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Family Lines Newsletter,August 31, 2003
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**Living For Eternity or Right Now?**
**David Chadwell **
 
I specifically remember times as a teen when I would watch the setting sun and hope to return the world to God.  That was quite a dream for an insignificant country boy on small mountain top farm.  Though I dreamed, I had no clue as to how big the world is, how complex cultures are, or how many people have no interest in God.
 
Perhaps that was a significant motivation when Joyce agreed that we should move our young family to West Africa.  The naive country boy learned enormous lessons in West Africa, lessons he fervently prayed God would never let him forget.
 
I learned how big the world is.  I learned how powerfully people are defined by their cultures.  I learned how complex we all are.  I learned the meaning of faith in Christ.  I was introduced to the relationship between patience and faith.  I was made aware of the deep, incredible link between having faith in God and having the desire to repent.  I learned that we can use religious motivations and agendas for many different objectives.  I learned how much of America's culture and social values are incorporated in the American Christians' concepts of God's will and faithfulness.
 
I was greatly humbled by another understanding.  God's intent was never to Americanize the world.  God's intent was (is) to offer the world salvation in Jesus Christ.
 
No human can change the world.  That power resides only in God, and He offers that change through Christ.  Only in Christ resides the power for change.
 
Each generation accepts or rejects God's offer.  Each parent learns that truth!  Frequently we are reminded not even our own children may accept Christian values and concepts!
 
In each age our power is to model the value and privilege of God's molding.  We knowledgeably share our faith in Christ.  We prayerfully hope our children, friends, and world see in us the value and privilege of serving God.  We earnestly, genuinely hope our children, friends, and world will see the reality of eternity.  Yet, we grieve realizing many refuse to see the reality of eternity.  These prefer "now" to "then." 
 
If in Jesus' world many were not impressed with him, why should all in this world be impressed with him?  Pessimism?  No!  Acceptance! Those rejecting repentance never recognize God.  The greatest tragedy: many who could see God, respond to Jesus, and repent, either (a) never hear or (b) are blinded by Christians with good intentions but little faith. 
 
Hebrews 11:13,14 All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own.
 

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**The Top Ten Reasons To Be A Tutor**
**By David Boozer**
 
David Letterman does it, so why can't we?  Here are the top 10 reasons to be a tutor:
 
Number 10 - You get to watch Daniel Word or David Boozer lead "the Hippo Song."
Number 9 - Jesus said that it is more blessed to give than to receive.
Number 8 - You won't have to answer any telemarketer calls from 3:00 until 5:00 on Thursday afternoons.
Number 7 - You get to spend time with someone who really looks forward to spending time with you.
Number 6 - Finally, a place to share all of your vast knowledge!
Number 5 - The occasional talent show! 
Number 4 - Snacks! Snacks!  Snacks!
Number 3 - God seems to have a soft spot for kids, and I kind of think he expects us to feel the same way.
Number 2 - Evangelism couldn't get any easier.
And the Number 1 reason to be a tutor is. . . Since Jesus said that God would reward those who gave even a cup of water to a youngster, imagine what he will do if you spend 30 minutes helping one with 5th grade fractions!
 
The reasons are endless!  If you . . . 
? tutored last year and plan to tutor again this year. . .
? are thinking about tutoring this year but have never tutored before. . .
? are just curious about what this tutoring business is all about ...
 
. . then join us at the front of the auditorium this Sunday morning after the assembly for a quick meeting.
 
 
**Tuesday Morning WINGS**
Orientation/Registration/Coffee
 
You are invited to the
September 2, 10:00 a.m.
in the Family Life Center.
We hope you can join us as we start our weekly study of Esther.
If you have questions, contact
Judy Green (484-1438)
Shelly Robbins (996-2109) or
Heather Curtis (452-3290).
Child care will be provided
In the Church Nursery.
 
