Karen's Article Bella Vista Church of Christ 3_5_08

What an absolutely beautiful Lord’s Day!! It seems spring is getting closer by the minute. We were blessed with the following visitors: Mikayla Bond (Gardner, KS), Pat & Maria Cowden and Jacob & Sarah (Strafford, MO), Rielly Murray (Olathe, KS), Stan & Merlene Taylor (Mt Vernon, MO), Juanita Winters (McKenzie, TN), Nancy Meyer (Washington, MO), Otis & Carol Busbee (Marshall), Shelby Busbee (West Fork), Doris Ragland (Marshall), Dean & Deborah Button (Bentonville), Ted & Lanette and Megan Hiers and Vicky Hobson (Centerton), Marcus Houtchen (Gravette),Cathy Power, Lily West and Mike & Alma Wrinkle (Bella Vista), Linda Doty, Nathan Lunsford, Logan & Tara Spaw and Parker, Tyler Stroud and Randy Gibbs.

Those on our sick list and others needing special prayers include: Please continue to keep Jennifer and Jeff Oxford in your prayers. Talked to Jeff Sunday night and he said that doctors are very pleased with Jennifer’s progress, her blood count is going in the right direction and she is doing remarkably well!! Prayers do work!! Chuck Pippin is in rehabilitation at Springdale’s Northwest Medical Center after his knee surgery. Joyce is not feeling well. They both need our prayers, and check to see if they need any help. Pray for Burl Griggs who will be having surgery in a few days concerning his heart. Lloyd and Betty Berry continue to need our prayers. Betty is in Bentonville’s Northwest Medical Center, room 1430, and Lloyd is in Bradford House. Their mailing address is 24 Ventner, Bella Vista, 72715, and phone # is 855-7262. Why not take time this week to see if they need any assistance. John Archer left Monday for a mission trip to Santiago, Chili. Pray that their mission effort will be a success and for a safe return home. Continue to pray for Shirley Hansen, Robert Oakley, our missionaries, our military and especially for our servicemen that we know, Stephen Duffy, Eric Button, Don Butcher Jr., Ben Burlew and Cam Middlebook. Also pray for their families who miss and love them very much!

We must read Scripture every day and meditate on what God said to fight temptation from the world and live a life that’s Spirit-led. –Sper Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:11

We would like to thank Nancy and Woody Barker for their hard work around the building last week! We would also like to thank Jeff & Staci Grisham, Charlotte Akridge, Gay Lynn Weldon, and several of our teenagers who hosted a Parent’s Night Out last Saturday evening. Everyone had a great time!

Our new Wednesday night Ladies Bible Class, started this week. Amy Bowman is leading a discussion on the books of Ester and Ruth. Also, the Ladies Card Ministry began working on their latest project for the for the nursing homes. This is a great ministry on Wednesday evening. If you are interested in participation, see Patsy Tarr.

Our young people are reminded about Green Valley Bible Camp. There are applications in the foyer, and they need to be completed and submitted as soon as possible.

Items needed for our Fair Haven Children’s Home are taco sauce, jello, Vienna sausage, toilet tissue and aluminum foil. Thanks to all who participate in this rewarding ministry!

Let God’s Word fill your memory, rule your heart, and guide your feet.

Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

February 27

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

We did have a beautiful Lord’s Day!! This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) We were blessed with our visitors: Doug & Barbara Claxton (Joplin, MO), Nancy Meyer (Washington, MO), Chareen & Logan Button, and Dean & Deborah Button (Bentonville), Patti Thomas (Harrison), Vicky Hobson (Centerton), Jim & Shirl Miller, and Cathy Power (Bella Vista), Randy Gibbs and Tyler Stroud.

Our prayer list this week includes: Cecil and Millie Boothe in the loss of his father. Friends of several in the congregation, Lloyd & Betty Berry, are both having serious medical problems and need our prayers. Randall’s mom is doing better, but still needs our prayers. Randall and Georgia’s grandson, Luis, is now off his breathing treatments and is doing well in Florida. They thank you for your prayers, and pray that when he comes home he will continue to be healed. Continue to pray for Jennifer Oxford, Burl Griggs, and Robert Oakley. John Archer and Robert Miranda have asked us to pray for their mission trip to Santiago, Chili which begins March 3rd. Remember our missionaries, and our military; especially Stephen Duffy, Eric Button, Don Butcher Jr., Ben Burlew and Cam Middlebrook.

