-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Lines Newsletter,  September 11, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**The Choice**
By David Chadwell
 
For if, after they have escaped the defilements of the world by the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them and are overcome, the last state has become worse for them than the first. For it would be better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn away from the holy commandment handed on to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb, “A DOG RETURNS TO ITS OWN VOMIT,” and, “A sow, after washing, returns to wallowing in the mire.” (2 Peter 2:20-22)
 
Much has been said in many different contexts about a number of subjects concerning “the right of choice.”  Among many of the rights of choice is the right to choose who we are.  The choice to convert to Jesus Christ does not destroy choice or the necessity of choice.  Choice does not end because a person chooses to follow Jesus Christ.
 
That is both wonderful and sobering.  It is wonderful to understand that I can repent as a Christian at any time.  No matter how much I slip as a Christian, no matter what a mess I make of my life, no matter what bad decisions I have made and followed, I can call a halt, repent (redirect), and—with God’s forgiveness and help—turn my life again to following Jesus Christ.  It is extremely encouraging to know mistakes, bad decisions, and yielding to evil influences are not final!  The option to return to God’s ways is mine!  The same incredible forgiveness that made life in Jesus Christ possible still exists for me as a Christian when I make huge mistakes!
 
It is sobering to realize I can choose to reject God and all His gifts in Jesus Christ if that is my desire.  I can choose to revert to anything I wish.  That is the core of many temptations—to return to my fantasy of “how good it was when ...”   (I conveniently forget the struggles and consequences).
 
Following Jesus Christ never ceases to be a choice.  It is a choice in how I see me—a temporary physical being who does not exist after death, or an eternal being who exists after physical death.  It is a choice in the way I see life—life as a pursuit of the physical only because the physical only is reality, or life as an investment in what is “to be” because the eternal is as real as the physical.  It is a choice in the way I see human existence—only as a matter of time, or as a combination of time and timelessness.
 
Not matter what I choose, it is a faith choice.  I can have faith that the physical, the “here and now,” and that which I physically experience is all there is, or I can have faith in a reality that surpasses the physical, a reality that goes beyond the physical, a reality that goes beyond time.  I can believe that life is the result of an accident, or that life is the result of a purposeful God.  I can believe I am on my own, or I can believe that the living God wishes me to return to Him.  It is my choice, and I will make that choice many times.  Every time I am challenged, I will make that choice.
 
The question: what is your choice?  How committed are you to your choice?  Is your basic choice for the experiences of now or for God?  Who you are very much depends on the choice you make!  The direction of your life is determined by your choice!
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Remember in Prayer**
• Daphna Curtis (Wilburn Howard’s sister) is making progress with rehab.
• Praise! Frieda Belote (Ron’s mother) got some good news on her carotid artery test. She does not need surgery.
• Gary Waggerman (brother-in-law of Jack Lewis) has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.  Prayers are requested for Gary & Kathie (his wife).
• Jimmy Eddy (stepfather of Vanessa Wesley) has been diagnosed with colon cancer.  The Wesleys have gone to Sulphur, Oklahoma, to be with him.
• Joel Prigge  (Louise Howard’s brother-in-law) will have two weekly chemo treatments beginning September 15, and then have more tests.
• Karen Carter is scheduled for surgery (two places on her skin) on September 15th.
• Matt Dill (Nancy Dockery’s cousin) is recovering from emergency heart bypass surgery done last week.
• Palmer Richardson (parents Lori & Scott former members of West-Ark) has been diagnosed with osteonecrosis in the hip.  This is a side effect of the steroids she has been given.  Her cancer is in remission.
 
**Continued Prayers**
• Adam Sowells (Richard & Shirley Bullard’s grandson)
• Chase Turpin
• Inez Hatfield
• Lance Haines
• Larry Treat
• Lloyd Priester (Jim’s father)
• Louise Cline
• Margaret Stone
• Randy Bridges  (minister at Washburn and area educator)
 
**Bereaved**
Brandon Stamp, a senior at Southside High School, died on Tuesday night. Please keep his family in your prayers.
 
