Revolutionary Parenting

Great kids don't just happen. Parenting requires tough work, a lifetime commitment and a revolutionary mindset. There are no quick fixes, but there is hope!

Parents, grandparents, ministry leaders and educators are invited to develop a radical commitment and a plan to beat the odds in raising a new generation of spiritual champions.

Come join us Saturday, March 14 for the Revolutionary Parenting LIVE simulcast via Satellite at Hannaford Street Bible Church!

Join us 9:30am-3:30pm. Snacks provided, lunch on your own. Childcare provided with a donation to Mexico Mission Project. Cost $15 per person, $25 per couple. Sign up by the Welcome Center.

Click here for more on the Hannaford website

John Fenalson, Associate Pastor

Do You Have Computer Skills?

Are you comfortable on the computer? Looking for a way to get involved at Hannaford?

We need people to help weekly online and Sunday Worship preparation. If you like blogs or using PowerPoint, it should be easy.

SUNDAY WORSHIP PREPARATION
What this involves ... Prepare MediaShout "scripts" (a.k.a. files) for weekly worship. You would assemble moving backgrounds, still backgrounds, song lyrics, and other items from existing sources. Use the weekly order of worship for guidance. Must be prepared on Hannaford Worship Center computer. Photoshop and design skills a plus, but not necessary.

How this is done ... Take the existing MediaShout "script" from the previous week as a template. Add and arrange worship elements from this new week's order of worship. May involve adding a new song to existing song database, but most songs already exist. Select appropriate section headers for different worship elements.

ONLINE WEBSITE UPDATES
What this involves ... Add weekly information to website using any web browser (home computer okay). Consult the weekly bulletin and Hannaford office for source information. Basic writing and research skills needed. Basic understanding of online tools helpful (such as experience posting info on a blog). Photoshop and image manipulation skills a plus, but not necessary.

How this is done ... Highlight new items and events in bulletin and transfer the Home page and What's New page on the Hannaford website. Log into website using password. Type in text and select images from existing database. May involve finding and adding new images from Google Images from time to time. If you've ever maintained or published a blog, the process is similar.

CONTACT US TODAY
If you are interested and think you can help, just let us know and we can talk more. We'd like to train a few people for each task. Training begins soon, so contact or email Pastor Eric for more info (465-0286).

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

Editing Your Life

I write articles, letters, and church blogs. When my documents hit the office for publishing, they often get enhanced or edited. It is a polite way of editing the mistakes I make.

It would be nice if everything I say or do could be edited before I would say or do them. I would offend less people, make fewer mistakes, and be much more effective in my life. This concept is not possible, but it does remind me that some self-editing would be helpful.

So how can we edit our lives? Wouldn't it be helpful if we would slow down a bit in life? If we would weigh what we are going to say rather than blurting out the first thing we think of, we would be kinder and more effective people. If we more carefully thought about the outcome of our impending actions, I think our lives would contain less regret.

I think if we would be more thoughtful before we act or speak, our communication would be more useful.

Here is the challenge. See if you can react more slowly and thoughtfully for one day. At the end of the day review how well you did. Then try to repeat that feat for a second day.

Who knows—you might make considerable progress in becoming more likeable, effective, and have a life with less stress?

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Do You Have Computer Skills?

Are you comfortable on the computer? Looking for a way to get involved at Hannaford?

We need people to help weekly online and Sunday Worship preparation. If you like blogs or using PowerPoint, it should be easy.

SUNDAY WORSHIP PREPARATION
What this involves ... Prepare MediaShout "scripts" (a.k.a. files) for weekly worship. You would assemble moving backgrounds, still backgrounds, song lyrics, and other items from existing sources. Use the weekly order of worship for guidance. Must be prepared on Hannaford Worship Center computer. Photoshop and design skills a plus, but not necessary.

How this is done ... Take the existing MediaShout "script" from the previous week as a template. Add and arrange worship elements from this new week's order of worship. May involve adding a new song to existing song database, but most songs already exist. Select appropriate section headers for different worship elements.

ONLINE WEBSITE UPDATES
What this involves ... Add weekly information to website using any web browser (home computer okay). Consult the weekly bulletin and Hannaford office for source information. Basic writing and research skills needed. Basic understanding of online tools helpful (such as experience posting info on a blog). Photoshop and image manipulation skills a plus, but not necessary.

How this is done ... Highlight new items and events in bulletin and transfer the Home page and What's New page on the Hannaford website. Log into website using password. Type in text and select images from existing database. May involve finding and adding new images from Google Images from time to time. If you've ever maintained or published a blog, the process is similar.

CONTACT US TODAY
If you are interested and think you can help, just let us know and we can talk more. We'd like to train a few people for each task. Training begins soon, so contact or email Pastor Eric for more info (465-0286).

