North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
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Harvest, Redwood Falls
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General Announcements
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Berean DL Celebration
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Andrew Burggraff to Grace Baptist, Owatonna
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First Calvary Event
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Calendar September 7: Installation service for Pastor Andrew Burggraff, GBC Owatonna September 26: Inauguration of Dr. Greg Huffman as President of PBBC September 27: PBBC, Harvest Home October 11: 40th Anniversary & Building Dedication, Berean Baptist, Detroit Lakes November 15-16: Immanuel Westbrook 100th Coming in October Issue: Summer Ministries recap for Grace Baptist in Virginia, MN History update on Sand Creek Baptist in Jordan, MN Wrap-up for 2008 MBA Family Camp
September 1, 2008
Volume II, Issue 9
Inauguration of Dr. Greg Huffman as President of PBBC Pillsbury is pleased to announce that Dr. Greg Huffman will be inaugurated as the eighth president of Pillsbury Baptist Bible College on September 26, 2008. Dr. Huffman assumed the duties of his office on May 20, 2008, succeeding Dr. Robert Crane who now serves in the capacity of President Emeritus. The Huffmans come to Pillsbury from Roanoke, Virginia, where he was the pastor of Shenandoah Baptist Church. In addition to 40 years in the pastorate and Christian school administration, Dr. Huffman is a past president of the Georgia Association of Christian Schools and board member of the American Association of Christian Schools. He has served as adjunct professor at Northland Baptist Bible College and Piedmont College and Graduate School as well as a member of the Board of Trustees of Appalachian Bible College. Dr. Huffman earned the Doctorate of Ministry degree from Bob Jones University in 1991. He has taught materials from his dissertation topic, "Pastoral Burnout in Fundamentalism" at numerous colleges including Bob Jones, Northland, Maranatha, Clearwater, and Pensacola. He also holds the Master of Arts in Christian Counseling and Masters of Religious Education degrees. Dr. Huffman's vision for Pillsbury involves impacting the
students on campus as well as the churches in the Mid-West. He and Ruth want to have the opportunity to host Marriage Enrichment Conferences and Woman-to-Woman Seminars both on the campus and in local churches. He also desires to have a personal ministry to pastors in the areas of ministerial stress and God's ministry in these times (Pastoral Encouragement Conferences). It is also his desire to personally disciple several young men in the student body who have a heart for serving our Lord, as well as preaching in the chapel services often. Lastly, he would like to meet with the pastors who have Pillsbury students serving in their
churches, to partner with them in the discipling of these young folks for their local church ministry.
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev. Robert ATTENTION PASTORS!! - I find as I travel to visit and minister in churches, that not all the people in our pews are being directed to their own copy of the NORTH STAR UPDATE. I encourage you to be sure the NSU is being promoted and distributed in your church. It is a great vehicle to know what is happening in sister churches, and to be knowledgeable of important prayer needs. The following is my report for the month of August. 3rd – We attended the
J. Fuller, Sr. MBA Interim State Missionary
Installation Service for Pastor Shad Vork (Elizabeth) at Grace Baptist Church, Stillwater. 10th – At Grace Baptist Church, Virginia, Pastor Todd Williamson, we participated in by teaching Sunday School and preaching Morning Service for their special MBA Day. We appreciated a wonderful meal after the morning service. 10th – We visited with Faith Baptist Church, Hinckley, Pastor Reed Owen (Pat). We were graciously allowed to present the ministry of the MBA and to preach in the eve-
ning service. 24th – We visited both morning services at Oakdale First Baptist church, Pastor Richard Jensen (Loretta). Pastor Jensen allowed me several minutes to present the MBA programs for church planting and church growth. 25th - I attended the Pillsbury Board of Trustees Finance Committee meeting chaired by Brother Brian Veth on the campus of Pillsbury. PRAY FERVENTLY FOR THE COLContinued on page 4
Harvest Happenings, Redwood Falls
Announcements:
Are great things always happening? No. But faithfulness is something the Lord encourages. Praise God! The church is encouraged that several folks have moved
into the area (pray for Jack & Kathy, Bill, Karen, Laurie and children). It has been an encouragement to have visitors in 6 of the last 8 weeks. Pray that some will come for membership. Interestingly some Lutheran and Adventist friends returned for studies this summer. Praise God, ten young people were able to attend Camp Shiloh. Several made decisions. One shared getting saved in our morning service. The pastor anticipates baptizing some. The basement is finished and two events occurred to use
it immediately: Ladies Tea – with 31 attending, and our DVBS – with 35 children and 6 adults. Jon and Elizabeth Ekblad helped with a great race/ Olympic theme. In the mornings they served in the DVBS in St. James where 27 attended. Probably 40 New Testaments were given out. Pastor Smetak participated in the Minnesota Senior games in July and was able to win 5 medals in the 60+ category. The church is now looking forward to its Bible Conference with Josh Stephens, October 1923.
