West-Ark Newsletter, 14 September 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, September 14, 2003
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Few things are wanted more by individuals than an inner sense of personal peace. Since so many value and want this sense of personal peace, we might decide that it is commonly experienced. With that reasoning, we might conclude that many want it because they see it in others and "want what they see." Not so!

Few have the peace for which so many search. It is sought in many, many ways: over-involvement, escapes, pleasures, achievements, addictions, isolation, money, resignation, etc. The search for inner peace is common because the vast majority sense this uncommon inner peace can be found and should be experienced. In their search, most people could finish this statement: "I would have genuine peace of mind and heart IF..."

The IF usually focuses on changing a personal situation or condition believed to be the culprit that destroys inner peace. In this conviction, reasoning often proceeds in this manner. "I would have peace IF I were married" (but many of those who are married do not have peace); "IF I were single" (but many who are single do not have peace); "IF I had children" (but many who have children do not have peace); "IF I had no children" (but many who have no children do not have peace); "IF I had money" (but many who have money have no peace); "IF I had less money" (but many who are poor have no peace); "IF I had health" (but many who have health do not have peace); "IF I lived in America" (but many who live in America have no peace); etc.

All of us frequently are reminded that an inner peace of mind and heart are not dependent on things or external conditions. Two realities frequently remind us of this. (1) Many who have the things or are in the external situation we claim is the "key" to peace live with an enormous emptiness. (2) Some who do not have things or "desirable" external situations do find inner peace. Obviously, the "key" to peace is not a matter of having. One may have much and still possess an empty life, and one may not have much but find peace.

This is not irrelevant! A primary objective of God: provide those alive in His son with an inner peace. One way Christians reflect God's light in a dark world is through reflecting God's peace in their lives. Why should anyone become Jesus' disciple if he or she will experience greater guilt, increased anxiety, and a larger inner emptiness? What attracts people to Jesus Christ more than the assurance of genuine peace of mind and heart?

Consider two statements Jesus made to his twelve disciples less than a day before his death. After reading these statements, reflect on your personal concept of inner peace.

(John 14:27) Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.

(John 16:33) These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.

The word LIFE in Life Groups is the acronym for Love, Involvement, Fellowship, and Evangelism. This ministry strives to provide the opportunity for members to experience and grow in these four areas. These groups meet in homes to pray, study, sing, and share. Groups usually contain not more than 12 to 14 adult members. This setting of small numbers in homes is much more intimate and follows the pattern outlined in Acts 20:20. Jesus, the great teacher, used the small group pattern when he chose twelve men to initially spread the Word.

This ministry began approximately four years ago when several members from West-Ark, including elders, visited the Whites Ferry Road congregation to learn about their small group ministry. Next, the ministry leader and an elder from Whites Ferry Road presented a seminar to interested members here at West-Ark. From there a leader-training manual was developed and initial leader training was conducted. Currently there are 6 groups meeting regularly on Sunday evenings with a 7th group looking to start soon. One of the six groups is specifically for singles. An 8th group meets as needed and ministers to those in grief recovery. Leaders and co-leaders are required to receive training.

Involvement in this ministry has produced many successes, much of which is immeasurable to humans, but not to God. Many men have become song leaders and prayer leaders who wouldn't have taken such a role in the past. People are becoming more involved in the lives of fellow Christians. If you are interested in learning more about this ministry or participate in a group, please contact one of the following:

Larry Roper,  Ministry Leader,  996-2178  larry.roper@boc.com
Blake Frost,  Ministry Leader,  996-6096 frostfamily@valuelinx.net
Greg Simpson,  Group Leader,  478-6227
Kevin Roberts, Group Leader, 649-5716  KJKLRob@aol.com
Jerry Canfield, Group Leader, 452-7682  Jcanfield@dailywoods.com
Jack Lewis, Singles Group Leader, 783-2758  jfredlewis@wmconnect.com
Gregg Null, Group Leader (new), 783-4510  g_null@cox-internet.com
Ron Lenderman, Elder, 452-4547  rbnr56@juno.com

Please plan to attend the LIFE group kickoff meeting on Sept. 21 in the FLC!
Thanks to all of you dedicated to being disciples of Jesus eager to serve others!

**Gateway Memory Verse**
Mark 1:2-3
"It is written in Isaiah the prophet:
"I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way"
"A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.'"

**Ladies Retreat**
January 23 & 24, 2004
Ozark Conference Center
North of Morrilton, AR
Mark your calendars now! Plans are being made for a wonderful weekend together this winter.

**Kids For Christ (KFC)**
KFC begins Sunday night, September 14th. KFC 1 is for kids that are 3 years old (if potty trained) through Kindergarten. KFC 2 is for kids in Grades 1-6.

During this special time during the evening worship, we sing, pray, have Bible lessons and get to know each other better while having fun. In KFC 2 we have special lessons for kids in grades 1-2, 3-4, and 5-6.

