-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Family Lines Newsletter, December 11, 2008
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

**The Problem**
By David Chadwell

 

... as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; THERE IS NONE WHO UNDERSTANDS, THERE IS NONE WHO SEEKS FOR GOD; ALL HAVE TURNED ASIDE, TOGETHER THEY HAVE BECOME USELESS; THERE IS NONE WHO DOES GOOD, THERE IS NOT EVEN ONE.” “THEIR THROAT IS AN OPEN GRAVE, WITH THEIR TONGUES THEY KEEP DECEIVING,” “THE POISON OF ASPS IS UNDER THEIR LIPS”; “WHOSE MOUTH IS FULL OF CURSING AND BITTERNESS”; “THEIR FEET ARE SWIFT TO SHED BLOOD, DESTRUCTION AND MISERY ARE IN THEIR PATHS, AND THE PATH OF PEACE THEY HAVE NOT KNOWN.” “THERE IS NO FEAR OF GOD BEFORE THEIR EYES.”  Romans 3:10-18

 

Paul, in documenting the global need for God’s help, gave a composite view from written scripture (only what we call the Old Testament was in writing then) to declare “everyone needs God’s help.”  In that way, some people then were like some people today.  These people were certain they (1) understood God, (2) understood God’s teachings, (3) did nothing wrong, and (4) were primarily to teach—they did not need to know anything else.  They had the “let me tell you what you need to do” mentality.  They saw themselves as God’s “finished product,” God’s righteous people.  They were certain they were spiritually okay.  Their deeds made them okay!  What they perceived as obedient acts was the foundation of their confidence, not their faith in God and what He did in Jesus.

 

In Paul’s composite statement of our problem, he used thoughts from Psalms 14:1-3; 53:1-3; 5:9; 140:3; 10:7; 36:1; and Isaiah 59:7-8.  Basically, scripture says, “People are evil.  None of them are righteous!”  What we want to do is to scream, “I am not evil!  I do nothing wrong!  Look at my acts, and it is obvious I am righteous!”

 

First, consider a statement made by this same Paul.  It is found in 1 Corinthians 4:1-4 with emphasis on verse 4.  Basically, Paul said, “I am God’s servant.  What I do in God’s service is not made better or worse by your opinion of me.  Even if I know nothing bad about me, that does not make me good.  The only person whose opinion counts is the Lord.”

 

Second, have you considered all the EVIL God sees daily—all the hate, murders, acts of lust, adulteries, fornications, stealing, greed, injustices, exploitations, and indifference/unconcern He sees?  Add to that He knows all the contributing motivations to every evil act.  Do each of us realize that something we said, did, or shared contributed to another person’s evil in some way (even when we did our best)?  That says nothing of the evil we commit without even being aware of the evil.  That gives rise to an incredible question: “How can a God in whom there is not even the slightest speck of evil stand to look at a humanity that does not even know what complete purity looks like?”

 

There is no person, male or female, who is not in desperate need of God’s help.  Not one human can stand on the foundation of his (her) acts or motives.  None of us of ourselves are righteous!  Every one of us would wither in the presence of God’s total righteousness.  All of us can only plead for God’s help.  We are a mess, and we need to know it!  The failure to realize our personal “mess” is the height of arrogance before God!  Without God’s intervention we are helpless.  We are not the answer!  God is!

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 2 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Remember in Prayer**
• Amanda Basham is suffering with acute morning sickness in her pregnancy. She was treated with an IV for dehydration last night and would appreciate prayers.
• Becky Hargrove, Marjorie Blake’s daughter, had surgery on her sternum to correct complications from previous surgery.  She will have to remain immobile for 12 weeks.  Marjorie will be staying with her for a while (in Fayetteville).
• Doris Karr’s hip replacement surgery went well.  She has moved in St. Edward Hospital to room 5415.  She would very much appreciate visitors.
• Robert Loudermilk has pneumonia. He is at home and has shown some improvement. Prayers are greatly appreciated.
• Oscar Nolasco has requested prayers for Bernadino, who has brain cancer. Oscar will be taking him to Little Rock for chemotherapy next week.

