West-Ark Newsletter, 6 May 2004

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Family Lines Newsletter, May 6, 2004
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Acts 11:19-24 So then those who were scattered because of the persecution that occurred in connection with Stephen made their way to Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews alone. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who came to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a large number who believed turned to the Lord. The news about them reached the ears of the church at Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas off to Antioch. Then when he arrived and witnessed the grace of God, he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord; for he was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And considerable numbers were brought to the Lord.

For a while Jesus' resurrection was declared exclusively to Jews. God promised Israel a Messiah. God's intent: the Messiah would be God's fulfillment of His ultimate accomplishment through Israel. Israel had many expectations about the Messiah's impact on Israel. What could be more natural than an intense discussion about Jesus' identity among Jews? After all, they were certain the Messiah was promised to them to meet their expectations. They did not understand God's original promise to Abraham, their ancestor: "... in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed" (Genesis 12:3).

For a while, Jesus' resurrection was discussed only among Jews. Then some Jewish converts from Cyprus and Cyrene taught people in Syrian Antioch who were not Israelites. "The hand of the Lord" was with them. The result: "many who believed turned to the Lord."

This startling news reached converted Jews in Jerusalem where the teaching about Jesus' resurrection began. Naturally, the question was, "What is going on?" They selected a Jewish convert, Barnabas, to travel to Antioch to examine the situation. This is the same man whose name was changed from Joseph to Barnabas (son of encouragement) by the apostles, who sold some land and gave the money to the apostles to help the needy (Acts 4:36, 37), and who saw spiritual potential in Saul (Paul) the man previously violent against Jewish Christians (Acts 9:26-28).

Few Jewish Christians could visit a Gentile city and be elated about God's work among people who were not Jews! In Antioch Barnabas continued doing what he did among Jerusalem converts: "he rejoiced and began to encourage them all with resolute heart to remain true to the Lord." He was not jealous because God's grace worked among these people! He did not feel threatened on behalf of Jewish converts! He saw God's grace and rejoiced! Why? "He was a good man, and full of the Holy Spirit and of faith."

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**Transportation Ministry**
Occasionally our members have a need for transportation to a doctor's appointment or a check up. If you would like to put your name on a list to provide this service in the future, please let the church office know by a phone call or e-mail.

**Super Kid Day**
Super Kid Day is a special day for the kids in our Tutoring Program. If you have items to donate (see list below), please place them in the labeled box in the Information Center. If you have questions, see LaReeca Herndon.

We are collecting:
* kid-sized baseball gloves
* medallions with red, white, or blue ribbons (like kids receive in track and field events) and
* trophies that can be reused (engraving or names removed).

**Ladies' Discussion Class**
For those interested in participating in a 6-week Ladies' Bible Class Discussion, we plan to begin Wednesday evening June 2nd. Please borrow or buy a copy of The Purpose-Driven Life by Rick Warren, which we will use as a guide for discussion.

**Good Work, Kevin!**
There is an excellent article about Kevin Vaught in the May 2004 issue of Entertainment Fort Smith, page 26. The magazine can be picked up for free around town. You will especially appreciate the way God is glorified in the article. Be sure to tell Kevin how proud we are of him and his commitment to the Lord through his ministry with CURE.

**Clothing Volunteers**
Volunteer Workers are needed one time a month (3rd Thursday) from 9:30 - 12:00 noon to sort and hang clothing and sort housewares. A sign-up sheet has been provided at the Information Center. Please put you name on the list if you can help.

**Tea for Graduating Senior Girls**
Saturday, May 8th, at 11:30 am, a tea will be held in the Family Life
Center honoring the young ladies of the class of 2004. We want to encourage all the ladies of the congregation to come be a part of this special day and to let our seniors know how proud we are of them.

