Christmas Eve

Before you get to the food, gifts, and celebrating that is part of Christmas, don't forget one thing. Worship is the core of Christmas; the central character is Christ.

To help all of us worship Christ, which is the true meaning of Christmas, Hannaford will conduct two Christmas Eve services. The services are scheduled for 4:00 and 5:15 pm on December 24. These candlelight services will direct all of our attention to Christ and afford us the opportunity to truly worship Him. We will do this before the food, gifts, and family celebrating.

Don't miss this special time to truly invest your hearts in the Reason for the Season. Bring your entire family and friends on Christmas Eve, 4:00 or 5:15 pm, for a time for Christ.

Pastor Dick Crosby

Update on the Philippines

The death and destruction in the Philippines has been massive. We are relieved that family members of Felix Cobarrubias living in the Philippines are safe, although they incurred great damage to their property and possessions. The Hendersons (missionaries stationed in Manila) are also safe. We praise God for the good reports from both of these families.

As a church family, we must commit to pray for those affected by the disaster. I want to encourage each of you to pray for the needs of those affected and comfort for the friends and families of those who lost their lives. The Hendersons have shared about what their mission team is doing to provide relief for the people of the Philippines.

Next Sunday we will have a time of prayer and an update on the relief effort. We will also take an offering to help with relief efforts. Please consider how you can help. I hope to see you Sunday.

Pastor John

You Don't Want to Miss our Conference!

Pastor Ken Hutcherson of Antioch Bible Church in Kirkland, Washington spoke during both morning services yesterday. Pastor Hutcherson played football in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys, San Diego Chargers, and Seattle Seahawks. He also won a college football national championship as an All-American linebacker with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He is a tremendous speaker and was an encouragement to all yesterday.

Pastor Hutcherson will be joined tonight by Comedian Daren Streblow and Pastor Bryan Hughes of Grace Bible Church in Bozeman. The evening sessions on Monday and Tuesday begin at 6:15 pm. Nursery and children's activities are provided both evenings. A Pie Fellowship will conclude the conference on Tuesday evening. Each family is asked to bring a pie to share. We strive to end the evening sessions at a time to allow families to get their children home and to bed at a reasonable time.

I trust you will make sure to be here for this special event.

Pastor John

School is Starting - Remember our Teachers

I know that each one of us can look back to teachers and professors who have greatly impacted our lives.  Although my school years are quite a ways behind me, I still feel the impact that many of my teachers have had upon me.  Hannaford Street has many teachers, coaches, and school staff who have poured their lives into the next generation.  This Sunday, August 25, we want to recognize these people and pray for them as they prepare for the 2013-2014 school year.  I encourage you to regularly pray for our teachers and the impact they have upon our children.  

Pastor John

This Hope @ Hannaford

Hannaford is in store for an exciting treat this Sunday, June 9. Performing in both morning services is the vocal quartet, This Hope. They are a men's vocal group from Atlanta, Georgia. Carol and I had the pleasure of hearing these men perform at the Moody's Pastors' Conference in Chicago two years ago. They are very gifted. I know you will enjoy them as well.

So make sure you put this Sunday morning's church service, June 9, on your calendar. It is a great opportunity to have these very talented men bless us here in Montana.  I hope to see you Sunday.

Pastor Dick Crosby

Let's Fellowship

If you are not in a home group, you are encouraged to join one. I have several new groups who need people. People who would like to host a home group would be welcomed with help from me to start one. You could also expect help with details of what to do and people for your group.

Home groups provide a great opportunity to be encouraged, supported, and strengthened spiritually. We all face tough times. A home group holds the potential to provide the needed support for you. Be intentional and connect with a home group.

Pastor Dick Crosby

Let's Pray

The purpose statement of Hannaford is Connecting people with God and each other. It is critical that we remain focused and steadfast on fulfilling this purpose as best we can. In connecting people with God, one key ingredient is prayer. We can infuse all the human effort possible and miss our objective. However, if we put our shoulder to the wheel and put a priority on prayer, we can achieve something wonderful for God.

I encourage all of you to join us each Sunday morning in the Fellowship Room at 8:30 am for prayer. This group prayer meeting is led by the elders and is for everyone in the church. This is a huge benefit for the morning service. Collectively we call on God to bless the services of the day. Won't you come and help us connect people with God through the morning services?

Pastor Dick Crosby

More than the Average Joe

This Sunday, April 14, we begin a new series of messages - nine in all - on the Old Testament man, Joseph. It is a series that Americans and Hannaford people need to hear.

In America, we used to hear phrases like be the best you can be. However, why strive for more or better; the government will take care of you. However, those are rare today. There seems to be a move toward why strive for more or better; the government will take care of you.

We need to obey the Bible which says I can do all things through Christ or whatever you put your head to do, do it with all your might.

Joseph was a man who excelled in his walk with God and in his daily occupation. He was not your Average Joe which is the theme of the next messages.

This Sunday the topic is on The Reward of Revenge. That reward is not what most people think it is. You can use this message in the days to come when you are mistreated. Come and learn how God can help and bless you through these trials. Learn how to be more than the Average Joe.

Pastor Dick Crosby

Living Beyond...

At Hannaford we are in a seven week series entitled, Living Beyond... People have been challenged by what the first church did in comparison to what Hannaford is doing. We do some things in a similar form, but we have changed from that church's approach in other areas. Is that good or bad? You need to hear the series to find the answer.

This Sunday's message is Living Beyond Isolation. America, believe it or not, is filled with many lonely people. Churches have lonely people in them. Hannaford has people attending that are lonely. What are the dangers of loneliness, and how can those dangers be eradicated? This is a message you need to hear—if not for your benefit, then to be armed with the information to help the lonely people you meet.

I look forward to seeing you this coming Sunday. There is no better place to be on Sunday than in God's house—especially during these tumultuous days.

Pastor Crosby

Mizpah Update

We are excited about a possible light at the end of the tunnel concerning the septic system at Mizpah. There is a new style of system which should allow us to place the septic in the area near the lodge. The lodge location helps us overcome groundwater and creek problems which prevented us from placing the system on the edge of the playing field. This week we are meeting to consider our next steps. Please pray for wisdom in decisions, approval of the system, and the funds necessary for the design and installation of the system.

Pastor John