**Remember in Prayer**
* Gordon Wilson is at home, but remains critically ill.
* Oneta Love fell and broke her hip. She is in Sparks Hospital, room 575.
* Paul Newhouse, father of Cathy Breedlove, is scheduled for a biopsy of his liver and pancreas on Thursday. He will also have gall bladder surgery soon.
* Glenanna O'Mara (daughter of Larry and Janice Prater and sister of Shanna Davis) is very ill. She will be returning to the Mayo Clinic soon.
* Prayer has been requested for Daniel Mickle, a Greenwood High School student who recently had brain surgery and is having stroke
symptoms. He faces a long and difficult recovery.
* Continue to pray for Vicki Varvel, John Hawkins, Helen Epton, Janet Jackson, Theo Prater, and Mary Smith.

**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Quilters,
Thank you all for the beautiful quilt. We will cherish it forever.
In Christian love,
Todd Martin & Adriane Anderson

Thank you very much for the many cards West-Ark members sent to me in the passing of Florence. Many wrote notes encouraging me in time of sorrow. I appreciate all of you and the good work you are doing for Christ. I keep up with you through your good bulletin.
In Christian love,
Clint Hooper and daughter

**Girl's Night Out**
Girls, mark your calendar for Friday, October 3rd, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m. for a night of fellowship, food, and games. This will be a great opportunity for girls, ages 7th grade through adults, to get to know each other a little better. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer for the fun- filled evening. Be sure and check it out and don't miss out on the festivities. Also, if you have a set of double nine dominoes that you can bring, please call Beth Frederick, 452-0558. Hope to see you there!

**Fall Festival Is Coming!**
It's time to start preparing for our Fall Festival on October 25th of this year. Last year's Festival was a wonderful success thanks to all those who either volunteered or donated items. Many children and parents from our church family and our community came and had a safe and fun evening.

To make this year a success, we again need your support and donations. We will be posting sign-up sheets for those willing to man one of the booths that evening or donate items such as desserts for the cake walk. There will be a box next to the gift table in the foyer for donations of candy or 2 liters. Please sign up and join in the fun. Parents, please keep in mind that this is a church function when picking out costumes for the little ones. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer, call Tiffany (783-4510) or Kristy (649-0210). Thank you.

**Wedding Invitation**
Mr. and Mrs. James Ervin Anderson
Request the honour of your presence
At the marriage of their daughter
Adriane Lorene to
Mr. Todd Avery Martin
Saturday, September 27th
At six o'clock in the evening
West-Ark Church of Christ
Reception immediately following

**Marriage Enrichment Seminar**
With Dr. Paul Faulkner and
Dr. Carl Brecheen
September 19-20
West Side Church of Christ
Russellville, Arkansas
Call (479) 968-1121 to register.

Gospel Meeting
9th Street Church of Christ
Speaker: Tommy Brooks
* Sunday, September 14, 3:00 p.m. Worship
* Monday-Wednesday, September 15-17, 7:00 p.m., Singing and Preaching

Ah yes, the first hint of cool breezes has finally blown our way and that can only mean one thing: CROSSWALK Youth Rally will be here soon. This year will mark the completion of the first decade for the Crosswalk Youth Rally.

For those who don't know, West-Ark helped start Crosswalk 10 years ago. As a matter of fact, I am the only remaining original board member that helped create the first Crosswalk which took place at the Robinson Avenue congregation in Springdale.

The Northwest Arkansas Youth Ministers knew the fall had a large void where spiritual activities were concerned. It seemed natural for everyone to focus on school activities like football and basketball from September-December. So we decided to develop an event that would really challenge our students to stay focused and not forget the commitments they had made during the summer months.

CROSSWalk began in Springdale with about 300 students. As the youth rally grew and as leaders changed/moved, Crosswalk eventually moved to West-Ark for 5 consecutive years during it's 4th-8th year. It is now being hosted by Marshall Brown at the Southside congregation in Rogers and we are currently making plans for another great year.

The theme for this year will be "Giant Killers" and we will take a look at extreme faith in action. We want to focus the teens on some special verses and concepts:
Mark 9:23- "with God all things are possible"
Ephesians 3:20- "God is able to do immeasurably more..."
Philippians 4:13- "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"
2 Timothy 1:7- "God has given us a spirit of power and boldness"

Dan Stockstill from Harding University will be present again this year and will teach class for our adults. Make plans now to join your teens for the weekend and help make our 10th annual Crosswalk a spiritually uplifting event for your entire family.

**Nursery Attendants**
Infants: Jane and Morgan Dunavin, Trish Carson, Dwonne Cogswell
Toddlers: Retha Wood, Vicki Anderson
P.M. Attendants: Marquetta Walker, Sheila Vaught

**Attendance and Contribution**
Sunday Morning ... 631
Bible Classes ... 418
Sunday Night Service ... 274
Wednesday Night Service ... 322
Contribution ... $17,068
Children's Homes ... $233
Community Outreach (the Way) 62
Hispanic ... 57 Contribution ... $223
Laotian ... 29 Contribution ... $163