Church guide

Pastor’s Desk - Stand Up For the Truth Proverbs 29:25 (TEV) 25 It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the LORD, you are safe. A few years ago, a friend gave me a plaque and it said “Never confuse the will of the majority with the will of God.” This week the plaque was very fitting. It seems as if everyone has disagreed with me. It isn’t that I am always right or perfect but I know the difference between right and wrong. In fact someone corrected me today because I didn’t have all the facts. She showed me and I said she was right. It isn’t about opinions. For me if it is in God’s word then it is the truth. It is not Dan Crowe’s truth but God’s truth. John 8:32 (NIV) 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." We must hold onto the truth and never let it go. I found this next thing funny and to the point. I was talking with a relative and he said “A Crowe never calls the police. They handle it themselves.” I said to them if someone is doing wrong then I will call the police. The person basically said I am not a Crowe. I will say I am a Christian before I am anything else. I have a standard in why I must live by. A few months ago I was asked to fill a vacancy on Irondale Village council. I only have until December 31st and I can’t wait. I find myself in the middle because I try to be objective. I look and see even in our little village individuals who have agendas. My only agenda is to do right. I don’t care if you are the mayor, a council member, fireman, police officer or a citizen “Right is right and wrong is wrong.” To me there is only one side and it is God’s side. Let us start standing up for the truth. We all make mistakes so let man up and admit it and see His Truth today.

The Indianapolis Group acknowledged the 2019 Special General Conference demonstrated that differences in the UM Church are irreconcilable, that no pathway exists to bridge those differences, and therefore, the group should work for a plan of separation. Source: Wesleyan Covenant Association

Pastor’s Desk - Unworthy 1 Corinthians 15:8-11 (NIV) 8 and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born. 9 For I am the least of the apostles and do not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them--yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Whether, then, it was I or they, this is what we preach, and this is what you believed. I relate so much to Paul. He said he was the least of the apostles. I do not feel worthy to be called a pastor. The Lord impressed something on my heart this week. Yes, there is a pastor that could come in and preach better than I can. There are many who are solid in their doctrine and can help these churches grow faster. The Lord spoke and said the churches might get a better pastor if I left but they could also get one that is not so good. There are many pastors today who have deviated so far from the truth. They have no discipline or training. They go by what they think. Remember I shared yesterday that the body needs one another. It is the same with pastors. Some pastors want to be dictators and others are so far from speaking the truth. They do not need anyone. Trust me I need the body of believers. I am so thankful for going to Circleville Bible College (Ohio Christian University) and Nazarene Bible College. I received wonderful training. No, I am not advocating all pastors get a college degree but we all need training. Paul who considered himself unworthy but he had much training. I know of a wonderful godly pastor who took much of his training through correspondence. He also was discipled and encouraged by his denomination. The point is that we need instructed and guided especially in the early years of ministry. Why I am sharing all of the this? I fear that we have many pastors today who shouldn’t be in the pulpit. You as a laymen need to recognize that. I expect my congregation to constantly check to make sure I preach the truth. It is not the Gospel of Dan but the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To change this world we need more godly pastors who want to preach the truth. This is also a challenge to all pastors including myself. We need to make sure we are following the Word of God and not deviate from it. In Christ Pastor Dan

Pastor’s Desk - The Body Hebrews 10:25 (NIV) 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. I heard something today that I thought was very powerful. I was at Hollow Rock and George Holley said “The body can live without many body parts (like hand or foot) but body parts cannot live without the body. We get discouraged and forget that we have Christian brothers and sisters who can help us. Remember we need one another. We need to stay connected to the body to live. When we accept, we become part of the body of Christ. We are the body of Christ. When we try to live without the help of the corporate body then we fail. This is why we need to be in church. It is also why we need to meet together often and lift one another up. Remember it isn’t only about our own local church. We as believers belong to the whole body of Christ. It goes beyond borders and boundaries. I cannot tell you how many times I have been encouraged or I have encouraged someone. Many times we simply need to be there for our brothers and sisters in Christ. Just a few encouraging words goes a long way. We cannot live without the body. As soon as we walk away from our support then we topple. Hold on and never let go. May your weekend be a blessing. Pastor Dan

