West-Ark Newsletter, 7 September 2006

"Do you (plural) not know that you (plural) are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you (plural)? If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you (plural) are." (1 Corinthians 3:16, 17)

Pauls first letter to the Christians in Corinth fascinates me for many reasons. One reason is found in the fact that Paul chose congregational unity as the first thing to address in this troubled congregation. In this congregation, there was sexual immorality that not even idol worshippers permitted (5:1). Christians attacked Christians in a court system that did not even know the living God existed (6:1). Christians were not considerate of Christians who disagreed with them (6:12-20). Christians disagreed concerning marriage issues (7). They wrangled with each other over idolatry issues (8). They abused communion (11:17-34). They abused spiritual gifts (12). They failed to understand the importance of love among Christians (13). Their questions concerning resurrection butchered the concept (15). With all these problems, Paul addressed the problem of internal unity first (1:10-4:21).

If Christians are going to be a powerful, positive voice in their community, they must practice the love expressed in unity. If unity exists, it exists because Christian respect reigns, not because everyone is in agreement on everything. Moral problems will not reign where such unity binds Christian to Christian. The voice of inconsideration will not speak for Christians bound to each other where such unity exists. Remembrance of our Lords sacrifice will not be abused among Christians with the courage to embrace unity. Gods gifts will not be exploited among Christians committed to Gods family in the spirit of unity. Unity based on respect for each other found in Gods respect for us is the foundation of godly behavior and spiritual eloquence. It is the voice that must be heard and respected even by those who do not believe.

One of the strongest condemnations written by Paul was written in 1 Corinthians 3:17, "If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him, for the temple of God is holy, and that is what you are." When our anxieties seem to justify an attack on unity, we need to take Pauls warning to heart. We also need to ready our answer to God for our course of action, for He surely will ask us.

Perhaps a reason for Paul being so direct in this matter of congregational unity is found in this truth: it takes a lot of courage and character to be a person committed to Gods concept of unity. However, it also takes a lot of courage and character to be a Christian. Not everyone shapes his or her life by a resurrection that occurred 2000 years ago.

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
Belle Wood had fluid removed from her lungs. She is in St. Edward Hospital, Room 5515.
Carl Nichols was very ill Wednesday from the combined effects of a radiation treatment and a CT scan.
Shirley Austin (mother of Sharon Barker) suffered a stroke following her heart surgery. She has moved to HealthSouth, room 206B.
Penny Path

**Prayers for Bereaved**
Please remember these families in your prayers:
Lela Neal in the death of her brother, Richard Mayes. Funeral services were Tuesday at Johnson Church of Christ.
Marcia Dye, in the death of her mother, Florence Hays. Funeral services were Monday at College Church of Christ in Searcy, AR.
Friends of Valerie Treece Elam who died Wednesday night from cancer.
Jennifer Cohu (former member of West-Ark) lost her mother to cancer on Tuesday. If you would like to send a card, the address is:
Jennifer Cohu
5439 Pheasant Run Rd
Clarkston, MI 48346-3955

**Military Prayer List**
Please add Kyle Evans, son of Elizabeth Evans to this list. Continue to pray for Wes Roper, Lori Dotson, Mitchell Bryant, Shane Newton, Adam Morrissun, Jeff Amos, Jonathan Smith, and Brian Harris.

**Baby Showers**
A shower honoring Suzi Jennemann is planned for Sunday, September 10, from 2-4 p.m. in the home of Karen Benjamin (2922 Ionia). The Jennemanns are registered at Wal-Mart and Target. Its a girl!

A shower honoring Amanda Daws is planned for Sunday, September 17, from 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. in the home of Dena Jenkins (8113 Valley Forge Road). Lillie Eden is expected to arrive in late September! Amanda is registered at Toys R Us and Wal-Mart.

**Wedding Shower**
A shower honoring Samantha Lemley Rogers, daughter of Tom and Sheila Lemley, is planned for Sunday, September 17, from 2:00 4:00 p.m. in the home of Robin Owen, 3201 Old Excelsior Road in Greenwood. Samantha is registered at Kohls, Wal-Mart, and Linens N Things. For directions, call Joann Davenport or the Lemleys.

