West-Ark Newsletter, 4 January 2007
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Family Lines Newsletter, January 4, 2007
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**The Next Time You Say, “It’s Not Fair!”**
By David Chadwell
 
For while we were still helpless, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will hardly die for a righteous man; though perhaps for the good man someone would dare even to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life.  (Romans 5:6-10)
 
When frustration overwhelms you, when negative emotions consume you, force yourself to take a moment to remember Him to whom you look for salvation.  Remember the One who is your pathway to God.  Remember the One who is your door from blinding darkness to guiding light.
 
From the day He was born, He never slept on a pillow-top mattress.  He never lived in a house with running hot and cold water.  He never took a hot shower.  He never turned on a light switch.  He never had a kitchen with a microwave oven, a toaster oven, a mixer, or a refrigerator.  He never once rode in a car, or on a bicycle, or in or on a truck, or on a bus, or in a train or airplane.  He never spoke on a phone, or sent an e-mail, or received an e-mail, or mailed a letter, or read a newspaper, or watched T.V.
 
He never saw a hall, read a typeset book, took a “course,” or examined a library.  He never shot a gun, cast a reel, put a model together, saw a movie, read a comic, went to a rodeo, or played a video game.
 
One of our vacations might finance Him for His adult lifetime.  The money we often spend in “downtime activities” would likely take care of His whole life needs for months.  Though He walked miles every month, he never owned a pair of boots.  His life was simple -- eat what you can get when it is available; walk a lot; sleep where you can when you can; talk to those who will listen; pray a lot as you honor God for His blessings.
 
As simple as His life was, some things have never changed.  Relationships are still difficult.  Injustices still hurt.  Expectations still collapse.  People still hurt you.  Rejection is still hard to take.  Being misunderstood still grieves you inwardly.  Evil still exists.  Bad things still happen to good people.  Frustration and disappointment can still destroy us.  It is easier to be a pessimist who gives up than a person of faith who makes a difference.  Progress still must be measured in persons, not nations. 
 
The next time you are tempted to feel sorry for yourself, think of Him.  Doing without Him would mean losing life’s focus and meaning.  Your life is changed, not because of what He had, but because of who He is.  Your life will change others for good, not because of what you have, but because of who you are. Dare to let His image become your image!
 
The fact that He died for us will never be fair, not even in the final judgment!
 
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**The Wonder Working Power of Prayer**
• Ava Fry, mother of Janet Cathey, is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5205.
• Jess Huff is under hospice care.
• Niketa Stinchcomb has requested prayers for her son, Kyle, and her family.  Kyle will have surgery on his jaw Monday (1/8/07) at St. Edward Hospital. 
• Melissa Tygart is in St. Edward, room 5212 for rehab.
• Naomi Spears, daughter of Pearl Beam, is still having difficulties with kidney and breathing problems. She is in Sparks Hospital, room 641.
• Patty Kaiser had colon surgery on Tuesday. She is at St. Edward Hospital, room 4405. Patti has prayer pager 441-2387.
• Phillip Burns had surgery on Tuesday to remove a malignant melanoma. Please keep Phillip in your prayers.
 
**Prayers for Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the families who have lost loved ones recently.
• Dave Cogswell in the death of his mother, Agnes Louise Ely. Funeral services were December 27 in Olathe, KS.
• Wanda Wear in the death of Darold. Funeral services were December 27th.
• Jane Choate (former West-Ark member) in the death of her sister-in-law, Del Choate Ingram. Funeral services were January 2nd.
• Nellie Burkhart, grandmother of Stan Burkhart, died Tuesday. Funeral services are 10 a.m. Friday (1/5/07) at Ocker Funeral Home in Van Buren.
 
**Military Prayer List**
Mitchell Bryant, Adam Morrissun, Jeff Amos, Brian Harris, Kyle Evans, Charles Hardy, Wes Roper, Michael Gooden, Michael Anderson, Jonathan Smith, and Stephen McElroy.
 
**Prayers for Missions**
• Thomas and Kindy Kweekul are in Thailand.
• Continue to pray for our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France.
 
**Welcome, New Members!**
Grant Schaper
2000 Devyn Drive
Lavaca, AR 72921
Phone: 674-4311
 
Grant and Jennifer are active in Lions for Christ and LIFE groups. They plan to be married in September.
 
Jennifer Goines
4850 Antler Drive
Greenwood, AR 72936
Phone: 996-2212
 
**Attention Van Drivers!**
New insurance requirements state that we need updated information from the drivers already authorized.  Please see or call Lynn to make arrangements to sign the form and complete needed information.  The forms will be available at the Information Center in the foyer.  If you want to stay approved to drive, I need this information. ~~Lynn Dickey
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
I want to let everyone know how blessed and favored from the Lord that Fred and I feel.  Because of our brothers and sisters and faith in the Lord, we are doing great. We want to thank everybody.
We love you very much,
Fred & Janet Jackson
 
Thanks to all of you for the calls, cards, memorial gifts, and concern shown to me at the death of my brother, Bill Bowers.
In Christian love,
Berniece Rogers
 
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts and the peace lily plant. It was very thoughtful and nice. Your kindness is appreciated. May God send his richest blessings your way.
Margaret Stone
 
Dear Christian Friends,
Thank you for the big basket of fruit. It was very thoughtful of you.
Sincerely,
Alice Jean Rogers
 