Eric Powell
Pastor of Worship Arts

Outreach by Dessert!

Most Christians struggle in sharing their faith with others. Here at Hannaford, we have a tool that will help you easily introduce your friends, family, and co-workers to the message of Jesus Christ. It is called Christmas Dessert Theater.

On December 4-6 you can invite your friends to a dessert theater at Hannaford. The cost is $7 per person.

Thursday and Friday evenings at 6:30pm the auditorium will be set up as a dessert theater. It will be beautifully decorated, both the room and the tables. You will be served a beverage and then enjoy a superb play called Doc's Holiday (see synopsis here). The Christmas comedy will approach the message of Christmas which is all about Jesus. Then mid-way through the play, dessert will be served. The desserts are very tasty!

This is a wonderful time to dress up and bring your friends. Perhaps after the presentation an opportunity to talk about the message of the play will arise. We encourage you to purchase tickets for your neighbors and friends. Tell them you have tickets for them and encourage them to sit with you in one of the evening presentations. The Saturday matinee, which is at 1:30pm, is also open to children.

Please don't miss this great opportunity to reach out to friends you have who don't know Jesus.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

DIALOGUE for 20s and 30s

At Hannaford, we're exploring how we can better provide young people with opportunities to explore faith, worship together, grow spiritually, and to meet socially. As part of this effort, we're holding an initial meeting and Bible study we're calling DIALOGUE for those in their 20s and 30s.

It's happening this Saturday, November 22 @ 6:00pm and it will be an opportunity to have some food, meet people, study the Bible, and to talk more about how to best connect young adults into life at Hannaford.

If you can come, please let us know and plan to bring a food item to share. Child care will be available upon request.

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

Parenting Seminar:Happiest Baby on the Block

You're invited to a workshop designed for those caring for children ages 0 to 4 months. Parents expecting a child will benefit from this workshop, too. Childcare available upon request. Sign up at the Welcome Center or contact the church office.

DATE: Saturday, November 22
TIME: 9:30am-11:00am
LOCATION: Upper Room

John Fenlason, Associate Pastor

Angel Tree 2008

Angel Tree is a ministry of Prison Fellowship that reaches out to the children of inmates with the love of Christ. In Matthew 18:5 Jesus said, "Whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

Around Christmas, we at Hannaford are given the opportunity to purchase and deliver gifts to the children of inmates in their parent’s name. Through Angel Tree, these children feel a parent’s love, despite their absence. Each gift delivery also presents an opportunity to share the love and hope of Christ with each family. Here are the details:

• November 30: Take an angel and buy a $20-$25 Christmas gift
• December 14: Bring unwrapped gifts & angels back to Hannaford
  

For more details about Angel Tree at Hannaford, contact Doris Yebba.

Advent: The Hope & Anticipation of Christ

The observance of Advent candle lighting is an important one for worshiping congregations. It helps foster the anticipation of Christmas, not simply for the giving and getting of gifts, but for the anticipation of the coming return of Christ.

The word 'Advent' itself, is defined as "The arrival of something or someone important or awaited." An important aspect of observing Advent is to connect the experiences of ancient God-followers with ours today. Using the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, Love, and Light, we will attempt to look back to those who anticipated Jesus' coming as well as hope for His coming return.

HOPE in Christ (November 30) - Like God's people centuries ago, we also look forward with HOPE and anticipation to the coming of the Christ.

PEACE in Christ (December 7) - Through long generations, God prepared a way in our world for the coming of His Son, and is still bringing peace to darkened lives. Jesus is our Peace. Jesus – The Prince of peace.

JOY in Christ (December 14) - We know that when Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the angels brought "good news of a great joy, which shall be to all people." The good news of Jesus' birth and the promise of peace are still "tidings of great joy" for us today…not only because Christ came, but also because He is still here.

LOVE of Christ (December 21) - We ask God to give us such love and wonder, that with shepherds and wise men and pilgrims unknown, we may come to adore the holy child, the promised King; and with our gifts worship him, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

LIGHT of the World (Christmas Eve) - Christ has made God known to us, and He makes us known to God. He can make the darkness and the despair of our lives shine like day. He is the Light of the world, the dawning of a new day.

It is our prayer that all people would experience the anticipation and hope of Christ this Christmas season; that you and I, like generations before, would find hope, peace, joy, and love through Jesus, who is the Light of the world.

There are still a few openings to participate in lighting candles this year during our worship services. If you are interested, please let me know.

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

Holidays at Hannaford

THANKSGIVING WORSHIP
Sunday Morning, November 23 @ 8:30 & 10:45am
Express your thanks and gratitude through worship this Thanksgiving. Our morning worship services will feature a special emphasis to remember the blessings we have been given. What are you thankful for?

