THE
CENTRAL CONNECTION
January 2018
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"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."
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FROM THE DIRECTOR
"No Cowards Here!"
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Most of us have had the unpleasant experience of looking back into the rear-view mirror to see those dreaded red and blue flashing lights. No, I am not talking about the twinkling of Christmas lights. It was about 10:00 pm on a weekend and I was in a rush to fill a prescription for my wife because she was in pain.
Read More
Pat Phinney
CB North Central Regional Director
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KAREN’S HEALTH UPDATE
A week ago on Facebook, I quoted a proverb by Thomas Palmer when he said, “
If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try again.” This certainly applies to our faith journey concerning the diagnosis of Karen’s ovarian cancer on September 2, 2017.
Read more
about Karen's health update.
Will you stand together in prayer with us?
Pat & Karen Phinney
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Moody Pastor's Conference 2018
May 21-24, 2018
Chicago, IL
Enjoy a week of invigorating Bible teaching from today’s foremost Christian leaders and teachers, including Alistair Begg, Charlie Dates, Skye Jethani, and H. B. Charles. Choose from dozens of workshops highlighting innovative ministry strategies and a variety of topics, like urban ministry, spiritual self-care, youth ministry, women’s ministry leaders, church management, and much more—even a track entirely in Spanish! Pastors’ Conference refreshes and equips men and women with challenging Bible teaching and fellowship with other ministry leaders. For more information visit the Moody Bible Institute
website
for the Pastor's Conference.
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You've Got Some GREAT Opportunities This Year!
Take a look at the pricing on the Moody website, but
REGISTER through CB North Central AND SAVE!
50% OFF Registration
Register before April 1st and save 1/2 off the Early Bird pricing for registration.
Moody Early Bird Registration is $199
Through CBNC you'll pay $99.50!
(Meals & Lodging are Additional)
Because we register as a group, Moody is giving us an incredible savings.
ATTENTION COUPLES
Moody now has lodging available for couples. This is great news! No more scrambling to find off site lodging. You pay the same amount as a regular shared room. Shared room with 10 meal plan $250.
Right now through March 31st
your full package
Conference Registration/Shared Lodging/10 Meals
$349.50
i.e. single room/meal plan, day passes, etc.
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Call or email the CBNC office to register.
763-205-9330 or wendyj@cbnorthcentral.org
2 Options to Pay for Your Conference Fees
Mail a check
to CB North Central, PO Box 490441, Blaine, MN 55449
or
pay online.
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Contact the CBNC office for information about scholarships.
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Henry C. Spicer Scholarship
The
HENRY C. SPICER SCHOLARSHIP is awarded each year to high school seniors planning to attend college in the Fall. To qualify, an applicant must be a committed Christian and a regular attender of a CBNC affiliated church.
For more information and an application, visit our
website. More questions?
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PASTOR'S WIVES. . . JUST FOR YOU
"
Go Big or Go home!!!
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So, my husband and I have been pastoring for close to 30 years (when did that happen). We raised a family of five crazy strong God loving individuals.... Thank you Jesus!!!! We love God big and live loud!
Life as a pastor’s wife looks different than I thought it would. Life changes us! You know it! A little crazier, quick to tears of joy and sorrow. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15). Who knew that all the layers God would peel back in me, would let me see more clearly who He is! I have found Him so faithful and good! “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).”
Ministry has been so good! Not because Gary and I are amazing dynamic people, but because the people in the churches we have served in have chosen love!... God, people... vs.... Choosing all out love for God and people is the answer!!! Are there difficult times, people, situations? Of course, but the Spirit calls us to love! Love big, live big, with no regrets! Romans 12:1 “give your bodies to God because of all He has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice--the kind He will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship Him”. Be a living sacrifice. Do it! ... Living zealously for Christ, not sleeping in the time we are given …Romans 13:11.
Go Big or Go Home!!! Love you sisters in Christ. Bend your knee before God ... Rise to follow... Live to submit to the Spirit...Serve in love!
Susan Wiens, Wife of Pastor Gary Wiens
First Baptist Church, Windom, MN
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WORDS OF WISDOM - Advice Through The Ages
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Pastor Mike Wetzig has been in ministry 24 years with over 18 at the same church. We asked him to share some knowledge that he has gained from his years of experience and you can read what he has to say here.
I
know there are a number of new pastors in our region - some are serving as a pastor for the first time while others are starting in a new ministry location. First off, let me welcome you. Pastoring in a CB church has been a real blessing in my life and ministry. I have gained so much from connecting with other CB pastors and I have been able to glean a lot of wisdom from those within the region that I have rubbed shoulders with.
