------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Lines Newsletter, August 11, 2005
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Fall 2005 Life Group Launch**
Sign-Up August 28 - September 11
Launch September 18
 
The mission of every space shuttle begins with lift-off, but there is still much work before the launch.   This is true of LIFE Groups also.  LIFE Groups will launch on Sept. 18, and every new season is a new beginning for LIFE Groups. It’s the best opportunity for you to get involved in a small group fellowship.
 
What are LIFE Groups?  The elders encourage every member to do three things to grow as disciples: 1) Worship God on Sunday with the West-Ark family, 2) grow spiritually through Bible study and Christian relationships, 3) serve others in the name of Christ.   LIFE Groups are one option for meeting the second item. 
 
Are all LIFE groups the same?  Yes and no.  No, because the groups are diverse and meet various needs.  Yet, they are the same because they share basic characteristics and commitments.  These are reflected in the name LIFE groups; LIFE stands for Love, Involvement, Faith, and Encouragement.  All groups are committed to the common characteristics of Christian LIFE.
 
What's new for Fall 2005?  We hope to have more groups.  We need people to lead and host groups.  The core of every group is a group facilitator/leader and host home.  [Note: There is an orientation for new and current  LIFE Group leaders and hosts on Saturday, August 20 at 6 PM at 2922 Ionia Street.]
 
What's the study for Fall 2005?  We will focus on the fruit of the spirit in a series called "Life on the Vine."  The study encourages discussion with an application of the preaching and worship on Sunday morning. 
 
When do LIFE Groups meet?  They meet weekly at different times, but usually on Sunday evening or afternoon.  The time for each group will be listed on the sign-up page.  Take note that the auditorium assembly continues to meet at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.  Kids for Christ, Youth Worship, and Lions for Christ will also meet at 6:00 p.m.  As you can see, there are many good opportunities for spiritual growth through fellowship and Bible study in addition to LIFE groups.  Be good to yourself and others by getting involved!
 
When is the sign-up and how will it be done?  You will be given the opportunity to sign up for the LIFE Group of your choice from August 28 to Sept. 11.  Individual sign-up forms will be available and you may indicate which LIFE Group you want to be involved with.  You may also indicate your involvement in other Sunday p.m. options for the purpose of growing spiritually through Bible study and Christian relationships.
 
What if I am already in a LIFE group?  Can I stay in that group?  Yes, just sign up for it again. 
 
What if I still have questions?  No problem!  Just contact Larry Roper, Blake Frost, or Chris Benjamin.   Even though we are "launching" on Sept. 18, LIFE Groups are not rocket science.  Your questions are always helpful.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Larry Schluterman is in room 3521 in St. Edward Hospital. He is feeling better, and hopes to be dismissed this weekend.
• Ted Edwards (formerly of West-Ark) had emergency surgery for a detached retina last week (8/4/05). He is also in the midst of job interviews, and it will be several weeks before his sight begins to return. Prayers for Ted’s healing and future ministry are appreciated.
• Palmer Richardson, daughter of Scott and Lori Ann, was air lifted to Children’s Hospital in Little Rock Monday. She is in stable condition after developing an infection. See also http://www.palmerrichardson.com/
• Lawrence Hankins, Randy’s father, is now home but continues to be very weak. 
• Joan Jenkins (Kerry’s mom) will begin chemotherapy treatments for cancer on August 15th.
• Prayer has been requested for Jennifer Jenkins Hagin of Coweta, Oklahoma. Jennifer is seeking help and treatment for a brain tumor.
 
**Continued Prayers**
Ann Selig; Christy Hesslen; Phil Lynn; Jimmy McCartney (brother of Peggy Pistole); Odell Bryan, father of Karen Tygart; Bill Houlker (Roy & Joyce Dunavin’s son-in-law); Bob Callicott (father of Ann Combs); Elnora Nichols (sister of Betty Summers); Vicki Varvel (daughter of John and Nadine Hawkins).
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• Wendell Fenton, 784-7490
• Maile McDonald, 441-6639
 
**Sympathy**
Our love and sympathy is extended to Ken Frederick in the death of his father, Howard Frederick. Graveside services are Saturday in Okmulgee, OK.
 
**Baptisms**
Brad Bandy
4708 South “U” Street
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Brad was baptized 8/7/05 by Roy Dunavin.
 
