-----------------------------------------------------------------

Family Lines Newsletter, March 7, 2010

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Choices**

By David Chadwell

 

For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  1 Corinthians 3:11

 

The context of this statement:   It is part of a discussion Paul had with the Corinthian congregation of Christians about their internal division.  Basically, Paul affirmed that if they understood God’s work in Jesus Christ they would not sanction their internal division, but they would eliminate their internal division.

 

Note three things.  (1) God spent much effort and “time” preparing the foundation (Jesus Christ) for His building.  (2) God prepared one foundation (Jesus Christ, not the church—though it should be built on God’s foundation).  (3) God’s foundation work is done.  (That is not to imply that all God’s involvement/efforts were limited to foundation work.)

 

Note this.  Just as the Corinthians, we face choices.  Will we build on God’s foundation or not?  Will we build what God wishes to build in the manner He wishes to build?  Before you quickly answer that is what we are about, do some serious thinking. 

 

It is easy to think weak human beings are doing precisely what God wants when, basically, we are doing what we want.   It is easy to base what we build on our thinking rather than on God’s purposes revealed in Jesus’ teachings. It is easy to conclude we have found the whole foundation when we have uncovered only part of the foundation.  It is easy to make our biggest investments in that which God said little or nothing about and neglect that which God said much about.

 

Consider two things.  (1) Will I encourage the congregation to be focused on God’s foundation?  If so, how?  Will my efforts be constructive or destructive to God’s purposes?  (2) Will I build my life on God’s foundation?  Will I promote God’s purposes in how I live and who I am?  Will the congregation be blessed because I am part of it?

 

Paul told the Corinthian Christians what was built would be tried by God’s fire.  God is serious about what is built on His foundation.  May we be serious builders!  Do you think about what you are building and assisting to build?  How serious are you about your life?  

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Order of Worship**

 

Worship Leader -- Brent Evans

#103 – He Has Made Me Glad

#238 – You Are The Song That I Sing

 

Welcome

#577 – We Bow Down (vs. 1, 2)

#578 – We Will Glorify (vs. 1, 2, 4)

 

In Christ Alone (on screen)

Table of the Lord

Offering

 

Coins for Christ

No Children’s Worship

#704 – Bind Us Together

 

Reaffirming Our Shepherds

Prayer -- Mat Griffin

#705 – A Common Love

 

Commitment of New Shepherds

Prayer -- Russ McConnell

 

Prayer -- Kevin Hesslen

 

Invitation -- Larry Todd

Song for Responses

#448 – Greatest Commands

 

Elder’s Prayer -- Bill Dickey

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Page 2 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**

* Betty Williams, sister of Barbara Aldridge & aunt of Gina Williams, has been diagnosed with lymphoma. She will meet with her doctor Thursday (3/4/10) to decide treatment.

* Pray for baby Caidan Dockery and also for his family as he struggles with respiratory problems.

* Dale Lindsey, brother-in-law of Denise Lusby, has been diagnosed with a rare blood disorder. He will see a blood specialist in Little Rock March 11.

* F. E. Cook was hospitalized last Friday (2/26/10) because of a stroke. He has improved and went home on Monday.

* Hunter Hesslen is ill at home with pneumonia.

* John Gardenhire (son of Warren & Elizabeth) is in Sparks Hospital, room 677-2. He is having chemo treatments for lung cancer.

* Phillip White -- relief and healing from back surgery.

* Tom Ed Gooden (Benny’s brother in Houston, TX), underwent his second stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma on 2/26/10.

 

**Sympathy & Prayers**

Our love and sympathy is extended to Rochelle Brown in the death of her aunt, Betty Cowell, who passed away Tuesday (3/2/10).

 

**Continued Prayers**

Aura Lee Land

Betty Wilson

Inez Hatfield

Jeanetta Falls

Kathy Rosalez

Lela Neal

Leon Medlock

Margaret Stone

Mary Wray

Paulette Ellis

Richard Broyles

Van Foster

Wendi Murrell

Wilma Son

 

**Congratulations!**

Barbara Miller is a great-grandmother!  William Austin was born February 19 to Charleigh & Shawn English. He arrived a little early and weighed 6 lbs. Everyone is doing well.

 

**Notes on the Bulletin Board**

* Thank you from UCA Eagles 4th Grade Girls’ Basketball team

* Thank you from Bobbie Hughes

 

**Service of Worship and Ordination of Shepherds**

Sunday, March 7, 10:30 AM

 

**Weekend With Randy Harris, March 12-14**

THEME: “Reaching Out To The People God Loves”

 

Friday, March 12

Randy meets with the Lions for Christ and Young Adults

 

Saturday, March 13

2 PM Class for all Members

 

Sunday, March 14

Combined Adult Class in Auditorium at 9:30 AM

Sermon at 10:30 AM

West-Ark hosts “Sunday Night Live” in the Gym at 6:00 PM.

Theme: “I am the resurrection and the life.” John 11:25

Note: Communion will be served in Room 100 at 6 PM.

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Page 3

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Wedding Announcement**

Bill Davidson, son of Bob & Jo Davidson, and Amy Couture were married on Saturday, February 20th, at White Cliff s in Northborough, MA. They will be residing in the Boston area. Thank you for your thoughts & prayers.

