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Family Lines Newsletter, February 7, 2010
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**Lord, Give Us Wisdom**
By David Chadwell
Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a
workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of
truth. (2 Timothy 2:15, NAS)
This statement occurred in Paul’s last writing not long
before his execution (2 Timothy 4:6-11). There are more questions to be
asked about the statement than there are affirmations made in it. Yet, we
tend to base much of a theological position on the verse. Remember, the
statement is an encouragement from one preacher to another.
The immediate context of the verse is nestled sandwich-style
between two statements: (1) Do not wrangle about words because such wrangling
uselessly ruins hearers, and (2) Avoid empty chatter because it will produce
ungodliness. The direction is from an older preacher who is about to die
as a result of his preaching to a younger (but experienced) preacher who risks
discouragement through the execution of his close mentor.
Printing had not been invented. The only access to
scriptures seemed to be in synagogues. Very few individuals could afford a
hand-copied book of what they understood to be scripture. All indications
suggest that the scriptures of the early church is what we, today, would call
the Old Testament (Hebrews 1:1, 2).
The burning issues of the first century: (1) Was Jesus the
Christ that God promised the Jewish people [consider the sermon in Acts
2:14-36]? This was of basic interest to a Jewish audience. (2)
Was there a resurrection from the dead [see Acts 17:16-32]? This was of
basic interest to most of idolatrous background. In (1), preachers often
appealed to the Old Testament to prove Jesus was the Christ. In (2),
preachers often discussed the nature of God. Those are hardly the burning
issues of today!
It was easy to get so focused on words, myths, and legends
that one lost sight of the questions! Paul said, “Timothy, do not do
that! Found your discussions on the word of truth!” The foundation
of the discussion commonly determines the conclusion. Paul urged Timothy
to discuss the word of truth, and not to discuss things that would produce more
hurt than understanding.
Beware of making scripture to say things it does not
say. Beware of thinking human opinion is scripture. Beware of
defending today’s church instead of the Bible’s God.
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**Order of Worship**
Worship Leader -- Brent Evans
Magnificat (on screen)
Welcome
Firm Foundation (on screen)
#538 – My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less (vs. 1, 3,
4)
When The Night Is Falling (on screen)
#342 – We Saw Thee Not (vs. 1, 2, 3, 4)
Table of the Lord
Offering
#683 – I Am Mine No More (vs. 1, 2, 3, 4)
Coins for Christ
Children’s Worship
#749 - The Battle Belongs To The Lord (vs. 1, 2,
3)
Message -- Chris Benjamin
Song for Responses
#669 – Take My Life and Let It Be (vs. 1, 2)
Elder’s Prayer
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• A praise from Julie Tignor: Alison and J.C. Price delivered
a healthy baby girl, Emerson, on Tuesday.
• Thank you for the prayers! Jim Pratt’s surgery went well.
He will be able to go home after his pacemaker is calibrated.
• Denise Lusby’s brother-in-law, Dale Lindsey, has had a
blood clot in his leg and 2 heart attacks in the past 3 weeks.
• Dylan Roper requests prayers for his mother’s
health.
• Jeannetta Falls requests prayers for a return to better
health following a November knee surgery.
• Jewell King, mother of Barbara Miller, is in Sparks
Hospital, room 524.
• Don Todd, father of Larry Todd and Linda Davis, will have a
total knee replacement on February 4th in Little Rock. He will be in the
hospital for about 3 days.
• Mary Wray, mother of Vicki Anderson, fell and is now in
Sparks Hospital, room 680.
• Phillip White is scheduled for back surgery at Sparks
Hospital Monday, February 15, at 8:00 AM.
• Praise! Wendi Murrell, who fell down a flight of stairs
before Christmas, was moved to a long-term rehab facility in Tulsa.
She is making progress, but still has lots of pain and much rehab in her future.
Wendi is a friend of the Gouty & Lowry family.
**Sympathy**
Our love and sympathy is extended to the following
families:
• John & Nelda Fowler in the death of their son-in-law,
Ron Beene. Ron is also Melissa Blasdel’s cousin. His service was
February 2 at National Cemetery.
• Lou Winchell in the death of her sister, Van Humphries, of
Batesville on January 31.
• Barbara Miller in the death of her aunt, Bertie
Yancy. Her service was February 3 at Edwards Funeral Home.
**Continued Prayers**
• Aura Lee Land
• Bobbie Bolinger
• Caidan Dockery
• David Dotson
• Dr. Bob Whittaker
• Grace Peters
• Inez Hatfield
• Jim Hannah
• Lela Neal
• Margaret Stone
• Ray House
• Richard Broyles
• Wilma Son
**The Hope Chest**
The Hope Chest is in need of children’s clothing. Place
your donations in the large container outside the Library.
**Elder Selection Timeline**
Feb. 7: Nominees willing to serve will be presented to the
congregation as candidates for shepherds.
Feb. 7-20: Concerns about any candidate should be submitted
in writing to the elders for review. Unsigned letters will be
discarded.