**Prayer Pagers**
Ashton Stein,  784-7490
Patty Null, 441-2379
Shirley Hughes, 441-2386
ALL Pagers, 441-2395
 
**Pray for Our Soldiers**
• James & Megan Johnson
• Jered Goddard
• Jeremy Grist
• John Clark
• John Lemley
• Lance Hurst
• Michael Priester
• Mitchell Bryant
• Nathan Davis
• Ryan Almond
• Shawn Curtis
• Will Domer
 
**Notes of Thanks**
My beloved family,
The kind and thoughtful things you do mean so very much.  Thanks for caring.
 Yours in Christ,
 Kathy Rosalez
 
The donation to the Library in honor of Bob was deeply appreciated.
 The Family of Bob Douglas
 
**Address Update**
Jay and Retha Wood have not moved, but no longer have a post office box.  Mail may be sent to their home address,  1404 Choctaw, Arkoma, OK 74901.
 
**Tuesday Men’s Bible Class**
We’ll meet September 16 at 10 a.m. in the Annex.  Our study is Acts 16.
 
**Ladies’ Wednesday Morning Bible Class**
The Wednesday  morning Bible class will begin with Lesson One on  September 17 at 10:00 in the Annex.  If you don’t have a book, find Mary or Rochelle on Sunday. 
 
**Tutors & Snacks**
Karen Farris has set up a table in the foyer with sign-up sheets and information on our tutoring program.  We need tutors and people to provide snacks.  A list of suggested snacks is provided.
 
**Jail Ministry Update**
Krystal Little was baptized into Christ this past Saturday. She studied with Niketa Stinchcomb. Pray for Krystal as she starts her new relationship with our Savior.
 
**Attention -- JOY Bunch Members!!**
We will celebrate September with a trip down memory lane. Please help us celebrate “back to school” by sharing a favorite or funny memory from your school days. Come join the fun! September 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center.
 
**LTC (Leadership Training for Christ) Meeting**
 We will have an informational meeting after church this Sunday morning (down front) for any parent of 3rd through 12th graders who are interested in participating in  LTC.  If you are already familiar with how LTC works you will not need to attend this meeting, but if anyone has questions, this would be a great time to get those questions answered.  ~~Shelly Robbins
 
**Wedding Shower**
Honoring Laurie Roberts and Justin Sexton
Sunday, September 21, 2:00 - 3:30 PM
Meg Canfield’s Home, 2 Chestnut Court (off of North 66th Street)
Laurie and Justin are registered at Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Linens ‘N Things.
 
**Sunday Night, Sept. 28**
Fellowship Meal and an Adoption Celebration with Uriel Lindgren & Family!
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Children’s Ministry Workshop**
September 26-28 with Garry Bortz
 
Our Consultant
Garry Bortz is a minister for the Campbell Church of Christ in San Jose, California.  He has experience ministering to children and their families.  He has been involved in training and teaching others in children’s ministry and has consulted with various congregations like ours. 
 
Who is Invited to the Workshop?
The workshop is for anyone who is/has been/wants to be involved in any of our children’s ministries.
 
Childcare
We will have childcare available on Saturday, September 27th.
 
~~Weekend at a Glance~~
Friday, September 26
• Reception --  this will give Garry a chance to “meet us” and  learn  about our ministries.
 
Saturday, September 27
• Sessions during the day -- more details soon.
• Saturday evening we will host an Appreciation Dinner honoring teachers and workers in children’s ministries. Michaela Schaper is organizing this banquet.   We will need an RSVP to plan for the banquet. 
 
Sunday, September 28
• Garry Bortz will bring the sermon during the worship.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**Financial Ministry**
Did you know that West-Ark has a new Financial Ministry?  Jeff and Michelle Lovelace have just completed their certification from the Lampo Group to counsel singles and couples with their finances.  They desire to help those that are struggling to those that are just in need of some spiritual guidance when it comes to finances.  Please give Jeff or Michelle a call for a confidential appointment.
 