THANKSGIVING PRAISE, COMMUNION, & PIE FELLOWSHIP
Sunday Evening, November 23 @ 7:15pm
A special evening service will include an opportunity to share your blessings, communion, and will be followed by a Pie Fellowship. Please bring a pie to share with others.

CHRISTMAS DESSERT THEATER
Thursday-Friday, December 4-5 @ 6:30pm (adults & teens)
Saturday Family Matinee, December 6 @ 1:30pm
Bring some friends to see the Christmas comedy Doc's Holiday, a full-length theater production performed live on the Hannaford stage. Delicious desserts and light refreshments will be served in an atmosphere of elegance and holiday spirit.

CHRISTMAS SING-ALONG & KIDS
Sunday Morning, December 14 @ 8:30 & 10:45am
Join us for a piano-led Christmas sing-along, featuring some singing by our very own Hannaford kids.

AWANA CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Sunday Evening, December 14 @ 5:30pm
Kids are invited to join us during AWANA as we spread Christmas cheer to our neighbors at Eagles Manor.

CHRISTMAS WORSHIP
Sunday Morning, December 21 @ 8:30 & 10:45am
Our Christmas worship service will focus on the Love of Christ. Join us and invite a friend.

CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP BY CANDLELIGHT
Wednesday Evening, December 24 @ 4:30 & 5:30pm
Don't miss this acoustic evening of Christmas worship featuring communion and candlelight.

Discover Hannaford

Are you new to Hannaford? Would you like to meet other newcomers? Would like to know more about the church and staff? If so, Discover Hannaford is for you! Choose from these great upcoming classes and events to get connected...

DISCOVER HANNAFORD CLASS
Join us Sunday mornings, December 7 & 14 @ 9:45am in the Fellowship Room. Find out more here.

DISCOVER HANNAFORD DINNER
Monday, December 15 @ 6:30pm in the Fellowship Room. Find out more here.

Scott Yebba, Assimilation Pastor

Which Way Are You Running?

Life is about movement even if you feel you are standing still. This is especially true in your spiritual journey. Believers are running with God, away from God, or running back to God.

A man in Old Testament times named Jonah ran in all three of these directions. In Jonah 1:2 God told Jonah to carry the message of repentance to his enemies. But notice in verse 3, Jonah went in the opposite direction toward a city called Tarshish. Jonah’s choice demonstrated that he was running away from God. That action carried severe consequences.

We can make the same choices without literally moving to another location. For example, when we sense an internal urge from God to help someone, speak to someone, attend a Bible study, or go to church, we resist God like Jonah did. Opposing that convicting reminder in our minds is no different than what Jonah did. We, too, are then running away from God.

In Jonah 3:3 we see a 180 degree change of direction. Of course this was after the terrible experience with the whale for three days. Jonah then ran to God. But the fruit of his disobedience brought some miserable experiences into his life. We, too, can similarly expect God’s lack of appreciation when we back away from His calls for obedience.

Then finally, in Jonah 3:4 and following, we see Jonah running with God. He was then obedient; and as a result, God used Jonah and hundreds of people turn to the Lord.

Yes, we are all moving! Make that movement toward or with God. Listen carefully to that voice, that urging, that internal conviction to do the things that please God. Then walk in concert with that voice of God. Running with God is much more pleasant and fruitful that running according to the voice of selfishness.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Guest Speaker from the CIA!

Don't miss Brian Young this Sunday, October 19 in both morning worship services. He is from the CIA, but not that CIA. He's the founder of the Creation Instruction Association. You may have seen his videos discussing the merits of a "creation" world-view, but you have a great opportunity to see him in person.

Brian is a nationally known speaker and author of Doubts about Creation? Not After This!; Genesis: Yesterday's Answers to Today's Problems; Revelation: All of God's Word Revealed; and others. He shares on a wide variety of subjects, stressing Biblical Creationism as the foundation for good education and theology. Visit his website at creationinstruction.org.

Mizpah Christian Retreat

We are excited that we are near the completion of acquiring Mizpah Christian Retreat. It is amazing to see how God has laid this ministry opportunity in our path. For several years a group of people from Hannaford with a passion for a camp ministry have prayed that God would give our church family this opportunity.

This Sunday, October 19, we will share how God has greatly provided and what He may have in store for the future of Mizpah. I trust that you will be able to be here to share in this exciting story.

Visit MizpahChristianRetreat.org to learn more about the camp.

John Fenlason, Associate Pastor

Hannaford@Home Groups Are Online!

Joining a Hannaford@Home small group helps make makes our “large” church feel “small” at the same time. These groups average about 10 people. Currently we have several fellowship groups meeting throughout the Helena area. Not only will you gain closer friendships in a home fellowship, you will also grow spiritually.

If you've been thinking about joining a group, now is the time! We invite you to visit our new Hannaford@Home group listing today. Also, if you want to offer a host home or becoming group leader, contact me.

