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Family Lines Newsletter, February 22, 2007
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**Am I the Same Me?**
By David Chadwell
 
I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance. (Luke 15:7)
 
Recently, life has provided me different opportunities to be with people I knew in the past and had opportunity to know again.  Something repeatedly “jumped out” at me in different contexts.  Some people I met again changed from the person they were when I first met them and are still changing.  Some people changed and reverted back to the person they were.  Some people resisted change of self years ago and continue to resist any changes in self.  With some, redirection was permanent.  With some, redirection was temporary.  With some, redirection never occurred.
 
Stated in another way, some found a new direction and continued in it.  Some found a new direction, but also found a convenient detour route back to the old self.  Some “is” what they always were, only “is-er.”
 
Most (not all) who found a new direction and continue in it are people who had major discouragements or powerful temptations to revert to old ways.  Some who reverted or did not consider changing did not have any visible discouragements or temptations.  I constantly am amazed at people who find redirection of life a helpful friend, and those who find the same redirection a feared enemy.  Some passionately grow spiritually, and some passionately refuse to grow spiritually.
 
To me, such observations are frightening.  I have no interest in judging people—I have not lived their lives.  My interest is in observing.  It goes in two directions:  (1) Why do people have different attitudes toward personal redirection?  (2) Which kind of person am I?  Do I fight the need to redirect me, or do I embrace the need to redirect me?
 
The essence of repentance is personal redirection.  While repentance may demonstrate itself in events, repentance is not an event but an attitude that produces events.  When “planted” in a person’s life, it grows until, with time, it fills the person’s life. 
 
The attitude of repentance expresses itself in the behavior of the penitent.  The person’s behavior constantly seeks to be true to the attitude.  It refuses to seek self-justification.
 
The truth is whether you do or do not repent is not my issue.  Surely, your repentance may encourage me.  However, your lack of repentance never justifies me.  My issue remains the same: Am I willing to redirect my life?  Can I admit it when I am wrong?  Can I embrace needed changes in me?  Will I continuously allow my penitent attitude to reflect itself in my behavior?
 
The repentance of just one person causes heaven to rejoice!  Does your attitude and behavior increase heaven’s joy?
 
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Bonnie Marrs is out of the hospital and staying for a while with her daughter, Brenda Shelly. You can reach Bonnie at 648-8672.
• Coleen Shirley’s breast cancer surgery is scheduled for Friday morning (2/23/07) in Fayetteville.
• Daphne Israel had a pacemaker implant. She is at home and doing well.
• Harry Smith (Barbara’s husband) was recently diagnosed with inoperable lung cancer.
• John Richards is in Sparks Hospital, room 429.  He received a pacemaker.
• Madine Rose requests prayers for her sister who is recovering from eye surgery, and for a friend, Linda Lambert, who is having medical tests.
• Patty Kaiser (chemotherapy treatments).
• Rebecca Holloway (recovery from knee surgery)
• Starr Pistole (chemotherapy treatments)
 
**Prayers for Bereaved**
Lois Lancaster (former West-Ark member) died Wednesday night while in Hospice Care. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. She is survived by a granddaughter-in-law.
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• Coleen Shirley, 441-2379
• Harry Smith, 441-2384
• John Richards, 441-2378
• Patty Kaiser, 441-2387
• 441-2395 – Will notify all that prayer has been offered.
 
**Baptism**
Norma Bodley
522 N. 17th, Apt. 1
Fort Smith, AR 72901
Norma was baptized Wednesday night.  She was greatly influenced by the kindness of women at the Hope Chest.
 
**New Bible Study**
The book of Romans
Teacher: Jerry Canfield
Room 106
Sunday mornings, 9:30 a.m.
Beginning February 25
 
**LTC Rehearsals, February 25**
4:00 Elementary Signing
        High School Quiz Bowl
5:00 Elementary Puppets
        Secondary Chorus
6:00 Elementary Chorus
 
**Note of Thanks**
Dear Christian Friends,
Thank you for your prayers, beautiful cards, and visits.  Thanks to the Wings class for the Valentine bag of useful toiletries and candy.  I am now at home.
Love,
Alice Gean Rogers
 
**Widows/Widowers**
Saturday, March 3, we will be hosted by the Mitch Harper family.  Vans will leave the Annex at 11:30 AM.  If you need transportation to the Annex call Bobbie, Mary, or Janice.  Please join us for a wonderful time of sharing, support and fellowship.
 
**Car Clinic**
Weather permitting, CAR CLINIC will be held at the Annex Saturday, March 3 from 8 to 11 AM.  This is open to single ladies and 60+.  The men will change oil (bring your oil & filter), rotate and air tires, change air filters (bring your replacement), and do other minor maintenance.
 
