December 19

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

Over the weekend, we received a little taste of winter, with cold wind and temperatures, snow and ice. Let’s pray for all those who were in the bad ice storm all around us. It was a devastating storm for some of our neighbors, and we can count our blessings many times over. Our visitors we were blessed with included: Tina Hall (Dover, TN), Otis Busbee (Marshall), Darrel & Shirley Baker (Rogers), Mary Green and Rawlon C & Madilynn Ruddick (Bentonville), Ted & Lanette Hiers (Centerton), Charles & Nancy Cash, Jerry Jeffcoat and Richard & Dianna Mehnert (all from Bella Vista), and Marsha DeVault and Tyler Stroud.

Those on our sick list or just needing special prayers include: Pauline Lambert in Highlands Health, room 204. Frank Gregoire in ICU at Bentonville’s Northwest Medical Center. Frank has been very ill, but is improving some. Sue Gartrell is having health problems and needs our prayers. David Saunder’s niece, Janlyn Brewers, had brain surgery. Continue to remember Marie Flanary’s father Jim Bynum, Glenda Wise’s relative John Collis, Dee Eitzen’s mother, Patty Sinquefield, Don Calhoun, Jennifer Oxford, Norma & Burl Griggs, our missionaries and military. Let’s also remember to pray for those who will be traveling over the Holidays and for those who are in need or who are alone or lonely.

We had two great lessons his past Lord’s Day. Randall did the Sunday morning lesson, and Robb Hadley did the preacher’s exchange for our congregation Sunday evening. Thanks to both for giving us these encouraging lessons to help us with our walk with the Lord.

Our Wednesday Night Fellowship Suppers are discontinued until January 9th. A big thanks to all who have helped in this ministry, it is greatly appreciated. If you would like to serve, see Jared.

Last Monday, at the Area-Wide Preachers Meeting, Randall was honored for his work with Gospel Tracts International. They have published a book of his sermons preached here in Bella and in South Africa. Our Elders have made it possible for each family to have a copy. If you want more, they are $4 each. Pick up the books and add the total to your contribution. All proceeds go to Gospel Tracts.

There is a position open at the Harding University Northwest Arkansas Professional Center for a part-time secretary; contact Cecil Boothe at 271-9659 for details.

Those items needed for Fair Haven Children’s Home are cereal, spaghetti’os, applesauce, trash bags and paper plates.

Our January Birthdays: Megan Jackson Hott (2), Sarah Sloan (3), Sharon Franklin and Marg Kahler (4), Wilma Bagwell and Phyllis Spaw (6), Missi Hight (7), Noah Kinder (9), Randall Caselman and Dakota Hayes (11), Skyler Coombs (12), Nicholas Gibson and John Shepard (13), Jesse Hoover, Olga Smith and Beverly Tate (15), Marlee Kinder and Linda Winters (18), Carolyn Lacey (20), Shirley Hansen (21), Tim Lee (23), Jeanie Schell and Betty Smith (24), Lance Keller and Jeff Oxford (27), Ray Pinner (28), Lela Davis, Katie Lee and Shelley Short (31). Our January Anniversaries: Mike & Sue Gartrell (1), Don & Patty Sinquefield (7), Winfred & Jo Brown (19), Don & Shirley Hansen (20), Phyllis & Bob McCulley and Harold & Lafonda Williams (22), Dale & Virginia Bridwell (25), Bob & Mary Louise Harris (26), and Pat & Lance Keller (27).

“Repentance means hating sin enough to turn from it.” Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

December 12

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

We are happy to announce that Adam and Missi Hight have placed membership with this congregation. Adam and Missi have three children, Darbi, Torin and Quinn. Be sure and get acquainted with this lovely family, and make sure they are in your Fun Food & Fellowship groups.

I do believe that winter is making its way into our area! Even though we might be inconvenienced a little sometimes, what a beautiful splendor of God’s beauty is displayed! We were blessed with our visitors this Lord’s Day: Bob & Patsy Boynton (Whitney, TX), Vicky Hobson (Centerton), Richard & Diana Mehnert and Brock & Austin and Charles & Nancy Cash (Bella Vista), Greg Wise and Randy Gibbs.

Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the family of Freddie Banks. Freddie was dearly loved by all of us and will be greatly missed Freddie was a true example of a good Christian man. Please keep Mary Bell and children Ervin, Kathy and Vicky all in your prayers.

Our list of those needing prayers include: Patty Sinquefield as she deals with Lupus. Tara Tinsley, daughter of Charles & Cindy Harvey, was scheduled to have surgery Monday. Please keep her in your prayers as she recovers. Pray that she will be back to full health soon. Dee Eitzen’s mother is not doing well and also needs our prayers. Rebecca Hankins contracted a high fever while traveling in Egypt. Stan asks that we pray for her. Continue to remember Don Calhoun, Jennifer Oxford, Norma & Burl Griggs, Chuck, Joyce and Trent Dunnam, our missionaries and those serving in the military.