Evonne Kelly was baptized Wednesday morning by her son, Michael Blasdel. Please keep Evonne on your prayer list as she begins cancer treatments.
 
**Prayers for Men in Service**
Matthew Faries, Shane L. Newton, Aaron Bailey, Adam Morrissun, Ronnie Wheat, David Jennen,  Jacob Roper, and Jackie Luong.
 
**Missionaries in Prayer**
• Our missionaries in Laos and Vietnam.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France
 
**Building Being Re-keyed**
On September 2nd the key to the main building will be changed. If you presently have an M key that opens the door by the nursery and have a need to continue to access the building, please sign the request in the Information Center. We will need a complete list in order to know how many new keys to order.
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Thanks to all the women who flexed their collective muscles and moved the quilting room Sunday afternoon! Betty Hatcher, Barbara Aldridge, Paula May, Jeanetta Falls, Joyce Chadwell, Dena & Abby Jenkins, Nancy James, Lynn Dickey.
 
Thank you for the beautiful peace lily that you sent to us in our time of sorrow. Your thoughts and prayers are appreciated very much.
 Dale & Denise Lusby
 
Dear West-Ark Family,
Your prayers and thoughts while I was in the hospital were greatly appreciated. It’s wonderful to know that I have a church family who cares.
 In Christian love,
 Jennifer Collins
 
Dear West Ark Family,
We want to take the time to thank you for all the many wonderful blessings you have added to our lives. We have been truly spiritually enriched by knowing each of you.  You are watched over closely by God and it is evidenced by the way you welcomed us four years ago.   We know your great works will continue and many people will be touched by your outreach.  We are only a brief hour up the road and would love to see you at any time.  May God watch over you in all your endeavors.
 Love,
 The Armstrongs
 5436 Clear Creek Blvd.
 Fayetteville, AR  72704
 479-582-1863
 
Dear Church Family,
Many thanks for all the cards, food, and prayers during my recent surgery. Recovery is so much easier when you have so many people that care about and love you. I hold you all close to my heart.
 In Christian love,
 Jan Hatcher
 
West-Ark Church Family,
I am so grateful to you for all you have done to help in making Paul’s passing a little easier. Your cards, notes and hugs are a real encouragement and comfort. Thank you! We all appreciate your prayers for Paul during his illness. He was an extraordinary young man. He overcame and excelled when others would have quit. My grandson, Paul Flippo, has been a blessing to me. I will always hold him in my heart.
 Love,
 Myra Flippo
 
To our West-Ark Church Family,
We are so thankful to all of you for your prayers, your calls, the cards and kind words during the long illness and death of our grandson, Paul Flippo. Your thoughtfulness will always be remembered!
 In Christian love,
 Bob & Loretta Loudermilk
 
**Address for Flippo Family**
Several have requested an address for Paul Flippo’s parents and sister. Cards may be sent to:
Bruce, Bobbie & Shelley Flippo
8415 Top Fork Road
Huntington, AR 72940
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Joy Bunch**
We’ll have a Hawaiian Luau theme for our potluck on August 20th, 6:00 p.m. in the FLC. Wear bright colors and join the fun.
 
**Senior Game Day**
Thursday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. in the Annex. Come and join the fun!
 
**Clothing Needed**
Kathy Rosalez is accepting clothing donations of all kinds (men, women, and children) for all seasons.
 
**School Supplies and Clothing**
If you have clothing your kids have outgrown and you would like to pass it on to kids who can use it, please do so through Jack Lewis (459-0168). School supplies (pencils, backpacks, paper, crayons, scissors, etc.) can be left in a box on the table in the foyer.
 
**Wednesday Night WINGS**
"Echoing His Heartbeat" –  The Life of David By Cassandra Martin
Cost of the book is $10.00 
August 21 -  enrollment deadline
August 31 -- receive book and have refreshments
September 7 – studies begin
To enroll, e-mail or call Peggy Pistole.
 
