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Family Lines Newsletter,  August 9, 2007
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**Limiting God**
By David Chadwell
 
Typically, an individual human tends to distrust any reality that he or she cannot comprehend, and functions in a way or ways that he or she cannot function.  Our rationale seems to be: (a) “If I (or someone I trust) cannot explain it in a comprehensible way, it cannot be real.”  (b) “If it functions in a manner I will not, it cannot be real.”
 
Those criteria make acceptance of God’s person impossible since (a) He exceeds human comprehension, and (b) does many things humans would never do.  For example, God’s patience referred to in last week’s article is definitely not human because humans simply do not do that.  We get rid of the problem instead of enduring personal revulsion to reconcile the problem-makers.
 
Many of those who profess Christian faith, skillfully find a way around that dilemma by making God a superhuman.  They say of anything passing human comprehension, “God would not do that.”
 
However, there are problem areas that do not disappear by forcing God to be human or by saying, “God would not do that.” Consider forgiveness.  Human limits of forgiveness do not match God’s limits.  Humans tend to give forgiveness to those they regard as “deserving” of their consideration.
 
For example, Christians tend to think of Paul as a pretty good guy.  After all, he was a Christian, an apostle to the gentiles, a preacher, a missionary, and a New Testament writer.  However, just before his conversion to Jesus Christ, his convictions were just plain mean.  When the Christian Stephen was killed, Paul was there.  He “amened” the act.  He was actively involved.  And who was Stephen?  A Christian, a deacon in the Jerusalem congregation, one who cared about the needy, an evangelist!  “Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death. And on that day a great persecution began against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Some devout men buried Stephen, and made loud lamentation over him. But Saul began ravaging the church, entering house after house, and dragging off men and women, he would put them in prison” (Acts 8:1-3).
 
On the day Paul was converted, he was on his way to Damascus to arrest Christians!  Even as a Christian, he did not deny his past.  “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service, even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor” (1 Timothy 1:12, 13).  Can you believe God forgave and used a killer of Christians?
 
Paul declared that God forgave him to demonstrate that the patient God of mercy could forgive anyone (1 Timothy 1:16).  John said God would forgive the Christian of “all” unrighteousness if he/she were honest enough to confess sins when he/she were aware of them (1 John 1:5-10).  Baptism merely began an ongoing forgiveness from sin.
 
We can live with that kind of forgiveness!  It is not human-like, but it surely is needed!
 
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• We have had quite a few requests for Dub Chism’s address. Please encourage him with your prayers and cards.
A.W. Chism
Fayetteville Veterans’ Home
1125 North College
Fayetteville, AR 72703
• Billy Dale Harris and his wife, Marilyn, are close family friends of Jimmie and Laura Smith.  Billy has been diagnosed with lung cancer, and the family requests prayers.
• Bob Williams (father of Debbie Belote) had his first treatment for bladder cancer yesterday. Everything went smoothly, and he tolerated the treatment well.
• Casey Oliver needs prayers for healing as she waits for evaluation of new bone growth.  The evaluation will be in two weeks and will determine what will be the next course of treatment. 
• Curtis Locklear (Judy Walker's father) is in stable condition after a heart attack.  He is in the hospital in Lumberton, North Carolina.
• Glenanna O'Mara (daughter of Larry & Janice and sister of Shanna Davis) is improving, but still receives daily IV antibiotics.
• Harry Smith (Barbara’s husband) is continuing treatments for lung cancer. 
• Inez Hatfield is making good progress in her recovery. She is in St. Edward, room 5212. Inez plans to spend another week in the rehab wing.
• Jacob Burkhart (son of Jamey & Amy; grandson of Stan & Dixie) had some cysts removed from his right brow bone early this morning in Oklahoma City. Jacob did great, and the family will travel home later today!
• Lucretia Locklear (Judy Walker's sister) has had a light stroke.  She is in stable condition in the hospital in Lumberton, North Carolina.
• Ona Dickens is in Sparks Hospital, room 477. She had emergency surgery Saturday night, but received a good report from her doctors and was encouraged. When Ona has a chemotherapy treatment, she is moved to the 6th floor for 24 hours and thereafter may be given a different room. She appreciates visits, so if you don’t find her at first, check for her room number with the information desk.
• Pat Stewart is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5514. She is a member of the church in Prescott, and away from home. She appreciates visits.
• Paul Quenin is scheduled for out-patient surgery at 11 a.m. Friday (8/10/07) at Sparks Hospital.
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Bill Walker
• Dale Brown
 
Prayer Pagers
• 441-1722, Casey Oliver
• 441-6639, Inez Hatfield
• 441-2384, Paul Quenin
• 441-2395 will notify all pagers at once.
 
**Change of Address**
Kim & Lacy Layman
112 Free Ferry Landing
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 479 420-1244
 
**Prayers for Our Military**
Bob Collier
Brian Perkins
Brian Harris
Jeff Amos
Jonathan Smith
Kyle Evans
Michael Anderson
Mike Gooden
Ron Wheat
Stephen McElroy
Stephen Christian
Thomas Lara
Wes Roper
 
**Missionaries in Prayer**
• 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.
 
**Children's Emergency Shelter Clothing Drive**
Boxes have been placed in every classroom for clothing donations. Please bring only nice, clean clothes for young children through teenage sizes.
 
