THE CENTRAL CONNECTION May 2018

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1 THE CENTRAL CONNECTION May 2018 "We are an organization of churches that is committed to the mission of Christ to multiply disciple-making churches through evangelism, leadership training, and connection with other like-minded churches." Visit Our Website FROM THE DIRECTOR "Beggars CAN Be Choosy"

2 "We decided to take a walk from our hotel to famous Broadway for a McDonald s ice cream. Along the way we encountered a homeless man lying on cardboard and before we knew it, he jumped up to take prey on a couple of Minnesota tourists." Read more Pat Phinney CB North Central Regional Director Karen's Update For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. Ephesians 1:15-17 Our hearts are filled with thanks to God for your continued prayers and support during this time of Karen s treatments. It has been one of the most challenging times in our marriage, but through it all God remains Faithful. We are truly resting in His arms and care for us on a daily basis. Karen continues to have chemo treatments every two weeks and her side effects range from minimal to moderate, so we just adjust to our new normal. We have a CT scan scheduled for May 11 to determine how well the chemo is fighting against the cancer. Pray for us as we have an official consultation with our oncologist on May 18, to get the long awaited results. If we are seeing progress, then Karen will complete three more months of treatments and then receive another CT scan in late July. If the cancer is remaining the same, then

3 we will discuss next steps at the May 18 appointment. We are good at waiting now, but we rely on your steadfast prayer to carry us through. We desire that God be glorified in all that transpires in our lives and that others who look in to our adversity, will see Jesus. Please continue your prayers. May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 Pat PASTOR'S WIVES... JUST FOR YOU Baby Watch! Kevin and I have been on baby watch for the past month. Our daughter is pregnant with her second child and needing someone to come to the house to watch Josiah when she and her husband head to the hospital. So what does baby watch involve? Read more Carol Schumann Wife of Pastor Kevin Schumann First Baptist Church, Taylors Falls, MN Congratulations to Carol and Kevin Schumann on the birth of their newest family member! CLUSTER GROUP DIRECTOR "It Would Be Wise for Us to Plan Our Exit"

4 "We are ALL going the way of ALL the earth. (All means all and that s all all means). No exceptions. So it would be wise for us to plan our exit if you will. David passed on plans for a temple; advice in dealing with low life and words of encouragement to his son. Read more All means all and that s all all means. Pastor Eldon Carlson CB North Central, Regional Cluster Group Director AROUND THE REGION... We at Faith Baptist Church in Kenmare, ND have appreciated the help we have been getting from our regional director, Pat Phinney, We are relatively new members to the Association but it has been very encouraging to receive help at a time when we are searching for a pastor as well as dealing with some church issues. We praise the Lord for this resource. In Christ, Morris Erickson, Chairman of the Deacon Board Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare, ND We ve had an outstanding year at Wildwood. Since September we ve baptized 48 people and have had 69 new members, with 33 signed up for our next membership class and 6-10 baptism candidates! The Lord is at work!

5 Respectfully, Pastor Brian Smith Wildwood Church East Moline, IL CBAmerica Chaplaincy "Rejoicing & Weeping: Chaplain Ministers in Life and Death" [Caption] Director s Comments: "Chaplains ride a roller coaster of emotions on a daily/weekly basis, rejoicing with those who rejoice, and weeping with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) Pray for their focus on each person and situation they encounter." Read more -submitted by Chaplain Travis Hairston Rev. Andy Meverden Director of Chaplaincy CBAmerica.org 3686 Stagecoach Rd, Unit F Longmont, CO ChapAndy@cbamerica.org

6 How to Overcome Bitterness: For Your Own Health and Peace "Overcoming bitterness can be hard. Maybe you ve tried everything to get past the hurt." Read more and watch video -by Bob Ditmer, with a video by John Piper, ChurchLeaders.com Five Subtle Ways Satan Sneaks Into Your Pulpit "Effective ministry demands that we recognize the tactics of the enemy and then guard against them. Penetrating Satan's mind and knowing that "He that is in you is greater than he that is in the world" are key (I John 4:4)." Read more -by Larry Moyer, SermonCentral.com Ed Stetzer: How You Can Be a Better Leader Ed Stetzer is a church planter and revitalizer, pastor, trainer, and author of dozens of articles and books. He teaches, speaks, and writes on theology, missiology, church planting, church revitalization, and church innovation. Listen to Podcast -by Jason Daye, ChurchLeaders.com How to Plan a Preaching Calendar I am stunned by how little planning goes into some churches. You would think that pastors don t care what is happening in their churches. I am a planner, so this is easier for me and actually more comforting when it is done. For example, the other day, I talked to a pastor who said, It s Thursday, and all I have is a title. That s like saying, All I need is a chip and a chair. Read more -by Josh Reich, SermonCentral.org PLEASE PRAY for the Following Churches in Transition Noelridge Park Church - Cedar Rapids, IA Oak Park Community Church - Blaine, MN First Baptist Church - Detroit Lakes, MN First Baptist Church - Jackson, MN First Baptist Church - Minneapolis, MN Faithbridge Church - Park Rapids, MN Faith Baptist Church - Kenmare, ND

7 First Baptist Church - New Richmond, WI CB North Central Cluster Groups Central Minnesota Monday, May 14, 10am to Noon Meeting at River of Live Church, Hastings, MN Steve Schoenwald, River of Life Church, Hastings, MN sdschoenwald@gmail.com Southwest Minnesota Tuesday, June 5, 11am - 1pm Bring a lunch Meeting at First Baptist Church, 921 Hills Ave, Jackson, MN Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN PastorWalt.Moser@gmail.com Wisconsin A family picnic is being planned for late June or early July. Watch for further details. Eldon Carlson, Bloomer, WI ecarlson@bloomer.net Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI Wljc12@hotmail.com Iowa No meeting in May. Next Meeting to be Announced Jay Jentink, Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA office@calvarycr.org Illinois Next Meeting to be Announced Art Georges, Living Hope Community Church, Bartonville, IL art@livinghopecentral.org Michigan Next Meeting to be Announced Nate Wagner, Sparta Baptist Church, Sparta, MI nate@spartabaptist.org

8 SERVICES & INFORMATION PROVIDED BY CB NORTH CENTRAL Below you will find a partial list of the many services provided by CB North Central, click on any image for more information. Placement Services for Pastors Seeking a Position FREE Demographic Report for Your Church & Community Listing of All CB North Central Churches Church Assessment Tool How Healthy is Your Church? 501c3 Tax Exempt Status for Associated Churches Discount Software thru Microsoft Volume Licensing

9 Compensation Guidelines for Pastors & Staff Interim Pastor Services through IPM Henry C. Spicer Scholarship Awards Background Check Resources Retirement Information Placement Services for Churches Seeking a Pastor

10 CB North Central PO Box , Blaine, MN Pat Phinney Regional Executive Director Pat's Office: Pat's Cell: Wendy Jonasen, Administrative Assistant Administrative Office Hours: Tues. thru Fri. 8am - 1pm Stay Connected