**Guyana Team 2007**
Only 24 have joined our 2007 Guyana Medical Mission Team.  We would love to take several more Bible teachers or health care workers.  Please contact Michael or Jeannie Cole real soon if you can go with us on June 2-10.
 
**Teachers GREATLY Needed**
• We have an immediate need for a Wednesday Night teacher in the FLOCK. All materials and supplies are provided!
• A Sunday Morning FLOCK teacher is also needed.
 
**Church Keys at Home?**
Please check your key racks, wallets, and purses at home for keys to church vans and doors.  We have lots of keys out that need to be returned.  ~~Lynn Dickey
 
**Sunday Night**
6:00 PM Worship
Afterwards, we’ll have a Fellowship Meal in the FLC.
Please bring desserts!
 
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**Note From Our  Elders**
The elders appreciate the excellent participation by the congregation as we searched for additional shepherds. Of those men who received a significant percentage of nominations, these four have agreed to serve: RON BELOTE, RUSS McCONNELL, LARRY TODD, JIM WILSON.  If you are aware of any scriptural reason that would make any of them unqualified to be a West-Ark elder, would you please put your concern in writing, sign it, and give it to one of our current elders no later than February 25?
 
The many other names that were suggested has helped us to identify godly men who, with training and encouragement, will make excellent elders for this congregation in the future.
 
Please continue to pray for this selection process which will culminate with new elder installation on March 4.
 For the elders,
 Michael Cole
 

**Elder Selection Timeline**
February 18 – 25
• Affirmation of candidates.  The gold “Pledge of Support” forms may be found in the foyer and must be returned to the designated drop box by Sunday evening, February 25.
• Scriptural concerns about any candidate should be submitted in writing to the elders for review.  Unsigned letters will be discarded.
March 4
• Dedication of elders
 
**Sunday Nights at West-Ark**
February 25
Foundations of Faith, Part 4
Christ the Son
[Foundations of Faith, Part 1, 2, & 3 are posted on the West-Ark website.]
 
March 4
Foundations of Faith, Part 5
Gift of the Spirit
 
March 11
Sunday Night Live (in the Auditorium)
 
March 18
Foundations of Faith, Part 6
Damaged Goods
 
March 25
LTC Feature - Choirs and Signing
 
April 1
LTC Feature - Puppets
 
April 8
Foundations of Faith, Part 7
Scandal of the Cross
 
April 15
Foundations of Faith, Part 8
The Colony of God
 
April 22
Foundations of Faith, Part 9
Now and Not Yet
 
April 29
Fifth Sunday Family Meeting
 
**The Hope Chest**
We're still accepting donations at the Hope Chest during hours of operation (listed below).  However, for convenience, a large container is placed in the foyer for items you want to drop off while in the church building.
 
Our Immediate need is for infant clothing.
An ongoing need is underwear and socks for men and women.
We could use more workers on Thursdays.
Contact any member of the committee:  Jeannie Cole, Linda Davis, Ron & Betty Moreton, Genneil Nye, Jim & Helen Pratt, Kathy Rosalez, Sheila Vaught, or Farrell Graves. 
 
Hours of Operation
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
9:30 a.m. -  2:30 p.m.
Phone 784-9715
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
The old saying around Ft. Smith is… “If you don’t like the weather here, just wait 24 hours because it will change.” There can be snow one day and 65 degree weather the next.  If you have stepped outside this week, you’ve noticed the deep freeze has turned into a tanning bed.  I guess that’s appropriate, because many changes that come with Spring are already in place.  Trees are starting to bloom. Our local schools and teenagers started their baseball games this week. Oklahoma Christian’s “Spring Visit” for our high school students is in two weeks. And our Spring Break for the F.S. schools will be here before you know it.
 
March is full of youth events. Make sure you check out the website at www.westark.org/youth/calendar.htm for details about the rescheduled Winter Retreat, OC Spring Visit, Sunday Night Live, and Spring Break.
 
We also have the dates scheduled for LTC, Senior Graduation Services, Promotion Sunday, and the details of our summer events.
 
There are a lot of great things happening. Come join us, start growing, and help make a difference in the lives of those around you.
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
February 25
Elmer Nye
 
February 26
Carmelo Mendez
Linda Neal
 
February 27
Grace Atchison
Ryan Dockery
Betty Moreton
 
February 28
Don Griffin
Yvonne Pistole
Rachel Seiter
Marilyn Selby
James Winchell
 
March 1
Justin Boozer
Nathan Davis
Leon Medlock
Karan Tygart
 
March 2
Jo Griffin
Kristin James
Lindsey Smith
 
March 3
Ruth Martin
 
**Morning Nursery**
 Sharon Faries
Bernice Rogers
Kristin Smith
 
**Evening Nursery**
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 599
Sunday PM Worship 327
Bible Classes  396
Contribution   $16,921
Children’s Home $308
 
Lao Worship
Attendance 32
Contribution $162
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 45
Contribution $219
 
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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