A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
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Granite City Programs
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Christmas at Westbrook
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PBBC National Youth Conference
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Detroit Lakes add staff
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Twin Cities Fellowship
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Pastor’s
Pictorial Update from Pine Island
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Calendar January 14, 2008, 10:00 a.m.: MBA Executive Committee meeting at FBC, New Ulm. January 28-29: PBBC Board on campus. February 15-16: “Men of Steel.” State Men’s Advance at PBBC. March 3: MBA Board at Berean Baptist, Brooklyn Park; 10:00 a.m. Executive; Noon, Full Board March 14-15: MBA Ladies Retreat at PBBC. “Heritage of Faithfulness.” April 11-12: National Youth Conference at PBBC.
Volume 2, Issue 1
January 1, 2008
“Men of Steel”: 2008 MBA Men’s Advance By: Pastor Tim Riley
2008 MEN’S ADVANCE February 15th & 16th Pillsbury Baptist Bible College “In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.” Judges 17:6 “And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself even as he is pure.” I John 3:3 The days we live in are immersed in the satisfaction of the individual. Come join us for encouragement to be the godly individuals that are needed by our Lord, our wives, our children and our churches. Evangelist Kevin Brownfield will bring us three scriptural challenges to
build men up as “men of steel”. Several workshops will be given on Saturday morning to challenge young men and old to be godly men. There will also be the yearly basketball tournament, a film for the non-athletic, great food, and fellowship. Brochures
will be sent soon to all MBA churches. Anyone desiring to have a brochure sent directly to themselves or someone else please contact Pastor Tim Riley or Chaplain Tim Sherman at (218) 847-8914 or (218) 8419194.
Harvest Baptist Blessings By: Larry & Vera Smetak As we close out 2007 we rejoice that God has been so faithful here. During most months we have a high attendance in the upper 30's, and our faithful core stay involved. In December we have been caroling at three rest homes, shared radio devotions, and spent a day at the local school after two young men committed suicide. While I was walking down a corridor a group of teens, already in a prayer circle, asked me to share some verses, pray, and share words of encouragement. It's such a
needy world if we can connect. On December 16th we all rejoiced in baptizing Brandy Spaeth, Robert Workman and a young girl, Emilee Weber. Our membership has grown to 29. They shared their testimonies and relatives were present from other denominations to view this time of testimony. Our program was held December 23rd with a group of some 15 young singers, readers and our neat bell choir. A Continued on page 4
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev. Robert Fuller, Sr., Interim State Missionary The Lord alters our plans in many ways - and in Minnesota it is not unusual to see plans changed by the weather. As Interim State Missionary, I was invited by First Baptist Church of Adrian, MN., Tim Barr, Pastor, to visit Sunday, December 2nd. I was to present the ministry of the MBA, and teach and preach at all services. You might remember, a terrific snow and ice storm that weekend. It blanketed southern Minnesota all the way across. Bro. Barr graciously rescheduled our visit for January 13, 2008. We attended the Pillsbury College Christmas Concert and open house on Friday evening, December 7th. What a ministry and blessing the College is to
our state association. The good folks at First Baptist Church, Oakland, MN., invited us to teach and preach at all Services on Sunday, December 9th. We took the occasion to present some thoughts about the fellowship of the Minnesota Baptist Association. Mr. and Mrs. Dale Wicks extended to us the hospitality of their farm home to rest in the afternoon. Several Pillsbury students on extension to the church were there along with other members of the Wicks family. The congregation was very receptive at all services. On Monday evening the 10th, as a part of the Twin Cities group of churches, we greatly enjoyed the pastor's,
wives', and staff's Christmas dinner at Grace Baptist Church, Stillwater, hosted by Pastor and Betty Huebscher. A large attendance filled their church facilities. Our good Brother, Pastor Dave White, Bryant Avenue Baptist, entered the hospital on Tuesday, December 11th for a complete knee replacement. At his invitation, we were invited to conduct their mid-week service on the 12th and 19th. On the 12th. their AWANA program was in progress with many clubbers out Christmas caroling. We close 2007 with great joy for the fellowship of the MBA, and all its ministries.
