Be Better Than Average

There is currently a debate as to whether America is today a Christian nation. Some think we are not a Christian nation based on the behaviors of the culture. Consider that fewer people than ever, on a percentage basis, are attending church. The Bible and anyone who defends or claims to live by its principles are viewed as peculiar. It seems to me that immorality is daily pushing the envelope painting modesty and decency in a negative light.

I’ve been on this planet for over six decades so I have witnessed what America used to be and what it has become. Our nation broadly disregards the holiness of God.

Whose fault is this? I don’t want to blame the church, individuals, or Christians for the behavior of the culture. What concerns me most is the approach many Christians are taking toward their own spiritual walk. Let me express some current attitudes and decisions that I see American Christians making which are detrimental to their walk with God. These are red flags as I see them. These are issues that keep people out of church. It is not that I am a pastor whining over lower church attendances; on the contrary Hannaford’s attendances are at an all-time high. I just care for the spiritual health of believers. I see misplaced priorities.

1. Kid’s sports! Many of these are scheduled on Saturdays and Sundays. Parents and children travel to various locations and have essentially replaced family worship for family sports.

2. Camping! Under the guise of family time some people spend every weekend at the lake. I am sure it is relaxing, but God doesn’t take three months off in His care for us. Campers, we are beginning a Thursday evening church service on June 4; now you can bring your family to church.

3. Weekend projects! Some feel it is justified to spent time on the house arguing that this activity is being good steward of the material God has given them. Don’t try to manipulate God.

4. Company! Everyone in Montana gets company in the summer. They would be more impressed by your loyalty to God than skipping church.

Now this may sound like excessive ranting, but I wonder if God would take my view or the practices of the matters listed above. I say this to encourage you not to become an average American Christian, but to honor the holiness of God and place Him above all other things during our short trip on this earth. Be better than average!

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Things Going on Under the Snow

The winter at Mizpah is known for lots of snow along with many great winter activities. Not a lot of work (other than plowing snow) can take place. However, things have been happening. A large project that is in process is the water and septic system. We continue to work on the engineering. With the addition of the lodge, the required system is very large and there are many hurdles to overcome. Progress is being made, but there is a lot left to do. We are thankful for a group of volunteers who have put in countless hours on this project. There is a need for an engineer with a PE stamp to help. We are hopeful that we will be able to get the permits in the next few months and begin installation as the funds are available.

Another winter (spring) project is the revamped website. We ask for your patience as we work on it. The new Mizpah website will give current information and forms along with helpful links. Keep checking the website to see the new look coming in the near future.

There have also been numerous small projects going on. We look forward to a busy summer, both in work projects and groups using the facility. A workday is scheduled for June 20th. There are many projects to be completed. There will be projects for skilled and unskilled laborers. Please consider lending a hand. Lunch will be provided. We ask that you RSVP 449-2273 to help us with lunch and project planning.

An open house will be held at Mizpah on Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Come have a chance to enjoy some great food and to look at the facilities of Mizpah including the new lodge.

Easter Opportunities

The Easter season serves well to remind us of the high price Jesus paid to provide salvation for us. This is an important time of celebration for Christians around the world.

Not only do committed Christians hold Easter as significant, but those who rarely attend church do so as well. This is a great opportunity for believers to invite their non-Christian friends to church. The response is usually favorable, so we ought to take advantage of this opportunity.

I encourage you to make a mental list of people you know, pray about inviting them, and then extend the invitation. Every time a person is exposed to the preaching of the Word, that message can do a deeper work in their hearts.

Invite those friends of yours to church on Easter Sunday, April 12.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Easter Brunch

An Easter Brunch will be served at the church on April 12 between the morning services (normal Sunday School hour). This is a great time to fellowship with other people.

Third Service

We are making plans for a Thursday night service at Hannaford for the summer months. This will give everyone the opportunity to attend church each week. Summer often includes company, travel, and some weekend activities. Some people also are required to work on Sundays. This should benefit many people.

Details of this service are in the planning stages. We will keep you informed.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Dave Ramsey Town Hall for Hope

Town Hall for Hope, The Economy, Your Money, Real Answers with Dave Ramsey http://www.townhallforhope.com/index.cfm?event=displayHome,will be broadcast at Hannaford via a broadband internet connection on April 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m. Town Hall for Hope is your opportunity to sit down with people in your community for a nationwide town hall meeting led by Dave Ramsey. Thousands of venues across the country will host the event, broadcasting Dave's live presentation. In the opening half hour, Dave will offer straight talk about the economy, recession, foreclosures, and more. He'll carefully explain where we've come from, where we are now, and what we should be doing with our money during this time. Then, Dave will spend an hour answering questions live!

Questions will be taken by phone, email, Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and more! Check out the Get Involved page, http://www.townhallforhope.com/index.cfm?event=displayGetInvolved, to see all the ways in which you can join in the conversation! And remember, this is a free event!

Leadership Simulcast

On May 8^th, Hannaford Street Bible Church will host a leadership simulcast. The Helena Chamber of Commerce and several local businesses are co-sponsoring the event. Scheduled speakers include John Maxwell, Tony Blair, Jack Nicklaus, Liz Murray, Kevin Carroll and others.

Each year the simulcast has grown and we are excited about this year’s event. Fliers are in the foyer and more information can be found at http://www.maximumimpactsimulcast.com/attend. Let your workplace know about this valuable opportunity.