 

**Continued Prayers**
• Dotty Saegert (Niketa Stinchcomb’s mother)
• Inez Hatfield
• Iris Lara (sister of Mikki Mendez)
• Joel Prigge (Louise Howard’s brother-in-law)
• Kathleen Taranto
• Larry Treat
• Lloyd Priester
• Louise Cline
• Margaret Stone
• Melvin Hughes (Marvin Hughes’ twin brother)
• Ray Whitaker (Allie’s son)
• Trucilla Surratt (mother of Kathy Rosalez)
• Wilma Son

 

**Prayer Pagers**
Ashton Stein,  784-7490
Dotty Saegert, 441-2378
ALL Pagers, 441-2395

 

**New Phone**
Mary Hudson, 471-5306

 

**New Address**
Emilio Mendez
2100 N 31st - #273
Fort Smith, AR 72904
Phone: 479-782-7218

 

**Prayer of Thanksgiving**
Ryan Almond has arrived at Camp Shelby in Hattiesburg, MS for out-processing, and will be home on December 15th!  He made it back safe and sound from his tour in Iraq.

 

**AMEN Ministry**
The AMEN Ministry (at White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ) connects Christians in the United States military with other Christians for fellowship and worship in times of war, overseas service, and military travel. They pass on contact information to churches of Christ around the world who have offered to call and visit with those who are stationed near their congregation. If interested e-mail amen@wfrchurch.org or visit their website at http://www.wfrchurch.org/amen/.

 

**Welcome, New Member!**
Nick Dalton
5100 South Zero Street, #2610
Fort Smith, AR 72903
Phone: 270-705-8848
E-mail: nickadalton [at] gmail.com

 

**Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast**
‘Tis the season to be busy, but try to open up your heart for a “BREAK” from the “FAST” pace.  Come share with other ladies for a Prayer Breakfast from 10:00-11:00 on December 20th in the Family Life Center.

 

**Guyana 2009**
West-Ark’s next medical mission trip to Guyana is planned for June 6-14, 2009.  We need YOU on the team.  A deposit of $500 is due by January 15.  Contact Michael or Jeannie Cole with questions.

 

**Going-Away Reception for John & Melody Priester**
Sunday, December 14
2:00 - 3:30 PM in the FLC
John, Melody & Joshua Priester will be moving to Indianapolis, IN in January. John has received a promotion, and the new job awaits them there. The Priester family has blessed this church in many ways and will be greatly missed!  At the reception, a basket for cards and a money tree will be provided.

 

**Scrapbook Greetings for the Priesters**
If you would like to send an e-mail greeting ahead of time for the Priesters, Dena Jenkins will collect them and put them in a scrapbook.  If you wish, you may also give her your greeting card so it can be included in the scrapbook.

 

**Priesters Need Help Loading a Trailer**
John and Melody will be loading a U-Pak trailer on Thursday, January 1st.  They need some help, and John hopes to have all workers back home in time for afternoon football games!  If you can help, contact John.

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 3
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Winterfest Scholarships Needed**
The youth group will be attending Winterfest in Arlington, Texas, January 16-18. Winterfest is an amazing event where more than 7,000 young Christians come together and worship. The total cost of the event is $60. We would like to make this opportunity available for any teen who would like to go, regardless of the cost. This is why we are asking for donations of any dollar amount. The money donated will go towards the cost of the event and to help defray transportation costs. If you would like to help with this effort, contact Jackie Sofio in the office.

 

**Trailer Needed**
The youth group is looking for an enclosed trailer (possibly 5 x 8 feet) to hook onto the van when they travel to Winterfest in January. If anyone has one that they are willing to lend to the youth group, contact Jackie Sofio in the office.

 

**Teens Host Christmas Dinner**
The youth group is having their annual Christmas Dinner from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 13, in the Family Life Center. Everyone over the age of 60 is invited to attend. (This includes widows/widowers, Joy Bunch, the elders and their wives, etc.). The teens would like to take the opportunity to serve those who are such pillars of faith and wisdom in our church community. If you would like to attend, please sign up on the list outside of Room 100.

