West-Ark Newsletter, 12 February 2009

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Family Lines Newsletter, February 12, 2009
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Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him—a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all. (Colossians 3:9-11)

For years I have been going to a gym to physically work out. Through the years my reasons for going have changed (to deal with stress, to address a cholesterol problem, to add strength so work schedules can be addressed, etc.), but the experience remains basically the same. The experience: determine a routine, commit yourself to the routine, go regularly, and exert yourself. Is going to the gym boring and tedious? For me, the answer is, “Yes!” Then why go? Simple: you like the way you feel because you go.

Over time some things become obvious. For example, usually there is a noticeable increase in gym attendance in January (New Year’s resolutions) and a corresponding drop off in attendance in February (“Forget that—who needs self-induced pain!”). Often, those who begin invest in a workout outfit—the shoes, the clothes, and the accessories. However, acquiring an outfit does not substitute for commitment to a lifestyle change. One can go to great expense to “look the part” and not follow through to his or her objective. It takes much more than outward appearance to achieve one’s objective.

The simplest part of being a Christian is submitting to baptism. Why? Baptism is an expression of faith in God’s work in Jesus Christ which leads you to a desire to turn your life around. The decision to be baptized may be difficult, but the life that follows is more demanding. It quite literally involves a change in lifestyle on the deepest level of existence. There are new definitions of good and evil or right and wrong. There is a commitment to being a righteous person. There are new temptations. There are attacks by Satan.

Then why do it? For two basic reasons. (1) You profoundly appreciate what God and Jesus did (and do) for you. (2) You find your fulfillment in being a righteous person. You appreciate God, and you respect what Jesus did in allowing you to become a godly person. When you compare the “old you” to the “new you,” you have zero desire to revert to the “old you.”

When you become a Christian, do more than just invest in the outfit. (Do more than “go to church,” appear in the directory and on the mailing list, and claim “rights” as a member.) Embrace your new lifestyle. Be the new person 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, wherever you are. Do the outward things because of the inward changes.

We are not Christians to eliminate life’s twists and turns. We are Christians to cope with life’s twists and turns. Always remember the Cross was one of the “twists and turns of life” for Jesus. Also remember Jesus Christ shows us the way to God.

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**Sparks Hospital**
• Betty Wakefield (a member at 46th Street Church of Christ) has moved to rehab room 574 in Sparks Hospital.

**St. Edward Hospital**
• John Gardenhire (son of Elizabeth & Warren) is in room 3520 and improving. He has prayer pager 441-1722.

**Remember in Prayer**
• Alice Rogers is still at HealthSouth, but has moved to room 16B.
• Connie Hixson
• Greg & Nancy Dockery
• Inez Hatfield
• Joel Prigge (Louise Howard’s brother-in-law)
• Kathleen Taranto
• Larry Treat
• Lloyd Priester (Jim’s father)
• Louise Cline
• Margaret Stone
• Patrick Murphy will have out-patient surgery today (2/12/09) at St. Edward Hospital to remove a cyst from his neck.
• Ronnie Treadway (another brother of Kathy Glidewell’s) has been diagnosed with cancer.
• Sue Grantham (Jennifer Dotson’s sister)
• Tom Ed Gooden (Benny’s brother)
• Wilma Son

**Bereaved**
Our love and sympathy is extended to former West-Ark member, Polly Shirley Dehm, in the death of her father-in-law, Johnny Dehm, on Wednesday afternoon. Funeral arrangements will be announced later.

Our sympathy is also extended to the friends of Gerald Gardner (a former deacon at College Terrace church) who died last week in El Dorado. Gerald was also a Southside High School coach from 1963 to 1970.

**Welcome, Blessed Baby!**
We are very joyful to announce the newest arrival to our family – Zachary David Edward Griner – brought to us through the gift of adoption. He is the son of David & Tracey (Harrell) Griner, grandson of Eddie & Carolyn Harrell and nephew and cousin to Kerry, Dena, Abbey & Adam Jenkins. Praise be to God for this long-awaited gift!

