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Family
Lines Newsletter, April 6,
2003
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**Children of the Savior**
By David
Chadwell
At times it seems as if life is composed of a
series of delicate moments. One such delicate moment in the New Testament
occurred in Acts 10 when the Jewish Christian Peter was directed by God to teach
the God-fearing Gentile, Cornelius. What Peter did was unheard of among
Christians at that point. A Jewish Christian teaching a Gentile who was
not even a Jewish convert? No way! That could not
reflect God's concern! Yet, it did. God unquestionably directed
Peter to extend the kindness of God's grace to Cornelius. It took a lot to
convince Peter that he should do this unthinkable deed!
How did Peter handle this delicate moment?
How did he introduce this Gentile to the Jewish Messiah? Basically Peter
said two things. The first dealt as much with Peter's realization as with
Cornelius' realization. "I now understand that God is equally concerned about
everyone's salvation." The second dealt with Cornelius'
understanding. "You already know two things about Jesus from
Nazareth. First, the Holy Spirit and his power verified God anointed
him. Second, you know he went about doing good and healing
people."
"Doing good" and helping people are huge on God's
priority list for godly people. Few statements emphasized this as
dramatically as did Jesus' judgment scene in Matthew 25:31-46. The
difference between the accepted and rejected was the way they responded to
people who were in need. Jesus' emphasis was not held by many of his own
people. Because he was committed to doing good to people, many affirmed he
was a "good man," but many also declared he was a bad man because "he leads the
people astray" (John 7:12). Doing good to those in need not always is
welcomed--not even for Jesus!
This coming Sunday evening, immediately after our
worship (about 7 p.m.) representatives from the Good Samaritan Clinic will
inform those interested about the opening (in the near future) of a clinic for
uninsured and underinsured in Fort Smith. A broad group of doctors,
nurses, and interested individuals who are a part of those who believe Jesus is
the Christ will provide quality, compassionate, affordable medical care which
will include the elderly and the homeless. Those responding to our
outreach called The Way directly will benefit from this new medical
service.
Those interested in knowing more about the clinic
or volunteering to work with the clinic are encouraged to stay next Sunday
evening. The presentation will occur immediately after our worship
assembly.
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**Daylight Savings Time Begins**
Set your clocks
forward 1 hour Saturday night before going to bed.
**Inner City Helpers Needed**
We need six
additional men or women to help package groceries on the 3rd Saturday of each
month at the Windsor Drive facility (CURE building). Call Kathy Rosalez at
452-2157 if you can help fill this need.
**Community Outreach Day**
Please mark your
calendars for Saturday, May 31, West-Ark's Community Outreach Day in the Family
Life Center.
**Deacon/Ministry Leader Needs**
Areas of need as discussed by Joe Pistole at our
Family Meeting on March 30:
60+ Program - to replace Charlie and Sedalia
Douglas who have been leaders for several years.
Widow's Program - The Burkett and Lowry Families
have been working with our widows and will continue to do so. We are suggesting
and/or encouraging families to "adopt" a widow for continual involvement. The
Burketts and Lowrys are also considering this approach.
Care Groups - We need someone to serve as
coordinator for Care Groups. The groups have been operating for several years
without active leadership.
Transportation - The BMT says maintenance of
vehicles is now covered. We need someone to take responsibility for
scheduling drivers for the vans, particularly to regularly pickup the
widows.
FLC - We announced the need to replace Bill Kamp to
assist David Berger and Kerry Jenkins. We have been advised Bill Kamp may
return soon to continue this duty.
Involvement Coordinator - This person would review
new members' Involvement Forms and distribute the information to Deacons and
Ministry Leaders. He would make personal contact with members to encourage
participation in areas of need.
Parenting Teenagers for Positive Results
This new class for parents of teens and pre-teens begins Sunday morning at
9:30 a.m. in the FLC.
**"Peak of the Week"**
This month's theme is
"Getting Closer to God." If you don't have a regular Bible class on
Wednesday evenings or need something to "pick you up," please join us at 7:00
p.m. each Wednesday for Peak of the Week in the Family Life Center.
**Car Clinic**
Our April Clinic is Saturday, the
5th, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Annex (if it's not raining).
**Widow/Widowers**
Saturday, April 5th, at NOON,
we will eat a quick sandwich then get on the bus for our annual trip to Parks
Brother's Nursery.
**60+ Potluck**
Our April potluck is Saturday,
the 19th, at 6:00 p.m. in the FLC.
**LTC Practice Schedules**
April 6
* 4:00
Chorus
* 4:30 - 5:00 Puppets perform at "the Way."
* 6:00 Drama at the
church building.
April 11
* 5:45 - 8:00 Friday evening special puppet and
drama practice in the FLC. Bring $2.00 for pizza.
April 13
* 5:00 Parent
Meeting in FLC.
* 6:00 Presentation to the Congregation.
April 18-19
*
TULSA CONVENTION
April 27
* Awards presentation following evening service
in FLC.
**Gospel Meeting**
Spiro Church of
Christ
April 14-16, 7:00 p.m. nightly
Speaker: Charles R.
Rose
**Happy Birthday**
April 6
Ron Orick
April 7
Gary James
Rachel Null
Jeff
Pressley
April 9
Saige Blasdel
Jackie
Hamilton
April 10
Clayton Amos
Michelle Boozer
Lisa
Hollomon
Robbin Murphy
April 11
Sarah Sallee
Botteicher
Rachel
James
Greg Simpson
Duane Walker
**David's Lessons**
Morning: How Well Do You
Listen To God?
Evening: "Skip Over Scriptures" (1 Corinthians
16:10-24)
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**Please
Pray For**
* Wilma Mizell is in St. Edward Hospital, room 3413.
