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Family
Lines Newsletter, November 9,
2006
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**Joy Is Contagious!**
By David
Chadwell
"Rejoice always; pray without
ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ
Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
When Paul wrote those
encouragements to the Christians at Thessalonica, the situation in that
Christian community was not wonderful with a rosy physical outlook. Though
Paul, as he often did, opened his letter with words of encouragement and
appreciation, it is obvious in chapter 2 that some in the Christian community
attacked Paul’s original motives for planting the church there. In chapter
3 Paul even explained why he sent Timothy back to them when his company had to
leave hastily (Acts 17:1-10). In chapter 4 Paul warned them against sexual
immorality and challenged them to continue growth in love. He also urged
them not to grieve as godless people grieved. There actually were some
Christians who thought death prevented a Christian from receiving God’s
blessings in Christ. In chapter 5 there was serious confusion about the
end of time, about proper attitudes toward leaders, and about treatment of
Christians who made mistakes.
2 Thessalonians revealed the
situation continued to be bad. There was suffering (1:5) with the
encouragement to leave retribution in God’s hands. There was continuing
confusion about Jesus’ return (2:1-5), Christians deliberately living ungodly
lives (3:6-9), Christians refusing to provide for themselves (3:10-15), and
gossips among them (the same reference).
To these Christians in these
circumstances, Paul encouraged rejoicing. To me, that suggests two
insights into Christian rejoicing. (1) Our rejoicing results from
being in Christ, (2) not from wonderful physical things happening in our
lives.
Three weeks ago a couple asked me
why I was so happy. My first internal reaction was that I was not aware of
being happy—I was just being me. After time to reflect, I wondered, “Why
shouldn’t I be happy?” I have a wonderful wife who loves me. I have
children who care about me. I have an extended family who is
supportive. I have more caring friends than I deserve. I am
part of a congregation that tirelessly encourages me. I have a spiritual
leadership who provides me opportunity. I have an understanding God who
forgives me. I have a Savior who strengthens me. I likely know as
much about my future as anyone knows. Would I be happier if I did not have
and enjoy that?
Would that every Christian (man;
woman; teen) would say seriously, “My desire is for you to be a better person
because you know me.” Husbands would be better husbands; wives would be
better wives; children would be better children; friends would be better
friends; neighbors would be better neighbors; communities would be better
communities; Christians would be better Christians; congregations would be
better congregations.
The results? God would be
glorified. Christ would be served. We would grow.
Be
happy in Christ! May people be encouraged because they know
you!
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**In Our Thoughts &
Prayers**
• Carl Nichols is in Sparks Hospital, room 689. He is getting
weaker.
• Bill Moss is doing well after minor out-patient surgery.
•
Praise! Nancy James appreciates the prayers for her brother, Ken Hedrick. He is
recovering from his tractor accident injuries and no further surgery is
needed.
• Jacob Faries (son of Bob & Sharon) had surgery on Tuesday to
put in a heart defibrillator. He went home on Wednesday.
• Lance Haines is in
St. Edward Hospital, Room 5402. He is getting better each day.
• Sharon
Barker has been slow recovering from pneumonia. She went Wednesday for
additional testing.
• Starr Pistole (daughter-in-law of Joe and Peggy) has
been diagnosed with breast cancer. She will see a doctor Thursday for
treatment options.
**Continued Prayers**
• Belle
Wood
• Devin Nelson
• Edwin Monk (father of Gene)
• Randy English
& Family (missionary to American Samoa)
**Prayer Pagers**
Aline
Story 441-2344
Belle Wood 441-1792
Carl
Nichols 441-6639
Devin Nelson 441-2379
Lance
Haines 441-2378
Star Pistole 441-2384
Dial all pagers
441-2395
**Military Prayer
List**
Mitchell Bryant, Shane Newton, Adam Morrissun, Jeff Amos, Brian
Harris, Kyle Evans, Charles Hardy, Wes Roper, Michael Gooden, Michael
Anderson and Jonathan Smith.
**Bereaved in Prayer**
Your
prayers are requested for Matt and Ginny Mooney in the recent death of their 3
month old baby. Matt is a former student of Metro Christian School.
**Missionaries in Prayer**
•
Jerry Canfield in Nigeria
• Thomas and Kindy Kweekul are leaving November 15
for Thailand. They will be there 4 months.
• Our missionary families in
Vietnam and Laos.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France.
**New Address**
Wanda
Wear
7815 Euper Lane, Apt. G61
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone:
478-0272
**Bridal Shower**
A bridal
shower for Laura Yielding is planned for Sunday, November 12, from 4:00 - 5:30
p.m. in the church Annex. Laura is registered at Linens 'N Things and
Wal-Mart.
**Photos Needed**
We are
collecting photos of ladies’ events from the past for our Retreat. If you have
pictures of past Bible classes, fellowships, retreats, ladies’ days, etc. that
you can share, please give them to Esther Gunn, Staci James or Tracy Risley.
They will be returned!
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear
Family,
I would like to thank you all for the prayers on my behalf. Prayers
are a joyful thing. Also, the many visits and food – we are truly blessed to
have caring family like you. Cards, I think everybody sent twice, there were so
many cards. Now to the four great men who built our ramp, many, many thanks.
Without you we could not have done it. Thank everyone so much, and we love you
dearly.
In love for our family,
John & Hazel
Richards
Dear Friends,
I had a total
knee replacement on Friday the 13th, and came home on Halloween. I am now
limping around at home. Thank you for the prayers on my behalf and particularly
the cards from the WINGS group.