**Note of Thanks**
I want to thank the church for the beautiful plant sent to me at the death of my brother. Also, thank you for the many condolence cards. They meant so much to me.
Sincerely,
Lela Neal

**Ladies Class Postponed**
The Wednesday morning ladies Bible class will be postponed until September 20th at 10:00 a.m. We plan to have your books available Wednesday night on the 13th.

**Childrens Worship Needs**
If you are interested in helping teach in the rotation of the 3-5 year old Children's Worship, please contact Nancy Dockery. This would involve teaching about once every 5 weeks.

**Kids For Christ (KFC)**
KFC starts September 10 on Sunday night. KFC I is for children 3 years old (who are toilet trained) through Kindergarten. KFC II is for everyone in grades 1-6. We sing, talk, study and generally have a good time together. Please plan to have your child join us at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday night, September 10!

**Deer Hunters Or Just for Fellowship**
Dont forget our cornbread and bean supper in the FLC on September 21, at 6:30 p.m. Locate and bring your favorite hunting pictures and/or stories to share with the rest of us. If youre coming, please contact Paul Shirley or Patrick Pruitt.

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**Tutoring - Love & Encouragement 101**
The Tutoring Program will start up soon for K-6th grades on Tuesdays, from 3:00 5:00 p.m. beginning September 19. Many say they are afraid of the math, but dont worry, you can do it! Our childrens first needs are love and encouragement, then come reading and math. Call Sheila Vaught or sign the list in the foyer.

**Attention All School Teachers & Workers**
All of us in The FLOCK (West-Arks 3 year olds 1st graders) are very thankful for all you do for us! To show our gratitude, we have created something just for you. Please stop by the table in the foyer this Sunday to receive your Thank you from The FLOCK.

**FLOCK Talk**
Its promotion time!! This Sunday, September 10, will be promotion Sunday as well as our Celebration Sunday. We will all be in the FLC for this exciting time. PLEASE register your children for The FLOCK if you havent already done so. You may find a form at the FLOCK Information Station (by the elevator) or online at: http://www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/flock/registration.pdf. Simply fill it out and return it to the FLOCK Information Station. Please refer to the listing below for your childs class.

3 Years Old (by September 1, 2006) = Happy Hearts
4 Years Old (by September 1, 2006) = Terrific Triangles
Kindergarten (Fall, 2006)                  = Dandy Diamond
1st Grade (Fall, 2006)                      = Shining Stars

If you have questions at any time, please feel free to contact any planning team member. We consider it a true honor and blessing to teach your children and pray that their time in The FLOCK will be a blessing to each of them and to your entire family.
Staci James, Dena Jenkins & Melody Priester (FLOCK Planning Team)

**Member Involvement Lessons for Adult Classes**
David Chadwell has written a special series of lessons for our adult Bible classes. The lessons highlight our need to be involved in serving others. Student copies will be in the adult classrooms this Sunday. Our study begins next Sunday morning, September 17. All adult Bible classes are requested to use the lessons. Extra copies of the lessons are in the Information Center.

**Deacons & Ministry Leaders**
Your commitment to creatively displaying information about your ministry will help people find a place to get to work and help West-Ark present the good news of Jesus. In your display be ready to show/explain what your ministry does, what type of help you need, what the possibilities can be and how God can be glorified through it.

**Care Group Potluck Dinner**
Family Life Center
September 22, 6:00 p.m.
We welcome to this meeting all group members and their leader and all who would like to become a part of the Care Group Ministry we need you! Please contact one of the following group leaders if you need additional information.
Charley & Sedalia Douglas
Farrell & Lucille Graves
Ron & Betty Moreton
Lloyd & Betty Summers
Bill & Martha Walker

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*7th-12th Parents Meeting -- September 17th, 4:30 p.m. in the Youth Room
All 7th-12th grade parents are invited and encouraged to attend a Fall Planning Meeting on September 17th at 4:30 p.m. in the large youth room in the upstairs of the FLC.

Our purpose will be to discuss plans for the fall calendar for the Jr. High and High School for October December. Please come with your thoughts and ideas about service projects and activities that will be spiritually beneficial to our young people.

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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