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Family
Lines Newsletter, July 10,
2008
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**The Unpredictable**
By David
Chadwell
Come now, you who say, Today
or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, and spend a year there and
engage in business and make a profit. Yet you do not know what your life will
be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then
vanishes away. Instead, you ought to say, If the Lord wills, we will live and
also do this or that. But as it is, you boast in your arrogance; all such
boasting is evil. Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not
do it, to him it is sin. (James 4:13-17)
Our society builds financial
industries on the uncertainty of life, while the same society convinces people
that they will live indefinitely.
Consider the prepaid
funeral. The salesperson in numerous ways focuses people on lifes
uncertainty. Your attention likely will be focused on the tragedy
generated by loved ones having a funeral expense at a horrible, emotional
time. In no way would you burden loved ones with a major expense at an
emotional time that rejects rational thought.
Thus, the insurers want to insure
you against death because they think you will live long -- long enough to make
the insurance profitable. However, in this instance, you buy the insurance
because you do not think you will live long enough to accumulate the funds your
burial will require. Thus, your awareness of lifes uncertainty produces
an industry.
Take a moment to think in the
opposite direction. Think of how much of your life is based on your
confidence that it will be long. You spend as if you will live long.
You buy as if your income always will be the same or better. You plan as
if you have much marketable time before you.
If asked, When are you going to
die? you look at the person as if he (or she) is crazy. If asked when you
are going to be laid off, you think, Have you lost your mind? If asked,
When will your business fail? you ask, Do you know something I dont?
Last weekend I attended the 50th reunion of my high school graduation.
(No comments about my age, pleasebe respectful to the elderly!) Of the 19
who graduated then, 14 were present. Only 3 had died, and only one (me)
used a cane.
I spent time with my science
teacher to whom I owe a lot. He also preached and was a Christian
encourager. Though a science teacher, he taught me (a) the importance of
studying scripture in context and (b) there is (was) more to obedience than
facts.
In his 80s, he walks with
difficulty. Parkinsons disease makes it impossible for him to write or
type. Though he still thinks deeply and clearly, his means of expressing
himself are limited. Twenty years ago, I would not have predicted this for
him in his later years.
James says, Assume nothing!
The right thing to do is accept the uncertainty of your humanity.
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**Remember in
Prayer**
Alisha Wewers (daughter of
Greg & Brenda) is recovering from out-patient knee surgery.
Bob &
Norma Williams (Debbie Belotes parents) -- see thank you note in 3rd
column.
Charlotte Pinedos grandson was seriously injured in a
fireworks accident.
Dan Ogden is recovering from a heart attack.
Connie says cards would be encouraging -- he starts rehab in a few weeks.
The address is 805 Hemlock, Van Buren, AR 72956.
Frances Threet (a former
member) has been dismissed from the hospital and returned home. She would be
encouraged by hearing from West-Ark friends. Her address is 5914 Boys
Club Lane, Fort Smith, AR 72908.
Jerry Aldridge has moved to St.
Edwards rehab wing, room 5204.
Mary Huff is
at Sparks Hospital ER for evaluation after falling this morning
(Thursday).
Patty Kaiser is in St. Edward ICU with renal
failure.
Rachel James is scheduled to have her tonsils and adenoids
removed on Monday, July 14th. Pray that all goes well and that Rachel has
a quick recovery.
Sara Firm (daughter of Tim & Cathy, former
West-Ark members) is recovering from thyroid surgery that was deemed
cancerous. Saras lymph nodes were clear as were her vocal cords! If
you would like to send cards, the Firms address is 5160 Wil-Acre Drive, Loves
Park, IL 61111.
**Continued Prayers**
Chuma
Ikeorha (Harding University student)
Graham Coffelt (son of Bill &
Marilyn)
Harry Smith
Inez Hatfield
Joel & Bertie Prigge
John Davis (Harolds brother)
Lance Haines
Lloyd Priester
(Jims father)
Louise Cline
Melissa Meeker (Jeff Loftins
niece)
Randy Bridges (minister at Washburn and area educator)
Margaret Stone
Patty Kaiser
Tom Drane
Wilma Son
**Military Prayer List**
James & Megan Johnson
Jered Goddard
Jeremy Grist
John
Clark
John Lemley
Lance Hurst
Michael Priester
Mitchell
Bryant
Ryan Almond
Will Domer
**Prayer Pagers**
Jessica Frost, 441-2386
Family of
Ashton Stein, 784-7490
**Missionaries in Prayer**
Our missionary families in Vietnam and Laos.
John Paul & Ruby Lee
Hundley in France and Belgium.
Evangelists and their families with
whom we work in Ethiopia and Nigeria.
Lisa Grace is in Nicaragua on a
mission trip with a group from Harding University.
**Congratulations**
Congratulations to Jennifer & David
Dotson (and Aunt Shay) on the birth of a grandson, Shelby David Dotson.
Shelby was born July 7 and weighed 8 lbs., 12 ozs. and is 20 inches long.
Prayers for the baby are needed as he is having some breathing
complications.
**Notes of Thanks**
Dear church
family,
Thank you for prayers, cards, hugs and thoughts in the death of my
step-mother, Erva Tillery. It has been a hard two weeks but God is always
there to help us through.
Love & Appreciation,
Mary J. Broyles
Dear friends,
Thank you to
everyone who has asked about my father, Bob Williams. That horrible thief
known as Alzheimers is advancing, and Dad is sleeping 18-20 hours a day.
He is rarely out of bed and needs vigilant care. My mom is awesomely
rising to the need and takes loving and great care of him. My sisters,
Becky, Linda & Vicki are checking on our parents daily and provide relief
and time out for mom whenever she can take it. Your continued prayers
for ALL my family are greatly appreciated.
