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Family
Lines Newsletter, May 13,
2004
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**No Stainless Steel in God's Kingdom!**
By
David Chadwell
2 Corinthians 4:7-11 But we have this treasure in
earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God
and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed;
perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but
not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly
being delivered over to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus also
may be manifested in our mortal flesh.
One of the few things Joyce wanted when we returned
to the USA was a stainless steel kitchen sink. I remember when mixing
bowls were tempered glass or plastic. For years they have been stainless
steel. This year I note another change. In the past, portable cooking
grills were made of painted steel. This year I see lots of stainless steel
portable grills. If stainless steel can do it, that seems to be the way to
go!
While we humans are "into" stainless steel, God is
not. When He sent His son to this world, Jesus did not come as "the
stainless steel man," but as a servant. When Jesus chose 12 disciples, he
did not select "stainless steel men." A common complaint against the 12:
they were ordinary people. Paul did not consider himself a "stainless
steel" Christian. Nor did he look at those whom God ruled and used as
"stainless steel" Christians. Paul saw Christians, from leadership down,
as clay pots.
While clay pots have many good uses, there are many
uses clay pots, of themselves, cannot serve. [In Paul's analogy, numerous
metals were available--bonze, silver, gold.] Clay pots are fragile.
They break too easily when encountering destructive forces. They don't
bend! They break!
Clay vessels were much too common. Poor
people drank from clay cups! Poor people ate from clay bowls! To
impress people, you did not "set the table with the good clay"--you brought out
the metal vessels. What a mess and embarrassment if a clay vessel broke
while being used by a guest! Clay was for the kitchen, not for the
table!
We have produced a false image in the thinking of
American Christians. Too often we see ourselves as the "stainless steel"
Christians in a "clay world." We have impeccable congregations with
impeccable preachers, impeccable elders, impeccable deacons, impeccable
teachers, and impeccable members.
We groan and moan when we look at all the clay in
society all around us. Yet, we are stainless steel! We are strong--we
may bend but we will not break! We stand shiny and bright as we reflect
ourselves--beware that our glare does not blind you! We are superior--just
look at our accomplishments and origin!
Clay looks at us and says, "We can never be
stainless steel." We look at clay and say, "If you are not stainless
steel, we cannot relate to you."
Are Christians strong? Yes. Do they
shine? Yes. Are they superior? No. They know they are
clay. All good or strong in them is from God--the God who can live through
Jesus in any clay pot.
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**Marriage Amendment**
One Man - One
Woman
Genesis 1 & 2, God created mankind, male and
female. He created the female as one suitable for the male. "Bone of my bones
and flesh of my flesh ... taken out of man" (2:23). They were created to marry
and become one flesh (2:24). This describes God's standard for human sexuality
and His intent for human behavior from the beginning of time. In love and wisdom
He has taught us how He wants human behavior to function.
Homosexuality and same-sex marriage is an
ever-increasing issue within American society. You can't turn on the television
or read a newspaper without being confronted with it.
Responsible authorities all across our nation are
ignoring the laws and issuing marriage licenses for same-sex couples and
officiating at "marriage" ceremonies for them. It has already happened here in
Arkansas - February 29th two men were "married" on the steps of the Arkansas
State Capitol.
We have been given an opportunity to express our
citizenship rights by voluntarily signing a petition to place a protective
Constitutional Marriage Amendment on the November ballot. Tables, petitions and
volunteers are in the foyer. If you wish to voluntarily sign the petition, you
must be a registered voter in the county you reside. There are two petitions:
one for Sebastian County residents, and one for Crawford County residents to
sign.
If you would like to be a volunteer canvasser and
encourage your neighbors and friends to help us reach the 80,750 signatures
needed, please see me (Mat Griffin).
I pray we will respond with a loving boldness
rather than retreating, which will allow Satan to chalk up one of his greatest
victories. ~~Mat Griffin
**Can You Help?**
Gene Monk (474-2822) is
looking for a volunteer to spray weed control in the parking lot and sidewalk.
This would take about 1 hour per month.
**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 house wares. A sign-up sheet has been provided at the
Information Center. Please put your name on the list if you can
help.
**Sunday Morning**
Serving Christ's World
By
Chris Benjamin
**Sunday Evening**
Coming to Christ, Part
5
The Conversion Experience
By David Chadwell
**60+ Potluck**
Our next potluck is Saturday,
May 15th at 6:00 p.m. in the Annex.
**Super Kid Day**
We are collecting:
*
kid-sized baseball gloves
* medals with red, white, or blue ribbons,
and
* trophies that can be reused (engraving or names removed).
A box is
in the foyer for your donations.
**New Wednesday Night 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.
**Bible Camp for Kids**
Thirteen (13) kids from
The Way hope to go to camp this summer (July 4-10). You can make it happen!
There are two ways to help.
1. Sponsor a camper. The cost
per camper is $100 for Green Valley Bible Camp. Please get your donations to
Jack Lewis as soon as possible.
2. Purchase needed
supplies. A list of each camper's supply needs will be posted on the
bulletin board in the foyer around June 1st.
**Guyana Medical Mission**
We are collecting
sunglasses and children's vitamins.
A box has been placed in the foyer for
your donations.
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**Remember in Prayer**
* John Smith, father of
Patty Kaiser, is in Sparks Hospital, room 531.
* Anna Ramsey is in St.
Edward Hospital, room 5506.
* Donnie Gammill, son of Genneil Nye, is in St.
Edward Hospital and hopes to be dismissed Thursday.
* Jamie Loftin (pregnant
with twins) needs bed rest and to carry the babies for 6 more weeks.
