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Family
Lines Newsletter, December 12, 2010
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**Who Is He?**
By David Chadwell
Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea
Philippi, He began asking His disciples, saying, “Who do people say that the Son
of Man is?” Matthew 16:13 (NASB)
Some things demand to be explained! Jesus demanded to
be explained! Everyone had an opinion about Jesus. Some thought he
was an incredible man from God, and he did incredible things to help the
hopeless. Some were amazed by his teachings and the way he presented
them. Some were curious. Some saw him as opportunity to be
exploited. Some thought he was dangerous. Some thought he was
disastrous to Israel and must be destroyed. However, everybody in Israel
thought something. He was not a nobody!
Thus he asked the twelve near Caesarea Philippi, “How do
people explain me? Who do they say I am?” He knew people talked about
him. He likely even knew who people thought he was. He certainly
knew who he was. Then why did he ask the twelve what people were saying
about him? Why? It was time for the twelve clearly to know who he
was. It was time for them to understand the meaning of his
identity.
They could learn quickly that he was God’s Christ. They
would not understand for more than a month after his death what it meant for
Jesus to be God’s Christ.
People always have an opinion about Jesus’ identity—including
you! It is likely if you had no opinion, you would have no interest in
reading this. Your opinion may be good, neutral, or bad. However,
2000 years after his death and resurrection, you likely have an opinion about
Jesus’ identity.
What is your opinion? Was he a slick, polished
deceiver? Was he a curiosity who captured his audience’s
imagination? Was he someone who just happened to be born at the right
place at the right time? Was he the imagined invention of others?
Was he God’s son who actually defeated death and Satan?
For us, will earthly opinions about Jesus always be a matter
of faith? Yes! Regardless of your conclusion, you believe.
Christianity rests on the faith of the person.
In the resurrection, all will know who he is. The
essential question: Who is he to you?
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**Order of Worship**
Worship Leader -- Brent Evans
Welcome
Here I Am To Worship (on screen)
Baby Blessing for Jaxon Wyninger and Family
#2 -- We Praise Thee, O God (vs. 1, 2)
#3 -- Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah (vs. 1, 2)
#96 -- I Stand In Awe
#329 -- What A Savior (vs. 1, 2, 3)
Table of the Lord
Offering
#68 -- Give Thanks
Coins for Christ
Children’s Worship
#202 -- Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee (vs. 1, 2, 3,
4)
Message -- Chris Benjamin
Song for Responses
#478 -- Nearer, Still Nearer (vs. 1, 3)
Shepherd’s Prayer
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Allen Mobley (Christy Puckett’s cousin) was moved last
weekend to the step below acute care, so progress is slowly being realized. The
tracheotomy has been removed and his speech is clear. His family is
extremely grateful for your continued prayers.
• Barbara Smith had eye surgery on 12/7/10.
• Glenn Gilley had carotid artery surgery on Thursday
(12/9/10).
• Jim Arnold had hip replacement surgery on Wednesday
(12/8/10) in Little Rock.
• Jim Pratt was dismissed from Health South and is now home.
He will continue rehab on an out-patient basis.
• Mary Hudson has been dismissed from the hospital. She
continues to recover at home.
• Myra Flippo-Puckett had CT scans on 12/9/10 to see how her
treatments are working.
• Raymond Boatright of Roland, OK (father-in-law of Dr. Jerry
Russell) had a stroke and has been dismissed from hospital. He is
continuing his recovery at home.
• Winston Turpin saw his doctor in Little Rock on Wednesday
(12/8/10). His eye is responding to the chemo drops, and they are going to
continue the therapy.
**Continued Prayers**
Bill & Karen Tygart
Eddie Harrell
F. E. Cook
Grace Peters
Harold Gouty
Jewell House
Lela Neal
Margaret Stone
Mary Ann Scholle
Mary Frances Jackson
Phillip White
Richard Broyles
Toka Beall
Will Abernathy
Wilma Son
**Baby Blessing on Sunday for Jaxon Wyninger and
Family**
**Congratulations, New Citizens!**
Congratulations to Alicia and Oscar Nolasco. After
passing their tests on Tuesday, Dec. 7, they are now United States
Citizens!
**Congratulations!**
Robert Belote, son of Ron & Debbie, will graduate from
the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a BA in Marketing on Dec.
18.
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**Member Attendance Cards**
One of the nicest things you can do for the office and
ministry staff is fill out your family’s attendance card every Sunday.
Your cooperation will save us a good amount of time each week in our staff
meeting. If you want to know how -- just ask :~) Thank
you!
