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Family
Lines Newsletter, August 10,
2003
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**August, Frantic August!**
By David
Chadwell
How can August appropriately be described?
Oh, yes, indeed! August needs describing! We might accurately describe it
as HOT. Everything (including us!) wilts in the hot August heat. It
is hard to water flowers enough to keep them from withering or turning brown.
And my yard? Don't ask my neighbors! As a good friend says, "Brown
is a color, too!" People start looking forward to Fall's cooler
days. In August, not having the benefit of air conditioning is not an
option!
We might accurately describe August as
FRANTIC. School starts this month--a "marker" moment! July was
VBS. June was mission trips. From mid-May to July 31 were countless
efforts. Summer's sports camps and special program activities are at an end
(unless you are in a tournament). Football practice is in full
swing. Days are obviously shorter as summer break nears its end. So,
when August 1 arrives, those with children in school have only 18 days to make
summer's final trips. The rush is on! The "code word" every weekend
is scatter, and do it quickly!
We might accurately describe August as
EXPENSIVE. School clothes! School supplies! School fees!
Tuition! By August 1, it seems a huge "wallet vacuum cleaner" turns on to
hasten the too rapid outward cash flow.
For me, August is a difficult month. It is
difficult to "begin" anything. It is difficult to maintain any sense of
continuity. The "stress and strain" are obvious. "Where did the
summer go?" "I cannot believe my child is (a) starting to school; (b) is
in X grade; (c) is leaving home." "I thought our problems and struggles
would be better by the end of summer." "Time passes too quickly!" In
many ways, August is a "marker month." It reminds us of realities we
rather not consider.
Though many "August reminders of change" exist,
some things are changeless. Among them are: (1) Our need to be children of
the holy God; (2) Our need to make faith and faithfulness to our Lord and Savior
a life priority; (3) Our need to fill our lives with God's presence so we can be
His light in a dark world; (4) Our need to continue our journey to eternity; (5)
Our need to hunger and thirst for righteousness; (6) Our dependence on God's
mercy and forgiveness.
1 Peter 1:13-19 Therefore, prepare your minds for
action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be
brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not
be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like
the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
because it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy." If you address as
Father the One who impartially judges according to each one's work, conduct
yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were
not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of
life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb
unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ.
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**Adopt-A-Student**
By David Boozer
It began
last year. Some of us noticed that many of the children we tutored needed
help getting their school supplies. Others noticed that many children from the
Way also needed help with their supplies. By pairing up generous West-Ark
Christians with these children, the school supplies of over 20 children were
provided. Well, here it is one year later; the kids and the needs are
still with us. This year, we hope to help over 30 children start the
school year right with all the stuff they need.
Beginning Sunday morning, August 10, these
students' school needs will be "up for adoption." You will have the
opportunity of blessing one of these students by "adopting" him or her, which
simply means you will provide his or her school supplies. A bulletin board
will be set up in the foyer with each child's personal information and school
supply list. After you have chosen a student from the bulletin board, you
will buy the needed supplies. Then between August 11 and 14, you will have the
choice of either delivering the supplies to the child yourself or giving the
supplies to me to deliver for you.
Time will be short, so you will need to act
fast. School starts August 18. This is a great way to impact a
child, their family, and our community for Christ. May God continue to use
us to do that!
**Gateway News**
The memory verse for the David
2 rotation is Psalm 23 (New King James version).
**Spotlight On Ministry**
WINGS, (Part 1 of
2)**
Women in God's Service
[Part 2, Wednesday Night Wings, will appear in the
August 24th newsletter.]
Leadership team: Judi Green (chairperson); Deborah
Wilson (co-chair); Joyce Chadwell; Kristen Smith; Shelly Robbins; Heather
Curtis; and Christy Hesslen
Needs: Women who are willing to commit their time
and energies into leading and volunteering in these incredible life changing
ministries!