To say “thank you” seems so trite when I think of all the kindnesses you have shown me since my recent confinement. As a body of God’s children, the church at West-Ark excels in every way in the five languages of love as expressed by Gary Chapman. You have given our family your affirmation, your time, your gifts, your service, and your touch. Thank you for all you have done for us and for being disciples eager to serve others.
Joyce Dunavin

Thank you for the prayers, cards, and calls. A special thank you to Ruth Burns for staying at Surgical Center until I went home from out-patient surgery on my hand. The doctor thinks the surgery was a success and that I should regain full use of my hand.
Faye Jones

Dear Church Family,
Thank all of you so much for the care and concern shown to me while I was in the hospital with my hip surgery and rehab. For all the e-mails, cards, visits, prayers, and the delicious fruit basket, I’m most grateful. I hope to see you again soon.
Doris Karr

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The recent meeting to discuss “Planning For The Future” included the following:
1. A presentation of ideas from our college students on a desired campus center for LFC (Lions for Christ).
2. A review of the administrative facilities and needs for the future.
3. A proposed classroom layout that would work better for Gateway and other children’s programs.
4. Possible changes to the current facilities used by the FLOCK (ages 3 through 1st grade).
5. What type of facilities are currently proving effective in reaching Jr. and Sr. High students.

A general discussion followed covering possible building options, financing methods, timing, and general desirability or concerns for a future building project.

In conclusion, it was decided to proceed to the next step of forming a planning team to prioritize and narrow down what actual purposes would be addressed by any new facility. This team would provide an architectural firm with these objectives from which preliminary plans would be developed for presentation to the West-Ark congregation.

The following individuals have been asked to serve on this planning team: Chuck Combs, Coleen Shirley, Dena Jenkins, Lynn Dickey, Rachel Snider, Rick Odell, Ron Orick, and Shane Hughes.

**Ladies’ Retreat, February 20-21**
Sunday, Feb. 15, is the last date to sign the “Roommate List” that is posted in the foyer.

**Lost Watch **
A man’s gold watch was lost Sunday, February 8th. If you find it, please drop it by the church office or call 452-1240.

**Adopt A College Student**
If you are interested in taking part in the Lions for Christ Adopt-a-Student program for this semester, please talk to Shane Hughes or Colleen Frost.

**Sweetheart Luncheon for 60+ **
If you are 60 or older, you are invited to a Sweetheart Luncheon hosted by the Youth Group on Sunday, February 15, following morning services.

**Joy Bunch Membership Drive**
Please consider attending JOY Bunch during the month(s) of February, March, or April. We meet the third Saturday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Family Life Center. Mark your calendar for February 21 -- “Chocolate on the Brain.” Hope to see you then!!

**Leadership Training for Christ**
February 15th
Elem. Drama 2 PM
JH Chorus 2 PM
JH Puppets No practice
SH Puppets No practice
Elem. Chorus 3 PM
Bible Quiz 4 PM
Elem. Puppets No practice
JH Drama 5 PM
Signing 1  5 PM
Signing 2  3 PM

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**youth group // news**

CONGRATULATIONS
Andrew Todd has been selected to play for the West squad in the Arkansas High School All Star football game this June. He is one of only 44 players selected from all high schools in all classifications in Arkansas. He is also the first player in the history of Union Christian to be selected to play in this game.
Erika Beshears made All State 2nd band 3rd chair trumpet and Rose Davis made 2nd band 3rd chair alto clarinet.

SWEETHEART LUNCHEON
Sunday, February 15 // Family Life Center // After AM Service
After morning service come straight to the FLC to help get ready for the luncheon.
Please bring either salad dressing or individually wrapped Valentine’s candy that can be set out on the tables.

CHRISTeens YOUTH RALLY
February 20 – 22 // West Side Church of Christ, Russellville
We are leaving the church at 4 PM on Friday. Eat before you come on Friday or bring dinner with you. We will be back before lunchtime on Sunday.

**Library Memorials**
In loving memory of Helen Needham
from Dan & Connie Ogden
• Praise, Prayer, Providence / 1987 Florida College Lecture

In loving memory of Wendell Needham
from Dan & Connie Ogden
• Eternal Wisdom for Daily Living / 1992 Florida College Lecture

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes...………...…..426
Sunday AM Worship.………606
Sunday PM Worship……….263
Contribution……….…...$15,459
Children’s Homes……..….$312
Wednesday Classes……….277