Family Lines Newsletter 9.18.11

Faith's Challenge By David Chadwell

1 John 1:5-10 discussed God's perfect solution for divine forgiveness of current (not past) sins.  John affirmed forgiveness for those in Christ of all sins-those we know (confess) and those we do not realize (included in all unrighteousness).  He said if we denied our need for forgiveness we made Him a liar, and His word was not in us.

Do we believe that?  I do not mean do we believe God can do that.  I mean, "Do I personally believe God will do that in my life?"  I do not mean will God do that for a person who seeks to recover from the depths of sin.  I do not mean will God do that for someone you seek to encourage.  I do not mean will God do that for others in Christ.  I mean will God do that for us personally in our lives.

As Christians, we usually do not have difficulty in believing God will keep His promises in other people's lives.  We are more likely to have trouble in believing God will be active in our lives.  If we are asked, "Will God honor this promise in the lives of others?" we usually will respond quickly, "Oh, yes!"  If we are asked, "Will God honor this promise in your life?" we tend to hesitate.  If we answer honestly, perhaps we might say, "Maybe," or, "I don't know."

Perhaps the most relevant issue regarding confidence in God does not involve what God can and will do for others but what God can and will do in my life.  Perhaps it involves our definition of humility or the line we draw between demanding and trusting.  However, confidence in God is essential in spiritual courage.

David posts a new article every Monday morning on his web site --
http://www.davidchadwell.com.
Order of Worship

Worship Leader  -- Brent Evans
Mansion, Robe and Crown (on screen)
#881 - Mansion Over the Hilltop (vs. 1, 2)

Welcome
Mighty To Save (on screen)
He Is Wonderful (on screen)
#294 - You're The One (vs. 1, 2, chorus, 3, 4, chorus)
#478 - Nearer, Still Nearer (vs. 1, 2, 3)

Table of the Lord
Offering
Be Thou My Vision (vs. 1, 2, 5, on screen)

Coins for Christ
Children's Worship
#559 - The Joy of the Lord (vs. 1, 2, 3)

Message -- Chris Benjamin
Song for Responses
#903 - There Is Power In the Blood (vs. 1, 2, 4)
Shepherd's Prayer
Prayers for Comfort and Healing
  • Betty Summers fell and broke her hip. She had surgery Sunday and is in St. Edward Hospital. She has moved to room 5213 for therapy.
  • Please continue to pray for Burnie Morris as he takes chemotherapy treatments.
  • Eloise Moffett, cousin of Sandy Chavis, has been diagnosed with leukemia and pneumonia. She also had gallbladder surgery this week.
  • Owen Forse, 2-year-old relative of the Smith, Selby, Miller, Oliver, Atchison family was able to go home from Arkansas Children's Hospital this week.  He will return next week to begin six to seven months of chemotherapy and radiation treatments for a stage 3 Wilms tumor on his kidney.  If you would like to encourage the family, cards may be sent to Brian, Julie, Gavin, and Owen Forse, 2402 Maple Ridge Road, Little Rock, AR 72211-4364.
Sympathy
Our love and sympathy is extended to Debra Hatfield in the death of her cousin, Doris Granger.  Funeral service was 9/15/11 at the McConnell Funeral Home in Greenwood.

Missionary Prayers
Russ & Jean McConnell in New England
Dr. Bob Whittaker in Zambia

Continued Prayers
  • Alice Jean Rogers
  • Allen Mobley
  • Ava Jones
  • Betty Williams
  • Beverly Evans
  • Bob & Loretta Loudermilk
  • Caidan Dockery
  • Carlene Payne
  • Doris Robertson
  • Elmer Nye
  • John Fowler
  • Pauline Reed
  • Richard & Mary Broyles
  • Virginia Freeman
Have Dirty Laundry?
So do homeless people! Laundry Love is a new outreach ministry with a mission to develop relationships with the local homeless community by providing them with a means to wash their clothes. If you'd like to help you can:
  1. Drop money in the buckets at the Laundry Love table in the foyer.
  2. Visit room 210 on Wednesday night at 7 PM for more information, or contact the Sniders or Bices.
  3. Pray for this new ministry!
On Our Calendar
  • October 2 -- Ice Cream Supper at the Canfields. More info coming soon!
  • October 15-16, Blue Jeans Weekend
  • (see more info in next column)
  • October 30 AM-- Mission Sunday
  • October 30, 6:30 PM -- Fall Family Fest
  • November 6 -- Mission Collection
Tutoring & Snacks for Kids
The Tutoring Program still needs a few more willing volunteers. If you cannot tutor, substitute, or drive a van -- can you provide snacks?  If you have ever wanted to make a difference to a hungry child, this is a wonderful opportunity!  
JOY Bunch Field Trip
Saturday, September 17
at Sisters Bistro in Van Buren
For those of you who signed up and are planning to go on the trip to Van Buren, we will board the vans at 4:15 PM. We need to leave the parking lot at 4:30 to stay on schedule. Don't be late :)