WINGS began as a small ladies' Bible study
approximately 15 years ago. It has since blossomed into two Bible studies;
one being on Tuesday mornings and another on Wednesday evenings. The Bible
studies are separate entities, working independently of one another, although at
times, some of the enrollment overlaps. Both studies have a small group
format. There is "homework" to do prior to class. Much study and
discussion stems from the required "homework." In addition to learning
God's Word through study and discussion, wonderful relationships are established
that transcend generations and backgrounds! Many women who are not members of
this congregation attend these studies and much effort is put into befriending
these women and establishing a lasting friendship with them.
Both studies meet in the building. Tuesday
classes begin at 9 a.m. in the foyer with fellowship and coffee. The devotional
and prayer time begins at 9:30, and we break into small groups following that.
Quality childcare is provided for those who regularly attend Tuesday
WINGS. It is offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. When classes are
dismissed at 11:30, extended childcare is provided for those moms who would like
to fellowship or run errands until 2 p.m. Speaking from experience, this
is a wonderful blessing for all involved! Last year's enrollment was 84 members,
with eight small discussion groups.
~~Christy Hesslen
**We're Looking For Volunteers**
Qualifications
Needed:
* a listening ear
* a smile
* a love for the hurting
* a
love relationship with Jesus Christ
* a few hours of time
* an attitude
of hope and joy.
If you have these qualities and want to help,
please contact Teia Kelly at the Pregnancy Help Center, 484-5244, M-F, 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
**Wednesday WINGS**
It's almost time to order
our books for the 2003 Fall-Winter WINGS study! If you are interested in being a
part of this class, plan to attend a fellowship in Room 211 at 7 p.m. on
Wednesday night, August 20, and bring a check to cover the cost of your book. We
prefer payment by check to help with record keeping.
Subject: Cassandra
Martin's book, Paul: By the Grace of God
Cost: Approximately $13.25 per book.
Leaders: Brenda Lenderman, Pat Campbell, Jane Fisher, Patty Null, LaReeca
Herndon, Kathy Monk, Peggy Pistole, & Donna Beneux.
If you want to
participate but cannot be present on August 20, please give your check to one of
the leaders before the August 20th fellowship.
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**Remember In Prayer**
* Robert Loudermilk is in
Sparks Hospital, room 514.
* Ada Ferguson is in Sparks Hospital, room
418.
* Mark McCreight is in Sparks ICU, #218. Any encouragement you can give
him will be appreciated. He is from Conway, AR and has no family here.
* Bill
Dickey is scheduled for a nuclear stress test on August 8th. He will have
out-patient gall bladder surgery on Monday, August 11th.
* Helen Epton,
mother of Rebecca Holloway, will have back surgery August 12 at St. Edward
Hospital.
* Eugene Smith remains in Sparks Hospital, room 434.
* Kevin
Vaught is recuperating from knee surgery.
* Continue to pray for Janet
Jackson and Vicki Varvel (daughter of John & Nadine Hawkins).
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended
to Mickey Mendez in the death of her mother, Lucila Lara. Graveside services
were Thursday, 1:00 p.m. at Oak Cemetery in Fort Smith.
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Christian Brothers and
Sisters,
We wish to express our thanks and gratitude to all at West-Ark
Church of Christ for the prayers, cards, calls, and personal expressions of
sympathy for the loss of my mother. Your concern for our sorrow is greatly
appreciated.
Don Neal & Family
Thank you to all the members who donated money for
the purchase of Bibles going to Ethiopia. The men in preacher's school are
presently using paperback Bibles that are falling apart. Jack Harriman and I
will be taking the Bibles with us August 18th as we travel to Ethiopia on our
mission to teach in the school there.
The preacher students are
good men and only God Himself knows what good will be accomplished in the future
from these men you are helping to arm with the gospel of our Lord
Jesus.
God Bless,
Roy Dunavin
**Placing Membership**
LeRoy & Lois Null
305 Mountain
Edge
Van Buren, AR 72956
Phone: 474-6157
(LeRoy and Lois are the
parents of Bob Null.)
