Link to Upcoming Events at West-Ark
Link to West-Ark Church of Christ Home Page
July 2007 |
As a member of our church family, you will be blessed as you draw closer to Christ and your fellow disciples. Drawing closer happens through worship, service, and being nurtured in your spiritual growth. Our various ministries offer opportunities for you to worship, grow, and serve.This copy of “What’s Happening at West-Ark?” is your handy guide to mission and ministry in the West-Ark Church of Christ family. Use it as a reference to contact ministry leaders. Use it when you or someone you know might benefit from these services. Use it to learn how you can get involved in service to others. Use it to find a ministry that will encourage your spiritual growth. To help you find your way through this guide, follow these frequently asked questions (FAQ’s) that come straight from our purpose statement – Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve others!
How can I grow as a disciple of Jesus?
Care Groups
Contact Position Open
These small groups function as a caring community, building Christian relationships, meeting the needs of individuals, and helping them become incorporated into the church family. Care Groups meet at a time and place determined by the group.Dynamic Family (formerly His Needs/Her Needs)
Contacts: Jeff & Michelle Lovelace (648-1594)
Mat Griffin (452-1472)
Paul Shirley (474-5256)
An eight-week interactive marriage class that consists of 12 couples who meet weekly in a warm and friendly environment designed to fine tune good marriages, strengthen weak marriages, and heal broken marriages.Education Ministry
Adult Coordinator, Barry Owen (479) 996-6149
Junior - Senior High Coordinator, position unfilled
Elementary Coordinator, Carolyn Harrell (479-646-3325)
Pre-School Coordinator, Dena Jenkins (478-6486)
The Education Coordinators work to maintain a qualified teaching staff and provide supplies and equipment for the teachers.Fellowship Meals
Contacts: Curtis McDonald (452-7148)
Bruce Davenport (484-7047)
The last Sunday of each month, a fellowship meal is provided after the evening worship service. The congregation is asked to bring the desserts!Financial Peace University
Contacts: Jeff & Michelle Lovelace (648-1594)
Enjoy 13 lessons that deal with different topics each week that will change the way you think about personal finance. You will learn how to save money, live on a budget, communicate about money, eliminate debt, find bargains, and experience the joy of giving like never before.Library
Contacts: John Lankford (782-5148)
Joyce Chadwell (646-6879)
Nicole Wilson (918-427-3134)
Duane Walker (474-1822)
The Lester H. Walker Memorial Library contains thousands of "pieces of information" -- books, videos, and audio tapes. Members can request a list of topics containing a short review and the availability of the books. We can also purchase Bibles for members at a discount. Free study articles and information are maintained on a table outside the Library. We can also help locate a resource for your specific needs. Additionally, anyone may make memorial donations.LIFE Groups
Contact: Chris Benjamin (452-1240 work, 414-1643 home)
West-Ark's LIFE Group Ministry builds relationships. We believe that LIFE Groups provide a great opportunity for meeting one another's needs on a personal level, creating strong ties of love, and deepening Christian faith.
LIFE groups meet one night a week in a casual setting for prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. As we draw closer to God, we get to know each other better as each member is cared for, nurtured, and encouraged.
LIFE Groups are for anyone and everyone. If you are a new member or have recently moved into the area, let us help you find a Group. If you have been a member of West-Ark for many years and would like to experience the Love, Involvement, Fellowship, and Evangelism that these groups are all about, let us help you find a Group. Participating in a LIFE group will enable you to more easily participate in the LIFE of Christ and the LIFE of the West-Ark Church of Christ.Motherly Love
Contact: Coleen Shirley (474-5256)
Motherly Love is an attempt to fulfill the admonition of Paul in Titus 2:4-5 that the “older women” teach the “younger women.” In today’s society this responsibility has become a challenge for most Christian women. The Motherly Love ministry consists of a meal hosted and served by the older women and includes a devotional and prayer time conducted by the younger women. Young women are encouraged to invite their non-Christian friends and also suggest subjects for the lesson. Older women can help by offering their home for the meal, serving, providing food, teaching a lesson, or offering to babysit.Overcomers’ Outreach
Contact: Terry Robertson (629-4079)
Overcomers is a Christ-Centered, 12-Step Support Group.
Meetings on Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. in the Annex.
Sunday Bible Class at 9:30 a.m.
