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Family Lines Newsletter, August 23, 2007
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**God Is Good – We Are Not**
by David Chadwell
 
Also concerning the foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, when he comes from a far country for Your name’s sake (for they will hear of Your great name and Your mighty hand, and of Your outstretched arm); when he comes and prays toward this house, hear in heaven Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, in order that all the peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by Your name. (1 Kings 8:41-43)
 
The above statement was made by Solomon when he dedicated the temple.  It is one of the clearest statements that declared this understanding: God acts in order that godless people will not have the wrong concept of Him.  In Ezekiel 20:44 God said, Then you will know that I am the Lord when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your evil ways or according to your corrupt deeds, O house of Israel, declares the Lord God.  Israel misrepresented Him, and He was not pleased.  Again, God said in Ezekiel 36:22, Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God, “It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went.”  Again in verses 31, 32, Then you will remember your evil ways and your deeds that were not good, and you will loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and your abominations. “I am not doing this for your sake,” declares the Lord God, “let it be known to you. Be ashamed and confounded for your ways, O house of Israel!”
 
The Old Testament repeatedly makes it evident that God blesses and holds accountable, not because of us, but to verify His identity.  In one of the best known scriptures of the Old Testament (Psalms 23), why will the Shepherd God destroy want, give green pastures, and quiet waters as He restores the soul and guides in paths of righteousness?  “For His name’s sake.”  The pleas of the Psalms are for God to pardon (25:11), lead and guide (31:3), deliver and forgive (79:9), save (106:8), deal kindly with (109:21), and revive (143:11) for His name’s sake, not people’s deservedness.
 
In the New Testament, this same understanding is transferred to Christ.  Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God’s promise (1 Corinthians 15:24-28) and the way to God (John 14:6).  Thus, even when we suffer ill treatment, loss of life, or loss of material things “for my sake,” we will be generously blessed (Matthew l0:18, 39; 19:29).
 
We always need to remember that IT IS ABOUT GOD AND NOT ABOUT US.  To give people the right impression of God, regardless of how that is achieved, is an honor for us.
 
Matthew 5:13-16, You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
 
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Allison McCall (daughter of Ken and Carolyn Johnson) will begin radiation therapy for thyroid cancer soon.  Please keep her and family in your prayers.
• Brady Burress (son of Chris & Carrie) was diagnosed as having epilepsy by ACH in Little Rock. Carrie says they will start him on medications next week and return for another EEG in 3 months.
• Chuck Combs is in St. Edward Hospital, room 4401. Ann says he is recovering a tiny bit every day, but has a long way to go. They are very thankful for the prayers, cards, and prayer pager buzzes. They mean a lot!
• Please remember Connie Hixson in your prayers as she goes through more testing this week and doctors make plans for surgery and follow-up treatment.
• Eleanor Casey is in Room 204, HealthSouth Rehab Hospital. She enjoys, and is encouraged by visits and cards.  Please, no phone calls at this time. 
• Lavel & Shawn Tukes (from jail ministry) request your prayers.
• Ona Dickens is in Sparks Hospital, Special Care, room 640. She is doing better.
• Patty Kaiser has been dismissed from the hospital.
• Jerry Richards (son of John & Hazel) is recuperating at home following back surgery on Tuesday.
• Troy Risley (Clark’s father), will be having tests on Thursday.  If you would like to send Clark's parents a card of encouragement their address is:
Troy and Sara Risley
319 South Florida
Columbus, KS 66725
• Vicki Varvel (daughter of Nadine & John Hawkins and sister of Robin Murphy had surgery Wednesday.
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Harry Smith (Barbara’s husband)
• Bob Williams (father of Debbie Belote)
• Casey Oliver
• Geri Standridge
• Glenanna O'Mara (daughter of Larry & Janice Prater and sister of Shanna Davis)
• Inez Hatfield
• Rusty Howard (son of Wilburn and Louise)
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• 441-1722, Casey Oliver
• 441-1648, Chuck Combs
• 441-2395 will notify all pagers at once.
 
