West-Ark Newsletter, 4 May 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, May 4, 2003
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Our world and our society are in a determined war to control people's thinking. This war is visibly evident in the American-Arab struggle. America sees Arab fundamentalist religious perspectives as extremely dangerous. Arab nations see American values and lifestyles as extremely dangerous. America champions religious freedom as a right, but hates religious fanaticism. Arab peoples champion religious fervor, but hate influences that value things above people. Obviously, neither culture thinks like the other culture.

Many American influences think the key to winning Arab minds is establishing American democracy in that region. Many Arab influences think the key to winning American minds is demanding that Americans respect Arabs: "Let us take care of ourselves." American influences have urgent reasons for establishing democracy. Arab influences have urgent reasons for regarding American influences to be evil.

The "now" war is not about territories or resources. It is about minds, thought processes, values, standards, world views, and the character of human interactions.

While the effects of that war are visibly displayed by emotional demonstrations, the same war quietly is waged in our own society. Advertising targets our desires and seeks to persuade us to adopt the advertisers' perspective. Movies and television shows are consistent in the values and standards they portray. Political parties, movements, and specialized advocacies challenge us to "see things through their eyes." Hundreds of times daily, we are asked subtly or blatantly to "look at life" as someone else sees it.

The war is for minds, thinking, and perspectives. It always has been and always will be. Change a person's thinking, and you change the person. Change a people's thinking, and you change the nation. Change the world's thinking, and you change the world.

A Christian objective is to change thinking. This change first must occur among those who accept and follow Jesus because he is God's Christ. Christians can change others' thinking only when they first have changed their own.

Romans 12:1, 2 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

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**Brenda (Cantwell) Wilson to Speak at Ladies' Day**
Rena Road Church of Christ is planning a special day for women on Saturday, May 17th, from 9 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The theme is "My Cup Runneth Over." The guest speaker is former West-Ark member, Brenda Wilson who now lives in Mayfield, Kentucky. If possible, Brenda plans on bringing her parents, Wendell and Helen Needham, with her. Lunch will be served.

The ladies at Rena Road hope that many from this congregation can attend. Please call their church office at 474-6527 if you plan to attend or drop them a note at 100 Rena Road, Van Buren, AR 72956.

**Meals for Kids/Backpack Program**
The Community Services Clearinghouse Program delivers food to hungry school children in Fort Smith and surrounding areas.
The yearly fundraiser "Spud Luncheon" is Sunday, May 4, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church. Tickets are $5.00 per person, (available at the door) and will help provide food for one child for one weekend. Two West-Ark members, Lana Howard and Kenny Hollomon are active board members. One hundred percent of all money raised goes to feed hungry children in this area.

**Golf Tournament**
Valley View Church of Christ is hosting a golf tournament at Ben Geren Golf Course on June 14, 2003. The format is a 4 man scramble. Check in by 1:15 p.m. To sign up, call Niketa Stinchcomb at 996-3001 or Valley View C of C at 996-6040. If no answer, please leave your name and phone number.

**"Fellowship Coffee"**
Coffee will be available before class from 9:00 to 9:25 a.m. in the foyer.
Please refrain from taking coffee and soft drinks into the Auditorium.

**Sunday in Worship**
Morning: Reflecting God's Glory In Our Lives by David Chadwell
Evening: Singing at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Fellowship Meal in the FLC.
Please bring desserts!

**Community Outreach Day**
West-Ark Church of Christ Family Life Center
Saturday, May 31, 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Meal Provided
All clothing and non-clothing items are free!
West-Ark members: If you meet someone who needs clothing and a good meal, please tell them about this special day.

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**Remember In Prayer**
* Wilma Mizell is in St. Edward Hospital, room 3416. She will move to Methodist Nursing Home soon.
* Bill Phalin, Jo Davidson's father, is in ICU at a San Jose Hospital. He has pneumonia and other complications following knee replacement surgery.
* Bill Dickey had sinus surgery Tuesday morning.
* Ed King, Karen Farris' father, had quadruple coronary bypass surgery Wednesday. He is in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.
* Lynn Alexander had shoulder surgery on Tuesday.
* Continue to pray for Sandy Berger, Kathy Bauer, Vicki Varvel, Sandy Thurman, Bobby McLaughlin, and Elaine Jordan.

