West-Ark Newsletter, 13 April 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, April 13, 2003
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Some days I shake my head in disbelief. Despair falls. My heart grieves. Everything seems to assault God's patience, grace, love, and forgiveness. When I view God's investment in human salvation [definitely including Jesus' life and blood!], I wonder why God does not write humanity off as a bad debt. Thinking humanly, I wonder if God ever thinks, "Why did I make such an enormous effort to save people?"

What causes such days? Often they begin by listening to emphases on "God's priorities" in this life. They continue as the human priorities assigned to God's word reflect our concerns, not God's. They proceed with vivid reminders that societies are devoted to materialistic ambitions, addictions to power, greed, indulging physical desires, exploiting the weak, deceit, manipulations, "just causes" perverted by private agendas, and the judging/condemning attitudes that target the "blindness" of others. They often conclude by human arrogance masquerading as "godly concern."

Contrast my human perspective with God's perspective. God sent His son into a world filled with idolatrous people who did not know Him. He sent Jesus to live among a small, poor people living in an occupied territory.

Jesus lived among a people who so misunderstood God they did not know He had/has a world mission. Their attitude: "if God has us, why should He want other nations?" Wow! His small people living in isolation misunderstood Him as they lived in a world that did not know Him!

So, what was God's incredible plan to change the world? Start with one and let him train twelve. What optimism! [Or would you use another word?]

This one who trained twelve had a simple message for people who trusted his teachings enough to follow him: "You are the salt of the earth and light of the world. You are God's influence to change the world. Let people see what God does in you!" (Matthew 5:13-16)

God's power to change this city, this state, the United States, and the world is not found in incredible preachers, astounding church leaders, mind boggling congregational programs, unbelievable financial strength, or shocking positive statistics. You are God's incredible power to produce positive change. You are God's salt and light. When you have the courage and faith to be God's influence by changing the way you live, God changes the world.

Please, let people see God's influence in your life every day! Let people see God by observing the way you struggle, love, serve, and live!

**KFC Continues**
LTC will be wrapping up, but KFC will be continuing through May 18th. We will have a special series of classes for our children in KFC II in that time.

* 6th grade - WHAT KIND OF TEEN DO YOU WANT TO BE?
* 3, 4, & 5th grade - BECOMING LEADERS TODAY
* 1 & 2nd grade - QUALITIES THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Don't forget, we'll conclude the year with our 3rd Annual World's Largest Banana Split on May 18th. Don't miss out on these last few weeks of fellowship, singing, and learning.

**LTC Announcements**
Coaches: please have items ready for display in the foyer Sunday evening; make every effort to be present at the awards presentation and meeting Sunday at 5:00.

April 11
* 5:45 - 8:00 Friday evening special puppet and drama practice in the FLC. Bring $2.00 for pizza.

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.

**Living With Grief: Coping With Public Tragedy**
A free program sponsored by St. Edward Mercy Medical Center
Wednesday, April 30, 12:30 to 3:00 p.m.
To reserve a place or for more information, call 314-6090

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**Remember in Prayer**

* Wilma Mizell is in St. Edward Hospital, room 3416.
* Gaile Stephens is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5419.
* Erma Beshears (Patti Anderson's mother) is very ill.
* Sally Smith is scheduled for back surgery at St. Edward Hospital on April 10th.
* Carlene Payne requests prayers of comfort for her aunt, Shirley Sparks.
* Bobby McLaughlin (cousin of Rebecca Holloway)
* Odessa Wright (Doyle's mother) is back in the hospital in Oklahoma.
* Juanita Carlon (formerly of West-Ark) is in Sparks Hospital, room 530. She had colon cancer surgery, and they are waiting on more test results.
* Continue to pray for Sandy Berger, Kathy Bauer, Vicki Varvel, Vernon Varner, Sandy Thurman, and Elaine Jordan.

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Joyce Chadwell in the death of her father, Allen Wells, on Wednesday. Funeral services were in Crossville, TN.

**Baptisms**
Oscar Nolasco baptized six people into Christ this week: Ana Hernandez, Vilma Hernandez, Chad McCluer, Yessenia Olivares, Vilma Olivares, and Carlos Martinez.

**Notes of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you for your cards and the beautiful peace lily sent to me on the death of my father. I appreciate all of your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Karr

**Wedding Showers**
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.

A Shower honoring Steven Cole and Louise Coffman is planned for Sunday, April 27th, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the home of Robin Harper, 3627 Free Ferry Road in Fort Smith. Steven and Louise are registered at Linens and Things, Dillards, and JC Penney. Their colors are green and blue.

**Anniversary Celebrations**
Congratulations to Richard and Mary Broyles on their Golden Wedding Anniversary. They were married April 10, 1953, at the Midland Blvd. Church of Christ by the late Ernest Highers. A private dinner celebration will be held at The Hall at Taliano's. No gifts please, but cards are welcomed.

You are invited to share in love and joy at a reception celebrating the Marriage of
Jimmy Price and Janelle Graves
April 19, 2003
at 1:00 p.m. in the
Family Life Center
West-Ark Church of Christ

Your love and encouragement are cherished gifts,
We request no other.

**Wedding Announcement**
Together with their parents
Rachel Rae Herndon and
Robert Harris McKinzie
request the honor of your presence
at their marriage
on Saturday, the 19th of April
At 2:30 in the afternoon
Mayfair Church of Christ
2340 N.W. 50th
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Reception immediately following

**Planning A Church Activity? **
Please remember to check out both the office calendar and
Brad's Youth Calendar. Youth events are posted on the web at:
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/youth/calendar.htm

"A Great Family Event"
Leadership is so important in the church. The church thrives and grows through its volunteers, yet, it cannot survive without effective leadership. If there were no leaders, there would be no volunteers.

That's why LTC is such a great training ground for our young people. For the fourth straight year, we will participate in Leadership Training for Christ: A year long program that culminates each year on Easter weekend through one main event.

Our elementary students, teens, and their families (approximately 100 people) will go to LTC in Tulsa next weekend, April 18-19. During the event, our young people will show others what they've learned about various leadership qualities they will be using in the church for years to come. They will participate in song leading, scripture reading, sermon delivery, puppets, Christian art, drama, chorus, bulletin board display, etc. They are learning skills that must be taught, accepted, and practiced.

No one can force another person to be a leader. Each person must accept the gift and the opportunity to lead. That's why this training is so important. It helps our young people discover their God-given gifts, and it helps them realize they have important skills that can be used in the kingdom of God. And they don't have to wait until they "grow up" to use them.

I want to personally thank every teacher, leader, coach and volunteer who helps make LTC possible. Special thanks to Hank and Pam Watlington and Gary and Rochelle Brown for all they do with our elementary program. Your leadership gives vision and direction to all those around you.

**Nursery Schedule**
Infants: Trish Carson, Jane Dunavin, Morgan Dunavin, Dwonne Cogswell
Toddlers: Bennie Hedrick
Evening: Marquetta Walker

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30).................635
Sunday Classes (9:30) .................. 352
Sunday Evening (6:00)....................308
The Way (4:00) ................................53
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............ 252
Sunday Contribution .................$16,723
Laotian Attendance............................49
Hispanic attendance...........................17