**Evangelistic Outreach to Fort Smith Lao Community**
The members of the Lao assembly here at West-Ark Church of Christ recently have re-emphasized the need for evangelistic outreach into the Fort Smith Lao community. Thi Ben Luang, long-time member and widow of Luang Van Sanh, wished to encourage the efforts and is shown in this photograph presenting her special contribution of $1000 for the evangelistic efforts.  Sisouphanh Unthavong received the contribution on behalf of the Lao assembly.
 
**25th Anniversary & Homecoming **
October 12, 2008
9:30 AM Bible Classes for all ages.
10:30 Worship -- Guest Speaker, Jack Harriman
Everyone is invited for lunch in the Family Life Center.
 
**Sharing Photos & Blessings From the Past**
We are gathering photos of events in the West-Ark building from the past 25 years!  If you have photos to share, pick out the best 2 or 3 and give them to Ron or Debbie Belote, Myra Flippo-Puckett, or one of the staff. Better yet, scan your photos and e-mail them to Debbie@westarkchurchofchrist.org.  Please include names, if possible, of the people in your photo, the event with an approximate year, and how it blessed you or your family. There are some great stories out there -- please share them!
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
**youth group // news**
 
LTC Parent Meeting // Sunday, September 14 // In the auditorium after the morning worship service.
We will be having an informational meeting for any parent of 3rd through 12th graders who are interested in participating in LTC.  If you are already familiar with how LTC works you will not need to attend this meeting, but if anyone has questions, this would be a great time to get those questions answered.
 
SNL at Robinson Avenue, Springdale  //  Sunday, September 14
Sign-up for SNL!
The vans will leave at 4:30 p.m. and will return around 9:15 p.m. If you are not able to go, there will be class in the youth room.
 
Crosswalk  //  Saturday, Sept. 27
*Pick up the Crosswalk flyers on the youth table for more information!
- Vans will leave at 7:35 a.m. - Be on time please!
- Vans will return around 10:15 p.m.
- Bring extra money for lunch and dinner.
- Cost = $25 (give money to Jackie by Wednesday, September 24)
- Shirts are an additional $10. If you want a shirt you must sign up by this Sunday in order to receive one. If you sign up for a shirt, you will be expected to pay for it.
 
Girls Making an IMPACT! // Saturday, October 4, 4-10 p.m.
The Community Service Clearinghouse would love our help at an outdoor country concert fundraising event. More details to come. Contact Natalie Hughes for more information.
 
**Library Memorials**
In memory of Irene Lankford from Jane Smith
• Yeshua–Guide to the Real Jesus by Moseley
• The Book by Pinson
• Worship: Life’s Greatest Moments by Olbricht
 
**Happy Birthday**
 
September 14
Ethan Benjamin
Logan Kleman
Lela Neal
Julie Tignor
 
September 15
Marilyn Coffelt
Nancy Dockery
Irene Willis
 
September 16
David Beneux
Joann Davenport
 
September 17
Cheryl Byrd
Ann Holland
Connye Neal
 
September 18
Madelyn Willis
 
September 19
Walker Allen
David Harwell
Andrew Todd
 
September 20
Virginia Mobley
Callie Walker
Wanda Wear
 
**Morning Nursery**
Vicki Anderson
Trish Carson
Dwonne Cogswell
 
**Evening Nursery**
Terri Jones
Marquetta Walker
 
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes...………...…..428  
Sunday AM Worship.…..….614
Sunday PM Worship…..…..272
Life Groups…………………..38
Contribution……….…..$19,405
Children’s Homes…..….…$242
Wednesday Classes………..NC
 
Lao Worship
Attendance…………….…….41
Contribution…….…………$188
 
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance…………………..63
Contribution……………….$252
 
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax  (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others."
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------