“We are dependent on the strength we draw from one another; Words spoken give encouragement, love practiced draws us closer.” (Sper) “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers.” (1 Peter 3:12)

A big thanks to all the teachers who taught our children’s classes for the winter quarter! We already have our teachers for the spring quarter! This is wonderful!! We receive many blessings when we teach these children! We also thank Cecil Boothe in organizing this teaching ministry! We don’t want to forget to thank all our adult teachers also! You are very much appreciated and loved!

Amy Bowman will be leading a discussion a group on Wednesday evenings. This Ladies Class will start next Wednesday March 5th. The study will be taken from the books of Ruth and Esther. You will enjoy the study of these two outstanding women of the Bible.

You are invited to join the Ladies Card Ministry Wednesday evenings in the Fellowship Area. Patsy Tarr has new craft ideas to make as gifts to area nursing home residents. Why not join them in this community outreach ministry?

The Area-Wide Monthly Singing will be hosted by the Gravette congregation this Sunday. It begins at 2:30 P.M. Come and join in the beautiful singing! The Lubbock Christian University is offering a trip to Canada. They will be going to Toronto, Niagara Falls, Montreal and Quebec, starting July 17-24. If you are interested, you will find information in the church office.

Our March Birthdays: Brenda Branstetter (1), Mark Henkle (2), Maynard Hamilton (5), Nicole Fields and Casey Winters (6), Laura Wohlford (8), Mike York (9), Rhena Manis and Barbara Persels (10), Aaron Bagwell, Andy Beccard, Dave Mowry and Jim Passmore (11), Jim Branstetter, John Hayes, Chuck Pippin and Janna Reynolds (13), Phil Ward (16), Keeley Pettigrew and Tom Verkler (17), John Manis and Robert Moser (21), Shirley Hatfield, Dwight Phillips and Toby Whorton (24), Winfred Brown and Heather Cooper (26), Richard Mason (27), Rosemary Burns (29), and Woody Barker (30). March Anniversaries: Aaron & Becky Sloan (1), Stan & Rebecca Hankins (3), Adam & Missi Hight and Elfriede & Ray Stice (6), Fuller & Ann Gillen and Janna & Darryl Reynolds (17), Tim & Kingsley Wicks (19), and Mike & Carolyn Lacey (25).

Items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home include kleenex, juice, hamburger helper, toothpaste and instant pudding.

“Others see what we do, but God sees why we do it.” Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

February 20

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cecil Boothe’s father, Jay. Please keep Cecil, Millie and their family in your prayers. Also pray for their safe return home from the funeral in Corpus Christi, Texas.

We had lots of rain over the weekend! Well, it could have been ice!! We made it to church, had a nice Fellowship Dinner, and listened to three great lessons from Randall! Now I call that a blessed day!! We want to thank the Winters family, Marg Kahler, Robin Kinder and others who help prepare the wonderful dinner by setting it up, preparing the food and cleaning up. There is a lot of work that goes into these fellowship dinners, and so well done!! Great job!!

These are the visitors we were blessed with this Lord’s Day: Louise Brown (Amarillo, TX), Lance Nicholson (Branson, MO), Neal & Debra Nicholson (Elk City, OK), Mark Welker (Tulsa, OK), Tim & Shelly Gill and Jade (Jonesboro), Brian Halbert (Fayetteville), Megan Rose Hiers (Centerton), Dean & Deborah Button (Bentonville), Cathy Power and Mike & Alma Wrinkle (Bella Vista), Randy Gibbs and Pauline Spaw.

We offer a big WELCOME to Matt, Carol Anne Braswell, along with eleven month old son Tyler. They come to us from the congregation in Cave Springs. Matt is employed by the Carlton Bates Company in Springdale as an account manager and outside sales representative. Get to know this young family, make them welcome, and invite them into your social circle.

Those on our sick list and needing our special prayers include: Jennifer Oxford continues to make some improvements each day, but it is a slow process; please keep her in your prayers daily. Ramona Munsell’s father, James, is home now after being in the hospital. Warren Welker was also in the hospital, and now is at home. He would appreciate your prayers, visits and calls. Jessie Hoover asked that we remember his aunt Patsy, in Holister, who is having a rough time with chemo treatments. Burl Griggs continues to need our prayers. Please keep Burl and his family in your prayers. Continue to remember the Pinner, Gregoire, Barker and the Persel families in their recent losses, Chuck Dunham and Randall and Georgia’s grandson Luis. Pray for our missionaries and our servicemen: Stephen Duffy, Eric Button, Don Butcher Jr., Ben Burlew and Cam Middlebrook.