 
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
August 31
Helen Branum
Emily Combs
Mark Hite
Gail Mason
 
September 1
Mike Mason
Linda McRay
Jacqueline Myers
Brenda Wewers
 
September 2
Bobbie Hughes
Charlotte Pinedo
 
September 3
Norma Jean Breedlove
 

**Many Teachers Are Needed!!**
We need 11 people who are willing to teach, co-teach or just be the helper. There are openings for Sunday and Wednesday in all ages. Please contact Robin Pratt-Webber if you can help (783-8728).
 
****Family Meeting Rescheduled**
Due to the Labor Day holiday, our Family Meeting and Fellowship Meal (normally the 5th Sunday of the month) have been rescheduled for Sunday evening, September 7th.
 
**Valley View Church of Christ Golf Tournament**
 
Date: Saturday, September 27
Where: Ben Geren Golf Course
 
To enter call Niketa Stinchcomb at 996-3001 or the Valley View church at 996-6040 and leave your name, phone number, and an average score for 18 holes.
 
Check in by 12:15 p.m.
Tee off starts at 1 p.m.
 

**Gateway News**
 

Attention Parents and Kids!
It's time for Celebration Sunday and our Baby Jesus Shower in the FLC!
 
Children in the 2nd through 6th grades may bring a baby gift which we will then give to the Way and to the church pantry. 
 
We have many requests for disposable diapers (all sizes).  Any baby gift will be great.  Used baby clothing would be very welcome as well. 
 
 
 
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* Janet Jackson is now home after having brain surgery last week. After a time of recovery, she will begin radiation treatments.
* Robert Loudermilk had a pacemaker implanted Friday. He is now home and doing well.
* Caruth Alexander (former West-Ark member) is in the Decision Point Program in NW Arkansas. He would welcome cards. His address is c/o Decision Point, P.O. Box 1174, Springdale, AR 72765.
* Continue to pray for Vicki Varvel, John Hawkins, Helen Epton, and Richard Bandy.
 
**Prayers for Mission Trips**
* Roy Dunavin and Jack Harriman are on a mission trip to Ethiopia. They are scheduled to return September 12.
* Jerry Canfield leaves for Laos August 30th. He will be gone for about 10 days.
 
**Change of Address**
Dennis & Reva Hoff
14014 White Bluff Heights
Fort Smith, AR 72916
Phone:479-638-8578
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear West-Ark Family,
Thank you so much for the visits, cards, calls, and especially the many prayers offered on Gene's behalf during his illness. He still has many medical/health problems with a long way to go for a full recovery, but through your prayers and God's help, we know it will happen.
In Christian love,
Sarah & Eugene Smith
 
Dear West-Ark Church of Christ:
Thank you so very much for the beautiful peace lily that was sent to my Mom's funeral. I also deeply appreciated all the cards, calls, and the prayers offered on her behalf during her illness. The ladies were so thoughtful on providing the meal that was given to us after the funeral; everything was delicious.
Thank you for all the love and support given to us. I am so lucky to have you as brothers and sisters in Christ. May the Lord bless you all.
Mikki Mendez and Family
 
**Miscellaneous Church Shower**
The gift table for the church shower will be taken down before Sunday. If you still have gifts for the baptistery, annex or FLC kitchen, please bring them to the church office or give them to one of the secretaries.
 
**Lost Bracelet**
Emily Kamp has lost a silvery chain bracelet. If found, please return it to the Kamp family or the office.
 
**Hospice Classes**
Hospice classes are being offered for new volunteers starting Tuesday, September 16 at the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, 3324 South "M", Fort Smith, AR. The classes will be each Tuesday through November 4th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.  If you would like to be a Hospice Volunteer, please call Dianne Kitchen at (479) 314-1150 or 1-800 225-9743.
 

**David's Sermons**
 
Morning
The New Person Requires
A Beginning
 

Evening
God's Chosen, Part 5
 
 
 
**Family Meeting**
Ice Cream and Fellowship!
Our Family Meeting is Sunday evening, September 7th. Afterwards, we will enjoy our Annual Ice Cream Supper in the FLC (in years past this ice cream supper was hosted by Mat and Jo Griffin at their home).
 