Our Dear West-Ark Family,
Belle loved her many Christian friends in the West-Ark congregation. The prayers meant so much to us – also the visits, food, and beautiful flowers you sent to the funeral. You truly demonstrated love and compassion for Belle, and it was greatly appreciated.
 In Christian love,
 Al Wood & Family
 
**LTC for January 7**
4:00 Elementary Signing
 High School Quiz Bowl
5:00 Elementary Chorus
 Secondary Chorus
6:00 Elementary Puppets
 
**Coming Events**
January 21
Elders, Deacons & Ministry Leaders’ Meeting
 
January 28
Family Meeting and Fellowship Meal in FLC
 
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**Reception Honoring Myra’s 25 Years of Service**
Sunday Night, Jan. 7 in the FLC (after worship)
Myra Flippo-Puckett retired from her position as a Secretary in the church office at the end of December.  Sunday night (Jan. 7) after worship, we will celebrate her 25 1/2 years of service with a Reception in the Family Life Center!
We’ll have a basket for your notes and cards! Please bring them with you Sunday evening.
Refreshments will be provided.
 
**Welcome, Janice!**
We welcome Janice Lowry to the church office. Janice began “learning the ropes” from Myra in December, and is now working Monday – Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
**Updating Church Directory**   
We are currently updating church directory and database information in the church office.  Please call and let us know of any recent changes in your:
• home address
• phone numbers
• place of employment
• work phone numbers
• e-mail address, or
• number of children living at home. 
We’re only as current as the information you give us!
 
**Operation Guyana**
West-Ark Church of Christ and Operation Guyana, under the direction of Steve DeLoach, announced their new partnership on December 31.  West-Ark’s eldership will assume the spiritual oversight of Operation Guyana.
 
**Guyana Medical Mission 2007**
We need medical workers and Bible teachers to join our 17th annual medical mission team to Guyana, South America, June 2-10, 2007.  Now that West-Ark is the overseeing church for Steve DeLoach and Operation Guyana, we want to encourage everyone to prayerfully consider being a part of this effort to make disciples for Jesus in South America. Please attend a brief meeting at 7 p.m. in room 100 on Sunday night, January 7. See Michael or Jeannie Cole if you cannot attend but would like to go.
 
**You Can Share the Gospel by Computer**
Anyone in the congregation with a computer may use World Bible School (WBS) materials to teach the Gospel via e-mail.  Meg Canfield recently learned of a great New Year beginning with the news of the baptism of one of her WBS students.  On September 10, a Cuban national, Jesus Sontolongo, visited West-Ark's website and requested Bible study by email.  In less than 12 hours he completed the first lesson and was assigned to Meg, who learned he lived in Houston, TX.  As Jesus was studying the WBS courses, he became interested in finding a Bible-based church.  Lindale Church of Christ with a Hispanic ministry in Houston was contacted with the assistance of Chris Benjamin.  The Hispanic members at Lindale contacted Jesus and invited him to worship services on Christmas Eve.  He attended again on Wednesday, December 27.  On New Year's Eve, Jesus was baptized into Christ!
 
Anyone interested in teaching WBS materials by e-mail may contact our webminister Michael Cole.
 
**DYNAMIC MARRIAGE CLASS NOW FORMING**
Dynamic Marriage is an eight-week interactive marriage class for couples who want deeper intimacy and commitment in their marriages.
Dynamic Marriage is designed to:
• Fine Tune Good Marriages
• Strengthen Weak Marriages
• Heal Broken Marriages
Current plans are to have an orientation on February 4th. We will need commitment from at least 10 couples. The cost for everything needed is $130.00.
Class will meet weekly for 2-2 1/2 hours on Sunday starting at 5:00 p.m. and will require 3-4 hours of homework each week. Child care will be provided.
Dynamic Marriage (HNHN) interactive course teaches people how to have a healthy marriage. The goal is not just to educate, but also to change behavior and teach couples to actually apply what they learn.  To register or for more information, contact either Mat Griffin or Paul Shirley.
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
**15th Annual Winter Retreat**
“The Good Shepherd” (John 10)
February 2nd – 4th, 2007
Siloam Springs, AR
 
Cost: $40 includes all lodging, meals, and a long sleeve retreat t-shirt
Come join approximately 100+ 7th-12th graders from Youth Groups in Northwest Arkansas, Eastern Oklahoma, and Southern Missouri for a great weekend!
 
**Communion Servers for January**
Brian Perkins
Jim Wilson
Kenny Holloman
Troy Sweeten
Richard Bulllard
Jordan Walker
Dan Cathy
Stephen Jennemann
Benny Gooden
Kevin Hesslen
Blake Frost
Tim Smith
Brent Perkins
Aaron Hite
Andrew Todd
John Kamp
 
**Morning Nursery**
Morning
Melissa Walker
Suzi Jennemann
Dena Jenkins
 
**Evening Nursery**
Gina Williams
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
January 1
Ana Evans
Ron Moreton
Billie Neisler
Barry Reagan
Charlotte Reagan
Sondra Wiggins
Julie Wilson
 
January 3
Dale Mason
 
January 4
Brian Byrd
Kindy Kweekul
Casey Oliver
 
January 5
Lane Haworth
Trevor Morphew
David Orick
 
January 6
Coleen Shirley
 
January 7
Pauline Alberty
Chris Belt
Adie Rothwell
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 684
Bible Classes  435
Sunday Evening 204
Wednesday Evening 250
Contribution  $16,394.44
Children’s Home $265.10
 
Lao Worship
Attendance 29
Contribution $178
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 50
Contribution $187
 
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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