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Family
Lines Newsletter, May 18,
2003
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**Who Needs To Change?**
By David
Chadwell
If you are to have the "ideal existence," what
changes must occur? In Christian thinking, the "ideal existence" focuses
on different realities. Some would focus on relationships currently
unavailable to them. Some would focus on acquiring things they do not
possess. Some would focus on changing undesirable
circumstances.
Generally speaking, most American Christians focus
on one of two matters [or both]. First, many say the "ideal existence"
would involve possessing "things" they do not have. Second, many others
would say, "If a certain person changed, my life would be 'ideal.'"
Infrequently will a Christian say, "If I changed,
God would lead me toward the 'ideal life.'" In this society, achieving the
"ideal existence" too easily focuses on (a) acquiring things or (b) changing
someone else, not on (c) changing me.
Achieving the "ideal life" is rightfully a lengthy
discussion. There is no desire for this thought to be an oversimplified
view of complex realities. Nor does it want to ignore unhealthy situations
that make abuse victims "door mats" for abusers. Basically your attention
is directed to consider a view of life held in relatively healthy
situations.
First, Christians must examine the accepted concept
of an "ideal life." It is much too easy for Christians to allow society
and culture to define the "ideal life" concept rather than allowing God to
define that concept. Society and culture's definition focuses on things,
or people perceived responsible for struggles, or lifestyle
circumstances.
Second, Christians must realize the "ideal life"
cannot be defined as freedom from struggles. Nothing removes physical
existence from struggles. Aging, relationship trials, sickness, pain of
all types, human shallowness, human arrogance, injustice, and deceit guarantee
any form of physical existence shall endure struggles.
Consider one illustration. Jesus told his
disciples to pray for those who abuse them (Matthew 5:44, 45). Peter said
suffer in a manner that causes abusers to inquire about the hope that sustains
you (1 Peter 2:12; 3:15). Consider a Christian behavioral principle:
Christian godliness impacts others when the Christian's focus is on changing who
I am rather than on changing (or controlling) the ungodly.
The Christian's focus is reflected by this
prayer: "God, give me the wisdom to understand the kind of person You want
me to be. Then help me find in You the strength to be that person."
Its focus is not reflected by this prayer: "God, he [she, they] make my life
miserable! Give them what they deserve!"
If I focus on changing my heart, God changes the
focus of others' hearts.
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**The Way Needs Your Help**
There were 64
present at the Way's assembly last Sunday evening - 34 of those present were
children!! They are so eager to learn, play games, sing, and be filled with the
stories of the Bible. If you have a gift for working with kids -- the call for
help is ringing out from this harvest field. Contact David Boozer at 459-1499.
You can make a difference in the life of a child!
**LTC Needs Coaches**
We need coaches for 2004.
The signup table is in the foyer.
**Ladies' Day Reminder**
Brenda (Cantwell)
Wilson will be speaking Saturday, May 17th, at Rena Road Church of Christ.
Registration begins at 9 a.m. and lunch will be served.
**It's Play Time In Mexico!!**
To break the ice
with the children in Mexico and get them to play with us, we like to take small
toys and gifts. We are currently collecting small toys to take. If you would
like to contribute, there is a box in the foyer next to the Teen table.
Below are some suggestions:
1. Matchbox or Hot Wheel type
cars
2. Small stuffed animals (about Beanie Baby size)
3. Small
bottles of bubbles
4. Kites
5. Small footballs and soccer balls
(no full size, please)
6. Plastic bats and waffle balls
7. Jump
ropes
8. Frisbees
9. McDonald's happy meal type
toys
10. Jacks
11. Marbles
Thanks for your help!
**Those Graduating In Our Church**
Nathan Allen
- SHS
Marie Arnold - SHS
Torrey Bishop - SHS
Matt Carson -
AHS
Kimberly Davis - GHS
Lauren Gallegly - SHS
Brett Goode -
NHS
Chris George - RVC
Matt Hines - VBHS
Seth Kleman - SHS
Carl
Payne - VBHS
Ashley Richards - NHS
Wes Sawyer - SHS
Katy Selby -
SHS
Jordan Wear - SHS
Sara Word - Home
**GATEWAY NEWS**
IT'S HERE!!! The big
awards celebration is this Sunday, May 18 from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the
FLC. Be sure to bring play clothes and be prepared for lots of fun and to
GET WET!
The memory verses for the Deborah rotation are from
the Kid's Life Application Bible.
2nd & 3rd Grades: Then you will sing psalms and
hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, making music to the Lord in your
hearts.
Ephesians 5:19
4th - 6th Grades add to the above: And you will
always give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:19-20
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**Remember In Prayer**
* Jason and Sara Dockery
request your prayers for their unborn son. Doctors have discovered the
baby has an irregular heartbeat. As a precautionary measure, Sara is going to
Little Rock on May 23rd for the baby to have an echocardiogram.
* Bill
Phalin, Jo Davidson's father
* David Myers' cousin, Chrystal Magness, is in
St. Edward Hospital, room 3515.
* Marilyn Selby is at home following gall
bladder surgery early this week.
* G. C. Stone
* Waymon Wilma Griffin,
mother of Mat Griffin, is in Sparks Hospital, room 463.