* Kathy
Eichenberger (mother of Scott James)
* Sunny McDonald (brother of Curtis)
* Bennie Hedrick (mother of Nancy James)
* Doy Wilkins (father of Nancy
Dockery) is in St. Edward, room 3208.
* Sanh Luongvan is in St. Edward
Hospital, LT3-1.
* Maile McDonald
* Judi Green
* Hesslen Family
*
Infant great-grandson of Genneil Nye
**Change of Address**
Melinda Griffin
3400
South 66th
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 484-8127
Jerry & Meg Canfield
Kathleen Taranto
400
North 66th
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 452-7682
**Baby Shower for Twins**
A shower honoring
Jamie Loftin is planned for Sunday, May 23, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. in the home of
Robin Simpson, 7211 Blackjack Drive in Fort Smith. Jamie is registered at
Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, Target, and Dillard's. Jamie is
expecting twins, a
boy and a girl!
**Baptism**
Rose Davis was baptized Wednesday
night, May 5th. Rose is the daughter of Jeff & Shanna Davis. If you would
like to send Rose a card, her address is 1352 Hiway 162, Cedarville, AR
72932.
**Senior Game Day**
Thursday, May 20
1:00 -
3:00 p.m. in the Annex
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Church Family,
Your prayers and cards are
greatly appreciated during this difficult time. The peace lily is beautiful. We
are truly blessed to be part of the West-Ark family.
The Family of Joe
Jones
Ava & Kaitlin Jones
Ted & Susan
Short
Chip & Kathy Moore
I was dismissed from the hospital last Friday, and
I want to thank everyone for the get well cards, the visits and prayers. I
especially appreciate the prayers. I have not been able to attend church since
last July, and I really miss everyone.
Love,
Lois
Jester
Dear West-Ark Quilters,
Thank you so much for
the beautiful quilt. Patrick and I know it will come in handy during the cold
Kansas City winters! I feel so blessed to have been raised in the love and
support of such a wonderful church family! We love and miss you.
Thank
you,
Amy Mason & Patrick Stinson
Peak of the Week Bible Class,
I would like to
thank everyone for the little remembrance cards you sent that said "we are
praying for you." The love and encouragement meant a lot!
Jess &
Mary Huff
**Tour of Italy**
Lubbock Christian University
and University Tours are offering a trip for Christians to Italy October
13-22, 2004. This trip focuses on the must-see sites in Venice, Florence and
Rome. Cost is $2175 per person based on double occupancy. This includes
roundtrip airfare from DFW, hotel accommodation, breakfasts throughout, three
dinner meals, Italian tour guides, entrance fees, tips and transportation within
Rome. For more information, contact Jamie Milstead at 806-720-7210 or Jamie.milstead@lcu.edu.
**Happy Birthday**
May 17
Dottie Hughes
Robertta Moses
Alice
Jean Rogers
May 18
Therese Weiser
Pat Yick
May 20
Virginia Oliver
Luke
Roberts
May 21
John Fowler
Debra Willis
May 22
Charley Douglas
Jacob
Hollomon
**Wedding Invitation**
Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Mason
and Ms. Vicky
A. Mason
request the honour of your presence
At the marriage of their
daughter
Amy Elizabeth to Patrick Lowell Stinson
son of Mr. and Mrs.
James L. Stinson III
on Saturday, May 29 at half past seven o'clock (in the
evening)
Immaculate Conception Church
22 North 13 Street
Fort Smith,
Arkansas
Reception following ceremony
Fianna Hills Country Club
1 Essex
Place
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
*Reflections*
On May 2nd, the Youth Group went to Fayetteville for the
final Sunday Night Live Youth Service of the Spring. When we arrived, we got a
special surprise. The RFC's (Razorbacks for Christ) were leading the worship
song service.
One of the song leaders was Chase Turpin, one of our former teens at
West-Ark. He did a great job of leading worship for us. It was so good to see a
young man, who is a product of our Youth Ministry and a result of good Christian
parenting, in action faithfully serving and leaders others nearer to
Christ.
As I reflected back on Chase and how much he has grown, I was reminded of
one of my favorite verses in all of scripture. If you've been a member at
West-Ark for very long, you've heard me quote it time and time again. It usually
finds its way into my sermon at least once a year during the Senior Graduation
Service.
It is found in the book of III John in verse four. It simply says, "I have
no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth." (N.A.S.)
The N.L.T. says it like this, "I could have no greater joy than to hear that my
children live in the truth."
Praise God for Chase Turpin and for his parents Winston and Danna. They are
a blessing to this congregation. I thank them for their willingness to raise
their children, Chase and Meagan, according to the words found in Deuteronomy
6:4-9. Because of this, their children will be a blessing to many people long
into the future for the glory and the benefit of the kingdom of God.
Which reminds me...it will soon be time to honor another exceptional class
of seniors in High School. Senior Graduation Services will take place Sunday,
May 23rd during the 10:30 worship hour. Plan to be here with us.
*There will be a special meeting for 6th-12th graders and their parents
this Sunday, May 16th at 4:30 p.m. in the youth room in the FLC to discuss
promotion and plans for the summer.
**Third Sunday Nursery**
A.M. Nursery
Gail Mason
Bo Mason
Flora
Johnson
Missy Blasdel
Kristy Abernathy
P.M. Nursery
Linda Wear
Terri Jones
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday A. M.
691
Bible Classes 453
Sunday Night 247
Small Groups
25
Wednesday P.M. 338
Contribution $14,126
Children's
Home $185
The Way 38
Hispanic Attendance 38
Hispanic
Contribution $151
Laotian Attendance 38
Laotian
Contribution $212
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