Note of Thanks  
Thank you so much for the beautiful plant on behalf of my brother, Kevin Franklin.  The love, support, prayers, and encouragement we have received from our church family has been incredible. Thank you.
    In Christian love,
    Tamara Walker

Love Without Limits -- Blue Jeans Weekend is October 15-16 
  • Wear a pair -- wear blue jeans to worship and work
  • Share a pair -- be collecting blue jeans to give to The Hope Chest  
  • Show you care! There are many work projects to choose from -- two for West-Ark members and many for our community)
King's Kids
Thank you so much for your help in making the new check-in for Children's Worship a smooth one. Your cooperation is very much appreciated!

Upcoming Events

--Girls Only--  "Princess and the Pop Star" 
Saturday, September 17
Register today at www.westarkkids.org/register

Bridge 56 Bowling
Sunday, September 25
Register at www.westarkkids.org/B56

Fall Fest
October 30 in the West-Ark Gym
Youth Group / News

Inner City Lunch at Hope Park, Saturday, September 17, 2011, 10:45 AM-12:30 PM
Join in on this outreach and service project to the homeless of Fort Smith.  We anticipate a lot of people to feed so we'll need as many WAYGers as possible.  Come be the hands and feet of Jesus. (Driver-Dave Cogswell, Driver-Blake Frost)

Youth Group - Sunday, September 18, 2011, 9:30-10:30 AM
We had a fantastic study and discussion about some of the barriers that keep people from following Christ. Don't miss this week as we continue to find what God has planned in advance for all of us to do!

Bowling @ Midland Bowl, September 18, 2011, 6-8:30 PM
Don't "strike out" by missing this fun WAYG event at Midland Bowl.  $3.50 will cover your bowling costs and shoe rentals.  Bring extra for food.  We will take vans to and from this event. (Driver-Shannon Horton, Driver-Tracy Risley, Driver-Dave Cogswell)

Youth Group - Wednesday,  September 21, 2011, 7-8 PM
We will continue a special series of messages to help kick off your school year the right way!  Bring yourself, a Bible and a friend!

Ruth Rally Girls Conference- Friday-Saturday, September 23-24, 2011
Vans will leave Friday at 4:15 PM and return Saturday night at 8:45 PM.  There is still room to go on this trip... see Rick or Rachel to sign up.  (Sponsor-Tracy Risley, Sponsor-Jennifer Dotson, Sponsor-Kristi Odell)

Home Devo - Sunday, September 25, 2011
Mark your calendar for a great night of fellowship, food, and praise together as a youth group (all 7th-12th graders!).  We'll leave from the building at 6 PM sharp and be back by 9 PM.  We'll be at the Huff's home in Greenwood.  PLEASE bring $3 to help cover food costs, bring your Bible and a friend!  (Host- Jon & Liz Huff, Food- Shannon Horton, TWO MORE FOOD PROVIDERS NEEDED, Driver- Dave Cogswell, TWO MORE DRIVERS NEEDED)

See You At The Pole - Wednesday, September 28, 2011, 7 AM
Join in with a group of dozens, maybe even hundreds of students, at each of your schools to pray together for your school, teachers and other students.  This is a nationwide event... don't miss out!

Honduras (Spring Break Mission Trip) and Bulgaria (Summer Mission Trip)
If you are interested in either or both of these trips, please let Rick or Rachel know immediately.  Applications for both trips are now available in the hanging files.  In order for you to go, you must turn in your application and $50 non-refundable deposit per person by October 9, 2011.  You will NOT be able to go on this trip if you do not turn in these items at that time.
Happy Birthday

September 18
Piper Allen

September 19
Walker Allen
Andrew Todd

September 20
Virginia Mobley
Wanda Wear

September 21
Pamela Watlington
Russell Wieser

September 22
Jordan Haworth
Bea McDonald

September 23
Catherine Owen
Shirley Webb

September 24
Laura Beckham
Annona Burns

Attendance and Contribution Count
Bible Classes ............ 329   
Sunday AM Attendance 601
Sunday PM Attendance N/A
Contribution ...   $15,861.36
Children's Homes .. $133.45
Coins For Christ ...   $38.59
WAY.............................  N/A

Lao Worship
Attendance ...................20
Contribution ............   $133

Iglesia de Cristo
Attendance ..................72
Contribution ............  $192
Debbie Belote (479) 452-1240
Debbie@westark.org
West-Ark Church of Christ | 900 N. Waldron Road | Fort Smith | AR | 72903