**Prayers for Our Military**
Brian Perkins
Brian Harris
Jeff Amos
Jonathan Smith
Kyle Evans
Mike Gooden
Ron Wheat
Stephen McElroy
Stephen Christian
Thomas Lara
Wes Roper
 
**Answered Prayers**
• Michael Anderson, nephew of James Anderson, has safely returned from overseas.
• Praise God! My brother-in-law, Bob Collier, returned home safety from Iraq.  We are grateful for the prayers.  ~~Beth Frederick
 
**Military News**
Shelley Perkins says Brian would enjoy hearing from his West-Ark family! His address is:
 Major Brian Perkins
 142 FIB
 COB Speicher
 APO AE 09393
 
Will Domer has graduated from basic training and is now at Fort Sill, OK, for his AIT (Advanced Individual Training). He would love to hear from his friends at West-Ark! 
   Pvt. Domer, William
   BTRY. D, 1st BN, 22nd FA. Unit D.
   6115 NE Rothwell Street
   Fort Sill, OK. 73503-8104
 
*******EVENTS FOR SUNDAY, AUGUST 26*******
 
*Back-to-School Blessing & Worship Service, 10:30 AM
Join us as we pray for --
• All school children, public, private or home schooled, and
• Everyone who teaches or works in our schools (in Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma).
 
*Ice Cream Supper & Fellowship, 6:00 PM
Home of Jerry & Meg Canfield
2 Chestnut Court, Fort Smith, AR
(We'll print a map on the reverse of Sunday's Order of Worship.)
 
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 Canfield home.
 
*Iglesia de Cristo 5th Anniversary Celebration, August 24-26
______________________________________________
 
**Welcome, New Member!**
Louise Biggers
2617 South 57th, #1
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: (479) 434-2176
 
**Baptisms**
• Jacqueline Myers (daughter of David & Melissa) was baptized August 15th by Chris.
• Jessica Frost (daughter of Blake & Colleen) was baptized August 16th by her dad.
We’re proud of you, Jacqueline and Jessica!
 
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**Wedding Invitation**
Mr. & Mrs. Jerry B. Selby
request the honour of your presence
at the marriage of their daughter
Katy Lynn to Samuel Bowron Phillips
son of Mr. & Mrs. Samuel H. Phillips, Jr.
on Saturday, the 25th of August
at two o’clock in the afternoon
First Baptist Church
1400 Grand Avenue,
Fort Smith, AR
Reception to follow
Fianna Hills Country Club
 
**Bridal Shower **
A shower honoring Meredith Dye (daughter of Charlie & Marcia) is planned for Saturday morning, September 8th, 10 to 12 a.m. in the home of Danna Turpin, 2405 Rannoch Lane (Fianna Hills: right on Ramsgate Way, left on Rannoch Lane). Meredith is registered at Dillard's, Now & Then Shoppe, Target, and Linens 'n Things.
 
**Back-to-School Supplies **
Our school supplies drive for Fort Smith's homeless children was a great success!  The container was filled 3 1/2 times. The $317.00 donated will be spent as needed.  Thanks for your continued generosity.
 
**The Hope Chest Needs Volunteers!**
Thanks to a West-Ark family who donated an air conditioner and to others who donated their time and talent to install it, the HOPE CHEST is now a COOLER place.  The hours of operation will continue to be 9:30 - 12:30, Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays.  If you can help with this ministry, please contact Genneil Nye, Betty Moreton, Linda Davis, Jeannie Cole, Sheila Vaught, or Helen Pratt.
 
**Paper or plastic? -- both are needed!**
Lots and lots of bags are used each day as we serve others at the Hope Chest.  Please save your grocery and department store bags (plastic and paper) for use there.   Just put them in one bigger bag and place them in the large container in the foyer.
 
**FLOCK News!**
Mark your calendar for PROMOTION SUNDAY on September 9.  We’re looking forward to this special day for the FLOCK.  Please consult the list below to verify to which group your child(ren) will belong.  If your child has special needs and you do NOT want him/her in the indicated group, please let us know immediately.  We want to work with you to find the best solution for your child.
 
3 Years Old by September 1, 2007 = Happy Hearts
4 Years Old by September 1, 2007 = Terrific Triangles
Kindergarten, Fall, 2007 = Dandy Diamonds
1st Grade, Fall, 2007 = Shining Stars
 
If, at any time, you have any questions regarding how the FLOCK “operates” or any other questions, please feel free to contact any member of the planning team (Staci James, Dena Jenkins, or Melody Priester).
 
