Vandals struck a Faw Road church over the weekend, causing more than $500 in damage.

The pastor arrived at the Fortress of Joy Sunday morning to find graffiti, according to Lewis and Clark County Sheriff Leo Dutton. "God is dead," "Christianity is slavery" and "666" among other sayings were sprayed in black paint all over the outside of the church.

Another church on the 100 block of Valley Drive, the Church of Nazarene, fell victim to a recent spree of criminal mischief, Helena Police Chief Troy McGee said. Police received a report of broken-out windows from the church early Sunday morning.

These crimes follow a spree of vandalisms to buildings and vehicles in the Helena area.

Authorities have received more than 50 reports of broken windows across the city in the past two weeks. Vandals have mostly broken windows and taillights on vehicles, apparently with rocks and possibly baseball bats, McGee said.

Investigators are still determining whether the incidents are related.

Anyone with information about the incidents can call Crimestoppers at 443-2000.

Reporter Angela Brandt: 447-4078 or angela.brandt@helenair.com