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Family Lines Newsletter, March 13, 2008
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**The Victim With A Choice**
By David Chadwell
 
“So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.  It was for freedom that Christ set us free; therefore keep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery” (Galatians 4:31-5:1).
 
Years ago we as a society were introduced to the many facets of “blame.”  We correctly understood that every person is a composite of his or her experiences.  Before that understanding, our response as a society to a person who endured unjust situations was this: “Suck it up!” 
 
There are lots of ways to illustrate this attitude from the past.  “So, you married an abusive man and have a horrible marriage.  Suck it up and quit crying!”  “So, years ago as a child, you had a mother who vented her rage on you.  Suck it up and pretend it never happened!”  “So, your parents do despicable things to you that make you feel more like a slave or property.  Suck it up and stop whining!”  “So, you have a boss who exploits his power over you.  Suck it up—you have a job!”  The prevailing attitude was, “So, you have (had) it tough!  Big deal!  So do (did) many other people!”
 
Gradually, we understood there are horrible experiences we endure that are neither ignored, forgotten, nor easily escaped.  Gradually, we grasped the powerful impact of unjust relationships in people’s lives. Gradually, we understood that horribly unjust experiences often have a radical impact on a person’s behavior.
 
As usual, the pendulum tends to swing too far with new insights.  Our society went from ignorance (and unjust conclusions) to blamelessness where nothing is “my” fault (and unjust conclusions).  In our circuit, we returned to the same situation—from no responsibility due to an absence of insight to no responsibility because of insight.  The result: we went from irresponsible conduct produced by ignorance to irresponsible conduct produced by a refusal to accept any fault.  Both produce irresponsible conduct.
 
Facts to be accepted: (1) No one’s past is perfect.  (2) No matter how hard we try, we cannot make things perfect for the next generation.  (3) We live in an unjust physical world, and the next generation will live in a similar physical world.
 
Two things I can do: (1) I can be honest with myself concerning the impact of my past on me.  (2) I can let Christ make me the best me I can be.  If I am honest with myself about the impact of my past on me, I can encourage you in your transition.  If I let God’s grace in Jesus’ death free me from my guilt, I can be an example to you as I challenge you to find hope in God.
 
If I ignore my past, I condemn myself to exist in a feeling of guilt.  If I let God teach me freedom in Christ, I exist in forgiveness.  In the first, I make others miserable—often including those I love the most.  In the second, I bless others’ lives just by being the “me” God makes “me” in Christ.  In spite of my past, I choose who I am.  I can’t be perfect, but I can be better!  Thank You, Lord, for freedom in Jesus Christ!
 
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**Let's Be Praying For ...**
• Louise Cline is in Sparks Hospital, room 453, with a gallstone. She will have a temporary stint procedure today (3/13/08).
• Leo Atkins has moved to Fianna Hills Nursing Home, room 300.  He is under hospice care.
• Mary King is sick at home with pneumonia and a sinus infection.
• Norma Treadway (Kathy Glidewell's mother) moved to St. Edward Rehab last Thursday. She is working hard on physical and occupational therapy for her broken hip. She will probably be there for another week.
• Ed Grist requests prayers for his friend, John Amerise, in New York City.  John has complications from bladder surgery.
• Marie Lile is now home after being in the hospital for flu and pneumonia.
• Wilma Son is still in rehab at Covington Court, room 33C.  She is tolerating the chemo pretty well and hopes to go home soon. 
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Betty Monk (mother of Gene)
• Coleen Shirley
• Curtis Locklear (Judy Walker's father)
• Gerald Jones (friend of Karen Carter)
• Isaac Mobley
• Inez Hatfield
• Jessica Frost
• Joel Prigge (Louise Howard's brother-in-law)
• Kathleen Taranto
• Lloyd Priester (father of Jim)
• Margaret Stone
• Molly Walker
• Patty Kaiser
• Trucilla Surratt (mother of Kathy Rosalez)
• Vicki Anderson
 
**Bereaved in Prayer**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the following families:
• Betty Callicott, Ann Combs and family in the death of Bob (husband, father, and grandfather). The service for Brother Callicott was Monday at West-Ark Church of Christ. Memorials donations may be given to any charity of the donor’s choice.
• Kathy Roselez in the death of her step-father, Charles Surratt.  Services will be 2 PM Saturday (3/15/08) at Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle, Arkansas.
• Josh Bice in the death of his uncle, Gary Olsen. Funeral services are Friday (3/14/08) in Russellville.
 
**Pray for Our Military**
Brian Perkins
John Clark
Michael Priester
Mike Gooden
Mitchell Bryant
Ron Wheat
 
**Prayer Pagers**
• Jessica Frost, 441-2379
• Brothers and sisters of Ashton Stein, 784-7490
• Donna Wheeler, 441-2378
 
**Welcome, New Members!**
Kaelin & Michaela Schaper
2000 Devyn Drive
Lavaca, AR 72941
Phone: 674-4311
 
**Congratulations, New Grandparents**
Bill & Lynn Dickey are grandparents!  Olivia Grace Russell was born March 6th to Eddie & Laura (Dickey) Russell in Denton, TX.  Olivia weighed 9 lbs. 7 ozs. and was 19 3/4 inches long.
 