**Invitation**
We hope you will join us in
celebrating the joining in marriage of
Miss Erin Rene Mason to
Mr. Joshua Caleb Kimrey
With a reception in their honor
Saturday, the thirteenth of August
Four o’clock in the afternoon
West-Ark Church of Christ
Family Life Center
 
**Mission Update**
Chan is one of the eight Lao Christians who spent 1 ½ years in prison for engaging in Bible study activities. Married just before his arrest, now he and his wife have one child. His wife teaches school. We helped him obtain an English degree to help with support for his family. He works with his sister in a “food diner” to supplement income. ~~ Jerry Canfield
 
Dear all brethren at West-Ark Church of Christ:
It is a long time for me not to have written any letter. On this occasion, on behalf of my family, I would like to express thankfulness and appreciation to every brother at West-Ark, for giving assistance to me as well as my family for such a long time and continuously, including the spirit[ual] and financial problems.  [I am thankful] especially for money support during my one year English study of letter subject at National University of Lao. I think surely if there is not any help from West-Ark here, no way to study there, although I can pass the entrance exams. Now, I’ve already finished the final exams and waiting for getting my English certification in early September of this year and trying to look for a new job soon.
 
Nowadays, Lao brothers’ belief was pressed from the government leaders, but my family still continues to worship on every Sunday. We still have movement of activities such as playing football, having chances to meet, and eating with other brothers.
 
I thank you very much for support from West-Ark Church of Christ and all brothers for taking part in supporting our God’s works in Vientiane in Laos and my English study. All the above-mentioned things are because of a loving God and brothers loving. Blessings of God come down into West-Ark Church of Christ.  ~~Chan (8/1/05)
 
**Lions for Christ (LFC)**
Fall Kickoff August 22nd - September 2nd
• Monday 8/22 – Wednesday 8/24 Pass out bottled water on UAFS Campus
• Tuesday 8/23 Cookout/Devotional 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Wednesday 8/24 Basketball 8:30 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Thursday 8/25 Ping-Pong Tournament 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Friday 8/26 Giant Twister Game 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Saturday 8/27 Scavenger Hunt 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Tuesday 8/30 Cookout/Devotional 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Wednesday 8/31 Volleyball 8:30 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Thursday 9/1 3 v. 3 Basketball Tournament 7 p.m. LFC Student Center
• Friday 9/2 Movie Night LFC Student Center
The Lions for Christ Student Center is located at the West-Ark Church of Christ Annex on the corner of North Waldron and Grand directly across Waldron road from UA Fort Smith Campus.  Look for the LFC awning on the East Side of the West-Ark Church of Christ Annex for entry into the LFC Student Center.
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
Freedom – how do you define it? It certainly  means different things to different people.                       
 
Are you thankful for the many freedoms you enjoy on a daily basis? That may be freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom to live and work anywhere you want, freedom to marry anyone you choose, etc.
 
In today’s world, we are often reminded of the ongoing price that is paid for these freedoms on our behalf. There are countless men and women who risk all they have day after day to give us access to these freedoms.  
 
We, in turn, prove by our actions whether or not we appreciate these freedoms. It can be seen through our attitudes, our actions, and through the way we treat others. The ultimate sign of appreciation for what has been done for us is for us to do the same for others who are in need of freedom and mercy. While we enjoy many freedoms because of the country we live in, it is not the source for our greatest freedom. Our greatest freedom was given to us by our God.
 
He, through Jesus Christ, has freed us from our sins. He has paid the ultimate price for this freedom so we wouldn’t have to. Are you thankful for this freedom? Scripture says that it was for freedom that Christ has set us free (Galatians 5:1). Yet many people often neglect the freedom he offers and they return (by choice) to a life of slavery.
 
This week, as many teens and parents celebrate the last week of freedom the summer has to offer, I pray that we will remember the greater freedoms we enjoy because of our God.
 
May our attitudes, actions, and the way we treat those around us reflect how much we appreciate our spiritual freedom. We have been given a gift that is beyond measure. Thank you, Jesus, for setting us free!
 
**A.M. Infants**
Trish Carson
Morgan Dunavin
Dwonne Cogswell
Vicki Anderson
 
**P.M. Nursery**
Terri Jones
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 672
Bible Classes  492
Sunday Evening 296
Wednesday PM  321
Contribution   $19,365
Children’s Home   $202
Hispanic Contribution $179
Hispanic Attendance 80
Laotian Contribution $250
Laotian Attendance 43
The Way Attendance 36
The Way Contribution $71
 
**Happy Birthday**
August 21
Samuel Broom
Nolan Marr
Grace Peters
 
August 22
Sydney Anders
Leo Atkins
Gary Nolasco
Deborah Wilson
 
August 24
Emily Combs
Christopher George
Robin Harper
Betty Summers
 
August 25
Jack Ferrell
Nicole Wilson
 
August 27
Greg Dockery
Melissa Walker
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------