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Family Lines Newsletter, January 20, 2005
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**When God’s People Value That Which God Does Not Value**
By David Chadwell
 
Matthew 23:1-12, Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses; therefore all that they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds; for they say things and do not do them. They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted.
 
On occasions Jesus condemned the motives and desires of the most prestigious in Israel’s religious ranks.  Jesus’ statements concerning these religiously prestigious persons was so unthinkable that his closest disciples were astounded. (See Matthew 15:12.)
 
Matthew 23:12 is among Jesus’ most critical statements of these people known as the Pharisees.  Please note three things.  (1)  When they read scripture (i.e., "sat on Moses’ seat"), they should be heeded.  They shared God’s instructions, not theirs.  (2)  Yet, they had no concern for people.  They were judges of others’ weaknesses or failures.  They were unconcerned about encouraging or helping.  They enjoyed making loads heavy, not assisting in carrying loads.  (3) They loved occupying positions of prestige.  They were certain of their significance!  They loved others confirming their significance.
 
Jesus’ directive is chilling!  When they speak from scripture, listen.  However, do not act like they act.  God’s key to spiritual greatness is found in humility, not in prestige.
 
It is easy to criticize the Pharisees.  It is equally easy to repeat their mistakes.  God was humble enough to care about us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).  God was compassionate enough to send His son to us to direct us to Him (the way, the truth, the life—John 14:6, 7).  God was (is) forgiving enough to cleanse us even when He knows we will fail again (1 John 1:5-10).  None of us stand approved before God because we are so good, but because we are sanctified and justified in Jesus.
 
It is quite humbling to realize this: what God through Jesus Christ does for me each day He does for every other man and woman in Christ each day.  No Christian is given the prerogative of judging those in Christ.  Every Christian has the privilege of encouraging those in Christ.  May the Lord say of each of us, “Follow his/her example.”  Never let Him say of us, “Do not behave like he/she behaves.”
 
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**Elders-Deacons Meeting**
Sunday, January 23
4:00 p.m. in the upstairs room of the Family Life Center.
 
**LTC Announcements**
Sunday, January 23
2:00 p.m. Jr. High Choir
3:00 p.m. Sr. High Choir
4:00 p.m. Jr. High Bible Bowl
5:00 p.m. E. Chorus
6:00 p.m. E. Drama
 
**Ladies’ Retreat**
There will be a BRIEF informational meeting after Sunday morning services in the front of the auditorium.  You will be provided with a schedule, map & directions and other logistical information.  If you cannot attend this meeting, please contact Christy Anders, Heather Curtis or Dena Jenkins to obtain this information.  We are very excited about this time of fellowship, and pray that it will truly be an opportunity for us all to learn how to be REAL with God and with each other.  To Him be the glory!
 ~~Dena Jenkins
 
**Jail Ministry Update**
Our Jail Ministry experienced a very fulfilling 2004. Fifty-seven souls were baptized into Christ. We are grateful for all the men and women who work so tirelessly for the cause of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The year 2005 started with two men being immersed into Christ: Willie Harris and Billy Mitchell. God bless these new brothers in Christ. Please continue to pray for our Jail Ministry.
 In Christ’s service,
 Dan Cathey
 
**Photography Coordinator Needed**
We have three photographers who have agreed to take pictures of new members.  We need someone to coordinator this new ministry -- which will prepare us to print a church photo directory.  Have you got the knowledge and organizational skills we need? See or call Lynn Dickey at the church office.
 
**Church Keys at Home?**
Do you have church keys you have forgotten about? Please look through your cars, purses, and drawers at home. If you find any keys to the church building, annex, or FLC you no longer use, please return them to the church office.  Thanks!
 
**Lions for Christ Calendar**
 
Super Bowl Small Group
Sunday, February 6th
Phil Burns' Home 5 p.m.
 
Dayton Church Visit
Sunday, February 13th
 
Campus Encounter
“Rock Solid”
February 18-20
 
**Newsletter Options**
Attention former West-Ark members: If you receive the newsletter twice (by post office and e-mail), and would like to be deleted from the postal list, please let the office know. You may either call us at (479) 452-1240 or e-mail us at:
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
January 23
Race Burns
Ellen Kamp
Margie Mason
Tom Porter
 
January 24
John Carson
Tom King
Julie Orick
 
January 25
Toka Beall
LaReeca Herndon
 
January 26
Jake Jackson
 
January 28
Jeana Belote
Paul Beneux
Harvey George
Josephine Johnson
Larry Todd
 
January 29
Frances Gilley
 
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**The Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
• John Hundley was admitted to St. Edward Hospital after a reaction to his chemotherapy treatment. He is in room 5501.
• Thelma Blackburn is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5410.
• Paul Flippo is in St. Edward Hospital.
• Charles Rogers has moved to HealthSouth Rehab, room 38B.
• Ava Jones will be returning to Little Rock for surgery February 8th.
• Luther Odell Bryan, father of Karan Tygart, is in HealthSouth Rehab, room 203.
• Members of the Highland Church of Christ and those who were injured or bereaved due to the youth group van accident last weekend.
 
