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Family Lines Newsletter, August 2, 2007
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**Changing Focus**
by David Chadwell
 
Have you been fascinated by what I call “what do you see” pictures and puzzles?  I speak of visual exercises in which a picture is immediately obvious, and a totally different picture is evident when you look for it. I find such pictures/puzzles fascinating because what you see depends on what you look for.
 
In scripture, people often see what they look for.  For example, when today we talk of the creation in Genesis 1 or the flood which begins in Genesis 6, our conversation may immediately turn to evolution.  Our following discussion likely focuses on some conflict or perceived conflict between science and religion.
 
While that focus is relevant to faith in God now and His work today, is evolution the writer’s point in Genesis?  Since science and religion as we know it today did not exist when the writer wrote Genesis, is it possible that we miss his point if we focus only on evolution considerations?  Since evolution was an unknown to the writer of Genesis 1 and 6, is it possible the writer’s point had nothing to do with evolution?  If so, what was his point?  Would it benefit today’s Christian to know his point?
 
Consider this perspective. Once there was only good, good defined by God (Genesis 1:31).  Humanity knew only good, and had a unique relationship with God. Once there was only evil (Genesis 6:5, 6). Humanity knew only evil and had no relationship with God.  When humanity knew only good, there was blessing and joy.  When humanity knew only evil, there was destruction and death.
 
Though the patient God was grieved, experiencing the full agony of that grief, He did not give up on reconciliation with humanity.  God persisted.  He found and revealed Himself to Abraham.  He formed a nation through Abraham and gave them opportunity to be His people (Exodus 19:3-6).  Through that nation He sent His son, Jesus, to be our guide to Him (John 14:6).  In His son’s sacrificial death and resurrection, He gave us a Lord and the Christ (Acts 2:36).  In him we can be righteous before God (Romans 3:21-26).  Jesus Christ can teach humanity the worthwhile life to live [again] (Ephesians 4:1-5:14).  Through Jesus Christ we have a hope of more than just the physical (1 Corinthians 15:12-19); we live for eternal values.
 
God does not give up on people!  He never was an angry God who impatiently sought to punish people.  He sought human redemption when nothing in human behavior indicated people were worthy of His concern!  Impatience is a human trait, not a divine trait.
 
Could it be that the author of Genesis wanted people to see that there is joy and blessing in God’s goodness while there are consequences and death in evil?  Could it be that the writer affirmed that God’s ways are filled with life and blessing, and godless life is selfish and destructive? 
 
In scripture, do you see what you are looking for, or what God wants you to see?
 
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Praise! Bill Walker was dismissed from the hospital Tuesday night. He had a heart cath and stent placement on Monday afternoon.
• Dale Brown had a heart valve replaced on Saturday (7/28/07). He is home and doing well.
• Inez Hatfield is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5530. She is getting better, but had some stomach problems Tuesday night after being started on soft foods.
• Ona Dickens is in Sparks, room 547. She had a chemo treatment on Tuesday. Friends who can sit for a few hours with Ona are very appreciated. Please call Stephanie Kolb Kear (their granddaughter) at 719-3332 if you can give one of the best gifts of all – your time.
• Pat Stewart is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5514. Pat is a member of the church in Prescott. She is in Fort Smith for wrist surgery and other health issues.
• Paul Quenin is scheduled for out-patient surgery August 10 at Sparks Hospital.

**Continued Prayers**
• A. W. Chism
• Casey Oliver
• Glenanna O’Mara (daughter of Larry & Janice Prater and sister of Shanna Davis)
• Lyndell Foster
• Marilyn Wiles (sister of Trish Carson)
• Robert Randolph
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• 441-2387, Bill Walker
• 441-1722, Casey Oliver
• 441-6639, Inez Hatfield
• 441-2395 will notify all pagers at once.
 
**Baptisms**
We’re proud of you Miranda and Julie!
• Miranda, daughter of Chad and Kim Graham, was baptized Sunday morning.
• Julie, daughter of Ron & Colleen Orick, was baptized Sunday morning by her father.
 
