North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
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Williamson Ordination
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Ladies Scholarship
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Lakeview Baptist Building Dedication
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MBA Ladies Retreat
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First, Adrian in Parade
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Calendar September 17-18: MBA State Men’s Fellowship, Camp Friendship in Annandale. September 17 or 18: MBA Executive Committee and Board of Trustees Meeting. Time to be announced.
Volume IV, Issue 5
August 9, 2010
2010 MBA Annual Meeting Report The churches of the Minnesota Baptist Association met together through their messengers at Coon Rapids Baptist Church, Coon Rapids, MN, June 25-26, 2010. The main speaker for the event was John Hartog, III. Dr. Hartog is pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Cambridge, IA, and provost of Faith Baptist Theological Seminary in Ankeny, IA. Brother Hartog’s challenges to the assembled messengers were taken from the second letter of the Apostle Paul to the believers in Corinth. All of these messages are available for listening or download on the MBA website, www.mbaoc.org. One of the purposes of the annual meeting is to elect those who will represent the MBA throughout the next year, and
Robert Fuller, Sr. is the Interim State Missionary. The following were elected
the state of Minnesota. The MBA adopted the new program under the old name, Planting and
to serve on the 2010 Class of the Board of Trustees of the Association: Pastor Gerald Fisher,
years to come. The officers of the Association will be the same as last year: Rev. Gerald Stephens, President; Rev. Richard Jensen, Vice President; Rev. David Rogers, Secretary; and Mr. Brian Veth, Treasurer. Rev.
Pastor Joe Haynes, Pastor David Grotzke, Pastor Matt Morrell, Pastor Bart Goetz, Pastor Larry Smetak, Mr. Dave Van Loh, Pastor Dave White. This year a new push has begun for planting churches in
Watering. The Planting and Watering committee, a committee of the Board of Trustees, was named by President Stephens and ratified by the full board. They are: Rev. Doug Roman (chair), Rev. Loren Bjokne, Rev. Daniel Lowe, Rev. Richard Jensen, Rev. Steve Brower, Rev. Matt Morrell, and Rev. David White. In addition to conducting the business of the Association, the messengers also elected the new class of the Board of Trustees for Pillsbury Baptist Bible College. The PBBC Board class of 2013: Rev. Marlon Mielke, Rev. Steve Brower, Rev. Loren Bjokne, Brother Jim Gunderson, Rev. Matthew Olmstead, and Brother Brian Veth. The board met and elected their officers: Dr. Robert Fuller, Jr., Chairman; Rev. Gerald Stephens, Vice Chairman; Rev. Marlon Mielke, Secretary; and Brother Jim Gunderson, Treasurer.
June 24-25, 2011: MBA Annual Meeting at First Baptist Church, St. Francis, MN.
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations By: Rev. Robert What is nicer then spring and summer in wonderful Minnesota? We think we have the best here in our State. If you don’t agree, please do not answer my opening question! June began with some great opportunities to represent our State Association, and we list them as follows. June 6 – We journeyed north to Grace Baptist, Virginia, Pastor Todd Williamson, for the Sunday School and Morning Services. Pastor Todd is having a great ministry there. He allowed me some time to
Fuller, Sr. MBA Interim State Missionary
give an update on the Association work. That afternoon we travelled north to Lakeview Baptist in Orr for their 4 p.m. new building Dedication Service. It was a blessing to see around 200 friends and members in attendance. Pastor Jim Rockensock (Melba) invited the pastors there to the front of the auditorium where he requested that I lead in the Dedication Prayer. They have a wonderful new facility with a parking area where the original building stood. The congregation sup-
plied refreshments after the service. June 13 – I was invited to supply the pulpit for Sunday School and Morning Service at Pengilly, Calvary Baptist. Pastor Bart Goetz (Carol) were away for the funeral of his mother. Although the reason for our being there was not a happy one, we enjoyed the fellowship of our great friends there, and their Baptist “Buffet”! June 22 – I attended a meeting of the Church Planting Continued on page 4
Grace Baptist, Virginia Ordains Pastor Williamson Grace Baptist Church called an ordination council for the ordination of Pastor Todd Williamson. On July 10th ten Baptist Pastors from around the state met in order to grill Pastor Williamson concerning his doctrinal beliefs. He was bombarded with a steady stream of questions for three hours. Around 12:40 p.m. Grace Baptist Church and their visitors went to lunch while the Ordination Council went to prayer to seek God’s guidance and wisdom. The council voted unanimously to advise Grace Baptist Church to proceed with the ordination of Pastor Todd Williamson. Then the council went to lunch. While a delicious dinner of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy was served to the pastors, Grace Baptist Church convened a business meeting and voted to ordain Pastor Todd Williamson. After all had eaten and enjoyed a time of fellowship, Grace Baptist Church's ordina-
tion service began about 2:30 P.M. Pastor Todd Williamson's mother sang a solo, and then Pastor Gerald Stephens brought the charge to the congregation from 2 Corinthians chapter 8. Pastor Bart W. Goetz brought the challenge to Pastor Williamson from 2 Timothy. Afterward the pastors from around the state and deacons of Grace Baptist Church laid hands upon Pastor Williamson in praise and joyful worship of prayer invoking God’s blessing upon him. Grace Baptist Church wants to extend its heartfelt thanks to all those who participated and joined in the ordination.