The class topic is “Christianity and Recovery.” The class is beneficial to ~anyone~ interested in reducing vulnerability to sin through improving the quality of spiritual life. We’ll also cover the New Testament origins of the 12-step method begun in the late 1930’s by AA. We carry the message of Christ’s delivering power to individuals and families, both within and without the church, who still suffer, and we encourage attendance at other 12-step recovery programs.JOY Bunch
Contacts: Winston & Danna Turpin (646-6430)
Jim & Diane Arnold (452-5447)
Charles & Carolyn Hankins (646-0441)
"Just Older Youth" bunch has a monthly gathering of adults each third Saturday to share food and fellowship. We have special occasion parties with guest speakers and entertainment some months. You don't have to be 60 or older to join us -- we welcome members and visitors from all age groups!WINGS (Women In God's Service)
Contacts: Deborah Wilson (649-0700)
Shelly Robbins (479-996-2109)
WINGS is a ministry in which the primary purpose/mission is to encourage one another and our community through Bible study, application in daily living, and in loving service to others as we give God the glory. During the school year (usually September through April), this Tuesday morning (9:30 - 11:00 a.m.) weekly class is a great opportunity for fellowship, study, service and evangelism. Quality childcare will be provided from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for mothers regularly participating in the Bible study.Wednesday Night WINGS (Women In God's Service)
Contact: Meg Canfield (452-7682)
Wednesday Night WINGS is provided as an alternative for working women who cannot participate in Tuesday WINGS. During the school year (usually September through April), this weekly class (7:00 p.m., Wednesdays) is a great opportunity for fellowship, study, service, and evangelism.
How can children grow and serve?
Children's Bible Classes
Contact: Kerry Jenkins, Deacon for Elementary (478-6486)FLOCK (Feeding Lambs Of Christ Knowledge)
Contacts: Staci James, Dena Jenkins, Melody Priester
Bible classes for our children between 3 years old and first grade are taught in a unique 5-week rotation model. Each age group has their own shepherd(s) who will be with them every Sunday morning. Additional workshops are provided on Wednesday nights. Learn more.Children's Worship
Contact: Ron Orick (649-0429)
Greg & Nancy Dockery (648-8060)
Children's Worship is offered during the Sunday morning sermon for ages 2-3, 4-5 and 6-8. During this 30 minute session children work on biblically related crafts, watch videos, and sing songs.Kids For Christ (KFC)
Contacts: Gary & Rochelle Brown (646-4105)
While our adults worship at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday nights, our children worship upstairs. Our songs, stories, and structured activities are centered on God, His Word, His will, and our service to God and others. Children are encouraged to bring food for our pantry, memorize verses, and read daily from the Bible. Ages 2-5 meet in room 212, and grades 1-6 meet in room 210.Leadership Training for Christ (LTC)
Contact: Clark Risley (649-9889)
Leadership Training for Christ will hold its annual convention in Rogers, AR, during Easter weekend, 2008. LTC stimulates and encourages spiritual, mental, and social growth among young men and women in grades three through twelve by developing skills in leadership, Bible knowledge, and Christian servanthood in a variety of individual and group events. Not only are young people excited to become a part of this ministry, but adults want to participate as well. They become the teachers, coaches, sponsors, facilitators, and encouragers in this total church effort.Nursery
Contact: Nancy James (883-5045)
The Nursery is staffed to care for your child (newborn through 2 years old). Bible classes are taught every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. The Nursery is staffed during the Sunday morning and evening worship assemblies.Vacation Bible School
Contacts: Carolyn Harrell (479-646-3325)
Dena Jenkins (478-6486)
VBS is a 4-day summer event in which children (and the adults involved) are transported into the world of Bible times through all senses. Each child is a part of a family of different aged children which together experience what daily life was like during that time. These experiences include special prayers and rituals in the family tent and learning different trades and sampling products while visiting the marketplace. All of these experiences culminate with the live dramas which truly bring the lessons from the Bible alive! Because of the many, many aspects of our VBS, there is truly a place for everyone who would like to be involved! Please come join the experience today!
How can teens grow and serve?
