rogers, AR for the 9th annual CROSSWALK Youth
Rally.
Marshall Brown and the Southside congregation will be hosting CROSSWALK
this year. I am thankful for Marshall, for his friendship of many years and for
his willingness to host this great event in order to give me a break.
I will be teaching 3 classes this weekend that will focus on the importance
of daily, personal, one on one time with God. That is something that is
frequently overlooked.
We think we have covered all the spiritual bases by going to church three
times a week, but the fact is: you cannot grow spiritually without one on one
time with God.
Over the years, the teens have learned to call this T.A.W.G. Time, which
simply stands for Time Alone With God.
I'm also pleased that David Boozer will be teaching a class this year on
how to evangelize your friends. It is often difficult for teens and adults to
get over their fear of speaking to others about Christ. David will do a great
job of sharing some personal stories about the power of friendship
evangelism.
Please pray for us as we travel this Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22.
We will be back home Sunday by 1 p.m.
Please continue to plan on being here on Sunday, September 29th and Sunday,
October 6th. These dates have been set aside for David and I to share more with
you about our plans for Family Life Ministry at West-Ark.
**Nursery Workers**
A.M. Infants: Berniece Rogers, Sharon Faries, Joann
Davenport
Toddlers: Sue George, Kristin Smith
P.M. Nursery: Marjorie
Blake, Bennie Hedrick
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)...............
656
Sunday Classes (9:30) ............... 459
Laotian
Attendance.....................45
The WAY (4:00) .......................
59
Evening Worship (6:00)............... 350
Wednesday Worship
(7:00)............. 373
Sunday Contribution ..............$19,991
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