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Family Lines Newsletter, May 30, 2010

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**The Power of Tenacity**

By David Chadwell

 

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”  Matthew 5:6   (NASB)

 

In Jesus’ description of a righteous person in Matthew 5:3-9, he included the drive to be righteous as a quality of righteousness.  Motivation/drive was essential!  Righteous behavior is no accident!  It is NOT the attitude that says, “If it happens, it happens; if it does not, it does not.”  Righteous behavior matters to the person who is godly!

 

Jesus described the motivation/drive as “hunger and thirst.”  A hungry person thinks of food constantly!  A thirsty person thinks of cool water constantly!  It takes something powerful even to distract from hunger and thirst—then it is only a distraction!  Before long, the person thinks of how hungry or thirsty he/she is.

 

This drive reminds us of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28. The physical Jesus was born an Israelite (1) to declare God kept His ancient promise made to Abraham and (2) to return Israel to God’s purposes.  In death and resurrection he became Savior to all.

 

The Canaanite woman, not an Israelite, begged Jesus for a miracle to benefit her daughter.  Though she knew who Jesus actually was, he did not pay her attention (answer her.)  The disciples asked Jesus to send her away (grant her request?) because she would not stop begging them to intercede for her.  His answer, “I was sent to the lost of Israel.”

 

Still she pled! She even bowed before Jesus asking for help.  He finally said to her that it was not proper to give her what was intended for Israelites.  He classified Israelites as children and Canaanites as dogs.  Still she persisted!  She said that even dogs ate the crumbs that fell off the table.

 

Jesus was so impressed with her faith that he said, “Be it done to you as you wish.”  Her daughter was healed immediately.

 

If Jesus granted your desire based on the amount of faith you had, what would happen?  How fast would it happen?  How much do you want to be a righteous person?  Sometimes faith is expressed in tenacity!  Christian faith always serves, and never quits!

  

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**Order of Worship**

Worship Leader -- Brent Evans

 

Here I Am To Worship (on screen)

 

Welcome

 

#227 – On Zion’s Glorious Summit (vs. 1, 2, 3)

#47 – Holy, Holy, Holy (vs. 1, 3, 4)

#546 – Till The Storm Passes By (vs. 1, 2, 3)

You Are My King (on screen)

 

Table of the Lord

Offering

 

#474 – Thank You, Lord (vs. 1, 2, 3)

 

Coins for Christ

Children’s Worship

 

#449 – Thy Word (vs. 1, 2)

 

Message -- Chris Benjamin

 

Song for Responses

#446 – Hear, O Israel (vs. 1, 2)

 

Shepherd’s Prayer

 

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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**

• Eddie Harrell (Dena Jenkins’ father) had a small stroke which has affected his language abilities.  Please pray that he will fully recover and that any future events can be prevented.

• Grace Peters is still in Sparks Hospital, room 576, recovering from a stroke. 

• Kendra (family member of Rusty and Tamara Walker) is showing improvement after her car accident.  She is able to breathe on her own and is taking food through a tube.

• Sara Newton is still in ICU at OU Medical Center in Oklahoma City.  She is a little better this week.  She had tracheotomy surgery Tuesday, May 25, which is supposed to make some things better in the future.  The main problem now is Sara’s greatly diminished heart function.

• Tom Everitt had brain surgery to remove a tumor on May 25th. The surgery went well, and he will have follow-up radiation treatments.  Tom is the father of Ron & Patty’s Smith’s daughter-in-law, Stephanie.

• Trish Carson had gall bladder surgery on May 25th.

• Jeannetta Falls requests prayers for her newborn great-grandson Easton Partridge, who needs to gain weight.

 

**Continued Prayers**

Anita & Wendell Fenton

Aura Lee Land

Bonnie Ray

Caidan Dockery

Donna Miller

Inez Hatfield

John Gardenhire

Lela Neal

Margaret Stone

Marlin Edens

Mary Wray

Pearl Beam

Phillip White

Richard Broyles

Wilma Son

 

**Guyana Medical Mission Teams, 1991-2010**

West-Ark has sent medical mission teams to tropical Guyana each year since 1991.  The people of Guyana are the poorest in South America.  We have taught thousands of Hindu and Muslim who knew little or nothing about Jesus Christ.  Nearly 160 West-Ark members have served on these mission teams, providing health care and Bible teaching to nearly 26,000 people.  We have witnessed 791 baptisms.  Our 20th team is scheduled to depart Fort Smith at 6 a.m. on Saturday, June 5.  Please keep the team in your prayers.

 

**Heart to Heart Pregnancy Support Center**

Fill your baby bottle with spare change, dollars, or a check, and return it by Father’s Day, June 20.

All donations help Heart to Heart continue its Christ-centered, pro-life work in our community for another year.

 

**Harding Academy Chorus**

Sunday Night, May 30,  6 PM in the Auditorium

Come, enjoy, and encourage this group of high school students on tour. West-Ark is their last performance, and then home to Searcy!

 

**Contact Information**

If you are using a cell phone as your “home” phone, or if your address has changed, please let us know in the office.

We really appreciate it!

 

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**A Reception Celebrating 56 Years of Ministry!**

You are invited to a reception honoring

David & Joyce Chadwell 

Sunday, June 27, 4:00 - 6:00 PM

in the Family Life Center.

