After a month of not preaching—a month that allows a change of pace—I am back. Being back is a good thing; it is where I belong and feel at home.

This Sunday I intend to preach a message on Rabbit Trails. It touches a subject that is really important to all of us. Sunday is God's day. I hope you join us for worship of God; honoring God is vital. God can be honored in many different ways and at many different locations; but how much more fulfilling it is, as believers, to gather together in our house of worship (Hebrews 10:24-25). I pray I will see you this Sunday.

What's on My Mind?

In May Carol and I were in Chicago for a conference. One evening we ate dinner in the Hard Rock Cafe. The food is usually very good. The constant music being played in concert with the videos caused me to feel uncomfortable.

Shortly after we were in the auditorium of Moody Bible Institute. We found ourselves listening to over 1,000 men singing praises to God. My spirit was at home!

In July Carol and I were with a group of people celebrating the birthday of one person. Everyone was enjoying themselves eating, drinking, and talking. There was a lot of beer and constant music that the world enjoys. After we left, Carol played a CD of a men's quartet singing Christian music. Immediately our spirits were at ease and uplifted.
 

If you are a believer, is your appetite directed toward the verbal and musical messages of this world or of messages to praise God? The choice speaks volumes about your current relationship with the God who created and saved you. Beware of the kinds of appetites you develop.

What is Ahead?

There are at least two key activities coming soon. On the late afternoon of August 26, we will host an outreach event at Hannaford. You will not want to miss it.

On September 24 & 25, we host our annual Pastors' Conference. Pastors from Montana and other states are invited as well as our own congregation. It is always a great time.

Pastor Dick Crosby

What is on the horizon?

During the month of July, an opportunity is given to allow the church to hear other voices from the pulpit. Each person does a great job and brings a different perspective and delivery.

This Sunday, Mike Pouliot from BattleZone ministries, will be preaching. Mike is a native of Helena who now ministers out of California. You will thoroughly enjoy his message and ministry presentation.

What is on my agenda?

One project that is on my agenda for July is further progress on our outreach ministry. The task of effective follow-up and discipleship ministry is a sizeable assignment. I hope you will pray for me as I make progress in this area. The reaching of people for Christ is most urgent.

On Easter many people made the decision to accept Jesus as their Savior. A note of encouragement is that many of these people are attending church.

What is around the corner?

Pastor John and I are in the initial planning stages of presenting a series of messages on Last Things. This world is rapidly changing and moving toward what the Bible says will occur in the last days before Christ returns. Christians need to be aware of what is taking place, not for the satisfaction of curiosity, but for a deeper sense of the shortness of time on this earth.

Pastor Dick Crosby

What is on my heart?

From the perspective of many the future of America looks dire. The economy, terrorism, and a fluid morality that appears to be in decline are troublesome issues to me. However, there is one thing that we should fear even more; and I will share some of those thoughts this Sunday. With God's help I believe we can change course. The message is from Psalm 23 which I call Running on an Empty Tank Down the Wrong Road.

What is on the horizon?

• This coming Sunday is Graduation Sunday. We will honor those who have achieved various levels of academic success.
• Summer is nearly upon us, and many children's activities are scheduled at Hannaford. Check our website, www.hannaford.org, for details.
• It is a few months away, but the Fall Bible Conference is taking shape. This year the Network of Praise will co-sponsor the conference with us. It is hoped that this will expand our conference and in turn reach more pastors.

What is on my mind?

• A Purpose Plan was begun for our church some time back. On Easter Sunday we launched that plan and are currently developing it toward a more workable plan.
• Our next big step will be on August 26. The details will be shared in weeks to come. I have a heart to reach the lost of Helena, and together we can do that with the blessing of God.
• I am currently weighing other outreach opportunities. Pray for wisdom as I ponder these and other ideas to reach Helena. God may open a door or say, "Nice thought Dick, but not now."

Pastor Dick Crosby