Harold & Linda Davis are grandparents, too! Brooklyn Marie Chilton was born March 10th to Darren & Mandy (Russell) Chilton in Royal Oak, MI.  Brooklyn weighed 8 lbs. 5 ozs. and was 21 inches long. 
 
**Notes of Thanks**
Thank you to the West-Ark Church family for all the prayers, kindness and concern shown to our family during the illness and death of my father. Your thoughtfulness demonstrates lives serving God by serving others.
 Margaret Moss
 
Dear West-Ark Family,
Your calls, cards, and prayers were a great encouragement to all of us during this difficult time of loss. Uncle Mac appreciated all the support he received from his church family. We love you dearly.
 The family of Malcomb Gordey
 
Thank you so very much for your contribution to assist us in our tornado relief efforts. Your generosity did much to lift our spirits.
 In Christian love,
 Clinton Church of Christ
 
While I am in rehab, Jay & Retha Wood have been bringing communion to me every Sunday morning.  Thank you!
 Wilma Son
 
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**News from the Youth & Family Ministry Search Team**
 
The Search Team has completed the Characteristics and the Job Duties and Responsibilities documents to be used in evaluating applicants for the youth minister position.  We have incorporated many of the ideas from our discussions with the youth group, interested parents, individual members, and others.  Many of the other suggestions given to us will be incorporated in the interview process we are planning for qualified candidates.  We appreciate all the input and suggestions received!
 
These documents are now available on the youth group table in the foyer.  All interested persons are invited to take one!
 
This week we are finalizing an information and application packet for candidates.  It will be available soon in both printed form and on the church website.  We will be soliciting names of possible candidates from various university departments, other area youth and family ministers, and other sources within our church community.  A copy of the packet will be sent to prospective candidates as they are identified.  West-Ark members that know of potential candidates are encouraged to provide the Search Team with the appropriate contact information for those individuals, and we will get the information to those folks as well. 
 
Thanks to all of you for your prayerful support!
 
Search Team Members:  Chris Benjamin, Mary Burkett, Dave Cogswell, Bruce Davenport, Colleen Frost, Lisa Grace, Bill Kamp, and Jackie Sofio.
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**JOY Bunch!**
Saturday, March 15
6:00 PM in the FLC
We are asking our regular pie bakers to bring a pie. Everyone else will bring different dishes as usual and desserts!

**LTC Practices, March 16**
3:00      Signing
4:00      Elem. Drama
            Jr./Sr. High Drama
6:00      Elementary Chorus
 
NO Jr/Sr High Choir practice
NO Puppet practices
 
March 21-22: Convention in Rogers, AR at John Q. Hammons Center.

**Vacation Bible School**
Sunday – Wednesday evening!
June 15-18, 2008
Jerusalem Marketplace and
Groups Holy Land Adventure
"Where Jesus Walked to the Cross"
 
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**Youth Group News**
 
Youth Worship
Youth Room, 6:00 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 16  /  Sunday, March 23
 
Clarksville Area-Wide Devo
This Sunday, March 16
The van leaves at 4:30 PM and will return at 9:30 PM
There will be a chili supper after the devo
Sign up on the bulletin board in the lobby
    or contact Rochelle Brown
(Please note that we will be having regular Youth Worship at 6:00 PM if you are not able to attend the Clarksville devo)
 
West-Ark Retreat at Camp Caudle
Friday, March 28 – Sunday, March 30
Guest Speaker – Robert Oglesby
Cost - $35 (Give payment to Jackie soon)
Leaving at 6:30 PM on Friday – (Eat before you come!)
Please sign-up by Wednesday, March 19 so we can make sure we order you a shirt!
If you have any questions, email Jackie at Jackie@westarkchurchofchrist.org
 
Family Meeting
Sunday, March 30 / Meet in the Auditorium at 6:00 PM
 
**In Memory of Ruth Choate**
By Curtis & Bea McDonald
(all books by Lutzer)
• Christ Among Other Gods
• 7 Reasons You Can Trust the Bible
• One Minute After You Die
• DaVinci Deception
 
**Happy Birthday**
March 17
Marie Lile
 
March 18
Caitlin Kleman
Linda Shank
Suzette Todd
Brad Walker
 
March 19
Marie Arnold
David Berger
Shirley Bullard
Wendal Hull
 
March 20
Blake Frost
 
March 21
Courtney Griffin
Gina Null
 
March 22
Linda Allen
Debra Hatfield
Helen Walker
Greg Wewers
 
**Morning Nursery**
Elaine Hill
Flora Johnson
 
**Evening Nursery**
Tiffany Blake
Sheila Vaught
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship  605
Bible Classes  375
Sunday PM Worship  243
Life Groups  17
Contribution  $13,286
Children’s Homes $295
Wednesday Classes  233
 
Lao Worship
Attendance  28
Contribution  $155
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance  59
Contribution  $221
 
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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