“By faith a Christian can have poise and rise above all that annoys—sustained and strengthened by God’s power to live in victory hour by hour.” (Hess) “Let the peace of God rule in your hearts,…and be thankful.” (Colossians 3:15)

John Archer and Robert Miranda will be leaving on March 3rd for a mission trip to Santiago, Chile. They will be working with five congregations in the city of Santiago, and with our missionary Helmer Rosero and his family. Pray for them a safe and successful trip.

These are some of the things you need to know! This Spring's Bible class material is in the foyer to the Fellowship Area for teachers to pick up. And... If you would like to teach on Sunday morning or Wednesday night, you need to see Cecil Boothe or Randall. We have a revised and reorganized Care Group Ministry. Our Eldership asks that we cooperate with the leaders of these groups, in an effort to keep in touch with one another. A big thank you to the Mowrys, for working on this special project!

We would also like to thank Betty Smith, Dee Eitzen and Carylon Watson for preparing and serving dinner to the Pinner family, and the Bentonville congregation for their desserts. We have so many in our church family who do so much that it is easy to overlook some. We did that last week with the list of those who help prepare our bulletin and work in our tract ministry… We thank Betty Smith, Cleo Drevs, Mary Fry, Richard Mason, Bob & Mattlee Grace, Dave & Kathrine Mowry, Evelyn Lessly and Phyllis Spaw.

Those items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home are flour, canned soups, salad dressings, and pie filling.

When you’re weary in life’s struggles, find your rest in the Lord. Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

February 6

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

God’s beauty has surely been displayed! What a beautiful snowfall we had and then a few days later it feels like spring! I love it! Here are the visitors we were blessed with this Lord’s Day: Tokee Richard (Shawnee, OK), Bob & JoNeil Towler (Seneca, MO), Ted & Lanette Hiers and Megan (Centerton), Rawlon & Madilynn Ruddick and Dean & Deborah Button (Bentonville), Matt & Carol Anne Brasswell and Tyler, Richard & Dianna Mehnert, and Cathy Power (Bella Vista), and Randy Gibbs.

We have quite a few on our prayer list who are ill or just need special prayers. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Aileen Gregoire, who lost her husband, Frank, Sunday morning. Frank and Aileen attended the Bentonville Church of Christ. We had a call from Burl Griggs’s daughter, Ramona, and Burl has been in the hospital with breathing problems. Osa Branstetter asked that we pray for her son Steve, who is having serious personal problems. Don Sinquefield is recovering from surgery and also lost his son last week. Homer Makinson has been diagnosed with the shingles. Don Moseley is still recovering from his surgery and needs our prayers. Jacob Moseley broke his arm this past week. Randall is taking his grandson Luis to South Florida in hopes that the climate will help his breathing problems. Please keep Luis and his family, and Georgia and Randall in your prayers. Continue to remember our military — especially Don Butcher, Jr., Steven Duffy, Eric Button, and Shirley Hansen’s grandson, Robbie — as well as our missionaries.

Thanks to our Elders who presented us with our 2008 budget this Lord’s Day, and to Charles Cash for our evening services. Charles is our new associate minister. We are happy to have Charles and Nancy! Be sure and get acquainted with them. “I can always count on God, my heavenly Father, for He changes not; He always is the same—yesterday, today, forever, He is faithful, and I know He loves me, praise His holy name.”

The teens will be having a Trick Bowling outing on Saturday, February 16, at 11 AM. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. See Mark or Wilma Bagwell for more information.

The items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home are olive oil, spaghetti’os, canned fruit, paper napkins and pancake syrup.

“God’s great power deserves our grateful praise!” Love you, see you next Lord’s day.

January 30

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the families of Ed Knudsen and Phyllis McCulley. Ed lost his wife Jean last week. Phyllis lost her mother, Edith Koontz. Keep Ed, Phyllis, and their families in your prayers.

