North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Foundations, continued
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Information Update
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Calendar January 11: 10 a.m., MBA Executive Committee; 1 p.m., Full Board April 19-20: MBA Pastors & Wives Fellowship in New Ulm June 25-26: MBA Annual Meeting, Coon Rapids
Volume III, Issue 9
December 31, 2009
Christmas Greeting From: Pastor
Gerald Stephens, President, Minnesota Baptist Association
Isaiah 9:6 – “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace.” Greetings in the name of our wonderful Lord, Jesus Christ. I trust that this Christmas will bring joy to each and every one within our Minnesota Baptist family. As I rejoice in the birth of our wonderful Savior I
know that His presence will give us strength and will keep us faithful as we draw near to his soon return. I just returned two days ago from a difficult trip to Florida where I experienced the home going of my father. God’s grace is sufficient for every trial and His strength is evident as I prepare for the funeral celebration in a few days. I am resting on the promises of God’s Word which clearly declares in 2 Corinthian 5:8 – “We are confi-
dent, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” I trust that together we will be able to continue to spread the glorious gospel of our Savior throughout the state of Minnesota and that we will encourage one another as the time continues to get shorter until the return of our Savior. May God’s blessings be upon you and your Families!
Home Going of Mr. Sam Stephens Mr. Sam Stephens went to be with his Savior on Thursday, December 17, while in the hospital in Largo, Florida. He was saved just one year ago after
living a life with a head knowledge but no heart knowledge of salvation. He humbly accepted Jesus as His Savior and began sharing his new found faith with
his family and friends. He will be missed by his family and his many friends at Calvary Baptist Church in Pengilly, Minnesota.
Merry Christmas from the NSU Editor By: Pastor As editor, I spend my time putting the Update together. I don’t often write my own piece (unless I am writing for First Baptist, New Ulm). However, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the local church
contacts that have submitted articles for publication. Also, thanks to those officers and special contributors who have written special pieces from time to time. I am looking forward to a
Bob Fuller, Jr.
great year serving the Lord together with you. May you have a Merry Christmas, and may you find joy in serving Him in 2010.
Fellowship Foundations at Year’s End By: Rev. Robert We are rapidly closing out December, and by virtue of that, the year 2009. We have looked for the Lord’s return, but while we have waited, we all have had a great year in Him. Likely this Issue of the
Fuller, Sr. Interim State Missionary
Update will not reach you before Christmas. Our confidence is in the fact that you had a joyous Christmas. As 2010 approaches we all should plan a full year to serve our Lord. We will apply Romans
8:28, and then do our utmost to make every incident bring Glory to God! If Jesus should return before the year concludes, we will be with Him, and what we leave behind will be of no conContinued on page 2
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 Rev. Gerald Stephens, President Community Baptist Church PO Box 212 New Prague, MN 56071 (952) 758-3287 pastor@npcbc.org Interim State Missionary Rev. Robert Fuller, St. 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
Fellowship Foundations, continued from page 1 sequence. My opportunities to serve and represent the MBA since the last report have included the following: On Sunday, November 29, we were at First Baptist, New Ulm. Dr. Robert Fuller, Jr., and Jacqueline (Jacque) took the thanksgiving Season occasion to visit their son, Rob, and his wife, Heidi along with their two boys. Pastor Fuller invited me to present the MBA, and preach in the Morning Service as well as lead the Adult Sunday School. My wife and I appreciated the opportunity to see again our many friends there. Monday, November 30, I was contacted by a pastor - not
in our fellowship - desiring to know more about Baptist belief and doctrine. Later in December, we met personally for a great time of discussion. For Wednesday, December 2, I was invited to present the Wednesday evening Bible Study at Berean Baptist, Brooklyn Park. Dr. Cary Flinck (Nancy) journeyed to South Dakota to attend a funeral in the family of one of his members. Berean Baptist is a dear neighboring church to us, and to be there is always a blessing. I also brought a short update on the MBA. Sunday, December 13 found us at our home church, Coon Rapids Baptist. I was
asked by Pastor Will Peterson (Sharon) to preach and teach for all Services while he and his wife were away for 4 days. I gave a short update on the MBA, as well. As for the days ahead, on December 27 we will be at Immanuel Baptist, Westbrook, and on January 3, we will be at Rockford Baptist, Rockford. A report on these, and others, will be in the next Update. One final note - Rhoda is recovering nicely from her shoulder replacement surgery. Thank you for your prayers. If I can be of any service to you or your church, please contact me.
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
Data Update for Larry & Vera Smetak Dr. Larry Smetak has accepted the pastorate at Highland Park Baptist in St. James. He and his wife, Vera, will begin their ministry December 31. They will be moving as the weather allows. Their new mailing address will be PO Box 245, St. James, MN, 56081-2045. The house phone is (507) 375-4025, and their cell phone is (507) 640-1531. Their email is lvsmetak@juno.com. We will publish more information as it is available.