Granite City Programs By: Pastor Dennis Campbell “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise,…but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” Granite City Baptist enjoyed a wonderful Academy Program on Dec. 9th, with five decisions for salvation from the attendees following the program. The older students presented a play by Monica Friesen entitled, “The Journal”. Two young women find a journal wherein the contents appear
to depict a love relationship between two human beings. Later the young ladies come to realize the journal details a Christian’s relationship with Christ. The hours of preparation provided for a testimony wherein the Spirit’s conviction produced results for the Lord’s glory. The Cantata, “Herald the News” was warmly received on Dec 23rd, and the Dec. 30th Family Specials and film, “Facing the Giants” was well attended.
Christmas an Immanuel Baptist, Westbrook Immanuel Baptist, Westbrook, combined two Christmas traditions, the choir cantata and the shower of gifts for a family in ministry, on December 9th. In the morning service, the choir presented Let the People Sing at Christmas by Fred and Ruth Coleman. Nathan Delich,
who ministers in Madelia, and his family were this year’s special guests. In the Sunday school hour, Nathan presented their ministry and challenged the congregation on family traditions. Ladies of the church planned and served a festive meal at noon in the fellowship
hall. The afternoon service, also in the fellowship hall, began with the singing of several Christmas carols. After Nathan’s message, he and his family opened their many gifts from members of Immanuel Baptist.
Volume 2, Issue 1
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National Youth Conference for 2008 Pillsbury Baptist Bible College National Youth Conference April 11-12, 2008
The Amazing Journey Where are you going? Guest Speaker: Matt Herbster Amazing Youth Activities Games Prizes Individual & Team Events Workshops Cost: $35 if registered by March 31, and $40 thereafter. Includes meals, housing, all activities and events. www.pillsbury.edu for more details
Berean Baptist, D.L. adds Assistant Pastor On November 4, 2007 Pastor Mike Forsberg and his wife joined with Berean Baptist Church as an assistant pastor. Pastor Forsberg will help with the increasing minis-
tries and outreaches of Berean Baptist as well as the upcoming building project subsequent to the sale of all of the churches existing facilities and properties. Pray with us as Pas-
tor Forsberg moves into this new role and as Berean steps out to increase its ministry to the Detroit Lakes area and beyond.
TC Pastors-Wives-Staff Fellowship at Grace, Stillwater Seventy pastors and wives plus church staff people enjoyed a Christmas banquet December 10th at Grace Baptist Church in Stillwater. Pastor and Mrs. Len and Betty
Huebscher hosted. It was a great evening of warm fellowship. Pastor Jim Snow, of St. Francis, spoke - a blessing! Pastor and Mrs. Dick Jensen from First Baptist of Oakdale brought special music. Mrs. Heather Schopf, youth pastor John's wife, from Chisago, was pianist. Pastor Shad Vork led singing. Catering was done by folks from Grace Baptist Church. It was a great time and we were packed in the lower auditorium for the dinner, afterward going upstairs for the program.
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A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527
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MBA Contacts
Pictorial Update from Pine Island
Minnesota Baptist Association
Trusses Set on Foyer and Auditorium 12/7/07
Dr. Julian Suarez, President Faith Baptist Church 1365 Westminster St. St. Paul, MN 55130 (651) 771-5567 pastors@frontiernet.net Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St. 1549 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com MBA Office Minnesota Baptist Association PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527 Send Contributions to: Mr. Brian Veth, MBA Treasurer c/o Coon Rapids Baptist Church 11164 Hanson Blvd. Coon Rapids, MN 55433 Send Update Articles and Pictures to: drjfjr@comcast.net Or North Star Update Editor 315 S. Payne St. New Ulm, MN 56073
Harvest Baptist, continued from page 1 busy month will end with an open house at the Smetak's, and watch night games with our youth. Our church basement projects are really looking great. New lights and electric baseboards, sheet rock, two re-
modeled bath rooms and kitchen area. The tile will soon be laid and a sound system in place. The best news in about 8 months is that Harvest Baptist will be debt free and these projects paid in full. A merry Christmas to
all. And again, many, many thanks to all who supported Planting & Watering to see this new church begun.