Youth Ministry
Contacts: Rick Odell (452-1240)
Jackie Sofio (452-1240)
Youth ministry seeks to build an environment and a state of mind that encourages teens to develop a closer relationship with Christ.CROSSWALK Youth Rally
Crosswalk is a September Youth Rally co-sponsored by West-Ark. It encourages teens to be leaders and evangelists during the school year. West-Ark hosted this rally from 1997-2001. The rally now takes place in Rogers, AR at the Southside Church of Christ. Approximately 500 teens and adults from a four-state area attend.Fellowship Dinners
To show their appreciation for and to strengthen the bond between older members and teens, the youth group prepares and serves a dinner to our widows, widowers, and JOY Bunch group each fall."Get a Life" Winter Retreat
This February retreat involves 6-8 other youth groups from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. It is designed to promote closer relationships with Christ and area Christians.Graduation Services
A special worship assembly each year honors the year's Senior Class. They and their families are recognized before the congregation.Kids for Christ (KFC)
(see similar listing under "How can children grow and serve?")Leadership Training for Christ (LTC)
(see similar listing under "How can children grow and serve?")Mission Trip to Guyana, South America
A one-week mission to Guyana, South America, every June. Teens lead one-on-one personal Bible studies, teach songs, conduct VBS, etc. (For more information see "How does West-Ark Touch the World?" Short-Term Foreign Medical Mission.)Summer Camps
Our teens participate in many different Bible camps: Caudle, Green Valley, Tahkodah, Wyldewood, etc.Summer Trip
A recreational trip to encourage our young people and to promote friendships that will last a lifetime. We go to ball games, Six Flags, etc. Parents and families are always welcomed.Vacation Bible School
West-Ark teens play a major role in VBS. They lead songs, teach lessons, perform skits, and serve as classroom guides. We are currently focusing on the life of Christ and trying to teach our young people to be more like him.West-Ark Teen Retreat
An annual retreat for West-Ark teens only. It is for their growth and unity as a group. It always takes place at the end of each summer break, usually in September or October.Work Camp
Our teens usually participate in at least one work camp each summer. We spend a week painting houses, cleaning, mowing, etc. for elderly/widowed people that are unable to do it for themselves. We have hosted this camp in Fort Smith and have traveled to Northwest Arkansas to participate with other churches.Weekly Youth Activities Sunday Night Teen Worship (7th-12th Grades)
We have "Teen Worship" that takes place each Sunday night. We meet upstairs in the Family Life Center from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. We usually have about 60 young people at this service. It has been great for our teens.Sunday Morning and Wednesday Night Bible Classes for 7th-12th Grades
We meet for Junior and Senior High Bible classes in the youth rooms in the FLC on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Classes vary from textual/doctrinal classes on Sunday mornings to day-to-day discipling classes on Wednesday nights.Occasional Youth Activities Sunday Night Live Series
8 local churches rotate hosting a monthly service for teens. It promotes friendships among young Christians.Teen-Led Services
The teens lead devotionals for local nursing homes or rehabilitation hospitals 2 or 3 times each year. Our young men also participate in continued leadership roles.Lock-Ins, Scavenger Hunts, Holiday Parties, Camping Trips, Ski Trips, etc.
These activities are times of fun and fellowship for teens and their friends and families that promote friendship and encouragement for one another.
How can college students grow and serve?
Lions for Christ (LFC)
Contacts: Shane Hughes (452-1240)
Colleen Frost (452-1240)
Campus Center (452-0359)
Website: www.LionsForChrist.org
Are you a college student who is looking for a group of friends to grow closer to God with? Then the Lions for Christ Campus Ministry is the group you are looking for. Our purpose is to encourage one another to be more like Christ in all we do. We accomplish this by our weekly devotional times together, or by studying God's word in our Bible classes, or by simply hanging out together in our student center. We encourage you to stop in sometime and get to know us, we would love the opportunity to show the love of Christ to you in any way we can.
How can I serve others?