* Gaile
Stephens is in St. Edward Hospital, room 4519.
* Earl Flood was dismissed
from the hospital on Tuesday.
* Jim Pratt had back surgery on Monday, and is
now home.
* Eleanor Casey was taken to the hospital Wednesday afternoon with
a possible blood clot.
* Elizabeth Gardenhire fell and broke her shoulder
last week. She had out-patient surgery Monday.
* Hazel George (mother of Judy
Foley) is in St. Edward ICU, room 3127.
* Jena Robert's mother is recovering
from open heart surgery (last week) in Jonesboro.
* Genneil Nye's twin
great-grandsons have been released from the hospital. They are at home and on
monitors for a while.
* Continue to pray for Erma Beshears, Sandy Berger,
Kathy Bauer, Vicki Varvel, Vernon Varner, and Elaine Jordan.
**Those in Military Service**
* Michael Gooden
(son of Benny and Martha)
* If you would like to send a card, Larry &
Donna Roper have given us their son's address. Capt. Alan Roper, HHC 4ID,
362 PSYOP CO Unit 92628, APO AE 09323-2628.
* Shane Newton (grandson of Jim
and Sarah)
* Jeff O'Neil (telephoned request by his mother,
Judy)
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to Randy Hankins in the death of his grandmother, Naomi Brown. Funeral services
were Tuesday in Atkins, Arkansas.
Our love and sympathy is also extended to Wanda
Farris Gray in the death of her mother, Betty Hinshaw. Funeral services were
Monday in Mansfield, Louisiana.
**Baptism and Welcome**
Patty Boley
1720
South "U" Street
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone: 420-9614
Patty and her
son, Zachary (age 7), plan on worshipping with us.
**Notes of Thanks**
I want to express my deep
appreciation for all the prayers, cards, thoughts and kind words expressed to me
after the recent passing of my grandmother. Thanks so much for your
thoughtfulness. There are words to a song that is a favorite of mine and it
really speaks to how I feel after reflection upon her life. "I've climbed over
mountains and I've walked through the valleys and from troubles cup I've had my
sip, but heaven eternal at the end of my journey will be worth every mile of the
trip." I know that no truer words have been written. Isn't it wonderful that a
child of God has this hope!!!
Ken Hollomon and Family
Dear West-Ark Family,
Thank you for all the
cards, calls, visits, and especially your prayers while my Dad was in the
hospital. You made his stay a little easier. He is now at home and improving
daily.
Love,
Sue Hastings
West-Ark Family,
Your help and love during the
past weeks has been invaluable. Thank you so much for all of your prayers and
concerns. We love you all very much.
In Him,
The Kirchner
Family
Dear members of WINGS,
Thank you for your love
and prayers to comfort our family during our difficult time. Losing a loved one
is always a sad time in life, but I am very happy that your organization is
there to comfort Mac and Bea.
Thank you and may God bless you
all.
Love,
Nancy Remmers and Family
(Family of Bea
McDonald)
Dear Ladies,
Mom and Dad appreciated the cards,
prayers, and attention while they were here away from West-Ark friends. Thanks
so much for loving them. They often showed the quilt you made for them to guests
that would visit. I've heard Amy mention that she would love a wedding quilt
some day. Thank you for all you do.
Love,
Vicky, Dorotha and the whole
Family
**Bridal Showers**
A bridal shower honoring
Megan Turpin is planned for Sunday, April 6th, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the home of
Helen Pratt, 3705 May Branch Lane. Megan is registered at Dillard's, Pier 1, and
the Now and Then Shoppe.
A Shower honoring Kim Lankford is planned for
Sunday, April 13, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Kim is
registered at Pier 1, Linens and Things, Wal-Mart, and Dillard's.
**The Good Samaritan Clinic Report**
After
evening worship on April 6, 2003
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad
Pistole
APRIL FOOLS DAY...took on a whole new meaning for
me 4 years ago. It was on the night of April 1st and the early morning hours of
April 2, 1999, when I woke up in an ambulance on my way to the hospital. It was
only hours later that I learned about the tumor in my brain and how my life
would drastically change in the days ahead.
I always write my article on Tuesday and as you
know, this past Tuesday was April 1st. Today I am reminded of all God has done
for me and I am thankful for His grace and mercy. I am also reminded of my good
friend Mary Burkett and all God has done for her. She too shares this week as a
time to remember her health and the struggles and victories it represents for
her family.
April also represents other things. It represents
the beginning of Spring. Spring is a time of new life and growth.
This time of year often indicates a time of
spiritual growth also. Several great activities take place in the Spring each
year. LTC, which involves 100 members of our spiritual family here, always takes
place each Easter weekend. This is also the time of year when our youth program
"gears up" and gets ready for May, June, July and August.
This is a time of vision and planning. It's a time
to be excited about all the plans we have made for our teens and families in the
coming months. It's a time to pray for the spiritual growth that is certain to
take place in the lives of our teens and families as a result of these
experiences together.
Today, I am thankful for many things. Thank you,
God, for all that you have done and for all you will do in the days
ahead.
*This Sunday, April 6th, the teens will leave at
3:30 p.m. to participate in worship with our brothers and sisters at The Way.
Come join us!
**Nursery Schedule**
A.M. Infants: Paula May,
Melissa Walker, Sandi Pippin
Toddlers: Dena Jenkins, Irene Willis
P.M.
Nursery: Dixie Burkhart, Gina Williams
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship
(10:30).................601
Sunday Classes (9:30) ..................
428
Sunday Evening (6:00)....................310
The Way (4:00)
................................40
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............
N.C.
Sunday Contribution .................$14,158
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