Feb. 21-28: Affirmation of candidates and re-affirmation of
current elders. Forms will be available giving members the opportunity to affirm
elders and candidates. It should be returned to the drop box on or before
Feb. 28.
March 7: Dedication of elders during worship
assembly.
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**Come & Go Bridal Shower**
honoring Sarah Sawyer (daughter of John and Kathy
Glidewell)
Sunday, February 7, 2-4 PM in the Annex
Sarah is registered at Target and
Bed, Bath & Beyond.
**Bridal Shower Brunch**
honoring Melissa Abney
(bride-elect of Chase Turpin)
Saturday, February 20, 10 AM to 12 Noon
in the home of Connye Neal
Melissa and Chase are registered at Dillard’s, Bed Bath &
Beyond, and Now and Then Shoppe.
**Sweetheart Luncheon**
The youth group will serve our 55+ members with a luncheon in
their honor, in the gym immediately following Sunday morning services on
February 14. If you are planning on attending, please sign the sheet at
the Information Center in the foyer.
**Ladies’ Escape (Retreat)**
February 26 & 27
This is a great way to get to know your sisters in a nice
relaxed atmosphere. Sign-up sheet is at the Information Center in the
foyer. Call Coleen Shirley or Cindy Glidewell if you
need more information.
**Widows/Widowers**
We will be hosted by Paul & Coleen Shirley on Saturday,
February 6. The van will leave the Annex at 11:30 AM. Bobbie, Mary
or Janice will be happy to assist if you need
transportation to the building.
**Car Clinic**
Saturday, February 6, 8 - 11 AM
Annex parking lot (weather
permitting)
**JOY Bunch!**
We have invited Stan Eden, of Eden and Associates, to come
and present at our regularly scheduled meeting on February 20, at 6 PM in the
FLC (gym). Due to the content --financial planning-- the meeting may be of
interest to ALL age groups. Please consider this an invitation to join us for
the meal and presentation (bring a dish and we begin at 6) or just join us for
the program only, which will begin at approximately 6:30. The evening should
conclude by 7:15.
**King's Kids**
-Do you have a precious little one on the way or will you be
adopting soon? Please send your due date/expected adoption date to
dena@westarkkids.org
-Kids for Christ resumes this week! Come join the fun
upstairs Sunday night at 6 pm!
-Looking for ways to make faith real to your family?
Check out this week’s Faith@Home activity at
westarkkids.org/facebook
-For weekly class schedules & topics/event info and
Faith@Home activities, please join the King’s Kids mailing list by emailing
dena@westarkids.org
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**Youth Group // News**
Mid-South Girls Conference - Memphis,
Tenn.
We will be leaving at 5 PM on Friday, February 5 and return
by midnight on Saturday, February 6.
Family Clusters - Sunday, February 7
Look for information in your email as to where and when your
Family Cluster will be meeting!
Youth Group - Wednesday, February 10
Join us as we continue our study on “My Own Jesus,”
about how we need to develop our own faith in Jesus Christ! Bring your
Bible and be here at 7 PM. Make it a point to be a part of our Wednesday get
together!
Sweetheart Luncheon - Sunday, February
14
Please mark this event on your calendars as we serve our 55+
members with a luncheon in their honor. In the gym immediately following
Sunday morning services.
SNL at Center St., Fayetteville - Sunday, Feb.
14
Theme: “I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11 Vans will
leave at 4:45 p.m. and return at 9 p.m. We’ve been having great attendance at
all of our youth events... don’t miss out on the time you can spend with YOUR
youth group and fellowship that is available at this Area Wide! It’s
free!
Mexico Mission Trip Meeting - Sunday, Feb.
21
This meeting is mandatory for those interested in going on
the mission trip. Also, the $100 deposit is due on this day. The meeting is at 4
p.m. in the youth room. Applications have been distributed and are now
available.
Bulgaria Mission Trip Meeting - Sunday, Feb.
21
This meeting is mandatory for those interested in going. The
meeting is at 5 p.m. in the youth room.
Youth Event - Sunday, February 21
Look for more details later.
Christeens - Friday, February 26-Sunday, February
28
Applications are available for Christeens, a youth conference
in Russellville, Arkansas. Pick up an application in class or on the bulletin
board in the foyer. The deadline to turn in applications is Wednesday, February
10.
UPCOMING EVENTS!
Look for more information, applications, etc. for the
following events coming soon.
-SNL at West-Ark - Sunday, March 14. Special speaker is
Randy Harris from ACU (he’s amazing!)
- Mexico Mission Trip, March 20-26, 2010
**Happy Birthday**
February 7
John Glidewell
February 9
John Holley
Mike Williams
February 11
Brandon Daws
Lance Haines
Elaine Kamp
February 12
Joyce Dunavin
February 13
Ava Jones
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes...339
Sunday AM Attendance...510
Sunday PM Attendance...N/A
Wednesday Classes...N/A
Contribution...$18,984
Children’s Homes...$337
Coins For Christ...$25
Lao Worship
Attendance...35
Contribution...$181
Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance...58
Contribution...$171
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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