Benevolence
Contacts: Lyndell Foster (783-0135)
Don Neal (646-2418)
This ministry investigates requests for assistance from both members and non-members, determines needs, and helps in appropriate ways.Car Clinic
Contacts: Jack Lowry (474-8851)
Marvin Hughes (479--674-5814)
The first Saturday of each month from 8 - 11 a.m., widows and those 60+ may bring their vehicles to the Annex parking lot for servicing, etc.Children's Homes
Contact: Ron Orick (649-0429)
Weekly donations from classes supplement contributions to Southern Christian Home in Morrilton, AR and Children's Home in Paragould, AR. Special needs and activities are reported to the church.Campus Ministry (Lions for Christ)
Contacts: Shane Hughes (452-1240)
Colleen Frost (452-1240)
The Lions for Christ (LFC) Campus Ministry is a cooperative ministry, with many other area congregations, devoted to sharing the Good News of Christ with our U of A Fort Smith students. Our purpose is to encourage one another to be more like Christ in all aspects of our lives. We have many opportunities for you to share in service with us as we teach others about Christ. If you would like more information on how to get involved, please give us a call.Connections
Contact Position Open
Do you want to help visitors from our local community make a connection with Jesus? Do you want to help new members in our fellowship feel a part of who we are and what we do? Do you feel the need to connect in service to the body that meets at West-Ark? If you want to make a difference, then you are needed to serve as a part of our “Connections Ministry.” We need people to visit with those from our community that worship with us. You will be their link to our services, activities, programs and fellowship … our best foot forward. People from all ages and backgrounds are needed. You might be the difference for someone looking to connect with Jesus.CURE
Contacts: Bob Fisher (452-2852)
Jim Pratt (782-6655)
Jim Selig (452-7024)
Kevin Vaught (646-2945)
A non-profit warehousing and sorting operation that creates stockpiles of staple foods, household and other supplies, which can be trucked regionally in times of disaster. Medical and other supplies are acquired and shipped to medical mission efforts throughout the world, including El Salvador, Guyana, Nicaragua, Nigeria, and Romania. CURE also provides logistic support for the Church's inner-city and food ministries. Additionally, we are accumulating school supplies though various contacts for use in the Tutoring Program and to be made available to other programs as the need arises.Food for the Bereaved
Contacts: Paula May (646-2197)
Dale Mason (782-9055)
The purpose of our ministry is to serve a meal to the bereaved, usually on the day of the funeral. After the number of family members to be served is determined and a location is given, a menu is planned. Members of the congregation who have indicated a willingness to help are called and asked to prepare a dish for the dinner. The response to these requests is always outstanding.Grief Share
Contacts: Myra Flippo-Puckett (479-928-4347)
Yolanda Gunn (479-632-4384)
Someone you know is hurting. Tell them about Grief Share, a support group for people grieving the death of someone close. You can be an important part of their healing by making them aware of our Grief Share Group (available upon request).Inner City Ministry
The Hope Chest
Location: 717 North 4th & H Streets, Fort Smith, AR 72904; ph. 784-9715
Board of Managers: Jeannie Cole, Linda Davis, Ron & Betty Moreton, Jim & Helen Pratt, Sheila Vaught, Farrell Graves
Volunteers: needed
Open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., the Hope Chest is a part of the Inner City benevolent work of the West-Ark Church of Christ. We believe that God’s people are called to demonstrate God’s love by sharing with those in need. Clothing, furniture and housewares are free of charge to anyone in need. The Hope Chest is staffed by West-Ark members who volunteer their time.Lunch & Devotional (formerly "Under the Bridge")
Contacts: Jack Lewis (459-0168)
This ministry serves a hot meal each third and fifth Saturday of the month to inner city residents, usually at Hope Pavilion (located off of “H” Street between North 2nd Street and Clayton Expressway). A lesson from God’s Word is shared with those attending.The Way (local outreach)
Contacts: Jack Lewis (459-0168)
The Way is a local outreach that includes weekly Bible classes and Sunday Life Group at 5:00 p.m. in the FLC. This work involves many opportunities to work with both adults and children from Fort Smith's inner city.Tutoring Program
Contacts: Sheila Vaught (646-2945)
Leslie Holland (785-4553)
Jack Lewis (459-0168)
This is a community outreach that tutors children from three local elementary schools. One adult tutor helps the same child with homework and simple Bible lessons every Tuesday afternoon throughout the school year.Jail Ministry
Contacts: Dan and Janet Cathey (452-6803)
Rochelle Brown (646-4105)
Men and women minister to the spiritual needs of those confined in prison by teaching them the gospel of Jesus and bringing them into the proper relationship with God and their fellow man.Meals for New Moms
Contact: Shelley McGehee (918-436-7770)
After mom and the new baby are home, meals are prepared and delivered to the family. You will be called and asked to prepare either a meat & bread or veggie & dessert.Prayer Pagers
Contacts: Rachelle Pratt
Pager deliveries are made by: Rachelle Pratt
Everyone can support this ministry! Pagers are given to church members during times of extreme illness, surgery, or family crises. When you remember them in prayer, you may pass on the encouragement by dialing their pager number (which vibrates).Quilters
Mondays, "Come & go" from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Quilting Room
Contacts: Fran Wade (709-9930)
Betty Hatcher (452-8554)
Ladies make quilts for West-Ark brides, storm victims, battered women, burned-out families, and those in need. In addition to quilts, they also make wheelchair "pockets" and lap robes for local nursing homes.Transportation
Contact: (position unfilled)
There are a number of members who need a ride to church. Some ride only on Sunday morning, and others only need to be picked up at night. Presently, we have around 12 riders on Sunday morning and 8 Sunday and Wednesday nights. Our riding members tell us that they very much appreciate that the church provides this ministry. Driving the route takes a little more than one hour each way. Additional drivers are needed.Visitation and Involvement
Contact Position OpenWeddings
Contact: Coleen Shirley (474-5256)
Do you have experience with coordinating weddings? Are you good at handling the details of a large social event? Can you direct and communicate with people in a gracious way? If so, please consider being a wedding coordinator for West-Ark brides.Wedding Equipment
Contact: Coleen Shirley (474-5256)
West-Ark's has a collection of wedding equipment, flowers, greenery, and tulle for West-Ark brides to use. If you would like to inventory and keep track of these things, please call the church office (452-1240).Widows/Widowers
Contacts: Jack and Janice Lowry (474-8851)
Marvin and Bobbie Hughes (1-479-674-5814)
Mike and Mary Burkett (646-6079)
This ministry addresses the spiritual and physical needs of our widows. It creates opportunities for fellowship and spiritual growth. They try to meet the first Saturday of every month.
