North Star Update A PUBLICATION OF THE MINNESOTA BAPTIST ASSOCIATION Inside This Issue: Fellowship Foundations
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Whites celebrate 20 years 2 at Bryant Avenue Family Camp
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2011 Ladies Retreat Wrap-up
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2011 Ladies Retreat First 3 Person 2011 Ladies Retreat First 3 Person
Calendar June 24: MBA Board of Trustees, Executive Committee and Full Board June 24, 25: MBA Annual Meeting August 11-13: Family Camp at Lighthouse Baptist, Cottage Grove
Volume V, Issue 2
May 9, 2011
Harvest Baptist Redwood Falls Installs DePenning as Pastor On March 27 the brothers and sisters of Harvest Baptist Church in Redwood Falls, Minnesota held an installation service for their pastor, Rev. Dwight DePenning. Brother DePenning began his ministry there in January of this year. Brother DePenning asked Pastor Daniel Meet of Faith Baptist Church in Faribault to give the Charge to the Pastor. His message was taken from Joshua 22, verses 1 and 5. He dealt with the principles that the leader must remember to lead the people of the church. Pastor David Rogers of Cornerstone Baptist Church, Willmar, Minnesota, delivered the Charge to the Church. The message was taken from Ephesians 4:16. The challenge reminded the members of Harvest Baptist that the growth of the church needs every member’s
involvement under the direction of Christ. At the end of the service pastors and other ordained brothers were invited to take part in a prayer for the ministry of Brother DePenning, and the fellowship of Harvest Baptist. The ladies of the church presented a floral arrangement to Pastor DePenning's wife, Sheila. After the service, the church served some refreshments in the lower level of the building.
Granite City Baptist Academy at ACE Regional Competition The 9-12th grade students of Granite City Baptist Academy (GCBA) participated in the Accelerated Christian Education Annual Regional Student Convention in St. Cloud from April 13-15: Josh Hasbargen (11),
Emily Moeller (11), and Raymond Lauer (10). Over 140 students competed, representing 12 Christian schools from Iowa, Minnesota, and Montana. The GCBA students competed in 31 individual
and group events, including Academics, Art, Needle and Thread, Athletic, Vocal/ Instrumental Music, and Platform (Speech/Drama). They Continued on page 4
Southwest Association of Churches Meets by Rob Adams The Southwest Association of Baptist Churches held its 144th annual meeting Saturday, April 2, 2011, at First Baptist Church, Marshall, Minnesota. The meeting was led by moderator Pastor Mark Fish, and host Pastor Greg Linscott.
Our guest speaker was Greg Stiekes, Pastor of Bethany Bible Church, Hendersonville, North Carolina. He challenged those attending with the topic of Shaping the Next Generation. He discussed such topics as: the Goals of Teaching, and Shaping
the Moral Imagination. The host church provided refreshments, a delicious noon meal, and special music for the day. Next year's meeting is planned for March 31, 2012 at First Baptist in Adrian, Minnesota.
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North Star Update
Fellowship Foundations by Rev. Robert Fuller, Sr. ISM I am writing this on April 19. As far as winter is concerned, there is light at the end of the tunnel, spring is in the air, and so is snow later on in the day. The previous issue of the Update had my report up through January 30th. Since then, my opportunities to function as your Interim State Missionary have been as follows: February 7 – I attended as ex-officio member the Pillsbury Baptist Bible College board held in the facilities of Central Seminary. The ongoing concern of the Board is the sale of the campus property. February 23 – At the invitation of the Deacons, I conducted the Bible Study at our home church, Coon Rapids Baptist. Pray as the church seeks God’s mind for a new
pastor. February 27 – We visited the morning Service and Sunday School at Cornerstone Baptist, Elk River, Pastor Gordon Langdon (Joyce). Pastor Langdon allowed me some time to report briefly on MBA and Pillsbury College. March 6, 9, 13 – At the invitation of the Deacons, I was privileged to conduct all services at Coon Rapids Baptist Church. The regular pulpit supply for Sunday, Dr. Dan Brown was away. I gave a brief report on MBA and Pillsbury College. The pulpit supply for Wednesday evening, Bro. Ron Gotzman was away. I was asked to conduct the Bible Study. And again, on Sunday the 13th I preached and taught Sunday School.