Pastor’s Desk - Good and the Bad Matthew 5:44-45 (NLT2) 44 But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. I still hear from individuals who say “why do you get all the blessings and I only have bad luck.” Yes, God does bless me. In fact I was at a business and I said you need to charge more. Someone quickly responded and said yea start with him. One of the owners responded “I was already told that Dan gets the family plan.” Yes, God does bless me but bad things happen to me as well. People aren’t always nice and problems come my way. Today was a great example. I was cutting my grass and noticed a brick that needed picked up. I got off the mower and started to throw the brick into the woods but something caught my attention. I had something flying around me and it didn’t take long to figure it out. They were yellow jackets. Before I knew it, I was stung at least six times. After I did my dance and got away from the bees, I noticed the bees were swarming the mower and it was still running. Cindy brought me some bee spray but still had a large swarm around the mower. I gently got on the mower and took off. What do we take from this situation. First, the bees were not sanctified. They didn’t say Dan is too holy to sting or he is such a bad guy so lets get him. Bees are bees. It is their nature to sting when you disturb their nest. God didn’t place those bees there because I needed punished. I simply ran into their home. As our Scripture says “He gives sunlight to both the evil and good.” So yes, problems do come my way. Life does bite at times or literally stings. Second, how do we respond to our problems? I know some individuals would have been swearing and others would be blaming someone. We all know it must be wife’s fault. Just gigging. I want to tell you I didn’t think one ill word. It is not bragging. As Christians, we should show self-control. So if I didn’t get mad or swear then it is because I am behaving as I should. I wished I could say that I am always self controlled but I can be. I (We) simply need to let the Holy Spirit have control. Please do not say it isn’t possible. The Holy Spirit is powerful and able to do it. Third, Let us not focus on our problems instead look at the problem solver. Jesus can take care of any problem or situation. We need to give it over to Him. Ephesians 3:20 (NIV) 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, Let us always lean on Christ for everything. He will take care of us. Fourth, Our problems are temporary. As I write this to you, my neck, arms and foot still feels the sting but I know it shall pass. We have a hope that is bigger than any problem. We have a wonderful future ahead of us, Do not let the today’s problems steal the blessings of tomorrow. In Christ Pastor Dan

Pastor’s Desk - Are you a Vulcan? Mark 12:30-31 (NIV) 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." I almost jokingly told someone that I am becoming a Vulcan (Star Trek) since they are in complete control of their emotions. Seriously there is a thin line that we walk as Christians. Our emotions needs to be in check. We cannot let our emotions get out of control but we also need to show emotions to help others. We are to love others. When we open ourselves up to others we take a chance of getting hurt. I know of a pastor who felt betrayed by his congregation. He let that betrayal poison him. He still had feelings but it was feelings of bitterness. I find myself not wanting any feelings (good or bad). It is easier to not care. Even that is an emotion. I continually need to be reminded that love is still worth it. We cannot look at those who hurt us instead remember the times we have touched others. Recently I had someone come up and hug me. This person didn’t really say anything but I know they were saying Thank You for being who I am. She was thankful because I was there when she needed it. I can count numerous times when I have received love back. There are also times when someone just looks at me. I know I have touched and helped. It is these moments that we need to hold on to. I wished I could say that no one has ever given me the cold shoulder or were rude. Yes, I wish I didn’t have those hurtful moments but if we dwell on them then we cannot help anyone else. Let us follow the command Love God and Love our neighbors. Never give up. You can and will make a difference. Continue to Love. In Christ Pastor Dan