How does West-Ark touch the world?
Bible Correspondence and Tracts
Contacts: Hazel Richards (783-6596)
Using World Bible School material via e-mail and "snail" mail, Bible lessons are distributed to new and current students.Ethiopia
Expand evangelism efforts in the Sidomo region of Ethiopia by providing funding for deaf school and preachers' training schools, establishing English language school in effort to evangelize unreached urban center, and encouraging government relations by providing medical supplies.France
Provide some assistance to evangelistic activities of John Paul and Ruby Lee Hundley in encouraging congregations in France.Guyana
West-Ark supports the missionary activities of Operation Guyana, directed by Steve and Colleen DeLoach. This organization provides free evangelistic medical clinics, formal Bible school training, vacation Bible schools, church maturing projects, building projects, and a Christian youth camp in Guyana, South America.Laotian Ministry
Contacts: Kelvin Kleman (783-7839)
Tom Porter (651-5345)
This ministry assists the Lao Church of Christ in its outreach to the Fort Smith Laotian community.Missions Committee
Contact: Jerry Canfield (452-7682)
This ministry coordinates the participation of this congregation's mission efforts around the world.Nigeria
Provide radio program and Christian leadership training in Amambra State; provide evangelistic support and radio program in Kogi State; and complete evangelistic efforts in support of congregational development in Mbaise, Imo State; some assistance to congregations in Benue State, Nigeria, which congregations were initiated and nurtured by West-Ark's Benue State Program from 1987-1996.Personal Evangelism
Contacts: Michael Cole (452-4478)
Roy Dunavin (782-6749)
The primary focus of the Lord's church is saving souls. We encourage everyone at West-Ark to informally share the Gospel with others. More formal efforts at West-Ark include World Bible School lessons sent by traditional mailings and e-mail, and short-term, overseas evangelistic mission efforts. Jule Miller video tapes are available. If you would like a one-on-one Bible study, or if you have a friend who would like to study, feel free to contact Roy Dunavin.Short-Term Foreign Medical Missions
Contact: Michael Cole (452-4478)
West-Ark has sent at least one medical mission team overseas each year since 1990. Team members are given extensive evangelistic and cultural training. Over 160 West-Ark members have participated in evangelistic short-term, medical mission projects. In Guyana, South America, our teams have provided health care for 25,272 patients. Our Bible studies in Guyana have resulted in 769 baptisms.Southeast Asia
Continue to evangelize the country of Laos by providing seminars for Lao Christians, radio programs into Laos, and support to NE Thai congregations which provide encouragement and fellowship to Lao Christians. Thomas Kweekul continues evangelistic efforts by spending 6 months per year in NE Thailand encouraging the Lao, working with congregational development, and translating materials for Laos. Support evangelistic opportunities in Vietnam. USA
Iglesia de Cristo (local Hispanic outreach)
Contact: Oscar Nolasco (783-8975; 561-0263)
Iglesia de Cristo began in late summer 2002 as an outreach to our local Spanish-speaking community. Oscar Nolasco works as full time minister and also holds individual Bible studies weekly. Iglesia de Cristo meets at 3424 Johnson Street, averages 55-60 in attendance, and is growing daily!Lao Church of Christ (local outreach)
Contact Position Open
The Lao congregation began in 1981-82 with 2 or 3 families and the teaching and influence of "grandpa" Tom Porter. Today there are over 21 families meeting together for worship and Bible study each Sunday.
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