Merry Christmas!

THE CENTRAL CONNECTION

December 2020

"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:

God of All Comfort

"Paul faced some difficult personal issues and limitations which he called a “thorn in his flesh and a messenger from Satan”. He pleaded with God to remove it from his life but God refused. God’s declaration to Paul was that His grace was sufficient for him to live with those painful limitations and serve the Lord anyway." Read More

Pastor Brad Little, Regional Executive Director

Venture Church Network Midwest/CBNC

One Day Vision Conference

Thank you to everyone who was involved in the recent One Day Vision Conference presented by Brad Little and President of Venture Church Network/CBAmerica, Dave Whitaker.

Yes, CBAmerica and CB North Central are adopting new names, Venture Church Network and Venture Church Network Midwest. The name change will be a process and you will see the changes take place gradually.

If you missed the conference you can catch up on what you missed by clicking on either of the buttons below.

President, Dave Whitaker

One Day Vision ConferenceSummary

There will be

NO ENGAGE Forum in December

We know that you are all very busy during at this time of year with holiday preparations for ministry and family, added to an already crazy schedule. Blessings to each of you as you navigate the challenges of this very different ministry season. We look forward to connecting with you via the ENGAGE Forum in the new year!

We'll re-ENGAGE in January 2021!

Watch for more information.

How Is the Lock Down Affecting You?

"We can see everything as a conspiracy and take up arms to denounce them. Another reaction is to fret to the degree that we give up encouraging folks around us." Read More

Pastor Eldon Carlson

VCN Midwest/CBNC Networking Director

AROUND THE REGION. . .

YEAR END GIVING:

Please continue to use the name 'CB North Central' on your support checks at this time. Gifts received by CB North Central postmarked on or before December 31st will be credited to the 2020 contribution records. Anything postmarked January 1st or after will go toward your 2020 giving records. Thank you for your continued support and blessings of good health to each of you in the coming year!

Administrative Office Closed for Holiday:

The Venture Church Network Midwest/CB North Central Administrative office will be closed from December 25 thru January 1.

PLAID PONDERINGS: The Root of the IssuexxxxxxxxxxxxxNo. 16

“You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” Do those words sound familiar? Lately I have been preaching through the Gospel of Matthew. We are now in the Sermon on the Mount, and last week we came to Matt. 5:13, “You are the salt of the earth.” As I pondered that verse in preparation for my sermon, I thought to myself, “boy, it sure feels like the church has been getting trampled on this year.” Read More

Sincerely,

A Plaid Pastor

-by Pastor Josh Emmel

Faith Baptist Church, Kenmare, ND

God is Still at WorkxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxNo. 17

“To everything (turn, turn, turn), there is a season (turn, turn, turn), and a time to every purpose, under heaven” goes the classic tune by the Byrds. Peter Seeger is credited with the creation of the song and he based it on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. It should be no surprise that this song has struck a lasting chord in culture, because it is based on the very words of God. If only people would look beyond the song to the source of the truth. Read More

Pastor Gerad Hall

The Branch Fellowship Moline, IL

Venture Church Network (CBAmerica) Chaplaincy

Ministry in Austerity: Making the Most Out of a Difficult Situation

"The greatest blessing this quarter has been to minister to our Paratroopers in a very austere environment in the Middle East. There are no other Chaplains in my area of operation, and only occasionally do we have one pass through to provide support to some of our low-density faith groups. This has been a blessing and a challenge: we provide area coverage, but also have the freedom to shape the religious support environment, which has been very fulfilling." Read More

-by Chaplain Sean Callahan, US Army, Middle East

Rev. Randy L. Brandt

Chaplain, Colonel, USA Ret.

Director of Chaplaincy,

Venture Church Network

CBAmerica.org

chapbrandt@cbamerica.org

Cell: 913-904-8746 (Mtn)

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT. . .

Better Sundays Begin on Monday:

The Power of Resilience

"When facing difficulties in life, some of us are able to adapt and others get stuck or give up completely. Resilience is that ability to make adjustments when things don’t go the way we hoped they would or planned. "

Read More -by David Manner, Churchleaders.com

12 Habits That Lead to Divorce...and How to Avoid Them!

No one intends to develop these habits that lead to divorce. In fact, every married couple has exchanged vows which promise “til death do us part,” but for far too many marriages, their dreams of “forever” are crushed by divorce.

Read More -by Dave Willis, Churchleaders.com

Six Mistakes to Avoid as Your Church Regathers After Covid

We would all love for things to return to normal. But in reality, this will not happen any time soon, if ever. With this in mind, Thom and Kevin discuss six mistakes to avoid as your church regathers. Listen to Podcast -by Thom Rainer, Churchanswers.com