 

**Wedding Invitation**

Mr. and Mrs. Tom Walton

request the pleasure of your company

at the marriage of their daughter

Sarah Castene to Nathan Douglas Griffin

on Saturday, March 13, 2010, 2:00 in the afternoon

Reynolds Room, Smith-Pendergraft Campus Center

University of Arkansas, Fort Smith

Reception to follow

 

**Double Wedding Shower and Brunch for Ellen & Emily Kamp**

Saturday, March 6, 10 AM to Noon in FLC (gym)

Ellen Kamp is the bride-elect of Clay Smith, and Emily Kamp is the bride-elect of Wade Pressley.

Ellen and Emily are both registered at Dillard’s, Now and Then Shoppe, and Target. In addition, Emily is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, and Ellen is registered at www. southernlivingathome.com/mabel (The representative for this website is Mabel Coleman).

 

**Wedding Shower for Treva Hill & Nick Dalton**

Sunday, March 7, 1:30 - 3:00

in the home of Rochelle Brown

9617 Painter Drive, Fort Smith, AR

Treva and Nick are registered at Target, Wal-Mart, JC Penneys, and Dillard’s.

 

**Wedding Shower for Wes Sawyer & Angela Peoples**

Sunday, March 14, 2-4 PM in the Annex

Wes is the son of John & Kathy Glidewell. Wes and Angela are registered at Wal-Mart and Bed Bath & Beyond.

 

**Widows/Widowers**

Come to the Annex at noon on March 6 for the “wearing of the green” and to find out what the O’Burketts, O’Hughes and O’Lowrys found in the pot at the end of the rainbow. Let Mary, Bobbie or Janice know if you need transportation. No Car Clinic for March -- see you in April.

 

**West-Ark’s Online Calendar**

www.westark.org/calendar.htm

 

**King's Kids**

Bridge 56 Parent Meeting

Sunday, March 7, during Sunday Morning Class (9:30 am)

- Please join us for a great time of fellowship and information for upcoming events.

 

Children’s Worship will not meet this Sunday (3-7), so that we can all be together as a church family to pledge our support to our new Shepherds. This is a great “teaching moment” to help our kids understand what a Shepherd is, to know who our Shepherds are, and of course, to honor the Great Shepherd. What a great service opportunity, too, for our kids (and families) to find ways to encourage our Shepherds and their families. To Him be all the glory!

 

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Page 4

-----------------------------------------------------------------

 

**Youth Group News**

 

MEXICO MEETING - Sunday, March 7

This is our last meeting (MANDATORY!!) prior to our departure for Mexico on March 20. We’ll be going over some Spanish words, as well as distributing a list of items you need to bring on the trip. Also, all balances for trip fees are due at this meeting. See you in the youth group room at 4 p.m..

 

BULGARIA MEETING - Sunday, March 7

Our next preparation meeting (MANDATORY) for everyone going on the Bulgaria trip is Sunday at 5 p.m. in the youth group room. Don’t forget to do your homework! We’ll be discussing the culture of Bulgaria. Make sure your fundraising letters are already sent out, passport ordered and all other past due paperwork turned in.

 

HOME DEVO - Sunday, March 7

Join us for a home devo at the Browns’ house. Vans will leave the church at 6 p.m. and return at 8 p.m.

Please bring $3 to help cover the cost of food.

 

YOUTH GROUP - Wednesday, March 10

We have been having a ton of students show up... don’t miss out as we continue our great time of Bible study and fellowship together! 7-8 p.m.

 

SNL AT WEST-ARK! - Sunday, March 14

We’re going to be hosting all the area youth groups in our gym... hopefully over 300 students! Mark this on your calendar so you’ll make sure and show up as we host our first SNL in three years. Randy Harris from ACU will be speaking, Aaron Davis will be leading worship and we’ll have free food! Trust me, you will NOT want to miss this! 6-8 PM.

 

MEXICO MISSION TRIP - Saturday, March 20 - Friday, March 26

 

YOUTH EVENT - Sunday, March 28

Two of our SLAM Team members are putting together a great event for us. We will go to Ben Geren Park to play outdoor games! Also, everyone will need to bring enough meat to grill for themselves and one other person. We need some adults to volunteer to grill as well as a couple of van drivers. (If you can do this, contact Rick or Jackie.) We’ll leave from the church building at 6 p.m. and be back by 8 p.m. Don’t miss it!

 

**Happy Birthday**

 

March 8

Marlene Tucker

 

March 9

Mary Francis Jackson

Ann Selig

 

March 10

Joyce Chadwell

Donna Lindgren

Michaela Schaper

 

March 11

Bill Stancil

 

March 12

Miranda Nonnemacher

Alex Tomlin

 

March 13

Sarah Miller

Richard Nelson

John Richards

 

**Nursery Helpers**

March 7 - Morning

Melissa Walker

Suzi Jennemann

Dena Jenkins

 

**Attendance and Contribution Count**

Bible Classes...………....355   

Sunday AM Attendance..575

Sunday PM Attendance..138

Wednesday Classes…...N/A

Contribution………..$15,025

Children’s Homes……..$330

Coins For Christ.............$34

 

Lao Worship

Attendance……………......42

Contribution……………$281

 

Iglesia de Cristo

Attendance………………..59

Contribution……………$196

 

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."

-----------------------------------------------------------------