Scott Yebba, Assimilation Pastor

Just For You-The Worshiper Magazine

Make sure you get your copy of The Worshiper magazine. It's free and it's in the Hannaford foyer while supplies last. This is a great way for you to get insight on continuing your worship even after you leave the church doors.

The Worshiper is a quality publication full of content that will encourage and inspire readers to seek after God in worship. Each issue is filled with reviews of the latest music and Christian entertainment; articles include interviews with Christian ministers, musical artists and people who are making a difference in worship in their communities.

Other features include outreach profiles, stories from the front lines of vibrant ministries and worship articles designed to offer your congregation guidance in their everyday lives from a biblical perspective.

Remember, they're free - but there are only so many to go around :-)

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

What's on My Mind?

The Next Step
This past Sunday we introduced an outward focus toward reaching people in Helena by serving. This is our Next Step! We have Looked Back at our history; then Looked Ahead to an outward focused future; this Sunday we will Look Inside our church for some interesting perspectives on what we are and what we should become in the days ahead. If you've missed one of the recent Sundays, be sure listen online or request a CD from the church office.

Mizpah Christian Retreat
There is some news about Camp Mizpah. After nearly four months of negotiations we appear on the threshold of becoming the owners of a mountain retreat center. If God opens this door to us, we will have the responsibility of a whole new ministry. It will require much prayer, finances, physical work, and planning. But it will be exciting! Pray for God's hand in these next few days.

Christmas Dessert Theater
We still need people to step forward to help with the Christmas Dessert. Volunteers are needed to help in a variety of ways, one of which is acting in the play that is presented. This is a great outreach event. Don't under sell your ability to help in this ministry. Contact the church office (449-2273) today and volunteer.

Dick Crosby, Senior Pastor

Five Reasons to Be a Member at Hannaford?

There is a wide variety of opinion when the subject of church membership is mentioned. Some churches don't have membership at all because they believe it is unbiblical. Others believe that salvation itself depends on being a member.

The Bible doesn't say "Thou shall or shall not become a church member." The Bible does tell us to be involved in a local church. Here are some reasons to be a member:

1. Membership allows a person to have a sense of belonging and fellowship in a church.
2. Organizations rely on membership numbers in making financial commitments.
3. Membership consists of agreeing with the church you attend and their view on doctrine, salvation, and other essential items.
4. Membership gives laity a voice in making decisions about the church at meetings.
5. Becoming a member provides a measure of two-way accountability between both an individual and the church leadership

Every church has guidelines in place on what its membership regulates. Here at Hannaford, a member votes to approve the annual budget and on delegates for board positions. If you have decided to call Hannaford your church home then please consider attending our Discover Hannaford Membership Classes being held on August 24 & 31 from 9:45am-10:30am. We'll even show you the secret Hannaford handshake!

Pastor Scott, Assimilation Pastor

Hannaford and iPods

What does the Hannaford website and an iPod have in common? Well, iPods can replay last Sunday's message - and now the Hannaford website can as well.

So if you missed a Sunday, you can now listen to the message online or download it for your mp3 player. Just visit the new Hannaford Messages Center on the website. Also, all our services are now being recorded on CD (no more cassette tapes). You can request one through the church office.

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

Jesus as Worshipper

If Jesus truly is the model we seek to imitate, then how Jesus worshipped should give us insight into how we, too, can worship our Father in heaven. As Chris Jack* reminds us, we know that Jesus was a Jew - and as such, He worshiped as a good Jew. "Jesus worshipped according to the established Jewish patterns and practices of his day."

Have you ever considered how Jesus worshipped? Why or why not? Should Jesus be our model for some things and not others?

HOW DID JESUS MODEL WORSHIP?
Chris Jack lists a number of scriptures that give us evidence that Jesus followed the Jewish practices of the day. Circumcision, temple and synagogue attendance are just a few examples. But I think the most important model of worship Jesus gave us is this: Jesus lived his life in complete submission and obedience to the Father. In that, Jesus was a model worshipper.

How are you doing in your submission and obedience to the Father? Are you a model worshipper? Are there areas that you are holding back from God? How about in gathered worship - are you completly surrendered to God among your brothers and sisters in Christ?

JESUS IS THE TRUE WORSHIPPER
Not only was Jesus a model worshipper, He was the one totally true worshipper - and more! "As the ultimate sacrifice for sin ... Jesus becomes the means of worship, the One through whom worship is to be offered." He makes true worship possible for us all. Praise God!

Are you focused on Christ in your worship? In personal worship? In gathered worship? Or is your focus distracted by other things? How can we better focus on the object of our worship?

Eric Powell, Pastor of Worship Arts

* Quoted excerpts taken from "Understanding Worship In The New Testament" by Chris Jack, pages 55-60 of the book Inside-Out Worship by Matt Redman and friends. For more, see here.