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Family Lines Newsletter, May 3, 2009
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**The Need for Commitment**
By David Chadwell

 

And the Lord said to Paul in the night by a vision, Do not be afraid any longer, but go on speaking and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will attack you in order to harm you, for I have many people in this city.  (Acts 18:9, 10)

 

Today’s need for commitment is overwhelming!  The failure to grasp the meaning of commitment provides many false concepts of loyalty!  It seems selfish attitudes control more of our actions and behaviors than does the concept of commitment.  Today people seem more concerned about personal pleasure, freedom from difficulty, or convenience than in being a person God or others can trust.  “Is it fun?” or, “What’s in it for me?” seem to be the important questions, not, “Do I keep my promises?” or, “Is my word valuable?”

 

In the concept of marriage, in the bond of the parent-child relationships, in employment, in being friends, or in being caring neighbors, are human-to-human relationships based on commitment or selfishness?  In matters of faith in God, is the human-divine relationship sustained by commitment or by selfishness?

 

Discipleship to Jesus Christ is based on service.  Service is based on unselfishness.  Paul wrote the Christians at Philippi,  “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind let each of you regard one another as more important than himself; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3, 4).  Service to God means less of me and more of others—just as it did in Jesus!

 

Think of this in another way.  If God used my concept of commitment to forgive me, to redeem me, to sanctify me, to provide me grace, or to show me mercy, would I be blessed or cursed?  Look at Jesus’ cross and justify your behavior.  Look at Jesus’ tomb and explain a selfish attitude.  An unselfish God does not lead a band of selfish disciples!

 

Even the incredible apostle Paul knew times of fear, yet he never forgot his commitment.  Read 2 Timothy 2:1-13.  Remember that Paul, while facing certain death, wrote this to encourage Timothy.  Serving Jesus killed Paul, but he knew it was worth it! 

 

You are a Christian?  Wonderful!  Serve God in a spirit of commitment, not a spirit of selfishness.  Be a servant, not a watchdog!  While the world barks, Christians serve.

 

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**Order of Worship**

 

Worship Leader --  Brent Evans
Shout to the North (on screen)

 

Welcome

#577 – We Bow Down (vs. 1, 2)
#578 – We Will Glorify
(vs. 1, 2, 4)
#20 – We Worship and Adore You
#176 – Lamb of God (vs. 1, 2)

 

Lord’s Supper
Offering

#71 – As the Deer (vs. 1, 2)

 

Children’s Worship
Coins for Christ

Ancient Words (on screen)

 

Sermon -- Chris Benjamin
Song for Responses
#912 – Burdens Are Lifted at Calvary (vs. 1, 2)

 

Elder’s Prayer

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Amelia Bramlett (infant grandniece of Debbie Belote) will have eye surgery on Monday at Arkansas Children’s Hospital.
• Benjamin Sherer (nephew of Chris Benjamin) -- prayers for recovery from a stomach virus.
• Carl Fortson (Carlene Payne’s father) is recovering from a stroke, pneumonia, and an eye infection.
• Carrie Burress requests prayers for David Bright (of Hope Church of Christ) as he recovers from multiple fractures from a motorcycle wreck.
• Larry Todd requests prayers for Elmer “Bo” Moses. He is in Hospice Care, room 5108 at St. Edward Hospital.
• Inez Hatfield was moved to St. Edward Hospital ICU Wednesday night. Her blood pressure is being monitored, and she is somewhat better.
• Janet Cathey requests prayers for Landon Malone (age 14 months). Landon has already had surgery for spinal cancer and will begin chemotherapy soon.
• Suzie Gibson (a friend of Robin Harper’s) has been diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• Tom Ed Gooden (brother of Benny) is hospitalized at MD Anderson in Houston for treatment of Multiple Myeloma.  He is undergoing physical therapy and nutritional support in preparation for stem cell transplant.
• Vicki Varvel (daughter of the Hawkins and sister of Robin Murphy) is home from the hospital. John & Nadine will return next week to Texas and help with her care again.

 

**Bereaved in Prayer**
• Family of  Becky Lee (friends of John Lindgren family).
• John Holley in the death of his brother, Fred Holley. A memorial service is planned for Sunday (5/3/09), 2 PM at Edward’s Funeral Chapel.

 

**Continue to Pray for ...**
Ella Reeves, Frances Strawhacker, Gerald Benjamin,  Jewell House, Joseph Borden, John Hawkins, Kathleen Taranto, Larry Treat, Lloyd Priester, Louise Cline, Maddy Grist, Margaret Stone, Mary Kerr, Max & Maddie Reed, Robin Hill, Trucilla Surrat, Vicki Varvel, Wallace Farris, and Wilma Son.

 

**Scholarships for Children of HCM City, Vietnam**

It’s time to renew the West-Ark congregation’s scholarships for public education of desperately poor children in Vietnam.  More than 100 children who live in the slums of Ho Chi Minh City are provided an opportunity to attend public school -- which they would not otherwise be able to afford.

 

This year we are trying to increase our support from 30 to 38 children. These children and their families represent a fertile field for the gospel of Jesus Christ. The cost is $12 per month for 12 months or $144 per scholarship.  We have 16 scholarships so far. Your money can be given to the church office or any missions committee member.  May God be praised through the good works that He provides for us to do!

