Mid-Week Messenger

Feb 28, 2025

Greetings Everyone

Thursday morning I had the opportunity to teach at Heritage Academy, a school which combines homeschool and two days of in person learning. I was asked to teach students about Christian apologetics. Perhaps you have heard this word before. In 1 Peter 3:15 we are told, “…in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect…” The English phrase “to make a defense” is read in Greek as “apologia”. We might think of saying, “I’m sorry”, but the word actually means to give a reason or defense. In this passage the reason or defense given is centered around the hope that Christians have, specifically in suffering. If we take the principle and widen the scope we might say Christians should be able to give a defense of the faith we have in Jesus.
Jesus actually gets at this when we asks the questions of the disciples in the boat, “Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?” (Mark 8:17b-18) It is as if Jesus is asking over and over again, “Why do you not put in thought to what you see in front of you? You are concerned about a lack of bread, I am concerned for you about a lack of faith! What more do I need to do to show you, teach you, demonstrate for you?!” Jesus wanted the disciples to put in the hard, disciplined, work of seeking for answers to be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have in Jesus. I think the same applies to you and me.
It takes the work of the Holy Spirit to bring us to faith in Jesus Christ, (Eph. 1:11-14) but our trust in Jesus is not a blind fideism, a baseless hope without grounds. Jesus had performed miracle after powerful act, coupled with teaching and preaching, in front of the disciples, Pharisees, Scribes, Romans, everyone. Being a disciple of Jesus means that we have access to the Spirit which provides us with all knowledge of Him, wisdom in how we should act, and a desire to pursue that knowledge and practice that wisdom. (Eph. 1:15-20)
I just saw nine students desire to grow in their knowledge of the hope they have in Jesus, preparing themselves to be able to give a reason when the time comes. However; the real benefit of preparing ones mind and soul to give a reason is not just when we are asked by others, rather it is when suffering comes in our lives. That is when the real questions present themselves in the hearts of people. So what can you do to prepare your hearts? Let me give you two opportunities:

For students we have a communicants (confirmation) class this Sunday for students 4th grade – 8th grade at 9:00 which will focus on the foundational truths of the church as taught in our Westminster Confession chapters 26-29. For adults we will meet at 9:00 in the chapel and discuss the same chapters for parents who bring their students or for any adults who may want to participate.
Learning, discussing, preparing our minds is an active way we can train our minds to be able to give answers as to “why” of what we do. But also to form our hearts as to remind ourselves of the “why” when difficulties arrive. I hope you take advantage of these times together.
Ben Melli

Week At A Glance

Friday, February 28th

6:00 p.m. Gather 25 Global Worship Watch Party

Sunday, March 2nd 

9:00 Adult Bible Study – Chapel

9:00 Communicants Class 4th-12th Grade

10:00 a.m. Worship Service

4:00 p.m. North Valley Music School Faculty Concert (details below)

Monday, March 3rd 

5:30 p.m. Bell Choir Practice

Tuesday, March 4th   

7:00 a.m. Men’s Bible Study and Breakfast

Wednesday, March 5th

Noon Ash Wednesday Service

6:00 p.m. Youth Group Meeting

7:00 p.m. Choir Practice

Thursday, March 6th 

10:00 a.m. Bible Babes

 

Please Note:

We will have a question and answer session on March 9th, following worship service, to answer questions or concerns about the packet that was sent out regarding the new Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws. Voting will be March 23rd

 

EVENTS CALENDAR
Join North Valley Music School for their FREE annual Faculty Concert, featuring musical performances by talented music teachers, including our own Dan Kohnstam, who want to share their passion for music and inspire others.  Piano, Voice, Harp, and MORE!
Location: First Presbyterian Church Whitefish
Since 1997, NVMS has been changing lives through music education, performance, and appreciation. Join us for this fun musical community event and enjoy pieces from Rachmaninoff, Mozart, and more.
Listening to music has numerous benefits for one’s well-being. Music evokes positive emotions, reduces stress, enhances creativity and boosts motivation.
Researchers also think one of the most important functions of music is to create a feeling of social cohesion and community. NVMS agrees! Hope to see you there.

LENTEN DEVOTIONALS AVAILABLE ON SUNDAY: One per Family Please

Let the music and lyrics of Christian tradition guide you through the forty days of Lent toward the joy of Easter.

 

Inspired by hymns and songs that span generations and cultures, Lord Show Me the Way invites you to grasp the spirit of repentance and conversion this Lent. Learn anew how to set your eyes and heart on reaching the life-saving waters of Baptismal renewal that we will embrace when Easter comes.

 

Each daily devotion offers a reflection on a hymn or song of praise and worship, a short prayer, and a question or insight to ponder throughout the day. Let the Spirit move you along on your journey of faith as you reflect and pray with moving hymns such as “Down to the River to Pray,” “Amazing Grace,” “I Heard the Voice of Jesus Say,” “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms,” “’Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here,” “What Wondrous Love Is This,” “Were You There.”

 

An audio recording of each song is easily accessed via a QR code at the end of each devotion, and the complete lyrics of each song are printed in the back of the book for easy reference.

Wednesday, March 5th at Noon

Join us this Ash Wednesday for a meaningful time of reflection and worship as we begin our Lenten journey together. Our noon service offers a sacred opportunity to receive the imposition of ashes and prepare our hearts for the season ahead.

This contemplative service will include the traditional marking with ashes as a symbol of our mortality and dependence on God’s grace.

Why attend:

  • Begin Lent with intention through this ancient Christian practice
  • Take a peaceful midday pause for spiritual renewal
  • Connect with fellow believers as we embark on this 40-day journey
  • Experience a powerful reminder of God’s redemptive love

The service will last approximately 30-45 minutes, making it accessible for those on lunch breaks. All are welcome, whether you’re a regular attendee or visiting for the first time.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” – Psalm 51:10

DIRECTORY UPDATE 2025

If you are not in our church directory and would like to be, or need to update your info, please email the church office. And don’t forget to let us know if you would like to be added to the Mid-Week Newsletter list.

CONTACT US

You may also like …

Mid-Week Messenger

Mid-Week Messenger

Mar 14, 2025

Greetings EveryoneSunday, March 16th  9:00 Adult Bible Study - Chapel 10:00 a.m. Worship Service Monday, March 17th ...

Mid-Week Messenger

Mid-Week Messenger

Mar 6, 2025

Greetings Everyone The first few chapters in the book of Revelation contain messages for seven churches. While much of...

Mid-Week Messenger

Mid-Week Messenger

Feb 20, 2025

Greetings Everyone The ministry of Jesus consisted of traveling around the Sea of Galilee preaching about the Kingdom...

301 Central Ave,
Whitefish, MT 59937
contact
PHONE:
(406) 862-2802
EMAIL:
[email protected]
QUICKLINKS:
Home
Sunday Worship
History
Calendar/Events
Newsletter
Prayer Requests
Give