Important news and updates!
First, new pastors and interims: Caleb Stomberg, his wife, Lindsey, and their two children will soon be moving to New Leipzig, ND to serve the New Leipzig Baptist Church. Rev. Brandon Jones, his wife, Marci, and their three children are coming to Herreid, SD, where Brandon will assume pastoral duties. Walter Goltz will soon assume interim pastor duties at Elim Baptist Church, Beausejour, MB and Whiteshell Baptist Church, Seven Sisters Falls, MB is on the brink of calling an interim pastor. Contact information for all of these folks will be on the FIND A CHURCH page as soon as I have all of it.
Second, I have uploaded the North Central Association Pastoral Sabbatical Guidelines, approved September 17th at the annual meeting in Minot. Every church board should have a copy to serve as a guideline to develop a local sabbatical policy. Find it under NCA Resources.
Third, a huge thank you goes to the folks at First Baptist, Minot, ND who hosted the NCA meetings in the aftermath of the terrible flood. Atlantic Association Regional Minister Larry Burd brought dynamic messages, seven in all counting the three Sunday morning services. Being hosted by the Minot bunch was a first class experience, and the prayer walk through the flooded area was moving. We were able to pray with and encourage several families rebuilding their homes in the face of the coming winter. Donations are still needed and thankfully accepted. Send them to:
First Baptist Church
Restoring Hope
200 3rd St SW
Minot, ND 58701
Fourth, I hope that you will attend the Manitoba Baptist Association meetings this weekend at McDermot Ave. Baptist Church (see home page ad). Eric Swanson will bring us a powerful perspective on doing church outside the walls. Making an impact on our communities must be a high priority. Come with your notebooks and hearts wide open. Remember, NCA leaders, you have also been invited and have received The Externally Focused Quest. Make sure you all read it before coming. It will provide a good frame of reference.
Last, Jo and I wish to thank you for joining us in prayer as well as for your many expressions of concern at the death of her sister, Gayle. Having experienced the loss of our parents, we know about losing loved ones. But the loss of a sibling carries an additional weight of grief. Jo, being the eldest, was allowed to accompany her dad to the Bismarck hospital when he brought Mom and Gayle home. We have a deep faith in God and trust Him with His decisions, but there is still a sense that watching your sister at birth and at death seems out of order. Thankfully, her whole family is leaning heavily on the arms of the Lord. Her prayer service and funeral were a huge testimony to the power of God. She touched so many lives attested to by a good number of folks during the sharing time at her funeral. Knowing that others of you have experienced grief of various kinds helps us know the depth of your compassion for us at this time.
Until He comes! Phyl
About Phyl Putz