A basket will be provided for cards.

We will remain in the FLC for 6:00 PM Worship.

 

*On June 3, David will retire after 56 years of ministry! 

 

**Car Clinic**

Those of you who are 60+ and single gals -- bring your cars to the Annex parking lot Saturday, June 5, from 8 to 10 AM for your oil change, tire rotation, and other minor maintenance.  There is no charge for the “labor” – just bring the supplies that are needed and Jack, Marvin, Mike, or Ed will take care of it for you.

 

**Widows/Widowers Brunch**

Save those cornflakes for Monday morning and come join us for an exciting brunch in the Annex Saturday, June 5, at 10:30 AM.   Pancakes, muffins and jalapeno egg casserole are a few items that will be on the menu.  Don’t miss this opportunity for some wonderful fellowship with caring and understanding Christians. We will be happy to pickup anyone who needs transportation to the Annex – call Bobbie or Janice.

 

**Family Meeting**

June 6, 6 PM in the Auditorium

Afterwards, we’ll have a fellowship meal in the Family Life Center (gym).

Everyone who can, please bring desserts!

 

**King’s Kids Calendar**

 

REMINDER!!  Children will go their new classes this week.  Please consult the listing on the King’s Kids Board with any questions. 

 

JUNE

Reid Knight Baby Blessing - Sunday, June 6

 

Family Day Trip to Tulsa’s Incredible Pizza - Saturday, June 26

Get more info and sign up on King’s Kids Board or at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=118069578221511&ref=ts

 

Chase McGehee Baby Blessing - Sunday, June 27

 

JULY

Silly Olympics - Sunday, July 25

(For 3-year-olds through those going into 1st grade AND FAMILIES)

Don’t miss out on this fun, family event!

 

AUGUST

Faith Fusion - Saturday, August 7

(Kindergarten - 6th grade AND FAMILIES)

 

**On the Bulletin Board**

• VBS at Rena Road Church of Christ in Van Buren, June 7-11

• Thank you note from Chris, Jamilyn & Reid Knight

• Thank you note from Barbara Miller & Phillip King

 

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**Youth Group / News**

 

Sunday AM & Wednesday PM Classes

Make sure you are part of our Sunday morning classes at 9:30 a.m. as Noland & Abby lead the High School in a study of Spiritual Disciplines, and Matt & Hailey lead the Jr High in a study on the book of James. Wednesdays at 7 PM, we continue our study on Identity in Christ. Bring your Bible and a friend!

 

No Youth Event Tonight - Sunday, May 30

You can be a part of the Harding Academy Chorus if you would like.

 

Jr/Sr Trip Wednesday - Sunday, June 2-6

All Jrs. and Srs. 2010 should go on this trip as we pass the torch to the Senior Class of 2011 and visit 5 different Christian colleges in five days. It’s very inexpensive and will be phenomenal. Don’t miss it!

 

Service Camp 9 AM- 5 PM, Thursday, June 3

Don’t miss out on this new variation of Service Camp. The Interns are finalizing details of who will serve and where. Mark it on your calendar!

 

Church-Wide Family Meeting - Sunday, June 6

We will join in on the Family Meeting in the auditorium at 6:00 p.m.

 

Girls Night Out - Monday, June 7

Hailey and Abby are making BIG plans for a fun night out for all of the girls in the Youth Group... stay tuned for more information!

 

SLAM Team Meeting - Wednesday, June 9

Open to all interested 7-12th graders. Youth room, 6 p.m.

 

Bulgaria Mission Trip Meeting - Wednesday, June 9

This is an additional meeting for our preparation... please be here at 8 p.m. in the Youth Group room, bring all completed homework, assignments, donations, etc.

 

Soul Quest 2010 - June 13 - 19

Soul Quest will be here before you know it! Make sure you turn in your application and money ASAP... DEADLINE FOR APPS IS TUESDAY, JUNE 1!!! Copies are available in the hanging files in the foyer. The vans will be leaving from the building at 7 a.m. SHARP on Sunday, June 13 and returning around 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 19.

 

Upcoming Events - Mark your calendar!

-Bulgaria Mission Trip: June 23 - July 7 / If you would like to contribute funds for this trip, please see Rick or Jackie.

-Colorado Mission Trip: July 25-31 / Applications will be coming soon!

-Faith Fusion: August 7

 

**Happy Birthday**

May 31

Elizabeth Harper

Suzi Jennemann

Bailey Williams

 

June 1

Eleanor Casey

Lisa Grace

 

June 2

Bob Faries

 

June 3

David Chadwell

Manuel Mendez

Jake Nelson

 

June 4

Benton Anderson

Alize Boatright

Glenn Gilley

 

June 5

Jo Davidson

Amanda Daws

 

**Nursery Workers**

Morning

Cristy, Kay, Maddie, Hannah Pressley

Louise Howard

Cami Stancil

 

Evening

Robertta Moses

 

**Attendance and Contribution Count**

Bible Classes...………....385   

Sunday AM Attendance..709

Sunday PM Attendance..190

Wednesday Classes…...N/C

Contribution………..$16,773

Children’s Homes……..$446

Coins For Christ.............$42

 

Lao Worship

Attendance…………….....30

Contribution……………$202

 

Iglesia de Cristo

Attendance………………..71

Contribution……………$215

 

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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