We are asking each lady bring the following:
* Last name beginning with A-H, please bring Desserts
* Last name beginning with J-Q, please bring salads
* Last name beginning with R-Z, please bring finger sandwiches

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**The Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
* Kathy Eichenberger (mother of Scott James) is waiting on test and biopsy results.
* Sunny McDonald (brother of Curtis) has cancer. The family appreciates your prayers.
* Janelle Graves was admitted to St. Edward Hospital, room 4318 Thursday morning for tests.
* Will Ed Warren recently had hip surgery and appreciates prayers of the West-Ark congregation.
* Bennie Hedrick (mother of Nancy James) fell Wednesday night and is in a Texas hospital.
* Lois Jester requests prayers for her daughter's health (Juanita).
* Sanh Luongvan is in St. Edward LT3-1 (Long Term care).
* Doy Wilkins (father of Nancy Dockery) continues to have heart problems. He had a heart cath Wednesday and is now scheduled for triple by-pass surgery.
* Maile McDonald
* Lois Jester is in St. Edward Rehab, room 5207, and taking physical therapy.
* Adam Jenkins
* Helen Branum
* Judi Green
* Hesslen Family
* Infant great-grandson of Genneil Nye

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Carolyn Griffin in the death of her brother-in-law, Ken Frantz, in Florida on Monday. Ken had suffered a stroke the last of April. Prayers for Carolyn's sister Jeanette and nephew Phil are appreciated.

**Notes of Thanks**
To all my Family here at West-Ark,
Thank you, all who visited, called, sent cards, and prayed for me while I was in the hospital. It means so much to know that so many of you cared so much.
In Christian love,
Bobbie Hughes

Dear West-Ark Quilters,
The Alumni of Southern Christian Home want to thank you for the lovely quilt you donated. It was auctioned at the alumni dinner for $300. The money will go toward the scholarship fund for Jimmy Brunson, who is a student at Harding University. Thank you for your kind generosity.
The Alumni Board of SCH

Dear West-Ark Quilters,
We want to extend our sincere thanks for your donation of quilt bags to the children. You are greatly appreciated.
Clay Roper, Executive Director
Children's Emergency Shelter

We were able to attend the annual open house at SCH last Saturday, May 1st. Jerry Canfield was the feature speaker, and as always, he had an inspiring lesson. He encouraged everyone to maintain faith in God as we set sail on the rough sea of life.

The children were really great as they continue to learn about love, respect, responsibility, and caring for each other. Many children showed courage as they performed skits and songs for the audience.

**Community Rescue Mission **
The Fort Smith mission needs the following supplies: toilet paper, bleach, bath towels (new or used), paper towels, cleaning supplies. Eddie Harrell knows the people there personally and will deliver supplies for you. You can contact Eddie at his store, Interior Outlet, 3333 McKinley Ave. or call him at 646-3325.

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One of my best friends in Youth Ministry was married about 13 years ago on May 4th. He has a famous saying, "May the 4th be with you." Ring any bells? If you read it fast enough, it should remind you of a famous movie line.

I am reminded of him each year when May rolls around. There's no secret that the period of May through August is a Youth Minister's busiest and most productive time of year. This will be the 13th time I've mentally prepared myself to "hang on for the ride." The summer can be a blur that feels like ONE BIG YOUTH EVENT.

This year will be no different. As a matter of fact, we have 5 different week-long events planned for this summer. No matter what your schedule is like, this should help you get involved in one or two events with the Youth Group this summer.

Each event that is planned for the summer of 2004 has a Christ-centered vision and purpose. Each event is designed to help meet a specific need and provide for a specific type of Christian discipline and growth in a young person's life.

To learn more about our plans for your teens this summer, go to www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/youth and click on Calendar of Events. You also need to make plans to be present at our teen/parent meeting that will take place on Sunday, May 16th at 4:30 in the youth room in the FLC. This is for all 6th -12th graders and their parents.

Senior Graduation, May 23rd 10:30 AM
And don't forget about Senior Graduation Services that are only 2 weeks away. Our special service will take place on May 23rd at 10:30 a.m. Our seniors need to get me their information sheet A.S.A.P in order to help get things ready for our service.

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday A. M.   639
Bible Classes 465
Sunday Night 234
Small Groups 26
Wednesday P.M. 333
Contribution   $16,455
Children's Home   $257
The Way 56
Hispanic Attendance 56
Hispanic Contribution $186
Laotian Attendance 45
Laotian Contribution   $250

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