It seems like we’re switching daily from winter to spring. It sure adds a little spice to life! Here are the visitors we were blessed with this week: Norma Rose Butcher (Clyde, TX), Corinne Button (Conneaut, OH), Sandi Phillips (Ogdon, UT), Matt Skinner and family (Cassville, MO), Patti Thomas (Harrison), Deborah Button, Chris Cash and Rawlon Ruddick (Bentonville), Ted & Lanette Hiers and Megan and Vicky Hobson (Centerton), Charles & Nancy Cash, Tisha & Kyle Deen, Jim & Shirl Miller and Cathy Power (all from Bella Vista), Randy Gibbs and Megan Reed.
Those on our prayer list who are sick or who just need special prayers include: Don Moseley had surgery last week and he is doing better. Don Sinquefield had surgery Monday. Jennifer Oxford had her bone marrow transplant last Saturday and still very much needs our prayers. Randall & Georgia have asked that we pray for their grand-son Louis who is having some health problems. Lloyd Berry is slowly improving in ICU at Bentonville’s Northwest Medical Center. Continue to remember Burl Griggs, Gladys Caselman, Glenda Oliver (Linda Funk’s friend with cancer), our missionaries and our military. Especially remember these servicemen: Steven Duffy, Shirley Hansen’s grandson Robbie, Don Butcher Jr., and Eric Button.

We are so thankful for the wonderful lessons that Charles Cash has brought us on this Lord’s Day! Charles has been filling in for Randall during his time off. “O love of God, our shield and stay through all the perils of our way; Eternal love, in Thee we rest, forever safe, forever blest.” (Bonar) “…to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” (Ephesians 3:19)
Thanks to all those who prepared for Jared’s Farewell Dinner after Sunday evening services, and to those who cleaned up afterwards and to Brenda Branstetter for the beautiful cake. Jared is finishing his doctorate degree next month and will eventually be teaching college full-time. We all love Jared very much, he has done so much and we are all going to miss him tremendously!
Attention: Ray Pinner has moved to the Bradford House (1202 SE 30th, Room 411, Bentonville, AR., 72712; phone 273-5502). Olga Smith also will be moving February 1st. Her new address is Brookfield @ Highland Crossing, #130 #3 Highland Crossing, Bella Vista, AR, 72715 and phone # 855-1625.
If you would like to purchase the DVD’s we have been watching on Wednesday night, there is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. There is a special price for group orders. The Daily Bible Reading Schedules and bookmarks from Gospel Tracts International are available in the foyer. Take as many as you need. Also Randall’s new book, Hearts Fit For The Journey, are also in the foyer for $4. If you would be willing to organize an event (skating party, bowling party, etc.) for the pre-teen children of the congregation for this year, please sign up in the foyer.

Those items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home are shampoo, instant oatmeal, conditioners, laundry soap, and toilet cleaner.

Our February Birthdays: Kaylee Nivens Sinquefield (2), Scott Fields (3), Sarah Gillen and Alison Moseley (4), Ray Stice (5), Scott Cargile (6), Mary Kerley (7), Mildred Shelton (8), Susan Duffy (11), Doug Kahler and Alan McPhail (12), Amy Vincent (14), Jazman Hott (16), Pat Aylott (17), Mattlee Grace (18), Austin Branam (20), Rob McCulley (21), Morgan Willard (22), Sarah Beccard, Roxanna Harrell and Evelyn Lessly (23), Charles Harvey (24), and Delores Eitzen (26). February Anniversaries: Don & Barbara Persels (10), Jim & Brenda Branstetter (12), Ken & Joan Nowlin (14), Dennis & Ragena Reinig (15) and Steven & Jennifer Kinder (24).
God’s love has no limits. Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

Janaury 23

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

What a beautiful Lord’s Day we had! “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34) These are the visitors we were blessed with: Kendra & Kacey Dempewolf and Suzanne Doss (Coweta, OK), Sandi Phillips (Ogdon, UT), Linda Funk (Wichita, KS), Neal & Debra Nicholson (Elk City, OK), Stan & Ramona Pavlas (Las Vegas, NV), David, Ray & Debbie Bright (Stamps), Logan & Chareen Button, Deborah Button, Katie & Faith Lessly, Janell Wood and Rawlon Ruddick (all from Bentonville), Charles & Nancy Cash, Tisha & Kyle Deen, Jim & Shirl Miller, Cathy Power (Bella Vista), Brian Halbert, Tyler Stroud and Randy Gibbs.

There are several on our prayer sick list and others needing special prayers. Remember Ed Knudsen in the loss of his wife Jean; the Knudsens were long-time members here. Also remember Phyllis Archer in the loss of her mother Rowena Parker. Jennifer Oxford is receiving treatments at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Pray for Lloyd Berry, a friend of Randall and Georgia. Randall’s mom, Gladys, is now home from the hospital and is doing better. Linda Funk asks that we pray for Glenda Oliver, who has stage-three ovarian cancer. Ray Pinner is also out of the hospital and has been moved to the Bradford House (1202 SE 30th, Room 411, Bentonville, AR, 72712). Remember Ray is having a birthday on January 28th and will be 94, and would love to receive your birthday cards for him! Continue to pray for the Griggs family, Shirley Hale, Randall & Georgia, Jim Bynum, Sue Gartrell, Dee Eitzen’s mother, our missionaries and our military.

