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."

FROM THE DIRECTOR
"Beggars CAN Be Choosy"
" 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 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?

Carol Schumann
Wife of Pastor Kevin Schumann
First Baptist Church, Taylors Falls, MN
C ongratulations 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"
"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.  
All means all
and that’s all—all means.

Pastor Eldon Carlson
CB North Central, Regional Cluster Group Director
AROUND THE REGION . . .
W e 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
W e’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!
Respectfully,
Pastor Brian Smith
Wildwood Church
East Moline, IL
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
[Caption]


Rev. Andy Meverden
Director of Chaplaincy
CBAmerica.org
3686 Stagecoach Rd, Unit F
Longmont, CO 80504

How to Overcome Bitterness: For Your Own Health and Peace
"O vercoming bitterness can be hard. Maybe you’ve tried everything to get past the hurt. "
-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
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
651-437-3965 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
507-283-4091 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
715-568-1979 ecarlson@bloomer.net
Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI
715-723-1054 Wljc12@hotmail.com

Iowa
No meeting in May. Next Meeting to be Announced
Jay Jentink, Calvary Baptist Church, Cedar Rapids, IA
319-396-3233 office@calvarycr.org

Illinois
Next Meeting to be Announced
Art Georges, Living Hope Community Church, Bartonville, IL
309-633-0028 art@livinghopecentral.org

Michigan
Next Meeting to be Announced
Nate Wagner, Sparta Baptist Church, Sparta, MI
616-887-8813 nate@spartabaptist.org


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
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
CB North Central
PO Box 490441, Blaine, MN 55449

Pat Phinney
Regional Executive Director
patp@cbnorthcentral.org
Pat's Office: 952-322-7173
Pat's Cell: 952-500-3743

Wendy Jonasen, Administrative Assistant
wendyj@cbnorthcentral.org
763-205-9330
Administrative Office Hours:
Tues. thru Fri. 8am - 1pm

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