Dr. Richard Paige, former State Missionary with the MBA and currently the National Representative of the New Testament Association of Independent Baptist Churches, will be at Cornerstone Baptist Church in Willmar, Sunday, September 7, 2008. On Saturday, September 6, Dr. Paige will present the work of the NTA to pastors of churches not currently affiliated with the NTA. Other pastors are encouraged to come for a time of fellowship and update at 9 a.m., at the Perkins Restaurant in Marshall. Please RSVP.
*************** First Baptist Lake Benton reports a new church address: First Baptist Church 504 US Highway 75 Lake Benton, MN 56149 *************** Dr. Dan Brown’s messages from this year's MBA Annual Meeting are available for download on the MBA website. Go to http:// www.mbaoc.org and click on the "Sermons" link. ***************
Members of Immanuel Baptist Church, Westbrook are eagerly anticipating the celebration of their church’s 100th anniversary, November 15 and 16. Everyone is welcome to attend the Saturday evening and Sunday activities. Reservations are needed by October 1 for the catered fellowship dinner Sunday noon. For more details or to make reservations, call the church at 507-274-5556 or email the church at ibcwbmn@centurytel.net.
Volume II, Issue 9
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Berean DL Celebration: 40th Anniversary and Building Dedication The Berean Baptist Church of Detroit Lakes invites you to rejoice with them as they praise the Lord for 40 years of Gospel ministry and the dedication of their new building. The dedication/anniversary service will take place on Saturday, October 11th at 1:00 pm. The new building is at the junction of Hwy 59 south and County Rd. 6 in Detroit Lakes. Everyone is invited to join them on that day and if unable to be with them to uphold Be-
rean in prayer as they endeavor to reach the western lakes area of Minnesota with the gospel in anticipation of the return of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.
Questions or directions please call the church 218-8478914.
Grace Baptist, Owatonna Calls New Pastor Grace Baptist Church of Owatonna is rejoicing after a year and a half long pastoral search, that God has directed them to their next senior pastor. Pastor Andrew Burggraff began his ministry at Grace on Sunday, August 10. Pastor Burggraff comes from Bible Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida, where he served as senior pastor since 2004. He is a graduate of Maranatha Baptist Bible College and Calvary Baptist Theological Seminary, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry at Westminster Theological
Seminary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Allyson, have three children: Andrew is five, Anna is four, and Aaron is nearly two. Allyson attended Bob Jones University and also attended Maranatha Baptist Bible College. The Burggraffs were married in 2000. An installation service is planned for Pastor Burggraff on Sunday, September 7, at 3:00 p.m. Former pastor, Dr. David Burggraff, will give the charge to the church and the pastor. Pastor Andrew Burggraff will also give a message during that
First Calvary Baptist Community Event First Calvary Baptist Church has had a great summer of ministry capped off by Sunfish Lake Day. On Saturday, August 23 the residents of Sunfish Lake celebrated on our property the 50 years of the city’s incorporation. The church staff, together with city officials and citizens of Sunfish Lake, planned the event for all the citizens and public officials of Sunfish Lake to enjoy.
The people of FCBC served the community in a way that demonstrated the love of Christ. About 1/3 of the city’s residents came out to enjoy the picnic, bluegrass music, inflatable, fire truck rides, face painting, caricature drawings, giveaways, and the always popular dunk tank. Pastor Mike VerWay, Mayor Molly Park, the Continued on page 4
service. Please pray for the ministry of the church as they begin serving together with their new pastor.
A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION PO Box 527 Willmar, MN 56201-0527
We’re on the web! http:www.mbaoc.org
MBA Contacts Minnesota Baptist Association
Fellowship Foundations, continued from page 2
Dr. Julian Suarez, President Faith Baptist Church 1365 Westminster St. St. Paul, MN 55130 (651) 771-5567 pastors@fbcstpaul.org Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St.
LEGE DURING THE OPENING DAYS OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR. 31st – Lakeview Baptist Church of Orr held its 25th anniversary. I was unable to attend, but did send congratulations
and greetings from the churches of the MBA to the church and its pastor, James Rockensock (Melba). FINAL NOTE - Pray for these churches that are seeking the Lord's mind for new pastors
- Rockford Baptist, Rockford; Calvary Baptist, St. Peter; Faith Baptist, Hinckley; Chisago Lakes Baptist, Chisago City. If I can be of service to you or your church, please contact me.
1549 118th Lane NW Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com MBA Office contact@mbaoc.org 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 North Star Update Editor 315 S. Payne St. New Ulm, MN 56073 (507) 354-3323
First Calvary Baptist, continued from page 3 fire chief and police sergeant all took their turns plunging into the water. Praise the Lord for the privilege to be a part of this community, to serve the people of this community, to have people on the church’s property and in the building who had not previously been here, and to share the servant model of Jesus Christ.