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Lakeview Baptist, Orr Dedicates New Building On Sunday, June 6 an overflow assembly of about 160 met at Lakeview Baptist Church in Orr, MN for the dedication service of the church’s new building. People from Orr, Ray, Gilbert, Virginia, and across Minnesota were present to witness what God was doing through the people in Orr. Starting at 4 pm, Pastor Jim Rockensock began the service with prayer. The “Faithful Men” quartet from north of the Twin Cities provided an enjoyable concert of Bible-centered songs, humor, and encouragement. The concert was well received and all
present were built up by the group’s ministry. The dedication message was delivered by Pastor Derek Claypool of Faith Baptist Church, Bemidji. The message challenged each one to see their life and relationships as links in a chain to accomplish the Lord’s work. During the service Pastor Rockensock acknowledged the help and resources made available for the construction of the new facility. Just prior to the conclusion of the service, ten pastors came forward, led by Rev. Robert Fuller, Sr., the MBA Interim
State Missionary, thanksgiving was given for God’s many blessings upon the church. Everyone enjoyed a wonderful time of fellowship and an excellent meal at the end of the afternoon. “To God be the glory; great things He hath done.”
MBA State Ladies Retreat Final There were 230 ladies who gathered on March 19-20, at Grace Baptist Church in Owatonna, for the MBA Ladies Retreat. It was a wonderful time of fellowship and spiritual refreshment as we opened God’s Word and considered the importance of being the kind of friend God would have us be to reach the unsaved and encourage our sisters in Christ. Mrs. Colene Price was the keynote speaker. She shared things with us that were
“Through the Roof,” learning from the early ministry of Jesus; “Under the Palace Roof,” living under pressure and tough circumstances; and “Above the Roof,” viewing life from a heavenly perspective. There were five workshops where the leaders taught us how to study the Bible, how to help our spouses, how to help our friends, how to help in our churches, and how to teach our children to love Jesus. The “Grace Baptist Crew”
graciously served our snacks and lunch. There were times where we laughed and times where we cried. Most of all, the Ladies Retreat was a time to focus on God and what He alone can do for us as ladies who desire to serve Him. Plans are underway for next year’s retreat which will be held at Camp Friendship in Annandale, Minnesota. You won’t want to miss it.
First Baptist Adrian in Local Parade First Baptist Church in Adrian participated in our town's parade on July 17th. Our goal was twofold. First and foremost, we desired to share the gospel with people in our town and gain new contacts within the community. We were blessed to learn about a tract from Kids4Truth that was being discounted. This ministry graciously sent our church 1000 of these tracts for the price of shipping. We were able to give out over 300 of them during the
parade. We also passed out candy to the children who waited eagerly along the parade route. For our secondary goal, we desired to build a stronger relationship between our congregation and our town. The warm reception that we received from many of the people reminded us of the importance of community involvement. Blending these two goals was of the highest importance. Door to door tract distribution is not viewed favorably in our
small town but when this same Continued on page 4
Ladies Scholarship Program Coming! The MBA ladies have instituted a college scholarship program for young women of MBA churches. The application is available on the MBA website.
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
Fellowship Foundations, continued from page 2
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, Sr. 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
Committee of the MBA at 4th Baptist, Plymouth, chaired by Pastor Doug Roman. They have done an exemplary job for our Association in putting together a challenging plan for Church Planting in our State. This they presented to the MBA Annual Meeting on the 25th and 26th. June 25,26 – My wife and I attended the 151st Annual Meeting of our State Association, hosted at Coon Rapids, Pastor Will Peterson (Sharon). The meetings, (Executive Committee, Full Board, and the Annual Meeting of the messengers) were very forward looking. The folks at Coon Rapids did a wonderful job in provid-
ing for all needs in their very attractive facilities. As we entered into July, my visits to churches were interrupted somewhat by our family reunion in Indiana. July 8 – While in the Indianapolis area, some of our great friends in Eagledale arranged a reception supper for us. About 25 of our dear friends from the 60’s came to greet us. I was privileged to share what God had done in our lives, and is doing now as we serve the churches of the MBA. July 18 – We took occasion to visit Grace Baptist, Stillwater, Pastor Shad Vork (Elizabeth), for the Sunday School and Morning Service. I
was introduced as the Interim Missionary, and called upon to give the closing prayer. Again, it was a delightful visit with that thriving church. July 31 – I participated as the Interim State Missionary in the Ordination Council for Pastor Steve Brower (Heather) at First Baptist, St. Francis. Pastor Brower did an excellent Doctrinal Presentation, and the Council voted unanimously to recommend that the church proceed with the Ordination. So we enter August. If I can be of service or help to you or your church, please contact me.
Adrian Parade, continued from page 3 activity was combined with a community project, the people regularly thanked us for the material and promptly began reading it. As a pastor, I am thankful for the special effort
that many of our members expended in purchasing candy and Bible tracts, stamping them with our church name, and handing them out in our town parade. We are planning to
continue our mass-evangelism outreach over the coming month in two of the county fairs that are in our area. We would covet your prayers.