**Baptisms**
Iglesia de Cristo is growing! Oscar Nolasco reports two more baptisms this week.
* Cecilia Rodriguez was baptized Tuesday evening. Her address is 1511 South 12 Street, Apt. 6, Fort Smith, AR 72901.
* Teresa Campos Saldana was baptized Wednesday afternoon. Her address is 5900 Kinkead Ave., Apt. 367, Fort Smith, AR 72904, Phone 561-1157.

**Bridal Shower**
A Bridal Shower honoring Kendy Jones is planned for Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 to 3:30 in the home of Connye Neal, 6520 Ellsworth Road in Fort Smith. Kendy is registered at Dillards, Linens 'N Things, Pier 1, and Wal-Mart.

**Baby Shower**
A shower honoring Sara Dockery is planned for Sunday, May 4, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the home of Dena Jenkins, 8113 Valley Forge. Sara is registered at Toys 'R Us and Walt-Mart. It's a boy!

**Notes of Thanks**
Thank you so very much for your many acts of kindness during the loss of our sister. The peace lily, the cards, the calls, and especially your prayers were deeply appreciated.
In Christian love,
Claretta Bartlett and
Doris Robertson

Dear Church Family,
Thank you for the beautiful peace lily and the wonderful lunch that was provided. Most of all, we thank you for the prayers that were sent to God on Erma's behalf during her illness. She loved the Lord, and we know she is safely home with Him.
In love,
The family of Erma Beshears

The family of Elise Bedwell Ross sends its deep appreciation to the members of this church for its many prayers, visits, and remembrances for our beloved daughter and sister. The entire Christian community in Fort Smith united in sustaining us in our tragic loss.

Dear Ladies of the Quilting Group,
Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt. All of your time and hard work is very appreciated. Matt and I are so lucky to have members of this church care about us so much. Thank you for thinking of us during this special time in our lives.
Megan and Matt

**Car Clinic**
The Car Clinic for widows, widowers, and 60+ will be at the Annex on Saturday, May 3, from 8 to 11 a.m. weather permitting.

**Widows/Widowers Luncheon**
Our luncheon is Saturday, May 3rd at the home of Mike and Mary Burkett. The bus will leave the building at 11:30 a.m. Call Mary, Bobbie or Janice if you need transportation to the building.

**Ladies' Bible Class**
Wednesday Morning Ladies' Bible class will have their final class next week followed by a potluck luncheon. Classes will resume in the fall.

**Graduation Announcements**
Elizabeth Faries (Jacob's wife and the daughter-in-law of Bob and Sharon Faries) is graduating from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Business Administration and Finance. Congratulations!

Pamela Jayne (Flippo) Rhodes graduates May 3rd with a MSN degree at UCA in Community/Family, a Clinical Nurse Specialist. She was recently inducted into the Kappa Rho-At-Large Chapter, Sigma Theta Tau International! Pam is the daughter of Myra Flippo and the late Bill Flippo.

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I know it's hard to believe, but it's true: time really is flying by and your "little child" will be graduating soon. That's right! We're only two weeks away from the first High School Graduation that will affect our teens and families at West-Ark.

There are 7 different schools represented with this year's Senior Class. We will have young people graduating from Van Buren, Greenwood, Alma, River Valley Christian, Southside, Northside, and Home School.

I am proud of all of these young people. They have accomplished many things and have great plans for the future. I pray for God's blessings and direction in their lives as they enter the next period of transition they will face.

Senior Graduation Services will take place on Sunday, May 18th at 10:30 a.m. There will be more information about Graduation Services in next week's article.

**Coming Events**
The Final Sunday Night Live of the Spring for 7th-12th graders
May 4th - Fayetteville
(Leave at 4 p.m. and return by 9:30)

**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)................665
Sunday Classes (9:30) ................. 459
Sunday Evening (6:00)...................321
The Way (4:00) ...............................55
Wednesday Worship (7:00)........... 288
Sunday Contribution ...............$14,578
Laotian Attendance...........................32
Hispanic attendance..........................41

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