Please bring a freezer of your favorite homemade ice cream.  If you can't bring homemade ice cream, desserts of all kinds are needed. You may also bring store-bought ice cream.
 
**LTC News**
LTC lists are being finalized.
Please call Hank or Pam Watlington at 452-9381 for any corrections.
 
**Caring for our Shut-in and Homebound Members**
Being homebound or in a nursing home can become quite lonely This week, why not make a visit, a phone call, or send a card to someone on the list! You will make their day much brighter!
 
* Cecil Knight, Medi-Homes Nursing Home, 4613 Rogers, Room D-10, Fort Smith, AR 72903.
* Thelma Blackburn, 3901 North 50th, AR 72904 (782-2680).
* Ada Ferguson, Medi Homes, 4613 Rogers, Room E-15, Fort Smith, AR 72903, ph. 452-6026.
* Pearl Beam, 1114 North 5th, Fort Smith, AR 72901 (782-8734).
* Bobbye Ferrell, 3204 South 32nd, Fort Smith, AR 72903 Phone: 646-9649.
* Frances Gilley, Methodist Nursing Home, 1915 South 74th, Fort Smith, AR 72903, Phone 782-2950.
 

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**Youth and Family Life Ministry**
**"New Fall Classes for 7th-12th Graders"**
 
Wednesday Nights
September 3 - November 19
 
Topic - "True Love Waits - God's Design for Dating Relationships"
Teachers:  Brad Pistole, Shane Bocksnick, JT Smith, Tom Benincosa
 
During this 12 week class, 7th-12th graders will be in the same class but will be broken into various groups throughout the class. There will be some nights when boys and girls will be in separate classes and some nights when Jr. High and Sr. High will be separated.
 
Some lesson topics during this class include:
Facts and Trends - Dating and Sex in Today's World
The Big Lie
Love Must Be Tough
But everyone else is doing it..."
How Do I Delete This One?
Keys To a Lifelong Love
 
This class will begin promptly at 7
p.m. in the youth room in the FLC.  Parents are also welcome and encouraged to attend at any time.
 
*New Sunday morning classes begin on October 5th. I will put the schedule for Sunday Mornings in the bulletin in the coming weeks.
 
Special Service this Sunday:
 
This Sunday afternoon, our 7th-12th graders will host the elementary kids from The Way. Our services will begin in the gym at 4:00 p.m. and will end around 6:30. We will meet together for class and worship. A time of fellowship and a meal will follow. West-Ark Parents and Teens, we could use your help! Come join us for a great evening and help make a difference in the lives of some kids who are just beginning their walk with Christ.  ~ Brad Pistole    
 
**5th Sunday Nursery**
 
A.M. Infants
Cristy Pressley, Kay Pressley, Hannah Pressley
 
Toddlers
Louise Howard, Cami Stancil
 
P.M. Nursery
Robertta Moses
Laurie Armstrong
 
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Morning Worship   10:30
Sunday Morning Classes        9:30
Sunday Evening Worship       6:00
Weekday Classes
Tuesday Morning Wings        9:30
Wednesday Ladies Class       10:30
Wednesday Evening Classes   7:00
 
**Attendance and Contribution**
Sunday Morning ... 667
Bible Classes ... 444
Sunday Night Service ... 297
Wednesday Night Service ... 380
Contribution ... $14,806
Children's Homes ... $259
 
Community Outreach (the Way) 69
Hispanic ... 41 Contribution ... $192
Laotian ... 50 Contribution ... $253
 
**Elders**
Michael Cole, Bill Dickey, Roy Dunavin, Earl Flood, Ron Lenderman, Bob Null,
Joe Pistole
 
**Ministers**
David Chadwell, Roy Dunavin, Brad Pistole, David Boozer, Oscar Nolasco, Thomas Kweekul
 

Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westarkchurchofchrist.org
 
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