Sunday School: 9:30 AM
Worship Service: 10:30 AM
Women’s Bible Study: Thursday 10:00 AM
Men’s Breakfast: Saturday 7:00 AM
Shepherding groups: Wednesday nights
We're moving ahead on our new parking lot. We've agreed with our "ground men" to remove 250+ cubic yards of earth from the South end of our building and use it to level the parking lot. Then we'll finish the parking lot with a durable surface. The opening left at the South end of our building will be prepped to receive the new addition.
Please consider the bulletin insert today as a reminder of where our priorities are as Christ believers. Our church clearly stands with Pro-Life. But, we who are in Christ we know that means all life, even the lives of our antagonists and enemies.
We want to know each other. See Lora Slater and Kate Hilton about getting a name tag. You are important to us, but we are currently experiencing a "new person" overload, so, forgive our slower uptake. We need each other, helping each other, getting to know each other. Thanks.
Please be aware that NHCF supports ten (10) missions: The Risley Family Ministries in Mexico; Jon and Tina Thomas at Wycliffe; Salvation Army, Show Low; The Living Hope Women's Centers; The Christian Community Outreach; the American Indian Christian Mission; the Navajo Christian Foundation; the White Mountain Coalition Against Homelessness; The All Nations House of Prayer, and the Jail Ministry. We make a monthly contribution to each of these Christian efforts, and we periodically give special gifts as the Lord blesses us.
The old expression: "He's as independent as a hog on ice," comes to us from the American farm community and goes way back in time. It describes a pig trying to maneuver on an icy lake, slipping and
sliding, and falling and fussing. You can't help the critter in its frustrated efforts. We're much like that.
Of course, when we think about our nation's Independence Day, we know it as a positive thing. It was that time when we gained our freedom from the tyranny of King George and British rule.
Nevertheless, celebrating independence as my personal freedom has its problems, just like the hog on ice.
Just because I'm free to do as I please does not mean that I do as I please. To quote another proverb: "My freedom stops where the next guy's nose begins." In other words, my independence has its
limitations. Discerning those limitations is part of our Christian, moral duty.
Jesus taught us, "Therefore, however you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets" (Matt.7.12). It's the "Golden Rule," and it applies to hogs on ice and people.
Some will jest and say, "Yeah, but what about those who antagonize us and seek to rob us of our freedom?" Granted, it's a problem, but if we trust in God, He'll bring us through. The Bible says, "Not my will...my independence...my freedom...but, Thy will be done" (Luke 22.42). Remember: "Nothing is impossible with
God" (Luke 1.37).
Yes, freedom is a glorious thing. I enjoy my "independence," but I also recognize that true freedom is not my independence. My Bible says, "If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed" (John 8.36). Jesus by dying on Calvary's Cross saved you and me from the power of sin, which is temptation, and from the penalty of sin, which is death eternal. In that is true freedom.
"Stonewalls do not a prison make, nor iron bars a cage...if I have freedom in my love, and in my soul am free" (Lovelace, 1642).
Pastor Tom
Pulpit Greeter: Cathy Parry
"For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not turn your freedom into an opportunity for the flesh..."
(Gal.5.13).
Pastor Tom Brown
Secretary's Corner Lora Slater 406-868-2144
CHURCH PASTORS AND ELDERS
Pastor Tom Brown
Pastor Jim Powell, Assoc. Pastor/Worship leader Terry Lowry, Elder
DEACONS & STAFF
Bill Bujnowski, Lee Copeland, Lanny Dameron, Chris Lewis, Roger Brown and Lee Larson
Lora Slater – Secretary
John Greer – Media,
Tami Powell – Nursery, and Kitchen Cathy Parry– Prayer
