Weekly News and Updates

January 8, 2026 | Volume 40, Issue 1

FROM YOUR PASTOR'S HEART ... WHAT'S NOT IMPOSSIBLE?! FOR YOU TO MINISTER POWERFULLY!!

Man! I don’t know what it is about the new year that gets me so fired up. Maybe it is the rest I received over the break. Maybe it is the extra time in prayer … Maybe it is YOUR encouragement to me. Whatever it is, I am so excited about this coming year, and I am so excited about Sunday’s message and your response. We are closing out, for now, our series on Nothing is Impossible with God; however, I have a little surprise for you. We will return to the theme again soon. It will keep popping up this year 😊!   

This Sunday, I felt led to return to Romans 15:13-32. Paul is beginning to close out his letter to the Roman Christians and preparing them for his visit. In these few verses, He gives all Christians everywhere some amazing teaching on how to minister powerfully to others. I pray it will encourage you and that you will respond to the altar call. We all need to come. Jesus said, “Freely you shall receive!  Freely give!” (Matthew 10:8). He was talking about the power and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. We ALL need an impartation from the LORD for the Kingdom work He has for us in 2026 and beyond!   

Let’s come hungry, humble, and happy to receive from Him so we may give His grace and blessings to others! Come learn from the Apostle Paul and the Holy Spirit How to Minister Powerfully!  We will return to our series in the book of Hebrews on January 18. 

See you Sunday … with GREAT EXPECTATIONS! 

Wes

The new year brings a wonderful opportunity to refresh your relationship with Christ by participating in Heritage Women's ministries! We are offering two opportunities to meet with other ladies to grow in Christ this spring.

Forgiving What You Can't Forget, Saturday, January 10, 2026, 9am - noon, in The New Room. In a three-hour workshop, understanding the pain involved when someone does the unchangeable, unimaginable and seemingly unforgivable. Yet, as Christians we must forgive others of their actions. Does this mean you must forget? By studying the Biblical perspectives of forgiveness and peace, we will endeavor to find comfort and stillness through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Bring notetaking supplies! (extra resource: Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, by Lysa TerKeurst.) Facilitated by Leanna Garrett.

Becoming a Disciple Maker for Christ: Sunday, January 11, 5:45pm-7:15pm in Room 134. In twelve Sunday-night sessions, you will discuss the characteristics, skills, and heart necessary to make a fruitful Disciple of Christ. Commitment, growing our relationship with Jesus, nurturing our relationships with each other, accountability, and witnessing are the necessary components to not only enhancing our relationship with Christ, but also evidence of a true disciple of Christ ready to go make disciples. Bring a highlighter and notetaking supplies!

(text resource: Disciple Makers by Brian Seewald, et al) Facilitated by Leanna Garrett.

To register for either or both classes, please click the button below, or call the church office.

Heritage Travelers - Day Trip to Mount Magazine

Join us on February 10, for a day trip to Mount Magazine State Park, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains. Enjoy the scenery of Arkansas’s highest point.

We'll have lunch on your own at the Skycrest Restaurant, located inside the Lodge at Mt. Magazine. This American style restaurant is know for its panoramic views of the Petit Jean River Valley & Blue Mountain Lake. The menu offers a variety of Southern favorites, comfort foods, steaks, and buffets.

After lunch, we will drive to the Cameron’s Bluff Overlook for more views and photo opportunities.



Cost: $10

Departure from Heritage: 9:00 am

Congrats Shannon Newerth-Henson!

Shannon was named Mover and Shaker of 2025 by the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce. She received the award at an event earlier this year and was acknowledged in the 2026 Community Profile Magazine.

"She exemplifies what it means to holistically care for you community," said Ashlie Ross, who nominated Shannon for the award. "She is a community volunteer, an involved citizen, and an honest, steadfast representative on the City Council."

Join us at the Refresh Conference, January 30-31 at Christ Church in NWA. We'll take the church van or bus if we have enough interest. Click the image below to register, or contact Rebekah for more information, rhutton@heritage.church or 479-474-6424.

In Memory of Shirley Spillman

Shirley Grace Spillman, age 89, passed away peacefully in Little Rock, Arkansas on December 31, 2025. She was born in Kibler, Arkansas on March 15, 1936, and was a longtime native of Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas.

Shirley was a devoted member of Heritage Church in Van Buren and lived her life grounded in faith, family, and quiet dedication to those she loved.

She was married to her beloved husband, Byron Don Spillman, for 62 years and together they built a life centered on family and service as Don served in the United States Navy for over 37 years. She is survived by a son, Darren Tracy Spillman and his wife Margaret; a daughter, Lisa Carol Zipperman and her husband Neal. Shirley was a proud grandmother to Grace (Jacob) Stansell, Feild Spillman, Jackson (Ashley) Willis, Cate Willis, and Graham Willis, and great-grandmother to William Feild and Bradley Anne Stansell and Rosalie and Lucy Willis. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Laura Watson.

Shirley worked as a bookkeeper at the Fort Smith stockyards; she continued the legacy of her Aunt Grace Shinn, whose influence she carried with pride throughout her 50-year career. Known for her strong work ethic and attention to detail, Shirley brought integrity and care to all she did.

In addition to her husband, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents Burl and Henrietta Shinn Tittsworth, her brother Bob Tittsworth, and her daughter-in-law Anne Feild Spillman.

She will be remembered for her steady presence, deep love for her family, and the quiet strength that guided her life. Her memory will live on in the generations she leaves behind.

Services will be held at a later date. There will be a private interment at U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith. Memorials can be made to Heritage Church Food Pantry, 1604 Pointer Trail, Van Buren, AR 72956.

This Week at Heritage and Prayer Concerns

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