 

**West-Ark Online Calendar**
www.westark.org/calendar.htm
Be sure and check the online calendar for the most current information.
• May 10th is Mother’s Day and our annual Baby Blessing.
• May 16th -- Ladies’ Prayer Breakfast in the Annex at 10 AM.
• May 17 -- Graduation Sunday for Senior High Graduates
• May 24 -- Elders’, Deacons’, and Ministry Leaders’ Meeting at 4 PM in room 203.
• May 31 -- 6 PM Family Meeting in the Auditorium.

 

**Children’s Calendar**
• May 17 -- Graduation Sunday for 6th Grade, FLOCK, and GATEWAY.
• May 24 -- Promotion Sunday for FLOCK, GATEWAY and Bridge 56.

 

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**Our “Baby Bottle” Campaign begins next Sunday!**
Proceeds go to the Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center in Fort Smith.

 

**Pancakes & Final Exams**
It’s that time! Finals week at UA Fort Smith is just around the corner, and the Lions for Christ will once again be serving pancakes to the college students.  We will serve Friday, May 1, and Monday through Thursday, May 4-7, at 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. each morning.  If you would like to help serve, please get in touch with Colleen Frost (452-1240).

 

**Bulletin Board for Thank You Notes**
Thank you notes are now being posted on a bulletin board outside the Library (opposite the Nursery).  This past week, notes were posted from Rick & Kristi Odell, Jay Wood, and Jim & Sarah Newton.

 

**Attention!! Grownups of the Shining Stars**
(1st graders in The FLOCK)
You Are Invited!!
What: Shining Star Graduation & Reception
When: Sunday, May 17, 9:30 AM
Where: West-Ark Family Life Center (Gym)
Why: To honor our graduating class of The FLOCK and to tour GATEWAY (their new classes after promotion)

 

**Vacation Bible School**
We’re going to Rome!
Evenings of Sunday - Wednesday, June 21 - 24
Get more info and sign up today online at http://www.westark.org/vbs.htm
or see Karen Benjamin (Marketplace) or Carenda Cobb (Family Leaders) or
Dena Jenkins & Staci James (Co-Directors).

 

**Senior Girls’ Tea**
Saturday, May 9th, 10:30 AM in the FLC (gym)
This tea honors our graduating senior high girls and is for all ladies of the congregation! 
Please bring a “brunch” dish. 
Our special guests will be Daisy Powell and the United Ladies of Tulsa.

 

**Car Clinic**
Saturday, May 2, 8:00 to 11:00 AM
in the Annex parking lot, weather permitting.

 

**Widows/Widowers**
Saturday, May 2, we will leave the Annex at 11:30 AM and head on over to Carol Ann Cross Park for a wiener roast.  So wear your jeans, hats, and tennie boots for a fun lunch in the midst of God’s nature.  Of course if it rains we will ditch this plan and go to Plan Annex.  Call Mary, Bobbie or Janice if you need transportation to the Annex.

 

**Church of Christ 4-Man Scramble Golf Tournament**
June 27 at Ben Geren Golf Course
To sign-up, call Niketa Stinchcomb.
Additional information is posted on the Information Center in the foyer.

 

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**Youth Group // News**

 

Have you turned in your Soul Quest application?
June 14-20  //  We have a huge group already signed up to go to this amazing new camp. You do not want to miss being a part of this new WAYG tradition. Applications are available in the foyer next to the youth group bulletin board.

 

Congratulations!
As mentioned in Ramsey’s newsletter, Graham Coffelt received an “Excellent” Award as a sports column writer for the school newspaper. Lauren Hankins was mentioned as a new cheerleader and Olivia Kleman and Julie Orick as returning cheerleaders.

 

Home Devo  //  Sunday, May 3  //  5-8 PM
The home devo will be hosted by Rachelle Pratt. The vans will leave the church building at 5 PM and return around 8 PM. Please bring $3 to cover the cost of food. There will be no class at the building.

 

Senior Girls’ Brunch  //  Saturday, May 9  // 10:30 AM  //  Family Life Center
All youth group girls are invited to a brunch honoring the Senior Girls. For more information, contact Gina Williams.

 

Parent Meeting/Family Devo  //  Sunday, May 10  //  6-7 PM  //  Family Life Center
Bring your calendars and get ready to sign up to help our youth and family ministry be the best it can be! Bring a 2L drink and a dessert per family to share.

 

Senior / 7th Grader Sunday  //  Sunday, May 17 
We will have a special service honoring our graduating seniors and incoming 7th graders.

 

Senior Party  // Sunday, May 17 // 5-7 PM // Youth Rm
Youth group members, graduating seniors and their parents are invited to join us for some snacks, words of encouragement and a video honoring our seniors.

 

**Happy Birthday To...**

 

May 3
Melissa Blasdel

 

May 4
Danna Turpin
Braden Walker

 

May 6
Shay Dotson
John Hawkins

 

May 8
Marjorie Blake

 

May 9
Ronald Bartlett
Eddie Harrell
Haley Hickey

 

**Nursery Helpers**
Morning
Melissa Walker
Suzi Jennemann
Dena Jenkins
Julie Orick

 

Evening
Gina Williams

 

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes...………....398   
Sunday AM Worship.…...627
Sunday PM Worship…...N/C
Wednesday Classes…...287
Contribution………..$14,355
Children’s Homes……..$280

 

Lao Worship
Attendance……………...N/A
Contribution……………$132

 

Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance………………..48
Contribution……………$206