What a great lesson Randall had for us this Lord’s Day! Have we checked our spiritual growth and maturity lately? God will help us pursue spiritual excellence if we study His Word, grow in His Word and use it, share His Word with others and always maintain a close fellowship with Him! “We all, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

Jennifer Busbee told me what a great Christmas party the ladies had! A big thank you from all the ladies to their host, Paula Almond! We have to mention Elizabeth and Laura Wohlford in the fine job they did in their Arkansas Figure Ice Skating Christmas Show! Those girls know how to skate!

Thanks to all the children who helped make the cards for the shut-ins and sick! They did a great job and brightened a lot of lives. The young people have been learning in their Bible classes how they can serve God, and this is a great way. Thanks to Sharon Franklin for getting this all together for the children!

A big thank you also to those who helped with filling the shoe boxes for our area children! This is a great program.

We hope you are enjoying the Holiday Fellowship opportunities, The Seniors are scheduled to go to Fayetteville's Catfish Hole on Friday. A big thank you to the Wohlford family for hosting a party for our teens.

Lloyd and Charlotte Schardein are moving to Edmond, Oklahoma. They will be living in the retirement community at Oklahoma Christian University. They have meant so much to this community and to our congregation. Charlotte has worked with Concordia and Lloyd spent many hours taking care of our building and grounds. We will miss them, and wish them well in their new home.

This week's items for Fair Haven Children’s Home include shampoo, instant oatmeal, conditioners, laundry soap and toilet cleaner. Thank you for participating in this ministry during the past year.

“Spiritual growth requires the solid food of God’s Word.”

Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.

December 5

FAMILY & FRIENDS
By Karen Horton

“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are glad.” (Psalm 126.3) The holidays can be stressful. Hope everyone will be light-hearted and remember what the true blessings in life are! We were blessed these visitors: Bob & Patsy Boynton (Whitney, TX), Doug & Barbara Claxton (Joplin, MO), Ann Hostler (Anacortes, WA), Rawlon C. & Madilynn Ruddick and daughter (Bentonville), Charles & Nancy Cash, Amy Rooney, and Cynthia & Sydney Casey (Bella Vista), Logan & TaraTyler Stroud and Randy Gibbs.

Our sympathy is extended to the family of Freddie Banks, who passed away Monday. Remember Mary Bell, Ervin, Kathy, Vicky, and the grandchildren in your prayers.

Those on our sick list needing our prayers include: Patty Sinquefield, who has been diagnosed with Lupus. Glenda Wise who is recovering at home from her surgery. Dee Eitzen’s mother is seriously ill at Highland’s Health Center. Rebecca Hankins recently contracted a high fever while traveling in Egypt. Stan request our prayers on her behalf. Continue to remember Jennifer Oxford, Norma and Burl Griggs, Ray Pinner, Mary Montgomery, our military, our missionaries, and those who have lost loved ones recently.

“What is it about the Bible that catches us off guard? That reaches into the depths of our souls and little by little begins to straighten us out? It digs up our arrogance and pride and enables us to forgive and forget. It creates spaces for understanding that we would not have thought possible… Nothing of humankind can do that for us. Only God’s Spirit has the ability to reach that deep into life.” (Swindoll)

Congratulations to Aaron Bagwell and Sheryl Kinder, who were the only teens to successfully meet the Fall Quarter Challenge! We love our young people!!

The Ladies Bible Class is giving us a gift giving opportunity as they prepare Shoe Box Gifts for needy children in our area. You may pick up your box or boxes in the foyer. Enclosed in each will be a list of item to purchase. The ladies ask that you leave room for a small Bible and return the box before noon on Wednesday, December 12th. Thanks for your help!!

The Holiday Singles Luncheon is Saturday morning on December 8th, here at the building. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. Also on that same day, the Wohlford girls will be skating in the Christmas Pageant at the Jones Center. There are still some tickets left for this event if you would like to go. There is no cost. Jared will drive the van, and we will leave the building at 6 PM.

Paula Almond is hosting the Annual Ladies Gift Exchange also on Saturday December 8th at 6 PM. Bring a small holiday exchange ($7.50 limit) and your favorite holiday snack food. Thanks Paula!!

Mary & Dennis Wohlford will be hosting a teenage party at their home Friday evening, December 14th at 6:03. You'll need to bring a gift ($7 or less in value) for exchange.

The Area-Wide Pulpit Exchange continues this Sunday evening. Our speaker will be Jack English from Center Street congregation... Come!!... You'll be glad you did!

Items needed this week for Fair Haven Children’s Home are paper towels, zip lock bags, tea bags, deodorant and tomato sauce. Leave them in the baskets in the foyer... Thanks!

Remember... Keep your words sweet, you may have to eat them later!

Love you, see you next Lord’s Day.