**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 place your items in the designated container which is in the foyer.  THE DEADLINE IS THIS SUNDAY, 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.
 
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**Back-to-School Blessing**
Sunday, August 26, 10:30 a.m.
Teachers, students, school workers, and volunteers will be blessed during a special morning service on August 26.  Our list of names is on display in the foyer.  Please check the list and add any names we may have missed!
 
**Notes of Thanks**
 
Sam and I would like to thank you for your prayers and visits! It is so nice to know what a wonderful caring church family we have!
Love,
Sam & Mary Beth Oliver
 
Thank you for giving me my prayer pager and for all the people who came to visit me. I appreciate your support!
 Casey Oliver
 
My sincere thanks to everyone for their thoughts, prayers, cards, visits, and other expressions of love and support during my recent illness. 
Lovingly, Bill Walker
 
**Needs in the FLOCK **
Egg Cartons
We are collecting empty egg cartons for a project.  Bring your empties to the FLOCK station on the first floor (just past the entrance to the FLC).
 
FLOCK Wednesday Night Teacher
We need a teacher beginning August 15 on Wednesday night. Lessons and materials are provided. This will be for only one rotation (5 weeks) – or so long as you desire.  Call Dena Jenkins.
 
**Furnishings for New Church Building**
The list of items needed to furnish the new Iglesia de Cristo 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.
 
Iglesia de Cristo 5th Anniversary Celebration is August 24 – 26.
 
**Library Memorials**
The following books have been purchased by West-Ark for our Church Library as a memorial gift.
 
In memory of Bill Bowers (brother of Berniece Rogers):
•  Zondervan Church History
 
In memory of R. B. Neisler (brother of Don):
• Jesus and the Gospels
 
In memory of Agnes Ely (mother of Dave Cogswell):
• Pentecost to Patmos
 
**Wednesday Night WINGS**
The first meeting is Wednesday, September 5th, in Room 211 at 7 p.m.  Contact Peggy Pistole before August 19 in order to receive your workbook, "A Light in the Darkness: Elijah and Elisha" by Casandra Martin. The cost is about $12.00.
 
**Senior Game Day!**
Thursday, August 16
12 Noon in the Annex.
 
**JOY Bunch**
Back-to-School Cookout
Saturday, August 18
6:00 PM in the FLC
Bring side dishes and desserts to go with hamburgers and hot dogs.
 
**Ice Cream Supper & Fellowship**
The Home of Jerry & Meg Canfield
2 Chestnut Court, Fort Smith, AR
Sunday, August 26, 6:00 p.m.
 
Everyone is invited! The evening will include a devotional, singing, [communion for those who desire it] and our ice cream fellowship! 
 
Bring a freezer of your favorite ice cream recipe!  If you don’t have a freezer, bring a container of your favorite brand of ice cream or toppings, brownies, cakes, cookies, water, or sodas on ice. Lawn chairs and blankets are also needed (and maybe insect repellant). Come and join in the fellowship!
 
A brief devotional and communion [starting at 6:00 p.m.] will be available at the church building for those who can’t attend the fellowship at the Canfields'.
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
By Brad Pistole
 
This past Sunday night, West-Ark hosted the Clarksville Youth Group for an evening of worship and fellowship. We had approximately 75 teens and parents come together for this very special night. The main purpose was to let many of our teens, who had spent a week together at Green Valley Bible Camp this summer, get back together and share memories.
 
We had put together a presentation of some of our teens’ pictures from camp and projected them on the screen for everyone to see.
 
It was great to hear them laugh and re-live the stories and memories they made at camp. Of course, it was also fun to watch the girls BEAT the boys 2 out of 3 games at volleyball. They just couldn’t handle Meredith’s and Emily’s serves. It was too much for them!
 
This Sunday night we will have the opportunity to do something very similar. We will be leading the Sunday night worship service in the auditorium, and we will be sharing pictures and stories from our recent mission trip to Minnesota.
 
We have invited the Rogers youth group to come join us for the evening since our two groups traveled and worked together on this mission. They should arrive just before services, take part in worship with us, and then we’ll enjoy some fellowship time together afterwards.
 
I am thankful for the many memories our teenagers have made this summer with each other, with teens from area youth groups, and with those they have served.  Praise God for all He continues to do through them!
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
August 12
Carlene Payne
 
August 13
Kelvin Kleman
 
August 14
Janet Cathy
Martha Gooden
 
August 15
Amy Bailey
Susan Doyle
 
August 16
Dan Farris
Cyndi Glidewell
Daphne Israel
Jack Lowry
Todd Martin
Brock Slater
Allison Thompson
 
August 17
Richard Branum
Beulah Ann Chronister
Tiffany Null
Linda Wear
 
August 18
Venom Foster
Barbara Miller
 
**Morning Nursery**
Vicki Anderson
Trish Carson
Donne Cogswell
 
**Evening Nursery**
Terri Jones
Marquette Walker
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 713
Sunday PM Worship 307
Life Group 11
Bible Classes 471
Contribution   $19,648
Children’s Home $285
 
**Lao Worship**
Attendance 48
Contribution $309
 
**Iglesia de Cristo **
Attendance 65
Contribution $247
 
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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