This is the address for Jennifer & Jeff Oxford while they are in Minnesota for Jennifer’s treatments. Their address is 211 1st Street NE, Apartment 307, Rochester, Minnesota 55906. I know it would be great to hear from all of you back home and lift their spirits!!

We thank Charles Cash again for more great lessons this Lord’s Day!! He said he loved to preach and does a great job! “Think not alone of outward form; It’s beauty will depart; But cultivate the Spirit’s fruits that grow within the heart.” (D. De Haan)

Congratulations to Randall & Georgia on the birth of their new great-grandson, Eli McLaurin, born to Hannah and Malcolm McLaurin last Wednesday.

There will be a special going away party for Jared after evening services on January 27th. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer for sandwiches, chips and pop. Don’t forget your cards and have a good time!! Jared is special to us all and we wish him the best and lots of love and happiness!!

You can purchase a set of the DVDs we've been watching on Wednesday evenings by going to www.SilencingofGod.org.

If you would like to join a Fun, Food & Fellowship Group, talk to Mary Louise Harris.
Don’t forget the devotional at Highlands Health Center Sunday 27th at 2:30 P.M.

Remember that Charles Cash will be our speaker again Sunday.

Items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home include cake mix, deodorant, tomato sauce, spam and canned chicken.

“Nothing can dim the beauty that shines from within.” Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

January 16

FAMILY & FRIENDS
Karen Horton

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to Phyllis Archer in the loss of her mother, Rowena Parker. Please keep Phyllis, John and their family in your prayers. Rowena was a very dear lady and will be greatly missed by all.

“I will give thanks to the Lord with all my heart; I will tell of all Your wonders.” (Psalm 9:1) We had a beautiful Lord’s Day! These are the visitors we were blessed with: Whitney Diane Cool and Linda Funk (Wichita, KS), Debra Nicholson (Elk City, OK), Bob & Patsy Boynton (Whitney, TX), Chareen & Logan Button, Deborah Button, Katie Lessly, Austin Nelson, and Mark & Laura Williams and Katie & Beth (Bentonville), Ted & Lanette Hiers and Megan, Vicky Hobson (Centerton), Kay Hutchinson, Peggy Maddock and Donna Noll (Siloam Springs), Matt & Carol Anne Brasswell and Tyler, Norma Rose Butcher, Charles & Nancy Cash, Richard & Dianna Mehnert, Jim & Shirl Miller and Cathy Power (all from Bella Vista), Tyler Stroud, Brian Halbert and Ashley Thielbar.

Those on our sick list and others needing special prayers include: Gladys Caselman (Randall’s mother) is in the hospital with a blood clot in her leg. Ray Pinner has been moved to Bradford House; the address there is 1202 SE 30th in Bentonville. Chuck Dunnam has requested our prayers. Continue to pray for Randall and Georgia, Shirley Hale, Tim Short, Jim Bynum, Sue Gartrell, Dee Eitzen’s mother, and Jennifer Oxford. Keep our missionaries and our military in your prayers, especially Steven Duffy, Don Butcher, Jr., Ben Burlew and Cam Middlebrook. Please don’t forget all those who have recently lost loved ones, Cecil & Millie Boothe, Warren Welker, Virginia Bridwell, Richard Mason, Burl Griggs, Phyllis Archer, Mary Bell Banks and Patty Sinquefield.

Jeff and Jennifer Oxford are now at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota again. The doctors plan on performing a bone marrow transplant on Jennifer soon. The Oxfords’ address while they are in Minnesota is 211 1st Street NE, Apartment 307, Rochester, MN, 55906. Their phone number will be 507-328-8839.

Thanks to Charles Cash for two fantastic lessons this Lord’s Day! “Blest be the tie that binds or hearts in Christian love! The fellowship of kindred minds is like to that above.” (Fawcett)
Here are some of the things you need to know: We are in need for those willing to prepare communion and lock up the building for a month at a time in 2008. Your help would be greatly appreciated. The new Fun, Food, and Fellowship groups will be starting in February. Please sign the sheet in the foyer. This is a good way to get to know everyone. We hope all our newest members will sign up! You will enjoy the great fellowship and good food!

Those items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home are toilet tissue, aluminum foil, paper towels, and zip lock bags.

“Followers of Christ should focus on what unites them, not on what divides them.” Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.