**Change of Address**
The Turpin Family moved in March, and we missed
publishing their new address. They are now living at 2405 Rannoch Lane, Fort
Smith, AR 72908. Phone is 646-6430.
**Bridal Shower**
A shower honoring Adriane Anderson, bride-elect of
Todd Martin, is planned for Sunday, August 24, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the home
of Helen Pratt. Adriane and Todd are registered at Dillards, Wal-Mart and
Pier 1.
**Food for Jackson Family**
If you would like to help provide food for
Fred and Janet Jackson, please contact Debra Willis. Janet is scheduled for
brain surgery on August 22nd.
**New Arrival**
Congratulations to Jim and Deborah Wilson on the safe
arrival of a grandson, Elijah Carroll, born August 1. He weighed 7 lbs., 15 ozs.
**Teachers Needed**
A teacher is needed, one Sunday each month, to work
with children, ages 4 and 5, during Children's Worship. Contact Ron Orick or
Gary Brown if you can help.
We are also in need of an adult to participate in our Gateway program as
our quiz bowl teacher on Wednesday nights. This is for the 3rd through 6th grade
and would be a great blessing to a person who volunteers to take this
class.
**Congratulations**
... to Isaac & Virginia Mobley who celebrated
their
69th Wedding Anniversary on August 4th!
**David's
Sermons**
Morning: Do It Right Now, Right Here!
Evening: God's Chosen,
Part 2
**Marriage Enrichment Seminar**
With Drs. Faulkner &
Brecheen
September 19-20
West Side Church of Christ, Russellville,
AR
For registration information phone (479) 968-1121.
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
"Creating Spiritual Memories"
I STONGLY believe in the importance of
helping create spiritual memories for people. Our memories are a huge part of
who we are. In good times and bad times, we fall back on our memories to remind
us of who we are and where we are going.
That's why it's so important to create spiritual memories. They remind us
that we have been created to love and serve God. They remind us of the need to
keep a Christ-centered focus throughout all of the decisions we make in
life.
Without spiritual memories, we have no option but to turn to ourselves. It
always amazes me that parents act surprised when their children don't turn into
spiritual giants, when they, as adults, have spent the majority of their time
making memories that only benefit themselves and their own pleasures. We don't
turn into spiritual people by accident.
That's why I love the summer and the opportunities it provides for
spiritual growth. These activities provide a foundation for our young people to
build upon and reflect upon in the coming years.
The summer provides opportunities to develop solid relationships through
service, spiritual fellowship, VBS, mission trips, camp, and it also teaches our
kids how to have good, clean fun. They learn that they really can influence
other people for Christ just by the way they live their life from day to day.
I am thankful for our time this year at the City of Children. I am thankful
for Work Camp in the inner city of Fort Smith. I am thankful for Green Valley
Bible Camp. I am thankful for VBS. I am thankful for the fellowship our families
had together in Arlington, Texas. And I am thankful for the rainy day we spent
with our widows this past Saturday cooking chicken and burgers, telling famous
"storm stories" and singing our favorite songs.
I remember the events and I remember the people. I am thankful for our
young people and I am thankful for people like Shane and Audra, Jim and Helen,
Kerry and Dena, Eddie and Carolyn, Gary and Rochelle, Jim and Ann, Mark and
Donna, JT and Nancy, John and Donna, David and Michelle and all of the other
volunteers who believe in taking time to help others make spiritual memories. We
won't be disappointed in the future. It will prove to be time well spent! (John
3, vs 4) ~ Brad
**Nursery Schedule**
Infants
Trish Carson
Jane & Morgan
Dunavin
Dwonne Cogswell
Toddlers
Retha Wood
Vicki Anderson
P.M. Nursery
Marquetta Walker
Sheila Vaught
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Worship
(10:30).................585
Sunday Classes (9:30) ..................
362
Sunday Evening (6:00)....................219
Small
Group.......................................12
The Way (4:00)
.................................70
Wednesday Worship (7:00)............
262
Sunday Contribution .................$15,235
Laotian
Attendance............................27
Hispanic
Attendance..........................86
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