March 27 – We attended the Installation service for Pastor Dwight DePenning (Sheila) at Harvest Baptist, Redwood Falls. Pastor DePenning requested that I give the Prayer of Dedication at the close of the service. The fellowship provided by the church in the afternoon was a great blessing. April 4, 5 –We attended the State Pastor/Wife fellowship hosted by First Baptist Church, Baxter, Pastor Dave Grotzke (Cindy). Under their leadership, the church provided for every need, food and comfort. Don’t miss this event next year! April 11 – We attended the Family and Friends Banquet for Central Baptist Seminary at the Continued on page 4
Bryant Avenue Celebrates White’s 20th Year as Pastor On Sunday, April 17, 2011, Bryant Avenue Baptist celebrated Pastor White’s 20th year of ministry to our church family. Over the years the Whites have faithfully served as leaders who have equipped the saints to do the work of the ministry. Pastor White’s commitment to God’s Word has been consistently evident as he has preached and taught from the Bible. His servant’s heart is clearly seen in the devotion he gives to every aspect of his calling. Mrs. White has been a godly example who has demon-
strated excellence in her ministries as Sunday school teacher, organist, and Christian school teacher. In order to honor their service to the Lord, the church family of Bryant Avenue Baptist Church organized a special service which included music, a slideshow of memories, and a poem dedicated to Pastor White entitled “Our Guiding Shepherd” written by member and former student Mrs. Mia Smith. Mr. Clarence Larson, music director, and Mr. Rusty Roesch, former assistant pastor shared
testimonies of the Whites’ influence. A special album of pictures and notes was compiled by Mr. and Mrs. Jim Prichard and was presented to the Whites along with a plaque commemorating the occasion. Many friends and past members of the church were in attendance for the morning, and a lasagna dinner was shared together following the service. The fellowship praises God for the faithfulness of Pastor and Mrs. White in “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” (I Corinthians 15:58)
Family Camp Planned for Lighthouse, Cottage Grove Several pastors are organizing a Family Camp Retreat set for August 11 - 13, 2011. Lighthouse Baptist Church, Cottage Grove will be hosting the camp. They are planning fun for the whole family -games, food, singing, camp fire, and devotions. Lodging options include unlimited tenting areas
at Lighthouse, pop-ups and trailers in the church’s parking lot, and regional parks and motels close by. The fees are: family for 3 days, $50; family for 2 days, $40; single for 3 days, $20; single for 2 days, $15. All rates will increase by $10 August 1. Fees include all meals, snacks, programs and tent/
trailer spots. The event will start at 6 pm, August 11 and will close 5 pm, August 13. Send registration fees to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 9979 80th Street S., Cottage Grove, MN 55016.
Volume V, Issue 2
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Ladies Retreat Wrap-Up by Dana Stephens Reflecting on the many years I have attended the MBA Ladies Retreat I am reminded of the special years at Pillsbury Baptist Bible College, a place I will always love. After Pillsbury’s closure, Owatonna graciously let the MBA use their church for two years and we thank them for their hospitality. Now God has provided us with a beautiful camp to use and really makes for a rustic lakeshore getaway, including some
nice amenities! This year we were blessed with 125 ladies. Sarah Zakariasen was our main speaker. She did a great job. She told us of many exciting ways God has worked and protected her family through many circumstances in South Africa. This year the theme of the conference was “Mission Possible” and the theme verse was Romans 1:16. The workshops were on evangelism, serving in the body, and doing
our part to help our missionaries and those in the military. As the ladies registered, they received a homemade bag filled with lots of special items and goodies. Homemade candies were also given out by drawings throughout the retreat. What a great time of fellowship we had in our cabins. We are looking forward to next year’s retreat to be held on April 20th and 21st of 2012.
Ladies Retreat First Person by Nicole Boldt The Ladies Retreat this year was a great blessing. Camp Friendship is much more than a typical camp setting. From the food to the cabins we enjoyed a sweet retreat. Each of the workshops was encouraging and fun. With friends from all across the state and a few from Iowa too there was no lack of fellowship for the weekend. This year's speaker, Sarah Zakariasen, gave a feeling of the hometown girl coming home! What a blessing to hear how God does amazing
things with anyone who is willing to be used. Being a student at Pillsbury when the Zakariasens announced they would be going to Africa made it all the more exciting to see just what God has been doing through them. For those of you who didn't make it this yearyou missed a great time! I hope to see many more friends next year at the MBA Ladies Retreat. PS: We also got lots of free stuff! Who doesn't love that!!
Ladies Retreat First Person by Carol Suemnick The trip to Annandale went by rather quickly. As we checked in we were given fabric bags containing a number of items. They were beautiful and handmade. After checking in, we found a collection of cabins, quite new, with bunk beds and bathrooms, and a main room. The cabins and the halls are spaced apart, so walking shoes are advisable. After we stored our belongings we went to dinner in the dining hall. The meals are served buffet style. All were hot and tasty. The bookstore contained a variety of items for sale. Besides books, there were boxed cards, notes, and other things of interest. Our main speaker, Sarah Zakariasen, proved to be very
interesting as she talked and showed slides of South Africa, where she lives with her missionary husband, Kevin, and seven children – the happiest family you could imagine. There were workshops which you could choose, all pertaining to missions. There were drawings with gifts, and the business meeting was at the end. It was fun meeting new Christian friends.
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, Sr. 1549 118th Lane NW
Fellowship Foundations from page 2 facilities of Fourth Baptist, Pastor Matt Morrell (Kim). The entire program, especially the presentation regarding Service Chaplains given by President Bauder, was greatly appreciated. April 17 – We attended the
20th Anniversary celebration at Bryant Avenue Baptist for their pastor, Dave White (Marilyn). It was a great service recognizing the faithful ministry of Pastor White and his family. A wonderful meal was provided by the church.
April 18 – I attended the Meeting of the Pillsbury Board, held at Community Baptist, New Prague. Contact me if I can be of any service to you or your church.
Coon Rapids, MN 55448 (763) 568-4078 rjfsr4@juno.com
Granite City Baptist Academy from page 1
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
received 32 awards, including 16 first-place, 10 second-place, and 1 third-place. Of the 12 schools, the Academy students earned 3rd place overall in Platform Performance and 3rd place overall in Athletics. Raymond and Emily also took 1st and 3rd respectively in the Communication and Potential Leadership Event, which were the top awards of the convention. Emily Moeller was asked to do a Command Performance of her Essay Writing,
“Does Music Matter?” and Josh Hasbargen was asked to do a Command Performance in Expressive Reading. They will now compete at International Student Convention at James Madison University, Harrisonburg VA, May 21-26th. GCBA hosted all of the Athletic Events and the evening rally on Wednesday, April 13.