Love,
Alice Jean
Rogers
**FLOCK Talk**
The FLOCK is in
need of empty Kleenex boxes (cube shaped, please) for an upcoming project.
Please put them on the FLOCK table by the elevator.
**Hope Chest Toy
Collection**
Please continue to bring toys (old and new) for distribution in
December by The Hope Chest. Put your toys :~) in the big red container in the
foyer.
**Appreciation Dinner**
for The Hope Chest Volunteers
& Spouses
Thursday, November 16, 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life
Center
If you can attend, please sign the sheet in the foyer.
**Happy Anniversary**
Phil & Netsy Lynn
50 Years
on November 12
Oscar & Alicia Nolasco
25
Years on November 6
**JOY Bunch!**
Saturday,
November 18th at 6:00 PM in the FLC.
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**West-Ark Missions
Activities**
*Saturday, November 11
9:00 a.m. Missions Prayer
Breakfast (Potluck)
Jim Wilson Residence
8524 S. 30th Terrace, Fort Smith,
AR
479-649-0700
*Sunday, November 12
9:30 a.m.
Combined Adult Bible Classes in Auditorium
10:30 a.m. Assembly -- Chris
Benjamin, Speaker
SPECIAL MISSIONS CONTRIBUTION
6:00 p.m. Assembly
followed by a Reception for David & Joyce Chadwell (see below)
KFC and
Youth Worship will be as regularly scheduled.
**Celebrating the Chadwells’ 10th
Year at West-Ark**
David and Joyce have been with us for 10 years!
We
will honor this milestone Sunday night, November 12
during the PM Assembly
and with a Reception afterwards
in the Family Life Center. Refreshments will
be provided.
We’ll also have a basket for your
notes and cards!
Please bring them with you Sunday
evening.
**Thanksgiving Day
Dinner**
November 23
Noon in the FLC
Please sign the list in the foyer
to let us know what you plan to bring, how many are in your family, and what
food you are providing. If you need more information, contact Rachelle
Pratt.
**LTC Announcements**
• LTC
coaches’ meeting this Sunday (Nov. 12), in Room 100 at 5 p.m.
• A $30
registration fee per child is due by December 10. If financial assistance
is needed, see Clark Risley or Gary Brown.
**Cupcakes Needed**
Calling all
bakers! Gateway's class “Faith Matters” will be in need of people to make
cupcakes from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24. We will need 2 to 3 dozen plain
chocolate cupcakes each week. If you can help, please sign the list on the
bulletin board in the foyer.
Thank you,
Tiffany
Null
**Fall Fest Thanks!**
Fall Fest
photos are ready and may be picked up on the table in the foyer.
A great big “thank you” to all who
helped make this year’s Fall Fest a great time for all. Without your donations
of candy, toys, cash and time, this event would not have been possible. Our
teens especially really saved the day this year by manning several of our
booths. What an example you are to our little ones! May God’s richest blessings
fall on all of you for serving our kids and our Lord in this way.
~~Dena
Jenkins
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**Family Life Ministry**
By
Brad Pistole
The past two weekends have
provided great blessings to the West-Ark Youth group and their families. There
have been several different activities for our young people that have
strengthened us and helped us grow closer to one another.
First of all, the 7th-12th graders
want to send a BIG THANKS to Larry and Janice Prater and Shanna, Rose and Nathan
Davis for hosting the Jr. High and Sr. High hayrides on October 28th and
November 4th at their farm in Cedarville. Over 60 teens and parents participated
and a great time was had by all.
We thoroughly enjoyed the cool
weather, beautiful sky, roasted hot dogs, chili, hot chocolate, and great
fellowship. We enjoyed two campfire devotionals, singing, and encouraging
comments from those who were present.
Oh yeah, and who could forget the
“hayride” part of the hayride. It was great, too! Thank you to everyone who
helped make these events possible. We’ll definitely have to do it again next
year!
I am also thankful for everyone
who helped put on the Fall Festival for our elementary students on Saturday,
October 28th. Many of our adults helped organize this annual event and several
of our High School students helped serve by volunteering with various booths and
games for the kids.
Gary, Rochelle, and Meredith Brown
hosted a party for the High School students after the Fall Festival and many of
the parents participated also. They had a great time and learned about the true
joy that comes from serving those around you.
Thank you to everyone who has
helped with the various activities over the past couple of weekends. They have
blessed many people in many different ways.
**Happy Birthday**
November 17th
Donna
Davis
Anna Holley
Joe Parker
November 18th
Meagan
Logan
David Thompson
November 19th
Jim Hall
Paul
Shirley
Bill Walker
November 20th
Dan
Cathey
November 21st
Donna
Beneux
James Word
November 22nd
Elizabeth
Gardenhire
Philmore Lynn
Kitty Nincehelser
Ouida Pillstrom
Jeff
Tucker
November 23rd
Nathan
Allen
Layne Downs
Olivia Kleman
**Nursery**
Morning
Trish Carson
Dwonne
Cogswell
Vicki Anderson
Evening
Terri
Jones
Marquetta Walker
**Attendance and Contribution
Count**
Sunday AM Worship 654
Bible
Classes 425
Sunday Evening 272
Wednesday Evening
318
Contribution $19,804
Children’s Home $193
Laotian
Attendance
31
Contribution $185
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance
43
Contribution $210
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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