West-Ark Newsletter, 29 September 2005

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Family Lines Newsletter, September 29, 2005
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All of us could illustrate how a word with one meaning years ago now has a different meaning. While we are conscious of that fact regarding secular words, we often are ignorant of that fact regarding religious words. It is easy to attach a 21st century concept to a biblical word and declare that always was the words thrust. Such can be done in innocence with tragic results.

For example, take the word righteous. In many minds the concept associated with righteous is morally perfect. Therefore a call to righteousness is a call to perfection. In some minds the word righteous is associated with the concept of hypocrisy. To these the call to righteousness is the call to insincere pretense. Righteous people are hypocrites who pretend to be something they obviously are notmorally perfect.

Luke 1:6 says Zacharias and Elizabeth both were righteous in the sight of God walking blamelessly in all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. Matthew 1:19 says that Joseph was a righteous man because he did not wish to disgrace Mary when he discovered her pregnancy. In Luke 1:28 an angel called Mary Gods favored one [or richly blessed one]. Luke 2:25 referred to Simeon as righteous and devout.

These are not the only people who were called righteous or highly favored. In these, consider some obvious things. (1) They were extremely sensitive to God. (2) They were conscientious in devoting themselves to Gods ways. (3) Their understanding of Gods ways was flexible enough to surrender to Gods purposes rather than question His acts.

If your wife was 50 years old (used only for illustration purposes), how would you feel if she told you she was pregnant? If your fianceé was pregnant and you had never been intimately involved with her, what would you think? If an angel told unmarried you that you would be pregnant before marriage, would you say, Behold, the bondservant of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word (Luke 1:38)? If God revealed to you that you would see His most wondrous act before death, would you recognize His act in the babys birth who offered hope to people regarded as your enemies (Luke 2:26-33)?

Being righteous before God is more than knowing a thus says the Lord. It is more than singing a cappella, taking communion weekly, and worshipping in our order. It is more than names, words, and vocabulary. It is more than issues and theological stances.

It is also expressing compassion for the victims of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. It is also caring about those who suffer around us. It is also seeing God at work in ways and matters we do not usually associate with Gods work. It is allowing the Sovereign God to be sovereign as He pursues His purposes. It is also being Gods servant who serveseven in the face of the unusual!

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**Remember in Prayer**
Bill Stokes went to the hospital on Tuesday with stroke symptoms, but was much improved on Wednesday and was released. Bill has prayer pager 784-7490.
Donna Lindgren had cervical neck surgery on Tuesday in St. Edward Hospital. Donna is now home and has prayer page 441-1648.
Anna Ramsey is in St. Edward, room 3516. She had a second surgery on Tuesday.
Darold Wear is out of the hospital and back in Methodist Nursing Home.
Florence Cotner is in Sparks Hospital with a broken elbow. She will move to HealthSouth soon.
John Richards had several upper GI tests which all turned out good. Hell have additional testing on Thursday.
Frances Strawhacker
Geneva Shepherd
Lynette Purvis
Madine Rose requests prayers for her daughter, Lillie Bamburg.

**Cancer Prayer Group**
Joan Jenkins (Kerrys mom) had her 3rd chemo treatment on 9/29/05.
Dave Moore, Missy Blasdels father
Barbara Perkins (Janet Jacksons mother)
Brian Stone (grandson of G.C. & Margaret)
Vicki Varvel (daughter of John and Nadine Hawkins)
Bob Callicott (father of Ann Combs)

**Prayers for Men in Service**
Praise! Matthew Faries is back in the United States after serving in Iraq. Continue to pray for Shane L. Newton, Aaron Bailey, Adam Morrissun, Ronnie Wheat, David Jennen, Jacob Roper, Jackie Luong, Joe Armstrong, Alan Todd, Michael Gooden, Brian Perkins, and Cecil Henry.

**Baptism**
Brad Moore
809 Pine Hollow Drive
Van Buren, AR 72956
Phone: 471-8161
Brad is in the youth group. He was baptized Sunday evening by Brad Pistole after returning from Crosswalk Youth Rally.

**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Christian friends,
Words cannot express how I feel about the loving concern that you had for me during my long illness. There has been such an outpouring of prayers, calls, food, visits, and work on the house. Such caring reminds me of how much you mean to me. May God bless all of you.
Thank you,
John Fowler

This is to say THANKS for all the cards and calls that everyone sent and the time you gave us during the death of Michael's mom. Things happened so fast that we are still trying to cope with the loss. Everyone was great and thanks for the meals that were made for us after the funeral. Evonne became a Christian after becoming sick. She saw people doing things for her and being there for her. After talking with Billy Yowell and Earl Flood at the hospital, and the phone calls they made, she told Michael she was ready to make that decision about becoming a Christian. Michael talked with his mom many times over the years. Michael, Evonne (Michaels sister has the same name as her mom), Missy, and the grandkids want to say thanks for everything that you have done for us. May God continue to bless all of you. We also want to say thanks to our small group for the meal you provided on Friday night for the family.
In Christian Love,
Evonne Kelley Family
Blasdel Family
Skelton Family

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A special opportunity will be provided this Sunday, October 2, for those who have not had their pictures taken. Joe Rosalez and Mat Griffin will be at the building to take pictures before class and after Sunday morning worship service. Come to classroom 100 after worship, and well take your picture at that time. This should not take more than 2-3 minutes per picture. We will stay as long as it takes!

**Fabulous Fall Fun**
October 29th, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Thats right! Fall Fest is right around the corner, and we need your help! Booth operation is easy. Most of the work is already done. We just need folks to set up and then man the booths or find someone who can. Dont miss out on this wonderful event for the entire church family. Sign up today on the bulletin board in the foyer or see Tiffany Null or Dena Jenkins.

**News from the FLOCK**
Our little lambs need teachers for Sunday morning and Wednesday night. This is only a 4 week commitment. All lessons and materials are supplied the missing ingredient is YOU! Please contact Dena Jenkins if you can help.

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I hope you will take the opportunity to meet Brad and his family in the near future. His parents and grandparents will be attending West-Ark with him. If you would like to send him an encouragement card, his address is:

Jr. High Devotional - Sunday Night, Oct 2nd at the Watlingtons
Sunday Night Live Sunday Night, Oct 9th West-Ark FLC
Sr. High Devotional - Sunday Night, Oct 23rd at the Barkers
(Teens need to bring a 2-liter drink to the devotionals.)

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 681
Bible Classes 443
Sunday Evening 320
Life Groups 87
Wednesday PM 334
Contribution $13,113
Childrens Home $232
Laotian Contribution $188
Laotian Attendance 30
Hispanic Contribution $158
Hispanic Attendance 51
Hispanic Evening 6
The Way 24

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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