Pastor’s Desk - Worrying about others. Proverbs 29:23-25 GNT 23 Arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected. 24 A thief's partner is his own worst enemy. He will be punished if he tells the truth in court, and God will curse him if he doesn't. 25 It is dangerous to be concerned with what others think of you, but if you trust the Lord, you are safe. We hope we learn everyday. Sometimes we only learn after repeated failures. I think pride is one of those difficult ones. Our Scripture says arrogance will be our downfall. Yes, I can also fall into that trap. Many times I will have ladies tease and say men are just babies. They get sick or hurt and they need someone to take care of them. Well I thought, you will not be able to say that about me. I take care of myself. That in itself can become very prideful. We care what others think of us. Many of you know a week ago Friday, I had minor knee surgery. I told myself I will not let anyone baby me. I can take care of myself. It became a badge of honor. I can do it. Since last Friday, I have been walking without crutches and doing my normal routine. I cut grass Wednesday (with a riding mower.) Well my pride almost became my downfall. I recently bought a wifi antenna and it needed to be put it up. I waited until today and thought I am going to put it up. I got the ladder out and slowly crawled up it. Yes, it was very difficult. I screwed the antenna to the eve of the house. It was now time to get off the roof. I couldn’t get down. I tried and tried. After much fear and struggle I got back on the ladder and made it down. I was thinking as I was coming down, I shouldn’t have done it. We can let stubbornness get in the way. Yes, there is good pride. We should have pride in the work we do. We should let that pride become a sin or detrimental to us. I found one more interesting thought this week. We worry if someone sees us do something wrong but we never worry if God sees it. I hear people say pardon me preacher. My response always is “do not worry what I think but what God thinks.” He died for you and I so we do not have to be responsibility for our sins. It seems as if we continue to crucify Him over and over again. Let us start worrying about what God thinks. We need to go by His values and not some politician or neighbor. I read an article today that caught my attention. It was a presidential candidate that said we needed a country with morals and an awakening. I thought wow. This person is speaking spiritually. I read her platform. I guess her values and mine are completely different. I desire to follow the values of Christ. Let us put away our pride and self centerdness. Let us seek Christ and His Word. Have a blessed Evening. In Christ Pastor Dan

Pastor's desk: always open to you, Lord Psam 24: 4-5. 4 Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; 5guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Cindy had to drive home from Boardman. The tough part: I had to be the passenger. Cindy didn't know how to get home. I had to instruct her. Since she can't hear, many times she didn't get the right directions. This very much was a teaching moment from me. Many times before I would become impatient. Instead I started to say my words slowly and give her a little bit more information. This was a big step for me. When you live with someone who can't hear, it is easy to become impatient. I found the ride home much smoother since I took the time to share. This should be a lesson for all of us. I do not care how old you are. We all can still learn. We simply must take everything to the Lord. He will teach us and give us wisdom and patience. It shouldn't be but the hardest thing for Christian is to be open minded. I do not mean open minded which goes against our principles. We need to always except and believe someone may know something you don't. All wisdom comes from the Lord above. Seek Christ and he will help you. It is everyday obedience. Trust him always. In Christ Pastor Dan

Pastor’s Desk - Look Up Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV) 1 I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. If you have noticed, I am pretty transparent. You may have noticed that I haven’t sent a devotional for a while. I have cycles in my life like everyone else. Usually when I am silent, it is because I am really busy or going through a dry period. When I write, it is because I am on the mountaintop or in the valley. This isn’t a steadfast rule but again usually. When I am in the valley, it brings me close to Christ. No, I am not in the valley but when I am I look for Christ to give me strength. I believe Lauren Daigle says it the best in her song Look Up Child. Partial lyrics Where are You now When darkness seems to win? Where are You now When the world is crumbling? Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say I hear You say Look up child, ayy Look up child, ayy Where are You now (where are You?) When all I feel is doubt? Oh, where are You now When I can't figure it out? Oh I, I-I-I, I hear You say I hear You say Look up child, ayy . . . You're not threatened by the war You're not shaken by the storm I know You're in control Even in our suffering Even when it can't be seen I know You're in control Lauren Daigle has it right. When we are down and have doubts then look up. We need to keep our eyes on the one who is our refuge and strength. Jesus can help us through anything. So, remember Look Up Child. In Christ Pastor Dan

Please pray for Alex Malarkey- https://www.facebook.com/1667795169/posts/10216610977621378?s=100000010651519&sfns=mo

Pastor’s Desk - Who Is My Neighbor? Luke 10:29-37 (NIV) 29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?" 30 In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31 A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32 So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34 He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35 The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.' 36 "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?" 37 The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise." This is a famous passage of Scripture in which we call the good Samaritan. Jesus wants us all to do go and do likewise. The question still for us is “Who is Our neighbor?” A modern version of it for me was today. I am always noticing truckers sitting down by Joseph’s waiting for them to open. I have felt God prompt me to reach out to them. Today, I stopped and started to talk the trucker. His name is Donnie and he is from Alabama. I asked him if he had dinner and he said he had stuff in the truck. He did ask where the nearest store was so he could use the restroom. I told him that he could use our restroom. Afterwards we talked and I asked him if I could pray with him. I prayed for him and his family. He might be from Alabama but he is still my neighbor. I also hope one day that Donnie will walk up to me in heaven and say “Do you remember when you showed me kindness?” He may continue and say it changed his life. Our hope is to always to touch someone’s life. Remember everyone is our neighbor. Have a blessed evening. In Christ Pastor Dan