Read More
Pastor Mike Wetzig
Ravenna Baptist Church, Ravenna, MI
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#GettingToKnowYou
An Interview With Pastor Ken Pierpont
Bethel Baptist Church, Jackson, MI
Ken Pierpont is the new pastor at Bethel Baptist Church in Jackson, MI. He began his ministry at Bethel in September, 2017. We've asked him to share some things about him and his family so you can get to know him.
Ken comes from a rich history of pastors in his family. He was born in Xenia, Ohio while his dad was training for ministry. Both his dad and grandfather are pastors as well as his two brothers and two of his sons. Now that's a history! Ken met his wife, Lois, while training for ministry. Together they have four sons and four daughters.
Reading and writing are Ken's hobbies and after a long day he likes to read by the fire in the winter and in the summer he enjoys time on the front porch with a good book.
He has written seven books and a couple of them are available print on demand. The rest are available at
kenpierpont.com.
At the young age of 14 a strong desire to be a pastor formed in Ken and it has never, ever waned. He started preaching at the age of 14 and pastored his first church at 17. He has been a pastor for a total of 38 years.
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When asked, "What was a blessing during your recent transition?", this is what we found out. Presently Ken and his family are still in the process of moving to Jackson. The transition from his previous church was extremely painful and difficult, and yet when he and Lois make their 1 hr. & 20 min. commute to Jackson, MI on Sunday mornings they weep with gratitude because of God's great provision. Their daughter had married into an abusive relationship and God protected their girl, He protected their reputation, He kept their car running, and He provided financially when they were down to their last dollar. God's timing was amazing, meeting their needs one after another, after another. Ken says, "God is faithful when things are hard. If you can't trust God when things are hard what kind of ministry do you have? This is a good church. God prepared me for this church and the Church for me."
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CBAmerica Chaplaincy
"You're sitting with someone who is dying - what do you do? What do you say?
For Mark Mitera, the answers, while never easy, are less difficult. Spending time with patients in their last days of life is his job."
Read More
-by Fred Kight, Live Local, Athens Ohio Chamber of Commerce magazine, December 2017, Vol. 1, Issue 8
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Rev. Andy Meverden
Director of Chaplaincy
CBAmerica.org
3686 Stagecoach Rd, Unit F
Longmont, CO 80504
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Zero-Based Church Scheduling
"Your church calendar may be so full you have rendered much of the activity of the members ineffective. It’s time to start fresh."
Read more
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ThomRainer.com
IRS Announces 2018 Mileage Rates
"The Internal Revenue Service issued the 2018 optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving purposes."
Read more
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ChurchLawandTax.com
The GOP Tax Bill Just Passed. Here’s What Church Leaders Need to Know.
Three tax experts weigh in.
Read more -
by Emily Lund, ChurchLawandTax.com
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PLEASE PRAY for the Following Churches in Transition
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First Baptist Church - Colfax, IA
Moline Baptist Church - Moline, MI
Oak Park Community Church - Blaine, MN
First Baptist Church - Jackson, MN
First Baptist Church - Minneapolis, MN
Faithbridge Church - Park Rapids, MN
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CB North Central Cluster Groups
Central Minnesota
Monday, February 12, 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, February 6, 11am - 1pm
Meeting at First Baptist Church, Jackson, MN
Walt Moser, First Baptist Church, Luverne, MN
507-283-4091 PastorWalt.Moser@gmail.com
Wisconsin
Tuesday, January 23 at 8:30 am
Meeting at Perkins on Hastings Way in Eau Claire, WI
Eldon Carlson, Bloomer Baptist, Bloomer, WI
715-568-1979 ecarlson@bloomer.net
Wade Duroe, Crossroads Church, Chippewa Falls, WI
715-723-1054 Wljc12@hotmail.com
Iowa
Tuesday, January 9, at Noon
Meeting at Cornerstone Community Church, Manchester, IA
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
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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.
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Placement Services
for Pastors Seeking a Position
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FREE Demographic Report for Your Church & Community
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Listing of All
CB North Central
Churches
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Church Assessment Tool
How Healthy is Your Church?
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501c3 Tax Exempt Status
for Associated Churches
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Discount Software
thru Microsoft
Volume Licensing
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Compensation Guidelines for Pastors & Staff
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Interim Pastor Services through IPM
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Henry C. Spicer
Scholarship Awards
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Background Check Resources
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Placement Services for Churches Seeking a Pastor
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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
Stay Connected
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