**Welcome, New Members!**
Scott & Kathy Martin
Colby & Clay
26118 Walls Road
Cameron, OK 74932
Phone: 918-654-3390
 
Eric & Robin Hill
Shelby
17750 Quays Road
Cameron, OK  74932
Phone: 918-721-3582
 
**Prayers for Our Military**
Bob Collier
Brian Perkins
Brian Harris
Jeff Amos
Jonathan Smith
Kyle Evans
Michael Anderson
Ron Wheat
Stephen McElroy
Stephen Christian
Thomas Lara
Wes Roper
 
Mike Gooden was recently promoted to LTC at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, NC. He is now on his way to the Combat Army Support Hospital in Baghdad for the next six to nine months. Please keep him, his fellow servicemen, and their families in your prayers. You don't know how much it is appreciated by so many soldiers.
~~Benny & Martha Gooden (8/2/07)

 

**Missionaries in Prayer**
• Roy and Joyce Dunavin are in Ethiopia.
• Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
• John Paul & Ruby Lee Hundley in France.
• Steve & Colleen DeLoach, Operation Guyana.
• Evangelists and their families with whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Thank you for your many visits, cards, phone calls and prayers during my recent hospital stays.  Each act of love, care, and concern is greatly appreciated.     
 Jim Pratt
 
Dear Brothers & Sisters in Christ,
I finally had an opportunity to speak with the doctor. An update [on Harry] is -- the large mass is still there and a small spot is still active. After more treatments, another CAT scan will be done. If the activity is still there, they will blast it [with chemo] to kill any further activity. Please continue praying for us. I love you all.
 In Christian love,
 Barbara Smith
 
**Iglesia de Cristo Furnishings**
We are very excited with our new building. Praise the Lord for everything! ~~Oscar Nolasco
The list of items needed to furnish the new church building is posted in the foyer on a free-standing bulletin board.
To indicate what you or your group are willing to fund, please call Coleen Shirley or the church office at 452-1240.
 
**On Our August Calendar**
* Iglesia de Cristo 5th Anniversary Celebration, August 24 – 26
 
* Back To School Blessing
  Teachers, students, school workers and volunteers will be blessed during a special morning service on August 26.
 
* Annual Ice Cream Supper/Fellowship 
  The whole church is invited to the Canfields at 6 p.m. on August 26. Bring your favorite homemade ice cream. More details soon!
 
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**Back-to-School Supplies**
“Whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”  Proverbs 14:31
 
The Hope Chest is collecting back-to-school supplies for Fort Smith's homeless children.  It is our goal to meet the needs of approximately 230 children by furnishing the following:
 
• Wide-ruled notebook paper
• Small plastic school box
• Pencil pouch
• Colored pencils
• Plastic pocket folder
• Pocket folders
• 1" & 3" ring binders with pockets
• Soap - regular bath size bar
• Shampoo (8 - 10 oz. bottle)
• Deodorant
• Toothpaste - medium size tube
• Toothbrush
• Hair brush
• Zip Lock bags - gallon size
 
Please note that a sufficient number of pencils, combs, and washcloths have been provided.
 
Please place your items in the designated container which is in the foyer.  THE DEADLINE IS AUGUST 12.  These items will be delivered to the school system and distributed by the appropriate office to the children.  If you prefer to make a money contribution, you may give your check to one of the Hope Chest Committee members or to the church office.  We will be happy to make purchases on your behalf.   We encourage you to join us in this effort.
 
**Library Memorials**
In memory of Elva McRay by Linda McRay:
• Daniel, Prophet of God
In memory of Darold Wear by Louise Cline:
• At the Heart of the Gospel
• Doubting Is Normal
In memory of LeRoy Null by West-Ark Church of Christ:
• Protecting Our Blind-Side
• Old Light on New Worship
 
**Pray Without Ceasing!**
The West-Ark church family is dedicated to the ministry of prayer (Luke 11:1; 1 Thess. 5:17; James 5:16). The church office manages the published prayer list.  We need your ongoing assistance and participation to keep this published list updated. At the Family Meeting, we offered a list of guidelines. It is printed on blue paper and titled “Pray Without Ceasing.”  Extra copies are in the Information Center. It is also posted online at www.westark.org/prayer-requests.htm
 
**Wednesday Nights**
Beginning August 1, Wednesday night Bible classes start at 7:00 p.m. Adult Bible teachers: a copy of the announcements will be ready for you to pick up at the Welcome Center in the foyer each Wednesday night.
 
**New Teacher and Topic**
Earl Flood will begin teaching in the Auditorium Bible class on Wednesday, August 8, at 7:00 p.m.  His topic is “Winning Over the Foes of Life.”
 