BEAUTIFUL

Pastor’s Desk - Look before you leap Proverbs 14:10-12 (NIV) 10 Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy. 11 The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death. I mentioned before that I had fixed my water dispenser in my refrigerator. Well, because of the coil and the position of the fitting, it started to leak again. Worse than that, the whole refrigerator was leaking. Water was coming from the freezer. I was ready to give up. I started to price refrigerators and didn’t like the cost. I waited a few weeks and decided to fix the refrigerator. First, I positioned the new fitting in a place to where the jerking action wouldn’t affect the water dispenser. No leaks. Second, I figured Wyatt turned up the fridge which froze everything. I emptied and defrosted the refrigerator. It’s been 10 days and no leaks. The lesson to the story: Sometimes we jump into situations too quickly and it can be costly. Our text says “There is a way that seems right to a man but it leads to death.” How much times have we jumped into a situation or a relationship which ended up being a disaster? I try to always stop and reflect before I jump. I wish I could say that I never have made rash decisions. We must always be careful in what we do. It can cause pain and heartbreak. It may seem right to you at the moment. It may seem like it is an answer to prayer but it might be the worse decision that you have ever made. Let us remember Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. In Christ Pastor Dan

Streams in the Desert Devotional (Please Read) Very Good April 25 "And there was Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, sitting over against the sepulchre." (Matt. 27:61.) HOW strangely stupid is grief. It neither learns nor knows nor wishes to learn or know. When the sorrowing sisters sat over against the door of God's sepulchre, did they see the two thousand years that have passed triumphing away? Did they see anything but this: "Our Christ is gone!" Your Christ and my Christ came from their loss; Myriad mourning hearts have had resurrection in the midst of their grief; and yet the sorrowing watchers looked at the seed-form of this result, and saw nothing. What they regarded as the end of life was the very preparation for coronation; for Christ was silent that He might live again in tenfold power. They saw it not. They mourned, they wept, and went away, and came again, driven by their hearts to the sepulchre. Still it was a sepulchre, unprophetic, voiceless, lusterless. So with us. Every man sits over against the sepulchre in his garden, in the first instance, and says, "This woe is irremediable. I see no benefit in it. I will take no comfort in it." And yet, right in our deepest and worst mishaps, often, our Christ is lying, waiting for resurrection. Where our death seems to be, there our Saviour is. Where the end of hope is, there is the brightest beginning of fruition. Where the darkness is thickest, there the bright beaming light that never is set is about to emerge. When the whole experience is consummated, then we find that a garden is not disfigured by a sepulchre. Our joys are made better if there be sorrow in the midst of them. And our sorrows are made bright by the joys that God has planted around about them. The flowers may not be pleasing to us, they may not be such as we are fond of plucking, but they are heart-flowers, love, hope, faith, joy, peace—these are flowers which are planted around about every grave that is sunk in the Christian heart. "'Twas by a path of sorrows drear Christ entered into rest; And shall I look for roses here, Or think that earth is blessed? Heaven's whitest lilies blow From earth's sharp crown of woe: Who here his cross can meekly bear, Shall wear the kingly purple there."

Easter Egg Hunt in the morning at 10:00am sharp! Hammondsville ball fields... come on out, rain or shine!

Pastor’s Desk - Get a Life John 3:16 (NIV) 16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Have you ever had anyone say to you “get a life?” I had someone say that to me and that really hit home. For a long time, I have wished for a long time that I had no responsibility. I would love to live alone on my little hill. No one to take care of or be responsible for. It would be wonderful to only have to care of myself. Life would be so much easier. I wouldn’t have to deal with the abuse from individuals. I would have to worry about the cares of others. Do you know what this is called? It is “Self-Centeredness.” We do not shut people out of our lives since we care. As Christians, we love. I was at a doctor’s appointment today and received a very sad prayer request text. I apologized to the nurse for responding to the text and she asked if I was a pastor. I said yes so she proceeded to tell me about her sister who needed prayer. If I was self centered, I wouldn’t care about the request. I could have said “I have enough problems of my own..” I shared that request with others because I (we) love. We all love John 3:16 because it speaks of God who loved us so much. The Lord didn’t want to leave us in such a sinful mess. He did the ultimate sacrifice. He died for us. You can’t asked for anything better love than this. Let us continue to love even when people do not appreciate it. Love you all In Christ Pastor Dan