Debbie
Belote
**Wedding Invitation**
Together
with their families
Elizabeth Wagner and
Michael Jones
invite you to
share in the joy
and celebration of their marriage
on Saturday the 26th of
July
at 10:30 in the morning.
Anniversary Rose Garden
200 South 12th
Street
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Reception following at
Riverfront Amphitheater
121 Clayton Expressway.
In case of inclement weather, the
ceremony and reception will be at
West-Ark Church of Christ.
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**Wednesday Night, July
16th**
Fellowship Meal at 7:00 PM in the FLC
Hot dogs &
chili!
Please bring DESSERTS!
Due to the air condition system in the main
building being offline next week for upgrade and repair, all Wednesday night
Bible classes are canceled. Come for supper and fellowship in the
FLC! Thank you, Curtis McDonald and crew for
preparing the meal!
**CURE Linen Packing
Party**
Sunday, July 13, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
CURE Warehouse
2400 Vicksburg,
Fort Smith, AR
(Corner of Vicksburg and 24th Street)
We can use everyone
-- adult men, women, and teens. This is a great opportunity for a family work
project. Our purpose is to prepare medical linen for shipment into 3rd world
countries (Ukraine, Honduras, Zambia, Tajikistan, Sudan, Kenya and
others). Contact Mat Griffin if you have
any questions.
**Financial Peace
University**
August 24 - November 16th
Sunday evenings, 5:00 - 7:00 PM
West-Ark main
building
Childcare will be provided.
Enjoy 13 Lessons that deal with
different topics each week that will change the way you think about personal
finance. You will learn how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about
money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving like
never before.
Preview the class on July 20th
after morning services. To register, or for more information, contact Jeff
& Michelle Lovelace.
**Baseball Gloves
Needed!**
Chanthavy (one of our LFCs working this summer at Impact in
Houston) is forming a baseball team and needs used gloves. If you have a
glove to donate (adult or youth size), please give it to Shane Hughes or drop it
by the church office.
**Alliance Counseling and
Therapy**
Working together to help individuals and families resolve lifes
challenges.
If interested, call David Chadwell at
452-1240.
Confidentiality will be protected.
**Sunday PM Speakers for
July**
July 13 -- Jim Wilson and Michael Cole
July 20 -- Larry Bridges
(preacher for Dayton Church of Christ)
July 27 -- Larry Mitchell (preacher
for Booneville Church of Christ)
**Sunday Evenings in
August**
August 3 -- Dr. David Burks, President of Harding
University
August 10 -- Jim Boatright (minister at Mulberry Church of
Christ)
August 17 -- Singing night
August 24 --
Phil Powers
August 31 -- Ice Cream Fellowship at the
Canfields
**JOY Bunch Outing**
Saturday,
July 19
Arnolds cabin near Mountainburg
We will leave from the FLC
parking lot at 4 PM and return to Fort Smith about 8 PM. Transportation
and all the food and drinks will be provided. Please sign the list in the foyer if you plan
to attend, or contact Diane or Jim Arnold, Danna or Winston Turpin, or Carolyn or Charles Hankins no later than Thursday,
July 17.
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**youth group //
news**
Gospel Skate Day //
Sunday, July 13, 2:00 PM 5:00 PM
Cost: Only $1
Meet at the
building at 1:30 PM. We will be back shortly after 5:00 PM to eat pizza before
beginning a devo at 6:00 PM with the LFC.
Paintball
// Saturday, July 26
Note: The date was changed due to a van
reservation conflict.
- Vans leave at 8:30 AM and will return around 3:30
PM.
- Bring money for lunch.
- Cost is $20. This includes your field fee,
mask, unlimited air, marker and 500
rounds of paint. Turn in
your money to Jackie.
- The last day to sign-up is Wednesday, July 23.
-
You must fill out All Americans Waiver. You cant play without one! (Copies are
on the youth table.) If you filled out a waiver the last time we played, you do
not need to do it again.
August Events: Some Dates Have
Changed!
End of Summer Lock-in // Friday, August 1 Saturday, August
2
- We will begin the evening by seeing The Mummy.
Devils Den Day Trip with
Pleasant Valley // Saturday, August 9
- The day has been changed
because Pleasant Valley had an unforeseen conflict with the previous date.
THURSDAYS: Every Thursday there will be an opportunity for the 7th 12th
grade boys to serve by helping at the Crisis Center. Contact John Berger for
more information.
Girls Impact Group (9th-12th girls) will be meeting every
Thursday to do service projects in the community. Contact Natalie Hughes for
more information.
**In the Library**
In loving
memory of of Bob Callicott
from West-Ark Church of Christ
Other Side of
Calvinism by Vance
Reasoning by Rhoades
In HONOR of Mary Frances Jackson
from Cheryl Craven
Hard to Believe by MacArthur
**Happy Birthday**
July 14
Jennifer
Dotson
Ruby Nichols
July 15
Hadleigh
Scott
July 17
Tommy
Bishop
July 18
Jack
Alexander
Sherria Burk
July 19
Scott
James
Michelle Lovelace
**Morning Nursery**
Vicki
Anderson
Trish Carson
Dwonne Cogswell
**Evening Nursery**
Terri
Jones
Marquetta Walker
**Attendance and Contribution
Count**
Sunday AM Worship
.524
Sunday PM Worship
..153
Bible
Classes
...321
Contribution
.$18,416
Childrens
Homes....
.
$321
Wednesday Classes
..118
Lao
Worship
Attendance
.
.31
Contribution
.$173
Iglesia
de Cristo
Attendance
...54
Contribution
..$252
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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