**FLOCK Teacher Still Needed**
… for Wednesday nights beginning September 12.  This is a 4-weeks commitment (or more if you like) with lessons and all materials supplied!  Please contact any member of the planning team if you can help.  To God be all the glory!
 
**Tuesday WINGS Orientation**
Get ready for Tuesday WINGS!  All ladies are welcome on Tuesday mornings for fellowship and Bible study.  Orientation coffee is September 11 at 9:30 a.m. Classes begin September 18th, with fellowship from 9:00 to 9:30 a.m., and class from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.  Childcare is provided.
 
**It’s Almost Tutoring Time!**
It’s time once again to get organized. We’ll need 24 tutors and substitute tutors, 2 van drivers, lots of storytellers and snack-providers to serve for 27 Tuesdays, beginning October 2 and ending the last Tuesday in April. Please sign up at the card table in the foyer. Several children who participated last year have told me they are looking forward to tutoring. Our tutors and snack-providers did a fantastic job last year, and the children haven’t forgotten. If you have questions, please call Sheila Vaught.
 
**Due to the Labor Day holiday, we will NOT have a Car Clinic or Widow/Widowers luncheon for September.**
 
**River Valley Golf Tournament**
September 8 at River Valley Golf in Dyer, AR.
4 man scramble, 7:30 a.m. registration, 8:00 tee time, shotgun start, 2 flights, entry fee is $100 per team.
The golf cart is extra; BBQ rib dinner provided.
Make checks payable to Randy Coleman, memo Golf Tournament, and send to Coleman Shelter Ins. P.O. Box 2325, 1044 Hwy. 64., Alma, AR  72921.
 
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**Family Life Ministry**
by Brad Pistole
 
Ready or not, here it comes…school is back in session! So many teens and parents have a LOVE/HATE relationship with school.
 
Parents love it when August rolls around, because they are ready for a break. Teens love it when May rolls around, because they are ready for a break. Notice the difference?
 
Teenagers from West-Ark represent approximately 25 area schools in Arkansas and Oklahoma. We have teenagers from public, private, and home-school settings. 
 
No matter where you live, I want to encourage you to make the most of the opportunities God has given you to serve Him. There are opportunities to serve through sports, academics, band, extra-curricular activities, etc.
 
God has given every single young person special gifts, and one of the most important gifts they have is their life! Friends, teachers, coaches, etc., will all look to them for their example, and they will see where the rubber meets the road.  It’s one thing to talk about Christianity, love, and grace.  It’s another thing all together to demonstrate those things in your life on a day-to-day basis.
 
What will you do when the drama starts? You know it will! What will you do when the gossip starts? You know it will! What will you do when “everyone else” is doing something they shouldn’t be doing? You know they will!
 
May God bless you with a special reminder of all HE has done for you through Jesus Christ, and may you keep your eyes fixed on HIM! I pray for you often!
(Micah 6:8)
 
**Happy Birthday**
August 27
Dylan Curtis
Greg Dockery
Melissa Walker
 
 August 28
Kyle Curtis
Jackson Keller
 
August 29
Randy Hankins
Flora Johnson
 
August 30
Stan Burkhart
Eli Hartley
 
August 31
Mark Hite
Al Wood
 
September 1
Mike Mason
Linda McRay
Jacqueline Myers
Brenda Wewers
 
**Morning Nursery**
Sharon Faries
Berniece Rogers
Kristin Smith
 
**Evening Nursery**
Angela Dunavant
Denise Lusby
 
**SEEN ON LOCAL MARQUEES**
 
• Don’t tell them He loves them until you are ready to love them.
 
• A lot of kneeling will keep you in good standing.
 
• Prevent truth decay—brush up on your Bible.
 
• God answers knee-mail.
 
• Under same management over 2000 years.
 
• God allows U-turns.
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 743
Sunday PM Worship 270
Bible Classes 474
Contribution   $18,303
Children’s Home $439.55
(2 weeks)
 
**Lao Worship**
Attendance 74
Contribution $223
 
**Iglesia de Cristo **
Attendance 55
Contribution $178
 
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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