West-Ark Newsletter, 20 April 2006

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Family Lines Newsletter, April 20, 2006
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John 7:1-5, After these things Jesus was walking in Galilee, for He was unwilling to walk in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him. Now the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Booths, was near. Therefore His brothers said to Him, Leave here and go into Judea, so that Your disciples also may see Your works which You are doing. For no one does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known publicly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world. For not even His brothers were believing in Him.

At this time in Jesus ministry, He was quite popular with the Jewish masses and quite unpopular with the Jewish leadership. His miracles and his teachings declared to the masses, You are important to God. God cares about you! That was a message the poor masses had not heard for a long time. There is a lot of difference in the messages, The reason you suffer is because God opposes you! and, God cares about you!

However, the same miracles and teachings threatened the Jewish leadership. The controlling influence in that leadership became much more political than spiritual. The controlling force seemed much more concerned about maintaining their position instead of pursuing Gods will. When Jesus did something, they were more likely to think about the cost to them rather than the potential of actualizing Gods will.

The situation was so tense and stressful that Jesus had to confine his activities to the region of Galilee. He could no longer be in the area of Jerusalem because in that area there was a known plan to kill him. Having people who want you dead is stressful!

Sibling rivalry can be quite cruel! Few things are as distressful as having people who should know and love you but despise you! Jesus brothers seemed to resent Jesus popularity. Knowing the desire of some to kill him, they urged him to go to Jerusalemthe most dangerous of all situations for him! They urged him to go public for the sake of his disciples! At this time his brothers resented him rather than believed in him. Their recommendation risked his life!

Jesus refused to go with them to a Jewish national feast because it was not time for him to die. He knew the threat involved in his going to Jerusalem and openly defying the Jewish authorities. He knew this was not the way to accomplish Gods purposes.

Do we exist to accomplish Gods purposes or to achieve our own agendas? Do the ways we behave and the attitudes we reflect bring honor to Jesus or cause people to resent Jesus? Do we resent Jesus when he is not in agreement with us, or do we trust him to guide us to God? The actions of faith are quite distinct from the actions of grudging compliance!

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
Chuck Cunningham
Guy Foster (Lyndells brother)
Hunter Hesslen
Inez Hatfield is recovering from a deep cut on her leg that required some 15 stitches. Debra Gail asks for prayers that she heal well and quickly.
Joan Jenkins (Kerrys mom)
Mary Wells (Joyce Chadwells mother) is improving. She will be moving to a rehab wing in the hospital soon.
Morgan Vandergriff is in St. Edward Hospital, room 4306 with an infection in his leg.
Myra Flippo is at home and continues to improve!
Sean Snell (brother-in-law of Randi Perkins) is recovering from a motorcycle accident. He is in St. Edward Hospital.
Praise! Wendell Fenton (Natalie Nelsons father) has received a wonderful report. He is in remission!

**Bereaved**
One of our Lao brothers, One Phomakay, died Sunday at Sparks Hospital from brain cancer. He was only in his 30's and is survived by his wife Lena, 2 small sons under 5 years of age, and his mother.

Our love and sympathy is extended to Jenna Dickey in the death of her grandfather, Rollin Barron. Graveside services are Saturday, 11 a.m. at Rogers City Cemetery, Rogers, AR under the direction of Sisco Funeral Home in Springdale. Visitation is tonight (4/20/06) at the funeral home from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

**Baptism**
Hope Hesslen was baptized into Christ last Sunday night by her father (Kevin) and Papa (Dan Cathey). Please continue to support and love Hope as she grows to be more like her Savior every day!

**Prayer Pagers**
A 441-1648 Myra Flippo
B 441-1734 Jane McGowan
E 441-2591 John & Melody Priester

**Minister Resignation**
We want to inform you that John Priester resigned his position as Campus Minister on April 12. John & Melody continue as active members of West-Ark. Please express your love and spiritual support for them in every way you can.
Joe Pistole (for the Elders)

**Wedding Shower**
A shower honoring Sara Word is planned for this Sunday, April 23, from 2-4 p.m. at the home of Jo Davidson, 1811 South 73rd Circle. Sara is registered at Penneys, Pier One, Wal-Mart (Texas), and Linens N Things.

**Meeting for Elders, Deacons & Ministry Leaders**
Sunday at 4:00 p.m.
in the large upstairs classroom in the Family Life Center.

**Elder Appreciation Dinner**
Tuesday, April 25, 6:30 p.m.
in the Family Life Center.

**Wednesday Night WINGS**
Ladies, come and join us on Wednesday nights, April 26 - June 7 at 7:00 p.m. in Room 211. Were completing our study of David by viewing the video series A Heart Like His by Beth Moore.

**Lost Dish**
About six months ago, Del Ingram lost a deviled egg dish that was a family keepsake. She has not yet found it. Ladies, please check your cabinets at home and help her locate it.

**LFC's Need Your Help!**
Each semester, during the week of finals, the LFCs host a pancake breakfast for the UAFS students. This semester, it is the week of May 8-12, from 6:30 to 10 a.m. This event has been very successful in reaching out to a large number of students on the UAFS campus. Any cooks who can help us are greatly appreciated. Please contact Emily Kamp, Cathy Firm, or Chris Benjamin at the church office (452-1240).

**CURE Work Day**
CURE has been given the contents of the Roland Medical Clinic!
SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH AT 9:00 A.M.
We will meet at the Clinic to load the items and transport them to Judsonia, AR for shipment to the Ukraine. The Clinic is on Hiway 64 just before entering Roland, OK.

**Were Planning a Hawaiian Cruise With Christian Friends!**
Please join us Friday, May 5th at 7:00 p.m. in the FLC if you would be interested in cruising with us on March 24, 2007 from Honolulu! The price is great and the company even better! A flyer is available in the Information Center. Contact Carlene Payne if you have questions.

**Golf Tournament**
Saturday, May 20 at Ben Geren, 4-Man Scramble
Please call Niketa Stinchcomb or the church office if you want to participate. Deadline for registration is May 18. On the day of the tournament, participants need to check in at the pro shop by 12:15 p.m. Well draw for teams at 12:30 and tee off times start at 1:00 p.m. Come and join us!

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In the printed newsletter, this page contained an excellent report from Jerry C. on his trip to Southeast Asia.
For security reasons, the report is not included in this format. Copies of the printed newsletter were made available in the foyer.

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May 21st we will recognize our 2006 graduating class during our morning worship assembly. We have teenagers graduating from 6 different area schools this year.

I have already sent out letters to this years senior class regarding Graduation Sunday, so if you havent heard from me by now, be sure to contact me. I want to make sure that EVERY graduating senior is here with us on May 21st.

Then, at 5 p.m. on May 21st, we will have a Teen/Parents' Meeting for all 6th-12th graders in the Youth Room. Thats right, 6th graders who will soon be 7th graders need to be here for this meeting too!

During this meeting, we will be discussing all plans and details for the summer of 2006. So bring mom and dad along, and lets get ready for a great summer!

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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