**Don't Forget -- Hope Chest Toy
Giveaway**
Saturday, December 11
10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
West-Ark Family Life Center (gym)
**Attention JOY Bunch!!**
We hope you will join us on Saturday evening, December 18, at
6 PM in the FLC (gym). As announced, please bring a wrapped ornament for
the “Dirty Santa” game. (If you prefer, you may bring another item with a
Christmas motif--candles, linens, or decorations.) Guests are always welcome--we
would love to have you. See you then!!
**Church Newsletter**
We will not publish a newsletter the week of Christmas. Next
week’s newsletter will be our last one until December 30th.
Please submit items for the next newsletter to Debbie Belote
by Wednesday at noon on December 15.
**King’s Kids Calendar**
Wyninger Blessing – Sunday, December 12
Family Movie Night – Sunday, December 19 at 6 PM (See details
below)
Who: Three year olds through 6th graders -- grab your
families and join us for Family Movie Night!
We’ll be watching the new Veggie Tale – It’s a Meaningful
Life
Where: West-Ark YOUTH GROUP ROOM (Upstairs in
Gym)
What to bring:
- Your family
- Your friends/neighbors
- Your favorite family snacks/finger foods (with enough to
share)
- A comfy blanket (for “comfy” seating - picnic
style).
Don’t miss this fun, family time to help us learn how
to be content!
If your child has not yet started to attend Bible class,
January will be a great time to start! 2 and 3 year old Mid-Year Promotion
is January 2, 2011. (Please see Dena Jenkins if you have not yet received your
promotion packet.)
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**Youth Group / news**
WAYG Class – Sunday, December 12, 9:30-10:30
AM
Don’t miss the High School class, taught by John Carson and
Kent Snider, teaching based on the book, “The Barbarian Way” and the Jr. High
class, taught by Brad Moore and Joe Morgan, teaching based on the book, “Be The
Wave.” Both resources are excellent and use lots of Biblical principles
and material to help in spiritual growth. Bring your Bible and get ready for
these great classes!
Family Clusters – Sunday, December 12, 5-8
PM
You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to fellowship
with other youth group families that live in your geographical area.
PLEASE make it a point to be a part of this phenomenal gathering… most groups
have great food, awesome relationship-building fellowship and a
devotional. Look for an email from your host home soon! (Oklahoma/Van
Buren/Alma/North cluster – Shirley, Central Fort Smith cluster – Harper, East
Fort Smith cluster – Cogswell, South Fort Smith cluster – Hankins, Greenwood
Cluster – Huff)
Parents Class – Sunday, December 12, 9:30-10:30
AM
Rick will continue a series this Sunday, based on the book
“Almost Christian: What the faith of our teenagers is telling the American
church.” It will be challenging, informative, and hopefully become a
call-to-action. Remember, your faith story, your “tell your son/daughter
your story” assignments will be due. We’ll discuss that. Bring your
Bibles, coffee, and insights as we continue this awesome study! This is
open to ANY and ALL parents (not just parents of teens).
The Journey – Wednesday, December 15, 7-8
PM
This is MEAL WEEK! Don’t miss out as we lift our
praises to God and share a message from His Word. Bring a good appetite, a
Bible and bring a friend! We’ll continue our study of Moses on his
journey, in answering God’s call.
WAYG Christmas Party/Progressive Dinner – Sunday, December
19, 4-9 PM
HONDURAS & BULGARIA MISSION TRIP MEETING
Stay tuned for our first preparation meetings coming
soon!
Winterfest – January 14-16, 2011
Applications will be handed out very soon for this amazing
event in Arlington, Texas! Stay tuned!
If you (or your Jr High or High School student) has an
accomplishment to share with the church family, please email it to Rick at
rick.odell1@gmail.com.
**Happy Birthday**
December 11
Doris Robertson
December 12
Bill Beall
Taylor Burress
Breck Cogswell
Earl Flood
Nadine Hawkins
Jean McConnell
Stephen Tomlin
December 13
Andy Stotts
December 14
James Roughley
December 15
Michael Jones
December 16
Jacob Huffman
December 17
Stacie Browning
December 18
Jane Binyon
Nadia Nelson
Lloyd Summers
Allie Whitaker
**Nursery Helpers**
Morning
Trish Carson
Dwonne Cogswell
Vicki Anderson
Evening
Terri Jones
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes ………… 495
Sunday AM Attendance 289
Sunday PM …………… N/C
Wednesday Classes … N/C
Contribution ……… $21,484
Children’s Homes …… $234
Coins For Christ ……… $40
Lao Worship
Attendance ……………… 29
Contribution ………… $201
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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