 

Note: Joy Bunch will NOT meet on December 20.

 

**Notes of Thanks**
The Tutoring Program would like to thank those of you who donated time or money to the Christmas Party.  Through the generosity of our congregation, over $1,500 was raised (which will fund this event and many more in the future.)  God works through the hearts and time of those willing to serve.  Thank you for your support.

 

 

**Ladies: please return any tablecloths you may have to the quilting room or church office.  We have lots of activities coming up this weekend.  Thanks!**

 

**LTC Announcement**
We’ll have a short parents’ meeting Sunday, Dec. 14, after morning worship at the front of the auditorium.

 

**Financial Peace University**
January 11th – April 5th
Sunday Evenings, 5:00 - 7:00 PM in Room 211
Childcare will be provided.  Class is now forming. Contact Jeff or Michelle Lovelace.

 

Preparation Times
Volunteers are needed to set up at the Hope Chest on:
• Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6-8 PM
• Friday, Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to ??

 

Saturday, December 13 is the Giveaway!
1:00 PM until the toys are gone!
If you would like to help distribute gifts on Saturday, please come about 12 noon. We will have a devotional for workers at 12:45.  Anyone who wants to be a part of this event is welcome!  We need all the volunteers possible to provide assistance, and there will be a variety of ways to help. Call Connye Neal if you have any questions.

 

**Parenting Class**
On January 4, Michael & Jeannie Cole will begin a weekly class on Building Stronger Christian Families on Sunday mornings at 9:30 in Room 215.  We will work toward improving relationships between spouses, parents and children, and one another as we seek to honor God.
 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Page 4
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Congratulations**
Congratulations to Andrew Todd for being named Lineman of the Year for Western Arkansas and Eastern Oklahoma.
Andrew was also named as a Wendy’s High School Heisman Finalist. He will travel to Little Rock on January 3 for a banquet.

 

Hope Chest Toy Giveaway  //  Saturday, December 13
Meet at the church at Noon and we will head to the Hope Chest. We will be back at 3:30 p.m. to start getting ready for the Christmas Dinner. Bring a joyful heart!

 

Teens Serve Christmas Dinner  //  Saturday, December 13 
This is your chance to serve the 60+ age group! After the Toy Giveaway we will meet in the Family Life Center at 4:00 p.m. to start setting up. Dinner will be taken care of, but we ask that the girls bring a dessert and the guys bring a salad. Dinner will begin at 5:00 p.m. and wrap up around 6:30 p.m.

 

Youth Group Christmas Party  //  Sunday, December 14 
Meet in the Family Life Center after class on Sunday night (7:00 p.m.). We will play games and have dinner. Please bring a $10 gift to exchange (please make it gender neutral). The party will end around 9:00 p.m. Girl bring drinks.  Guys bring desserts.

 

JR High Girl’s Ornament Exchange Party  //  Sunday, December  21
Caroling to the Elderly  //  Sunday, December 21 
New Year’s Eve Lock-In  //  Wednesday, December 31
Winterfest!!  //  Friday, January 16 – Sunday, January 18

 

**Library Memorial**
In memory of Aline Story from West-Ark Church of Christ
• Tyndale Handbook of Maps & Charts by Tyndale House
• Holman Illustrated Guide to Bible History by Easley

 

**Happy Birthday**

December 14
James Roughley

 

December 15
Michael Jones

 

December 17
Stacie Cook
Olan Nicehelser

 

December 18
Jane Binyon
Nadia Nelson
Lloyd Summers
Allie Whitaker

 

December 20
Dorothy Harwell
Darrell Moses
Kathleen Taranto

 

**Morning Nursery**
Trish Carson
Dwonne Cogswell
Vicki Anderson

 

**Evening Nursery**
Terri Jones
Marquetta Walker

 

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes...………...….389    
Sunday AM Worship.……..603
Sunday PM Worship………195
Contribution……….…..$19,269
Children’s Homes…..……$335
Wednesday Classes……….NC

 

Lao Worship
Attendance………………….27
Contribution……………....$168

 

Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance…………………..48
Contribution……………….$214