**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Sarah Smith in the death of her father, Elmo West, on Sunday night. Funeral services were January 20th at Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren.
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Tim Williams
• Maile McDonald
• Lana Howard
• Denise Campbell
• Janelle Graves
• Anita Maxwell
• Paul Flippo
• Adam Jenkins
• Eddie Hamlett
• Don Green
• John Hundley
• Taylor Anders
• Larry Treat
• Chuck Cunningham
 
**Prayers for Men in Service**
• Matthew Faries
• Shane L. Newton
• Brandon Daws
• Daniel Kweekul
• Aaron Bailey
• Philip Lux
• Johny Lindgren
• Adam Morrissun
• Ronnie Wheat
 
**Placing Membership**
Christine Snyder
9500 Meandering Way, Apt. #4
Fort Smith, AR 72903
 
**Baptisms**
 
Noah Klein
39 Northwood
Fort Smith, AR 72904
Noah was baptized December 30th by Oscar Nolasco.
 
Victoria Moore
3216 Blair, Apt. 3
Fort Smith, AR 72904
Victoria is the wife of Charles, and was baptized January 18th by Oscar Nolasco.
 
Adam Bailey
(Son of Wayne & Sheila Bailey)
3216 Ashbury Point
Greenwood, AR 72936
Adam was baptized Sunday evening by Brad Pistole.
 
Aaron Hite
(Son of Mark & Donna Hite)
9517 Londonderry Court
Fort Smith, AR 72908
Aaron was baptized Monday afternoon by his Dad.

Wedding Shower
You are invited to a shower honoring Eric and Leona Holland, Sunday, January 23, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. in the Davidson home, 1811 South 73rd Circle.  Eric and Leona are registered at Linens ‘N Things and Dillards.

 
**Notes of Thanks**
I appreciate all the cards, kind thoughts, and sympathy during the recent death of my brother.
 Clayton Amos
 
Church Family,
Thank you to everyone who took time to prepare and deliver meals to us after Noah was born. Also, thank you for all of the thoughts and prayers. It all means so much to us, and we are so blessed to be a part of the West-Ark Family.
 Love,
 Josh, Kim, and Noah Bice
 
Good friends at West-Ark,
We are sorry to leave all of you, but we are excited to begin our new life here in Bella Vista. We will miss all the wonderful friendships we have made and look forward to visiting from time to time. If you are traveling north, stop in and visit with us. We know that God will continue to bless West-Ark because of your devotion and hard work. We ask that you remember us in your prayers as we remember you.
 In His Service,
 Chuck and Joyce Pippin
 21 Fenchurch Lane
 Bella Vista, AR 72714
 Phone: 479 855-3045
 E-mail: chuck-joyce@cox.net
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
Do you ever have those weeks, better yet, those months that just seem to fly right on by and then you wonder, “Where did all the time go?” I guess I already know the answer to that. We all do.
 
Life is strange that way. We get so wrapped up in so many different things that all we see is: the practice, the game, the deadline, the rehearsal, the meeting, the next meeting, and the meeting after that.
 
Then, before you know it, a new week, month, or year has begun. However, there are exceptions to this. There are those days when something happens that changes the way we look at everything. In an instant, the time that was “flying by” seems to “STAND STILL.”
 
This was one of those weeks for me. I found out Tuesday morning that over the weekend there was a tragic accident involving a youth group from Abilene, Texas. They were on their way home from an event called Winterfest in Arlington, Texas (an event we have been to with our teens 2 of the last 3 years).
 
As a result of this event, one young man lost his life and many others are now in critical condition in a Fort Worth Children’s Hospital. When I think of something like this and how it will affect the lives of so many people, it breaks my heart and it humbles me.
 
It made me stop and thank God for his goodness. In 14 years of youth events with West-Ark, God has always protected our travels and our events. We need to thank Him for this. We need to remember that our lives are “but a vapor” and that our eternity can begin in an instant.
 
May the families of our brothers and sisters from Abilene be in our constant prayers in the days and weeks to come. May we also  realize the brevity of our lives and may this inspire us to do all that we do “in the name of the Lord” with His purposes in mind!
 
A.M. Nursery
Berniece Rogers
Sharon Faries
Tracy Risley
Donna Roper
 
P.M. Nursery
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 740
Bible Classes  481
Sunday Evening NC
Small Groups 49
Wednesday PM  242
Contribution   $16,700
Children’s Home   $272
Hispanic Contribution $116
Hispanic Attendance 31
Laotian Contribution $240
Laotian Attendance 35
The Way Contribution $32
The Way Count 58
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
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