**Widows/Widowers**
We will eat at the Catfish Barn near Poteau for dinner Saturday, August 4th. The cost will be $5. We will leave the Annex at 4 PM and return when our tummies are full!
 
**FLOCK Needs**
The FLOCK is collecting empty egg cartons for a project.  Please bring your empties to the FLOCK station on the first floor (just past the entrance to the FLC). Thanks!
 
**Car Clinic for 60+ and Single Ladies**
Saturday, August 4, 8 to 11 AM, in the Annex parking lot. Please bring your own supplies. If you don’t know what you need, you may contact Jack, Mike, or Marvin for assistance.
 
**Wednesday Night WINGS**
Our fall class is forming! The study will be "A Light in the Darkness: Elijah and Elisha" by Casandra Martin. The first meeting is Wednesday, September 5th, in Room 211 at 7 p.m.  Contact Peggy Pistole before August 19 in order to receive a workbook (about $12.00).
 
**Come & Go 90th Birthday Celebration**
for Marea Sutherland
August 4, 2:00 to 4:00 PM
Lavaca Municipal Complex
Cards only/no gifts please.
 
**Caribbean Cruise**
Carlene Payne is organizing a Christian Women’s Cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya for January 21-26. The cost is $349 to $399 (based on double occupancy). Departure is from New Orleans. A down payment must be received by August 17th. Contact Carlene for additional information.
 
**The Case of the Missing Dish**
A new 13 X 9 casserole dish with a blue lid is missing. A similar dish with a green lid is still in the foyer, so this is probably a case of mistaken identity :~) Please check at home if you think you might have it. Return the dish to the church office instead of the foyer table.  Thanks!
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
by Brad Pistole
 
Have you ever read something that just completely “grabbed your attention?” You know something that is so good you just “can’t put it down!”
 
I know you have all been recently encouraged by many of our elders to read a new parenting book that has just become available. If you have not read it yet, I hope the following quotes will “pull you in” and make you want to do so:
 
“Here’s the invisible problem that hampers the development of America’s children: We are measuring their well-being based upon the wrong standards. Without realizing it, we have made ourselves the judge and jury of what is right and wrong, good and bad, useful and useless in relation to our children’s lives.
 
“You are not likely to get the right outcome if you base your actions on the assessment of the wrong things. Yet when it comes to raising our children, Americans have created a matrix of measurements based upon what our society defines to be significant…Think about that for a moment. We have replaced God with ourselves, usurping leadership over our children’s circumstances.”
 
“What is the point? That God is the absolute judge of how our children are doing, that His standards examine the character and faith of our young people, and His ways are often not facilitated by many of the activities we promote or endorse, regardless of our ignorance or good intentions.”  (George Barna, Revolutionary Parenting)
 
Barna goes on to suggest that Americans often have two major tendencies when they face a crisis: 1) They often REJECT FACTS that discredit what they think is true, and 2) they often push the problem onto someone else. He says these are the “catalysts to ineffective parenting,” and he spends the majority of the book helping parents realize that the responsibility for raising spiritual champions belongs to them. Then he equips them with various tools that will help them in their journey.
 
Praise God for the truth and information in this book. Every single parent at West-Ark needs to take the time to read it. If you do, you will be blessed as a parent and better prepared to lead your children in their journey of faith.
 
**Morning Nursery**
Dena Jenkins
Suzie Jennemann
Melissa Walker
 
**Evening Nursery**
Gina Williams
Tammy Cypert
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
 August 5
Eric Berger
Luis Mendez
Ben Neal
Sarah Robbins
 
August 6
Jim Pratt
Barbara Smith
 
August 8
Wayne Bailey
 
August 10
Mary Vampola
 
August 11
Michael Blasdel
Heather Curtis
Mitch Harper
John Lankford
 
**Serving at the Lord's Table in August**
Harold Binyon
Charles Hankins
Randy Hankins
Marvin Hughes
Jaythan Johnson
John Kamp
Charles Karr
Tom King
John Lindgren
Jack Lowry
Travis McDonald
Eugene Puckett
Paul Shirley
John B Smith
J T Smith
 
Ushers/Nursery Communion
Bill Kamp
Jay Wood
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 629
Sunday PM Worship 277
Bible Classes 424
Contribution   $15,056
Children’s Home $241
 
Lao Worship
Attendance 34
Contribution $219
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance 50
Contribution $165
 
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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