* Continue to pray
for Sandy Berger, Vicki Varvel, Sandy Thurman, Bobby McLaughlin, and Elaine
Jordan.
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to the family and friends of Wilma Mizell. Wilma died Wednesday at St.
Edward Hospital. Funeral services are incomplete at this time.
**Baptisms**
Congratulations to Nicole Benincosa
for her decision to be baptized last Sunday. Nikki's address is 660 Forest
Parkway, Greenwood, AR 72936.
Congratulations Megan McLinden on her decision to
be baptized Monday afternoon. Megan's address is 1822 Cedar, Van Buren, AR
72956.
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark
Family,
Mike and I want to thank you for all your prayers and support during
my surgery, diagnosis and chemotherapy. Paige and Josh have told us so
many times of your inquiries as to how we were weathering our situation that we
have always felt your support even though we no longer live in Fort Smith.
Your thoughts have been a constant source of strength and comfort to us. I
have finished my treatments, am regaining strength, and am focusing on growing
hair again. We appreciate you and continue to hold you close in our
hearts.
Sincerely,
Kathy Bauer
To My Family at West-Ark Church of Christ,
While
being far from home it's easy to feel sad, scared, bored, and alone... It hasn't
been an easy journey, but without your support and God's blessings, I wouldn't
be where I am. I look forward to seeing my family soon.
Thank
you,
Spc. Matthew R. Faries
United States Army
**KFC Updates**
KFC 1 and 2: This Sunday, we will celebrate our 3rd
Annual World's Largest Banana Split (as far as we know). Parents, let your kids
come dressed and ready to eat.
KFC 2 Reward Day - bowling and pizza, May 31st from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Kids
need to sign up this Sunday night.
Parents, this will be our last week of KFC 1 and 2 for the school
year. We will resume classes in the fall on Sunday night, September
7.
If you are interested in helping with KFC next year, please see Gary
Brown.
**Teachers Needed**
Additional teachers are needed for the summer only.
Please let Robin Pratt Webber know if you can help.
* Sunday morning - 2
teachers for the 4 year old class.
* Wednesday night - 1 teacher for the
Kindergarten class.
* Wednesday night - 2 teachers for the 3 year old
class.
**Wedding Announcement**
Mr. and Mrs. Winston Turpin, Jr.
Request
the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter Meagan
Leigh
to Mr. Matthew Keith Mullins
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
at
two o'clock in the afternoon
Fianna Hills Baptist Church
10300 Jenny Lind
Road
Fort Smith, Arkansas
**Sunday in Worship**
Morning: Graduating Seniors and a Message by Brad
Pistole
Evening: Familiar Passages, 1 Cor. 6:1-11 by David Chadwell
Happy Birthday
May 20
Virginia Oliver
Luke Roberts
May 21
John Fowler
Debra Willis
May 22
Charley Douglas
Jacob Hollomon
May 23
Dustin Byrd
David Myers
May 26
Bonnie Marrs
Rachelle Pratt
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"Family Life Opportunities"
By Brad Pistole
As many of you know, I recently completed an 18 month program through
Oklahoma Christian that trained me in the field of Family Life Ministry.
Recently, I have been trying to find the healthy balance between the need for
Family Life Ministry here at West-Ark and the current load that is required to
maintain a successful Youth Ministry Program.
Even though the two ministries go hand in hand, it is not possible for one
person to successfully perform both duties at the same time. Generally speaking,
you will either perform only one of the two duties successfully, or you will
simply half-do both of them.
As you know, there is only one of me and I've been trying to address the
need for both ministries here. In light of this, I appreciate your patience as I
try to recognize the new and changing needs of our families here while trying to
maintain the continuing needs of our youth ministry. I hope it has enhanced my
ministry to our teens AND their families.
While recently continuing my education, I attended the Pepperdine
Lectureships and I specifically focused on the Youth and Family Builders Series
they offered. The class that stuck out to me the most was entitled "Building a
Healthy Step-Family."
Current research shows that 1/3 of all families in the church are part of a
step-family. In the coming years, that number could jump to as high as 50% since
we know that 64% of all remarriages end in divorce. In other words, the church
needs to recognize the need for the support, training, and involvement of
members of stepfamilies because there will continue to be more of them in the
church in the years to come.
In the coming weeks, I will make copies of the tapes and printed materials
I brought back from the lectureships. You will be able to find them in the lobby
by the Parent's Information Table.
In an effort to strengthen our families and relate better to those in need
around us, I encourage EVERY MEMBER to listen to the material available. May the
Lord bless us as we commit to do all we can to strengthen our families here and
thus strengthen the Lord's body and our influence to the lost in our area.
**In the Nursery**
Infants
Gail Mason
Bo Mason
Tracy Risley
Toddlers
Flora Johnson
Missy Blasdel
Christy Abernathy
P.M. Nursery
Linda Wear
Terri Jones
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship (10:30)................663
Sunday Classes (9:30) ................. 416
Sunday Evening
(6:00)...................305
The Way (4:00)
................................64
Wednesday Worship (7:00)...........
305
Sunday Contribution ...............$14,713
Laotian
Attendance..........................53
Hispanic
Attendance........................50
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